Posterband

Elliott by Tobin Sprout

2012-01-30T17:53:00.000-05:00

This is a beautiful book from one of my favorite songwriters, Tobin Sprout. Tobin's paintings perform a kind of gothic comic sleight-of-hand that feels just like circus magic. Elliott the rabbit is cute and spooky. It's a neat trick. And the story has all the melody and melancholy you would expect from an artist who wrote a song as perfect as "14 Cheerleader Coldfront."

I'm excited that Guided By Voices is back to rock. Hey-hey - the club is open! But let's hope Tobin continues to publish such wonderful stories for children. Carnival Boy, anyone?

Yellow Submarine

2011-12-21T09:31:00.000-05:00

This may be the coolest children's ebook yet. A special tribute to Steve Jobs, this psychedelic undersea adventure lets your cool kid dive deep into a classic Beatles creation. Magical animations, videos and music bubble up from nearly every page.

And it's FREE! Snap it up quickly.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-beatles-yellow-submarine/id479687204?mt=11

Twistable Turnable Man: Shel Silverstein Tribute Album

2010-06-10T11:11:00.001-04:00

What more do you need to know about this? Shel Silverstein wrote A Boy Named Sue. He is THE MAN! Or in this case, the Twistable Turnable Man. This tribute album has Andrew Bird, My Morning Jacket, Dr. Dog and Black Francis/Joey Santiago (of THE PIXIES!) and lots of other great artists. Kris Kristofferson...John Prine...I could go on....

Check it out...

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THIS Los Angeles: Kids of All Ages

2010-05-24T12:13:00.004-04:00

How is this for a rocking all ages show? THIS in Los Angeles is presenting a super-cool celebration of children's books this month featuring a lineup of some of Posterband's favorite authors and illustrators. Oh yeah...my books are part of the show too. And let me just say it's kind of blowing my mind.

The show opens this weekend May 28th with an action-packed schedule of all kinds of awesomeness for the whole family and runs through the month of June. Check out the details below or at: http://thislosangeles.com/

I'm going to be donating my proceeds from sales at the gallery or posterband.com to www.826national.org kids literacy organization all month. So maybe buy some books or some art or something.

kids of all ages A celebration of children’s books and the artists behind them.

5.28.10 – 6.25.10.

Opening night – Friday 5.28.10 7-10PM. With a special reading of “An Awesome Book” by Dallas Clayton.

Also, a weekend full of awesome events for the kids!

Saturday 5.29.10 11AM-2PM. Special readings, a musical performance by Aska Matsumiya w/ her daughter Babel, make art on free pairs of kid sized Van’s with Travis Millard, Mel Kadel, and Parker Jacobs!

Sunday 5.30.10 11AM-2PM. More special readings, a musical performance by Mickey Adams and friends, and more!

Free children’s THIS shirts designed by Dallas Clayton.

We are all super excited for our 4th show at THIS, a huge celebration of children’s books with books and original artwork from the artists available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds going to 826 LA.

Calef Brown.

Calef Brown’s award winning picture books include Polkabats and Octopus Slacks, Dutch Sneakers and Fleakeepers, Tippintown: A Guided Tour, Soup for Breakfast, and the #1 New York Times Bestseller Flamingos on the Roof–Poems and Paintings. In addition to his own titles, he has illustrated many others, notably Greece! Rome! Monsters! by John Harris, Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude is Gertrude, by Jonah Winter, and The Neddiad, The Yggyssey, and The Cat-Whiskered Girl by Daniel Pinkwater. His illustrations regularly appear in magazines and he has been published in Time, Newsweek, The New Yorker, Rolling Stone, and many others. He has taught illustration at Art Center College of Design,and Otis College, and he visits elementary schools in New England and across the country. Calef lives and works in beautiful Mid-Coast Maine.

Tad Carpenter.

Dallas Clayton.

Taken from HERE. If anyone ever asks you for a “bio” about yourself I can say unequivocally you’ve taken a wrong turn.

Jef Czekaj

Jef Czekaj is a cartoonist, children’s book author and illustrator, and musician. Jef has illustrated several books for Charlesbridge Pulishing with one more on the way. His first book with Hyperion, HIP AND HOP DON’T STOP was published earlier this year. He DJs for an award-winning hip group under an assumed name. Jef lives and works in Somerville, MA.

Parker Jacobs.

Parker Jacobs is a 2-time Emmy nominated Art Director for the hit children’s TV show Yo Gabba Gabba! He wrote and illustrated, “Only In Dreams” for Paul Frank Industries for which he worked as Senior Design Director for 7 years. He’s the father of 2 angels.

Travis Millard.

Travis Millard (b. 1975), grew up in the backyard creeks of Olathe, Kansas. He founded the Fudge Factory Comics operation in 1997, now headquartered in Los Angeles. His work has been exhibited in the US and internationally, and has been published in numerous books and magazines. Some of his more highfalutin titles include, “Hey Fudge” (Narrow Books), “Hitten’ Switches” with Michael Sieben (Volcom), “Farts – A Spotters Guide” (Chronicle Books) and “How to Speak Zombie” (Chronicle Books).

Caleb Neelon.

