tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70597459677599446692024-03-12T16:59:50.347-07:00Mrs. Knott's Book NookMichele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.comBlogger1259125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-42471354503071915732023-12-13T01:00:00.000-08:002023-12-13T01:00:00.145-08:00To Dogs, with Love - a review 12.13.23<div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: McLaren;">If you are familiar with author Maria Gianferrari's work, you already know how much she loves dogs! And if you know young readers, you absolutely know how much they love reading about dogs! This December we have a new book to share with the dog lovers in our lives.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="To Dogs with Love by Maria Gianferrari" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671731426l/53337758._SX318_.jpg" title="To Dogs with Love by Maria Gianferrari" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>To Dogs, with Love:</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>A Love Letter to the Dogs Who Help Us</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Ishaa Lobo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Roaring Brook Press</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">While this book is a love letter to dogs and all of their wonderful qualities, it is also a book that shines light on all the special ways dogs can help. From grief therapy dogs, to comfort dogs, to my favorite, dogs that listen to young readers read a story! The soft and comforting illustrations by Ishaa Lobo invite young readers to stay for awhile and enjoy these affectionate dogs. Don't miss the author/illustrator page and see an illustration by Lobo that features Maria and Ishaa with their dogs, past and present!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">There really is something so special about the relationship between a dog and a child. I decided to ask some young friends about dogs and how they have helped them.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>"My dog is calm but when he sees me he goes crazy! I like that." - Connelly, age 7</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>"I like laying on the couch with my dog and being chill." - Jaxson, age 8</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>"My dogs make me happy because they bring me joy and love. I like to cuddle them a lot. They like to play and I like to play with them too." - Connor, age 8 1/2</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">And young Charley is going to give Maria a run for her money! I asked her how dogs help her and I got a whole report from her! She knows a little bit about military dogs, service dogs, search and rescue dogs, seizure alert dogs, police dogs, comfort dogs, and bomb sniffing dogs. Talk about your young dog expert. But my favorite is how she started her report:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>"When you think about dogs you probably think of this very cute puppy in a shelter ready to be adopted. But sorry, today cute puppy, we will not be talking about you. We will be talking about how dogs help us!" - Charley, age 10</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">It's clear that dogs make an enormous impact on children. And I know this book is going to have a place in their heart too!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">If you would like a copy for a young dog lover in your life or to share with young readers, don't miss the giveaway at the bottom of the post. It will be open until Dec. 20th to all US residents. Thank you to Maria and publisher Roaring Brook Press.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpnNdcVtSvKy9qR1FO5J-vujJPrxvdbJVx9jd6FIFob70_gaPxLcyNHkn6fyNPjlw6cOgm-EVHTmehbmHxs-Uhx1Ez_USw5Ti2Kszg5q3WfDKcvgdzwsGfpKeneqUKPqihReJJyz59XEY_5mfPK6pLg93kdXKrB7q8653FYMl5uXSeyDv5duIA5dH-OdE/s2014/Maria-painting-author.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2014" data-original-width="1796" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpnNdcVtSvKy9qR1FO5J-vujJPrxvdbJVx9jd6FIFob70_gaPxLcyNHkn6fyNPjlw6cOgm-EVHTmehbmHxs-Uhx1Ez_USw5Ti2Kszg5q3WfDKcvgdzwsGfpKeneqUKPqihReJJyz59XEY_5mfPK6pLg93kdXKrB7q8653FYMl5uXSeyDv5duIA5dH-OdE/w178-h200/Maria-painting-author.jpg" width="178" /></a></div><br />For Maria Gianferrari, dog love is the most </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">pawsitive</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">medicine of all!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">To Dogs, with Love</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">is Maria’s seventh book featuring beloved canine characters, following</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Operation Rescue Dog</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Hello Goodbye Dog</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Officer Katz and Houndini</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">, and the Penny & Jelly series.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBEKqexo1T5M8sPhHktEc7Z61mdXCqEq_InsbTDzjD2NlQ7uBGQMA6CmgBRk1NvxV-WtfWQI68d-RwMvzjZPOIDJTzcZk9W08aP9ravFYz_qT-YEJUkXQxCwlF8YrYX8Mfzd0r5mPLrpPfBqsgBPY99gxocLpk5orAlVCRsQiceaFe4mQkare8NzQFncc/s592/Ishaa.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="592" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnBEKqexo1T5M8sPhHktEc7Z61mdXCqEq_InsbTDzjD2NlQ7uBGQMA6CmgBRk1NvxV-WtfWQI68d-RwMvzjZPOIDJTzcZk9W08aP9ravFYz_qT-YEJUkXQxCwlF8YrYX8Mfzd0r5mPLrpPfBqsgBPY99gxocLpk5orAlVCRsQiceaFe4mQkare8NzQFncc/w181-h176/Ishaa.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>Ishaa Lobo is Children’s Book Illustrator living in London. <span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">She is the illustrator of <i>The Mystery of the Love List</i><b> </b>by Sarah Glenn Marsh; <i>To Dogs, with Love</i> by<b> </b>Maria Gianferrari; and <i>There’s Always Room for One More</i> by Robyn McGrath. Her next book, <i>Bigfoot’s Big Heart</i>, written by Sarah Glenn Marsh, will be released next year. In her spare time she likes to visit galleries, go to the cinema, and go on walks. See her work at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://ishaalobo.com&source=gmail&ust=1701108018993000&usg=AOvVaw3szE__n4IkDB1uuMt-CEzg" href="http://ishaalobo.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4285f4; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">ishaalobo.com</span></a><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0.0001pt;"><span style="color: #0a0a0a; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeB23vAXFkRA_TLkIXAe3upzyEoLSncpW0teP-wGF8B0SNx5g/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-59882495484941892522023-10-25T00:30:00.001-07:002023-10-25T00:30:00.138-07:00Thank You, Moon - a review - 10.25.23<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I think I'm most conscious of the moon on my early morning jogs. It's interesting to see how it lights up the dark sky and world around me. It seems like sometimes the animals are more active in those dark, early morning hours. And while I may see more or less depending upon the cycle of the moon, it's affecting so much more than my light.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_khXSVe9T0xRZV6wr6PjMEgUggMaBN7fOR0xivCOvq4soG4TjJVIphm6wmnGkeqkjwvCvvf4FiEX25sz9o27mROn9FoGd19XRylVH8TYr8sfWKuiTPGHiqoBpFkRsAzS69kGjsfNklplBQJxvgbU898ZcDHd-8fVDuLUu1h5lk14yeONwOMSrWi0Mj3s9/s1001/THANK%20YOU,%20MOON%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="1000" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_khXSVe9T0xRZV6wr6PjMEgUggMaBN7fOR0xivCOvq4soG4TjJVIphm6wmnGkeqkjwvCvvf4FiEX25sz9o27mROn9FoGd19XRylVH8TYr8sfWKuiTPGHiqoBpFkRsAzS69kGjsfNklplBQJxvgbU898ZcDHd-8fVDuLUu1h5lk14yeONwOMSrWi0Mj3s9/w248-h248/THANK%20YOU,%20MOON%20cover.jpg" width="248" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Thank You, Moon</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Melissa Stewart</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Jessica Lanan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Alfred A. Knopf</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">In Melissa Stewart's newest book, <u>Thank You, Moon</u>, we get to see the impact of "Nature's Nightlight" (the books' tagline!) on the earth and its many living creatures. In both lyrical and expository text, readers learn more about the phases of the moon and the effects they have. Jessica Lanan's watercolored illustrations capture the essence of the moon and bring the creatures to life.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I have a special treat for my blog readers, as author Melissa Stewart agreed to stop by and answer some questions about the book! Enjoy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: McLaren;">1. You always have great stories about the origin of each of your books. I feel like this one was born from nuggets learned in some of your other books that came together with the moon being the common factor. If not, what is the back story?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In this case, my editor, Katherine Harrison, gets all the credit. In February 2020, she tagged me on Twitter, alerting me to a conversation about how animals respond to the Moon’s cycle, and asked “Is this something you’d potentially be interested in writing? I just can’t get enough of the moon these days, and I feel like you could bring something special to it.” She also included a beautiful, eerie, mysterious image of the Moon partially obscured by clouds. It was an irresistible invitation. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Not only was it a fascinating topic that had never been written about in a children’s book before, I immediately knew how I’d end the book. I could draw inspiration from a special moment I’d shared with my nieces, Caroline and Claire, about 15 years ago.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 303px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 404px;"><img height="303" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/i7rNYshDlGVw8lPHgqOBWi6pEo0yVRtsu56en4BS6hJNa5GJUPS1fdL6E1pHqEFi86jscLIttgkyDtXQ2BccTKBoDN_DzRhi4ZeJmCIif58T2Hxwgq6xt4L4izE2mOhuPEFk-Dw0CFZrvyAaN1sDnQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="404" /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As I discuss in </span><a href="https://www.melissa-stewart.com/videos/video_mini_lessons.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">this video</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, when Caroline was in kindergarten and Claire was in second grade, I did an author visit at their school in Maine. They wanted to ride to school with me rather than take the bus, and on the way, I spotted the Moon.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “Oh, look, there’s the Moon,” I said, pointing out the passenger-side window.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Claire, who was on that side of the car, could easily see it. “Oh yeah. Cool,” she replied.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But Caroline couldn’t see it. She squirmed wildly in her car seat. “Where? Where?” she yelled. As her frustration grew, she exclaimed, “I’ve never seen the Moon in the day in my whole </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">long</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> life!” </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">So I pulled the car over, and we all got out to admire that lovely, surprising daytime Moon. I’ll never forget Caroline’s joy and astonishment in that moment. She was discovering something new and exciting about how nature works. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img height="267" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/q-g7vTd_roZODo4yDcxv1zHRYxtEe9clcemiBm4bU2zInQHkPFTNkeM0a4JmOdxfNIF3oPkfE6KDcjNnYqjcbW8xYwdwRocyCTi149EIk_uAWLms1GEaRIq3k_y-RvOtYCReVgmSLys8unB0E0R0iQ" style="font-family: McLaren; font-size: medium; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space-collapse: collapse;" width="257" /></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Even as an adult, spotting the Moon in the day is still a special treat. It feels a tiny bit magical because you aren’t expecting it. I wanted to capture that emotion at the end of the book, and it felt simpatico with the image Katherine had sent me. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 248px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 501px;"><img height="248" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/ZOuGkAXaKOyCxqLMgPMtbnBmUSn_Fkega39ycWKb1tO6N1Ms0jpn-pjRvU4WHAIPDn2dQG1-PaizEryXOn46111qi5Z_6Wr2qOHI0iGtk3dPPGglX09f-uY1t5OGr2WwRD0jK16_o12LSFNoY0hoKA" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="501" /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 242px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 500px;"><img height="242" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/-4RC9XWwqyYk50GV2WjYbkrccjfiFoHmj_HbGmn5Qu6RDxatSYBqew0KY1IWHVWr-O3G0Afqk5GIBr_E7UsrsVlXA-GzqZJrOhtcGeIgbI2PFF1UyR9FVkSmZm2-HFLWMzTFsMXifqqQZeUVFQCQKQ" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="500" /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">2. <span id="docs-internal-guid-a99195a0-7fff-3299-8771-6a6a93cb2a56"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">This book reminds me of your series "A Place for..." with the poetic lines and then additional facts. I typically use those as examples of a cause-and-effect text structure. Is that what you had in mind here—because of the moon, this happens?</span></span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-3ddde4c4-7fff-fa5a-8fc1-cd05e75a7767"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 21.75pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You’re right. </span><a href="https://www.melissa-stewart.com/books/insects/bk_place_for_butterflies.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A Place for Butterflies</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">and all its companion books have a strong cause-and-effect structure in the main text. When people do XXXX, butterflies can live and grow. The secondary text in those books has a problem-solution structure. First it describes how human actions are harming butterfly populations. And then what scientists and community members are doing to address the problem.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img height="204" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/-4_oDKnNq1k3XE9K6N2nE7d2P0luUm1m7WnYUDCwarF2mh4JjtFePy_OOAXFPzc4h6Wf88mz0APVDH41FTYgOVYdBNUyRvJHuA2PTlYo-emJFw9rAXbEeoBfheYQX-Gd435ee8NmuoP9JPOezgAGlw" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; white-space-collapse: collapse;" width="226" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While it is true that, in this book, light from the moon (or lack of it) allows the featured animals to find food, escape from enemies, raise a family, etc., I didn’t consciously structure the text with cause/effect in mind. I was thinking of it as a compare-and-contrast text structure because there are two comparative examples linked to each verb. For instance, the moon </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">guides</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> tiny sea turtles and dung beetles on their migrations. However, I think a reader could make an argument for cause-and-effect. And it would be a great activity for students to re-write my text to make a strong cause-and-effect structure. It’s always interesting to see what other people take away from my books!