• Home
  • Style Guides
  • Blog
  • Author Index
    • A - H Index
    • I - P Index
    • Q - Z Index
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
READING STYLE GUIDE

Strange and Stranger

7/31/2021

1 Comment

 

Strange and Stranger 

What's it like when everything seems to be different? Very different. Twelve-year-olds Jett Baranov and Jake Wind find themselves in situations which are definitely not-your-normal middle-school situations. We're talking encountering things like alligators and aliens.
Packed with plenty of humor, adventure, and interesting plot twists, Unplugged and Weird Kid are entertaining stories perfect for summer listening. If you are ready to take middle school adventures to a whole new level, try these audiobooks.

Unplugged by Gordon Korman

 Narrated by A.J Beckles, Maxwell Glick, Vikas Adam, Reba Buhr, Sarah Mollo-Christensen, Barrett Leddy
Picture
Picture
Listen to a sample
Jett, the son of a wealthy Silicon Valley tycoon, knows how to get his own way. Always. He is an expert at gaming the system.
In an attempt to rehabilitate his son, Jett's father enrolls him in a summer camp deep in the Arkansas woods. The Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness has some basic rules: no meat, no pets, no screens.
Jett knows this regime isn’t going to work for him and immediately resorts to subversive activities including unauthorized trips into town and adopting a pet lizard. Three campers join him in a series of madcap adventures.
Their activities become serious when the foursome realize that there is a devious staff member, hypnotically controlling the minds of wealthy adults and bilking them out of vast amounts of money.
The fast-paced action escalates when the kids discover a mafia-owned mansion, a staff member’s secret life, and a reptile who may not be a lizard.
The full cast narration features individual narrators for each of the four young campers who uncover what is really happening at the Oasis of Mind and Body Wellness. Another hit from best-selling author Gordon Korman.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
​Release date: January 2021 Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Weird Kid by Greg van Eekhout

Narrated by James Fouhey
Jake Wind’s life is getting even more complicated. In addition to starting middle school, he is experiencing major body changes, and it’s not just puberty. Truth is, Jake is an alien who came to earth as a flaming blob of goo” and was adopted by a couple. Without warning, his human form can suddenly shift into an animal or take on the appearance of a bizarre creature.
He meets Agnes, a tall girl who takes fitness and investigating mysteries to a new level. She aspires to be a save the world like her comic book superhero Night Kite.
​Odd things are happening in town. Sinkholes begin appearing throughout town They discover xenogel, a mysterious substance that resembles Jake's goo. Town residents are becoming imblobsters, resembing humans in appearance but act strangely. Is there a connection? The two sleuths seek answers. ​
Picture
Picture
Listen to a sample
Can they save the world before it is too late? What will become of Jake and is impulsive shape-shifting abilities. Is he destined to remain on earth? Greg van Eekhout's novel is part sci-fi and part middle grade angst with a generous side of humor and word play. Jake's father is a proctologist, so the narrative is replete with butt jokes. Get out your guitars. Music plays a starring role in resolving the crisis.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Release date: July 2021  Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
1 Comment

Digital Woodcutting 

10/16/2020

0 Comments

 

A B C Animals by Christopher Evans

Just when you thought that every possible approach for animal alphabet books has been published, along comes ABC Animals. Christopher Evans’ oversized concept book sets a new standard for elegant graphic design in children's picture books.
A two-page spread is devoted to each of the twenty-six featured animals. The left-hand page displays the animal name, inital alphabet letter using three different fonts (one with textures), and a soft beige silhouette.
However, the showstopper is the facing page: an enlarged close-up of the featured animal rendered as a digital woodcut. These are not photographs produced using special effects.
Picture
Using a technique similar to engraving, Evans creates exquisitely textured body coverings. From the prickly hedgehog to the gelatinous nautilus, the iguana scales to vulture’s multiple types of feathers, the variety and beauty of the animal kingdom is awe-inspiring. 
Back flap copy describes the artist’s process. Images are hand drawn with illustration software to create digital woodcuts, also referred to as modern-day engravings. “They are somewhere between an impressionist painting and a mechanical drawing.”
Readers of all ages will pore over the images, making new discoveries with each observation. Every page is a work of art worthy of framing. What a glorious tribute to the wonders of the animal kingdom and innovative artistic expression. Stunning!
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 15, 2020 Publisher: Peter Pauper Press ISBN: 978-1-4413-3463-3
0 Comments

