A review of The Sky Is Not Blue by Joy Jones and Sawyer Cloud

Recently, we've had gloomy skies and bitter cold where I live. This upcoming book is a good reminder to enjoy ALL the days!

Author: Joy Jones

Illustrator: Sawyer Cloud (perfect name for this book!)

Publisher: Free Spirit Publishing, 2024 (the Free Spirit imprint acquired by Teachers Created Materials)

Themes: Creativity, Self-confidence, Colors

Opening Line(s):

     "Ask Robert to name his favorite color. 'All of them!' he'd shout."

What I like about this book: The intriguing title pulls you into the story and the text uses lovely imagery to describe the sky as it changes with the seasons and the weather. It's a great text for classrooms studying alliteration. My favorite line is :Then a flash of silver slid like a straw through the milkshake-thick mist." The main character is a good role model for how to disagree, and be polite. Teachers teach children, but this story illustrates how children teach adults as well. The message to take time to look more closely at the wonders of the world resonated with me. The illustrations capture a diverse classroom, main character and teacher. 

Activities:

• You don't have to look farther than the back matter! Fun facts AND activities.
• Think of someone you disagreed with. How could this story help you interact with them?

This review is based on a review copy provided by the publisher. No payment was made. The honest review is my own.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday suggestions - visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blog!

Review of Make More S'mores by Cathy Ballou Mealey and Ariel Landry

 Writing in rhyme is hard to do. So when it's done well, it's a standout joy to read.

Make More S'mores is one of those fantastic rhyming books!

Author: Cathy Ballou Mealey

Illustrator: Ariel Landry

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2023

Themes: Friendship, Sharing, Food

Opening Line(s):

     "Glowing coals are finally ready.

     Roscoe holds his sharp stick steady."

What I like about this book: I'm a fan of books that do rhyme well. It's hard!! 

We also have a "Roscoe" that's been visiting our backyard, and stole a box of chocolate truffles that was sent to my husband and delivered to the side steps while we were away. On the security camera, I thought  Roscoe was knocking at the door! Turns out he probably needed more chocolate for s'mores, LOL.

The illustrations capture Roscoe's emotions well and use blue/pink and orange/blue contrasting tones to make the images pop off the page. Roscoe is the host I wish I could be. He's patient and sweet and a great role model for readers.

Activities:

• Make s'mores!
• Invite friends to share a treat with you and ask your reader/listener to help you calculate how much food/other treats you're going to need
• Discuss what you would do if there is only one cookie and two people want it. What if it's something you can't cut in half (like a stuffed animal or hair barrette)?
• Read another of the author's books and discuss which you prefer and why
• Make up a two-line rhyme about a food you like (keep going if you feel inspired!)

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday suggestions - visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blog!

Election-Focused Books for Young Readers: Ballots for Belva, Sofia Valdez, Future Prez AND The Walk

 

Happy back to school and back to picture book reviews!

With the upcoming elections, I’m recommending three Abrams Books for Young Readers titles to whet young readers’ interest. They each address a different angle related to our electoral process and work terrifically together!

1. The first is an affordable paperback reprint of a picture book biography that debuted in 2015.

Title: Ballots for Belva – The True Story of a Woman’s Race for the Presidency

Author: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

Illustrator: Courtney A. Martin

Themes: Voting, Politics, Persistence, Equality

Intended Ages: Publisher says K-2d grade. The text is dense (as many biographies are!) so I’d say 1^st-4th grade.

First line: “When Belva Lockwood was ten years old, she read that, with a little bit of faith, anyone could move a mountain.”

What I like about it: As a lawyer myself, I had heard about Belva, but I’m betting a lot of kids haven’t. In 1884, women didn’t have the right to vote—but Belva realized they could RUN for President. Talk about thinking outside the box! The way others around her interpreted her gumption and goal is a fascinating read. I’m also a fan of the unspoken message that you don’t necessarily have to succeed as you intended to be a success. The chicanery of the "political machine" is eerily reminiscent of present day. The illustrations capture the historical flavor and Belva's earnestness despite what others said.

Activities: The author has a nine page activity pack on her website!

• Host an "election" and make slogans, posters- suggestions - best meal, favorite book, best singer etc.

 

2. The second recommendation with another problem-solving angle will appeal to the younger readers. This is also an "older" title, published in 2019, still in hardcover.

Title: Sofia Valdez, Future Prez

Author: Andrea Beaty

Illustrator: David Roberts

Themes: Activism, Community, Problem-Solving

Intended Ages: K-2

First line: "Sofia was a baby who got things done, 

                   helping her family before she turned one."

What I like about it: Kids are little, but they do have power, and I like how this book reinforces that idea. Standing up for what we believe in can be hard. Scary! But that's the only way new voices get heard. I had to suspend disbelief a little bit in the scenes where everyone jumps on Sofia's bandwagon. If only life were so simple! But the overall message of empowerment is an important one. Bright illustrations accompany the couplets drawing the eye left to right with action. I especially like skewed orientation of the spread where Abuelo slips.

Activities:

The title from a NYT best-selling author attracts a lot of resource generation. You have to pay for some of these.

Picture Book Brain has a list of resources for Sofia. 

Teachers pay Teachers resources for Sofia.

Jodi Durgin's resources for Sofia

The author as FREE downloadables on her web page.

My suggestions? 

