THE LIBRARY BUS by Bahram Rahman, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

 When I was young, the library was far away and my mom worked and didn't have time to drive me. But the bookmobile came to our neighborhood and I checked out as many books as I could carry! 

The books I read were knowledge, but also good friends. So this book recommendation speaks to my heart:

Title: The Library Bus 

Author: Bahram Rahman

Illustrator: Gabrielle Grimard

Publisher: Pajama Press (2020)

Themes: Books, Girls, Refugees

What I liked about the book:

I have a personal connection to bookmobiles and the author's own connection deepened my appreciation for the book. The author grew up in Afghanistan--where the story is set--and wrote the story to tell children about the struggles of girls, like his sister, who were forbidden to go to school. While things improved in this region for a short period of time, now the restrictions have returned and the book is more relevant than ever.  Warm illustrations depict the happiness, and leave the struggle for later discussion. The Library Bus is a love letter to literacy for all.

A Teaching Guide for The Library Bus can be downloaded from the publisher's website.

If your area has a bookmobile--go see it! How does the selection compare to the library's?

Meet the author:

Author's interview about equality, literacy and collective memory.

Youtube video after author won 2021 Middle East Book award

The author has a new book released Nov 2021 : SKY BLUE BENCH which I haven't read yet.

This review is part of Perfect Picture Book Friday where author Susanna Leonard Hill curates a selection of recommended books for kids for parents, teachers, writers, librarians and gift-givers.

 

For those of you who are wondering where the posts went--- I had the draft of a post ready to go in January. Then, my mom passed away two days before the end of 2020. I didn't want to celebrate the new year, or anything else. 

Those of you who use my blog to help find book suggestions, here are a few links to other blogs I personally refer to that have helped to get the word out about fantastic new picture books while I was on hiatus.

Susanna Leonard Hill's Perfect Picture Books: https://susannahill.com/for-teachers-and-parents/perfect-picture-books/

Kirsten W. Larson's Books for Curious Readers on IG and Youtube: https://kirsten-w-larson.com/2020/07/27/youtube-ig-tv-book-reviews/

 John Schu: Books. Connect. Read. http://mrschureads.blogspot.com/

The Brown Bookshelf : https://thebrownbookshelf.com/

 I haven't been totally absent from the writing world. I've been drafting and writing shorter pieces. Some for "work" and some just for my own fun. Amanda Davis' #haikufromtwo Storystorm challenge is one example of the fun writing. (Select two words at random from a book you just finished and write a haiku--it doesn't have to have anything to do with the book). Today was my sixth haiku post for IG (PAPBwriter):

#HaikufromTwo #6 by Wendy Greenley

Two random words from Disappear Doppelgänger Disappear by

Matt Salesses

Writing Exercise inspired by amandadavis_art #Storystorm

 

Trouble and Troubling

Startling words selected

Karma, Fate or luck

 I'm also part of a panel discussion this weekend. The book festival is FREE, so register now:

 Hopefully, I'll be back to the regular picture book review posts soon. Meanwhile, I wish everyone a belated Happy New Year.

YOU ARE NEW by Lucy Knisley

Title: YOU ARE NEW                               

Author/Illustrator: Lucy Knisley

Publisher: Chronicle, 2019
Intended Ages: 4-8 (I would say 2+)
Themes: Beginnings, Love

Opening Line (s): "HELLO, YOU! YOU ARE NEW.
WHEN YOU'RE NEW . . . WHAT CAN YOU DO?

 Synopsis: A slice of life look at the arrival of new babies, and all of the new situations they encounter and new skills they achieve.

 What I like About this book: While this is a perfect book for expectant parents, it's also a good read aloud for the toddlers that will recognize themselves in the illustrations and a reminder to children as they grow older that everyone is dealing with new things all the time. Even adults! The text is printed in big block letters with rhyme, repetition and simple illustrations, making it a good candidate for new readers.
 
Resources:

•  Do something new! Can't leave your house because of COVID-19? Do something new at home. HGTV had a good list of activities for parents and kids recently. It made me want to make my own paper! Maybe look in the back of the pantry for something that needs to be eaten and try a Chopped style family cookoff. Be new!