</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">3. </span><span style="font-family: McLaren, cursive; white-space-collapse: preserve;">How do you start writing a book like this? And how do you decide to have the two different layers of text?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When I write expository literature, I begin by looking for a hook--</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">a unique lens that will spark the reader’s curiosity and encourage them to think about the topic in a new way. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When a book has a strong hook, it’s often built right into the title, so brainstorming titles is one way to discover the great hook. It can really help to toss around ideas with a friend, so one Saturday, I asked my husband to help me think of possible titles while we cleaned the house. The ideas could be good or bad, silly or serious, anything at all. Any unique way of thinking about “our closest companion in space.” I liked the sound of that phrase, so I wrote it down to get us started.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A few hours later, the dust bunnies were gone, the bathroom sparkled, and we’d filled a notebook page with ideas. The next day, I typed them into a computer file along with all the adjectives I could think of to describe the Moon photo Katherine had sent me. My goal was to create a manuscript that evoked that image.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyW-fBumHemjL5UQQZTXYUG82lMoh2boZHhMoVHtZCOcV25_XQY1w2LU91-p2l2rT7_pnEka0RbLP5bH1RRhy767lkISJoZ3CzhBop2fjd2zg9hOtaGBG6mwcVpunYpn_6bwrogW992zwIsP2vF0LHPOEC-tpiW71EL91BwHNDjKNbpGWMu8milTIg7PZ/s4032/7%20notebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyW-fBumHemjL5UQQZTXYUG82lMoh2boZHhMoVHtZCOcV25_XQY1w2LU91-p2l2rT7_pnEka0RbLP5bH1RRhy767lkISJoZ3CzhBop2fjd2zg9hOtaGBG6mwcVpunYpn_6bwrogW992zwIsP2vF0LHPOEC-tpiW71EL91BwHNDjKNbpGWMu8milTIg7PZ/w300-h400/7%20notebook.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It didn’t take long for the title </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thank You, Moon</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and the lens of gratitude to rise to the top. After all, life on Earth—including us—couldn’t exist without the Moon to regulate Earth’s seasons. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I also thought it would be possible to use the phrase repetitively to craft the kind of lyrical voice I wanted for the book. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Once I had a hook and I knew the text structure, I could start to write. Expository literature often has two layers of text. It helps the book appeal to a broader range of readers. Younger readers can focus on just the main text and the art and get the gist of it. Older readers can take a deeper dive by exploring the secondary text. The additional details will enrich their understanding of the topic. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I wrote the lyrical main text and more detailed secondary text in tandem, moving those large chunks around until I had an order that flowed well and represented the diversity of creatures, habitats, and geographical regions that would appeal to a broad, global audience.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">4. Writing picture books seem like such a daunting task because you have minimal pages which usually means some information gets left out. What was something that you were thinking of adding but didn't make the finished story?</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Yes, during the research process, I gathered information about 20 or so different animals. In the published book, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">there are ten animals and one plant. Whenever I write a list book about an animal behavior, I keep diversity in mind. As I mentioned above, I’ve included creatures from many different animal groups (reptiles, insects, birds, mammals, zooplankton, corals) and many different habitats and geographical regions. I also looked for ways to pair the animals by survival strategies to the compare-and- contrast text structure I mentioned above. </span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 267px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 533px;"><img height="267" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/nvci9NBeJq-jnLVpkcBltZdsOUhPpo1VmWVGIFzMEI9AHDjv1lnBpMDG3LNbSWTQHvOgZdsFeFT4WHqsH8YB-zqS7_Lm5ahJyZrsnNy98Y5COMCaBUTxVuO6wRq4sEOxvMZHvau5FF5oMuCTUFonGg" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="533" /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 28.65pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 266px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 533px;"><img height="266" src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/AqPDPZGyIs89wgki-5Lf6cQeOCjA2s-k3FrQe2_vcZGX9VhvoCDLVmJnnc8hLeD5x2nEspS5bCAC-ydUl2nV1KwrVkw6h0tWypZoWQYcIry5PvX24Gepil54tU2U8Wd1GNc63uAx9TDWvirQhw4GTw" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="533" /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 28.65pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One example that made it almost up until the end is this:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Thank you, Moon, for guiding chum salmon to their breeding grounds. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Each summer, chum salmon travel hundreds of miles up raging rivers and swirling streams to lay their eggs. Under the Full Moon’s bright glow, they can swim faster and farther.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But when I decided to feature just two examples per verb (guiding), I decided to keep the reptile and insect and let the fish go.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Thanks so much for inviting me to answer these questions, Michele. Your blog is a tremendous resource for teachers and librarians. Thank you for all you do to help educators nurture and nourish young readers.</span></p></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">You're welcome, and thank you, Melissa, for stopping by!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I know this is a book you'll want on your shelves and Random House Publishing has donated a copy to giveaway! Enter the giveaway below by Wednesday, November 1st for your chance to win (US addresses only).</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">MELISSA STEWART</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>has written more than 200 science books for children, including<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">W</span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i>hale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem,</i></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></i></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i>Tree Hole Homes: Daytime Dens</i></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i>Nighttime Nooks</i></span><span style="margin: 0px;">; the ALA Notable Book<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i>Feathers: Not Just for Flying</i></span><span style="margin: 0px;">; and the SCBWI Golden Kite Honor title<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"><i>Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs</i></span><span style="margin: 0px;">. She maintains the award-winning blog Celebrate Science and lives in Massachusetts. Learn more at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://melissa-stewart.com&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw0vjpki38vTcmoFt_sg6gi8" href="http://melissa-stewart.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">melissa-stewart.com</a>.</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><p style="margin: 0in;">JESSICA LANAN is the author and illustrator of <span style="color: black;"><i>Jumper: A Day in the Life of a Backyard Jumping Spider</i> and <i>The Fisherman & the Whale</i>, which was awarded the Bull-Bransom Award for wildlife art. She has illustrated many other books, including <i>The </i><i>Lost Package</i> and <i>Just Right: Searching for the Goldilocks Planet.</i></span><span style="color: black;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: black;">Jessica lives in Boulder, Colorado. Learn more at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://jessicalanan.com&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw30jOrE8YCCqwtcag1NmcNw" href="http://jessicalanan.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">jessicalanan.com</a>.</span><u></u><span style="color: black;"> </span></p></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Let's be social! Find us here:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Instagram:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Random House Children’s Books: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/randomhousekids/&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw3TlE3fVMF1dBPCLMN6dwbF" href="https://www.instagram.com/randomhousekids/" id="m_-6058652094254969420OWAe3615650-8eba-ad26-e92e-ce288c094a59" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: underline;">@randomhousekids</span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span id="m_-6058652094254969420docs-internal-guid-5baf9eda-7fff-5f69-b3b8-d26946ceb7f5">Melissa Stewart: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/melissastewartscience/&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw23OTA19R76_Evj7n1ez5-9" href="https://www.instagram.com/melissastewartscience/" id="m_-6058652094254969420OWAec8bc1f6-7f8c-ebbf-20d8-762f582ed87f" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/melissastewartscience/">melissastewartscience</a></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jessica Lanan: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/jessicalanan/&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw3en_PhuXk-RzyHpNSTv738" href="https://www.instagram.com/jessicalanan/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="https://www.instagram.com/jessicalanan/">jessicalanan</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;">Me: @readingthroughtheages_</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Facebook:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Random House Children’s Books: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/randomhousekids&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw2fzEHEwVcyeC6PzWK24Gw5" href="https://www.facebook.com/randomhousekids" id="m_-6058652094254969420OWAdfbf85da-f0ec-ca82-1eaf-b6b00b0b67ae" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: underline;">Random House Children’s Books</span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Melissa Stewart: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/melissa.stewart.33865&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw1dtsv5prxE6Ft_EclHu7bI" href="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.stewart.33865" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/melissa.stewart.33865">Melissa Stewart</a></span><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jessica Lanan: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/lananillustration&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw0HsBNr_K1CXl9ICmd_pQ_w" href="https://www.facebook.com/lananillustration" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="https://www.facebook.com/lananillustration">Jessica Lanan Illustration</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Twitter/X:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Random House Children’s Books: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/randomhousekids&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw2BeUQq7CfrJglF59stbojW" href="https://twitter.com/randomhousekids" id="m_-6058652094254969420OWA2e25ff18-b587-f542-9e7f-e4745add07e6" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration-line: underline;">@randomhousekids</span></a></p></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Melissa Stewart: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/mstewartscience&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw2oyiE71Q0kE5SKfggyqp16" href="https://twitter.com/mstewartscience" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="https://twitter.com/mstewartscience">@mstewartscience</a></span><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jessica Lanan: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/jalanan&source=gmail&ust=1698071870597000&usg=AOvVaw0-MXGO8C2y3hY7s8Jqgwuk" href="https://twitter.com/jalanan" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="https://twitter.com/jalanan">@jalanan</a></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;">Me: @knott_michele</div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="607" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScnMv1rA1kCi5-_L15pSBSjtbxniaqcdR-e-QQE8xg3oKx3mw/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-45413286016155688542023-10-11T00:30:00.001-07:002023-10-11T00:30:00.143-07:00Fungi Grow, a review - 10.11.23<span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I am excited to share with you Maria Gianferrari's beautiful new nonfiction book, <u>Fungi Grow</u>. Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Diana Sudyka, young readers are introduced to the amazing world of fungi. Full of information about how they grow, spread, and help the world around them, readers will have a new appreciation of the fungi. And don't miss the fun facts in the backmatter - fungi will surprise you!</span><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JOTsAso0e7ve7-r4AvJiwIyfkuB3WBCK2UlnoZLUSLR-qSd2w9ECnMLfTFohAxueOcoO2k-zssvdF5FCQFwh_0ZxbPGhcjcRLAASBU0L9j2H74qTyj2be8qPguYqU9GpOEciTNYbXD8h2BtQe7IgCS3n_faq6uAv71clVZUmY2IG3Z0lTgVqw-_HUgOW/s1212/Fungi%20Grow%20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1212" data-original-width="974" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JOTsAso0e7ve7-r4AvJiwIyfkuB3WBCK2UlnoZLUSLR-qSd2w9ECnMLfTFohAxueOcoO2k-zssvdF5FCQFwh_0ZxbPGhcjcRLAASBU0L9j2H74qTyj2be8qPguYqU9GpOEciTNYbXD8h2BtQe7IgCS3n_faq6uAv71clVZUmY2IG3Z0lTgVqw-_HUgOW/s320/Fungi%20Grow%20.jpg" width="257" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Fungi Grow</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Diana Sudyka</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">published by Beach Lane Books</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">publishes on Oct. 17th</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: "Happy Monkey";">Full of lyrical writing, after reading Gianferrari's words, you'll be spouting fungi facts in no time at all! As a fan of Gianferrari's works, I had to ask her about the subjects she writes about and how she decides to write the text. For example, in this book, she writes in poetic form with action-filled words ("catapult", "plop", "spurt" are on just the first few pages!) that make the book come to life. She also includes more scientific information on each page in smaller font. This makes the book readable in multiple ways. Here's what she told me:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I love to write most about the natural world and the creatures and beings that inhabit a variety of habitats and ecosystems: trees, fungi, wild animals like bobcats, coyotes or hawks—I feel awe and joy and wonder in the presence of nature, and writing about nature helps me to celebrate it and give thanks for this wonderful world we live in. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Using concrete and vivid verbs is integral to any kind of writing I do, whether it has a more conversational tone, such as </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Terrific Tongues</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, or a lyrical one, like </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fungi Grow</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. Strong verbs have the power to create energy and movement and to encapsulate emotion too. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As a picture book writer, I pay particular attention to the sounds of the verbs and flow of the words, because they are meant to be read aloud, like in this section that showcases the sheer variety of mushroom shape, color, size and more:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And from dead stuff,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">mushrooms erupt!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mushrooms sprout.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Parasols pop out.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mushrooms fan,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">arc,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Spread their skirts. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tx-ChMqZLhOqL4m_UYpEKtI2bl6APyQT5YaXTpZbFPx0kjRcULvWP6HgxkzcgzPltpRK3AbFb4gZYfi9J3AMAGEV8L0lgUE7QdzjYj4gQW6bJcsvO-OiIrpShFvO6yRLkeJIpreQsoShF0qvRUjmBZc-VK0_QSNkqs59IRnCyQ10t0alxCtJhDE5Lbgj/s5700/Image%203%20FG%20mushrooms%20sprout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="5700" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tx-ChMqZLhOqL4m_UYpEKtI2bl6APyQT5YaXTpZbFPx0kjRcULvWP6HgxkzcgzPltpRK3AbFb4gZYfi9J3AMAGEV8L0lgUE7QdzjYj4gQW6bJcsvO-OiIrpShFvO6yRLkeJIpreQsoShF0qvRUjmBZc-VK0_QSNkqs59IRnCyQ10t0alxCtJhDE5Lbgj/w585-h369/Image%203%20FG%20mushrooms%20sprout.jpg" width="585" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is joy and a sense of playfulness in writing onomatopoeic words like “plop” and “poof” and reading them aloud too.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The verb grow is a powerful one—there is flow and fluidity and movement to it, and it encompasses the many different ways that fungi multiply, so the “fungi grow” refrain can contain a multitude of meanings.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I love using sidebars or layered text because the main text can be more imagistic and poetic in its expression of scientific ideas, while the layered text can explain those terms in more detail, which info-loving kids (and adults) really appreciate.</span></p></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">If you know Maria Gianferrari, you know she writes about a variety of topics. I was really interested in finding out how she came upon the topic of fungi.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, as I mentioned above, I love to write most about the natural world and animals, both domestic and wild. I had always been intrigued by the other-worldliness of mushrooms. When I was researching </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Be a Tree!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">, illustrated by the amazing Felicita Sala), I discovered the wild and wonderful world of mycorrhizal fungi—the kind of fungi that partners with trees and other plants to share and exchange resources and I was utterly fascinated. Before that, I had only thought of mushrooms/fungi as decomposers, and I didn’t realize that they could also have these kinds of mutually beneficial relationships with plants. There is a spread that shows the so-called “wood wide web” in </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Be a Tree!</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and I wanted to dig deeper to explore and discover more about this magical kingdom which you can see here.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5eOqlZNSi5o7g4a9wldxrzjWLxzBt9BIOZsoy2rQBP7qxPbXPUCS-JDoWggff47UC3sZ9pb55ZGeUNKa7dNjl3lI8BtK_X7vX0APjJyqS_IMCy3VMdhF4bi0Nuyua4HjPX2FkEAZrZF8Jx8OXVLi_3HWbjqt4wx6IIkClfL3VTjSsRgVON-eFmmoKvn/s5321/Image%204%20BAT%20wood%20wide%20web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3548" data-original-width="5321" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkw5eOqlZNSi5o7g4a9wldxrzjWLxzBt9BIOZsoy2rQBP7qxPbXPUCS-JDoWggff47UC3sZ9pb55ZGeUNKa7dNjl3lI8BtK_X7vX0APjJyqS_IMCy3VMdhF4bi0Nuyua4HjPX2FkEAZrZF8Jx8OXVLi_3HWbjqt4wx6IIkClfL3VTjSsRgVON-eFmmoKvn/w598-h398/Image%204%20BAT%20wood%20wide%20web.jpg" width="598" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And here is a corresponding one in </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fungi Grow</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> where you can admire Diana Sudyka’s gorgeous art:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsW-ZO9QeUb8DKx-HiqHIIbtvfbRs-jhCU43nV7N26_yVi34NMRaNrrr9rLQukRZsinJu7jjdLiHIsBxmH5sFcg_IUnm7pycAcuLoijWo_8BMYXLOFhavqoBT4SKpAFs35xgR8JNtEWkdRoCFHqQDMg62bjUYENyei4vh079XPnC3XHVwzwvTedThf7qI/s5700/Image%205FG%20wood%20wide%20web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3600" data-original-width="5700" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJsW-ZO9QeUb8DKx-HiqHIIbtvfbRs-jhCU43nV7N26_yVi34NMRaNrrr9rLQukRZsinJu7jjdLiHIsBxmH5sFcg_IUnm7pycAcuLoijWo_8BMYXLOFhavqoBT4SKpAFs35xgR8JNtEWkdRoCFHqQDMg62bjUYENyei4vh079XPnC3XHVwzwvTedThf7qI/w601-h380/Image%205FG%20wood%20wide%20web.jpg" width="601" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I learned so many fascinating things—about the power of mycelium—the “roots” of fungi (whereas mushrooms are the fruiting bodies), and how fungi can grow in all kinds environments, even extreme ones contaminated by radiation, like Chernobyl, or despite radioactivity in space (though that part didn’t make it into the book). </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmkbLXXNIPRmTDjpgXCV6rflvpJaf4QfE64vNxVki7Et8KdVzzxbEYorkIxqcalOFs3Ey0laI3JAR9GaJ5gHfXTEQrBZwbYImOd58lJWxXGHsBOG3gAp3mfeLijL39YopkMEx_U8EexAth2NfEpB7dVgH85rA28JFm88OV-XG4fRoYOx89pGTN1rZnjtH/s3563/Image%206%20FG%20Chernobyl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3563" data-original-width="2783" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmkbLXXNIPRmTDjpgXCV6rflvpJaf4QfE64vNxVki7Et8KdVzzxbEYorkIxqcalOFs3Ey0laI3JAR9GaJ5gHfXTEQrBZwbYImOd58lJWxXGHsBOG3gAp3mfeLijL39YopkMEx_U8EexAth2NfEpB7dVgH85rA28JFm88OV-XG4fRoYOx89pGTN1rZnjtH/w500-h640/Image%206%20FG%20Chernobyl.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">And other fun-gi facts like how mycelium can be made into clothing, furniture and packing materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable; or how mushrooms can help clean up oil spills and chemical contamination. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fungi is truly remarkable! I hope readers will be inspired to follow their curiosity and learn more about the field of mycology. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Happy Monkey"; text-align: left;">I know this is a book you'll want to add to your shelves. Maria and the publisher have generously donated a book to be given away to a reader (US addresses only). Winner will be selected on Oct. 18th. Enter below!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-5nfyxUWJj9YajRGg1MoKYWJqrIX6hknHKFll7CMit7GPS_-jGomJ4N0EmaSyvI6MnpUqQdStwQseGKzD8iw9Y6JcpEoyE-1J-_0N-l0V9QoX3pSV7z62Ka8hS9keoN6wVH9_619mfUMwmviy1Vcu5WNAQSA32MvBzaWtgUJXBzniPw4jd1-ZpEtxnWM/s1336/2Maria-mushroom.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1336" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-5nfyxUWJj9YajRGg1MoKYWJqrIX6hknHKFll7CMit7GPS_-jGomJ4N0EmaSyvI6MnpUqQdStwQseGKzD8iw9Y6JcpEoyE-1J-_0N-l0V9QoX3pSV7z62Ka8hS9keoN6wVH9_619mfUMwmviy1Vcu5WNAQSA32MvBzaWtgUJXBzniPw4jd1-ZpEtxnWM/w293-h188/2Maria-mushroom.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>More about author, Maria Gianferrari: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Maria Gianferrari’s yard is full of fungi. From branching corals and pointy stinkhorns to smoky puffballs and colorful jack-o’-lanterns, everything’s coming up mushrooms! Someday she hopes to find some morels—she’ll even share them with a squirrel. Maria’s favorite edible mushroom is the hearty portobello. She lives in Massachusetts.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yaw8qVcQSIGQ7kZ7LRwNIslZy5nzu3sv2XpPPgcckonvoEQ2UUiRhVUAOdUicsQy-gyN5EFLOiL1sw9xeEo1KtdbLTbzd5dCYO2gmAO7mn3woXkZiymWKztMM9AGxwWmBvHS6p-zxCdSjJ9v79tmz_dRsngsngGXDpuL-m0nknZVmsvKIEGErWERNDa1/s250/diana-sudyka-2111002458.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="222" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yaw8qVcQSIGQ7kZ7LRwNIslZy5nzu3sv2XpPPgcckonvoEQ2UUiRhVUAOdUicsQy-gyN5EFLOiL1sw9xeEo1KtdbLTbzd5dCYO2gmAO7mn3woXkZiymWKztMM9AGxwWmBvHS6p-zxCdSjJ9v79tmz_dRsngsngGXDpuL-m0nknZVmsvKIEGErWERNDa1/w174-h196/diana-sudyka-2111002458.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><br />More about illustrator, Diana Sudyka: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Diana Sudyka grew up hearing stories of her grandfather, an ardent forager, bringing home chicken of the woods and maitake mushrooms for meals. Her favorite edible mushroom is the delicious morel that popped up in her yard last spring. Diana lives with her family in Evanston, Illinois.</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="607" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdACad26Rp_PUo0BEDQU6T0zjq5Fy_xFKPxwvQL0LdjLS2kvQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>
</div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-15913063385534804892023-09-05T00:30:00.005-07:002023-09-05T00:30:00.139-07:00Thank a Farmer - a review, 9.05.23<span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">If you ask young readers, "where does your food come from?"... the most likely answer will be "the grocery store"! The idea that the food we buy starts somewhere else is a bigger thought to think about! And where does most of that food come from? A farmer!</span><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Thank a Farmer by Maria Gianferrari" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1676788372l/77265011._SX318_.jpg" title="Thank a Farmer by Maria Gianferrari" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Thank a Farmer</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Monica Mikai</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">published by Norton Young Readers</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Maria Gianferrari goes back and makes young readers think about all of the food that the farming industry gives us and how it might be harvested. On each layout, Gianferrari asks about a specific food and then in poetic form, explains to young readers how the food is picked and harvested and brought about to eventually landing on their plate! With 2-page layouts featuring brightly illustrated pictures by Monica Mikai, young readers will absorb so much information between the illustrations and the lyrical words. I love the vocabulary that is woven throughout the story. Some of my favorites: hopper, tubers, punnet, pods, chaff.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">There are so many science related texts, I love that this one relates to the social sciences. Perfect if you're studying rural/suburban/urban or wants and needs or economics! This is a book I can see fitting in with your discussions. And while you may think you would only use this book for discussions of rural/farming locations, there is discussions in the book about how farming does occur in urban locations too. Rooftops, hydro-aero-aquaponics, school yards, and city lots are all mentioned!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I also like how the story turns the table and shares what farmers are thankful for. From bees to weather to people and machines. It's a good way to show young readers that we all rely on people and animals and electronic things to help the world go 'round!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I highly recommend this story to be on classroom and library shelves! It's a book that young readers will reach for because of the information and bright illustrations. And it's a text that teachers can easily incorporate into the curriculum!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">If you would like to add a copy to your library, check out the giveaway below! Maria Gianferrari and publisher Norton Young Readers have offered a copy of <u>Thank a Farmer</u> to a lucky reader. Enter by Tuesday, September 12th to win! (US addresses only).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4x3ALG4i5we1Q0z3o204P99zZgw0Zt0hRxJ3dJcNJZKVMw36BhmoVp2L_ke4eTwrLWkn6__bWSClE5Spz2NzYOWyJUu6E5XDdAyeZJCj3HCm57Pg2u37QCikXhptbJuZj5k0_igWradNUjIoZ2JlBzWmPFVsa9lz8a44IfLb-_4595Qjw7-0vPeO5oN5/s4272/Maria.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc4x3ALG4i5we1Q0z3o204P99zZgw0Zt0hRxJ3dJcNJZKVMw36BhmoVp2L_ke4eTwrLWkn6__bWSClE5Spz2NzYOWyJUu6E5XDdAyeZJCj3HCm57Pg2u37QCikXhptbJuZj5k0_igWradNUjIoZ2JlBzWmPFVsa9lz8a44IfLb-_4595Qjw7-0vPeO5oN5/w200-h133/Maria.JPG" width="200" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Maria Gianferrari has two connections to farming: she is descended from a long line of dairy farmers in Emilia-Romagna, Italy whose cows provided milk to make the region’s famous Parmigiano Reggiano cheese; she also grew up in New Hampshire, down the street from Barrett’s Farm and across the street from a maple sugar house where cotton-candy scented clouds filled the air. She now lives with her family in Massachusetts.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfbz-I_IeDDibnNJdmRuntNbHwUTSuxPXYUR0jx350jQ7GNug/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-82428067496593482322023-08-07T05:00:00.003-07:002023-08-07T05:00:00.147-07:00Cover reveal - Octopus Acrobatics<span style="font-family: McLaren;">The ocean and all of its living things fascinate so many of us. It's another whole world there with so many mysteries and undiscovered life! So when author Sue Fliess asked if I wanted to do a cover reveal of her upcoming book, <u>Octopus Acrobatics</u>, I jumped at the chance! I'm a big fan of Sue's books. The way she uses poetic form and non-fiction facts in her books about the world around us make for perfect read alouds. Some of my very favorites are <u>Rumble and Roar: Sound Around the World</u>, <u>Cicada Symphony</u>, and <u>Flash and Gleam: Light in Our World</u>. And if you haven't checked out her "Kid Scientist" series (where she introduces young readers to different scientific occupations), don't wait any longer! Make sure you find them right away!</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Now, Sue is diving into the ocean (yup, planned that one) and is introducing us to an amazing sea creature, the octopus! And without further ado, just take a look at this cover!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb7mdzwzQu2trk-HLYWvBdm4iaXmHYjHhFhVJ5BfMyaYtg_I6u3m6oydxKPxWpydZxq-IniE048FXMK7WTyOXysmxSoHGi3HxH3KkBEoPzbAk-1TaS6Qd28EDTpmdjH3hfqOEGYTAYlxrqXZXjkjJdFFot4JuKyRc2wSTAxk_pa9SIZ_sMswZZyLxf1Mo/s888/octopusacrobatics.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="885" data-original-width="888" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAb7mdzwzQu2trk-HLYWvBdm4iaXmHYjHhFhVJ5BfMyaYtg_I6u3m6oydxKPxWpydZxq-IniE048FXMK7WTyOXysmxSoHGi3HxH3KkBEoPzbAk-1TaS6Qd28EDTpmdjH3hfqOEGYTAYlxrqXZXjkjJdFFot4JuKyRc2wSTAxk_pa9SIZ_sMswZZyLxf1Mo/w492-h491/octopusacrobatics.jpeg" width="492" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">And look at the wraparound cover!!