Laissez
Blog
On the first day of Carnival, I cut the first piece of our first King Cake and I got the baby! It’s Day 2 of Carnival and I ordered my second King Cake! It’s just too tempting with all the varieties, favorites, and new versions. So I wrote a serenity prayer to get me through this visit!
The King Cake Prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept these King Cake calories.
Courage to stop when I’ve had enough,
and the wisdom to choose wisely.
AMEN!
January Reading for Research author study takes a look at books by Tim McCanna. Lots of rhythm, rhyme, humor and wordplay!
Hear Ye! Hear Ye! STORYSTORM, author Tara Lazar’s story idea
Last year I created an insertable text Storystorm calendar to collect my story ideas and jot down notes from the daily posts. That way, my ideas and craft tips from the amazing Storystorm contributors are always at my fingertips. If you think it will work for you, download a copy below.
Thanks for hosting this wonderful writing event again Tara. And happy 10th-anniversary STORYSTORM!
It’s been a joy to be a part of the 2018 Reading For Research Month team of bloggers that study stellar picture books.
Here’s the list of the authors and author/illustrators I studied in 2018 and links to my posts.
Enjoy!
November 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Margarita Engle guest post by Marcie Flinchum Atkins
October 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Duncan Tonatiuh
September 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Dev Petty
August 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Nikki Grimes
July 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Loren Long
June 2018
The End is in the Beginning A writing craft post about endings.
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study:
May 2018
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Corey Rosen Schwartz
March 2018
Where to begin? A writing craft post about beginnings.
Keila Dawson Takes on Tough Topics
February 2018
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is A SONG FOR GWENDOLYN BROOKS.
Written by: Alice Faye Duncan
Illustrated by: Xia Gordon
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (January 2019)
Suitable for ages: 5-8
Themes/Topics: biography, poetry, African-American life
Brief Synopsis:
A Song for Gwendolyn Brooks is about the African-American poet and author Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) who wrote about the urban African-American experienc
The book is part of the “People Who Shaped Our World” series. Alice Faye Duncan captured the life and work of Brooks, beginning in 1925 at age eight, ending in 1950, the year she became the first African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Why I like this book:
Duncan writes in lyrical text and shows observations informed the poet’s writing, even from an early age.
The author also gives examples of the kinds of struggles Brooks faced as a young, gifted writer as well as the support she received from her family. Brooks struggled with her confidence and her words. A teacher once accused Brooks of plagiarism so her mother had the young poet write a poem in front of her. As a teen when others were looking for work, Gwendolyn’s parents supported her dream and allowed her to “sit and think”. And from all her years of hard work, an adult Brooks realizes her dream and became a professional writer.
Back matter includes an author’s note, timeline, suggested readings by Gwendolyn Brooks and bibliography to learn more about one of America’s most influential writer
I read the ARC for this review; the book release date is January 1, 2019. This book would be a great addition to the home, school, and library.
Resources:
- For more about poetry for kids, see the Poetry4kids website.
- A lesson plan about Gwendolyn Brooks (grades 3-12).
- A lesson plan for Gwendolyn Brooks (grades 5-6).
To read lots more Perfect Picture Book Friday reviews visit author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
I am often asked for my recipes after posting pictures. Here’s one for the cabbage I grew up eating in New Orleans. Folks in Louisiana do appreciate good food!
Bon appétit!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Creole Louisiana Smothered Cabbage
_____________
Ingredients:
2 Tbls. olive oil
1 Tbl. butter
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 strips of bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb. ham, cubed
1 lb. andouille sausage or another smoked sausage, coin sliced
2-3 heads of cabbage, cored, cleaned and chopped
1 tsp. Louisiana Creole Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- -1 teaspoon paprika
- -1/2 tsp dried oregano
- -1/2 tsp dried thyme
- -1 tbl dried garlic powder
- -1/2 tsp black pepper
- -1/2 tsp onion powder
½ tsp. Cayenne Pepper
1 cup white rice, cooked
Salt & pepper to taste
Cornbread (optional)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Instructions:
-
Cut and clean cabbage leaves.