I hope you enjoy this book. Happy reading!

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

Let's Dance!

Title:    Let's Dance                 


Author: Valerie Bolling
Illustrator: Maine Diaz   

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press, 2020
Intended Ages:3-7
Themes: Dance, Rhyme

Opening Line(s):
"Tappity-tap. Fingers Snap."
 
Synopsis: A rhyming survey of dance styles.

What I like about this book:
If you want a story time that leads into physical activity, this could be the book for you. The text is extremely spare, using lots of action verbs. Back matter provides information about each of the dances spotlighted in the text. The graphic style illustrations are vibrant and evocative.

Resources:

•  Research the origin of a favorite dance.
• Use the dances as an opportunity to practice writing directions. How would you describe the moves? 
• Discuss who can do these dances, and why? (Hint: they may have regional origins but everyone can do them!)
• Examine the endpapers and match the shoes to the dances you think they might be good for
• If you live near Stamford, CT, attend the book launch on Saturday, March 7th! http://www.valeriebolling.com/events.html
• Invent your own dance!

I hope you enjoy this book. Happy reading!

The reviewer was provided with an advance copy of this book. No payment was expected or received in exchange for an honest review. 
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

drawn together by Minh Le #PPBF Review

2018 Recommendations-- Perfect Picture Book Friday

drawn together by Minh Le

The pace of technological inventions creates a generational divide for everyone, even if there isn't a language barrier. If children are lucky enough to have living grandparents, and to live close enough to see them, it's heart-breaking to think that anything else could stand in the way of a relationship between them. Today's rec is a sparse text with gorgeous illustrations that spoke to me on several levels. This book releases next month but is available for pre-order now.


Title: drawn together                          
Author: Minh Le
Illustrator: Dan Santat
Publisher: Disney/Hyperion, June 5, 2018
Intended Ages: 4-6 (note: theme/art for all ages)
Themes: Grandparents, Art, Communication

Opening Line: "So . . .what's new, Grandpa?"  Note: this line of text comes after multiple wordless spreads that set the mood and scene.
Synopsis: Spare text married with a mix of graphic novel style panels and traditional picture book spreads explores the emotional distance a young boy feels when his mom drops him off to visit his Grandpa. Although family, the young boy and Grandpa don't speak the same language--or do they . . .?

What I like about this book: While the story uses multicultural multi-generational characters, the message about building bridges of communication applies to all people of all ages. Silence may be golden for some, but often it's a painful reminder that we don't know what to say. I'm a huge fan of double entendre titles, and this one doesn't disappoint.

     The illustrations carry much of the story in sly glances, frowns and smiles, making clear that neither character is comfortable in the situation. Cultural and language barriers divide them. Yet by finding a common passion, two people gain a new understanding and appreciation for each other. The use of color and chaotic complex illustrations bring the flood of emotions to life. Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat does not disappoint! I think I like this one better than Beekle (and that's saying a lot!) I was reminded of the scenes from the movies The Matrix and Lucy where everything whirls and falls into place. 

     Note: the cover actually gives away the story ending, but I didn't notice it on my first reading, so don't look too hard at it! And if you're wondering what Grandpa is saying, there is a "translation" on the title page. I didn't see that in my first reading either, and it didn't matter. This book is one that can seriously be described as breath-taking and one that invites readers to revisit it again.

Resources/Activities: 

• Brainstorm ways to communicate without using words.  If you have never played charades before, give it a try!
• Pick one subject and then draw pictures together as a family. Do the pictures all look the same? Why or why not?
• Do something nice for someone you don't usually talk to. Does your kind action start a conversation?
• Get out crayons, markers, pencils, collage materials or whatever different types of art supplies are available and color in the same picture (or if you don't have the same picture printed off to color in, make a similar picture with each medium). Which do you like best?
• Try eating food from a different culture than what you're accustomed to.
• Call/visit your grandparents and give them a hug. Talk about what you have in common. If you don't have grandparents available, ask anyone you want to know better to participate.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week.  I'd love to hear your thoughts about it in the comments!
Note: May 23, 2018 Cynthia Leitich Smith has an interview with Minh Le about this wonderful book. 