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYt4oNfx8WHpu2U5zaHUTwqDhV6Jn6uJ8WTfXAyYL5QDF0DCZ_mVFEg0_f5C3kXWQIcr529vRvftzrTX1K7uaV2aX_UBGgb79P2-nZ3sRwo4p5n_okSaO_d2vKdOLlOxlC-06rP_WptvHg6Omd0-y3RxcK0R11xOJoAtJIpQJm-QRl9Hx7KnkQyZ75lUJ/s1272/14EC43F8-CC75-4E53-B4D6-4E18FCA1539C_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="1272" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYt4oNfx8WHpu2U5zaHUTwqDhV6Jn6uJ8WTfXAyYL5QDF0DCZ_mVFEg0_f5C3kXWQIcr529vRvftzrTX1K7uaV2aX_UBGgb79P2-nZ3sRwo4p5n_okSaO_d2vKdOLlOxlC-06rP_WptvHg6Omd0-y3RxcK0R11xOJoAtJIpQJm-QRl9Hx7KnkQyZ75lUJ/w567-h275/14EC43F8-CC75-4E53-B4D6-4E18FCA1539C_1_105_c.jpeg" width="567" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">We have just a bit to wait for it, but you can make sure you have it at publication time by preordering now <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Octopus-Acrobatics-Sue-Fliess/dp/0807558184/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2C50NNQ77CQJQ&keywords=Octopus+acrobatics&qid=1691183362&sprefix=octopus+acrobatics%2Caps%2C117&sr=8-1" target="_blank">HERE</a>! It makes anticipating spring time a little sweeter!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">More about author Sue Fliess: <span style="background-color: white; color: #373e3e;">Sue Fliess ("fleece") is the award-winning, bestselling author of over 50 children's books including Cicada Symphony, Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket, How to Trap a Leprechaun, Mary Had a Little Lab, Rumble and Roar, the Beatrice Bly's Rules for Spies series, the Kid Scientist series, and more. Her books have received honors from SCBWI, been named to ALA Notable lists, and have been used in school curricula and museum educational programs. Fliess's titles have been featured on Reading Rainbow Live and included in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in the US and Australia. She's a member of SCBWI & Children's Book Guild of DC. She visits elementary schools and does speaking engagements and lives with her family and two yellow labs in Virginia. Visit her at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.suefliess.com&source=gmail&ust=1690578678081000&usg=AOvVaw2Av1btNeGP-uYygbhW3hKg" href="http://www.suefliess.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.suefliess.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #373e3e;">.</span></span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-75313053492547622962023-07-24T00:30:00.001-07:002023-07-24T00:30:00.136-07:00You and the Bowerbird, a review - 7.24.23<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The architect starts building his home. He goes for grandeur, knowing one day this is the place he will eventually bring his mate. Designing, planning, decorating... the architect works hard to make his place a true work of art. Just when a lady friend shows some interest, pirates show up! Stealing, pillaging, damaging, and breaking everything down, the architect must begin again. Building, looking for those perfect accent pieces. Of course, he has an audience watching his every move. Maybe this time his lady friend will stay and be most impressed with his hard work.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Sounds like the premise to the latest Netflix show, right? Nope, just the daily life of a satin bowerbird!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="You and the Bowerbird by Maria Gianferrari" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664755621l/61317634._SX318_.jpg" title="You and the Bowerbird by Maria Gianferrari" width="329" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>You and the Bowerbird</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Maris Wicks</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Roaring Brook Press</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">publishes August 15th</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">In Maria Gianferrari's latest book, we get a glimpse at how hard a satin bowerbird works on his home, or bower. He truly is an architect as he scouts the area for just the right pieces to design his home. Something that surprises me is the male bowerbird makes his bower on the forest floor, not in a tree! Better to place all of his found treasures! And he especially needs a welcome mat. Not one ordered from Amazon, but something blue, something found. Perhaps a feather or sock! But once the bower is created, the satin bowerbird always has to be on the lookout for pirate birds who are out to steal some of his treasures! It really is rough out in nature! These birds are found in Australia. Even if they aren't local, they are fascinating birds to learn about!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Maris Wicks' illustrations are bright, bold, and will catch a young reader's eye, just like the color blue attracts a male satin bowerbird! At times, Wicks' gives us the perspective of a young birder looking through binoculars at these fascinating creatures. Other layouts have a couple of frames that give it more of a notebook feeling. Of course if you peek under the book jacket you'll find the book looking like a composition notebook, which goes along with the observation and note-taking the young girl seems to be doing.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The text is full of vibrant verbs that so many of Gianferrari's books contain. I always feel like I could act out her stories with her playful words. With words like inspect, steals, scours, snatches, and pillages, you can't help but wiggle in your seat as you read this exciting story!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This is a must have book for your science units that talk about animal instincts, habitats, and traits. The bowerbirds and their habits are so unique, I know young readers will want to know more about them!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">About author Maria Gianferrari:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VVQy5-FKawFQNtgf9QoshTFGdqF2aSkrGMSXgp2u-av0iWdLOkEVfmYIzSu3TdHNGGkGs199oOL1Met0QokXzgKB2igGEGZxgUqclTZ35y9ubgDtDlEjLPl-v8RiERPs9dxkN_dezexGu-_XXVQx_iwSiUQGZuXJ4Dd0VScIqyVeIDL-HNUzaOuzvaZG/s4272/Maria-blackandwhite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VVQy5-FKawFQNtgf9QoshTFGdqF2aSkrGMSXgp2u-av0iWdLOkEVfmYIzSu3TdHNGGkGs199oOL1Met0QokXzgKB2igGEGZxgUqclTZ35y9ubgDtDlEjLPl-v8RiERPs9dxkN_dezexGu-_XXVQx_iwSiUQGZuXJ4Dd0VScIqyVeIDL-HNUzaOuzvaZG/w220-h147/Maria-blackandwhite.jpg" width="220" /></a></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Maria</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Gianferrari lives in Massachusetts and loves bird-watching from her kitchen window while drinking her morning cup of tea. She has written more than a dozen books, including </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Coyote Moon</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Hello Goodbye Dog</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">,</span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> Hawk Rising</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, and most recently </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bobcat Prowling</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. Her next title with Roaring Brook Press is </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">To Dogs, With Love</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, which releases in December.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Would you like to have a copy of this book for your library? Macmillan Publishing has generously offered a copy for giveaway for one reader (US addresses only). Winner will be selected on July 31st! For an extra entry, visit @readingthroughtheages_ on Instagram!</span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="550" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4xGPvlEJTUKvUnizw-p2mSn6vV7no9ExQHysIHzvv-tB1Gw/viewform?embedded=true" width="550">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-29224399887907526442023-06-12T00:30:00.001-07:002023-06-12T00:30:00.159-07:00Sora's Seashells - a review 6.12.23<div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: McLaren;">A beautiful intergenerational story that helps young readers understand gifts and giving from the heart.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee" height="297" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1671044531l/67830641._SX318_.jpg" title="Sora's Seashells by Helena Ku Rhee" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Sora's Seashells</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Helena Ku Rhee</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by: Stella Lim with Ji-Hyuk Kim</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Candlewick Press</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Summary: Young Sora is at the beach with her Halmoni, who is visiting Sora and family. Sora and Halmoni visit the beach to collect shells. Upon leaving, Sora watches Halmoni leave a gift - a perfect shell they had found - on a bench for someone to find. Sora is confused why they would leave such a perfect shell for someone else. Halmoni explains that "It's a gift... for anyone who sees its beauty." Sora ponders this for some time. Eventually Halmoni returns to South Korea and Sora starts kindergarten. At school, Sora is teased for her name being different and she is bothered by it. But eventually, she receives even worse news, Halmoni has passed away. Sora's grief is evident and she goes between sadness and anger and even mixes feelings between Halmoni's passing and what has been happening to her at school. Once her parents hear what has been happening at school, they explain the meaning of her name - in Korean, her name means "seashell". Sora learns that it was Halmoni's idea to name her that because "a perfect shell is like receiving a wonderful gift." Sora and her parents return to the beach and Sora collects more shells. She brings them to school and explains to the other students the meaning of her name. Sora passes out a seashell to each classmate, including the ones who had been teasing her. The students have a new understanding of her name and give her compliments. The story ends full circle with Sora leaving the final shell on the bench for a gift.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">My thoughts: This is such a beautiful story. I think it will be hard for any reader to finish this story without their heart growing just a little bigger. I love the inter-generational storyline and seeing how close Sora and Halmoni are, even though they live far away. I did not know Halmoni was going to pass, which took me a bit by surprise. Having lost my grandmother this past year, that part hit me kind of hard! But I love that Halmoni's wise words about gifts and the beauty of them lives on within Sora. I think the idea of gifts is a great topic to explore with youngsters today. It's so easy to think about gifts as being wants instead of the idea that gifts are something we share and pass on to make the heart happy in other ways.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This story also discusses the way children can handle an idea when it's something different or uncommon. Too often when children see something that is different, in this case a name, the initial reaction is to tease and laugh. Unfortunately this really is something that has to be addressed in school and to teach youngsters how to appreciate the unknown instead of just reacting to a difference. I love how the author connected Sora's name to the bigger idea of the story.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The illustrations in this book are stunning. The soft watercolors evoke emotion throughout the story and the ocean pictures even create movement. They really stand out throughout the reading of the book.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I have no doubts you'll want a copy of this book for your library! Thanks to Candlewick Publishers, I have a copy to giveaway (open to US and Canadian addresses). Enter soon, the winner will be drawn June 20th. Get more entries on my Instagram account - @readingthroughtheages_</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="500" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfnX_NewGkREn9D-6NdVGGa2iZXceRVICf2XVuNyazm4O5kkA/viewform?embedded=true" width="500">Loading…</iframe></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Let's get social! Find everyone:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Instagram:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blue Slip Media: @blue_slip_media </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Candlewick: @candlewickpress </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Helena Ku Rhee: @helenakurhee </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Stella Lim: @stellalim_art</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Ji-Hyuk Kim: @ji_hyukkim</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">me: @readingthroughtheages_</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Facebook:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blue Slip Media: @blue-slip-media </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Candlewick: @CandlewickPressBooks</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Helena Ku Rhee: @HelenaKuRhee</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Twitter:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blue Slip Media: @blueslipper & @barbfisch</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Candlewick: @Candlewick</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Helena Ku Rhee: @HelenaRhee</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Stella Lim: @StellaLim_art</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Ji-Hyuk Kim: @hanuol</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">me: @knott.michele</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></p><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin: 0px;"><p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">TikTok:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Candlewick: @candlewickpress</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">me: @readingthroughtheages</p></div></span></span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-27994069585997996252023-04-18T00:30:00.001-07:002023-04-18T00:30:00.193-07:00Middle Grade books that build stamina, part 3 - 4.18.23<span style="font-family: McLaren;">It's time for the next roundup of middle grade novels that are perfect lengths for readers who are growing stamina or just looking for a shorter read.</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I've written about these books and if you would like additional suggestions, check out:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><a href="https://mrsknottsbooknook.blogspot.com/2021/04/middle-grade-books-that-build-stamina.html" target="_blank">part 1</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><a href="https://mrsknottsbooknook.blogspot.com/2022/03/middle-grade-books-that-build-stamina.html" target="_blank">part 2</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">And now on for some more books to add to your shorter books recommendation list!