J. Otto.

Souther Salazar

Marisabina Russo.

Marisabina Russo began her career as an illustrator, contributing many drawings and five covers to The New Yorker magazine. She began writing and illustrating books for children in 1985. Ms. Russo is the author/illustrator of 23 picture books and 2 Young Adult novels, as well as the illustrator of 8 picture books by other authors. Her first picture book, THE LINE UP BOOK, won the International Reading Association’s award for Best Picture Book of 1987 and was named to the New York Public Library’s list of “100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know.” Her other books have won numerous honors including the Washington Irving Award, a Charlotte Zolotow Honor, and a Sydney Taylor Honor. ALWAYS REMEMBER ME, a book Ms Russo wrote about her family’s experiences during the Holocaust, was named an American Library Association Notable Book. It was also recently adapted and produced as a play by the theatre department of Idaho State University. Her most recent book, A VERY BIG BUNNY was a Junior Library Guild Selection. Website: www.marisabinarusso.com.

David M. Stack

David Martin Stack is the lead singer for Posterband – a playlist of cool things for cool kids. David has written several books for children, including two titles forthcoming from Scholastic Education, and Good Morning Captain (“the world’s most terrifying children’s book” – New York Magazine). He has worked in publishing for over fifteen years and has been an editor and reviewer for the National Poetry Series. He is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. David grew up in Louisville, Kentucky. He studied poetry and film in New Hampshire at the alma mater of Dr. Seuss and Captain Kangaroo. Now he lives in Brooklyn with his wife, his son and daughter, and a crazy dog. David is currently hard at work putting the final touches on a young adult novel about zombies and rock ‘n roll. All proceeds from the sales of David’s books and artwork will be donated to the 826 kids’ literacy group. www.826national.org

Nadine Westcott.

Nadine Bernard Westcott is the illustrator of many popular books for children, including Mrs. McNosh Hangs Up Her Wash and Mrs. McNosh and the Great Big Squash, as well as the author and illustator of The Lady With The Alligator Purse. She used to spend many hours chasing after her dog, who would come home only when ready and not a minute sooner. Ms. Westcott lives on Nantucket with her husband, Bill

Ben Woodward.

Uncle Rock: The Big Picture

2010-05-03T09:24:00.000-04:00

Any future rocker needs a cool role model to look up to and learn how it's done. You know, like a hip older sister with an awesome record collection, or maybe a favorite Uncle Rock who just happened to play bass with the legendary Fleshtones! Uncle Rock (alter ego: Robert Burke Warren) has a whole bunch of killer tunes for the kids on his latest record The Big Picture. Check it out: www.unclerock.com.

Amazon.com Widgets

Christoph Niemann: I LEGO NY

2010-04-15T13:23:00.000-04:00

So I'm the kind of parent that reads the New York Times to his kids. But ONLY when it is about Legos. For example: Christoph Niemann's totally awesome "I Lego NY" blog posts! And now they're available as a board book for all your budding brickmasters!

Of Montreal on Yo Gabba Gabba

2010-03-14T10:26:00.004-04:00

Of Montreal should be the house band for Yo Gabba Gabba. Love this band. Love this show.

Where You Been?

2010-03-14T10:15:00.001-04:00

Posterband is back after a brief hiatus.

What have I been up to?

I wrote a couple of books for Scholastic Education.
I wrote a YA novel about zombies and rock and roll.
I redesigned this site.

And, oh yeah, my baby girl was born January 30. Lucille Rose (Lucy) rocks just as much as her big brother JoJo, don't ya know.

Now it's time to update the Posterband playlist!

Rocking Alphabet Books

2009-09-19T08:30:00.007-04:00

Some rocking ABC books for back to (pre) school...

The Love Police keep kicking out the jams with their latest alphabet books for Punk and Country Western. Future discerning rock critics take note: "G" is not for G.G. Allin, but it is for Gram Parsons.

Check it out at the Love Police. They have some pretty sweet t-shirts too.

Once your kids have mastered the classics, they might be ready to get hip to the new sounds of An Indie Rock Alphabet Book from the folks at Paste Magazine.

"A" is for Animal Collective, do you need to hear any more?

The Composer Is Dead

2009-05-12T10:41:00.008-04:00

A murder mystery for the kids! It should come as no surprise that the diabolical Lemony Snicket is involved. The Composer Is Dead, but the inspector is on the case, interrogating the entire orchestra to get to the bottom of this hideous crime. For all its wicked humor (the composer is "decomposing"), this book has a lot to teach children about the workings of the orchestra. It comes with a wonderful narrated symphony recording of the story with music by Nathaniel Stookey. The old-timey illustrations by Carson Ellis are pitch-perfect as always (Carson Ellis is responsible for so much of the amazing artwork for The Decemberists).

It would be a crime not to share this with your kids.

For more on the book and to hear some of the music, check out the video below:

Interview with Robbert Bobbert

2009-04-24T10:21:00.010-04:00

I posted a couple of weeks ago about Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine's amazing new record for kids. Robbert (aka: Robert Schneider of the Apples in Stereo) was kind enough to take time out from recording to answer a few questions from Posterband. Bubble Machine had no comment.

