Category: Informational Books

What About Me?

6/16/2020

All the Birds in the World by David Opie

“But what about me?” asked Kiwi.

Diversity is a phenomenon found and celebrated throughout nature. All the Birds in the World explores the remarkable variety found within the avian species.

An adorable little kiwi narrates this informative picture book highlighting a vast assortment of birds living in all parts of the globe. The narrative begins with a list of characteristics common to all members of this class of warm-blooded vertebrates: feathers, wings, and beaks.

Successive pages illustrate remarkable individuality. Birds are different with respect to size, shape, coloration, and behaviors. They can be found in a range of climates and habitats.

Kiwi, a native to New Zealand bird, compares itself with others of the species and asks, "But what about me?"

Kiwi is pleased that a stubby critter who cannot sing, has no tail, does not fly, lives underground, and has whiskers is nonetheless a bird and proudly proclaims that "Even me" is a member of this feathered family.

Opie's exquisitely detailed paintings showcase a dazzling array of winged wonders. Two-page spreads of birds in motion (flying, swimming, and singing or calling) invite careful examination. There are also closeups of eggs, feet, and beaks. The artist notes that some bird images are "not necessarily to scale."

Back matter includes A Note from the Author, additional Kiwi information, and splendid annotated reproductions of the book's pages that identify most of the birds featured throughout the volume.

A delightful introduction to ornithology.

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: June 1, 2020 Publisher: Peter Pauper Press ISBN: 978-1441333292

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Shine Your Light. Shine Your Story.

4/14/2020

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When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, and Iman Geddy

If you know how to look, there are stories woven into the very essence of stars.
Be like a star. Shine your light. Shine your story.

Victoria Jamieson and Omar Mohamed's When Stars Are Scattered introduces readers to the reality of survival for displaced individuals, an existence filled with deprivation, uncertainty, and boredom.

Jamieson is a masterful storyteller. She brilliantly describes her childhood interests in Roller Girl, a Newbery Honor Award book and All’s Faire in Middle School. Now she steps away from personal experience to chronicle the childhood of Somali refugees Omar Mohamed and his younger brother Hassan.

The narrative is based on Omar’s memories. He and Hassan escaped Somalia's civil war, lost contact with their parents, and were given shelter at a camp located in Kenya. Looked after by a kind woman, they subsist on meager rations and sleep in a tiny tent. Omar assumes responsibility for disabled brother's daily care. Life changes when a UN worker suggests that Omar attend a school organized for the camp's children. Education becomes his lifeline and an escape from the grim reality of camp life. Fifteen long years later, the two resettle in Arizona.

Drawings are clean and uncluttered, keeping the focus on these young siblings. Each frame becomes a metaphor for life within the refugee camp. Omar remains trapped inside the confining panel boundaries. There are a few instances where Omar breaks through the restrictive lines which limit him. Using a stick, his elbow stretches beyond the frame as he writes letters in the ground. Arms extend out as he considers his decision to attend school. His hand drops out of the panel to receive a packet of verses that distill the lives, hopes, and dreams of young refugees. The inference is that education breaks the confines that hold him captive.
Color tends to be flat except the expanse of sky, where a breathtaking array of hues ranging from soft pinks to deep blues are sprinkled with the glimmering pinpoints of tiny stars. The sky appears limitless.

Jamieson takes a few liberties with Mohamed's story, fleshing out the narrative with additional characters. Two fictional camp residents deal with the harsh realities for girls in this society: few basic supplies, limited education opportunities, and arranged marriages at a young age.

Back material consists of an Afterword, Author's Notes by both Mohammed and Jamieson, photographs of Omar and his family, and Acknowledgments.

With extraordinary grace and simplicity, Mohamed and Jamieson put a name and a face on the plight of refugees. The suffering and unsettled circumstances are evident on every page. Without undue sentimentality or overwrought emotion, young Omar’s story is simple and straightforward yet powerful in it's impact.

This graphic novelization of Omar’s life as a refugee is heartbreaking and eye opening. It's the story of the bond that connects siblings, of living with a disabled family member, of a repressive view of women, and the long-lasting aftereffects of war. Notwithstanding these obstacles, this is a story of hope.
This seminal work written for children is a must read for all ages. A harrowing story well told. A story of humanity and possibility.

Want to Do More?

"I lived in Dadaab Refugee camp for over fifteen years. I know what its like to spend your entire childhood without resources. Now I'm working to change that for my family, friends, and neighbors." Omar Mohamed

Inspired by the story of a young refugee? Learn more about the mission and work of Refugee Strong.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher

Pub date: April 14, 2020 Publisher: Dial Books ISBN: 978-0525553908

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Presidents Past, Present, Future

3/19/2020

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The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents (Presidents Book for Kids; History of United States Presidents When They Were Young)

But no matter who holds the job right now, the presidents of tomorrow are always out there somewhere.