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="The Button Box" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1636372518l/58068812.jpg" width="147" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The Button Box</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">139 pages</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Cousins Ava and Nadeem are having a rough time at school with one other student, in particular. This student is making fun of their cultural and religious backgrounds. Ava is Jewish and her cousin Nadeem is Muslim. It's through the wise words of their Granny Buena and her magical button box that gives Ava and Nadeem new ideas and perspective in how to solve their problem.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Granny Buena sets up the mysterious button box by sharing a piece of a story about one button in particular. All of the buttons in the box have stories, but this one is personal since it came from a long-ago relative. But when Ava holds the button and it seems to come alive in her hand, Ava and Nadeem know there is more to this box. While Granny goes to take a "nap", the cousins find the button and it whisks them back in time. There, they meet their relatives and help them with a special refugee. Along the way, the cousins learn it's the differences among them that can actually bring them together.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I really liked the historical aspect of this novel and the magical adventure the main characters get to go on together.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Just Right Jillian" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607655390l/55959460.jpg" width="132" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Just Right Jillian</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Nicole D. Collier</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">224 pages</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I fell in love with this one more and more as I continued to read it. Jillian has anxiety and being in situations where she has to think on her feet are very stressful. She wants to participate in a school trivia contest, and she knows she is up to the task, but will her anxiety cooperate? This story features a wonderful teacher who sees Jillian's strengths and what is stopping her from achieving her goal. With nudges from her teacher, support from her family, and some unhatched chicks in her classroom, they give her the strength to keep pushing on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The page length is perfect for this story and it will appeal to young readers. I have found this one to be a great story to book talk and use for a First Chapter Friday reveal! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639501687l/59571988.jpg" title="Fenris & Mott by Greg Van Eekhout" width="140" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Fenris and Mott</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Greg Van Eekhout</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">195 pages</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A story based on Norse mythology, this one features Mott, a girl living in CA, and Fenris, a wolf pup that is featured in mythological stories. When Mott rescues little Fenris from a recycling bin, she first confuses him for a sweet little puppy. But when mythological characters start showing up and natural catastrophes seem to be happening all around them, Mott finds herself in a fast adventure to save Fenris... and the world! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love the Marvel movies, so this one was fun to read about some of the Asgardian places and characters. Before starting the book, I had no idea it was going to be based on mythology, so that was a fun surprise! A short, quick read, perfect for mythology and adventure fans, who aren't quite ready for the longer Rick Riordan stories.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Time to Roll by Jamie Sumner" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678326175l/61273145.jpg" title="Time to Roll by Jamie Sumner" width="140" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Time to Roll</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Jamie Sumner</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">197 pages</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This follow-up to <i>Roll With It</i>, starts right back up with Ellie and her friends and family. Ellie's mom has just married her gym teacher and are about to set-off on an extended honeymoon. Ellie's father, who hasn't always been the most supportive of dads, and his family are moving in to stay and bond with Ellie. But having not been around Ellie much, there are a few things that make Ellie feel in the way. Of course, Mema and Grandpa aren't too far away and provide comfort and support. Which is good because Ellie needs to borrow $75 to enter a pageant that she doesn't want to tell anyone about in order to support her BFF, Coralee. And that's how her summer is filled, with pageant "fun" with Coralee and their manager/friend, Bert. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I loved the ending of this story because that's when some great lessons are learned. From Ellie speaking up for herself and her identity, to her growing in her relationships with her friends and her family - lots of heartwarming parts!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Fans of <i>Roll With It </i>will be glad to join up with Ellie, and while this is a sequel, it can be read as a standalone. Readers will identify with Ellie and love watching her grow throughout the story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Hope you found some new books for your readers! Part 4 will be here soon!</span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-21027041139901347272023-04-13T00:30:00.001-07:002023-04-13T00:30:00.184-07:00Chef Edna - a review, 4.13.23<span style="font-family: McLaren;">Take one look at the cover of this book and you'll know what you are in for. Clearly we see a picture of Chef Edna and look where her hands are placed - one at her stomach and one at her heart. In between the two is a large family gathered around a table enjoying a meal together. We already know we are going to celebrate great food and how it brings us together!</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Chef Edna by Melvina Noel" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660398302l/60016195._SX318_.jpg" title="Chef Edna by Melvina Noel" width="284" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Chef Edna: Queen of Southern Cooking, Edna Lewis</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Melvina Noel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Cameron Kids</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This picture book biography celebrates Chef Edna Lewis. She grew up in a town that was founded by her grandfather and his friends shortly after they won their emancipation from slavery. Edna grew up with family all around her and they all worked together growing their food and animals on their farm. Edna learned all of her cooking secrets from her mother - from baking the best biscuits to how to know when a cake is done cooking. Edna ventured from home to New York City where she worked many jobs, eventually working her way up to being an executive chef. Edna went back and forth from NYC to her hometown of Freetown, but her cooking became so popular, she honed her craft in NYC. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I fell into Edna's story as soon as I sat down to read. Author Melvina Noel has beautifully crafted a story that instantly makes the reader want to meet Chef Edna, mostly to try her delicious food! My mouth was watering the entire time I was reading! Beautifully illustrated by Caldecott Honoree and Coretta Scott King Honoree, Cozbi A. Cabrera, I think this may be her best work, yet! The vibrant colors made the food illustrations pop and the reader will really want to dive in for some good food!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This picture book is a must have for your collection! In the backmatter, author Melvina Noel says, "while researching lesser-known African Americans who have had a positive impact on society, I learned about Edna." This book spotlights an amazing African American and the joy she has brought to so many people through her spirit and talent. This is a perfect American to spotlight when reading picture book biographies!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Be sure to take the time and appreciate the book jacket, endpages, and front/back cover. The artwork is stunning!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Today would have been Edna's 107th birthday! Happy Birthday, Edna! We'll have a slice of cake in your honor.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Be sure to find this book on its book birthday, Tuesday, April 18th.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody><tr style="height: 21pt;"><td style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Meet the author and illustrator:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Melvina Noel loves to write and to bake cakes. Thanks to Edna, she listens to her cakes to tell her when they are done.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Chef Edna</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> is the debut picture book for Melvina Noel, a Virginian like Edna Lewis.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/melvinawrite4u/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw2g7Fpokpd5kvz6oEcCFYG3" href="https://www.instagram.com/melvinawrite4u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">@melvinawrite4you</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Cozbi Cabrera is an award-winning illustrator whose gorgeous books-including<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, published by Abrams-have garnered a Coretta Scott King Honor as well as a Caldecott Honor for illustration. She lives in Illinois. Visit her website:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.cozbi.com/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw08LlItb4Mb9SVZliXyjFJE" href="http://www.cozbi.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">cozbi.com</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">On<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw2c4cYsAXrF38Zf-e7Jlm7q" href="https://www.instagram.com/cozbi/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Instagram<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/CozbiHandmade&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw2UfZs5R1lSWcWYpjSvoe2L" href="https://twitter.com/CozbiHandmade" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Twitter</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">: @cozbi</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Publisher info:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Website:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.abramsbooks.com/imprints/cameron-kids/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw3jAGLaGkMu-pvYkEFSJImF" href="https://www.abramsbooks.com/imprints/cameron-kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Cameron Kids</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/cameron_kids/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw0auToA2Sdj3WQe70VE9SOg" href="https://www.instagram.com/cameron_kids/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">@cameron_kids</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id%3D100065650053063&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw0saPMZl2Wv3amYHIDjgcPf" href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065650053063" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Cameron Kids</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Thank you to Barbara for sending the review copy!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw0NOaNXNm7dmkgkaBD9wCv6" href="https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">@blue_slip_media</span></a></p><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip&source=gmail&ust=1680537564167000&usg=AOvVaw0qmkmM8qCjX426VBh6k1xD" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px; text-decoration-line: underline;">Blue Slip Media</span></a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Would you like to win a copy of <u>Chef Edna</u>? Publisher Cameron Kids has donated a copy to giveaway to a blog reader (US addresses only)! Winner will be selected on April 20th.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDm3X5f4FEWwTYgluEyM1pR6D9Bg-Uk7QhgKiy8Ci4IawrJw/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-25281050755215366272023-04-11T00:30:00.001-07:002023-04-11T00:30:00.177-07:00Being a Cat - review 4.11.23<div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">From the creators of <i>Being a Dog: A Tail of Mindfulness</i><u style="font-style: italic;">,</u> readers get to enjoy a new story about another furry friend!</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="244" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1675641272i/61419653.jpg" width="190" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Being a Cat: A Tale of Curiosity</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Pete Oswald</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by HarperCollins</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Maria Gianferrari takes a deep dive into the world of felines in this delightfully wordy book! And when I say wordy, I don't mean long and lengthy. I am referring to the wonderful word choice that bounces, leaps, and pounces throughout the book. For example, one of the first ways these feline friends are described is as being "watching, wondering, wandering". Don't you love that language? The way Maria plays with words throughout the text and finds just the perfect ones in the right spot is a gift for readers. Told in lyrical lines, the words put the story in motion and the illustrations by Pete Oswald helps them dance!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Being a Cat</u> is a love letter to felines and captures the essence of... well, being a cat! Following a cat and its human, the reader moves, plays, explores, and of course, naps, with the cat. If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a cat, Maria gives us a perfect view with this book! The readers gets to see many sides and traits of one feline friend as Maria captures being a cat. From its playful side to its sleepy side. From its preening to its loving. From its mischievous side to its sweet side!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love how Maria has chosen to include some additional information about cats in the backmatter. Readers can learn more about cats and their unique abilities, from their whiskers to their claws! Have you ever wondered what a cat is trying to say to you? Maria also gives us some information about how cats communicate in the backmatter! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">No doubt cat enthusiasts will smile and notice familiar habits from their own feline companions in this delightful story!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Vocabulary activity:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Now that it's springtime and April (National Poetry Month!), go outside and observe! Find an animal and observe what it does. </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">What do you notice about its habits?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">What words can you use to describe it?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">What ways does it move?