So when I first heard you were making a record for kids, I was really excited, but equally curious: what inspired you to bring your pure pop jams to the young people?

Little kids need good music more than anyone. Their developing ears cannot defend themselves against music of poor quality. I feel it's very important to do something special for kids. I put as much into the Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine CD as I do with any project. Music for kids is the ultimate form of psychedelic pop... You can include all of the fun and colorful and odd sounds as you want. In fact, it is your duty to put them in there. It's like making a colorful little clock or music box where all of the parts work together in a musical system. I tried to make each song a self-contained little box of toys and sound effects that kids will find fun to play with.

Are you a cool dad? Or a cooler uncle? An eternal child?

All of the above! I really do try to be a cool big brother to my little brothers, and a cool uncle to my nieces and nephew, and a good dad to my son Max, who is 8. I am not so much worried with being a cool dad, as just a good dad. I think being cool is both not really part of the "dad" job description, and also, there is no way my son is going to think I am cool as he grows up, no matter how hip I am. I recorded some of the tracks for my Robbert Bobbert album about 15 years ago when I was 21, and my brothers were little. I would give them cassettes of children's songs for their birthdays. Lately, I've written songs inspired by my son. The song "Gravity" was written for the science fair at my son's school. I did a physics presentation for 1st and 2nd graders, and had the kids sing and clap along.

My four year old loves the new Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine record, but he's also been known to rock out to his dad's Apples in Stereo records on occasion. There's a lot of great "grown-up" music out there for kids to explore. I'm curious what records (for kids or grown-ups) were important to you when you were a little one?

That is awesome that your kid loves pop music! I loved the Beach Boys and listened to Endless Summer over and over again when I was a kid. I also loved those little vinyl 45s for children, that came with storybooks, and always loved old kids records from the 1950's through the '70s. Their used to be so many great, creative, fun records for kids in the old days, before I was born. Those records for children had all sorts of fun sound effects, characteers and storytelling. I collect old vinyl children's LP's, and really wanted my Robbert Bobbert to have the same timeless, crazy, good-time feeling as those records.

By the way, the Beach Boys are still my favorite band. Also I love the Beatles, who are Max's favorite band. Actually, lately he has been really into "The Final Countdown" by Europe-- I bought him a 7" single of the song, for him to play on his turntable, so it is sort of the soundtrack around our house right now.

Thanks, Robbert!

Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine is out now from super-hip indie kid's label Little Monster Records.

You can check out more on Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine at www.robbertbobbert.com.

And be sure to check out other great kid's artists at www.littlemonsterrecords.com.

Captain Bogg & Salty

2009-03-25T20:16:00.006-04:00

Pirate rock! Avast! Captain Bogg & Salty's Emphatical Piratical is a real treasure for the kids. There's lots to enjoy here - from silly sailor jigs like "Don't Drink the Sea Water" to surf-rock rave-ups like "The Plank-Walker." A couple tracks - like "Waltz of the Waves" and "Who's at Captain's Table" - even call to mind fellow nautically-disposed Portlanders, the Decemberists.

Check out this rocking clip of "Never Smile at a Crocodile."

These guys get the kids dancing! See for yourself - Captain Bogg & Salty set sail for Symphony Space this Saturday, March 28th, at 11:00am. For more information visit: www.symphonyspace.org/series/77 or visit the crew at www.eatalime.com.

Buy the CD: Emphatical Piratical

"Baby Be of Use" Board Books

2009-03-17T09:36:00.001-04:00

There's not much to say about these board books. They are exactly what you would think. And they are hilarious. From those lovable, daffy folks at McSweeney's. Personally, I would love to see McSweeney's seriously explore its preschool tendencies. They could do some brilliant kids publishing if they set their mind to it.

Robbert Bobbert and the Bubble Machine

2009-02-22T15:59:00.014-05:00

Robert Schneider, the mad scientist behind the beloved Apples in Stereo, has released an amazing new record for kids under his cartoon alter ego: Robbert Bobbert. It's just good science, kids. Like the Apples in Stereo records, this one is jam-packed with hooks, harmony, and kaleidoscopic sound design. There are songs about clocks, physics, superheroes and a bunch of animals. Oh, and there is a mouse who raps which is reason enough to own this record. Awesome fun.

Check it out:

Robbert Bobbert and his Bubble Machine rocked Brooklyn's Bell House this weekend. Robbert brought the high-energy song and dance as well as some exceedingly curious (and hilarious) science. Bubble Machine brought the bubbles. The kids had a total blast and so did the parents. Check out photos below.

Thanks for great show, Dr. Bobbert!

Andrew Bird on Jack's Big Music Show

2009-01-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

Andrew Bird performs a little music and magic with the puppets in this clip from Jack's Big Music Show.

Andrew has a great new record out. File this one under: "music for parents that kids will like too." Noble Beast has lots of whistling and looping violins. And it will do wonders for your child's vocabulary. Nomenclature! As a chorus!

Amazon.com Widgets

Also, you should check out the earlier records if you haven't already. Armchair Apocrypha and The Mysterious Production of Eggs are both shiny gems and good places to start.

