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The Legend of the Adirondack Shark

Here’s some mindless fun — and I do mean mindless!

At the end summer, we joined three other families for a weekend camping trip at Forked Lake in the Adirondacks. Nine kids, seventeen folks in all.

It’s become a tradition for one of the fathers, Paul, to concoct a short, creative video with the kids. It’s a tradition, I emphasize, because so far we’ve been unable to stop him.

Alert viewers will see that I have a small but pivotal role in the film. Gavin, too, though you don’t see much of him. Maggie swims a bit and walks around in a bathing suit with a shark mask on her head. Yes, it’s that kind of movie. And my dear wife Lisa somehow got roped into the film’s most dramatic role — Lisa really had no idea what she was getting into.

Thanks, Paul, for the good times.

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Overheard: “One time I touched Grandma’s hair and it was hard. It was HARD!”

I don’t have a whole lot to add to that story, actually.

The line was recently spoken by my daughter, Maggie Ann, about my mother, Ann.

Another Starred Review for “A Pirate’s Guide”

This makes me happy. A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade earned a second starred review, this time from Publishers Weekly . . .

“This rambunctious first day tale is fit for any young buccaneer. Leading an imaginary crew who are drawn in pale pencil, the red-haired protagonist shines his “snappers” (brushes his teeth), breakfasts on grub and grog, and boards the “great, grand jolly boat” (also known as the school bus), journeying to meet his teacher: “Silver was her name, and a fine old salt was she!” The pirates are ever-present companions, sharing in the ups and downs of the day (“We counted and spelled ’till we nearly dropped, brain-addled and weary”). Preller’s buoyant pirate-inflected storytelling and Ruth’s illustrations, which have a decidedly vintage flair, form an exuberant tribute to imagination and a spirit of adventure.”

Summer Hours: Less Blogging, More Slogging

I plan to slow the pace of my blogging this summer — and I’ll try not to feel guilty about it. I’ve learned that there’s generally a downturn in readership in July and August, so it’s silly for me to knock myself out. Usually I try to come up with new content 3-5 times a week. This summer, I won’t be as prolific. At the same time, two new books come out in July, Justin Fisher Declares War! and A Pirate’s Guide to First Grade. So it’s not like I’ll disappear completely.

Thanks for stopping by, I really do appreciate it. Please continue to check back, but above all else . . . have a great summer!

Music Video Weekend: Mumford & Sons

” And my head told my heart,
‘Let love grow.’
But my heart told my head,
‘This time no,
This time no.’ ”
— Mumford & Sons, “Winter Winds.”

I’m 49 years old and I’ve been chasing the next great new band for the past 35 years. These days not as vigorously as in the past, but I’m still thrilled when I come across something new and wonderful.

And this week it’s the debut CD, “Sigh No More,” by the English folk rock quartet, Mumford & Sons.

Listening to them, I remember how much I liked David Gray’s voice when he first came out, and I’m reminded also of the Fleet Foxes and Glen Hansard (The Swell Season), as well as my affection for bands such as the Avett Brothers, The Dawes, Josh Ritter and Midlake.

Here’s “White Blank Page,” live from the Bookshop Session. Love the setting for this tune:

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Though I usually favor live clips, here’s an official video of “Winter Winds.” A great song and a joyous video.

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Here’s one more beauty, “The Cave.”

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Now go buy the CD. Or download a tune, or whatever it is that you do.