Nonfiction Spotlight: How Old Am I?

It's time for another Nonfiction Spotlight! This week I have a book that celebrates diversity and the aging process through photographs of people around the world.  

The Facts:

Title: How Old Am I?Author: Julie PugeatPhotographer: JR Publisher: DKPublication Date: May 12, 2021

Target Audience: Ages 4-8

Summary:

A first-ever children's visual reference book on age — and a unique celebration of the diversity of humankind around the globe
For young children, the concept of age is abstract when they don't have a relatable context... until now! This book showcases the faces and life stories of 100 people from around the world in numerical order, from a one-year-old to a centenarian, giving children a reference point for each age. Striking close-up black-and-white portraits are paired with read-aloud text that shares personal experiences, wishes, memories, and emotions, leaving readers with an appreciation and understanding of the aging process.

The Experts Say:

"The book is beautiful and borders on the profound." — Kirkus Review

"JR’s project with Julie Pugeat’s content creation pairs well together and makes a unique selection for young readers. How Old Am I? is a very cool book that will not disappoint." - NY Journal of Books  

Miss Kate Says:

This is such a fun book to look at by yourself or with others. The Inside Out Project was inspired by the way the artist JR put large-scale black and white photos of people on buildings around the world. This book features a person from ages 1-100, where they live, and a little of their story. Included at the end are instructions for how you can do your own Inside Out Project exhibit where you live and examples of some previous exhibitions from around the world. 

JR Says, "I wish for you to stand up for what you care about by participating in a global art project and together we'll turn the world inside out." If you'd like to learn more about The Inside Out Project or JR's Art check out these links.

 

If you want to talk with kids about the aging process, check out these links from Britannica Kids or this video told through comics. 

Fast Five Fiction: Picture Book Month

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. November is Picture Book Month, an international literacy initiative that celebrates print picture books. Picture books aren't just for younger kids, I often take them home for my tweens and teen to read and have been known to laugh out loud at the desk while looking through our new arrivals. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Shine-A-Light series by Carron Brown

The popular shine a light series has a title for everyone! Each page has a prompt to consider and then your child can shine a flashlight behind the page to reveal a hidden image. Turn the page to read more about the image that was revealed. 

How do you read a flashlight book?

1. Grab a flashlight
2. Grab your favorite flashlight books
3. Gather your family
4. Turn off the lights or go outside at night
5. Find a comfy place to sit together
6. Snuggle up in a blanket
   
7. Read each page with your kids
   
8. Let your kids find the hidden illustrations holding a flashlight behind the page
   
9. Once done, turn off the flashlight and look at the stars with your kids
   
10. Make memories with your kids

The Book No One Wants to Read by Beth Bacon

A lonely book makes a deal with its reader: "You keep turning my pages, and I'll make it FUN!”

If you think reading is boring, then you can pretend to read this book! All you have to do is sit here and turn the pages. Everyone will think you’re reading. Are you ready? Let’s get started…

Too Crowded by Lena Podesta

Gil the Goldfish lives in a fishbowl with 138 pebbles—he counts them every day—and a castle. It feels TOO CROWDED! When Gil leaves his bowl in search of open spaces, he finds a world full of many interesting…and loud … and possibly dangerous creatures.

It turns out that life outside the bowl might not be right for a fish. Thank goodness for Turtle, a citizen of the not-so-great outdoors who comes to Gil’s rescue! Will Gil make peace with his home sweet home, and maybe even find room for a friend in the process?

The Day the Kids Took Over by Sam Apple

The kids have some excellent ideas: turning the Grand Canyon into a ball pit, replacing all the sidewalks with trampolines.

But running the world is a tough job. After the kids build a massive house of candy and then immediately eat all of their own furniture, they begin to have second thoughts.

Will the kids give the adults one more chance to run the world?

Mr. Walker Steps Out by Lisa Graff

Mr. Walker works hard. Every day, he stands in the window of his boxy little house on the corner of Broadway and Main, letting people know when it's safe to cross the street. Usually that is enough. But after a while, watching the world go by without him makes him feel small and unimportant. So he decides to jump down from his box and experience for himself all the wonderful things he’s seen from his post. With each new adventure, he feels bigger and more important. But after enjoying all the wonderful things that the city has to offer, he starts to wonder how his little corner is getting on without him. Then something happens . . . something big. And Mr. Walker wonders if it might be time to go home, to where he's needed most.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Native American Heritage Month

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. November is National Native American Heritage Month so today's roundup features books by Indigenous authors in honor of this nation’s first people and their rich history.  

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.

When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .