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 POTATO KING - #PPBF

 Last week I was thinking of Spring. Today, SNOW is falling again. What a difference a week makes. Today is a good day to curl up with a cup of cocoa and a plate of cookies. (Okay, every day is a good day for that!) But--
Have you ever wondered why we eat what we eat?
Owlkids Books, Inc. from Canada published a translation of a book from Germany that shares one story. Whether it's legend or truth, the people of Germany believe! 

 

Title: THE POTATO KING

Author/Illustrator: Christoph Niemann
Publisher: OwlKids Books, 2015
Intended Ages: 3-7
Themes: Food, Myth

Opening Line: "There was once a king called Fritz. One day he heard about a new wonder plant from South America: the potato."
Synopsis: A retelling of a legend in which King Frederick the Great of Prussia (King Fritz) uses cunning trickery to convince his unwilling subjects to eat an ugly new food.

What I like about this book: Did you make potato "stamps" in art class? I did. And this book is illustrated with a combination of potato photography and potato stamped prints. Everything potato! With spare text, this book got me thinking about that opening question. Some plants used for foodstuffs have spread around the world. Who championed these invaders? And the reverse logic used by the king may tip off kids to a few of their parents' tricks. Wink. Wink. We know who we are.

Resources/Activities:

• If you don't know what a potato print is--watch this New York Times video post about the legend behind the book (it uses Niemann's imagery)
• If kids are old enough to carve with a knife, let them make a potato stamp. If they aren't, make the stamps for them and let them stamp away! Wrapping paper or framed artwork alert!
• Cook your favorite potato recipe. YUM.
• Read a stack of potato books. Some I've read: ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO by Cynthia DeFelice (A Strega Nona type folktale), THE ENORMOUS POTATO by Aubrey Davis (folktale), POTATOES, POTATOES by Anita Lobel (explaining war to children). More recommended by Windham County Farm to School. I wasn't able to find a copy yet, but I'm adding Kathleen Lindsey's SWEET POTATO PIE to my reading list.
• For older readers. Make a list of favorite foods. Research whether that food is native to your area.

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. I love to hear what you think 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

SING A SEASON SONG - #PPBF

Where I live, the winter has been mild this year and my thoughts have turned to Spring . . .
 

 

Title: SING A SEASON SONG

Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Lisel Jane Ashlock
Publisher: Creative Editions, 2015
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: The seasons, Writing in rhyme, Animals

Opening Line: "Snow, snow, shiver and blow.
Icicle popsicles drip, drop and dropsicles."
Synopsis: Beginning and ending with winter, this book celebrates the cyclical nature of the seasons.

What I like about this book: The text and illustrations marry perfectly. A few animals are mentioned in the text, then the illustrations add layers of detail, together bringing the seasons to life. I felt the whoosh of wings and the thump of paws. Nature takes center stage, with children and adults tucked into the backgrounds. The scenes come vividly to life with something new to feel or see in several re-readings. Picture book aficionados may smile at the owl prominent in the first spread, remembering OWL MOON. Yolen's text is a rhythmic read aloud treat. A longtime Yolen fan, this is a new favorite for me. While each season may have unpleasantries, they aren't mentioned here! The tone of this book is a gentle celebration of the repeating cycle.

Resources/Activities:

• List the best and worst things about each season. Compare lists. If you were a butterfly, would your answers be different? A polar bear? A frog?
• The internet has many kid-friendly activities to explore the seasons. Start with Pinterest?
• Teachers.net has grade level appropriate lesson plans about the seasons.
• Start a seasonal scrap book, recording your observations on the first day each month.
•  What is your favorite food to each during each season? Make some!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you enjoy my selection this week. Have you read this one? 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

Adding to Others' Accolades #PPBF

     My post today won't be linked to the Perfect Picture Book Friday bunch, because there's nothing new. New to me--yes. But these books have been reviewed a lot of places already. However, sometimes after I read the books that are recommended, I think "eh." And sometimes I think "YES!" So I thought I would share a few that made me say "YES!" even though they have already been plentifully reviewed. Perhaps you forgot about them and could use another nudge.
   

