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READING STYLE GUIDE

A Flight of Butterflies

11/30/2021

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​​Autumn signals that it's time for the migratory flights of the Monarch butterflies. We watch in wonder as they travel through Texas on the way to Mexico. It's an extraordinary experience.
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​Three generously sized picture books explore the anatomy and life cycle of these winged insects. They include scientific facts as well as flights of fancy. 

Monarch Butterflies:
​Explore the Life Journey of One of the Winged Wonders of the World 
by Ann Hobbie art by Olga Baumert

 Monarch Butterflies offers young readers an in depth look at these "winged wonders of the world."  Hobbie doesn't shy away from using precise vocabulary. Spiracles, maxillary palps, cremaster, and proboscis are some of the terms which are accompanied by enlarged illustrations and succinct paragraphs.
Baumert's detailed illustrations present up-close inspection of these insects' anatomy, life cycle, and habitats.
The author devotes a considerable number of pages to ecological patterns, monarch conservation, symbiotic relationships, and caring for the environment. Readers will find information on caring for butterflies, a Glossary, links to educator guides, topics for additional research, and Day of the Dead celebrations.
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​C​​opy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: April 27, 2021  Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC ISBN: 978-1635862898

Señorita Mariposa
​by Ben Gundersheimer art by Macos Almada Rivero

Artfully composed couplets trace the journey of Señorita Mariposa. Mimicking the butterfly's flight, text in English and Spanish are intertwined. Initially, English, the language spoken in the continent where the flight originates, appears first. Each phrase is followed by a Spanish translation. ​Midflight, the format changes. At the poem's conclusion each line of poetry is displayed first in Spanish, followed by an English translation.
Supporting matter includes a map tracing the migratory path from Canada to Mexico, an Author's Note, and a link to Gundersheimer's Mariposa Project website.
Rivero's joyful illustrations are awash with color, smiling animals, children with a variety of skin tones, and a wide-eyed monarch butterfly with fancy eyelashes.
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​C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: September 3, 2019  Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books  ISBN: 978-1481492096

Moth & Butterfly: Ta-Da!
​by Dev Petty art by Ana Aranda

Petty takes readers into the worlds of two flying insects that have obvious similarities as well as distinct differences. And that's a good thing. Moth & Butterfly: Ta Da! makes clear that both insect classifications are fascinating subjects for investigation.
Aranda uses a riot of color. Butterfly emerges from the chrysalis with an explosion of bright yellow and pink. Moth pops from the cocoon in shades of beige and blue. The effect is stunning.
The final page lists identifying characteristics for moths and butterflies. ​
Bonus: The end papers are stunning. I wish that I could purchase prints of these bold graphic designs.
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: June 8, 2021 Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books  ISBN: 978-1524740511
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A New View

10/11/2021

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Inside Cat by Brendan Wenzel

Cat lovers and fans of the Caldecott Award-winning They All Saw a Cat can rejoice. Author and illustrator Brendan Wenzel is back with a fresh look at a domestic cat’s life with Inside Cat.
Remaining within the confines of a building, bound by walls and doors, ceilings and floors, this feline encounters myriad interesting phenomena.
There are shapes to identify, senses to experience, sweeping vistas to view, tiny vignettes to examine.
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Wenzel maintains a soft blue background with simple suggestions of architecture and furnishings within the home. In contrast, the outdoors are rendered in full color with multiple charming details. 
The energetic cat sports a coat of fur drawn with a loose, free hand.  The immense wide-eyes are the dominant facial feature. 
Rhythmic, rhyming text begs to be read aloud. Repetitive words "wanders" "wonders" take on multiple meanings in a variety of situations.
The final page turn reveals a dazzling surprise and a satifying conclusion. End papers featuring interior and exterior cat views are not to be missed.
This book can serve as a springboard for individual observations. Hand this engaging picture book to youngsters and invite them to discover amazing worlds waiting to be discovered.

More Wenzel, Please

Enjoy these delightful pictures books from the inventive mind and creative talent of Brendan Wenzel.
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C​​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date:October 12, 2021  Publisher: Chronicle Books  ISBN: 978-1452173191
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Bird's-eye View

