A picture book biography told in free verse of Mamie Till-Mobley whose son, Emmett Till, was killed in an act of racial violence. Instead of covering A picture book biography told in free verse of Mamie Till-Mobley whose son, Emmett Till, was killed in an act of racial violence. Instead of covering up the incident like the officials wanted, Mamie used the platform of Emmett's death to speak out and helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.
I like that this gives a broader view of Mamie than just a grieving mother. It tells about her childhood, youth, education, occupation, and achievements well after Emmett's death. The art style in this is so utterly unique and striking, I can see why it was awarded a Caldecott Honor. I picked this up expecting a picture book biography for lower grades, but this has much more depth and sophistication than lower grade readers can probably appreciate and deals with a topic better for upper middle grade (though it is dealt with very tactfully). There's a host of back matter from further notes on Mamie's life to notes from the author and illustrator to a timeline. A fantastic resource for Civil Rights Movement units and great read for those who like reading about inspirational people.
Notes: No language issues. No sexual content. Emmett's murder isn't really described. It is poetically implied that his face was mutilated. It is also poetically told that Mamie's first husband was physically abusive and she got a restraining order against him. He died in the war (no details how). A hard birth made doctors worried about Emmett's health, and then he caught polio which caused a stutter....more
Mel the Kingfisher thinks she's ready to fly so she takes a daring leap out of her nesting tree...and promptly falls. The other residents of the tree Mel the Kingfisher thinks she's ready to fly so she takes a daring leap out of her nesting tree...and promptly falls. The other residents of the tree scramble to try and help her, but Mel is pretty calm. Will this be a disaster or will Mel fly?
A cute story about neighbors looking out for each other (if somewhat befuddledly). Tabor has readers turn the book 90º so it moves down as you turn pages and then halfway through the book you turn it 180º so the story moves up as you turn pages. It's a unique orientation but works very well for this story. The illustrations are an adorable style and convey concerned emotions with a touch of humor. The end of the book has a couple factual details about Kingfishers. ...more
A highly-illustrated string of poetry as a young man tries to wrestle with the things on the news in 2020, his father ill with covid in the next room,A highly-illustrated string of poetry as a young man tries to wrestle with the things on the news in 2020, his father ill with covid in the next room, his older sister planning to go protest racial ills, and he finds it hard to breathe under all the stress...but just maybe there is an oxygen mask to provide hope.
In 20 years I don't know if readers will get this book (or maybe it will be held up as an expression of the generation that went through covid), but right now, with the global experience of covid lockdown just a recent memory, it is fairly easy to see where the character is coming from. Though it is several hundred pages long, this is a very quick read, as there are just a few words per page (sometimes no words to provide a dramatic pause or make a point). The illustrations are abstract but provide just enough detail you get the point that is being made. It's very unique. I'm having trouble deciding where to shelve this. Do I put it in poetry? Contemporary fiction? Or graphic novels? I may put it in the last category just because that is where it is most likely to get picked up, and it is just as much (if not more) illustrations than words so it fits well there. There's nothing in here that is necessarily inappropriate for middle graders, but due to the way the poetry is written and the illustration style, I'm not sure if middle graders will get it, which is why I think it is being marketed for YA. This would be a good addition to HS American Lit classes.
Notes on content: No language issues. No sexual content. Racial violence and deaths due to illness are hinted at, but not really spelled out. ...more
A girl learns from her grandmother as they gather food from their island land, especially many berries. She learns about her heritage, the wonders of A girl learns from her grandmother as they gather food from their island land, especially many berries. She learns about her heritage, the wonders of the land around her, being grateful for the food they find, and about caring for the natural world.
The illustrations in this are beautiful, and I like how it celebrates the intangible gifts older generations pass on to young ones and how certain seasonal activities can be tied to those memories. It also reminds readers to keep your senses open when out in nature, and be grateful for even little blessings.
Notes on content: The back of the book contains an author's note that talks about spiritual beliefs of the Tlingit that are hinted to but not spelled out in the main text....more
As a goofy song/story based loosely on the Noah's Ark Bible story, this is entertaining as long as you don't take it too seriously. If you are lookingAs a goofy song/story based loosely on the Noah's Ark Bible story, this is entertaining as long as you don't take it too seriously. If you are looking for something solidly biblically-based, this is not the book you want....more
Two kids go on a wonder walk together, sharing their metaphorical questions about the things they see in nature, such as, "Is rain the day's tears?"
I Two kids go on a wonder walk together, sharing their metaphorical questions about the things they see in nature, such as, "Is rain the day's tears?"
I can totally see why this was awarded a Caldecott Honor. I don't know if I've ever seen such intricate collage work anywhere else. The wonderings of the kids are great examples of personification and metaphors for kids studying those. They also seem very realistic questions for kids. The whole book encourages kids to get outside and wonder about the world around them. We can always use more books that encourage kids to unplug and get outside....more
A reminder of all the ways things from nature come into our house, and an invitation to spend time outside every once in a while.
The artwork in this iA reminder of all the ways things from nature come into our house, and an invitation to spend time outside every once in a while.