It's difficult to write informational picture books. It's doubly difficult to create picture books on contemporary political topics that have a timeless quality, transcending the current political climate. These books can easily become outdated.

Messner and Rex have brilliantly overcome this problem. How did they do it?
The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents is set in the present at a museum that closely resembles the Smithsonian Museum of American History.

Visitors explore the halls, looking back in time and then imagining what may take place in the future. Past, present, and future are combined to inspire youngsters to become actively involved in the political process. It's an elegant construct that really works. Lots of good things here. Word bubbles and short descriptive passages offer fascinating factoids.

Rex uses a mixed media approach. Black line drawings mix with realistic portraits as well as stylized color wash renderings. The variety of styles reinforce a sense of traveling through time. A limited color palette consisting of various shades of red and blue gives a unifying visual effect. The figures are active, suggesting vibrancy and activism. This is not staid, stuffy old history. This is real, active, forward-thinking civic engagement.

A clever numbering system, hidden within each presidential likeness creates its own game to engage readers: find each numeral and arrange the list of presidents in sequential order. One very tricky presidential image is depicted out of historical sequence. Youngster will enjoy the visual scavenger hunt to find the "hidden" president. Loads of fun!

A special touch precedes the title page. It's a play on the use of phrase "This book belongs to:" and a signature line for claiming the book as personal property. The Next President begins with this statement before the title page "This country belongs to:" and a line for writing one's name.

Back matter is a treasure trove of supplemental information including a United States Map that charts presidential birthplaces. It should be no surprise that Virginia leads the list with eight presidents. Additional resources consist of the requirements to be president of the United States as explained in the Constitution, a note on the changing face of the American Presidency, suggested books for young readers, and a more extensive bibliography for older readers.

An excellent pictorial review of American political history that is apolitical. A wonderful introduction to civic engagement. The timing of this book's publication makes it an excellent introduction to the upcoming presidential election. Using the past and the present, this book invites youngsters to think about a future for themselves and for their country. It's a consideration brimming with possibilities.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

And where is the next president now? It's exciting to think about, isn't it?

Pub date: March 24, 2020 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452174884

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Hands On. Minds On.

3/14/2020

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Recently several parents and grandparent have asked about materials for homeschoolers. They are familiar with available packaged programs. They have wonder: Is there something more? Yes, there is.

TinkerActive Workbooks

TinkerActive Workbook series is designed for young learners ages 5-8. Three disciplines are covered within each grade level: English, Math, and Science.
The workbooks are sturdy, with stiff, laminate covers. This will protect from spills that may occur. Thick quality paper, pages with round corners. A lot of thought is evident in the creation of this series.

All workbooks follow a similar pattern: A concept is introduced with Let's Learn About which consists of basic information and a few interesting activities to practice the concept. Then the real fun begins with Let's Tinker, Let's Make, and Let's Engineer projects related to the concept. All activities require a collection of materials and simple tools, such as glue, markers, scissors, boxes, etc. Each consumable book includes stickers and a magnetic merit badge. These hands on, minds on projects are FUN. From the clever quirky minds at Odd Dot.

Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor
by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner

Calling All Minds is an intriguing mix of inventor mini-biographies, images of registered inventions from the U.S. Patent office with step-by step project instructions. Grandin frames these elements within a running narrative describing her personal journey of discovery. She introduces readers to her thinking process, her experiments with various concepts, and schematic drawings of her creations.
The book is organized into five general sections: "Things Made of Paper," "Levers and Pulleys," "Things Made of Wood," "Things That Fly", and "Optical Illusions." Each section includes a cornucopia of material that is loosely connected. Like the discovery process, they do not flow in a strict linear fashion, instead inviting moments of serendipity along the way.

"Things Made of Paper" chapter callout boxes contain a plethora of STEM-related components. Readers will find brief introductions to the history of these inventions: moveable type, the typewriter, Liquid Paper, scissors, and Crayola crayons. Bonus material includes an explanation of the term QWERTY and a discussion of the Fibonacci "golden ratio." Makers are treated to directions for creating Handmade Paper, Paper Snowflakes, a Crystal Snowflake, a Kaleidoscope, and Water Bombs.

Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit

National Geographic takes on a new publishing venture with Explorer Academy, a fiction series combining action-adventure with science, technology and world exploration. Twelve-year-old Cruz Coronado is a member of Explorer Academy, an international team of young people training to become the world's future scientists.

Trueit has created stories with action, intrigue, and suspense galore. At one point in my reading I replied to a request from an individual near me, saying “I can’t come right now. Cruz is trapped underwater and can’t breathe.”

Those who love scientific and geographical trivia will be fascinated with all the factoids scattered throughout the narrative. All volumes are chock-full of fascinating futuristic tech gadgets. There is a Jules Verne quality to the series, envisioning scientific achievements that may become a future reality.

