Awards Won: Association of Children’s Librarians Distinguished Book nominee; School Library Journal Best Picture Book of 2016 [list] Review Forgiveness is a tricky topic to convey in children’s books but Zetta Elliott elegantly describes the lightness of redemption through simple text and gentle storyline. The setting is mundane – Melena’s house, her family, the neighborhood and playground – but we see this world through Melena’s jubilant perspective, which is illustrated through vibrant color in a joyful collage of paint, ink, and watercolor. Melena narrates the story in first person, which draws young readers in on a personal level. We share her experience as well as her closeness to her grandmother, mother, and friends. Melena is African American as is friend Helen. Gavin, whose debt of a dollar Melena forgives, is white. Back matter includes an author’s note about the concept of jubilee and its context in African American history. There is also a list of seven ways to have your own “fresh start day”, which includes tidying your room and donating unused toys, choosing peace over revenge, and doing something nice for others – just because!
Themes
Forgiveness; Friendship; Family; Jubilee Application As Zetta Elliott writes in her author’s note, “jubilee remains relevant in our world because everyone understands the value of starting over.” Melena’s story would be a perfect basis for a New Years celebration in a library family storytime or classroom. Instead of making random resolutions, encourage children and their parents to write down five ways we can see joy in our world and share what we have with those who need help. Print ideas on bookmarks to act as reminders. Librarians can also start a Jubilee community board, on which patrons can answer the question, “What can you do to have a “fresh start day?” Include Elliot’s list as a prompt and provide colorful markers or crayons. Read-alikes: Gonzalez, M. C. (2014). Call Me Tree. Author Website: http://zettaelliott.com/ Illustrator Website: http://aaronboydart.blogspot.com/ References: Melena’s Jubilee [cover image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/510vrxBcLmL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Bird, E. (December 31, 2016). 31days, 31lists: The best picture books of 2016 [blog post]. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2016/12/31/31-days-31-lists-day-31-the-best-picture-books-of-2016/#_ Elliott, Zetta. (n.d.). Why I write. Retrieved from http://www.zettaelliott.com/bio/why-i-write/ TitleWave. Retrieved from http://www.titlewave.com Zetta Elliott [image]. Retrieved from http://1t8r984d8wic2jedckksuin1.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/dsc07819-696x547.jpg
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Review This great classic is beautifully decorated by Ernest H. Shepard in wonderful color for the 80th Anniversary Edition. Children of all ages love hearing about Pooh bear and adults enjoy sharing him. The book makes a wonderful read-aloud for children and the pictures aid in the storytelling. Ana S. (2008) explains that these stories are special because they enter the world of children and allow adults to be children, even if it’s just for the short time while reading. She states that Milne “…achieves a very precious balance – he doesn’t disturb the house of cards, so to speak” (Ana S., 2008). Themes Friendship Sharing Adventure Stuffed Animals Series Information WINNIE-THE-POOH by A.A. Milne (Goodreads, 2017a)
Application Make a day of Winnie-the-Pooh, invite children to bring a stuffed animal to listen to storytime, read aloud one or two stories from the book. Watch the movie and share how it is different/similar to the book. Children can then write stories of adventures they have with their own favorite stuffed toy(s). Read-alikes Jenkins, E. (2006). Toys Go Out. Bond, M. (2014). A Bear Called Paddington. Williams, M. (1922). The Velveteen Rabbit. Other Resources
Reading to Kids offered an idea for a read-aloud of the book with questions to ask and a craft. http://readingtokids.org/Books/BookView.php?bookID=00000992 References Ana S. [User name]. (2008, April 28). Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne (Among other things) [Web log comment]. Things mean a lot: a reading journal. Retrieved from http://www.thingsmeanalot.com/2008/04/winnie-pooh-by-a-milne-among-other.html Bryant, J. (2012, May 31). Winnie-the-Pooh [Web log comment] (Page images). Chronicles of Illusions. Retrieved from https://jobryantnz.wordpress.com/2012/05/31/winnie-the-pooh/ Goodreads.com. (2017a). Winnie-the-Pooh series. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/series/87815 Goodreads. (2017b). Winnie-the-Pooh. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28462708-winnie-the-pooh Titlewave.com. (2017b). Cover image for Winnie-the-Pooh. Retrieved from http://www.titlewave.com/cover?flrid=18468V2&type=cover&SID=f1b8c478d41369ec51fe237ce2077b70
Themes Peace Self-expression Individuality Application This story is a great storytime addition, or a read-aloud for a one-on-one with a child. Enjoy the peace of reading this book with a loved one! Read-alikes Silverstein, S. (1964). The Giving Tree. Freeman, D. (1968). Corduroy. Johnson, C. (1955). Harold and the Purple Crayon. Book Official Website: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/323491/the-story-of-ferdinand-by-munro-leaf/9780140502343/ References