Ask young readers if they can think of a "community problem" (school or home) that they'd like to solve. Brainstorm possible steps! Then try one (or more)!

Ask young readers to ask the adults at home what they think a problem is in their community. Is it different than the problem the kids came up with? What do kids think about the problems adults see?

Ask young readers if Abuelo's injury was a good thing, or a bad thing.

Ask young readers to pick a favorite spread, and describe why they picked it.

Although the book is serious, there is humor. Can young readers tell you why Sofia visited the assortment of "offices" at City Hall?

3. The third book is another title for younger readers published 2023. 

            Author: Winsome Bingham

Illustrator: E. B. Lewis

Themes: Democracy, Voting, Community

Intended ages: preK-2

First Line: "My granny is taking me on THE WALK. 

'Because leaders are not born,' she says. 'They're made through molding and modeling.'"

What I like about it: The first lines are the most "telling" in the text. The rest of the story shows how a community feels the importance of adding their voice at the polls. Our country is based on the idea that each person has a voice (don't get me started on the electoral college!) and the text reinforces the weight of the simple act of showing up to vote. The text is spare and lyrical. E. B Lewis' masterful hand is evident in the illustrations and the art is breathtaking. The story focuses on girl joining her granny to walk in a Black community, but the messages of neighborliness and civic participation apply to everyone everywhere. Voting is important!

Activities: 

• The Teaching Books website includes a host of resources for The Walk including author interviews and lesson plans.
• The author's first book, Soul Food Sunday, was a Coretta Scott King Honor Book for illustrations, and a New York Times Best Book of the Year. Read both stories aloud and ask young readers to compare and contrast.
• E. B. Lewis has illustrated many picture books. Read another and compare and contrast his art style and the subject matter of the test. (The Other Side and Each Kindness are favorites of mine!)
• Share the "undie" (the cover under the dust jacket) and ask which cover the readers prefer and why.

I hope you enjoy reading up before the coming election. Every voice is important!

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday suggestions - visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blog!

Bird Rehearsal by Jonah Winter, illustrated by Stacy Innerst

 

A quick take on a new release!

The prolific award-winning author Jonah Winter Jonah Winter is back with a look at the birds in his Pittsburgh neighborhood. BIRD REHEARSAL is a nod to the variety of birdsongs. Some of the words used to mimic the featured bird’s song didn’t ring true for me—but I know that bird species have multiple songs and the Philadelphia flock may tweet in a different accent! Structured over the course of a day, the illustrations by Stacy Innerst are what I found most compelling. The vivid colors and chaotic composition mirrored the noisy cacophony I hear in our yard. I was a bit surprised to see the barnyard chicken included in the grouping – until I recently visited Kauai and the chickens were everywhere! I wish I hadn't seen the bred in the illustration by the duck pond that might encourage families to continue feeding inappropriate foods.

Summary: Kids will flock outside to practice their bird calls!

Bird Rehearsal, published by Cameron Kids, released May 14, 2024.

This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher.

Themes: Birds, musicality

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday suggestions - visit Susanna Leonard Hill's blognull!

If You Find a Leaf by Aimee Sicuro - Book Review

     My favorite place to be is outside. Even in winter, I bundle up and go out for my walk.

    Spending this much time outside, and growing up in a plant-loving household means I know the names of the local trees and the book I'm reviewing today is perfect for kids who are like me.

Title: If You Find a Leaf

Author/Illustrator: Aimee Sicuro

Publisher: Random House Studio, 2022, Concept book

Best for ages: 2+

Themes:  Nature, Creativity, Art

Opening Lines: 

    If you find a leaf

    You could dream the day away.

    It could be a hat on a chilly day."

Why I like this book:

    The way this book sparks a reader's creativity makes it appropriate for a wide age range. The leaf parade would be perfect for little ones and older reader's can make their own leaf-incorporated drawings. While the child and her dog have a dreamy quality, the leaves in the illustrations and vibrant, realistic representations. Using the endpapers, kids can learn to identify leaves as well as take inspiration from the suggestions in the text. What I like best of all is the way the book puts reader's in charge of their ideas. YOU can create whatever you want!

Activities:

    There are TONS of leaf activities available on the web, so I'll let you choose your own this time!

    The book includes an activity at the end for preserving leaves. I was always a press-between-paper or iron between two sheets of wax paper parent, so I learned something new! If you need more inspiration to create your own leaf drawing, illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi is one of my favorites for drawings that include pieces of nature as well as other 'found objects'. 

Let me know if you enjoyed this book recommendation in the comments! 

My review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday created and hosted by author Susanna Leonard Hill. The opinion in the review is wholly my own.

A DAY FOR REMEMBERIN'

 My family observes Memorial Day each year by hanging our flag. My heart is full thinking of the people who risk their lives to ensure the safety of our nation and its people. But--

I never thought about the origin of Memorial Day. My picture book book recommendation is for all of you who are like me. I missed a ton of books published during the pandemic when I was lying low.

A DAY FOR REMEMBERIN'

Author: Leah Henderson

Illustrator: Floyd Cooper

Publisher: Abrams books for Young Readers, 2021

The book opens with a  spread that includes a quote from Frederick Douglass, from his 1871 Decoration Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery and two paragraphs of historical context about the Civil War and Memorial Day. 

The story that drew me in begins on the next page.

"Nine days in a row.

Papa up early and gone again.