2009 Caldecott Winners

2009-01-29T09:55:00.010-05:00

2009 Caldecott Medal

It should come as no surprise that I think librarians totally rock. I mean, did you see the FOOT show at the Windsor Terrace library? And I'm happy to see that folks like the New York Times are finally taking notice.

Anyway, this week's picture book suggestions come courtesy of the librarians. The ALA announced the 2009 Caldecott winners. You won't need any further recommendation from me. The House in the Dark, a beautiful book, took top honors, but congratulations to all! Shiny stickers all around.

Check them out:

Whole World of Widgets + Robot Garden

2009-01-21T15:37:00.015-05:00

My good friends at Whole World of Widgets developed this really cool animated video of Robot Garden, one of the Posterband picture books.

Whole World of Widgets is doing some really creative educational kids programming and they have a very interesting blog that covers kids media issues. Check out their site at www.WWWandME.tv. And you should totally be their friend on Facebook.

Tip: If you have the sweet broadband action, the video looks really nice in high quality view on the Whole World of Widgets YouTube channel.

And after you've seen the film, be sure to read the book to impress all your friends. Get the Robot Garden book!

Or download the Robot Garden song for free to jam out on your iPod while carpooling the kids.

Thanks for checking it out.

Too Many Toys

2009-01-05T22:03:00.005-05:00

Just in time for that post-holiday toy hangover, David Shannon returns with a fantastic new book. Perhaps only an artist of David Shannon's freakish talent is up to the challenge of cataloguing the dizzying abundance of a modern kid's toy box. To look into that roiling cauldron of consumerism and not despair utterly, takes a brave, brave heart and a sense of humor born of peerless compassion. Which is to say, I'm feeling a little guilty about all the toys under the tree this year. But this book was one of best gifts. And Mr. Shannon deserves a special thank you note.

Maybe you have some toys to donate to a good cause?

Foot (featuring Thurston Moore, Don Fleming, Jim Dunbar)

2008-12-16T22:05:00.011-05:00

This was a weird and amazing rock show that I just had to post about. FOOT performed some crazy psychedelic noise jams for the tots at the Windsor Terrace Library Toy Sale Saturday, Nov 22nd.

FOOT is Thurston Moore on guitar and effects, Don Fleming on guitar and synth, and Jim Dunbar on synth and electronics. Children read excerpts from picture books over the squall and eventually joined in bashing away on the instruments. Here's some photos and a little sample of the sounds created that day. My son JoJo is the one in the white shirt.

Listen to some FOOT at the library!

Pete & Pickles

2008-12-11T12:01:00.007-05:00

Throughout grade school and high school, all I wanted to be when I grew up was a cartoonist for the funny papers. I assumed there could be no greater glory than to have your art lining the bottom of birdcages or used as birthday wrapping. Which is to say, Berkeley Breathed was my idol. Years ago I came to my senses. About my career, not Mr. Breathed, who remains a hero. And I'm so happy he's making picture books for the little ones these days, because I want my kid to have the chance to know (and love) his cracked point of view.

Pete & Pickles is a charmer, though not without a few dark notes to give it an edge. Starring a widower pig (Pete) and an adventurous escaped circus elephant (Pickles), the book is filled with the antic exuberance and skidding non-sequiters that made Bloom County and its characters so memorable. And the art is super-plush and totally weird, racing through a catalog of famous artists and styles.

Check it out, and don't forget that Mars Needs Moms!

Oh, and it's almost Christmas. Opus & Bill make for a wacky noel in this great picture book and the animated TV special from back in the day.

Ack. Thpppt.

Bob Dylan Picture Books

2008-11-23T08:50:00.008-05:00

So maybe your child isn't quite ready for Tarantula. This very hip picture book is perhaps the better place to start. You'll dig the retro illustrations, and you know the words by heart, right?

Check out this cool animated video of the song:

And if you want to spend some serious coin, rock-obsessed collectors can still pick up Dylan's 1999 picture book:

Feist on Sesame Street

2008-11-14T11:31:00.002-05:00

This clip proves that the super-talented Leslie Feist can move iPods and muppets! The album is definitely one you can enjoy with the kids.

Check it out:

And just a "reminder" that the Deluxe edition of The Reminder releases Nov. 25. Sadly, the Sesame Street mix is not included on the bonus disc.

Ghosts in the House

2008-10-28T11:00:00.003-04:00

Ghosts in the House! is a terrific treat this Halloween for your little boys and ghouls. A very resourceful witch domesticates the ghosts haunting her house, using them as tablecloths, curtains and comfy blankets for a cool October night. The stylish artwork is as charming as a candy corn.

Boo!

Interview with Melanie Hope Greenberg

2008-10-21T11:02:00.014-04:00

Melanie Hope Greenberg, author and illustrator of so many fantastic picture books, was kind enough to answer a few questions for Posterband. Check out more from Melanie at: www.melaniehopegreenberg.com

Your books have a distinctive style - colorful and crowded with appealing detail. Could you name some of your artistic influences? Both broadly and as well as for children?

I am admirer of most art. From the classics to the contemporary. For me art is about feeling and psychology. With adult art I enjoy mostly everything. If I do not like the art I still know that the artist poured their heart and soul into it, so I see it from that point of view too. Art is subjective.