We are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom

Inspired by the many Indigenous-led movements across North America, We Are Water Protectors issues an urgent rallying cry to safeguard the Earth's water from harm and corruption--a bold and lyrical picture book written by Carole Lindstrom and vibrantly illustrated by Michaela Goade.

Water is the first medicine.
It affects and connects us all . . .

When a black snake threatens to destroy the Earth
And poison her people's water, one young water protector
Takes a stand to defend Earth's most sacred resource.

Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A collection of intersecting stories set at a powwow that bursts with hope, joy, resilience, the strength of community, and Native pride.

In a high school gym full of color and song, Native families from Nations within the borders of the U.S. and Canada dance, sell beadwork and books, and celebrate friendship and heritage. They are the heroes of their own stories.

Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger

Imagine an America very similar to our own. It's got homework, best friends, and pistachio ice cream.

There are some differences. This America has been shaped dramatically by the magic, monsters, knowledge, and legends of its peoples, those Indigenous and those not. Some of these forces are charmingly everyday, like the ability to make an orb of light appear or travel across the world through rings of fungi. But other forces are less charming and should never see the light of day.

Elatsoe lives in this slightly stranger America. She can raise the ghosts of dead animals, a skill passed down through generations of her Lipan Apache family. Her beloved cousin has just been murdered in a town that wants no prying eyes. But she is going to do more than pry. The picture-perfect facade of Willowbee masks gruesome secrets, and she will rely on her wits, skills, and friends to tear off the mask and protect her family.

The Arrow Over the Door by Joseph Bruchac

To fourteen-year-old Samuel Russell, called "coward" for his peace-loving Quaker beliefs, the summer of 1777 is a time of fear. The British and the Patriots will soon meet in battle near his home in Saratoga, New York. The Quakers are in danger from roaming Indians and raiders—yet to fight back is not the Friends' way.

To Stands Straight, a young Abenaki Indian on a scouting mission for the British, all Americans are enemies, for they killed his mother and brother. But in a Quaker Meetinghouse he will come upon Americans unlike any he has ever seen. What will the encounter bring? Based on a real historical incident, this fast-paced and moving story is a powerful reminder that "the way of peace... can be walked by all human beings".

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Nonfiction Spotlight: What's Inside a Flower? And Other Questions about Science and Nature

It's time for another Nonfiction Spotlight! As the weather starts to turn colder here in northern Indiana, I find myself already anticipating the spring that will follow winter. When the world is full of new life and flowers begin to pop up from the ground. In today's Nonfiction Spotlight, I'm sharing all about a beautiful book all about flowers. 

The Facts:

Title: What's Inside a Flower? And Other Questions About Science and NatureAuthor: Rachel IgnotofskyIllustrator: Rachel Ignotofsky Publisher: Crown Books for Young ReadersPublication Date: February 2, 2021

Lexile: 710L

Target Audience: 4-7 year olds

Summary:

From the creator of the New York Times bestseller Women in Science, comes a new nonfiction picture book series ready to grow young scientists by nurturing their curiosity about the natural world--starting with what's inside a flower.

Budding backyard scientists can start exploring their world with this stunning introduction to these flowery show-stoppers--from seeds to roots to blooms. Learning how flowers grow gives kids beautiful building blocks of science and inquiry.

In the launch of a new nonfiction picture book series, Rachel Ignotofsky's distinctive art style and engaging, informative text clearly answers any questions a child (or adult) could have about flowers.

The Experts Say:

"The challenge of igniting a child's curiosity is akin to lighting a fire. . . . What's Inside a Flower? is the best kind of tinder for little sparks."—The New York Times

"The lush, geometric illustrations are the superstars of this adventure, drawing in readers from the front endpapers to the rear . . . A beautiful bloom for the nature shelf." —Kirkus Reviews

"There’s an abundance of detail in this attractive first work in the “What’s Inside” series, but it’s never overwhelming . . . The pages overflow with life." —Booklist

"Fluid, friendly art in muted retro tones...makes the information visually appealing for a range of age groups." —Publishers Weekly

Miss Kate Says:

This is a GORGEOUSLY illustrated book about flowers.  From where they can be found to the varieties of flowers and their parts this book is perfect for readers learning about flowers for the first time or reviewing what they may have forgotten 

e types of flowers, their growth from seed to plant, and what they need to survive. 

If you'd like to read more about the flowers, check out more information from The Gardening Channel, this fun Great Plant Escape Activity from the Illinois Extension office. If you loved the art style of this book, check out some of Ignotofsky's other works.