I still can't go with him, though. He said, "Eli, school's where you need to be--reading and counting." But I am counting. Right here. Day nine."

This work of historical fiction, imagining what it might have been like to experience the first Memorial Day, took my breath away. The inhumanity and humanity of man displayed in equal measures and unflinching honesty. I was spurred to learn about the historical place referenced, and what I learned stunned me again. I hope everyone enjoys learning this history as much as I did.

Activities:

• Brainstorm how you might remember those who lost their lives in service of our country. Some cemeteries use volunteers to place flags on veterans graves.
• Brainstorm how you might help those currently in service of our country. Have an adult check for legitimate organizations on websites like Military Pen Pals
• Research how other countries honor their veterans (we lived in the UK and were touched by the importance of Veterans Day there)
• Research the origin story for another holiday
• Read other patriotic picture books (Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus (Author), Kadir Nelson (Illustrator) and The Poppy Lady: Moina Belle Michael and Her Tribute to Veterans by Barbara E Walsh, Layne Johnson (illus) are two to start you off.) Do you have a favorite?

I enjoy hearing if you enjoyed this book recommendation. My review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday created and hosted by author Susanna Leonard Hill. The opinion in the review is wholly my own.

The Fishing Lesson

Title:  The Fishing Lesson                      


Author: Heinrich Boll

Illustrator: Emile Bravo
Adapted by: Bernard Friot (first published in German in 1963!)
Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2018
Intended Ages: 5+
Themes: Ambition, Contentment, Humor

Opening Line(s):
"In a small harbor on the coast, a man in shabby clothes dozes in his tiny fishing boat."
 
Synopsis: This book explores what it means to be contented. What is "enough" in life. A bit deep for the youngest readers, but I believe they will see their busy schedules mirrored in the action.

What I like about this book:

This book works on many levels. What it means to look at another culture from the outside. Tourism etiquette. Even the existential question of what it means to be content. Told in a contemporary graphic format with multiple images per page, the text is still fairly sparse for easy comprehension. A friend who works at my local library shared this book with me. Thanks, Eric! I must admit that I didn't recognize the author's name as a winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1972.

Resources:

•  Discuss what it means to be ambitious
• Write a list of goals, then discuss how you will know when you achieve them. For example, if you want to be a singing star--do you need to have a number one hit? If you do, would you continue singing after your song reached number one? What would you sacrifice to achieve your goals? Compare your answers with a family member or classmate.
• Enjoy your favorite seafood lunch!
• Read about another country. How would you act differently if you visited there?

I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Meet--Honeysmoke!

Title: Honeysmoke

Author: Monique Fields
Illustrator: Yesenia Moises
Publisher: Imprint (Macmillan) , January 8, 2019
Intended Ages: 3-6
Themes: Family, Racial Identity, Language

Opening Line(s):
Simone wants a color.
She asks Mama, "Am I black or white?"

Synopsis:
A young biracial girl doesn't see herself as black or white and explores possible descriptions for herself.

What I like about this book: Without being preachy, this story about a biracial girl’s skin color encourages children to pause and reflect about the words they use and opens the door for lessons on family, heredity, and creative wordplay. The spare language is suitable for all ages. Most things in the world aren't black or white, and this book embraces children's individuality and empowers them to visualize who they are and how they want other people to see them. Arnold Adoff used a similar approach in the 1973 picture book black is brown is tan, told from the adult parents' point of view. Honeysmoke starts and stays with the child. Vibrant illustrations accompany the simple text.

Resources and Activities:

Play with fingerpaints! Mix the colors and make up names for the new combinations.

Brainstorm descriptors. Older readers can do this on their own. For younger readers, perhaps provide a stack of index cards with adjectives, colorful and otherwise, and let children pick and discard from the stack.

Older readers can also discuss the weight of words as descriptions. Are broad categories necessary? Why or why  not?

For educators--Washington State has an 86-page pdf to download on biracial awareness, biases, and counseling biracial children.

I hope you enjoy today's selection!
Another review of this great book is posted by Vivian Kirkfield.

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

DREAM by Matthew Cordell #PPBF

Do y'all remember when I reviewed the book BOB, NOT BOB? I'll wait while you think. I know it takes me a few minutes to get the grey matter churning. Well, the book I review today is authored (and illustrated) by the illustrator of BOB. He also author/illustrated the book WISH, a companion title to DREAM which I somehow missed and am now headed out to find.

 

Title: DREAM
Author/Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, May, 2017
Intended Ages: 2-5 (I'm saying adults!)
Themes: Babies, Families, Love

Opening Line: "On the night you were born, our world shined bright as the sun."
Synopsis: Talking to their child, two gorillas reminisce about his birth, all the emotions they experienced and their dreams for his future.

What I like about this book:This concept book takes a sentimental journey through the parent-child relationship. Like LOVE YOU FOREVER, I believe the text will appeal more to parents than to children, but the illustrations are adorable for all ages. The babies in my life never asked about the day they were born, but this would be fantastic for those who do. As a parent, I re-experienced all of the emotions on this journey. The spare text packs a powerful punch. Just look at that first line! Yes, when a baby is born, night can become day. Everything feels possible in a way it has never felt before.
Perhaps to make it more relatable, the gorillas sleep on a "people" bed in a thatched cottage with tables, book shelves and a crib for baby. Gorilla lovers will note that the illustrations show a silverback (male), a female, and a baby, but using the gorillas instead of people lends a feeling of universality to the journey. The huge emotional moments are paired with soft, spattery dreamlike illustrations that expertly capture the raw feelings of these moments.
I recommend this book as a gift for expectant and new parents! I appreciate that it lacks LOVE YOU FOREVER's Lion King-esque circle of life and somewhat sad ending. There are moments of sadness in the book, but the resolution is a celebratory one.

