One on One

Our food writer interviews the best-selling author and of course the talk turns to food.

If you aren't a parent, you probably have never heard of Jan Brett In addition to her books (aimed at the under-8-or-so ages), she has a HUGE and wonderful web site, where she posts lots of material drawn from, or...

Incorporating Technology and Creativity in the Classroom

“The Mitten” by Jan Brett is such a great book to read with the children in winter. I made up some phonological awareness games for our pre-literacy shelf to go with the book. Skill: Isolating Words You will need a basket of blocks to play this game. The teacher reads a sentence card and […]

I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Jan Brett! She is beyond amazing, and the best thing about her is that she is extremely teacher friendly!...

Alphabet Poster from Jan Brett Alphabet flash cards from Jan Brett Toothpick Alphabet Flags by Jan Brett Alphabet flashcard printable...

One of my favorite stories to read during the winter months is The Mitten, by Jan Brett. It is perfect for teaching sequencing,...

Free Mitten printables and hands-on mitten activities to go with the classic children's book The Mitten. Perfect for classroom or homeschool!

From the time I started my Beauty and the Beast collection in college, I was always on the lookout for unique versions of the story to fill my shelves. In honor of the last day of the Fairy Tale Blog Party, I thought I'd share a few of them with you. :) I have several Disney Beauty and the Beast books, including behind the scenes books, books that discuss the art, animation, or music of the film, some Disney B&tB comic books, and several picture and chapter books that depict the Disney version of the story. For this post, though, I wanted to focus on my versions other than Disney. Perhaps in a later post I'll share my Disney books. :) #1: "Penelope" While I'll primarily be talking about books, I have just a couple of movies on my Beauty and the Beast shelf, too. Most of you probably remember this little film that came out a few years ago. It's never going to be a huge world-wide hit, and did have some drinking and magic in it, in case that bothers anyone. While it's not my most favorite film of all time, I enjoyed it and found it very fascinating as a Beauty and the Beast-type story where the roles were reversed. I also really enjoy James McAvoy's acting, and there's not a whole lot he's in that I feel comfortable watching, so having him play the romantic lead was an added bonus. #2: Cannon Movie Tales' "Beauty and the Beast" I wasn't expecting much when I got this movie for around $4 at Walmart a while back. And true, the acting is pretty corny and the girl isn't the best singer in the world. Still, there were a few unique moments in this version that made me glad I watched it. The Beast's makeup was also very interesting in this one, and (I thought) quite well done for the 80s. #3: "Beastly" by Alex Flinn It's been a while since I've read this one, and I know there were some things in it that I didn't appreciate, such as some swearing at the beginning of the book and probably more that I'm not remembering. However, it was LOADS better than its movie adaptation that just came out a year or so ago (the Beast was actually hairy in the book, which I preferred). There were some neat plot twists at the end of the story that the movie completely left out. Overall, I thought it was an interesting retelling. It's still not an ultimate, but it was fun to see how the author brought the story to the modern world. I especially enjoyed the online conversations among different fairy tale characters that took place between the regular chapters. This isn't one I would fully recommend, so if you want a little more info about it, you can comment or email me. :) #4. Treasury of Illustrated Classics' "Beauty and the Beast" This was a copy my mom found at a thrift store when we were on vacation. I wasn't sure that I wanted to add it to my collection at first. The illustrations weren't my favorite, and it was a very simplified version, as it was meant to be read by younger children. As I flipped through it, though, I noticed that it was very similar to the original version by Madame le Prince de Beaumont. Since it was only 99 cents, I decided to give it a try. One of the things that's so funny to me about the original is that after the story we're all familiar with, the prince basically explains in great detail how he was enchanted, and then proceeds to tell the entire story over again from his perspective. It makes me laugh because it goes against everything you'd be taught in a writing course. And yet, I must confess that many Beauty and the Beast stories feel so abrupt in their ending. You've spent all this time with "Beauty and the Beast", and just when you're trying to get used to the idea of "Beauty and the Prince", it's all over. ;) There's got to be a happy medium somehow. The Beast from this version is kind of like a weird sort of gorilla/bear mutation or something. Beauty in one of the illustrations. I wonder what happened to her bottom lip? ;) #5. Jim Henson's "The Story-Teller" I found this book on Amazon shortly after discovering the TV series it was based on. What's interesting is that some of the stories are slightly different from their movie versions, even though the movies were made first. I don't care for all of the stories. I basically bought this for "Hans My Hedgehog" and "Sapsorrow" (although Jen, you might be interested to know that there is a story called "The Three Ravens" that is basically a retelling of "The Wild Swans"). Here's a picture of Hans from "Hans My Hedgehog" (like I said in an earlier post, it's very interesting seeing the Beast as a giant, grouchy hedgehog). :} I have to say, all of the illustrations in this book are stunning and look very much like the original actors and actresses from the film versions. Here's a picture of the Princess. While at its core "Sapsorrow" is essentially a combination of "Cinderella" and "Furball", it also is a "Beauty and the Beast" tale with the roles reversed, which is what I enjoyed about it. (The prince is a real jerk, though...I don't know what made her fall in love with him.) The only thing I didn't really care for was the part of the plot where, due to an accidental ring fitting, Sapsorrow was going to be forced to marry her father. It was just a little weird to me, and I wish they would have