I love Deborah Freedman's book, SHY. Maybe it's because I identify with the subject matter. As an adult, I take that big breath before I walk into a group of strangers. As a child, I just sat on the sidelines. And the way Deborah uses perspective and  the physical gutter (the center of the book) in her artwork is brilliant. I've seen some reviews that found fault with the lack of options to deal with shyness in the story, but I found it a great way for kids to discuss the subject at all. To recognize that some kids might need help with introductions, and an example to the shy kids that a happy ending is a possibility if they make the effort to connect. You can find a complete review of this book at Unleashing Readers.




     Big thumbs up to the following stories as well:
     TELL ME A TATTOO STORY by Alison McGhee  (reviewed by Joanna Marple)
     A SQUIGGLY STORY by Andrew Larsen (one review at Pickle Me This) and last but not least
     Teeny Tiny Toady by Jill Esbaum (there aren't any caps in the title, so I couldn't bring myself to do it here!) (reviewed by Sue Heavenrich).
 
      Just wanted to let other reviewers know that your reviews ARE being read and appreciated! It's hard to keep up with everything and reviews are one way to pare down the library list.

WHAT JAMES SAID by Liz Rosenberg reviewed for Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

  Misunderstandings arise all the time. For kids and adults. The heat of the moment can make tempers flare unreasonably out of control. This book is perfect for those times. Some books are fun library reads. I recommend this one as a book to own.     

   I had to be MIA for a few Fridays and have two posts today to catch up a bit. Scroll up (or down, depending on which you started on!) to be sure you don't miss anything.

Title: What James Said                 
Author: Liz Rosenberg
Illustrator: Matt Myers
Publisher: Roaring Brook, Macmillan, 2015
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Friendship, misunderstandings
Synopsis: When a comment from her best friend, James, is relayed back through a chain of classmates, a little girl takes the remark out of context, thinks James is saying bad things about her, and decides they're "in a fight."
Opening line(s): "I'm never talking to James again. We are in a fight."
What I like about this book: I have a serious crush on this book. The text runs slightly longer than average (541 words) and not a moment feels too long or wasted. The voice is fantastic, carrying authentic emotions without feeling preachy or moralizing.
     The friendship is between a boy and a girl. Great, right? Even better, it's an African-American boy and a Caucasian girl. Because race and gender play absolutely no part in the story, the illustrator may be the one to thank for this realistic reflection of childhood. Paint blotches from the artistic main character reinforce the emotional mayhem while ample white space on the pages keeps a tight focus on the main characters.
     Communication skills are HARD. Especially when feelings are hurt. And the little girl in this story does what many of us might when we hear something that hurts our feelings. Instead of asking James about it, she shuts down and closes him off with the silent treatment. Poor sweet James doesn't have a clue what's going on and tries his hardest to make his friend feel better. 
     The story mirrors the best and worst moments in childhood friendships. Timeless. Classic.

Resources/Activities: 

• View a slide show of images from the book on the publisher's website.

• Compare this book to Ame Dyckman's book Horrible Bear, another book about misunderstandings. Is anyone at fault in each book? Why or why not? Could either situation have been handled better?

• Discuss misunderstandings you have had. Did you ever get it straightened out? Is anyone owed an apology? Is it a funny story to share?

• Make a picture for a friend. 

• Make awards for friends or family members. Awards for funny joke-teller or homework-helper for example.

Thanks for stopping by today! Let me know if you've read this book. 
 
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

Trainbots by Miranda Paul reviewed for Perfect Picture Book Friday #PPBF

  I had to be MIA for a few Fridays and have two posts today to catch up a bit. Scroll up (or down, depending on which you started on!) to be sure you don't miss anything.

  Do kids love trains? Yes.

  Do kids love robots? Yup.

  Put them together and what do you get?  Trainbots!   

