Natasha Wing

Former American First Lady Jackie Kennedy leads the charge in saving New York City's Grand Central Terminal in this engaging work of picture-book history. Always interested in art and architecture, she had used her tenure as first lady to refurbish and restore the White House, collecting artifacts and historical treasures with significance for that great building and its former residents, and bringing them together at the "People's House." After her time as first lady, when she was again show more living in New York, Kennedy discovered that one of the great architectural wonders of that city was in danger of being torn down. Determined to save Grand Central, which she felt should be preserved as a historical and artistic monument, she led a public relations campaign to oppose its destruction, and was instrumental in motivating important public figures to join the fight, and mount a legal challenge to the owners' decision to demolish. In the end, Jackie was successful, and although she did not live to see the fully restored Grand Central, its survival is, in part, a monument to her vision and public spirit.

A wonderful book, every bit as engaging as it is informative, When Jackie Saved Grand Central reminded me of the many times I traveled through that famous train station, during the years I commuted to work in Manhattan, and the great pleasure I always took in its beauty. How thankful I have always been, on a personal level, that I had the pleasure of passing through so majestic and uplifting a space, on a regular basis, rather than finding my way into the city through such a space as the modern Penn Station. As every New Yorker knows, the current Penn Station was built in the 1960s, and replaced a far more beautiful, and architecturally interesting train station, bearing the same name. We can thank Jackie Kennedy - and I do! - that a similar fate didn't befall Grand Central. Natasha Wing is to be commended for bringing this story to young readers, who may have never thought before about the history of the structures around them, and about the complicated decision-making process involved in either maintaining older buildings, or replacing them with newer ones. The accompanying artwork by Alexandra Boiger, done watercolor, gouache and ink, is absolutely charming, capturing Jackie's elegant personal appeal, as well as the drama of the public events in which she was involved, perfectly. There is a detailed afterword from the author, as well as a note from the illustrator, and a brief list of further reading. Highly recommended to anyone looking for history for the picture-books set, or who has a child interested in architecture, Grand Central, or Jackie Kennedy. show less

This sweet read swirls with tap dancing delight and leaves behind glaze of warmth and happiness.

Bagel loves to dance and would like nothing more than to entire the Cherry Jubilee dance contest. But he doesn't have a partner. His toes might be talented, but finding a willing partner turns out to be an almost impossible quest. As the time to the contest nears and no partner is to be found, he's afraid he might be forced to give up on his dream.

This book made me smile. At first, I wasn't sure show more really what to expect—a bagel in love is a quirky concept—but it was a sugar-sweet delight. Bagel is a funny chump, self-assured and a dancing pro. As he gets denied by alluring eclairs, salty pretzels and fancy donuts, it's hard not to feel sorry for him. He may not be as fancy, but he doesn't deserve it. Young readers will notice this and sympathize with his little bagel heart (if bagels had one) and be elated right along with him when the ending finally brings the happiness he deserves.

The illustrations are bright and fun. Each yummy character brings across personality and easy for young listeners to identify. There's even a few exotic treats thrown in to expand horizons and give the book a more worldly atmosphere. The text runs along as smoothly as a song with making it easy to read aloud. Add the dash of sparkles on the cover and again on the last page spread, and this book glistens with sugary happiness. There's a message as well, and it doesn't stick out straight but rather rolls along on the emotions and leaves a lasting impression: stick to being you and chase your dreams even when others put you down.

My kids absolutely adored this book and grabbed it up more than several times.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed my kids and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to leave my honest thoughts. show less

Born in a coal-mining city in Germany, and raised by his handyman father, Josef Albers studied art and design at the Bauhaus school in Weimar, and eventually became a teacher there. When the Nazis forced the school to close, he emigrated to America, where he obtained a post at Black Mountain College, in North Carolina. Eventually, in 1949, he began his famous study of color, which would prove so influential in the world of the arts, and which lasted for twenty-seven years. Painting thousands show more of squares within squares (within squares), in order to study the effect of different color combinations, Albers pursued his project methodically, eventually publishing Interaction of Color, and becoming the first living artist to have a single-person show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

An engaging book about an artist whose work has been quite influential, although his name is not as well known as some others, An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers also (very appropriately) has immense visual appeal. Julia Breckenreid's bold gouache illustrations are well suited to the tale being told, and emphasize the ideas about color that Albers gained from his "Homage to the Square," and that he communicated in turn in his writing and teaching. The additional information at the rear fleshes out his life story, as well as laying out author Natasha Wing's own connection to the artist (she grew up down the street from his house in Connecticut), and providing a glossary, a bibliography and a list of activities. Recommended to all young art lovers, and to children curious about color, and how it works. show less

This charming homage to the famous Christmas poem is a wonderful way to preface Easter. A young boy is settling down to sleep on the night before Easter when he hears the Easter Bunny arrive. He follows the bunny through the house as he completes his Easter mission. The poem is loads of rhyming fun that will keep young ones entranced and giggling. The bunny is a picture of delight as leaps about his business. Warm pastels convey Easter in a lovely way and every kid will connect with the show more young boy and his expressions of clandestine anticipation. I predict that this is and could become an Easter tradition in many homes. show less