come up with a different reason for her to run away. Here's poor Sapsorrow, also known as "Straggletag". Her makeup in the film was pretty amazing. A happy ending for Sapsorrow and the Prince. #6: "Beauty and the Beast" by Max Eilenberg; Illustrated by Angela Barrett This book was one of my more recent finds. I loved the unique illustrations in this one. It's a longer retelling than most of the picture books versions, and unique enough between the story and the illustrations that I really wanted it for my collection. Beauty's father first arriving at the Beast's castle. This Beast is quite hairy and almost catlike, with some wolf or bear thrown in...and check out that tail! Beauty first meets the Beast. I love the emotion in this illustration. #7: "Beauty and the Beast" by Marianna Mayer; Illustrated by Mercer Mayer I grew up on the Little Critter books, as well as Professor Wormbog and Herbert the Timid Dragon, so I was already a big fan of Mercer Mayer's illustrations. When I found his version of "Beauty and the Beast", though, I was blown away by the beauty and depth of his artwork. There is so much depth and attention to detail. Even his color palette makes you think of a fairy tale with its elegant, rich, brown tones. I just love looking through it to see the pictures and discover new details I never noticed before. Beauty meets the Prince. To me, this illustration is always really important to a story. If the prince is disappointing, it colors the rest of the book for me. (Honestly, it took me a long time to get used to the prince at the end of the Disney version.) ;) #8: "Beauty and the Beast" by Jan Brett While I prefer brunettes in the role of "Beauty" and normally don't care for versions where the Beast is portrayed as some sort of wild boar or warthog, the sheer loveliness of Jan Brett's illustrations in this book won me over. She has such an incredible eye for detail, and I love her amazing depictions of animals. I actually got to meet Jan Brett at a book signing once. I brought some of my illustrations with me to show her, and turned into a complete babbling idiot (why oh why couldn't I have been smooth and amazing while talking to her?). She was very gracious and took the time to talk to each individual, even though there were so many of us there. I'm wishing I'd had the foresight to bring this book with me to sign. Instead, I purchased a book from the store that she signed. I still have it somewhere. I love the richness of the clothing and all of the little details that make her work come alive. One of the things I particularly enjoyed about this version was the fact that on several of the pages, there were tapestries in the background showing the enchanted characters in their human form. It was a fun little extra. And I must say, I love Beauty's gown in this picture. :) In this version, all of the Beast's servants are animals (and once again, you can see the tapestry in the background, showing them in their human form). I love Beauty's hair in this picture. The Beast...nasty...what's that on his tusks? When was the last time he brushed? See, I sooo would not have been able to break the spell. ;) And here's the transformation picture at the end. Not my favorite Prince, but he'll do. ;) #9: "The Lady and the Lion" by Laurel Long and Jacqueline K. Ogburn; Illustrated by Laurel Long This book is basically a version of "East of the Sun, West of the Moon" with a Lion as the enchanted Prince instead of a Polar Bear. I love the beautiful artwork it has. The other thing I've always enjoyed about this tale is how the heroine has to prove her loyalty and love after making a grave error. It kind of reminds me of Marguerite in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (I'm thinking of the book version), when she follows Percy in secret after realizing that she's betrayed him. The illustrations in this version are full of vibrant colors that have a Middle Eastern or Oriental flair. The Lady and the Lion. The Lion is really a Prince under an evil spell (surprise, surprise!). ;) The witch who destroys their happiness...for a time. #10: "Beauty" by Robin McKinley I know I already mentioned this version in my blog party answers, but I just had to give it another shout out here. This is, hands down, one of my very favorite versions of the story. I love her writing style and the fact that "Beauty" isn't the typical beautiful, perfect one. I also love the fact that Beauty's family is so loving in this version. And I love Greatheart the horse, too. :) The Beast is such a wonderful, sympathetic character in this one. I felt that McKinley did a great job in bringing more to him than most versions do. If you're a Beauty and the Beast fan, just find yourself a copy. You won't regret it! :) And, since it happens to be on my shelf with my other versions, I thought I'd share a few more illustrations from my Beauty and the Beast story with you. As I've said in earlier posts, please do not use these or post them elsewhere without my permission. These pictures represent hours of work. "The Beast" proposes to "Beauty" for the first time. The only thing that irks me about this illustration is the fact that "Beauty's" fork appears to be in the "Beast's" mouth. I didn't notice this until it was too late to change it. :} Sharing a dance. I had a lot of fun doing this one. I was especially pleased with how her dress turned out in this photo. I spent weeks pouring through bridal magazines, looking for inspiration and piecing dresses together. "The Beast" transformed. Some fun trivia about this picture: I drew the prince in a cape because I really detest trying to draw proper proportions on men's arms and shoulders (so basically, I'm lazy). ;) Afterwards, though, I realized that in the previous picture, "Beast" had a sleeveless shirt and no cape. So then I had to go back and add to the narrative to explain how he ended up with the cape. ;) "Beauty's" chin ended up a little bit bigger than I would have liked in this one, but oh well. I guess I can't be too picky. ;) I hope you enjoyed this post. Perhaps it will inspire you to dust off some of your old childhood fairy tale books, or even look for new versions at the store. Everyone can use a good fairy tale fix now and then. ;) Remember, today is the last day to participate in the Fairy Tale Blog Party. I'll be doing a drawing tomorrow to see who gets my "Fairy Tale Faces" artwork. Thanks so much to everyone who's taken part already. :)