In children’s books, I love the artists that take the time to portray a story thoughtfully with soul and sensitivity. Book art helps a child learn to read and also FEEL something through the mood and tone of the colors. I am not a big fan of trends. Originality is the job of an artist. I guess being self taught is why I have a distinctive art style.

Many of the books you have written or illustrated are set in New York. Is the city your biggest inspiration?

Dear Art Directors and Editors: please do not stereotype me as only urban, I can paint most any subject you need. That being said, I am a New York City native, originally from the Bronx, one year in Greenwich Village and 31 years in Brooklyn. Although I travel, nothing lives up to the energy and cultural diversity of New York City. I just received a letter from Mayor Bloomberg praising Mermaids On Parade as a part of New York City’s cultural legacy, so the mayor sensed my passion.

Another book I painted was A City Is, poems by Brooklyn’s first poet laureate, Norman Rosten. It took 14 years to get our collaboration published. I created many book prototypes in order to sell it. At first, I sketched cities around the USA. Eventually, the art became the reflected truth of Brooklyn native Rosten, as well as my own roots. I knew how to paint the our city’s moods and colors.

Coney Island where Mermaids on Parade is set is an icon of visual style. How did you approach this challenge as an artist?

Coney Island is an artist’s dreamscape. Surreal, child-like. flashing neon colors. Coney’s visual style reflects my own coming of age in the late 60’s, early 70’s. My heart is really into psychedelic art and music. Viewing ‘The Summer of Love’ exhibition at the Whitney Museum last year really helped me grasp the big influence that era had and still has on my innate art style. Coney's own history - from the 1800’s on - is also felt viscerally when you step foot in that neighborhood. A wild juxtaposition of old and new architecture. Truly diverse, which is Coney’s overall legacy in the tapestry of our country’s history.

Of the books where you have been both the author and illustrator (such as Mermaids On Parade), could you explain how these books generally originate? Do you typically have an artistic vision that inspires the story? Or do you begin with a story or theme?

Mermaids On Parade was an idea which grew out of community. In 2005, Brooklyn librarians Deloris McCullough and David Mowery told me what was missing on their bookshelf. About three months later, Tanya Rynd, who owns Superfine in Dumbo, Brooklyn invited me to join her performance art troupe, the Superfine Dinettes, and march in the upcoming Coney Island Mermaid Parade. I interviewed the Dinettes, asking them what the parade meant to them, why they marched. Then I experienced the parade first hand. The whole book was a synthesis of everyone’s good energy and ideas. I knew children would love the magic of the parade and costumes.

Your books seem to have a fairly elastic age-span. Do you have an ideal audience or age level in mind when creating for children?

I am lucky that my art has wide appeal. For children I try to be literal. (Although, A City Is is about silence and multi-dimensional consciousness!) For grown-up magazine art, I am more abstract and conceptual. My guess is that the art touches the spirit that exists in all age groups. Beauty contained in wonder, that child-eye vision.

Posterband covers music as well. We'd love to know some of your favorite music that inspires you creatively.

I am so lucky to have lived through the music renaissance of the 1960’s with the original musicians who started it. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Doors (lately I am obsessed with their music once again). Jim Morrison was a visionary who was a grand emoter and not afraid to be openly anti-war. For Mermaids On Parade, there were mostly local Brooklyn band influences. I played their CDs at least once daily during production. The old timey sound of the Jug Addicts, the Wiyos, Jan Bell and Alex Battles really brought up that Coney Island honky tonk spirit from its hey day. The Gaijins A Go-Go and Les Sans Culottes added some feminine mermaid energy and color. A lot of these local musicians also march as characters in the book.

Thanks, Melanie!

Songs In the Key of New York

2008-10-13T10:50:00.001-04:00

With Songs In the Key of New York, Jeremy Zmuda, Clare Muldaur (Clare & the Reasons) and crew deliver a thoughtful - and tuneful - children's primer celebrating the five boroughs from its famous subway lines to its friendly neighborhood restaurants. The songs are considerably more wordy and knotty than many children's records, studiously avoiding easy rhymes, and gliding along slantwise with cool, jazzy poise. But these are bright little pop gems at their core that you and your child will love to hear again and again. "Taxi," with quintessential New York impatience as its catchy chorus, is a particular charmer.

Check it out here: http://songsinthekeyofnewyork.com/

And if you love this record, you might want to check out Clare & The Reasons "The Movie" (with guest appearances from Van Dykes Park and Sufjan Stevens). Clare & the Reasons are on tour now with My Brightest Diamond.

And if you are more in the mood for some jazz, check out Jeremy's tunes here:

This Is a Poem That Heals Fish

2008-10-03T09:35:00.000-04:00

This Is A Poem That Heals Fish is a rare little miracle of a book. It manages the brilliant trick of explaining the abstract concept of a "poem" to a child through the simple but effective art of demonstration. The book itself is a perfectly constructed poem. I say this as someone with some experience with poetry as an editor and screening judge for the National Poetry Series for nearly a decade. I can't tell you how many times I've watched a poet crash and burn attempting to define a poem with a poem. Too often it results in a disappointing tautology (there's a word for the little ones!). A poem is by nature slippery (like a fish), but this book succeeds with its perfect little slipknot metaphors that manage to delight and define at the same time. Perhaps it's best to leave it to the baker to explain: "[a poem] is hot like fresh bread. When you eat it a little is always left over."