Resources/Activities: Because I think this book is primarily a wonderful gift book for adults, the recommended activities are a bit different today!

• Write a letter to a child in your life to read when they're older, or maybe when they become a parent, telling them about the day they were born, or your hopes and dreams for them (or both, if appropriate)
• If you're lucky enough to have a parent figure still in your life, call or write a thank you.
• List your own current hopes and dreams
•  Ask a child about their own dreams for what they want to do or be. Ask how you can help them. NO judgment!
  

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Note: My review is based on a review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BOB, NOT BOB! #PPBF

     Can anyone find humor in being sick? Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick did.
     This book is a fantastic read aloud!
     If you know anyone, big or small, who has a stuffy-head---this is definitely the book for them.

 

Title: BOB, NOT BOB!

Author: Co-authors Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick
Illustrator: Matthew Cordell
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, February 14, 2017
Intended Ages: 4-7
Themes: Humor, Illness, Family

Opening Line: "Little Louie wasn't all that little. It wasn't like he needed his mom every minute of the day."
Synopsis: When Louie gets a bad cold, he wants his mom, but every time he tries to call her ("Mom"), the family Dog, Bob, comes running instead.

What I like about this book: The Spoiler is printed right on the cover, and kind of revealed in the synopsis, so I guess it's okay to share it. This book is to be read as if you have the worst cold ever. You know that voice. That pitiful, muddled, croaky voice that pleads for sympathy. That voice transforms a sick day into hilarity. The illustrations amp up the family dog's enthusiasm and glee, compounding the chaos and the protagonist's frustration. The conflict is resolved with a heart-warming Awww.

Resources/Activities:

• Make a list of things that make you feel better when you're sick
• Why is the first line of the story important? Discuss how people act differently when they don't feel well
• Discuss the differences between dogs and cats. Would the story be as funny if Bob was a cat? A sibling? A mouse? A dinosaur?
• Read this book with SICK SIMON. Discuss which you prefer and why.
  

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week.  I haven't read any other book like this, if you have, I'd love to hear about it in the comments!

This review is part of PPBF (Perfect Picture Book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books. Organized and curated by author Susanna Leonard Hill, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Note: My review is based on a review copy received from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. No other compensation was received.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Mermaid and the Shoe - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

      I read about this book somewhere and put it on my "list." If you're like me, your list can be long! And my library doesn't have all of the books. And my budget for book buying runs out waaay before my list ends. So I'm pleased that I finally got this book through inter-library loan. It was worth the wait!


TITLE: The Mermaid and the Shoe   

  AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: K. G. Campbell   
Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2014
Intended Age:
Themes: Self-esteem/discovery, adventure
Opening lines: "King Neptune had fifty daughters. 
                             They were his pride and joy."

Synopsis: When an unfamiliar item sinks into Minnow's world under the sea she sets off to find its purpose, and in doing so finds her own.

What I like about this book: It feels like an old fable. Going against current trends in picture books, the main character isn't introduced until the third page. First the scene, tone and mood are set. The muted underwater illustrations bring to mind the real-life shadowy underwater world, with bright colors saved for Minnow's peek of the world above water. But the bright colors don't signal a longing for another life or another world like other mermaid stories. Minnow's curiosity and fearlessness combine with an overlooked talent that makes this mermaid a happy one right at home where she belongs. One of my favorite lines is also one that may not be a favorite with everyone:
             "Useless!" hissed Calypso (for sisters can be mean that way). 
While I don't think all sisters are mean (!), for me it captured the tumultuous emotions of childhood, but others may feel differently. That's a good talking point below.
(Fun note: the author/illustrator also illustrated Kate Di Camillo's book Flora and Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures)

Resources:

•  Take a walk and look for lost objects. Make up stories about where they came from and what they can be used for. Some of the stories can be realistic, some fantastical! (Bring heavy gloves and a bag if you want to pick the objects up--they may be dirty or sharp! Have an adult pick it up.)
• Talk about brothers and sisters. Is this story an accurate portrayal of people you know? What could the older sisters have done differently? 
• An extensive review (giving away the ending-spoiler alert!) in School Library Journal
• Recycle an old pair of shoes as a planter, a jewelery box like Minnow tried, or some other idea you come up with!
  

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Thanks again for stopping by!

Lily The Unicorn -- Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

    In honor of Valentine's Day my recommendation today is about friendship. True, it isn't a "Valentine" story but rather a story of the silly, heartwarming moments that make me feel book love. Because the core is about love. Love and acceptance between friends.

TITLE: Lily The Unicorn
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Dallas Clayton  
Publisher: Harper Collins, 2014  
Intended Age: 3-87
Themes: Friendship, Fears
Opening lines: MY NAME IS LILY! I'M A UNICORN. I LIKE TO MAKE THINGS.
Synopsis: An exuberant unicorn tries to convince a penguin to go on adventures with her.