National Geographic has created a wealth of extras to enhance the series. The treasure trove of online resources includes codes and ciphers to solve, profiles of scientists working on cutting edge advances. There’s an animation video of C.A.V.E. (Computer Animated Virtual Experience), a slide show of "Weird But True" facts, and personality quiz to determine a science-interest type.

Crafty Cat series by Charise Harper

Comics, a charming cat, and crafts. What more could you ask for?

Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis is a story of expectations, making friends, and dealing with bullies is appropriate for younger readers. Back pages include directions for making each of the six monster crafts described in the text.

I followed the directions for making mini monsters. This is a fun and easy-to-do project. These paper critters would be great as place cards. Add a message to accompany a gift package. Set one of a shelf for an expected surprise.

With great characters, clever dialog, and simple craft projects, Charise Mericle Harper has a created a graphic novel series for young craft and comic enthusiasts.

Bonus: There's No Place Like Home

Looking for additional resources to support home-centered learning? Try these.

KidLitTV stories, crafts & activities

Celebrated actors read children's books.

Activity guides from Just Us Books

Create with Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Plan your day with this suggested daily schedule from NESCA (Neuropsychology & Education Services for Children & Adolescents. Accessed via Lorena Germán

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What About the Children?

1/23/2020

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War affects everyone, including children. Three middle grade books written for middle grade explore the devastating effect of World War II on youngsters living in Great Britain. Three very different books: the life-affirming true story of courage in the face of disaster, a thrilling saga filled with danger and intrigue, and heart-filled tale of a disabled girl learning to trust. Three completely different stories. All excellent reading for middle grade.

Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of the Children's Ship
by Deborah Heiligman

Each person had a life, a story, a life worth living and a story worth telling.

When Germany began relentlessly bombing London some parents sought to protect their children by sending youngsters overseas to places of relative safety. A luxury ocean liner, the SS City of Benares set sail on September 12, 1940 departing from Liverpool and bound for Canada. The ship carried 406 people, including over 90 children. Terror struck five days into the journey when a German U-boat fired a torpedo, sinking the ship.

Meticulously researched, the narrative describes the ordeal endured by passengers and crew set adrift in the icy Atlantic. The story of six boys who spent eight days clinging to a lifeboat until they were rescued is particularly harrowing.

Torpedoed: The True Story of the World War II Sinking of “The Children’s Ship” chronicles this catastrophe and the fate of its few survivors. A story of tragedy and suffering. A story of heroism and hope. Narrative nonfiction at its best.

Deborah Heiligman describes her path to becoming an author.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: October 8, 2019 Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) ISBN: 978-1627795548

Our Castle by the Sea by Lucy Strange

I was very small indeed when Pa first told us the legend of the Wyrm and the Stones

Two sisters, along with their parents live in a lighthouse set on a clifftop overlooking the sea. Nearby are four upright stones, which local lore believes are four girls turned into stone. Petra suspects that she is destined to become a part of this ancient legend.

With the threat of a German invasion, Britain relocates individuals with German heritage and possible enemy sympathies to internment camps. Petra Zimmerman Smith's mother is German. A tribunal determines that this wife of a British citizen may be a threat to security. She is sent to an internment camp.

It is evident that there is a saboteur within the community. Petra is determined to discover the traitor's identity and exonerate her mother. It's a dangerous mission. The enemy is ruthless and will stop at nothing to silence anyone who interferes with plans to aid a German invasion. Petra risks her life to save her family and her country.

Our Castle by the Sea is a fantastic intertwining of mythology, history, and intrigue.

Author Lucy Strange introduces her book.

Audiobook accessed via Audible

Pub date: April 30, 2019 Publisher: Scholastic Audio ASIN: B07PT38ZB6

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

There are all kinds of wars.

Neglect and abuse are all that Ada has ever known. She and her club foot are concealed in shame within a small apartment. When the threat of bombing reaches London, she and her brother escape. Posing as evacuees, they travel to Kent and are placed in the home of Susan Smith.

This benefactor offers the siblings a clean warm home with plenty of nourishing food. She arranges a consultation with a doctor who believes that the deformed foot can be corrected. Ada learns to read, makes a friend, and watches for German spies. Most wondrous of all, Ada cares for and rides the beautiful pony in the adjoining pasture.

While the threat of an enemy invasion is constantly on the minds of everyone, within the home of Susan Smith each one is fighting a personal battle.

The War That Saved My Life is satisfying and heartwarming. A story of conquering fear and learning to love.

Kimberly Brubaker Bradley introduces the horses that inspired an important story element.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: January 8, 2015 Publisher: Dial Books ISBN: 978-0803740815

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Justice is Served

1/13/2020

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Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Big Words)
by Doreen Rappaport ill by Eric Velasquez

I got the idea that being a lawyer was a pretty good thing, because you could do something for your society.