-
In a 6 quart pot, fry bacon on high heat. Reduce heat to medium-high, add ham, and sausage. Cook for about 15 minutes.
-
Add oil and onion, cook until onion is brown. Reserve the meat & onion in a bowl.
-
Use the same pot, add a little water, reduce heat to medium. Fill the pot with cabbage and cover. Check often, stirring cabbage until the cabbage wilts, adding water as needed.
-
Continue adding more cabbage to fill the pot. Cabbage is cooked when all leaves are wilted and some turn light brown. Add Louisiana Creole Seasoning and cayenne.
-
Return meat to pot, add garlic and butter. Do not cover. Instead, allow remaining water in the pot to evaporate.
-
Serve over white rice.
I am thrilled to be a part of this project! In addition to the amazing youth, look at the talent who will write about them. Nikki Grimes, Carole Weatherford, Greg Wray, Traci McClellan-Sorell, Janet Wong, Hena Khan, Charles Waters, Andrea J. Loney, Lesléa Newman, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, Fiona Morris, Joseph Bruchac, S. Bear Bergman.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is…
HOW THE SQUID GOT TWO LONG ARMS.
Written by: Henry Herz
Illustrated by: Luke Graber
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. (September 2018)
Suitable for ages: 3-8
Themes/Topics: greed, ocean animals, pourquoi story
Brief Synopsis: In this pourquoi tale, Herz tells the story of how the squid, who once had 10 arms “all of equal length”, ended up with 2 long arms. A shivering squid, one scarf, and the need to stay warm in the cool ocean water set this tale in motion. When the squid steals clothes from other animals, he ends up learning a lesson, “if you do bad things, bad things will happen to you.”
Why I like this book: A fun read to help kids think twice about greed! Luke Graber’s illustrations are bold, expressive, and the details are hilarious. Herz weaves in ocean vocabulary throughout the story and includes information about squid in the back matter. Elementary teachers will be able to use the story as supplemental reading in a science lesson related to ocean animals.
Herz gives credit Jon Klassen’s THIS IS NOT MY HAT for the last spread. No spoilers here…read it to find out what happens.
I read the digital ARC for this review, the book release date is September 4, 2018.
Resources:
- Squid coloring pages. There’s a vampire squid!
- More coloring pages of squid and other underwater creatures.
- Squids for kids on Pinterest includes squid crafts and science activities.
- How to write a Pourquoi Tale.
- A great story to pair with another book by Herz, THE LITTLE RED CUTTLEFISH. See my review from 2016.
To read lots more Perfect Picture Book Friday reviews visit author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is BE QUIET!.
Written/illustrated by: Ryan T. Higgins
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion, April 4, 2017
Suitable for: Preschool – Kindergarten
Themes/Topics: Friendship, Frustration, Patience
Brief Synopsis: Higgins writes a laugh out loud story about Rupert, Thistle and Nibbs, the mice he introduced in Hotel Bruce. Rupert wants to star in a book without words that is “visually stimulating” but Thistle and Nibbs cannot stop talking about being quiet.
Opening pages:
Rupert: “FINALLY! I get my very own book to star in.
This is going to be great!
I’m going to make it a wordless book.
They are very artistic.
This book will have NO WORDS at all. Starting…NOW.”
Why I like this book: These mice are hilarious! Reading it aloud is so much fun. When Rupert uses vocabulary like “vishery strigulating” it is mistaken for “visually stimulating”. “Ima-gonna-pee-a” is mistaken for “onomatopoeia” as the mice banter.
Higgins entertains readers with visual puns like on the spread when Rupert tries to explain visually stimulating means strong illustrations and the mice suddenly have the physique of body builders.
Resources:
- Downloadable activities from Disney-Hyperion.
- Pinterest has lots of activities to help kids deal with frustration and anger.
- Ways to help kids develop skills, strategies and language to deal with emotions, How To Help Children Express Their Feelings. Friday reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
A Perfect Picture Book Pair about sharing the spotlight with younger sibling. These stories feature the cutest DIVAS!