The book is painted in a beautiful palette with a bold brushwork and delicate penciled details, alternating between folksy domestic scenes and lovely surreal dreamscapes. It's a great looking book.

This Is A Poem That Heals Fish by Jean-Pierre Simeon and illustrated by Olivier Tallec was originally published in France. This translation was published by Enchanted Lion Books. Enchanted Lion Books (of Brooklyn!) has been bringing some excellent European and Asian picture books to the U.S. in translation in recent years. You can expect to see some more posts on Posterband soon from this exciting publisher.

Check out This is a Poem That Will Heal Fish (a.k.a This is a Book Your Child Will Love).

Alphabutt

2008-09-24T09:32:00.010-04:00

These ramshackle recordings from Kimya Dawson (ex-Moldy Peaches) sound a little like those Sebadoh or Ween cassettes you wore out in college. And they'll probably give your kids the same unstoppable giggle fits. The askew acoustic strumming, barnyard harmonies, toddler yodeling and pocket change percussion make this a strange and wonderful listening experience for you and your child. Kimya's songs are full of wide-eyed innocence and fine-tuned flatulence. I Love You Sweet Baby captures perfectly that feeling of every new parent who is just gobsmacked with love for their child. Basically Kimya sounds like she's having a blast being a mom. It shines through on every track, so you can expect your kids to have a blast listening to this record. And if you can fart the alphabet, you can sing along.

Check it out:

Amazon.com Widgets

I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

2008-09-09T10:17:00.010-04:00

This is a great story for this time of year as your kids are heading back to school. Whether your kids are "too absolutely" eager or "too absolutely" nervous about the first day of school, the brother and sister in this book capture each point of view perfectly. Be sure to remind your child to save a seat for their invisible friend at school.

And if you're looking to fill your kid's new book bag, I would recommend just about any book in this series. With Charlie and Lola, Lauren Child has created characters with personalities that are quirky but feel genuine. Charlie and Lola are just really cool kids. And they're certainly sporting some stylish threads on these pages. Apparently before she designed children's books, Lauren designed home interiors and home accessories, and you can see it reflected in the textiles and wallpaper patterns she mixes with her illustrations. Her books just look fantastic and very hip.

You can check out Charlie and Lola (with their little British accents) on TV weekdays on Disney at 10:30am.

Crack open your books! I Am Too Absolutely Small for School

See You On the Moon

2008-08-18T14:44:00.010-04:00

This cool kids collection is jam-packed with indie jams. It features one seriously blissed-out Puff the Magic Dragon cover by the Broken Social Scene, as well as great original songs from Sufjan Stevens, Apostle of Hustle, Hot Chip, Junior Boys, Rosie Thomas (Babe the Blue Ox), Alan Sparhawk (Low), and Mark Kozelek (Red House Painters). Your child will love the title track by the Great Lake Swimmers - it's one of the best children's songs ever laid to tape.

Check it out:

Amazon.com Widgets

Good Morning Captain

2008-08-18T09:07:00.012-04:00

One of Posterband's own books, Good Morning Captain, has recently been getting a bit of attention online. It's been covered in Pitchfork, Flavorpill, New York Magazine, TransWorld and a bunch of other places. New York Magazine called it the "world's most terrifying children's book" which I guess is a pretty unique distinction. In the past couple of weeks, the book has found over 8000 readers.

As just about everyone has noted, a children's book inspired by Slint's Good Morning Captain seems like a pretty strange idea, so I thought I would offer an explanation.

It should come as no surprise that it wasn't exactly on purpose. The story actually came first, before there was any connection to the band or this song. This story was originally conceived as a simple allegory of a young child struggling with bedtime as though cast adrift on scary seas. I was inspired to write it watching my own son standing bravely in his crib one night, like a sailor staring down a storm from the ship's crow's nest. My son has always really struggled with bedtime. Basically, as I was illustrating the book, the black and white artwork and the nautical theme quickly brought to mind this record, which I loved, and basically the title just leapt out at me. And it was so perfect. Then, perversely, I found myself adding sly little references to the record covers and a couple of lines from the song. I figured people who knew and loved the song would actually appreciate the subtext. And anyone else would never know what they were missing.

As for whether or not the book is too dark, I'd just say that kids are more complex than we often give them credit for. I'd remind people that the author of the "world's most terrifying children's book" has also written several colorful, cheerful books about robots (Robot Garden and Robot Workshop).

Check out the book here: Good Morning Captain.

And if you don't know the band or this album, check it out:

Chris Raschka

2008-08-13T12:00:00.015-04:00

Experts agree: you should read to your child for twenty minutes every day. Less commonly understood is the importance of scatting with your child. How else are they going to develop any rhythm, people? Allow me to suggest two fine resources in this area: Chris Raschka's Yo! Yes? and Charlie Parker Played Be Bop. Raschka is a special talent with jazzy brushwork that perfectly complements the snapping rhythms of his text. Each story sounds amazing to hear out loud (regardless of your own scatting skills). The funky sounds never fail to delight the little ones who can't help but join in the fun with some funky sounds of their own.