Mysterious Doings

10/15/2019

0 Comments

 

The Upper Case: Trouble in Capital City
by Tara Lazar ill by Ross MacDonald

Picture
Following up on her hit picture book 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story Tara Lazar brings readers another clever take on our alphabet system, specifically capitalized letters.
Readers are treated to a noir style whodunit. Private I is informed by Question Mark that the capital letters are missing. ALL of them. Our intrepid detective is on the case.
This was serious. If all the capital letters were gone, there’d be incomplete sentences dangling everywhere.
The super sleuth begins to search for clues, hoping to enlist the assistance of punctuation marks. They are busy. Hyphens dashes around, apostrophe gathers personal possessions, while ampersand minds her p's and q's. Lazar is a master of the well-placed pun.
Eventually Private I returns to waitress little b at Café Uno. Together they locate the missing letters and rescue them from a theater marque. "I'd always wanted to see my name in lights."
Tranquility is restored. Or is it? The final page suggests that there will be more mysteries for Private I.
MacDonald's illustrations add to the frivolity. Letters fade away. Distinctive expressions animate the punctuation and letter faces. Observant readers will find Easter Eggs scattered throughout the book. Hints: Look for the train with conjunction cars attached behind the engine and find Exclamation reading a copy of 7Ate 9. Final tip: keep an eye on the mouse.
The Upper Case: Trouble in Capital City is a read aloud delight. Who knew that grammar and punctuation could be so much fun?

Upper Case Antics

The Upper Case trailer
Picture
Alphabuild magnetic blocks
Picture
Bake alphabet cookies
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 15, 2019  Publisher: Disney-Hyperion  ISBN: 978-1368027656
0 Comments

Lunar New Year

11/29/2018

0 Comments

 

D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine ill YongSheng Xuan

Picture
Originally published in 2006, Compestine’s celebration of Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a vibrant compendium of Chinese culture. Presented in an alphabetical format, readers observe youngsters as they prepare for and participate in this annual fifteen-day  traditional festival.
Children anticipate New Year by crafting messages on red paper and getting haircuts. Enjoy mouth-watering traditional foods: noodles, oranges, roast duck, and dumplings. Join in the celebrating with kites, lanterns, incense, and firecrackers.
Xuan’s illustrations are replete with gorgeous jewel colors.  Soft yellow backgrounds play up the vibrant reds.
He seamlessly blends images across the gutter, skillfully joining two distinct concepts into one image. Objects such as the imposing dragon figure span an entire two-page spread. This creature is magnificent!
The artist includes an interesting note describing the four different calligraphic styles used to denote a dragon. Characters from the Song Dynasty, the Wei dynasty, the Grass style, and the Han dynasty appear in the background.  Close study of the illustrations is needed to discover each of the four unique dragon representations.
This updated edition is bilingual. Text accompanying each illustration is presented three ways: English, Mandarin Chinese written using the Latin alphabet, and ideographically with Chinese characters. Trim size has been expanded to a generous 8.5 x 11 inches. This neatly accommodates the expanded dual language format. Readers not familiar with Chinese calligraphy may notice some of the repetitive characters and language patterns visible throughout the text. 
This update significantly  enhances the original version. In the spirit of the new year, libraries will want to start the New Lunar Year by replacing the well-used and beloved older edition of D is for Dragon Dance with this sparkling masterpiece.  
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Background 

The Chinese New Year 2019 or Lunar New Year will begin on Tuesday, February 5, 2019. This is the Year of the Pig, an animal that represents diligence, kindness, and generosity.
The holiday is observed in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, Mauritius, and in countries with a large Chinese community.
​A Chinese calendar is not like the Gregorian calendar. It is based on the phases of the moon.  The first day of Chinese New Year starts with the new moon.  The last day, known as Lantern Festival is celebrated with night lantern displays.