What I like about this book: The author nails the voice. She may be drawn as a unicorn, but Lily represents any (well-rested!) preschooler. Full of energy, optimism and viewing life through rose-colored glasses, Lily believes she can do ANYTHING. And that anyone can join her in her fun. She doesn't convince Roger the penguin as much as wear him down! The hand-lettered billowy text and illustrations look as if they could have been drawn by a very talented child. A maze of almost random objects placed next to each other on each page, linked by the vaguest threads just as a child's thoughts bounce from thing to thing. At first, the visual "noise" is a bit overwhelming if you try to read quickly. But the key is to slow down! The overall effect is charming. (I wasn't familiar with his books before, but the author successfully sold 50,000 copies of his self-published picture book, The Awesome Book before hooking up with Harper Collins.)

Resources: 

• View the first fifteen pages on HarperCollins website.
•  Watch the video (above) where Clayton tells how he eventually decided to put his first book online for free.
• Talk about things a child can do. Things they'd like to do. Things they are afraid of. Compare the lists--any similarities?
• Ask a friend (or or new!) to join you on an adventure.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, Susanna keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Thanks again for stopping by!

GRAVITY - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

     I look forward to Friday when I have a great book to recommend! TGI Perfect Picture Book Friday. 
     Today's recommendation--

TITLE: GRAVITY

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Jason Chin
Publisher: Roaring Book Press, 2014
Intended Age: K-3
Themes: Science
Opening lines: The author takes three lush double-spreads to tell us:
     GRAVITY MAKES 
     OBJECTS 
     FALL TO EARTH.

Synopsis: The difficult concept of gravity is explained in simple terms with playful illustrations. What would happen if there was no gravity?

What I like about this book: I love science. And I think kids want to understand the world around them. This book does that with humor and color and makes you stop for a minute and think about one of the basic forces that govern our world. The actual theories are mind-blowing in complexity but the tongue-in-cheek illustrations make the basic information fun, and suitable for the youngest in the intended age group. Back matter explains the concepts in more depth. Last week the Center for Children's Books at the University of Illinois named Gravity a Gryphon Honor Book!
     There's only one thing I don't totally love. The cover.
     I get that it incorporates playful elements to mirror the tone of the illustrations. And I adore the way the sun peeks around Earth. And the floating astronaut doll (even though I would prefer a non-stylized doll without the clear fishbowl globe helmet). The floating flotsam just doesn't work as well on the cover for me as it does paired with the text. Space monkeys anyone?
     If you're familiar with this book, I'd love to hear your reactions in the comments!

Resources:

•  MacMillan has a beautiful 7-page curriculum guide that includes Gravity as well as the other books by Jason Chin.

• The curriculum guide covers all of the author's books---so go find them at your library. Island: A Story of the Galapagos is another one of my favorites!

• Last week I stumbled upon the website "Stir the Wonder" that shares ways for kids to explore the world. Last week's post was on --Gravity! Featuring Jason Chin's new book and several ways to have fun while learning.

• Learn more! Read other books on the subject. Try Why Can't I Jump Very High by Kamal Prasad and Gravity is a Mystery by Franklyn M. Branley.

• If it's warm enough where you live, get on a swing set. Talk about why you have to work to go up, but not to come down. Play catch. Have fun.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Thanks again for stopping by!

Princess Sparkle-Heart gets a Makeover - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

Do you ever start reading a picture book, having a pretty good idea where the story is going from the very first page but not at all sure HOW the writer is going to pull it off?
The book I selected this week is one of those books. And the writing, the illustrations, the entire package is masterfully done!
I had read one of the author's other titles, Bedtime Monsters, and liked it but it didn't take me to the computer in a 'have to recommend it moment' like this one. My library doesn't have a copy of his Geisel award winning book (gasp, I know) so I am now on the hunt for that.

TITLE: Princess Sparkle-Heart gets a Makeover

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Josh Schneider
Publisher: Clarion Books, 2014
Intended Age: 4-8
Themes: This book has so many layers, it's hard to pigeonhole it.
I'm going to grit my teeth and say: Toys, Accidents, Pets

Opening lines: Amelia and Princess Sparkle-Heart were best friends.
                        GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR (more R's in the original)

Synopsis: A girl's dog is jealous of the girl's new doll.

What I like about this book: SPOILER ALERT-the beauty of this book is hard to talk about without giving away the ending. So, if you don't want to know what happens, don't read. The cover kind-of gives it away . . . .
The story begins on the title page, and continues on the dedication page before you get to the start of the text. The story might seem to begin abruptly if you don't see those illustrations. Perhaps recognizing a bit of myself, I loved the combination of the shoeless girl in overalls and the girly princess doll. (and the girl's crazy fly-away hair although mine was never red!)

The gutter isn't "scary" black in real life

Favorite toys have accidents or wear out. That's life. And the author takes an unflinching view of this event when Princess Sparkle-Heart is torn to shreds. The story is done so well with perfectly understated text, for a moment I had to pause in reading the climactic scene. The girl's mother does play a role in the "solution" but it didn't bother me. What felt genuinely touching is the girl's ultimate satisfaction in the "new" doll with a unstated nod to what makes a toy, or each of us, US. And what makes a princess, a princess. My favorite childhood toy was loved-through several times and reupholstered yet I never remember being upset by this. Just glad that Harry (I named him after the dirty dog) was still with me. And the dog in the text isn't punished for doing what came naturally.