5/21/2021

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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Meet Homer, a carrier pigeon with extraordinary abilities. He always finds his way home, even when he must travel long distances. He also possesses a most unusual trait: Homer reads.
It began when he noticed the newspapers lining his cage. Homer recognized people and places in the newspaper’s photos. Eventually this smart bird connected the pictures with their printed captions. Viola! He became a reader. In addition to news reports, Homer discovered the funny pages and now follows the exploits of comic strip detective Dick Tracey.
Enter a partner: Homer meets Lulu, a parrot who perches on the shoulder of her owner Charlotte. The birds become fast friends and look forward to friendly avian conversations whenever their owners are in the park.
A series of outdoor jewelry thefts come to the attention of Homer and Lulu. They decide to investigate the robberies.
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The story’s premise is ingenious. A pigeon has a bird’s-eye view to possible crimes and can fly around, gathering evidence without arousing suspicion. His accomplice has an extensive human vocabulary. These savvy spies find clues and piece together the evidence. Here's the complication: Homer and Lulu must communicate their discoveries, reveal the perpetrators, and recover the stolen jewelry. There is an element of danger, but these are brave little detectives. Homer on the Case is an engaging sleuthing adventure for young readers. Let's hope that there will be more mysteries for this detective duo.
Listen to the author read as he draws a pigeon.
Learn some surprising facts about homing pigeons.
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: April 1, 2021  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682632543
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Applelicious

5/14/2021

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Apple of My Pie by Mika Song

Norma and Belly are back with another delectable adventure. Last year the squirrels discovered donuts. Now they venture into the world of pies. Apple pies.
Gramps and Little Bee visit the local farmers' market and unfortunately Gramps falls asleep in a truckload of apples bound for the factory. This could be trouble! Little Bee enlists Norma and Belly to help rescue Gramps from what could be a dismal fate: A squirrel baked inside an apple pie.
The rescuers travel to the Crunchy Acres apple orchard and processing plant. Their search for Gramps lands them in a vat of apples that are about to become pie filling.
​There is plenty of clever word play. The squirrels are dumped onto a conveyor with an incline.  They note that “things are looking up.” Norma escapes from the apple peeling apparatus and exclaims “that was a close shave.”
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​This charming tale of friendship is jam-packed with special touches. Fans of Donut Feed the Squirrels will notice cameo appearances from some familiar characters. Song brings the story to a satisfying conclusion, tying together the worlds of humans and squirrels. Apple of My Pie is a delicious treat not to be missed.
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More Yummy Books from Mika Song

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Just For Fun

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Why not create your own tree populated with squirrels? Author Mika Song provides a tree template to download and print. She suggests filling the tree with fingerprints.
Then add details to each tiny print to personalize the furry creatures. 
​Will Nora, Belly, Gramps, and Little Bee have a place on the branches?
Try making mini apples pies. Fill a small oven-safe jar with your favorite apple pie filling. I used an unusual recipe which features orange and apple juices cooked with apple slices. Details here.
Top with a circle of pie crust pastry. Crimp the edges and pop in a hot oven (about 425) until the pastry is lightly browned. For an easy version, fill jars with precooked filling and top with a crumbled oatmeal cookie. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a sweet little mouthful of apple goodness.
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Electronic copy accessed via NetGalley.
Pub date: June 8, 2021Publisher: Random House Grapic  ISBN: 978-1984895851
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Girl's Best Friend

4/22/2021

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Pawcasso by Remy Lai

The Chihuahua-sized fib that grew into a Great Dane lie.
From the imagination of Lai comes Pawcasso, a graphic novel about a dog, art, and honesty. 
​Hoping to escape the confines of a large family, Joanna Lin steps outdoors and discovers a most unusual sight. A basket-bearing dog is heading into town. Intrigued, Jo follows.
​She learns that this pup is on a mission. The basket contains a list of items that the dog is expected to procure from local businesses.  
​Things get complicated when the dog enters Dog Ears, the local book shop. Jo discovers an kid's art class is in session. Young students are thrilled with the appearance of a friendly pup. This is a much more exciting model that an inert pear. They assume that Jo is the dog's owner and ask permission to sketch, paint, and sculpt the canine.
When the shop offers free books in exchange for using the dog as a model, Jo pretends to be the owner and agrees to the terms. In honor of their interest in art, the kids name their remarkable model Pawcasso.
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Then Jo learns that the art workshop will continue for five more weeks and culminate in a special art show. She worries. Who is the dog’s owner and where does it live? How can she get the dog to come to Dog Ears with her every week? ​
To make matters worse, neighbors are concerned that a dog is wandering through town without a leash. The city is divided into two camps: those supporting strict enforcement of leash laws and those that want to make an exception for this endearing animal. Finally, Jo meet's Picasso's owners and confesses her deception. With a little help, Jo brings the opposing factions together to solve the leash law dilemma. She also heals a rift in a neighbor’s family and comes to terms with her father’s work-related absence. Bonus: There is ice cream for everyone!
A surefire hit for fans of mysteries, poop jokes, adorable dogs, and happy endings.
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Lai packs her graphic novel with plenty of goodies.
  • Inventive word play: Pawcasso (canine version of the artist Picasso) Dog Ears (bookstore), Drippy Cone (ice cream shop) and Dippy (short for serendipity)
  • Contemporary artists Picasso and Marcel Duchamp
  • An ice cream recipe that is suitable for dogs and "hoomans”
Electronic copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: May 11, 2021  Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. BYR Paperbacks ISBN:  978-1250774491
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Wonders and Delights