In STARRING CARMEN by Anika Denish and illustrated by Loren Alvarez Gómez, Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2017, Carmen is a showgirl! She loves an audience, the attention, and the applause! But her little brother Eduardo wants to perform with her. Can Carmen make room for him?
In FAMOUSLY PHOEBE author Lori Alexander and illustrator Aurelie Blard-Quintard, Sterling Children’s Books, 2017, Phoebe was always the family star, followed by camera-carrying “paparazzi” until the arrival of a new sibling. Can Phoebe find a new role to play?
A Perfect Picture Book Pair or #PPBP showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience, or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.
Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!
Kids love to see their reflections in books. Follow #WeNeedDiverseBooks #ReadYourWorld for more selections of diverse books.
A Perfect Picture Book Pair about courage. These stories show it’s possible to overcome fear with the love and support of family.
In JABARI JUMPS by author-illustrator Gaia Cornwall, Candlewick Press, 2017, a boy declares to his dad that he is ready to jump off the high diving board for the first time. Or is he?
In THUNDER CAKE by author-illustrator Patricia Polacco, Philomel Books, 1990, a grandmother distracts her granddaughter frightened by an incoming storm by gathering all the ingredients needed to make a Thunder Cake – some from outside!
A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience, or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.
Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!
Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!
Saturday, January 27, 2018 is the 5th annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day! I am honored to once again participate in this wonderful event as a book reviewer.
Children want to see stories about their families, cultures, customs, traditions, histories, and religions in books. And it’s important to expose all children to literature that reflect people who are different from them. One way to introduce kids to diverse stories is through characters in picture book biographies. NINA: JAZZ LEGEND AND CIVIL-RIGHTS ACTIVIST NINA SIMONE is an introduction to the civil rights diva, High Priestess of Soul, and icon of American music, Nina Simone.
by Alice Brière-Haquet; illustrated by Bruno Liance; translated by Julie Cormier; published by Charlesbridge; ages 4-8
The publisher sent a copy for me to review, however, all opinions expressed are my own.
The story begins with a tender moment, a mother telling her child a story. The mother is Nina Simone; the child is her daughter. The story Nina tells is about her own life.
To set the story in motion, Nina shares her earliest memory of learning to play the piano. She compares her blackness to the physical difference between the notes on her keyboard. The imagery is powerful.
“The white keys are whole notes and the black keys are flats, or half notes,” my teacher explained.
I asked why.
“Because that’s just the way it is.”
Yes, that’s the way it was. White was whole. Black was half.
Despite her experiences growing up in a country where white people and black people were treated differently, Nina didn’t allow discrimination to interfere with her dreams. When Nina was 12, she refused to sing when her mother had to give up a front-row seat to white people at a concert. This early memory demonstrates how Nina learned to use her voice to fight for social justice, too.
Music has no color. In music there is only one rhythm. Only one heart.
The story of Nina Simone is about a talented artist and how she feels about the world in which she lives. Readers learn why and how she speaks out against injustice. This is the kind of story that would inspire children to believe they too, can use their voices to do the same.
Free Multicultural Books for Teachers.
Free Empathy Classroom Kit for Homeschoolers, Organizations, Librarians and Educators.
TWITTER PARTY Sponsored by Scholastic Book Clubs: MCBD’s super-popular (and crazy-fun) annual Twitter Party will be held 1/27/18 at 9:00pm. #ReadYourWorld & #MCBD2018
Join the conversation and win one of 12-5 book bundles and one Grand Prize Book Bundle (12 books) that will be given away at the party!
Multicultural Children’s Book Day is in its 5th year and was founded by Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from Pragmatic Mom. Our mission is to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kids’ books that celebrate diversity in home and school bookshelves while also working diligently to get more of these types of books into the hands of young readers, parents and educators.
Current Sponsors: MCBD 2018 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.