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">What do you think your animal is thinking?</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Write a poem about your animal using all of your observations!</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4oyYnBuWBXD_d3CwnypsyAtGkaC3iRc0iXoE6nmcO6WnyAbLpHiX5N4yOqN5OQNMfpPQkPQEBxFwUk41YNq6Lqip3AVzCZFQ0nTDwpRLz2EbIwz_BBmuizSpjHbfVXiNs58slCDttiUDRbQZO2g0oNboaX8Ks49sIAYYgjyWTQzI5CTD887G8aSA6w/s4272/Maria.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi4oyYnBuWBXD_d3CwnypsyAtGkaC3iRc0iXoE6nmcO6WnyAbLpHiX5N4yOqN5OQNMfpPQkPQEBxFwUk41YNq6Lqip3AVzCZFQ0nTDwpRLz2EbIwz_BBmuizSpjHbfVXiNs58slCDttiUDRbQZO2g0oNboaX8Ks49sIAYYgjyWTQzI5CTD887G8aSA6w/w200-h133/Maria.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>More about Maria Gianferrari: <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Maria Gianferrari is a picture book reader/writer, tea-drinker, dog-lover, and birdwatcher. Maria writes books that honor our bonds with creatures both domestic and wild, and that celebrate the wonders of the natural world around us. Curiously, though an unabashed dog lover, this is Maria’s third book featuring cats as main characters, most recently </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Bobcat Prowling</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, as well as </span><em style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Officer Katz and Houndini</em><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">. She lives in Massachusetts with her inquisitive scientist husband. You can learn more about Maria at her website: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.mariagianferrari.com&source=gmail&ust=1680537564142000&usg=AOvVaw23aHlzYnpq2ZqLXwfYvq7t" href="http://www.mariagianferrari.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.mariagianferrari.com</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Would you like to own a copy of <u>Being a Cat</u>? Thanks to the generosity of author Maria Gianferrari, I have one to offer for giveaway! Enter by April 18th for your chance to win a copy (US addresses only).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkuiAv-7KMXW5ZWphpvyXtaV_6Z0RFEmkQQ-bWB0KVbMA7Ag/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-26563787145619061062023-03-15T01:00:00.001-07:002023-03-15T01:00:00.188-07:00National Women's History Month books! 3.15.23<div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: McLaren;">March is National Women's History Month, and I always enjoy sharing some new picture book biographies that celebrate some amazing women! Here are a few new ones for your collections.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="141" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1668362406i/61271949.jpg" width="116" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Love is Loud: How Diane Nash Led the Civil Rights Movement</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Sandra Neil Wallace</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Bryan Collier</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">From the duo who gave us <i>Between the Lines</i>, now they introduce us to Diane Nash, a leader in the Civil Rights Movement. Leading with love, Diane Nash stood up for what she knew was right and fought for the rights of all Black people. The way she lead within the Civil Rights Movement is something to be celebrated. Diane Nash is a women that needs to be celebrated this month!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Pitch Perfect and Persistent! by Caitlin Delems" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666578255l/61193177._SX318_.jpg" title="Pitch Perfect and Persistent! by Caitlin Delems" width="140" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Pitch Perfect and Persistent! The Musical Debut of Amy Cheney Beach</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Caitlin DeLems</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Alison Jay</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A musical prodigy and pioneer, Amy Cheney Beach led the way for women musicians after fighting her way to play throughout her childhood. And not at public music places, but in her own home! Amy's mother fought her for many years because she didn't think young Amy should be playing. However, her talent won out and her musical prowess became known!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663853290l/62687558.jpg" title="The Brilliant Calculator by Jan Lower" width="140" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The Brilliant Calculator: How Mathematician Edith Clarke Helped Electrify America</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Jan Lower</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Susan Reagan</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I rely on a calculator to do math that I should be able to figure out in my head. I have that handy machine all thanks to a woman in our history! Edith Clarke and her mathematical brain helped create a calculator that was widely used by engineers. She fought her way to be accepted and included in the engineering field. My non-mathematical brain thanks her!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine by Kate Hannigan" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663853522l/62687592.jpg" title="Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine by Kate Hannigan" width="140" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Kate Hannigan</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Sarah Green</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">It never fails, an appliance breaks and that's when you realize you can't live without it. I can't imagine washing all of my dishes by hand. And now I know who I have to thank for this marvelous invention - Josephine Cochrane! Young readers will learn the perseverance Josephine showed when inventing and then marketing her amazing machine. And we're glad she did!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress by Gretchen Woelfle" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663855668l/62687813._SX318_.jpg" title="A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress by Gretchen Woelfle" width="140" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>A Take-Charge Girl Blazes a Trail to Congress: The Story of Jeannette Rankin</u></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Gretchen Woelfle</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Rebecca Gibbon</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Ever wonder who was the first Congresswoman? It was Jeannette Rankin, a take-charge person who came to Congress with a take-charge attitude! Which she needed when she was elected since it was 1916! I'm sure the Congresswomen in the United States are thanking Jeannette for paving the way!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Want to add some of these books to your library? Courtesy of Mr. Schu (yup, he gave me a copy to giveaway!) I have a copy of <u>Love is Loud</u> to give away to one winner and courtesy of Calkins Creek, I have a copy of <u>Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine</u> to giveaway (US addresses only for both). Enter to win by March 20th!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHHknft6ByQkeZWhpKAPAWOQJzI51hAAK53mDJw9-ws8vl4Q/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>
Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-80860716934850883312023-03-14T01:00:00.001-07:002023-03-14T01:00:00.201-07:00Just a Worm - review 3.14.23<span style="font-family: McLaren;">As I look outside my snowy window, it certainly does not feel like spring, but the calendar says it's coming. And it is meteorological spring... or so they say! In no time at all, we'll be marveling at all the spring buds, and even the bugs, that are popping out to say hello! In the meantime, curl up and share this spring-y book!</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1675645575i/61326289.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Just a Worm</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Marie Boyd</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Greenwillow Books</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Celebrating the insect and animal life, this book takes the word "just" right out of the animals' vocabulary! Each page spotlights another creepy crawly and the wonderful things that they can do. A spider spins a silky web to catch its dinner. A butterfly has bright colors that warn predators it tastes badly. A dragonfly eats insects like mosquitos. When worm hears all of these amazing things the other creepy crawlies can do, it starts to feel bad and thinks it's "just a worm". But once it takes some time to think about all the things it does, it has the wonderful realization it CAN do some amazing things. Like help grow all the plants by creating holes in the soil. And it feeds plants. And it wiggles, digs, and crawls. Which are all some pretty amazing things!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This is a must have book when talking about earth science and how the animal world helps the Earth. With the back and forth conversations between a worm and other animals, young readers get a sense of the many things all creatures do to help their world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This book is a perfect spring read! Celebrating growing, new beginnings, and all Earth-y things, it's a book that I plan on reading with students every spring. Featuring paper quilling artwork, the illustrations have texture that seem to pop off the page.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I know this is a book you'll want to share with young readers! Courtesy of Greenwillow Books, I have a copy available for giveaway (US only). Be sure to enter by March 21st!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Happy *spring* reading!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbFQS2kjiIQrTTmdaF4getrX1dic5NejIe2X_D9a6kmzF3Dw/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>
Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-51306961040144608822023-03-07T01:00:00.001-08:002023-03-07T01:00:00.179-08:00Animal Heroes: Supermoms! - review 3.07.23<div style="text-align: left;"> <span style="font-family: McLaren;">When we think about all the things moms and grown-ups and caregivers do, it's quite the list. From carting the kids around place to place, keeping up with everything a youngster needs, meal planning and packing, and organizing the household, it's definitely a full time job! But did you know animal moms have the same job?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdukgEo_m6yWuvsHnif4BQGt8ngriOktFvcO_hWneKnlIxAU-NRVRxQ8IrjxIv_FnuFqyERjORoMyYPW0RbbgsLhIZj4ItXF6e93nXbK4V9WG8-j__YSoaGKqlq-FUUs_MnbGAzkiHetBHONAZW8o0ef5D1TWFI_fQJvE546ywoQ062WFaMGfobf9Rg/s1054/supermomscover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1054" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdukgEo_m6yWuvsHnif4BQGt8ngriOktFvcO_hWneKnlIxAU-NRVRxQ8IrjxIv_FnuFqyERjORoMyYPW0RbbgsLhIZj4ItXF6e93nXbK4V9WG8-j__YSoaGKqlq-FUUs_MnbGAzkiHetBHONAZW8o0ef5D1TWFI_fQJvE546ywoQ062WFaMGfobf9Rg/s320/supermomscover.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SUPERMOMS: ANIMAL HEROES. Text Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper and Heather Lang. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Illustrations Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.</span></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Animal Heroes: Supermoms!</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Jamie Harper</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Candlewick Press</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Heather Lang and Jamie Harper have teamed up to give us an inside look at the supermoms of the animal world. The life of a mom seems to be similar whether you're mammal or reptile; live in the sea or take to the sky. Even animal moms have to cart their children around, just maybe, not in a minivan! As Lang and Harper share, animal supermoms transport their young around on their backs or on their chest or even in their mouths! Now, that's a different form of transportation! And just like their human counterparts, animal supermoms will stop at nothing to sacrifice everything to support their young! From starving themselves, or searching for food for months, they work hard to make sure those young ones are satisfied!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5ePvAYu2dqpcyp2K-Aq5Mbo05HuPYhJEKfX4THYHirZq8dzbYRZ_16fU0XHazyQkyAeQSnCGS2lQZoN2hy9Xm0ZF7Vcs2rtqNZpf-Rk2XuAUDWwqVigYbmtrKZw6VbKepNNmwHLKU4iD4wwar1ILOeZq74MG4XEtDj4G0esMu11f7KWj5NF8Xth2pQ/s1000/supermoms2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1000" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-5ePvAYu2dqpcyp2K-Aq5Mbo05HuPYhJEKfX4THYHirZq8dzbYRZ_16fU0XHazyQkyAeQSnCGS2lQZoN2hy9Xm0ZF7Vcs2rtqNZpf-Rk2XuAUDWwqVigYbmtrKZw6VbKepNNmwHLKU4iD4wwar1ILOeZq74MG4XEtDj4G0esMu11f7KWj5NF8Xth2pQ/w622-h285/supermoms2.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SUPERMOMS: ANIMAL HEROES. Text Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper and Heather Lang. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Illustrations Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.</span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Let's not forget about making a safe and comfortable home. Decorating with the latest style (nothing like some mud and poop, like the red-knobbed hornbill) or separating the children into their own rooms (thanks, strawberry poison frog mom), these animal supermoms have it covered!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltaaikH8JYzT_iLjJc_xNkYvuHeRqJ8bVE-EN2N6ntIbvsA6VH02d6l003wjN2ojXufjagW6VgYn9kUbdr9Z1X7LDSM4lsOix1oyQ0mzC_5_JIZeK2crHxmzsOZFF3VRk3nIIkmMU_qv7aF1kjNuQJd503bb7QY_lQOakEyxfGzz92vYSY1KMYR4tKA/s1000/supermoms1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="1000" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltaaikH8JYzT_iLjJc_xNkYvuHeRqJ8bVE-EN2N6ntIbvsA6VH02d6l003wjN2ojXufjagW6VgYn9kUbdr9Z1X7LDSM4lsOix1oyQ0mzC_5_JIZeK2crHxmzsOZFF3VRk3nIIkmMU_qv7aF1kjNuQJd503bb7QY_lQOakEyxfGzz92vYSY1KMYR4tKA/w617-h282/supermoms1.jpg" width="617" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SUPERMOMS: ANIMAL HEROES. Text Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper and Heather Lang. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Illustrations Copyright © 2023 Jamie Harper. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: -0.2px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Reproduced by permission of the publisher, Candlewick Press, Somerville, MA.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love the format author/illustrator Jamie Harper has taken with this book. Using a comic book type format with the different frames on the layouts, this supermom book mimics some superhero type reading!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I know young readers will enjoy the facts covered in this story and will have a new appreciation of these amazing animals. Grade levels that use the NGSS and study animal adaptations and parent/offspring traits will benefit using this book as a read aloud. This is the first in the "Animal Heroes" series that will be celebrating the animals in the world around us.