12/16/2020

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Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson ill by Sharon King-Chai

Looking for a picture book for gift-giving? Consider Counting Creatures. This more-than-a-picture book is an explosion of tactile wonders and visual delights. Presented as a counting book featuring various animal species and their young, it begins with one baby bat and sequentially progresses to ten piglets before leapfrogging to multitudes of caterpillars, tadpoles, and spiders.
This interactive volume invites young readers to predict what will be underneath the next flap. How many babies? What word is used to describe them?
​Many terms are familiar, but the young of some species are not well-known. A baby arctic hare is known as a leveret while baby turkeys are called poults.
Rhyming couplets and the repetitive line of text "Who has more babies than that? " make this an excellent book for sharing and reading aloud.
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​Counting Creatures by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Sharon King-Chai has a wow factor to the max.
The generous size (approximately 8x10.5 inches) features a die cut cover with foil accents. Cut outs continue throughout the book, giving readers a hint as to the animals to be revealed. ​Art is stunning. Deep rich colors, gorgeously textured shapes, ingeniously designed flaps and tiny details sprinkled throughout the pages will send readers back the beginning to discover the answer to one final question.
C​opy provided by publisher.
Pub date: November 24, 2020  Publisher: Dial Books  ISBN: 978-0593324530
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Fair Trade

11/20/2020

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A Long Road on a Short Day
by Gary D. Schmidt & Elizabeth Stickney ill by Eugene Yelchin

On a winter day when snowfall is imminent and daylight is scarce, Samuel and his father set out on a journey. The two are in search of a milk cow.
They hope with a series of trades to parlay Father's Barlow knife (a high-quality pocket knife) into a source of milk for the family’s baby girl. Using his insight into the circumstances and interests of his neighbors, Samuel’s father puts his plan into action. Both father and son are determined to make each trade a satisfactory arrangement for all parties. From a desired timepiece to the fleecy softness of Merino wool for the weaver's loom, neighbors benefit from these exchanges.
In addition to learning the value that an item may have for a specific individual; Samuel learns to approach each person with respect and kindness.
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As sunset approaches a neighbor has light glowing in his barn, a lonely window has a volume to poetry to keep her company, and a little girl has a pony cart to take her to school. The family has a milk cow and Samuel receives the secret wish of his heart. All because of a wish, a pocketknife, and an astute father who knows the value of friendship and fairness.
Schmidt is a master storyteller, delivering a tale with succinct narration. Each phrase contains a rhythmic quality and sensory imagery that precisely capture the relationship between father and son, young boy and animals, and a members of a closely-knit community.
Yelchin's illustrations are sublime. Like peering into a snow globe, each image is a magical moment encapsulated amid the swirling flakes. ​ 
 A Long Road on a Short Day is a short book that is long on wishes and the wonders of a winter's day. A perfect read aloud that will warm hearts. 
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Electronic copy accessed via NetGalley.
Pub date: November 10, 2020  Publisher: Clarion Books  ISBN:  978-0544888364
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Digital Woodcutting 

10/16/2020

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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.
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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
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They’re Back!

10/9/2020

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The Popper Penguin Rescue by Eliot Schrefer