2018 MCBD Medallion Sponsors
HONORARY: Children’s Book Council, Junior Library Guild
PLATINUM:Scholastic Book Clubs
GOLD:Audrey Press, Candlewick Press, Loving Lion Books, Second Story Press, Star Bright Books, Worldwide Buddies
SILVER:Capstone Publishing, Author Charlotte Riggle, Child’s Play USA, KidLit TV, Pack-n-Go Girls, Plum Street Press
BRONZE: Barefoot Books, Carole P. Roman, Charlesbridge Publishing, Dr. Crystal Bowe, Gokul! World, Green Kids Club, Gwen Jackson, Jacqueline Woodson, Juan J. Guerra, Language Lizard, Lee & Low Books, RhymeTime Storybooks, Sanya Whittaker Gragg, TimTimTom Books, WaterBrook & Multnomah, Wisdom Tales Press
2018 Author Sponsors
Honorary Author Sponsors: Author/Illustrator Aram Kim and Author/Illustrator Juana Medina, Author Janet Balletta, Author Susan Bernardo, Author Carmen Bernier-Grand, Author Tasheba Berry-McLaren and Space2Launch, Bollywood Groove Books, Author Anne Broyles, Author Kathleen Burkinshaw, Author Eugenia Chu, Author Lesa Cline-Ransome, Author Medeia Cohan and Shade 7 Publishing, Desi Babies, Author Dani Dixon and Tumble Creek Press, Author Judy Dodge Cummings, Author D.G. Driver, Author Nicole Fenner and Sister Girl Publishing, Debbi Michiko Florence, Author Josh Funk, Author Maria Gianferrari, Author Daphnie Glenn, Globe Smart Kids, Author Kimberly Gordon Biddle, Author Quentin Holmes, Author Esther Iverem, Jennifer Joseph: Alphabet Oddities, Author Kizzie Jones, Author Faith L Justice , Author P.J. LaRue and MysticPrincesses.com, Author Karen Leggett Abouraya, Author Sylvia Liu, Author Sherri Maret, Author Melissa Martin Ph.D., Author Lesli Mitchell, Pinky Mukhi and We Are One, Author Miranda Paul, Author Carlotta Penn, Real Dads Read, Greg Ransom, Author Sandra L. Richards, RealMVPKids Author Andrea Scott, Alva Sachs and Three Wishes Publishing, Shelly Bean the Sports Queen, Author Sarah Stevenson, Author Gayle H. Swift Author Elsa Takaoka, Author Christine Taylor-Butler, Nicholette Thomas and MFL Publishing Author Andrea Y. Wang, Author Jane Whittingham Author Natasha Yim
We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also works tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is HER RIGHT FOOT by Dave Eggers. I am often asked, “Where are you from?” Sometimes I respond, “If you tell me your immigrant story, I will tell you mine.”
HER RIGHT FOOT is an important reminder that the majority of Americans are descendants of emigrants and immigrants. Maybe your ancestors were part of the early British-American colonies or the French and Spanish colonies as mine were. Maybe they came via the Gulf of Mexico as my great-grandfather did during the 19th century, or were greeted by the Statue of Liberty in the Atlantic upon arrival from a distant land. Regardless of your family origin, this story reminds us of the early motto of the United States, E pluribus unum, “out of many, one”.
Written by: Dave Eggers
Illustrated by: Shawn Harris
Publisher: Chronicle Books (September 2017)
Suitable for ages: 6-9
Themes/Topics: Statue of Liberty, US History, Immigration
Brief Synopsis: Dave Eggers tells the story behind the making of the Statue of Liberty. As the story progresses, readers learn the history behind this gift from France and most importantly, that it represents how the United States is a country that embraces and welcomes emigrants and immigrants.
Opening pages: “You have likely heard of a place called France.
If you have heard of France, you may have heard of the French. They are the people who live in France.
You may have also heard of something called the Statue of Liberty.
Did you know that the Statue of Liberty comes from France?
This is true. This is a factual book.”
Why I like this book: Written in second person, the narrator addresses readers directly. The author uses a playful but instructive approach to introducing kids to fun facts about the design, construction and transportation of the Statue of Liberty. It artfully teaches the fact that our country is populated with people from many countries and cultures from around the world and ties in the symbolism of Lady Liberty as a beacon that welcomes everyone to the United States.