Celebrate the New Year

Additional resources to enrich your Chinese New Year celebration.
Picture
Newbery Award-winning author illustrator Grace Lin celebrates the New Year.
Learn to read and write basic Chinese characters with Chineasy created by ShaoLan.
Make delicious dumplings with author and cook Ying Chang Compestine.
Picture
Liu Na's graphic novel of her childhood in China.
Copy provided by publisher
Pub date: October 23, 2018 Publisher: Holiday House  ISBN: 978-0823440290
0 Comments

ABC

10/26/2018

0 Comments

 

The ABCs of What I Can Be
by Caitlin McDonagh

Picture
Caitlin McDonagh explores possible life choices in this charming picture book. The alphabet serves as a template for exploring career options. Most pages are divided into quandrants showcasing a quartet of possibilities. For example, the letter L page illustrates a landscaper, lawyer, librarian, and lifeguard.  Amazingly, there are four careers for the letter X: xerophytic gardener, xylophone player, x-ray technician, and exobiologist. Less familiar careers can pique curiosity and send youngsters researching, which can promote some interesting discussions. 
Personal note: As a Kindergartner, my son learned the word "paleontologist" and declared that was what he wanted to be when he "grew up."  For him, cool word equaled cool careers.
Illustrations features young children, rather than adults in each of the occupations. Rather large heads imposed on bodies dressed in attire appropriate for the activity enhance a child's visual and emotional engagement. McDonagh uses a glorious array of skin tones, featuring multiple shades of browns and blacks.  
​Playfulness is amply evident. The environmentalists studying a tree appear to have arms around the tree (hugging). One nanny nestles two soundly sleeping infants while the other nanny holds a squalling baby.  A cat meme appears throughout the pages.  My favorite is the judge's bench with the scales of justice weighing a mouse and a piece of cheese.  The cat hungrily waits below the scales. That cat steals the show! Finding all the cats is a delightful bonus. 
The ABCs of What I Can Be is an excellent springboard for further exploration activities. These can include such things as: providing a box of costumes and props for dress-up and role playing, creating a personally illustrated "What I Can Be" booklet, or inviting community individuals to share careers and avocations. An author's note references the The United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook. She invites​ young readers to "try new things."

Meet Caitlin

Caitlin McDonagh is a 24 year old, Queens, New York native. She attended The Fashion Institute of Technology where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Illustration and minors in English and Art History. ​
Visit her online.
Picture
Copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: December 24, 2018 Publisher: Holiday House  ISBN:  978-0823437825
0 Comments

Design Me an Alphabet

10/12/2017

0 Comments

 

Mrs. Peanuckle's Fruit Alphabet art by Jessie Ford

Mrs Peanuckle's Vegetable Alphabet art by Jessie Ford

Picture
Picture
Jessie Ford effectively uses an arresting graphic design with bold images and colors to highlight the world of produce, alphabet style. The appealing pages include clever annotations. Some text is informative, with details such as a pronunciation guide for Jicama, and a safety tip about eating berries found on bushes "Always ask before eating berries you find outside - some can make you very sick." A few entries seem a bit strange. Listing ice cream in a book about fruit seems a stretch.
But really, it's the striking graphic design and the charming little touches which make these board books eye-catching. Young readers will enjoy discovering the expressive faces gracing the individual fruits and vegetables.