The penguins are back! Countless generations have loved Florence and Richard Atwater's Mr. Popper's Penguins. Awarded a Newbery Honor in 1939, this classic is a staple in home, school, classroom, and public libraries.
Like many readers, I hoped that the story would go on and speculated about what would become of Captain Cook, Greta, and their droll offspring. My wish has been granted. Award-winning author Eliot Schrefer continues the penguin saga with contemporary sensibilities while retaining the charm of the original.
Years after Mr. Popper and Admiral Drake established a penguin colony in the Arctic, a Popper descendant and her children move into the old Penguin Pavilion located in a neighboring Stillwater community. The kids, Nina and Joel, explore the basement and discover two eggs. The decision to take the eggs to school does not turn out well. Nina's egg cracks during a spelling quiz and a playground bully steals Joel's egg. Despite the difficulties and with a touch of Atwater-like magic, the long-forgotten penguin eggs hatch.
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These siblings are now caretakers for two chicks christened Ernest and Mae. ​They wonder: what to do? The local Penguin Foundation offers to sponsor an Arctic expedition to resettle these chicks with the colony established by Mr. Popper and Admiral Drake. There are a few perilous moments. Ernest inadvertently sabotages the boat's central navigation system, causing the boat to run aground. Their expedition braves a blinding arctic storm and below-freezing conditions.
A solution to the Antarctic animals' relocation dilemma is more complicated than the Poppers had originally considered. The conclusion satisfies environmental concerns while preserving the Popper Performing Penguins' legacy.
Schrefer handles the narrative with a light touch. Even the fantastic seems believable. He balances the wildly hilarious with serious threats to the penguins' existence. Ernest and Mae play their own version of chess while snacking on dried squid. There is even a penguin body surfing scene where the birds transport arrivals across the colony. Admiral Drake’s grandson makes a cameo appearance. Schrefer pays homage to the classic tale, neatly tying in elements from the original. Bonus: these penguins canoodle!
Jim Madsen's black and white illustrations are fresh, contemporary, and contribute to the story's appeal.
Oork! Oork! Confetti and ribbons, penguins, and Poppers! The Popper Penguin Rescue will delight fans of the original classic and introduce new generations to the magic of flightless birds in tuxedoes.
Electronic copy accessed via Edelweiss.
​Pub date: October 13, 2020  Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers  ISBN:  978-0316495424
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Digging for Diamonds

10/5/2020

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Gnu and Shrew by Danny Schnitzlein ill by Anca Sandu

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Meet a most unlikely pair. Gnu and Shrew sit together on the banks of a crocodile infested river. Gnu shares a secret with his friend: a cave filled with diamonds is on the other side of this very wide and deep river. Gnu dreams of someday obtaining the diamonds. With wealth from these gems he could get his own Ferris wheel or perhaps a golden bicycle.
As he imagines the possibilities, the bespectacled Shrew sets to work, figuring out how to cross the river. Gnu’s musings spark Shrew's thought processes. For example a revolving wheel has a possible practical application for a paddleboat design.
It will come as no surprise that Shrew's skill and hard work pay off.  He obtains the diamonds and sets off to travel around the world. Success is his.
But what will become of Gnu? Schmitzlein gives this tale of perseverance and friendship a happy ending. The final page offers a hint to the happily-ever-after for this twosome. Hurrah for Gnu and Shrew. ​
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A word about the illustrations. Sandu restricts the main color palette to deep yellow and complementary turquoise This color scheme accents the contrasting natures of the two protagonists. The cover features Gnu dreamily gazing at a butterfly while Shrew, tongue sticking out, is concentrating on the workings of a lightbulb. However, the animals are not drawn to scale. Similar sizes suggest that each character is equally important.
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Discussion Guide: Points to Consider

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This book can be introduced by inviting readers to view the cover and then consider: What is a gnu? What is a shrew? Which character on the cover do you suspect is the gnu and which is the shrew? Why do you think you may be correct?
Facts about two uncommon animals.
Meet the gnu. This member of the antelope family is native to Africa. The horned animals with shaggy manes and tails are very strong and can run up to 50 miles per hour. Their main predators include lions, hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, and crocodiles. Often gnus that attempt to cross a river are attacked and eaten by crocodiles. The gnu is also known as a wildebeest.
Note: The "g" is not voiced. It might be interesting to discover other words that begin with "gn." Hint: gnat, gnome and gnaw are three common words.
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Shrews are tiny mole-like animals with long noses and very sharp, spiky teeth. They have small eyes and cannot see well but have excellent senses of hearing and smell. They are very active and need to eat constantly. A shrew can consume from one half to two times its body weight each day! Shrews are venomous. The venom is stored within grooves in the shrew's teeth.
There are 385 different species of shrews. They can be found throughout the world.
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​Why do you think that the author selected these animals for the story?

The Power of Bold Ideas

There are dreamers like Gnu who imagine great things. There are makers like Shrew who experiment and develop solutions to problems. Together, the two make a great pair. Bold ideas combined with effort can produce remarkable results. In September 1962, President John F. Kennedy suggested that man could go to the moon. At the time it seemed unlikely. The dream was achieved in July 1969 after seven years of planning, testing, and experimenting by a team of technicians, scientists, engineers, and astronauts.
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What new dreams might be imagined? What dedicated individuals will make those dreams a reality?
Copy provided by publisher.
​Pub date: October 1, 2020  Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company  ISBN: 978-1682631461
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    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.

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