this is new york. m. sasek. (212)

i checked out this is new york to read with the girls i baby-sit.  i had found these random new york coloring fans at the goodwill and needed a book to go along with coloring the fans.  i decided upon this is new york.

this is new york was originally published in 1960 and this new edition was published in 2003.  the book shares the sights and sounds of new york back in the 1950's.  some things are outdated is the empire state building being the tallest building in new york, but thankful most has stayed the same. 

it's a delightful book that i recommend you check out if you love the big apple.  the illustrations are great!! one day i hope to take my future child to new york and share this book before the trip.

here are my favorite illustrations:

of course, times square!!

macy's!

trinity church which is the oldest church in nyc.  (on my to-do list.)

harlem.

park ave.  this reminded me of my friend ivan, last time i was in nyc, he took me on walking tour which included park ave and grand central terminal.  he explained to me that he wants the MetLife building torn down because it ruins this view.  i agree with him and this drawing just reinforces my support!

i love the water tanks!

the guggenheim.  which i have yet to go to!

but yes check out this book, it's a delight!

tar beach. faith ringgold. (131)

i learned of faith ringgold's "tar beach" from the flavorpill post on multicultural children's books.

"tar beach", as i learned from the afterword, is a story quilt and is in the collection at the guggenheim in new york.  (seeing this is now on my nyc to-do list). 

(as you can seen in the picture, the story is written on the fabric.)

"tar beach" is based on ringgold's childhood.  her family and neighbors would spend summer nights on their rooftop, picnicking, playing cards and simply enjoying summer.  i also learned that mr. and mrs. honey were named so in reference to people always saying "'honey' this and 'honey' that", which i thought was cute.

"tar beach" is the story of a young girl who spends her summers flying via her imagination over the george washington bridge and around the city.  she was born on the day the bridge opened and so it is her "most prized possession".  my favorite image is of her wearing the bridge "like a diamond necklace."

her flying not only allows her to appreciate new york but it is also the inspiration for her dreams of a better future.  her father takes her to see the union building he is working on but due to his race he sadly can not join the union.  however, the little girl does not allow racism to stop her dream of a better life.  she plans on buying her father a building which will result in steady work and a happier life for her entire family.  it's seems like childish naïveté but every childhood should be filled with such home.

at first, i considered reading about a child from a lower social-economic class might seem new. however, if you think of all the grimm's fairytales, most of the children and families were initially poor and their good merit resulted in their riches.  in addition to that, i think its only my viewpoint as an adult that would classify her as poor.  i don't know of kids would be able to read between the lines about the hardships her family faced.  however for those kids that are aware because it is very much their life, it must be nice to be able to identify with the protagonist of a story.

though regardless of class, "tar beach" is a wonderful read because it teaches kids to dream big!