Goodreads. (n.d.). The Story of Ferdinand. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/773951.The_Story_of_Ferdinand NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live The Story of Ferdinand. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/323491/the-story-of-ferdinand-by-munro-leaf/9780140502343/ The Story of Ferdinand. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://i.ytimg.com/vi/gJNOyJH9EkY/maxresdefault.jpg The Story of Ferdinand. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from https://artworthreading.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/ferdinand3.jpeg
Themes Nonsense Dreams Adventure Series Information Alice in Wonderland
Application Read this classic aloud to classes and groups visiting the library to recreate the magic spun in this whimsical tale, and help readers fall in love with reading all over again. Read-alikes Verne, J. (1872). Around the World in 80 Days. Burnett, F.H. (1911). The Secret Garden. Porter, E.H. (1915). Pollyanna. Book/Author Official Website: https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/lewis-carroll/alice-s-adventures-in-wonderland References Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/lewis-carroll/alice-s-adventures-in-wonderland Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://www.panmacmillan.com/authors/lewis-carroll/alice-s-adventures-in-wonderland Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from https://images.blog.whsmith.co.uk/leadimage/alice-wonderland-adult-colouring.jpg Goodreads. (n.d.). Alice in Wonderland. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13023.Alice_in_Wonderland?ac=1&from_search=true
Review Students will delight as they watch a young Ginsburg "protest" being forced to write with her right hand (she was left-handed) and "object" to being made to take home economics instead of shop class….The writing is appropriately succinct for its intended audience and is nicely complemented by Baddeley's richly illustrated cartoonish drawings. The use of colorful and bold typography to highlight words such as protest, object, dissent, disagree, and agree injects life into the work.—Rebecca Gueorguiev, New York Public Library Themes Persistence Feminism Biography Application This is a great addition to a library collection for use for students as well as pleasure readers. Read-alikes Kerley, B. (2008). What To Do About Alice?: How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy!. Powell, P.H. (2014). Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker. Winter, J. (2005). The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq. References
Goodreads. (n.d.). I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28210996-i-dissent I Dissent. (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61y6jpNP7ML.jpg I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from https://thepicturebookreview.files.wordpress.com/2016/10/9781481465595-in01.jpg?w=800&h=518 I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark. (n.d.). [Images]. Retrieved from https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pu7ROjYa0i4/WHxqFjT-qUI/AAAAAAAAOk8/UVGMZW1srcAEAeOkWcZi0kvss3ASmNXiQCLcB/s1600/EBaddeley_IDissent_01.jpg NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live
Review Javaka Steptoe's vivid text and bold artwork echoing Basquiat's own introduce young readers to the powerful message that art doesn't always have to be neat or clean--and definitely not inside the lines--to be beautiful. Themes Art Biography Childhood Dreams Application Add this stunningly illustrated book to your library’s collection to illuminate upon the early life of a great artist, and watch your young patrons be inspired. Read-alikes Morales, Y. (2014). Viva Frida. Andrews, T. (2015). Trombone Shorty. Weatherford, C.B. (2016). Freedom in Congo Square. References
Goodreads. (n.d.). Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18552623-radiant-child NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live Radiant Child. (n.d.). [Images]. Retrieved from https://wondersinthedark.files.wordpress.com/2017/01/radiant-child-6.jpg Radiant Child. (n.d.). [Cover Image] Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/615dU1rZmtL.jpg
Review Everyone will love this book with a lesson, and learn from the creative problem solving, generosity, and spirit of the characters in this beloved classic story. Themes Generosity Sharing Soup Application This book is beloved as both a storytime classic and a bedtime favorite, and you can make your own stone soup based on the book for an impromptu cooking class for your child. Read-alikes Freeman, D. (1957). Fly High, Fly Low. Slobodkina, E. (1940). Caps for Sale. Daugherty, J. (1938). Andy and the Lion. References
NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live Stone Soup. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://www.kathleendeady.com/images2/StoneSoup3.jpg Stone Soup (n.d.). [Cover Image] Retrieved from http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1389316444l/193093.jpg
Themes