Gather nature supplies from your garden and get ready to have some nature art turtle fun! Made from a recycled cardboard box base and decorated with leaves, flowers and other garden treasures. This is one fun craft that turtle loving kids are sure to enjoy. Looking for more turtle fun?

Trips to the 49th state inspired the characters in the writer-illustrator's latest children’s book "Cozy in Love"

I wonder... if the 3 Bears had decided on Bircher muesli instead of porridge would they have left their house, bringing about a home invasion and chaos? Bircher muesli originates in Switzerland and is made from soaked porridge oats. It's an especially delicious breakfast option for summer with fresh fruit. Best of all, it doesn't have to be cooked at all. The soaking prepares the oats for efficient digestion that's easy on your system. "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" Retold and Illustrated by Jan Brett (pub Simon & Schuster) I took this book with us from home for grandson Beau. I love the northern European detail in the illustrations with lots of woodland plants and animals referenced - a visual feast. This book was gifted to my son Francis when he was 2 - now 26! Bircher Muesli I like to use jumbo or whole grain oats because you get more texture, but if you want a softer or mushier mix then use rolled oats. You need to start the night before you plan to eat the breakfast. This recipe is for 4-6 people. This is what the whole oats look like after soaking overnight in milk. Soak the ingredients together in bowl in the fridge overnight: 2 cups whole jumbo oats or rolled oats 1 3/4 cups milk 1/4 cup apple juice 3 Tbsp lemon juice (lemon juice aids in the fermentation or breaking down the oats) In a separate bowl soak a handful of almonds or walnuts overnight. Like grains, if soaked, the goodness in nuts is made more easily available for your body. The water will turn brown due to tannins in the skin. Roughly chop the drained nuts. (Discard the soaking water). The finished Birchers Muesli creamy with a crunch of the nuts and the freshness of the apple. The next morning mix in: nuts drained and chop to a size you want Grate 1-2 apples with their skins on 2-3 Tbsp runny honey 1 1/2 cups of plain Greek style yoghurt You can eat the muesli just as it is but I like to top with cut up seasonal fruit .. and in the muesli like to add as much apple as possible in a nod to the original recipe that contained more apple than oats I serve this with a mix of chopped up fresh fruit and a slurp of Flax seed oil. But you can be creative as you like with the fruits you choose or added seeds and nuts. I was surprised when my daughter Tansy said young Beau had a taste of the Birchers Muesli and really liked it. Being a 3 year old he is quite conservative with his breakfast usually preferring Weetbix or an egg. It's worth considering offering Birchers muesli to children for breakfast. Dr Maximilian Bircher-Benner, a physician based in Zurich in the 1900's put Birchers muesli on the map. As is the way with many recipes he didn't come up with the idea from scratch. While hiking in the Swiss mountains he came to rest at an alpine hut and was offered by a local woman a delicious and reviving dish of grated apple, mixed with soaked oats, lemon juice, condensed milk and almond meal. He realised this was the dish he needed to get his patients eating more fruit. Dr Bircher-Benner eating he muesli before he evening meal. It wasn't originally thought of as a breakfast food but as an entree probably because the apple aided digestion. Dr Bircher-Benner became increasingly interested in Naturopathy. He saw that food could help cure some of the ailments his wealthy clients suffered from. He set up what became a world famous sanatorium in Zurich where patients would partake in a diet high in fruit, vegetables, nuts and grains and he encouraged regular exercise. Birchers Muesli was a tasty way of getting them to eat fruit. This regime was seen as controversial by his peers in