Fast Five Fiction: World Kindness Week

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Next week kicks off World Kindness week, starting Monday, November 8th we'll have Kindness Bingo available in the children's department if you'd like to help spread a little kindness. Today's roundup features five books about kindness and being kind. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

A World of Kindness by Various Authors

There are many ways children can show kindness to others – human, animal, young, and old. With art from nine celebrated children's book illustrators including Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, and Wallace Edwards, this lavishly illustrated book will invite frequent re-reads to examine the joyful and inspiring illustrations. In a series of thoughtful questions, the text reminds readers of the impact they can have through everyday actions and words. From simply saying "please" and "thank-you" to helping, comforting, and protecting others, A World of Kindness goes beyond mere platitudes and politeness to examine, in a kid-friendly way, the most powerful of social interactions. All royalties were donated to the World Kindness Movement.

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller

A picture book about the power of kindness.

When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmate contemplates how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. From asking the new girl to play to standing up for someone being bullied, this moving and thoughtful story explores what a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference--or at least help a friend.

Kind by Alison Green

Imagine a world where everyone is kind - how can we make that come true?

With gorgeous pictures by a host of top illustrators, KIND is a timely, inspiring picture book about the many ways children can be kind, from sharing their toys and games to helping those from other countries feel welcome.

Tomorrow I'll Be Kind by Jessica Hische

Tomorrow I'll be everything
I strive to be each day
And even when it's difficult
I'll work to find a way.

Immerse yourself in the beautifully hand-lettered words of widsom, hope, and positivity alongside adorable illustrations of love and caring. This book is a reminder to all readers, young and old, that the smallest kind gesture can make the biggest difference in the world--we just have to remember to be kind to one another.

The Llamacorn is Kind by Kate Coombs

A fanciful cross between a llama and a unicorn, Llamacorns are cuddly, magical friends who are spreading kindness across the land.

Llamacorn land is filled with special creatures. Meet the well-known and beautiful Unicorn, the clumsy Buffalocorn, a big, blue Walruscorn, the fearsome Tigercorn, and more in this playful introduction to the land of the Llamacorn . . .

"But watch for the one who will be your friend, who will share his cookies, and play pretend, the nicest creature you'll ever find--"

. . . who could it be but our new friend the Llamacorn! Coombs' poetry paired with adorable illustrations, endearing characters, and a gentle message of kindness will make The Llamacorn Is Kind an instant favorite. 

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Nonfiction Spotlight: A Child's Introduction to Poetry

It's time for another Nonfiction Spotlight! This week I'm highlighting the updated and revised edition of A Child's Introduction to Poetry by Michael Driscoll. 

The Facts:

Title: A Child's Introduction to PoetryAuthor: Michael DriscollIllustrator: Meredith HamiltonPublisher: Black Dog & Leventhal Publication Date: March 10, 2020

Lexile: 1110

Target Audience: Grades 3 and up

Summary:

This delightful, interactive journey through the history of the world's poetry now includes a removable poster and access to downloadable audio, allowing kids to listen and learn as they experience the magic of the spoken word.

Poetry can be fun -- especially when we can read it, hear it, and discover its many delights. A Child's Introduction to Poetry joyously introduces kids (and parents) to the greatest poets in history -- from Homer and Shakespeare to Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou -- and provides excellent examples of their work and commentary on what makes it so special and everlasting. The book covers every style of poem, from epics and odes, to nonsense verse and haikus, and is filled with examples of each one.

This multimedia package encourages children to listen, read, and learn, and opens the door to a lifetime of appreciation of a rich literary tradition. Also included is a removable, fold-out poster of "Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll, one of history's most iconic poems.

The Experts Say:

"There are plenty of collections of children's poetry available, but none like this one....The brief introductions to the forms and poets are lively and often amusing. Readers will find the varied layouts and warm cartoon watercolors inviting. On the CD, a professional actor reads the selections; the music or sound that precedes each one sets the mood. This is a great resource for teachers and homeschoolers, and a must for libraries." 

- School Library Journal  

"Playful and informative, this cheerful anthology introduces kids to the joy of all kinds of poetry. [Driscoll] gets away from the view of poetry as difficult and special, focusing on sharing the fun, especially the joyful sounds and rhythms of the words."

- Booklist

Miss Kate Says:

As more and more novels are coming out in verse, the interest in poetry is on the rise. This book is a great introduction to the poetry genre for readers of all ages. Divided into two parts, the first part covers the different types of poetry and notable poems in that genre while the second part highlights notable poets from Homer to contemporary poets. There are additional downloadable audio materials so that you can listen along while you read. Meredith Hamilton's beautiful full-page illustrations help illustrate the poems, their poets, and the different types of poetry. 

If you'd like to read more you can check out the other titles by Driscoll in the A Child's Introduction to series. You can also check out the education resources on the Poetry Out Loud website. To receive a daily poem in your inbox you can subscribe at Poetry Daily.