in my book, faith ringgold is an artist and author extraordinaire. if you are unfamiliar with
her books for children the this is the perfect time to get to know her and read some of her stories to the children in your village.
given that february is black history month I recommend
dinner at aunt connie's house and
aunt harriet's underground railroad in the sky. along with introducing readers to a pantheon of famous african-american women these books bring a bit of magical realism into the world of children's literature.
I first got to know faith during the 1980s through her art quilts only later did I discover that she is also author of some of fabulous children's books. faith's quilts are unique and inspiring, in her quilts she combines painting, traditional quilt techniques and storytellling. within the african-american community narrative quilts have a long and powerful history. this month there's a new play which is opening at the
cleveland playhouse on the quilters of gee's bend. the story of the women of gee's bend is yet another tale both unique and inspiring - I can't wait to check out the play.
cassie's word quilt (2002) art and words by faith ringgold.
to learn more about faith ringgold visit her at her website -
click here!
for those who are interested in celebrating the year of the rat by getting a little more familiar with the natural history of brother rat, the bookmouse recommends two. the first book is for the 'mature' reader, rats: observations on the history and habitat of the city's most unwanted inhabitants by robert sullivan (2004) has the uncanny ability to create both respect and repulsion. 
the second book, oh rats! (2006) by albert marrin is aimed at younger readers (grades 3-6), but truth be told anyone interested in the subject will be pleased. unlike sullivan's book, this book is wonderfully illustrated by c.d. mordan (major disappointment with sullivan's book - NO PICTURES!) the collection of interesting facts and the incredible history about the rat will is simply amazing. will some cultures venerate the rat, others try and eradicate the rat. but friend or foe, the rat does deserves attention!