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">ELA tie-in:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Let's talk character traits. A common standard for readers is to identify character traits. So often when I ask young readers to describe a character I get overgeneralized traits - happy, sad, mad. Trying to come up with a myriad of words that don't oversimplify a trait or feeling is complicated for students. However, this is a perfect book to share when discussing how to come up with lesser used synonyms for these words! The backmatter of this book has an excellent layout that gives an adjective describing an animal that was discussed in the text. By collecting these words, young readers will have a wonderful tool for generating a whole new set of traits to use when describing characters.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Join me in wishing this book a happy, happy book birthday today!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">For additional resources and activities be sure to visit <a href="http://heatherlangbooks.com/supermoms">heatherlangbooks.com/supermoms</a> and <a href="http://jamieharper.com">jamieharper.com</a>.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Would you like to add a copy of this book to your library? Thanks to the generosity of Candlewick Press, I have a giveaway copy for one lucky winner (US only). Winner will be selected on March 14th.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe8tzcoQljrpSpNi1dUC5kyunz8q1yhhWVKdouO5DbyTparZQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe><div><br /></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-56052647946001394252022-11-16T00:30:00.001-08:002022-11-16T00:30:00.173-08:00Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast in The Great Caper Caper - a review 11.16.22<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="The Great Caper Caper by Josh Funk" height="313" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645037140l/60394047._SX318_.jpg" title="The Great Caper Caper by Josh Funk" width="320" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast:</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The Great Caper Caper</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Josh Funk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Brendan Kearney</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Union Square Kids</span></div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>There is a mystery in the refrigerator again, but this time our heroes, Sir French Toast and Lady Pancake, are in the dark! No, literally, they are! The Great Light above is missing, yet, there seems to be just one area that's all aglow. As our heroes arrive at the one shining light in the fridge, they find a large, and familiar-to-readers sign welcoming them to "Las Veggies"! It's here in this large tower that all of the light is to be found, yet the owner of the area, Count Caper, is not about to back down! While Count Caper admits to nothing, he relies on his "food popularity" to make everyone doubt the probability that he actually took the light. And here's where the caper takes off. Sir French Toast and Lady Pancake gather their allies and in <i>Ocean's 11</i> style, come up with a heist to solve the problem! And just like in the movies, there are twists and turns that will shock the readers :) Or at least make it very entertaining! </span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDudOaRbzCDCP-VE7DRzgkmz5YoDSjEKqm_tM1POs1UWV8Fu4Qc1ULJ5aiitECZPu-okFZECmnOHoR-dzsMjansd2OUkFyOP_OQ5n-7V8cJbZVwDUZT-VmQMAilubn_m-3yD24p9zYhxUsSbYPU85wETIFd4zUMBJ67600H0Z51_JlXBs21ZqlZqXOg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="2202" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDudOaRbzCDCP-VE7DRzgkmz5YoDSjEKqm_tM1POs1UWV8Fu4Qc1ULJ5aiitECZPu-okFZECmnOHoR-dzsMjansd2OUkFyOP_OQ5n-7V8cJbZVwDUZT-VmQMAilubn_m-3yD24p9zYhxUsSbYPU85wETIFd4zUMBJ67600H0Z51_JlXBs21ZqlZqXOg=w626-h319" width="626" /></a></div><br /><br /></div>Filled with new characters and a new plot line, this addition remains true to the series yet gives us many new reasons to come back to it! I loved the addition of the Animal Crackers characters - those are still some of my favorite snacks (sorry, Animal Crackers). I had a feeling many young readers would not know what a caper is so before reading the book to readers I would suggest doing an image search and give readers a little background about the delicacy. Young readers will be able to infer about them, but this gives youngsters a little heads up! And of course I can't talk about the ending, but *the ending*!! I really loved it and think kids will carry the message in their hearts!</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Earlier this year, our reading team introduced the <i>Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast</i> series to our kindergarten classes. They loved the mysteries and the characters. I enjoy reading the rolling rhymes to young readers - there's something about the rhythm that keeps readers following along! After sharing the newest installment, I asked the kindergartners some questions:</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">* What is your favorite part about the series? *</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Friends solving the mystery with friends!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"When they figure out the villain in the books."</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Baron von Waffle! I love everything about him!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"I like that the mysteries are in the refrigerator"!</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">* Why should teachers and librarians read these books to kids? *</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"The mysteries are so exciting!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Because these books are funny-awesome!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Because kids like them and they are funny."</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">* What should happen in the next </span><i style="font-family: McLaren;">Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast</i><span style="font-family: McLaren;"> book? *</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast find something in the refrigerator that doesn't belong, like a toy!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"They celebrate holidays in the refrigerator!"</span></li><li><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: McLaren;">"Sir French Toast has gone missing and they have to go out of the fridge to find him." </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Love these answers! Mr. Funk, in case you have any writer's block, these kids have you covered! </span><span style="font-family: McLaren;">And you heard it from the kids, these books are "funny-awesome", so if you don't have every copy of this series, go find them!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Of course, if the advice of 5 and 6 year-olds isn't enough, this book was also selected as an Indies Kids Next Pick! Here's what the reviewer says:</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: McLaren;">“The fifth installment in the Lady Pancake series features a madcap caper that kids will love. Parents can look forward to some humor that is, undoubtedly, aimed at them. Definitely a book the whole family will want to read over and over!” — Audrey Beatty, River Bend Bookshop, Glastonbury, CT</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Celebrating its book birthday this week, be sure and find a copy of <u>The Great Caper Caper</u> for your library!</span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-14981109567148035582022-11-15T00:30:00.001-08:002022-11-15T00:30:00.174-08:00A roundup of new chapter books - 11.15.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">One of my favorite type of books to find are chapter books. These are books that are a necessary bridge for readers who are going up the reading ladder from picture books and early chapter books (think <i>Henry and Mudge</i> and <i>Frog and Toad</i>) and before they continue up the ladder to middle grade novels. Here are some newer books and series you may want to check out!</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1647447904i/58437778.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img alt="The New Friend Fix" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".ppgoconnso.$c604142c20e2771b9e021aea491ca7dfbdc79797.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644782292i/58437782._SX120_.jpg" width="135" /> <img alt="Off-Key" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".ckkmhf07ho.$28f1606f8687a18aaef4894cfed4a000da1c9b47.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655308245i/59363859._SX120_.jpg" width="135" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Catalina Incognito</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Jennifer Torres</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Gladys Jose</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This magical realism series is so fun! Meet Catalina, she's a perfectionist and always has some ideas in her head. For her eighth birthday, she receives an old sewing kit from her tia abuela. She had been hoping for something else, but when she finds out it's a magical sewing kit, Catalina gets some great new ideas! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660514584i/61970673.jpg" width="134" /> <img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657045633i/59364016.jpg" width="134" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Witches of Peculiar</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"> written by Luna Graves</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Meet twins Bella and Dee. These sixth graders have finally come into their witch powers over the summer, and now they're thrilled to be invited to YIKESSS (Yvette I. Koffin's Exceptional School for Supernatural Students). They'll finally fit in, but when their magical proves to be a little difficult to control, will they be able to stay at the school? Will the other students accept them? Not scary, but perfect for readers who are ready for all things Halloween!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1628430089i/56980421.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img alt="The Lurking Lima Bean" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".cn02nzv7l6.$ae08550bbe0830736929f9c1affb2630f61a2637.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1628430111i/56980423._SX120_.jpg" width="133" /> <img alt="The Not-So-Itsy-Bitsy Spider" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".2b5c00wsj64.$2a51faba95774785fae7a9b18b39872026c278c9.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1644193280i/58437765._SY180_.jpg" width="132" /> <img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660147873i/60320554.jpg" width="132" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Night Frights</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Joe McGee</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Ted Skaffa</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">In the town of Wolver Holler, there's always something just a little spooky and strange happening. Each book in the series focuses on a different child living in the town and the spooky event that happens to them. These stories definitely have a little bit of a scare to them compared to the <i>Witches of Peculiar</i> books. I know there will be some readers that are happy to get a good scare in!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630535487i/56549341.jpg" width="132" /> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Alley and Rex </u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Joel Ross</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Nicole Miles</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Meet Alley. He's really good at extreme schooling - meaning all of the rules of a traditional school are a bit of a challenge. Meet Rex. He's pretty much the opposite of Alley. Unlikely friends, yes. Good partners, possibly! I like this series because the kids are in sixth grade, which means it's a very short read (135 pgs) for those older readers who are looking for something short.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1629910729i/56980387.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641411523i/58437729.jpg" width="134" /> <img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661359030i/60320529.jpg" width="134" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Elf Academy</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Alan Katz</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Sernur Isik</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Meet Andy, an elf in Santa's Workshop. To me, he's a cross between Buddy the Elf and Hermie the Elf (you know, the misfit elf from <i>Rudolph</i>). He has a heart of gold but always wants to do something a little different!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641746267i/58437774.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1655312433i/59365249.jpg" width="134" /> <img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641746235i/58437777.jpg" width="133" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Life in the Doghouse</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Crystal Velasquez</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Laura Catrinella</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Inspired by Danny Robertshaw's and Ron Danta's real life rescue (and subject of the documentary <i>Life in the Doghouse</i>, each book focuses on a different dog that is at the rescue home. The stories follow the dogs as they try and fit in with their adopted families. The stories are narrated by the dog so the readers know the dogs' thoughts and feelings. Perfect for all of our dog lovers!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1637946756i/59704804.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img alt="Super Spinach" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".1dvl6rir5mu.$39cf23c1ab70febe6d17e8254634aecdf96d45ba.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1652286436i/59363995._SX120_.jpg" width="135" /> </div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Adventures in Fosterland</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Hannah Shaw</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Bev Johnson</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Another foster story, this one features cats, kittens, and other animals! A perfect companion to the dog-loving series above!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="The Astronomically Grand Plan" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".d5detz95dg.$e1e9e40b4237e6d7c4cb7d5423ab0959da8fb458.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654704083i/59365241._SX120_.jpg" width="135" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1654704160i/59365244.jpg" width="134" /> <img alt="Hydroponic Hijinks" class="gr-box--withShadow responsiveBook__img" data-reactid=".pywcxkw8u0.$136193666ac6cd0a3256bbd463ca9ef82032aab8.1.0.0.0.0.0" height="200" itemprop="image" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1663173355i/60320555._SX120_.jpg" width="135" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Astrid the Astronaut</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Rie Neal</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Talitha Shipman</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A STEM series with a female lead, yay! Astrid loves all things to do with space and can't wait for her chance to learn and explore more. But first she has to put her hearing aids in to help her hear better throughout her day. Love that hearing aids are a part of the story, and not the focus. Astrid is part of the Shooting Stars club at school and gets the opportunity to learn more about all things space. Each book has a storyline with that but also focuses on friendship and getting along with others.