Resources:
- Classroom Guide from Chronicle Books.
- Schoolhouse Rock video about the Statue of Liberty.
- Statue of Liberty Crafts by Buggy and Buddy.
Read other perfect picture book Friday reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
It’s been a joy to be a part of the Reading For Research Month team of bloggers that study stellar picture books. Check out the blog for loads of informative and inspirational posts.
I am looking forward to the 2018 ReFoReMo. Carrie Charlie Brown and Kirsti Call always plan a great month for all who read, write, and study picture books. Hope you will join us in March.
Happy New Year!
Here’s the list of the authors and author/illustrators I studied in 2017 and links to my posts.
November 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Barbara Rosenstock
October 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Shutta Crum
September 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Study: Kevin Henkes
August 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Deborah Underwood
July 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Susanna Hill
June 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Jeff Mack
May 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Kim Norman
April 2017 Post ReFoReMo Reflection
Reading for Research: ReFoReMo Day 18: Keila Dawson Takes the Challenge
February 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Doreen Cronin
January 2017
Reading for Research: Mentor Text Author Study: Patricia Polacco
On this day last year I wrote a blog post about the popular song, The 12 days of Christmas. This is the time of year to actually sing that song. The first day is today, December 25th. The twelfth day is January 5th, Little Christmas, also known as the Twelfth Night, Feast of the Epiphany, Women’s Day, Three Kings’ Day and or Kings’ Day.
During this time of year of course you’ll hear Merry Christmas, Happy Hanakkah, or Happy Holidays. Thanks to the Dirty Coast store there’s have another greeting you should know…
While the holiday season ends for most on New Year’s Day, those of us with roots in Louisiana are gearing up for another season -Mardi Gras, baby!
We get this party started on January 6th with King Cake. And we’ll keep buying, baking and eating them all season long. According to tradition, you want to “get the baby” because it will bring you blessings or good luck.
This year, Mardi Gras or Fat Tuesday is February 13, 2018. That’s 39 days of celebration. Can’t wait to get this party started!
This Perfect Picture Book Pair is dedicated to two nonfiction biographies about American photographers. Both artists chose to capture current events by taking pictures of people during important eras in our nation’s history.
Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee! by Andrea Loney, illustrated by Keith Mallet, published by Lee & Low is about photographer James Van Der Zee whose pictures depict an important era and people in American history – the Harlem Renaissance.
Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Gérard Dubois, published by Calkins Creek Books is about photographer Dorothea Lange whose pictures depict an important era and people in American history – the Great Depression.
A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience, or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.
Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!
Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is Arturo and the Bienvendio Feast. Arturo and his grandmother, Abue Rosa, return in this sequel to Arturo and the Navidad Birds. This is the perfect month to share a story about family and food. Every November, families gather to give thanks for one another and share a Thanksgiving feast. Children will enjoy reading about Arturo and his family’s feast.
Written by: Anne Broyles
Illustrated by: KE Lewis
Translator: Maru Cortes
Publisher: Pelican Publishing Co., Inc. (August 2017)
Suitable for ages: 3-8
Themes/Topics: family, Latin American culture & food
Brief Synopsis: Arturo and Abue Rosa plan a special feast to welcome Michael, the fiancé of his aunt, Tía Inés. Their menu includes Pupusas, curtido, fried plantains, chocolate almond cake and more. While cooking, Abue Rosa gets a headache, so she takes a nap. But Arturo can’t wake her up and the guests are coming. What can he do? Arturo saves the day, of course!
Opening pages: “Arturo stole a glance at his grandmother as he popped a handful of shredded cheese in his mouth.”
“Arturo echó una miradita a su abuela mientras se metía un bocado de queso rallad a la boca.”
“Leave some for the pupusas.” Abue Rosa threw the dough into the mixing bowl – thwack! – and massaged the masa into a smooth ball.”
“Deja un poco para las pupuses.” Abue Rosa ventó la masa al tazón – jzas! – masajendo la masa hata formar una bala suave.”