the 1900's so he was indeed a man ahead of his time. No need to limit this dish to breakfast - it's a most satisfying snack during the day. It will keep for a couple of days in the fridge so it's worth while making the quantity I have suggested. Oat-Banana Thickie This is an ideal "breakfast on the run" using soaked oats. I make this recipe using whatever fruit I have but I will give you the original Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe. Left: the Banana Oat Thickie as per Hugh's recipe; centre the addition of frozen mixed berries instead of ice cubes; right addition of about a Tbsp of freeze dried blackcurrants. Serves 2 2 Tbsp porridge oats soaked overnight 2 All Good Bananas (my choice) 300 ml Milk (or 150 yoghurt and 150 milk) 1 Tbsp runny honey 2-3 ice blocks You can use a blender or a stick blender to mix. Males 2 large glasses. This is the sort of recipe you can really have any combination of fruits. The banana gives body but you could reduce to one banana and add other fruit. It's particularly tasty with a handful of frozen berries. And try to find All Good Bananas that deliver a fair deal to the growers and have less harmful chemicals than other bananas on offer. Another addition I make is to add 2 Tbsp of whey protein powder to make this a truly power breakfast. You can choose to replace milk for fruit juice but keep those soaked oats they make the shake thick and rich and you get all those nutrients from oats. Frozen fruit or ice cubes make the drink lovely and cool. One of the important benefits of soaking oats before cooking or eating raw is to ensure the gluten is partially broken down making gluten easier to digest. And how about this for an incentive? You could avoid your "digestive mechanism breaking down with age or overuse, resulting in allergies, mental illness... chronic indigestion and candida albicans overgrowth." Sally Fallon, "Nourishing Traditions". It's not just oats that need soaking, all grains should be soaked before cooking including corn, quinoa, barley and wheat. Beau loves this story often read by Poppa Pete Just as the story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears has been handed down through generations, there is folklore about the value of oats. It is stated that strength, endurance, energy, beauty and perceptiveness are gained by those who regularly partake of oats (soaked of course).

I'm so excited to share these little animals I knit to go along with The Mitten by Jan Brett! Elise and I both love them so much, we're having trouble deciding who gets to sleep with them at night... ;) It was so much fun making this beloved story come to life. Elise knew exactly what I was up to - she even helped me choose the yarn! Whenever she overheard me telling someone about my project, she would start sneezing like the bear does at the end of the story,"Aaaa-choooo!!!!" The Mitten is one of those stories that is especially fun to retell with props... Alone... ...or with a friend! For all of you knitters out there, I made most of the animals from patterns I found on Ravelry. The badger, mole, and mouse were my own inventions! Here are a few pattern links, if you're feeling inspired to make your own set: bear fox (modified) owl rabbit hedgehog mitten Find me on Ravelry here and Facebook here!

Looking for some fun activities to do with your kids in the winter? Check out these hands-on fun for Jan Brett's The Mitten.

Jan Brett acitivities for sequencing and retell. The freebies include pages for The Hat and The Snowy Nap, along with other ideas.

1-2-3 Come Read The Mitten and Do Mitten Craftivities With Me! I LOVE the story The Mitten by Jan Brett. It was also a favorite of my Y5's. Her illustrations are nothing short of spectacular. To see her at work in her studio, click on this YouTube video link. It's onl...

"The Mitten" by Jan Brett is my favorite winter story. It's a perk of snowy days in Ohio. We have plenty of snow covered experiences and chances to talk about adventures in The Mitten. I was