This generously-sized picture book celebrates the life and legacy of the second woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice.

Using her trademark format, biographical narrative interspersed with appropriate quotations, Rappaport recounts important events in the life of this influential woman.

The U.S Constitution serves as a backdrop for the cover’s close-up portrait of the Associate Justice. Looking directly into the faces of readers, Ruth is clear-eyed and resolute. Opening pages feature Ruth as a young girl, her childhood filled with books and school activities, music and traditional Jewish observances.

Ruth loved her mother, who taught her to work hard, think for herself, and act independently.

My mother was the bravest and strongest person I have known.

The well-researched profile highlights Ginsburg’s scholarship, her efforts to overcome inequities she experienced firsthand and witnessed in the lives of others, her marriage and family, and the crowning achievement of her professional life: nomination to the Supreme Court. Rappaport supports the narrative with interesting details.

Velasquez' stunning images of Ruth begin with a tender girl and conclude with a joy-filled group portrait of the four women who have served or are currently serving as Supreme Court Justices. Intervening pages reveal Ginsburg's developing maturity and gradual aging. Her innate girlish shyness is replaced with growing resolve, and and quiet confidence. Facial expressions and body language reflect her evolving self-assurance.

Rich back matter includes a timeline of events, author's note, illustrator's note, selected bibliography with additional resources, acknowledgements, and source notes. This excellent introduction to a remarkable individual, Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg is a worthy addition to classroom and children’s library collections.

Big Words: Picture Book Series

A variety of illustrators capture the individual’s essence in each of Rappaport’s beautifully presented biographies. The artist's style is appropriate to the subject. The realistic Frederick Douglass portrait is rendered in somber tones. Helen Keller is positioned in profile, rather than a direct full face. John Lennon’s glasses reveal the title in his left lens and a mirrored reflection of the words in his right lens. Each portrait could be a framed work of art. Discover this glorious series.

Captivating life stories. Memorable quotations. Gorgeous art. Stellar series.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: February 11, 2020 Publisher: Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 978-1484747179

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Curiosity on Mars

10/29/2019

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Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Richard Ho ill by Katherine Roy

Here's an intriguing approach for an informational picture book: anthropomorphize a mobile space laboratory. Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars introduces young readers to Curiosity, a two-thousand-pound laboratory exploring the geology and climate of Mars for seven years.

With succinct sentences and elegant language Richard Ho describes the mission, history, and accomplishments of the scientific endeavor.

It ...is quiet...but not still.
Vast...but not empty.
Barren...but not lifeless.

Near the book's conclusion the perspective shifts. Moving beyond Curiosity's close-up view, the planet Mars takes up the narration and provides readers with an expanded view of space exploration.

Katherine Roy's predominantly red color palette is awe-inspiring. Full two-page spreads echo the vastness of the endeavor. Inset images offer additional details. A gatefold reveals a stunning panoramic vista. Magnificent!
Supplemental matter includes Mars at a Glance factoids, background information of the Curiosity project, a brief description of each of the previous unmanned explorers, list of additional print and online resources.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: October 29, 2019 Publisher: Roaring Brook Press ISBN: 978-1250198334

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What About Me?

All the Birds in the World by David Opie

Shine Your Light. Shine Your Story.

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, and Iman Geddy

Want to Do More?

Presidents Past, Present, Future

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents (Presidents Book for Kids; History of United States Presidents When They Were Young)

Hands On. Minds On.

TinkerActive Workbooks

Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor
by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner

Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit

Crafty Cat series by Charise Harper

Bonus: There's No Place Like Home

What About the Children?

Our Castle by the Sea by Lucy Strange

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Justice is Served

Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Big Words)
by Doreen Rappaport ill by Eric Velasquez

Big Words: Picture Book Series

Curiosity on Mars

Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars by Richard Ho ill by Katherine Roy

Category

Archives

Barbara Moon

All the Birds in the World by David Opie

When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson, Omar Mohamed, and Iman Geddy

Want to Do More?

The Next President: The Unexpected Beginnings and Unwritten Future of America's Presidents (Presidents Book for Kids; History of United States Presidents When They Were Young)

TinkerActive Workbooks

Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventorby Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner

Explorer Academy by Trudi Trueit

Crafty Cat series by Charise Harper

Bonus: There's No Place Like Home

Our Castle by the Sea by Lucy Strange

The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

​Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Big Words)by Doreen Rappaport ill by Eric Velasquez

Big Words: Picture Book Series

Category

Archives

Barbara Moon

Calling All Minds: How to Think and Create Like an Inventor
by Temple Grandin with Betsy Lerner

Ruth Objects: The Life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Big Words)
by Doreen Rappaport ill by Eric Velasquez