The artwork in this is gorgeous. I love the ways that it points to the origins of things in our houses. This is a lyrical call to spend some time outdoors....more
A picture book asking you to explore a flower, really explore it, with your senses.
After you put your sunglasses on to be able to enjoy this without aA picture book asking you to explore a flower, really explore it, with your senses.
After you put your sunglasses on to be able to enjoy this without a headache (it is BRIGHT), this challenges readers to really observe a flower, to let a flower spark the imagination, and to explore similes of being like a flower. The artwork is definitely unique and stands out, so in that aspect I think it did deserve the shiny stick on its cover. Littles who love flowers and being imaginative and bright colors should enjoy this....more
A picture book relating what the Greenwood community in Tulsa, OK was like in the turn of the century, and what happened to it in 1921 when an angry wA picture book relating what the Greenwood community in Tulsa, OK was like in the turn of the century, and what happened to it in 1921 when an angry white mob attacked.
This is done so very well. It deserves all those stickers on the front. The writing is lyrical, bringing to life the wonders of the Greenwood community and its amazing accomplishments before 1921, and then honestly but tactfully relates how it was destroyed by angry, racist, white men. The artwork is absolutely stunning, and also conveys the tale in tactful ways for the target audience. Readers will come away sobered and saddened by the horrors done to these people and inspired to make sure it doesn't happen again, but not traumatized by unnecessary gory details in words or pictures. Adults, don't miss the further notes in the back from the author and illustrator! Very highly recommended.
Notes on content: Some historical terms with modern negative connotations for Black people and Native Americans are used in quoting the past titles and headlines and such. No sexual content. Deaths and injuries are mentioned but not shown (and the methods of deaths/injuries are not recounted except a little in the author's and illustrators further notes in the back). It is related that people had to run for their lives with only what they could carry and that thousands lost their homes and hundreds lost their businesses....more
Pearl the pig is wandering around on a beautiful day when she comes across a talking bone. The two become quick friends and Pearl takes the bone home.Pearl the pig is wandering around on a beautiful day when she comes across a talking bone. The two become quick friends and Pearl takes the bone home. On the way, though they are accosted by bandits and then a wily fox. Will Pearl and her new friend ever make it home?
This reads like a mashup of Little Red Riding Hood (with Riding Hood carrying her rescuer) and a trickster tale. Now that this is over 40 years old, some of the vocabulary used is a bit long and fancy for the average picture book reader today, so be prepared to show them how to use a dictionary. There's a lot of words per page too, so it is longer than the average picture book today. I may shelve this with our lower grade chapter books because of the length and high vocabulary. It's an odd little fairy tale, but then, there are much weirder ones out there. I'm sure there are kids out there who would absolutely adore this story, especially since it makes adults reading to them say a bunch of nonsense magical words towards the end....more
Nic is a young man who plays a big instrument. Readers follow him from the end of a practice home through the city lugging his double bass, all the waNic is a young man who plays a big instrument. Readers follow him from the end of a practice home through the city lugging his double bass, all the way to his grandfather's place to jam with his grandfather and friends.
This story is mostly the illustrations and onomatopoeia. There's just a few lines of text beyond sound words. The illustrations are extremely unique. I've never seen anything like them. At first they kind of made me dizzy, but I think they really match a bluesy/jazzy feel. Hand this to little music and art lovers....more
A picture book biography of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, an ambulance driver from Aleppo who stayed when others left and started a home for the abandoned cA picture book biography of Mohammad Alaa Aljaleel, an ambulance driver from Aleppo who stayed when others left and started a home for the abandoned cats people left behind that has grown into other charitable organizations for human and animal orphans.
Stories of kindness and love during war have amazing power. It's hope in the midst of darkness. Alaa's care for cats and humans in his war torn city inspired others to help too, and that in turn should inspire readers. And this is a tender way to introduce younger kids to a modern area of conflict in the world today. Hand this to cat lovers, and those looking for inspiring stories from modern Syria.
Notes on content: No language issues or sexual content. Alaa is pictured caring for people outside his ambulance, but there is no blood or anything portrayed. War is mentioned, but nothing more than sad people, abandoned animals, and destroyed buildings is shown....more
A little girl tells about her morning and evening routines with her Mama, comparing and contrasting herself and Mama and the way they do things along A little girl tells about her morning and evening routines with her Mama, comparing and contrasting herself and Mama and the way they do things along the way.
This is a very simple concept, but so true to the way a little child thinks. The illustrations are eye-catching, and I can see why this book won two awards for those. A great read for littles who are noticing everything around them, and also a good pick for a Mother's day read....more
Lil Alan and his family are making their way to Granny's house for the family reunion and an anniversary celebration. Lil Alan is excited about the tiLil Alan and his family are making their way to Granny's house for the family reunion and an anniversary celebration. Lil Alan is excited about the time with family, but he gets increasingly worried because everyone has something to give Granny for the anniversary celebration except him. What can he give?
