Top 5 parenting books for real people

I’ll admit – straight up – I’m not a parent, and never will be. What I am is a very-nearly-lifetime aunt and great-aunt (I was 7½ when my first nephew was born, so I barely remember a time I wasn’t an aunt).

So, watching my siblings raise 10 children, and THEIR children raise 11 children (with another on the way), has given me some insight into parenthood. Not to mention the realisation that it’s not like many parenting books say it is. Seriously, some of the titles and covers just make me nauseous – they are SO saccharine, I can feel my teeth rot in my gums.

Parenting is hard work (ok, they say that);pregnancy can totally suck (and resemble those scenes from the Alien movies, when the alien rips its way out of people’s chests); childbirth is still risky (and can be life-threatening); and, children have personalities before they’re born so a large part of being a parent is figuring out how to work WITH them… And, yes, there is a lot of joy, too…

In honour of the hopefully-soon (the sooner the better for the mother) arrival of the latest great-niephling (shorthand for niece / nephew / sibling), I found these five books that rip the rose-tinted glasses off parenthood, and tell it like it is… And, hopefully, make real people feel like they’re normal when they struggle with this whole parenting thing…

NB: a lot of the ‘humorous’ parenting books do seem to attract wildly different opinions. Some think they’re 5-stars, best parenting book ever!; while others wonder why they were published. I’ll leave you to form your own opinions.

Honourable mention:

1. Balance is a crock, sleep is for the weak : an indispensable guide to surviving working motherhood / Amy Eschliman and Leigh Oshirak 
2. It gets easier! --and other lies we tell new mothers / Claudine Wolk

Top 5 wedding readings

"True love stories never have endings."
 - Richard Bach

Since I relocated to Central City Library, my life is a mad whirlwind of meetings. Blogging, I'm sad to say, has been kicked to the backburner for a bit. I do miss it something awful. After all, it was a chance for me to fangirl over books, music, television, staff, libraries in general, and romance novels in particular *gets misty eyed* That's why I was about ready to hug Lucy when she said she had a post for me. YAY LUCY! (And you all know how I am about hugs - germs, feels, space invasion, ugh). Today's post is by the very lovely Lucy, a senior librarian with Collections. (What she doesn't know about books ain't worth knowing).
 - tosca

Lucy
Ah wedding season, don’t you just love it! I was asked (well mostly I offered repeatedly until I was accepted) to read at a wedding last weekend. I’m a big fan of the wedding reading, and took great pleasure in finding something original. And as a children’s librarian, the first place I always look is kids’ books. So, if you’re planning a wedding, or are planning on inviting yourself to do a reading at a wedding, here are my top five suggestions.

Top 5 get-your-geek on

Ok, I’ll admit it – I’m a Doctor Who / Torchwood / Star Trek / Star Wars pseudo-geek. I know enough to sprinkle references and quotes into pretty-much-every conversation, but I can’t do it word-for-word. [My ex’s PIN is a line from Star Wars: A New Hope. Yes, I still know it. No, he hasn’t changed it.] Some of us at work refer to ‘Worf Days’: from the times Worf said 'maybe today is a good day to die' (from a Klingon phrase Heghlu'meH QaQ jajvam). When you know it’s all going to be full on, like an invasion or an attack – and you just go into the day full steam ahead and take on whatever comes.

The preponderance of Doctor Who related titles makes me fully aware of where my geekdom loyalty lies.   Honourable mentions:

The science of Doctor Who by Paul Parsons

Star Wars: where science meets imagination / introduction by Anthony Daniels

Top 5 books for a roadtrip

"Babies are born with the instinct to speak, the way spiders are born with the instinct to spin webs. You don't need to train babies to speak; they just do. But reading is different."
— Steven Pinker

Today's list is courtesy of the fabulous Anne, Libraries Advisor Youth Service Development. Take it away, Anne :)

We had a discussion earlier this year about whether or not reading was natural. Like we all know from experience – babies make noise. It comes to them as naturally as some of their other bodily functions. In fairness there is an element of learning as they pick up the sounds and make sense of them, but in much the same way I believe movement is a babies first language, sound (or speaking) comes in a very close second. However reading is something that they have to learn to do.