Resources: FYI: There is an American swimmer with the same name as the author, and his information comes up first in google searches.
 Houghton Mifflin, the parent company of publisher Clarion Books, provides an activity page for making your own Princess Sparkle-Heart. I think this is a great way to preserve pieces of outgrown favorite clothing. I made a patchwork bedspread with favorite clothing scraps when I was in 8th grade, and I smile when I recognize the events it represents. Of course, I actually sewed some of my clothing (why I looked so rag-tag!) and sewed clothing for Barbie and trolls and . . .so it helps if you are a sewer to begin with.

You can see Josh thank the committee for his Geisel award in this 24 second video.

For writers/illustrators, Josh doesn't seem to have a website--too busy winning awards--but Houghton Mifflin has a nice author interview and view at his creative process here.

For kids, talk about which toys they'd invite to a tea party and why. Then have a party--YUM!
Talk about taking care of your toys. What can be fixed and what can't? Repair or donate some of the toys at home.

Read the Kirkus review here.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF 

Thanks again for stopping by!

Put Your Hands in the air for Punxsutawney Phyllis' 10th Birthday celebration!

     I missed the Christmas story event (ah, but the vacation was wonderful!) but can not, will not let the tenth anniversary of Punxsutawney Phyllis pass without participating in Susanna Leonard Hill's book birthday poetry extravaganza.

     Now, what to write?
     The ode idea sounded too dark.
     And the video? Well, my phone predates that option.
     So I thought, how can I get ya'll in the party mood without the audio?
    Weird Al Yankovic knows.
     Parody!
     I picked a song I think most of you will know.
     If you've been under a log and don't know Meghan Trainor's tribute to her butt, you can see her sing it with Miranda Lambert at the CMA awards or with Jimmy Fallon.
     Feel free to sing along as you read my poetic contribution to mankind below. "Cause Phyllis' book birthday is THAT important.
    It is an ironic choice of music since the original song is hardly an anthem of female empowerment, mixing a message of self-acceptance with the need for booty-shaking attention. And the original lyrics have a few words not suitable for younger listeners, which doesn't match the demographic for the book celebration. But there you have it. We all need a bit of iron in our diets, n'est ce pas?
     [Note: apologies to Meghan Trainor and Susanna Leonard Hill for this piece of insanity]

ALL ABOUT THAT RODENT

Because you know that,
It's all about the rodent
'Bout the rodent named Phyllis
It's all about her brains
'Bout that furry fem'nist
It's all about her brains
'Been ten years, no kidding!
It's all about the rodent
'Bout her brains
'Bout her brains
Hey, hey, ooh
You know you like that rodent.

HAPPY 10th Book Birthday, Phyllis. :)

If you want to join the fun, you can read more about the celebration on Susanna's blog. I don't recall that there were prizes but it's all about the fun (oops, here I go again!)

Pete's a Pizza - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

     My writing friend Julie Rowan-Zoch has an excellent series of recent posts on William Steig's books in honor of his birthday (he lived November 14, 1907 – October 3, 2003). He is one of the few authors whose entire body of work is a candidate for perfect picture books. Dr. DeSoto is a classic that ends up on many favorite picture book lists. But my favorite Steig book is a less fantastical story. And when I saw that it wasn't on the perfect picture book Friday list, I knew what my choice should be today.
     Remembering William Steig on his birthday-try saying this title out loud without smiling:

TITLE: Pete's a Pizza

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: William Steig
Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998
Intended Age: 3-7
Themes: Imagination, Play, Family

Opening lines: PETE'S IN A BAD MOOD. JUST WHEN HE'S SUPPOSED TO PLAY BALL WITH THE GUYS, IT DECIDES TO RAIN.

Synopsis: When rain interrupts a boy's plan to play with his friends outside, his father plays a game with him, pretending that the boy (Pete) is a pizza.

What I like about this book: This William Steig classic was published when he was 91. 9-1. Just Wow. And look at that big pizza-shaped face on the cover! Delicious. Parents are often absent in picture books. This book goes one step further with Pete's father taking the lead to help Pete shake off his gloomy mood. But it absolutely works. The father isn't didactic or heavy-handed. He has the child-like sense of creativity to carry the story. I love the tactile nature of their play. The illustrations focus on three characters (Pete, Dad and Mom) with subtle variations in changing graphic backgrounds. This is a book to be read and re-read.

Resources: You can see the story read aloud here:

There is also a cartoon animation of the story on YouTube, but for me, the artificial laugh track of the character didn't fit the vision in my head and I found it distracting. But if you want to see it, go here:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_ZlxRSHwJo

TeachingBooks.net has two lesson plans available.

Visit this Pinterest board for ideas linked to pizza. I can imagine any lesson dealing with words, colors or shapes is more fun when you make them into pizza toppings! October was National Pizza month, but I think pizza is year-round fun.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF 

Thanks for stopping by!Did you get snow last night?? We did. Perfect curling up with a book weather.
    

Round Trip by Ann Jonas - Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

     I have a secret ambition. I want to illustrate. Or maybe secret isn't the right word because I just told everyone. Unattainable ambition would be closer to the truth. I can doodle and "copy" but the individual spark of genius that I see in some illustrators' work skipped my gene pool. And that's okay. I've got plenty of other attributes. But sometimes when I see a particularly stunning book, I feel that ache.
     Prepare to feel the ache.
     This week I'm sharing an older title that stands the test of time.

