‘The Children’s Book Lady’ wants to make you the coolest story-time reader ever
BY MARLI GUZZETTA
With the barrage of media products and information

available to us in contemporary society, the value of a reliable filter cannot be underestimated.

Educator and children’s book critic Dr. Miriam Marecek receives roughly 6,000 children’s books from publishers every year and culls from this massive pile 50 of her favorites.

Currently a consultant for the TV series “Words that Cook,” “the children’s book lady,” as Marecek is known, has taught at universities all over the country. She has been bringing her one-woman showcase of the best in children’s literature to Nantucket for the last decade, courtesy of Community Network for Children and The Atheneum.

“Sometimes, I’ll include a book for its art, sometimes for the story. Sometimes, it’s just an overall treasure of a book I want everyone to know about,” said Marecek, who believes in the importance of including multi-cultural books on the list for balance. She added that a good children’s book will always beg to be re-read because it reaches a “deeper level.”

“Her enthusiasm is infectious,” said Mitchell’s Book Corner owner Mimi Beman, who is always on hand for Marecek’s events. “She makes such a phenomenal presentation at The Atheneum that, if you just felt neutral about children’s books when you got there, you’ll be fired up at the end. You want everything she presents. I’m always on cloud nine when I leave.”

Free childcare will be provided during the presentation, which is recommended for parents of young children, elementary educators and anyone who works with elementary-aged children.

“I also have two books that deal with religion, so I also hope ministers come to this,” Marecek said.

Marecek added that her Nantucket presentation is especially gratifying because, “everybody has a piece of this lecture.” She added that the Atheneum purchases every book on her list, so parents need not buy them.

If they prefer to, however, Mitchell’s Book Corner will be on hand selling every title on Marecek’s list.)

“What’s wonderful about Nantucket is that they all join forces for books,” she said. “Books are treasured.”

Miriam Marecek offers Nantucket Independent readers a peak at her list of “50 Best Children’s Books”:

“Bread and Roses, Too” by Katherine Paterson This is a historical novel based on a true story about children who were sent to Vermont when their parents were working in factories in Massachusetts in 1917. It’s a very gripping story, and especially gripping for today for the way it resonates with the refugee population as well as with kids with working parents. The story relates what happens when these children are taken in by families in Vermont who also benefit from the joy of helping someone — so it’s not just a one-way street. I keep reading it over and over again. The character development is perfect. As an adult, you read it and get it on one level. And a child can get it on another.

“So Sleepy Story” by Uri Shulevitz This book is by a Caldecott Awardwinning author, whom I actually asked to design my Web site. The way he draws is absolutely beautiful. At first, he draws in almost no color, because the little boy is sleeping, but when the dishes come out and start to dance, everything comes through in color. It’s just so eloquent, so right for little children. The New York Times called this book one of the best-illustrated books of the year, but I question The Times for saying the book is for children ages 2 and up. I think it’s for babies and up, because you can read it to them like a lullaby.

“The Little Red Hen” illustrated by Jerry Pinkney Oh my goodness. His rendering of the African-American folktale is exquisite. One of the best. He has it just right. Just perfect.

“Move” by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page It’s a wonderful book because it displays action words like “walk” and “slide” in big print. The actions are demonstrated by huge animals from different areas of the world, and each word is used in a sentence.

“Firestorm” by David Klass This is an environmentally themed novel, with touches of “Moby Dick,” that’s part of a trilogy. It’s also so fast paced; it’s almost like reading a video game. What I like about David Klass’s writing is that he really knows teenagers. I was his first grade teacher, so I know David. He’s always been so shy and quiet, but he writes such bang-up books.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 13, 7-9 p.m. Where: Nantucket Atheneum

(Great Hall), 1 India Street Cost: Free For more information on the event, please call 228-1110. For more on Miriam Marecek, go to Childrensbooklady.com.

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