And that may be one of the reasons why the joy of listening to a story never grows old. I am a fan of stories, storytelling and, by extension, this year have become a fan of the audio book. It may be something to do with an increasing commute and disillusionment with some of the random radio stations my car tuner picks up. It may just be one way to read a book without having to turn a page. It certainly does have its up side as while I am still number well down the list waiting my turn for a copy of J.K. Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy, I have already read it... on audio book. There might not be as many copies available through the library system, but as many people have not yet discovered the advantages of the audio book, they still come through much quicker.

So for those of you about to embark on the traditional long holiday haul to other parts of the country, here are my Top 5 to make the drive more bearable (and with something for everyone).

Top 5 Georgette Heyer historical romances

List by Annie

"My style is really a mixture of Johnson and Austen - what I rely on is a certain gift for the farcical. Talk about my humour if you must talk about me at all!. . . I don’t know about my historical feeling: I’d prefer a timely word about my exact detail. Talk about my books as being just the job for people who are fed-up with kitchen sinks and perverts, and want a gay romance, with authentic period detail. I know it’s useless to talk about technique in these degenerate days - but no less a technician than Noel Coward reads me because he says my technique is so good. I’m proud of that."

~ Georgette Heyer, quoted in The Private World of Georgette Heyer. 1984. 152-153

Oh Georgette! Mention her name in any given group, and there will be a number of people (not just women) who will come over all fangirl / fanboy. If you asked for their favourites – debate would be vigorous. Positions and opinions would be heartfelt. But, at the end of it, we would all agree that reading Georgette was life changing. I’m serious here.

When it comes to moulding your future reading tastes and inclinations, one author will often stand out. For romance readers, particularly historical romance readers, it will be Georgette. Oh, we’ll have flirted with others. Maybe we have current favs and raves, but… our hearts will always belong to Georgette. And, if we think about it, our current favs will have Georgette-like qualities. (Seriously – I <3 Julia Quinn. Witty. Great supporting cast. Quips. Jaded heroes. Opinionated heroines. All found in Georgette.)

Can’t you tell I WAAAYYY-more-than-<3 Georgette? Normally my Top 5 intros are so short. I can rave and rave and rave about Georgette for days and days and days…

Instead, I’ll move on and rave and rave and rave about my favourite books instead.

Top 5 picture books about knitting

"Knitting is a boon for those of us who are easily bored. I take my knitting everywhere to take the edge off of moments that would otherwise drive me stark raving mad."
- Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much

If I could spend my days knitting and sleeping (with TV on in the background – and the occasional book to read), I would be very happy...

I <3 knitting. The meditative state it puts me in. The maths and problem solving. The physical nature of it. The pleasure in completing something. The joy in seeing that something being used and enjoyed.

One of my sisters made a rude comment once about handknitted socks – why did I bother making them when they’re so cheap to buy. So, being vengeful… I didn’t give her a pair for her birthday. And then, she had to listen to five other family members rave about their handknitted socks. So, I relented. And she said 'it's like putting your feet into heaven...' and that’s why I knit.

Because I really do knit love into each stitch (yeah, maybe a few swear words, or exasperated sighs along the way, but I try to keep them down)...

These picture books celebrate and acknowledge the love and caring – and addiction – that goes into knitting.

Nearly-made-the-list:
* Knitty Kitty / David Elliott ; illustrated by Christopher Denise
Knitty Kitty is knitting a scarf, a hat, and some mittens for her kittens, but when night falls and the snow comes down, the kittens request a blanket to keep them warm but Knitty Kitty has a better idea.

Annie’s comments: I appreciate the love that Knitty Kitty expresses through her knitting. But, the illustrations are a bit confusing for younger readers. Knitty Kitty is anthropomorphised – knitting, in a chair, dressed in human clothes… but her kittens are kittens. You know, cat-like... and she’s human-like. Mixed messages at best.

* Noodle's knitting / Sheryl Webster ; [illustrated by] Caroline Pedler
A mouse named Noodle finds a ball of wool and decides to knit a scarf, which grows so big that she is trapped inside her house.

Annie’s comments: Noodle shows the dangers of knitting – sometimes knitters become obsessed… and sometimes beginner knitters need to be reigned in – and taught how to cast off – before their knitting project takes over the world. Cute.

Annie Hoot and the knitting extravaganza / Holly Clifton-Brown
http://www.elgar.govt.nz:80/record=b2492044~S1 "Annie Hoot, an owl, loves to knit, but the other owls in the woods will not wear the clothes she makes for them so she goes off in search of other animals that will appreciate her knitwear."--Publisher's description. Annie’s comments: yeah, ummm… this one cuts a little too close to the bone :D. My name, the owl – and the frenetic, knitting-fixes-all attitude… and the lack of appreciation those closest to you can sometimes show towards your lovingly meant gifts. No, it’s not my picture book autobiography – but it feels like it could be.