Why I like this book: The tender relationship between Arturo and his grandmother continues in this sequel. Reading about Arturo and Abue Rosa reminded me of the special bond shared between my son and my mother when they cooked Louisiana Creole Filé Gumbo together. Food and family are important to culture and celebrations. Anne Broyles brings both together in this sweet story told in English and Spanish. In addition to recipes for Curtido (slaw) and Pupusas (stuffed, fried corn cakes), there is an author’s note. Also included is a glossary with phonetic pronunciations and definitions of the Spanish words used in the story.
The illustrations are warm, and earthy colors represent Latin American culture.
Resources:
- Lu and Bean Read podcast 11/16/2017 interview with author Anne Broyles.
- Mr. Donn’s free lessons, games, presentations about Latin America.
Read other perfect picture book Friday reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
It’s Halloweensie time! Every October author Susanna Hill hosts a writing contest. The rules: write a 100 word Halloween story for kids 12 and under using the words candy corn (counted as one word), monster, and shadow.
Tricks & Treats
The Candy Corn Quartet arrived early to the annual Halloween auditions.
They turned the lights on bright just as the Caramel Candy Quintet
stepped up to perform.
Rather than stick to their notes, the candy stuck to one another.
Backstage, the Chocolate Bars practiced their harmony.
“Nice white costumes,” laughed the quartet.
The Bars sweat through their performance and onto the floor. “Cone
heads!” they yelled.
Up next, the quartet sang in perfect pitch. They got the gig!
The quartet rang the doorbell. A large shadow loomed.
“Treats are here,” yelled a monster. “Yum, my favorite!”
And he gobbled them up.
Read the other fun submissions at Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy Halloween!
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is Goodnight, Numbers.
What does the Hallmark channel, popular TV shows The Wonder Years, The West Wing, Dancing with the Stars and math have in common? Actress, mathematician and author Danica McKellar!
Written by: Danica McKeller
Illustrated by: Alicia Padrón
Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers (2017)
Suitable for ages: 2-5
Themes/Topics: bedtime, numbers, counting
Brief Synopsis: Goodnight, Numbers is a bedtime book and concept book about numbers. Using the same pattern as the classic book Goodnight Moon, children say goodnight to things familiar to them – two hands, three wheels on a tricycle, four paws on a cat. The book highlights the fact that numbers are all around us.
Opening pages: “Goodnight, one fork, Goodnight, one spoon, Goodnight, one bowl, I’ll see you soon.”
Why I like this book: Genius! Really, the book and McKellar. The rhyme is perfect. The illustrations are soft and gentle and include diverse families. Children can see numbers are everywhere and practice counting along on every spread.
A letter to parents, grandparents and caretakers as well as an author’s note with suggestions on how to use the book is included.
Resources:
- PBS Kids Counting Around the House
- Hands On As We Grow website 16 Counting Activities for Preschoolers
- Since Halloween is coming soon, Counting Halloween Candy Activity
Read other perfect picture book Friday reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
It’s back to school time! So today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is FRIENDS (Mostly). As new students start school and old students return to new classrooms, children will make new friends, some will lose old friends, all will hopefully learn what friendship means and how to keep them intact.
Written by: Barbara Joosse
Illustrated by: Tomaso Milian
Publisher: Greenwillow Books, 2010
Suitable for ages: 4-8
Themes/Topics: Friendship, Jealousy, Kindness and Caring
Brief Synopsis: This book is about how two best friends make up when one allows jealousy to tear them apart.
Opening pages:
Ruby and Henry,
Henry and Ruby,
Usually we’re friends, but sometimes we’re unfriends.
It all depends.
Why I like this book: The title tells all, you can be friends (mostly) and you can be unfriends too. Friendships often hit rough patches and kids need to find a way to work through those times. When Ruby is teased because she can’t float like her best friend Henry, she lashes out at him. And then she decides to walk away from their friendship. In the end, the two friends work out how to remain friends. A wonderful lesson for showing children what friendship looks like and how friendships work. And even when bad feelings come between friends, sometimes only one act of kindness can save a relationship.
