Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday 9.24.14

NF PB 2014

We know that a big part of the CCSS is to include more informational texts into ourstudents' reading.  I quickly discovered I had a "gap" in my reading diet - the genre of informational texts!  To help me fill the gap this year, I am going to participate in Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesdays!  This is a great link-up hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy.  Please visit this website to see other educator's link-ups.  My goal is to read at least one informational text each week and post information on the blog.  The more books and subjects I read, the more I can encourage (my #OLW for 2014) other teachers to use in their classroom! 


A couple of new NFPB came in for me at the library this week.

Viva Frida
Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales
3/5 stars
I have been intrigued by this book since it appeared on Betsy Bird's potential Caldecott list back in late summer.  My interest was piqued after seeing a variety of reviews come in since then.  My library finally got it in and I was excited to dig in.  Hmmmm.  It was interesting.  My first read of the story I was intrigued by the interesting use of puppets and paintings for the illustrations.  The text is very simple, but interesting that the Spanish translation is included.  After the first read, I felt like I didn't really understand anymore of who Frido Kahlo was.  After reading the Author's Note in the back, I felt like I had a little more information.  After reading that, I went back for a second read.  This time the simple text made more sense and I found more meaning in the illustrations.  I still found this picture book lacking in details of Frida's life, but it was definitely a celebration of artistry found within the illustrations.  It will be interesting at award time to see if it will get recognition.

Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes
Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies
5/5 stars
Before reading this, I really don't remember studying microbes in school.  I'm sure I did, it sounds like something to do with biology, but I could not give you a definition.  Davies does an incredible job explaining microbes - tiny, living creatures that look different and have different jobs on our planet.  The illustrations work so well to make the learning visual for young readers.  I think this book would make a fantastic mentor text for central message/key details.  This is a book I will be adding to my personal collection!

4 comments:

  1. I am so glad you like Tiny Creatures, Michele. I learned quite a few things. I love Viva Frida too but it's a very different exploration of an artist's life. The illustrations are one-of-a-kind; to honor Frida more than anything else. Each one contains something to do with her life or art.

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  2. Still haven't seen the Frida book, and really need to find the Microbe one. I know that I'll like it. Maybe with the Frida book they just wanted to give a brief introduction? Interesting that there is so little information. Thanks for your opinion on it, Michele.

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  3. I love Nicola Davies' new title. I learned a lot as well. I am looking forward to finding Viva Frida. I have seen mixed reviews and am growing quite curious. The cover looks incredible.

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  4. My daughter enjoyed Tiny Creatures. :) Fit in well with one of our Cosmos viewing night. :)

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