Title: Trainbots                      

Author: Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Shane McG
Publisher: Little Bee Books, coming June 7, 2016
Intended Ages: 4-8
Themes: Trains, Adventure, Robots
Synopsis:   Good and evil square off with a toy delivery at stake. The trainbots have to work together when Badbots try to stop a delivery of toybots on their way for children to play with.
Opening line(s): "Trainbots drawing, sawing, building. 
                           Hammer, clamor, lots of gilding."
What I like about this book: Good rhyme is hard to do! Read the opening lines out loud. Hear the chugga-chugga rhythm? Ms. Paul maintains the quick pace throughout, varying rhythm enough to keep it from becoming sing-songy. The story reminds me of a fantasy version of The Little Engine that Could. No talking down to children here, the rich language will have train and bot lovers matching words and visuals in the illustrations.
   The spiky, angular badbots are larger than the trainbots, subtly reinforcing the message that little kids can work together and accomplish big things--bigger than the bad guys.
  My review copy was a pre-release F&G so I didn't see final art for the final several spreads, but I'm guessing there's going to be a market for cuddly toybots! 

Resources/Activities: 

• I googled "train activities for kids" and got a long list of possibilities! Preschool Express had some great simple ideas for crafting and games.

• For older readers- Make a list of all of the verbs in the story. Try to use each in a new sentence.

• Would you want a toybot? Why or why not? What else could the train bring? Ride a local train--what do you see (Trainbots?!).

• Reading builds up an appetitie. Mommy Moment's blog wants kids to eat their veggies--off the veggie train.  And Makinglearningfun.com has a savory twist using crackers and cheese.

Trainbots is available for pre-order. 

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 Folded and Gathered review copy received from the author 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 PERFECT DOG by Kevin O'Malley #PPBF

   As a writer, you probably hear the phrase "take an old theme and make it new." I know I hear it. And this book is a perfect example. As a parent, teacher, reader, you just want a fun book with re-readability. Check!

Title: The Perfect Dog                               

Author/Illustrator: Kevin O'Malley
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, May 31, 2016
Intended Ages: 3-7
Themes: Dogs, Grammar
Synopsis: Using comparatives and superlatives, a young girl imagines the qualities she'd like in the perfect dog, and then her family heads to find the perfect match.
Opening line(s): "My parents said we could get a dog. And I know the perfect dog . . . ."
What I like about this book: If there is a dog on the cover, I want to read it. I'm a dog-lover. Okay, a HUGE dog-lover. So the Brady Bunch type cover brought a smile to my face. It's a big doggie world out there! The endpapers carry that theme forward with two dozen thumbnail sketches of various dog breeds. I personally wish the Pit Bull had been given a "full" sketch, and wondered where the All-American mutt was, but understand that this is a story, not an encyclopedia of the dog world. It's great to see the pet picking process explored in a thoughtful manner. I believe readers will be left feeling that this is going to be a happy life-long match.
     Dog breeds are a fun way to learn comparatives and superlatives! Grammar and fun are not exclusive! Do you want a big dog? Bigger? Biggest? The words, the dogs--and even the font itself reinforces the curriculum concepts. The illustrations support the text so this book could transition quickly from read-aloud to read-alone. And the ending brings the main character into the real world where serendipity trumps the best laid plans.
     I'm not an artist so the technique escapes me, but the characters pop off the background. Perhaps it's the black outlining? Taking a closer look I wondered if it is a shadow or leggings that seem to move/disappear on the first spreads? And a beret changes color in the final ones. Of course, these may be modified in the final bound copy.
 

No dog in this spread, but lots of fun!

Resources/Activities: 

Make a list of attributes your perfect pet would have. Is it a dog, or something else?

Make a game of finding objects in your home and have someone else guess how they link together. Is it big, bigger, biggest? Funny, funnier, funniest? Purple, purpler, purplest? 

Learn everything you can about one dog breed. 

Make homemade dog biscuits and take them to share at your local shelter. Nope, there is nothing about feeding dogs in the book, I just think any excuse to have kids helping shelter animals is justified! (be sure to use a recipe from a trusted source--dogs shouldn't eat some people foods)


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 Folded and Gathered review copy 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.”

Thanks for stopping by! I love to know what you think of my selections.