Resources:
- Friendship Is In Our Hands lesson from The Corner On Character blog.
To read other Perfect Picture Book Friday reviews from today, head over to author Susanna Hill’s page.
Happy reading!
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is Martina & Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History or Sports
This Saturday is the kick-off of the Western & Southern Open Tennis Tournament here in Cincinnati, an exciting week for tennis fans. As a player, I enjoy keeping up with the pros and watching professional tennis. Some of the most thrilling matches in women’s tennis happened between Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert. This dual biography tells their story.
Written by: Phil Bildner
Illustrated by: Brett Helquist
Publisher: Candlewick (March 14, 2017)
Suitable for ages: 7-10
Themes/Topics: Sportsmanship, women in sports, professional athletes, perseverance, resilience, equality, and respect
Brief Synopsis: Two professional female tennis players, Chris Evert from America and Martina Navratilova from Czechoslovakia, had very different upbringings and very different approaches to the game. But both shared the same goal – to be the best in the world.
Why I like this book: Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert were two talented, hard-working athletes who competed for the #1 ranking in women’s tennis . As the top female players on the tour in the 1970’s and 80’s they were often fierce opponents. Martina & Chrissie were also friends. These two talented hard-working athletes competed for fifteen years. Martina and Chrissie met 80 times on the court – 60 of their matches were in tournament finals!
The two best players in the world battled tournament after tournament. One time Martina beat Chrissie, another time Chrissie beat Martina. When Martina started losing often to Chrissie, she decided to train harder. The training paid off and Martina started winning their matches.
Martina beat Chrissie 13 times in a row in tournament finals! But Chrissie never gave up. At one tournament when everyone thought Chrissie would lose, she fought back and won. Chrissie and Martina made each other better players. Their friendship endured the greatest rivalry in the history of sports. And both won the hearts of tennis fans worldwide.
Resources:
Happy reading!
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World.
When Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) voiced her objections about the nomination of Jeff Sessions for US Attorney General during his confirmation hearing on February 7, 2017, she was silenced. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) interrupted Senator Warren as she read from the letter written in 1986 by civil rights leader Coretta Scott King. That letter helped prevent the confirmation of Jeff Sessions as a federal judge for his home state of Alabama. McConnell accused Warren of making statements that impugn the character of Sessions which he determined was against Senate rules.
The senator presiding over the hearing advised Warren that she was out of order under Senate Procedural Rule 19. “I’m reading a letter from Coretta Scott King to the Judiciary Committee from 1986 that was admitted into the record,” Senator Warren argued. “I’m simply reading what she wrote about what the nomination of Jeff Sessions to be a federal court judge meant and what it would mean in history for her.”
Senator McConnell asked for a vote. After a 49-43 vote split across party lines, Senator Warren was not allowed to finish nor speak again. Instead, she continued reading the letter outside the door of the Senate floor.
Defending his actions, Mitch McConnell later explained, “She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.”
Inspired by that event, Chelsea Clinton wrote this book and featured thirteen other women in America who also faced opposition and or adversity but succeeded because they persisted.
Written by: Chelsea Clinton
Illustrated by: Alexandra Boiger
Publisher: Philomel Books (May 2017)
Suitable for ages: 3-8
Themes/Topics: Women in US history, perseverance, resilience
Brief Synopsis: In She Persisted, Chelsea Clinton introduces young readers to thirteen American women throughout history who, despite resistance from others or society, made positive contributions to our nation because of their persistence.
Opening pages: “Sometimes being a girl isn’t easy. At some point, someone probably will tell you no, will tell you to be quiet and may even tell you your dreams are impossible. Don’t listen to them. These thirteen American women certainly did not take no for an answer. They persisted.”
Why I like this book: She Persisted is an inspirational tribute to thirteen women whose contributions to our nation deserve recognition. Some of the women featured are well known and others are not. The colorful illustrations by Alexandra Boiger include a diverse cast of characters, girls and boys, that reflect our nation’s multicultural population.