Creating Graphic Design: A Student Project

Picture
Picture
What makes a graphic design stand out? An examination of art created by Ford provides opportunities for observation. Why not distribute copies of these books to budding artists and discuss principles of effective design. Ask: How does the artist use color, contrast, size, scale, shape, and placement to create a graphic that is interesting and informative?
Students might be encouraged to try making a graphic design. A common item that students have is a backpack. Why not create graphic designs based on "What's in my backpack?" or "What's in my lunchbox?"
Always up for a challenge, I decided to try making a graphic design using an item from my lunchbox. (In this case it is a chocolate chip cookie.)  Of course, that meant I would be starting with a capital letter "C."
​After locating a few simple materials, I was on my way.
Solid colored heavy printer paper seemed like a logical choice for a background material.  Scissors helped a free-form cookie take shape. I added pops of color with some yellow and purple post-it notes. Waxy brown crayon markings served as the chocolate chips. A hole punch made short work on the remaining scraps and gave the design some pizzazz.
Using children's board books to teach students principles of graphic design is a fresh and fun approach to teaching visual arts. This activity is suitable for students of all ages
Picture

Additonal Books in the Mrs. Peanuckle Alphabet Series

Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

Pastabilities

2/7/2017

0 Comments

 

ABC Pasta: An Entertaining Alphabet by Juana Medina

Picture
Medina has done it again! ABC Pasta: An Entertaining Alphabet follows up on 1 Big Salad: A Delicious Counting Book with artfully designed pages that combine stunning photos with clever illustrations to create another picture book filled with WOW!
​
​This alphabet book is a primer for budding pasta enthusiasts.  A shopping trip to the market's pasta aisle will open minds to exciting design, alphabet, and gastronomic possibilities.
As a bonus Medina includes a recipe for Cacio e Pepe

​So long same-old alphabet soup. Goodbye boring blue box Mac & Cheese. This is the way pasta was meant to be enjoyed!

Companion Books

Picture
1 Big Salad: A Delicious Counting Book by Juana Medina
Picture
Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola
Picture
More Spaghetti, I Say by Rita Golden Gelman
0 Comments
    Author/Illustrator Index
    Get the latest updates delivered directly to you inbox:

    powered by TinyLetter

    Category

    All
    Activity Books
    Adventure
    Africa
    Alphabet Books
    Animals
    Anthology
    Art
    Asian
    Audiobook
    Author-interview
    Author-profile
    Awards
    Bilingual
    Biography
    Black Lives
    Board Books
    Book Awards
    Book-club
    Book Stores
    Book Trailers
    Classroom Connections
    Comics
    Coming Of Age
    Cosplay
    Creativity
    Diversity
    Early Readers
    Fairy Tale
    Family
    Fantasy
    Food
    Friendship
    Girls
    Grahic Novel
    Grief
    Halloween
    Historical Fiction
    Horror
    Humor
    Immigration
    Informational-books
    Latinx
    Lgbtq
    Library-activities
    Literacy
    Magical-realism
    Maker
    Math
    Memoir
    Middle Grade
    Music
    Mystery
    Mythology
    Native American
    Nonfiction
    Own Voices
    Picture Book
    Poetry
    Prose-and-comic
    Read Aloud
    Reading
    Reading Writing Connection
    Realistic Fiction
    Romance
    Self Acceptance
    Series
    Social Issues
    Sports
    STEM
    Storytelling
    Texas Connection
    The-margin-project
    Translation
    Wordless
    Ya Lit

    Archives

    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015

    Barbara Moon

    I like talking about books and  interesting ideas. I like thinking about how books affect my life. Not particularly interested in giving out stars or in rating books. 

    Audio Publishers Association
    2013, - present  Audies judge 
    American Library Association Book Awards and Lists 
    ​2017 YALSA Award Nominating Committee
    2016 Excellence in Nonfiction 
    2014 Margaret Edwards Award
    2012 Odyssey Awards.  
    2009, 2010, 2011 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.

    Professional Reader
    Picture
    Frequently Auto-Approved

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.