Extra yarn / by Mac Barnett ; illustrated by Jon Klassen. http://www.elgar.govt.nz:80/record=b2649749~S1 With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.

Annie’s comments: I want Annabelle’s knitting box. Seriously! Do you have any idea how big my yarn stash is? I think I’ve reached the level of SABLE (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy... ie more knitting yarn than I will ever deal with in my lifetime). Not so sure I’d knit a sweater for a ute, tho!

With love from Grandma / by Harriet Ziefert ; pictures by Deborah Kogan Ray
Sarah’s grandmother loves to knit, and from her needles emerge hats and gloves, mittens and socks, sweaters and scarves, all to keep her children and grandchildren warm. Now it’s Sarah’s turn to get something extra-special: a big, beautiful afghan, made from wool Sarah has chosen herself. Something that large takes time, however. Summer turns to fall, school begins, Halloween comes, then Thanksgiving. Finally, Grandma announces she’s coming to visit—with the afghan. Sarah’s wait is almost over. But there’s still one thing left to do...

Annie’s comments: This is a heart-warming story of family love and traditions, and the joy to be found in precious handcrafted heirlooms.

Mr Nick's knitting / Margaret Wild & Dee Huxley
Mr Nick and Mrs Jolley met every morning on the train, where they both sat knitting until they got off. One morning Mrs Jolley wasn't there; she was in hospital. Mr Nick knitted her a present that would make her happy and help her get well.

Annie’s comments: knitters really do understand each other – and friendship can be formed, based on the fact you both knit. This book celebrates the knitting community and support that comes from within it. When a friend of mine lost their apartment in Christchurch, due the February earthquake, I cried. And I wondered what I could do – in Auckland. I knew she knitted. So I sent her down a copy of my favourite sock pattern (I’d sent her one earlier), a ball of my favourite sock wool, a set of needles, a sewing-up needle, and a card. And it made her cry, but in a happy way.

The story blanket / Ferida Wolff and Harriet May Savitz ; illustrated by Elena Odriozola
Babba Zarrah has a beautiful woollen sitting blanket, which the children sit on to listen to her stories. Babba Zarrah always says that 'every question has an answer', and when she realises the villagers need new clothes, Babba Zarrah begins to unravel her blanket in secret to make them. She makes so many surprises that soon there is no more blanket to sit on. But when the villagers discover Babba Zarrah's secret, they decide to give Babba Zarrah a surprise in return...

Annie’s comments: I love Babba Zarrah. What’s not to love? She gathers the children together on her blanket and tells them stories. She loves her neighbours so much, she sacrifices her blanket to keep them warm (even the tailor’s cat). And her neighbours respond in kind. Warmth and love leap out of this book.

List by Annie

Top 5 anti-kissing picture books

List by Annie, Central Library

'A child's kiss is magic. Why else would they be so stingy with them?'

~ Harvey Fierstein

There’s a stage when your little guy doesn’t want a kiss or a hug – from mum, or auntie, or… These picture books acknowledge that stage, and its passing.

What I want to know is – why is it mostly aunties who are the problem? I can’t remember any of my nephews (and it’s always boys in these books) having an issue with their aunties, or grandmothers. Mothers, though, they were a different story. So, those ‘no kisses from mum’ books may be right. Or, maybe I was lucky in my nephews. Hmmm… wonder how well the great-nephews will survive?

Honourable mention:
No more kisses! / by Margaret Wild ; illustrated by Nina Rycroft.
Baby has had enough kisses. He squirms and giggles and cries Stop! Stop!. Then he runs away, across the garden. His friends playfully chase him - until baby turns the tables and tries to kiss them instead!

Rollicking rhymes and backyard fun, with a great repeating refrain, make this a wonderful read aloud.

Top 5 quirky food books

List by Annie, Central Library

I have long believed that good food, good eating is all about risk. Whether we’re talking about unpasteurized Stilton, raw oysters or working for organized crime ‘associates,’ food, for me, has always been an adventure.
~ Anthony Bourdain

From my posts, anyone would think I liked food and cooking. Well, I do, but more from a theoretical point of view, really.

I’m fascinated by the history of food and its impact on society – now and in the past. Oh, and if there happens to be a couple of recipes thrown in, I might even be tempted to try them out.