This is a celebration of family, a celebration of a history of shaking off the clutches of slavery and grasping freedom, and a celebration of the fun of big reunions. The artwork is like no other picture book I've ever seen before. It depicts the scenes but also adds a layer of symbolism on to that. I can definitely see why it won a Caldecott Honor. There's a good reminder in here too that a gift doesn't have to be anything grand, it just needs to come from the heart. A great read for kids celebrating family history, freedom, and getting ready for family reunions....more
Bear meets a growing assortment of creatures as he rides a log down a river. They all have different personalities, but the journey is better with eveBear meets a growing assortment of creatures as he rides a log down a river. They all have different personalities, but the journey is better with everyone along.
I love LeUyen Pham's illustrations in this. They are deserving of that shiny sticker. So emotive, and a great color scheme. The story is fairly simple, but has a lot of potential talking points. Make sure you read the author and illustrator's notes in the back! Hand this to animal lovers, art lovers, and fans of books about surprising friendships....more
Evan and his dog are inseparable. They do everything together and are great companions. So when his dog dies, something inside of Evan seems to die toEvan and his dog are inseparable. They do everything together and are great companions. So when his dog dies, something inside of Evan seems to die too. He can't bear to have the garden where his friend is buried beautiful so lets it go to the weeds. He withdraws from company and is almost swallowed in his grief until a pumpkin starts to grow in his weedy garden.
Grief can take a lot of different forms for people. Refusing anything good or beautiful and withdrawing from anything fun is definitely one of the reactions. I like that eventually Evan dares to care about something again and allows himself to have fun. It is a huge breakthrough in grief to realize that it is ok to still have fun even without that person or pet around. A smile or a laugh doesn't mean you miss them any less or that you've forgotten them (which can be a huge lie many grieving people cling to). The art in this is definitely beautiful. I can see why it won a Caldecott honor. And the topic is handled well. It kind of weirded me out that a fox has a pet dog. They seem like two too similar species to have that kind of relationship. Most kids will not have that issue (though I can see that one precocious child saying something about it). It doesn't diminish the beauty of the art or touching quality of the story. Recommended to kids either dealing with a death of a pet or person or trying to understand a friend going through that....more
Omu makes a pot of red stew and sets it to simmer for dinner. The delicious smell wafts out her window and beckons to many people in her neighborhood.Omu makes a pot of red stew and sets it to simmer for dinner. The delicious smell wafts out her window and beckons to many people in her neighborhood. The kindly Omu always shares with those who are drawn to her door, but when it comes time for dinner, her stew is all gone. What will Omu eat?
A simple tale of a kindly old woman who gives until it almost hurts. But her kindness is repaid. The collage illustrations somehow fit the feel of an urban setting where a whole bunch of cultures are bunched together. The story has a repetitive nature and little kids almost ready to read should start to catch on and be able to "read" as well. This is like a better version of The Giving Tree. Omu is just as selfless as the tree, but the ending is much happier. Make sure you read the author's note about her grandmother, the original Omu who inspired this story. Recommended for little wannabe readers and those who like stories with big heart....more
Alma thinks her name is too long. But her father thinks her name is just right. When he explains where all the parts of her name came from, will Alma Alma thinks her name is too long. But her father thinks her name is just right. When he explains where all the parts of her name came from, will Alma change her mind?
I may not have had multiple middle names, but I had a 13 letter long last name as a child, so I'm pretty sympathetic to the woes of a long name. (I was ecstatic when I took the SAT because it was the first time in my life that my full name fit in the allotted spaces on a standardized test form.) All that to say, I sympathize with Alma's woes. I love how her father explains her names and in the process gives Alma a sense of her background and things that she has received from her ancestors and those who love her. The illustrations in this are so soft looking, it seems like you should be able to pet them and feel the softness. Very cute, and I'm sure there are loads of kids out there who will feel a little bit better about their long names after reading Alma's story. It's a great prompt for families to share their own reasons for why they chose the names they did or what names mean. ...more
Little Star and her mother make a great, big mooncake. Mother says to let it cool. And Little Star does for a while. But can Little Star resist some mLittle Star and her mother make a great, big mooncake. Mother says to let it cool. And Little Star does for a while. But can Little Star resist some midnight snacking?
A story that copies older myths in that it explains why the moon changes shape and how sprinkles of stars got in the sky. Lin wrote this for the Harvest Festival, a lunar holiday celebrated in much of Asia. Mooncakes are one of the classic foods of this festival, so kids who celebrate it or are learning about world holidays should find this a cute holiday read. Lin's illustrations in this are phenomenal. Recommended for Asian families, those who want to learn about Asian holidays, art lovers, and a fun read for moon units....more
A look at the various biomes of the Grand Canyon in the present, and what they were possibly like in the past.
Jason Chin's artwork is amazing, and hisA look at the various biomes of the Grand Canyon in the present, and what they were possibly like in the past.
Jason Chin's artwork is amazing, and his tour of the present Grand Canyon definitely took me back to our visit there a few years ago. In his notes in the back he does admit that a lot of the evolutionary theory pages are just based on his ideas and the ideas of scientists he has talked to and no one is sure what it looked like when those rocks were laid down. Encourage kids to read those back pages of notes too....more
Loading...