But beyond the rewarding musicality of the text and the art, there are some important life lessons to be gained as well. Despite its simple text, Yo! Yes? is actually one of the most profound books on friendship you'll likely find for your child. And Charlie Parker offers an effective primer on how to be super, super COOL.

Buy these books:

Yo! Yes?

Charlie Parker Played Be Bop

Pancake Mountain

2008-08-01T15:32:00.005-04:00

Finally, a puppet show dance party for the rest of us! This lo-fi little gem of a program has a few screws loose and all the wires are showing, but there is a lovable cast of corny characters led by the hilariously daffy hand-puppet Rufus Leaking. And it plays hosts to lots of great rock music with performances and cameos by Fiery Furnaces, Ted Leo, Arcade Fire, The White Stripes, The Flaming Lips, George Clinton, Henry Rollins, Bright Eyes, Scissors Sisters, the Misfits, Weird War. It's basically nuts. And kids totally understand sarcasm - believe it!

Children's public access programming endures in the age of YouTube! They've created a great commercial for themselves here: Pancake Mountain. It should give you the basic idea.

But these DVDs now!

Pancake Mountain (Episodes 1 & 2)

Pancake Mountain (Episodes 3 & 4)

Pancake Mountain (Episodes 5 & 6)

Pancake Mountain (Episodes 7 & 8)

New Socks

2008-08-01T14:06:00.000-04:00

This book actually rhymes with ROCKS! It is eye-popping. Beware those little eyes. But kids will get it. New socks. New sneakers. Whatever. It's all new to them. Basic, but brilliant.

Buy this book: New Socks

One Monday Morning

2008-07-20T18:24:00.004-04:00

A rainy day classic. Your child can learn the days of the week as a growing royal retinue drops by to visit a young boy who is constantly out doing nothing special on the Lower East Side - like riding the subway, watching laundry dry, staring into store windows. Originally published in 1967.

Every child needs this book: One Monday Morning

Fleet Foxes

2008-07-20T17:55:00.006-04:00

With beautiful choral harmonies, impressive arrangements, and Grimm nature themes, the Fleet Foxes debut full-length is a perfect album to spin for your little one for some quality - or quiet - time. For parents, this may remind you of The Band or The Byrds (also wholesome for the kiddies).

Check them out: Fleet Foxes

Keba Keba (Gaudy Tawdry)

2008-07-09T12:51:00.008-04:00

A picture book courtesy of the Takashi Murakami corporation. The story is by Yujin Kitagawa, a Japanese pop artist. Murakami contributes his trademark (literally) illustrations. KebaKeba (Gaudy Tawdry) is a weird balloon-like creature inflated with color (he resembles Elmer the patchwork elephant). KebaKeba is weird and has no friends, but gives of his many colors to help others in need. He gives the sun red and the sky blue. He gives away the last of his colors to the flowers. In the end, a deflated KebaKeba becomes a happy white ghost cloud and sails away keeping watch over his new friends. It's cool. It's collectable.

Hint: It's a little difficult to get your hands on a copy in the states, but they have copies now at the Brooklyn Museum gift shop as part of the Murakami show.

Caps for Sale

2008-07-07T12:48:00.007-04:00

In addition to contemporary picture books that rock, I plan to regularly feature some classic picture books on Posterband. Books like these need no introduction, perhaps, but it never hurts to be reminded of good thing. And of course some of these books may be new to you. Myself, I missed out on Caps for Sale as a child. But thanks to a gift from a friend, my son hasn't.

There are billions of picture books about monkeys, because it's really difficult to go wrong with any book about monkeys. But if you plan to buy just one book this year about monkeys and the inherent conformism of consumer capitalism, make it this one.

Buy this book: Caps for Sale: A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business

Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of the Pixies

2008-07-02T22:43:00.005-04:00

The Pixies for babies. Oh, BABY! It's EDUCATIONAL! Check out Rockabye Baby Music. They have lullaby versions of The Ramones, The Cure, Bob Marley...you name it.

Buy the Pixies for your baby: Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of The Pixies

Mermaids On Parade

2008-07-02T20:30:00.004-04:00

I came across this a couple of weeks late, but I'm so excited to feature a picture book about Coney Island's (in)famous Mermaid Parade! As to be expected, this is a sanitized account of this festive (but often naughty) event. The Mermaid Parades that I've attended have certainly been colorful to say the very least; and so are the wonderful illustrations here. Changes are coming to Coney Island, but at least it will forever be a magical childlike kingdom in this book. I encourage you to share this magic with your child.

Buy this book: Mermaids on Parade

Yo Gabba Gabba

2008-06-30T14:44:00.008-04:00

A friend of mine once said that all kids are on acid. Which I took to mean they experience life as full of magic and music, in vivid color, attended by dancing robots and monsters, and in thrall to a benevolent disco puppetmaster. Which basically describes this show. Yo Gabba Gabba! (hey!) I felt a slight prick of guilt as my son watched a Super Music Friend Show segment featuring Cornelius performing their heavy psychedelic number Count Five or Six while stars sprung forth from the forehead of -- was that a unicorn? I had to pinch myself. I was tempted to ask him if he was seeing what I was seeing.

