The Princess And The Pea

A new book by Kver Rachel Isadora

5.0 out of 5 stars I adore this book, January 27, 2009
By Jenifer Grady "lusciousliterate" (Chicago, IL) - I've searched, hoped and contacted publishers about an African-American version of the Princess and the Pea. This book is so much more than that. It's beautiful and the story is rich. It's not just a typical story with the characters colored in brown. It's got culture in the characters, the design, and the content. I am truly thankful to Ms. Isadora for producing such a lovely book.
5.0 out of 5 stars African American Princess, January 2, 2009
By Jupiter Reader (Jupiter, Florida) -
With so much emphasis on princesses these days, this story is the perfect foil for the wan pink varities. In a riot of color, this queen-to-be hops upon a bed of many quilts in African prints only to find the bed unsuited to a good night's sleep and hence wins the hand of the prince. Old tale, new award-winning graphics.
5.0 out of 5 stars Check out this book, October 24, 2008
By Street Guy Professor (New York City) -
This is a very clever book and I found the style captivating. It is interesting how Ms. Isadora combines the African theme and the fun of the story all packaged in a classic story. Mr. Andersen would approve!

The Leef Family Of KV

above some Times' articles mentioning the Leef's

Marion spoke about her good friend Teddy Leef and how she had an apartment on an upper floor in the E building. It was Teddy's mother Martha who thought she saw evidence of a wild party at Marion's house back in the 50's. I had forgotten that Teddy's brother Joe married my friend Richard's older sister Eva. When Marion mentioned the story I remembered that Eva emailed me about her connection to the Leef's

Hi David,
I'm Eva Karney, Richard's sister, now Eva Leef. It was a thrill to see your website about Knickerbocker Village. My nephew sent it to me. KV was a really special place when I was growing up. I'm six years older than Richard, and I too have fond memories of the carefree life we spent there. Do you remember the movies in the basement on Friday afternoons? The package room? It was a time when no one was afraid to walk in the basement or even over the roof when the elevators weren't working. Thanks for the tribute to my father's works. His books have a special place in all our homes. BTW, my husband is also from KV--Joseph Leef, lived there with his mother Martha, father Emanuel and sister Teddy (all deceased).

Sal Lombino/Evan Hunter/Ed McBain Pulp Covers 2

audio: theme music from naked city and the police story
I wonder whether Sal knew another KV pulp fiction writer, Jack Karney, when he lived at Knickerbocker Village

Recommended Reading: The Adventures Of Taxi Dog

from ny1.com
by Debra And Sal Barracca. Illustrated by Mark Buehner
Debra used to be Debra Miller of Knickerbocker Village. "Go know" that after the hullabaloo I made about "Big Yellow Taxi" we would have among us the author of the Taxi Dog Series

"My name is Maxi, / I ride in a taxi / Around New York City all day." This rhythmic beginning sets the tone for the beguiling tale of a former stray dog. Jim, a taxi driver, finds Maxi in a park, takes him home and feeds him and, from then on, takes his new friend with him to work every day. Maxi loves the sights, the sounds and even the occasional emergencies--but most of all he loves Jim, who saved him from the streets. Jim is surprised when he begins receiving big tips, but readers--and this canny canine--know the reason why. The Barraccas' narrative so perfectly echoes Maxi's jaunty attitude that children might suppose that being a New York taxi dog is the best job in the world. Buehner's black, yellow and white borders that surround the text cleverly suggest Checker cabs, and his use of dark, intense colors suggest a New York that is both familiar and funny. For dog fanciers, taxi riders and lovers of fine picture books, this is a sheer delight. Ages 4-8.