Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - what's in my nonfiction stack? 11.20.19

Wednesdays I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other

#kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.

The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 

with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.

Here are some nonfiction picture books that jumped out of my stacks:



You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood
written by Aimee Reid
illustrated by Matt Phelan
Wow, this book brought me right back to my childhood.  I spent a lot of time watching Mister Rogers and Sesame Street.  Little did I know the positive lessons I was learning through these shows.  After reading this picture book, it brought back a lot of positive memories and I had to go find some old episodes on youtube.  My teenage daughter was laughing at the way he was talking to the camera, but I couldn't help but notice and wonder - I watched Fred Rogers talk to the children that were watching through that camera.  He explained, he noticed, he questioned, all while having a conversation with his young viewers.  I can't think of too many shows today that interact with the viewers in the same patient way... in the way that you were considered his equal, perhaps Mister Rogers with more knowledge, but you knew he would share it all with you.  
Definitely a story to share now, especially with the upcoming movie!


Karl's New Beak: 3-D Printing Builds a Bird a Better Life
written by Lela Nargi
illustrated by Harriet Popham
Karl is an Abyssinian ground hornbill.  Like many other birds, Karl relies on his beak to dig for food, scoop the food up, and eat!  However, Karl's bone that supports his beak was weak and as a result his beak would wear away. 
The rest of the book details the steps veterinarians took to help Karl regain his use of a beak.


Rise! From Caged Bird to Poet of the People, Maya Angelou
written by Bethany Hegedus
illustrated by Tonya Engel
Wow.  What a powerful and stunning book.  From the words, that tell Maya's harsh upbringing - going back and forth from a caring household that was deep in the south where there was civil unrest, to back with her mother where she was sexually abused by her mother's boyfriend.  The gorgeous illustrations paint vivid colors that show Maya's will to rise and succeed.  
Backmatter includes a detailed timeline with additional information.
I can see why this book has been mentioned on Mock Caldecott lists.


Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature
written by Marcie Flinchum Atkins
We often talk about hibernation, but rarely do we talk about all the different ways animals - and plants - go dormant in the winter.  However, there are similarities to note, for example, how animals take a pause, some longer than others, to become warm.  Plants and animals also both slow down and restrict movement.  Differences are also noted, like how long dormancy lasts. 
Told in quick, lyrical sentences, this informative book is a perfect read aloud and a book that readers will want to linger over because of the stunning photographs.


As always, happy nonfiction reading!