But there's more: Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh does the art segment. Biz Markie hosts a Beat of the Day. Guest stars have included the Shins, Tony Hawk, and Laila Ali. There is great music by Dean & Britta, Mark Kozelek, and others. Children's programming on TV is typically askew (see also: Teletubbies, The Muppet Show, H.R. Pufnstuf, etc.) but this show is pretty screwy by any standard. Check it out.

You can buy episodes on iTunes or catch it on Noggin/Nickelodeon.

And Tango Makes Three

2008-06-29T14:05:00.004-04:00

At first glance, this book might seem out of place here. The artwork is certainly conventional. The story of two loving parents is conventional as well. But make no mistake: this book rocks. Based on the true story of two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo who become loving adoptive parents of a baby penguin, Tango. What is bravest about this book is how traditional this loving family is presented. Highly recommended. Bonus points: It's one of the most banned books in America!

Buy this book: And Tango Makes Three

It's Okay to Be Different

2008-06-28T14:04:00.004-04:00

It's actually TOTALLY AWESOME to be different. But this is a minor quibble for such a charming book with an important lesson for kids. It is, for example, okay to have two mommies or two daddies. Or to eat macaroni in the bathtub (though no one would dare legislate against that!) Your child will love the bright illustrations (think Keith Haring). Todd Parr's work as a whole is positive and fun, but this book in particular feels very generous and true.

Buy this book: It's Okay to Be Different

Elizabeth Mitchell

2008-06-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

Ida has long been a favorite band of mine. In fact, Ida probably qualifies as "music for parents that kids will like too." When Elizabeth Mitchell became a mom (with Ida bandmate/husband Dan Littleton) they began to record some lovely records for children: You Are My Flower, You Are My Sunshine, You Are My Little Bird. There are many classic songs on these records that your child will recognize instantly. And better still, there are some inspired covers like "What Goes On" by the Velvet Underground! I can't recommend these records enough. They are filled with warm, acoustic arrangements and lovely harmonies. Elizabeth also recorded an album of children's music with Lisa Loeb called Catch the Moon.

Buy these albums:

You Are My Little Bird

You Are My Sunshine

You Are My Flower

Catch The Moon

Sergio Makes a Splash

2008-06-05T14:03:00.000-04:00

This cute penguin gets over his fear of swimming. The simple color pallette and sharp design are very charming. Hipster points: this guys designs posters for rock bands like the Arcade Fire.

Buy this book: Sergio Makes a Splash

Emperor Tomato Ketchup

2008-05-15T15:44:00.000-04:00

Your kid loves ketchup! Your kid acts like despotic emperor! This super-groovy record will get that kid dancing. And they just might learn a little French and leftist theory while they are at it.

Buy this album: Emperor Tomato Ketchup

Punk Farm

2008-04-28T14:52:00.001-04:00

You like punk! Your child likes farm animals! Rock on.

Buy this book: Punk Farm

M is for Metal

2008-04-01T14:02:00.001-04:00

This is totally inappropriate for most young children. There are pictures of Jimi playing the guitar with his flaming eyeballs! There are gratuitous umlauts! Highly recommended if you can get your hands on a copy.

Check it out down under at the Love Police.

The Deedle Deedle Dees

2008-03-15T14:16:00.000-04:00

I can't say enough about the mighty Deedle Deedle Dees. Good tunes. Good people. The songs rock harder, smarter, and weirder than any other children's music out there right now. Put the Dees on the stereo and teach your kids some forgotten history and some mad science. Play it loud!

Visit their website: The Deedle Deedle Dees
Buy the album: Freedom in a Box

Cowboy And Octopus

2008-03-10T13:04:00.000-04:00

Just really bizarre little stories with two lovable characters. The collage design is very handmade retro cool. Failed knock knock jokes included! Warning: Your child will be saying "dang!

Buy this book: Cowboy and Octopus

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

2008-02-14T14:32:00.000-05:00

Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. The sounds a baby makes, right? This perfect pop record has lots of cool cuts for the kids: The Underdog! You Got Yr Cherry Bomb! Don't You Evah! Rhthm and Soul!

Buy this album: Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Not A Box

2008-02-01T17:50:00.000-05:00

NOT A BOX is simple and stylish. An instant classic. A bunny and a box, wonderfully illustrated with a handful of colors. This is perfect for your littlest ones with their little attention spans.

Buy this book: Not a Box

The Incredible Book Eating Boy

2008-01-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

This seemed an appropriate place to start. The title pretty much tells you everything you need to know about this story. I can certainly understand the desire to consume books - as many and as fast as you can. That's my intention with this blog. My kid has that crazy look in his eye all the time these days -hungry to devour it all. This book is certainly a feast for the eyes. The paint and pencil illustrations were composed on old book covers and scraps of graph and notebook paper. It's a very textured, beautifully designed package. Tasty. And there is a tiny bite out of the corner to really thrill and confuse your child!

Buy this book: Incredible Book Eating Boy