Perseverance, persistence, fairness, and dreaming big are common themes in children’s books. I enjoyed the inclusion of women in a book that also teaches US history. As a non-fiction book, there are endless opportunities for educational use. Students could conduct more in-depth study of each character, or research other lesser known female figures who have also helped shape our nation. The adults in this book are role models children should know about and look up to. The author includes a quote that explains why every child, especially girls, should read this picture book, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” -Astronaut Sally Ride
Resources:
- Senator Elizabeth Warren reading the 1986 letter by civil rights activist Coretta Scott King, wife of Martin Luther King, Jr
- To find more books about women and their contributions to the world, visit A Mighty Girl.
- Women Who Persisted, is a wonderful resource of books from Lee & Low with lesson plans, discussion questions for extended study on the topic.
Read other perfect picture book Friday reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.
Happy reading!
This Perfect Picture Book Pair written by award-winning author-illustrator Ashley Spires features girls with strong characters. Both books are wonderful examples of how they face challenges and show resilience.
THE MOST MAGNIFICENT THING is about a girl who knows exactly what she wants to build and how it will work, but is frustrated because it’s not easy. So she quits. But she comes back and guess what? She gets it right! The book is a great example to kids that it’s okay to make mistakes and even get angry. We all face frustration and fear that we may fail in our endeavors.
THE THING LOU COULDN’T DO is about a girl who loves adventure until her friends decide to do something Lou couldn’t do. She makes all kinds of excuses, but eventually Lou faces her fear. Rather than feel like a failure, she sets a goal. Not everything we fear can be solved easily or quickly. Just recognizing the fear is a step in the right direction.
A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience, or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.
Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!
Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!
Happy reading!
Last Sunday I drove through rural Indiana on my way home from an inspirational weekend at the summer SCBWI Indiana writer’s conference when my eyes caught the light on my dashboard. This incident sent me on a journey to get gas fast. Thank goodness my GPS found a gas station nearby. I listened carefully to the directions, but drove and drove. The gas light began to blink. My first thought: what a great example of rising tension!
Believe me, there was panic, but my first reaction was about writing. I credit this SCBWI Indiana conference for that. I just spent the weekend writing and thinking about writing. Thinking about character, and plot and story arcs. A weekend filled with instruction, inspiration and motivation.
Here’s a re-cap of the amazing faculty who presented.
Danielle Smith, founder of Lupine Grove Creative is an agent that represents picture books through young adult novels. She is such an inspirational force in this industry. I always enjoy listening to her honest appraisal of what it takes to be successful in this business.
The one and only author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison shared her wisdom with us. Pun intended! If you haven’t heard Darcy speak, put her on your bucket list and listen carefully to what she has to say.
What’s better than hearing author Tammi Sauer speak? Hearing her TWICE! Tammi gave a dynamic instructional presentation, er performance on story plot and structure. Her books are great to use as mentor texts because she is the plot whisperer!
Tammi is a role model for how teaching can be entertaining! She is as funny in person as the characters readers know so well in her books.
Troy Cummings is a mega talented author-illustrator. He shared tips for making a dummy to check and improve pacing and page turns. He is such a naturally funny guy. I would be very disappointed to learn he was shy as a child and not the kid that always kept others laughing.
Troy also shared the revision process for one of his soon to be released picture books that has that perfect combination of heart and humor. Pictured here is an example from one of his new releases.
A huge thank you to Shannon Anderson, SCBWI Indiana Regional Advisor (photo), Mandie Anderson, Assistant Regional Advisor, and Sharon Vargo, Regional Illustrator Coordinator, for hosting and coordinating a fabulous event.
It’s always fun spending time with writers and meeting new talent. It’s exciting to finally meet writers in person you interact with in the virtual world. Here’s Emmie, me, and Manju.
The King Cake Baby sold in the PAL Bookstore and some readers in and around Indiana will learn a bit about one of our Mardi Gras traditions.
This conference faculty was delightful and the venue at Potawatomi Inn in the state park was breathtaking. I am definitely looking forward to the next SCBWI conference hosted in Indiana.
Write on!
View More