Title: Round Trip
Author/Illustrator: Ann Jonas (Ann died in 2013 but you can read a profile of  her here and one obituary in the School Library Journal here)
Publisher: Scholastic, 1983
Intended age: 5-8
Themes: Travel, city/country
Opening lines: "We started out as soon as it was light.
                       Our neighborhood was quiet, the houses dark."
Synopsis: The author/illustrator uses black and white silhouettes to tell the story of a family's trip to the city and back.

What I like about this book: I have read armloads of books about trips to the city or vice versa. What makes this book special? The silhouettes are cut so that you page through the book to the end--but it ISN'T the end. At page 32 you flip the open book 180 degrees and page back to the start. Reading the book upside down. With the same illustrations "working" in both directions. Yes, it's a little bit gimmicky but it's done so well that I don't care. And yes, there are a few spreads where the story feels "tweaked" to fit the illustrations. But again, I don't care. It's so much fun to read and look at how the images mesh! Like the optical illusion of the Rubin vase/lady (see the vase/lady here), your eyes see one thing at a time, even though the other image is obvious as soon as you flip the book over. And as a Kickstarter campaign participant, I love the fact that it was a Reading Rainbow book.

Resources: If you have a teachingbooks.net account you can access an author interview and teaching guide for this book. This book is used as a resource for a lesson plan integrating math and reading titled "Going on a Shape Hunt" posted by Liza Cranston on readwritethink.org.
     Although the copy I bought at a used book sale was published by Scholastic, it appears that Harper Collins also publishes it and you can see a sample of several pages here. Better to do this on a laptop where you can easily turn the images around than on a tabletop monitor! If you want to hear the whole book, head to Youtube!

    Talk with your children about a round trip-to school or to a grandparents house. Do you take the same route each direction? How is the trip each direction the same and different?
     Talk about what a silhouette is and then after dark get a flashlight and make shadow puppets. Cut out silhouette shapes and look at them from different directions.

Above all, HAVE FUN! This book ignites imagination.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

This book IS an old one. Have you read it? Let me know in your comments. :) There is no Perfect Picture Book Friday next week, but I hope you'll stop by to read my Halloweensie story!

The HUEYS in IT WASN'T ME #PPBF

     Sometimes a book's gorgeous illustrations pull me in and  make me fall in love.
     The book I'm reviewing for Perfect Picture Book Friday has perfect illustrations. But they aren't gorgeous. Sometimes spare lines are all a masterful storyteller needs.

Title: The HUEYS in IT WASN'T ME

Author/Illustrator: Oliver Jeffers

Publisher: Philomel Books, 2014

Intended age: 3-5

Themes: Interpersonal relationships (arguments), humor

Opening Line: "The thing about the Hueys . . .
                      . . . was that most of the time they got along."

Synopsis: A family of jelly bean-shaped multicolored creatures is in the throngs of a disagreement when their brother arrives and settles the problem in a laugh out loud moment that mirrors reality.

Why I liked this book: Kid appeal oozes off each page. These are characters that kids can easily draw imitations of. The use of white space focuses the reader on the characters and their emotions. (Do you recognize this style from The Day the Crayons Quit? Yes, same illustrator!) And the way the initial problem morphs into a blame-shifting "It wasn't me" free-for-all is funny and relatable. Although unintentional in this instance, what parent hasn't used the tactic of distraction to tame some terrible moments? (Or was I the only one?) And, honestly, I have liked all of Oliver Jeffers' books. I reviewed The Incredible Book-eating Boy last year. Although this title is the second in a series (I believe it's now at three!) featuring these characters, I hadn't heard about them and wanted to spread the word.

Resources: Temper tantrums are a fact of life. Learning to deal with emotions is a lifelong process. Behavioral advisor, "Dr. Mac" has a page on problem resolution specially for kids (I liked the tagline "Be a thinker, not a stinker"). Other sites that deal with conflict resolution are the Women's and Children's health network (with a conflict resolution quiz), the Kids Matter site describing win-lose (sharks!), win-some (compromise) and win-win strategies (creative problem-solving) for elementary school ages and older, and teaching-guide materials at goodcharacter.com. 
 
A cute rap video about done by kids about conflict resolution:
(under 3 mins.)




This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

Supersister - #PPBF

     I have been doing research on sibling stories and fell in love with this title.
     You can leave me a comment below and let me know if you agree! The book was published in 2009, so maybe you're familiar with it already.

Title: Supersister

Author: Beth Cadena

Illustrator: Frank W. Dormer

Publisher: Clarion Books, 2009

Intended ages: 4-8

Themes: Older sibling, helpfulness

Opening Line: "Supersister bounds out of bed. Another super day.
                          Hark! A call from the kitchen. Mother is in need."

Synopsis: Told in a tongue-in-cheek manner, a young girl helps out at work and school taking on the role of Supersister. The illustrations show close-up shots of Mother's feet, and a head shot from a distance, but it isn't until the third spread from the end that we learn the reason Supersister is being so helpful.

Why I like this Book: The illustrator wrote and illustrated one of my favorite books, The Obstinate Pen. There's a lot of energy in his spare drawings. While there is humor in the book, the book doesn't go over-the-top in terms of how Supersister helps. Moments of getting dressed, getting her own breakfast, and being a good student at school take on super importance.These behaviors are all things a reader can emulate. Despite being a book with an obvious message, the author uses fun language so it doesn't come across preachy or hokey. I especially loved the moments when Supersister lets us know that superheroes are kids, too (and vice versa!) and checks if Mom is watching and listening.