Honourable mentions:
What the great ate : a curious history of food and fame / Matthew Jacob and Mark Jacob ; with illustrations by Rick Tuma.
No recipes (worse luck) but a collection of interesting / intriguing anecdotes about people and food.

Mosh potatoes : recipes, anecdotes, and mayhem from the heavyweights of heavy metal / by Steve Seabury ; foreword by Chris Caffery ; introduction by Luke Tobias.
This held so much promise – and it still has an appeal, but some of the ingredients might be difficult to source in New Zealand.

Top 5 picture books with non-traditional illustrative styles

List by Annie, Central Library

'The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.'
~Paul Strand

We're used to seeing picture books illustrated traditionally – you know, pen and ink, watercolour, oils, photos… Just like in non-book art, illustrators are branching out and playing with other media. What is interesting is seeing how well, or not, these 3D techniques translate to the 2D, flat image seen in a picture book page. That said, it can be difficult even with 'traditional' media to figure out what technique was used.

Top 5 'lifestyles of the rich and philandering'

List by Rachel

"You know sometimes the public and press gets it wrong."
~ Jesse James, People magazine

Rachel Randall, customer service advisor at Botany Library and fab reviewer of Katy Perry, cookbooks, style guides and more, sent in this list of biographies about (and monologues by) her top 5 bad hubbies and scandalous baby daddies that just couldn't keep it zipped. You might not approve of their lifestyle choices, but apparently they make for pretty entertaining reading and listening!

Top 5 books I’m waiting impatiently for…

List by Annie, Central Library

Like many library members – whether staff or customers – I have a list of requests. Some of them I’m waiting for with more impatience than others.

Top 5 most looked at Top 5 posts

List by Tosca

"Good taste is the excuse I have given for leading such a bad life."
- Oscar Wilde

Have you led such a bad life, readers? Do you have excellent taste in books, movies, music? Only time, and blogger's inbuilt stats tools, know :) I was poking around in the Stats section of our Top 5 blog and came across info displaying the most looked at pages...which translates into this fly-by posting of our top 5 most looked at Top 5 posts. Oy, what a mouthful! And you know what? They tell me next to nothing about your varied interests at all LOL You'll find a link to each of the separate posts below as well as their full introduction. Enjoy :P

Papakura Library guest post: Top 5 magazines I like to borrow from the library

List by Emily

"Books can be dangerous. The best ones should be labeled "This could change your life.""
- Helen Exley

A bit of a boring title for a Top 5 list I admit, but I realised no one had done a magazine list, so thought why not be the first.

Here are my (and/or my hubby’s) favourite magazines that we can borrow (for free!!) from the library. They happen to all be New Zealand magazines - what a patriot I am - but there are also lots of international magazines available at the library as well.

Feel free to share what magazines you like.

Top 5 items I'd borrow from the library if I was allowed to have a library card

List by Rosie

"An old rat is a brave rat."
- French proverb

As far as I know, the library is a cool place to go and get out books, DVDs, CDs and more, but unfortunately I can’t borrow stuff from the library because you have to be human to have a library card! If I did have a library card though, these are the top five things I’d borrow.

Papakura Library guest post: Top 5 British films to make you laugh out loud

List by Emily

"Humor is merely tragedy standing on its head with its pants torn."
- Irvin S. Cobb

I love films and watch a wide variety of genres, including comedy, romance, thriller, action, drama, indie, musical, documentary, fantasy, the occasional sci-fi and once or twice a horror.

When it comes to comedic movies, again I watch a variety, but I find one type of comedy to be a step above others more often than not.

The films that consistently tickle my funny bone are British comedies, which have a rather different style of humour to their often brash American counterparts – more subtle, dry and eccentric.

The following are five British films that I, and those watching them with me, thoroughly enjoyed and got a laugh (or two or twenty!) out of.

Papakura Library guest post: Top 5 picture books for adults to enjoy

List by Emily (Papakura Library)

"What is the use of a book', thought Alice, "without pictures or conversations?"
- Lewis Carroll

I was reading the Top 5 animated family flicks that bear repeat viewing post, and this comment struck a chord with me:

“Shrek is deservedly an animated classic, with not only a great plot but so many tiny in-jokes and sly digs that happily shoot over the heads of small kids and score a hit with parents.”

Not only is that absolutely true, but it made me think about how there are some really awesome picture books that the same could be said about.