Love Redemption Fairy Tale Application This book is great for exploring with young readers, and the delicate illustrations and pop-ups allow for a lesson in how books should be handled in the library and at home. Read-alikes Sabuda, R. (2013). The Little Mermaid. Reinhart, F.M. (2006). The Jungle Book. Yeretskaya, Y. (2013). The Snow Queen. Video
References
Simon & Shuster Books. (2010, October 26). The Beauty and the Beast [video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTQLGyaOAkc The Beauty and the Beast. (n.d.). [Cover Image] Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/711vP95zjxL.jpg NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar!4/7/2017
Awards Won: Bank Street Books Best Poetry Book of 2012; Named one of the Best Children's Books of 2012 by Kirkus Reviews; Named one of the top Children's Books of 2012 by the New York Public Library; Named one of the 100 Magnificent Children's Books of 2012 by Fuse 8; CYBILS' Poetry Finalist. Review The photos correspond well with the specific animal being discussed, giving young readers a visual aid. Lewis sings the praises of the diversity of the animal world in his introduction, and his "final thought" urges children to not only learn about animals and celebrate them, but also to respect them and the Earth in general. A special section on how to write poems highlights a few of the different forms. This visually stunning book is sure to delight nature lovers everywhere.—Rita Meade, Brooklyn Public Library, NY Themes Poetry Nature Animals Application This book has almost endless uses in a public or school library - not only is it a welcome addition to the poetry collection, but the individual poems are classics, and the illustrations are so brilliant that a page or two would make a great storytime addition between books and songs, as well. Read-alikes
Florian, D. (2012). UnBEElievables: Honeybee Poems and Paintings. Coombs, K. (2012). Water Sings Blue. Davies, M. (2012). Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature References Goodreads. (n.d.). National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar!. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13330406-national-geographic-book-of-animal-poetry National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar!. (n.d.). [Image]. Retrieved from http://workingwritersandbloggers.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/654087da9417.jpg National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! (n.d.). [Cover Image]. Retrieved from http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1333580261l/13330406.jpg NoveList. (2017). Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.pueblolibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=noh&tg=UI&an=113004&site=novelist-live
Review Kate Quealy-Gainer (2014) exclaims that the “[s]imple sentence structure, some repetitive (but not tedious) vocabulary and a direct storytelling style make this a worthy and creepy addition to the Branches series, and the scary story aspect will likely pull in a few reluctant readers” (14). Billy B. (2014) states that, “[t]his book definitely has the Goosebumps vibe to it. With an intriguing plot, likeable characters and fun illustrations by Sam Ricks, Eerie Elementary #1: The School is Alive! is an exciting start to a new series.” Eerie Elementary is the type of school any kid can imagine attending and Sam is a relatable character. The story uses different fonts for added effect on sounds and Sam’s thoughts, while the illustrations by Sam Ricks add an element of mystery to the story. The illustrations and words work together to create a great adventure! Application While reading the librarian can have students predict what will come next, using the titles of each chapter as a question about what children believe will take place. Librarians can also encourage students to review the book and write recommendations for their friends. [Based on Branches Series Discussion Guide from Scholastic.] Read-alikes Stine, R.L. Goosebumps Series. Dadey, Debbie & Jones, Marcia. Bailey School Kids Series.
Book Official Website: http://www.scholastic.com/branches/eerie.htm Author Official Website: http://www.maxbrallier.com/ Illustrator Official Website: http://samricks.com/ Illustrator Blog: http://www.blog.samricks.com/ References Billy B. [User name]. (2014, August 21). Review-Eerie elementary #1: The school is alive! Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Retrieved from http://www.coffeeaddictedwriter.com/2014/08/review-eerie-elementary-1-school-is.html Quealy-Gainer, K. (2014). Eerie elementary: The school is alive by Jack Chabert (review). Project Muse, 68(1), 14-15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1353/bcc.2014.0702 Scholastic. (2014, August 21). Eerie elementary #1: The school is alive! (A Branches book) [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfERum4bbZI Scholastic, Inc. (2017a). Branches: Eerie elementary: School just got scarier! [Book images]. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/branches/eerie.htm Scholastic, Inc. (2017b). Branches series discussion guide: A line of early chapter books series that grows readers! Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/branches-series-discussion-guide/ |
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