Resources: DON'T READ THIS IF YOU DON'T WANT A SPOILER
     The baby that is going to make Supersister a sister hasn't been born yet.
     There are many websites to help prepare children for the arrival of a new sibling. The Baby Center and the What to Expect websites have practical information for expectant families.
     Read Kevin Henke's classic picture book Julius, the Baby of the World and compare that story and its main character with Supersister. Talk about how people react differently to changes.
     Websites with fun activities for older siblings while waiting for baby describes activities like helping to decorate the nursery and acting as family photographer.

This review is part of PPBF (perfect picture book Friday) where bloggers share great picture books at Susanna Leonard Hill's site. Along with tons of writing wisdom, she keeps an ever-growing list of Perfect Picture Books. #PPBF

MY BIBI ALWAYS REMEMBERS - SIGNED COPY GIVEAWAY!

     I have a special treat for you today in honor of National Grandparents Day!

     Wait. You didn't know tomorrow was National Grandparents Day? If that's the case, here's a link to the history of the day. It isn't a day-off-from-work-and-school "public holiday" but its observance was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. And when you consider all of the things we could be celebrating, grandparents seem like a great choice! There's a link to a great card to share with grandparents near the end of this post, too. :)

     And if you know me at all, you'd probably guess that I'd be celebrating with a book. And you'd be right. In this case, a new book from the awesome author and illustrator team of Toni Buzzeo and Mike Wohnoutka.
     Regular blog followers of mine may remember that I reviewed the last offering by this team, JUST LIKE MY PAPA last September. Perfect Picture Book Friday posts don't start up from the summer hiatus until next week, so I'm jumping the gun a bit but I wanted readers to know about this new book if you want to find the perfect book for kids to share with their grandparents this weekend in honor of the holiday. Or any weekend. Shouldn't we celebrate grandparents all year long? Yep.
 
TITLE: My Bibi Always Remembers

AUTHOR: Toni Buzzeo

ILLUSTRATOR: Mike Wohnoutka

PUBLISHER: Disney Hyperion Books, 2014

INTENDED AGES: 3-5

THEMES: Animals, grandparents, Africa

Opening Line: RUMMMMBLE!
                      Thirsty little Tembo hears her Bibi across the wide, parched plain.

Synopsis: An easily distracted young elephant follows the herd as it searches for water. The oldest grandmother elephant carries the knowledge and skill to lead "the way to wet."

Why I like this book: Elephants fascinate me. My family are long-time supporters of The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. I've never been to Africa or Asia to see these creatures in the wild and I have a hard time wrapping my head around the concept of the vast space these creatures need to live as they should. I love the book's message about passing knowledge from generation to generation. The author stole my heart on the second spread when she wrote that the elephants were coming "one by one, step-step, searching for wet." The illustrations aren't overly fussy, but small details, like dust devils in the distance, transported me to the elephants' world. Be
Note: This is a Disney book, so I felt a Bambi-like moment of terror when Tembo wanders away and the illustration appears backlit by the setting sun with lions and hyenas in the foreground! Luckily, the problem resolves on the next page. Whew! The combination of anthropomorphism and reality worked well for me.

Activities/Resources: Ms. Buzzeo provides extensive materials to accompany her books. You can find Common Core teaching guides and activities , including a cool Reader's Theater Script on her website.
If you want to learn more about the plight of elephants in the wild, back matter in the book steers readers to the Amboseli Trust for Elephants at www.elephanttrust.org. General information about elephants can be found in many places including National Geographic's website and the kid-friendly Animal Fact Guide.
There are an equally large number of elephant craft choices out there. The paper plate elephant contributed by Leanne Guenther to DLTK's Crafts for Kids blog made me smile.

Enter to win a signed copy of this book by leaving a comment for me! One name will be drawn randomly from all commenters at noon on Tuesday September 9th. I'll announce the winner later that day.
Read author/illustrator Q & A's and enter to win a copy of this book on other blogs by clicking the links to follow the entire tour for this new book:

Friday, August 29:

·         The Children’s Book Review – Author Guest Post

Saturday, August 30:

·         Momma Drama – Author/Illustrator Interview and Review

Sunday, August 31:

·         Book Rock Betty – Review and Signed Giveaway

Monday, September 1:

·         Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers – Author/Illustrator Guest Post and Review

Tuesday, September 2:

·         As They Grow Up – Review and Signed Giveaway

Wednesday, September 3:

·         Susan Heim on Parenting – Review and Signed Giveaway

Thursday, September 4:

·         Kid Lit Frenzy – Author Guest Post and Signed Giveaway

Friday, September 5:

·         Mundie Kids – Author/Illustrator Interview and Signed Giveaway

Saturday, September 6:

·         Noodling with Words – Review and Signed Giveaway

Sunday, September 7:

·         The Power of One Writer – Author Interview

Monday, September 8:

·         There’s a Book – Review and Signed Giveaway

And FINALLY, since I started this post talking about the link to National Grandparents Day, download a completely adorable card to make for grandparents from the author's website here. Just download and fold!

Remember to leave a comment to enter the giveaway! As a disclosure, an early advance copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for my review.