Lawn Boy

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen. (Yes, the same Paulsen who is best known for his adventure and wilderness survival stories such as the Newberry Honor book Hatchet).

With so much recent news about the economy, our children’s curiosity may be piqued. After all, there is a constant stream of sound bites on the T.V. and radio, they see the headlines on newspaper and magazines and are surely catching bits of adult discussions about very grown-up financial subjects. Some kids have been directly affected; a move, parent’s job loss, or drastic change in spending habits of the family. Surely the state of our economy has had a trickle down effect on our children.

There is no better time to read Lawn Boy with your kids than now. For his twelfth birthday, the narrator’s grandma gives him his grandpa’s old ride-on lawn mower. He realizes he can buy a new inner tube for his bike tire by cutting grass and saving money. One thing leads to another and business is booming. He meets Arnold Howell, an eccentric day trader who is cash poor. Howell offers to pay Lawn Boy with stocks rather than cash and helps him get a portfolio started. Lawn Boy soon employs 15 people, his investments in the stock market have sky rocketed, and he sponsors a professional boxer. This funny book is the perfect springboard for acquiring an understanding of business principals and economic vocabulary such as supply and demand, profit and loss, investments (high and low risk), stock market, and interest.

Statistics on Lawn Boy:
Pages: 96
Ages: 8 and up
Awards:
NOMINEE 2008 - ALA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers
NOMINEE 2008 - Texas Bluebonnet Award
WINNER 2007 - Parents' Choice Award
WINNER 2008 - New Mexico Land of Enchantment Book Award
WINNER 2008 - NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies

Author Spotlight: Margret and H.A. Rey

Margaret and H.A. Rey’s real-life story is one of love, danger, and adventure. Hans Augusto Rey, a Jewish man born in Hamburg, Germany in 1898, grew up close to the famous Hagenbeck Zoo. Hans spent hours at the zoo, drawing pictures of animals – foreshadowing a career which would include some of the most recognizable illustrations of animals in children’s literature.

As an adult, Rey served in World War I, and then left Germany as the job prospects were dismal and took a sales job in Brazil. There he was reacquainted with a woman he had known from Hamburg, Margret Waldstein, who had left Germany and come to Brazil to escape the threat of rapidly rising Nazi party.

In 1935, Margret and H.A. married and moved from Brazil to France.
But in 1940 just hours before the Nazi’s marched in and overtook Paris, Margret and H.A. Rey, narrowly escaped, fleeing on bicycles that H.A. had himself built from used parts. For three days they rode with little more than the clothes on their backs. However, they refused to leave behind the manuscript for a children’s book they had been working on together and held it carefully and closely as their odyssey unfolded. Once they made it to Spanish border, the couple sold their bikes for train tickets to Portugal, where they boarded a ship headed for Brazil and eventually New York. Shortly after arriving in New York City, they got a deal with Houghton Mifflin to publish their book called Curious George, which became an instant success. The Reys wrote and illustrated 6 more Curious George Books together.

In The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey, Louise Borden meticulously details the Rey’s ordeal from leaving Paris to their safe arrival in New York. Although a children’s book, the story is a fascinating read for adults too.

Writing and illustrating were not the only passions the Reys shared. Both Margret and H.A. were outdoor enthusiasts who actively pursued gardening, hiking, and bicycling. H.A. was very interested in astronomy, and wrote two books on the subject; a children’s book called Stars, a New Way to See Them, and a young adult book called Find the Constellations.

The Rey’s legacy of encouraging curiosity includes more than just their world famous books. Now, The Margret and H.A. Rey Center and Curious George Cottage located in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire supports learning in many areas. The center, much more than a destination for Curios George fans, includes an observatory and nature trail. The Curious George Cottage, the former summer home of the Rey's, is dedicated to honoring the Margret and H.A.'s memory through providing educational and recreational programs for children, adults, and families.
A variety of activities and events are offered throughout the year including hikes, family astronomy nights and a Curiosity Club for homeschoolers where children learn about nature through hands on activities, journaling and art.

A Long Absence and Albert Einstein

I wish that I could say the reason I have not posted anything in a month was because I was busy firming up a book deal or traveling to a far corner of the Earth (confusing expression, isn't it?) However, the reality is, we have been moving and although this is our 4th move in 8 years, I forgot what a taxing and demanding beast a move can be.

So rather than writing, I have been in line at the DMV, on hold with the gas company, packing boxes, moving boxes, unpacking boxes, dropping off bags at Good-Will and cleaning out the refrigerator.

Yesterday, I was reminded of why Einstein said "Imagination is more important than knowledge". As I was working in the kitchen, unpacking a box, and determined to make a home-cooked meal, I looked out the window over the sink and into our new backyard. There, our son Payton, and his friend were playing baseball with a rolling pin and lime from the lime tree. Because we've spent only two nights in our new house, not many of the kids' things have been unpacked. But a kid's imagination is like a muscle that is strong from constant exercise. Payton looked up and caught me looking out the window smiling, in a rare moment of stillness, with a potato peeler in my hand.

I'd like to believe Einstein was right. So as Payton yelled, "Mom, watch this!", carefully pitching the small green lime to his friend waiting in position with the wooden rolling pin, I did carefully watch - making the scene indelible in my mind.

I imagined a new book title for the list I had started to compile a couple of weeks ago. Even for me, it has been my imagination that has stimulated me and been my loyal companion throughout the mundane tasks required of moving.

Below is a sample of the imagined book titles, that kept my mood light during our move.

Kitchen Inspired Sports for Boys

A new series of I SPY Books - I SPY: THE BIG MOVE. When the men move the couch see if you can find: a yellow marker top, 3 Froot Loops, a math page that was never turned in, half of a yo-yo, a superball, popcorn kernels, and a business card.

Date Night at Home Depot

A Priest, A Rabbi and A Mover Walk Into A Bar - Humorous Tales from Moves Around the World.

100 Things to do While on Hold With Direct TV

Yelling at Your Kids With the Windows Shut: and Other Tips For Making a Good First Impression on your New Neighbors.

An Idiot's Guide to Packing Tape