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1618290701i/57007892.jpg" width="157" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649032201i/60420381.jpg" width="157" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Audrey L and Audrey W</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Carter Higgins</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Jennifer K Mann</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A series about friendship, identity, and last name initials! Audrey has always figured out a way to notice things and notice what is great about everyone. She knows she's the best Audrey in her class... until another Audrey moves in. Now she's Audrey L, someone who needs an initial to stand out. Surely she won't be friends with this new Audrey?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1597695805i/53733092.jpg" width="133" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1614680105i/55655050.jpg" width="133" /> <img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1640668589i/59956617.jpg" width="132" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>J.D. </i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by J. Dillard</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love this series about all things hair! Celebrating all things Black hair, this series is sure to give some new styling ideas, and maybe inspire a new entrepreneur! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1660927568i/62022866.jpg" width="134" /> </span><img class="ResponsiveImage" height="200" loading="eager" role="presentation" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658969313i/61757851.jpg" width="134" /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><i>Miles Lewis</i> series</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Kelly Starling Lyons</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Wayne Spencer</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I hope by now you are familiar with author Kelly Starling Lyons' <i>Jada Jones</i> series. Now she gives us Jada's friend (so yes, we do see more of Jada), Miles Lewis. Miles goes to the same school as Jada and his thing is science (probably why they are friends). So whenever something comes up where he gets to put his science brain to the test, Miles is there. Whether it's ice skating (physics) or the science fair, Miles is ready for a little competition. With his family and friends always there to help him, or pick him up when things haven't gone his way, Miles is a friend all readers will want to meet. Love seeing a young, Black boy represented in this chapter book series!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Are you making lists for books you hope to receive? Make sure these series make the list - your readers will thank you!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-23536733696787931372022-11-02T00:30:00.001-07:002022-11-02T00:30:00.268-07:00It's Not The Three Little Pigs - a review 11.02.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">Every year the second grade team does a unit on fairy tales and they always include <i>It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk</i>. And every year, after they read that book, all of my Josh Funk titles are wiped from the shelf. Luckily, I stock extra copies. This year I'll have a new title for the series.</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFjTRjyBSj66gOeXNdPgwgHOaiEo-bvuMO3p2Mo55DtCNRSIftwgObZTkm5KJ3qk6dEcnUlyHy-hAJR13P5yDP4vQNYp_RsIMwXhWA8QxZfDj952XEvHfE0pz7McucQVW1QOqOLxrumOe5X6dwvC40ykuAtJIXGOf6cQkOi5Y6m9vr5Qv3sHfDjAclw/s3366/Its%20Not%20the%20Three%20Little%20Pigs_Cover.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3366" data-original-width="2601" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFjTRjyBSj66gOeXNdPgwgHOaiEo-bvuMO3p2Mo55DtCNRSIftwgObZTkm5KJ3qk6dEcnUlyHy-hAJR13P5yDP4vQNYp_RsIMwXhWA8QxZfDj952XEvHfE0pz7McucQVW1QOqOLxrumOe5X6dwvC40ykuAtJIXGOf6cQkOi5Y6m9vr5Qv3sHfDjAclw/s320/Its%20Not%20the%20Three%20Little%20Pigs_Cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>It's Not The Three Little Pigs</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Josh Funk</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Edwardian Taylor</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Two Lions</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">There are parts of the story that will feel very familiar: straw and stick houses, a wolf. I always enjoy the detailed illustrations by Edwardian Taylor in each book of the series. Wait until you see the blueprints for each house! Just pouring over those took a lot of time! And parts that will feel familiar to this particular series: a narrator who is interrupted a lot, colored talk bubbles for the characters, and a story that doesn't go quite as the traditional story goes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">For example, there is a fourth pig in the story. Her name is Alison and she in particular enjoys interrupting the narrator!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlmz8QRLozoZRvxgfUW2ls1sRDSUthfDyzypWdCwJyX6kvETdPft3w6M-1IfqtCWdhyxYlLedECT9b-mVG5MfMcEqRVnSuC_fGmWDM9MFnGCxZfMSarRVmrabYQXMWLXa3qaDIH5uULTMrJVmnaBluCn55gFfaBJoIh1y04Psa3VFtXYISCRqLNWlKg/s1000/ItsNotTheThreeLittlePigs-9781542032438-large-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1000" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUlmz8QRLozoZRvxgfUW2ls1sRDSUthfDyzypWdCwJyX6kvETdPft3w6M-1IfqtCWdhyxYlLedECT9b-mVG5MfMcEqRVnSuC_fGmWDM9MFnGCxZfMSarRVmrabYQXMWLXa3qaDIH5uULTMrJVmnaBluCn55gFfaBJoIh1y04Psa3VFtXYISCRqLNWlKg/w622-h402/ItsNotTheThreeLittlePigs-9781542032438-large-2.jpg" width="622" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Are you looking for a brick house? A big, bad wolf? Well, the story has some changes in store for those traditional parts. I won't give anything away, but I will tell you I laughed through the entire book.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Some teaching ideas:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">these are must-have books for any fairy tale unit. Have students search for the traditional elements of the fairy tale vs. what has been changed.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">do you teach quotations? Take a portion of the story and rewrite it using proper punctuation for quotations.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">the blueprints for each house are perfect for some makerspace engineering ideas!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">check out the plot elements! With the changes in the story, how does that change the plot?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: McLaren;">time to work on some fluency! Thinking about each character's traits, how do you think the character would sound? Act it out using expression!</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This is a series that works perfectly for ELA, math, and science elements! I'm excited to have this next installment for our library.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">But don't take just my word for it! Additional praise.....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">“Those who love to make up their own stories will be inspired, and readers who march to the beats of their own drums will be delighted. Will leave readers as happy as a pig in mud.</span><span style="margin: 0px;">” ―</span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Kirkus Reviews</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">More about author Josh Funk:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Like the characters in his books,</span><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;"> Josh Funk</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> doesn’t like being told how stories should go―so he writes his own. He is the author of a bunch of picture books, including<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">My Pet Feet,</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> illustrated by Billy Yong; the popular Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast series, illustrated by Brendan Kearney;<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">How to Code a Sandcastle</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, illustrated by Sara Palacios; and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Lost in the Library: A Story of Patience & Fortitude,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;">illustrated by Stevie Lewis. He lives in New England with his wife and children. Learn more about him at<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.joshfunkbooks.com/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw34RSyBv-zqovwIo0JRhAs7" href="http://www.joshfunkbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">www.joshfunkbooks.com</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> and follow him on social media:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/Josh.Funk.Books&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw1W6aWSbPnOMDMRjbnAgWhh" href="https://www.facebook.com/Josh.Funk.Books" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;"> Josh Funk Books</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/joshfunkbooks/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw1dcotme5LOdjJSD9AaKg36" href="https://www.instagram.com/joshfunkbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@joshfunkbooks</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Twitter:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/joshfunkbooks&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw2DvBUzTLfgtDe7hj47O5Ul" href="https://twitter.com/joshfunkbooks" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@joshfunkbooks</span></a></p><div><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></span></div>More about illustrator Edwardian Taylor:<br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Edwardian Taylor</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> is the illustrator of multiple children’s books, including<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Hey, You’re Not Santa!,</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> written by Ethan T. Berlin;<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Goldibooks and the Wee Bear,</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> written by Troy Wilson; the Toy Academy chapter books, written by Brian Lynch; and the It’s Not a Fairy Tale books, written by Josh Funk, among other titles. He lives in Texas with his partner and their three dogs. Learn more about him at<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.edwardiantaylor.com/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw1DRv23oxQkqvvTrtkUsoBu" href="http://www.edwardiantaylor.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">www.edwardiantaylor.com</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;"> and follow him on<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://edwardiantaylor.tumblr.com/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw0uJQxXgxb8LgJjFMjHvCWd" href="https://edwardiantaylor.tumblr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Tumblr</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/edwardiantaylor/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw300oDHhivkzyOxKv1TL-kM" href="https://www.instagram.com/edwardiantaylor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">, and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/edwardiantaylor&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw1XYSESnocliP8BxfmnpCiD" href="https://twitter.com/edwardiantaylor" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Twitter<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">@edwardiantaylor.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">More about Two Lions publishing:</p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/amazonpublishing/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw121RepuLcjVkzCGRi1KrM3" href="https://www.instagram.com/amazonpublishing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@amazonpublishing</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Twitter:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/AmazonPub&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw3JQPLH7DOsB_gbkLxLQnHS" href="https://twitter.com/AmazonPub" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@AmazonPub</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/&source=gmail&ust=1665016473526000&usg=AOvVaw1_i4vddsdXsJmCSGOl-1iv" href="https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@blue_slip_media</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip&source=gmail&ust=1665016473527000&usg=AOvVaw2ofbMiDcfzNd26P1M85E62" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blue Slip Media</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Who wants a copy of this book? Two Lions is offering a giveaway of TWO titles from Josh Funk’s It’s Not a Fairytale series: <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">It’s Not the Three Little Pigs</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">It’s Not Little Red Riding Hood<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span style="margin: 0px;"> (U.S. and Canada addresses). Winner will be selected on Wednesday, November 9th!</span></p><br /></span></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScH07wq8ZJGkHK1uQwpZV_L42TKJQozn_VnacjqOm1nFVKibQ/viewform?embedded=true" width="640">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-18020751626842676462022-11-01T00:30:00.001-07:002022-11-01T00:30:00.155-07:00New Kids and Underdogs - a review 11.01.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">"We all need each other. Because we are all sort of one, but also sort of not one. Basically, we are a pack...of roots." </span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"> - <i>New Kids and Underdogs</i> by Margaret Finnegan pg. 212<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664381767l/60320590.jpg" title="New Kids and Underdogs by Margaret Finnegan" width="212" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>New Kids and Underdogs</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Margaret Finnegan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Atheneum Books</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Are you looking for a book that will grip your readers? Look no further! This heartprint story and the unforgettable characters will keep readers turning the page and leave feeling a little smarter and like they've made another friend.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Fifth-grader Robyn is the perpetual new kid. In fact, she's gone through being new at so many schools, she's now made up some rules for herself. Rules that will perhaps help her avoid previous mistakes and help her succeed at her new school in California. Robyn wants so badly to succeed because this school, finally, is supposed to be the school that she is going to stay at. Being new and fitting in could be the book all alone. But, every plot needs to have foils.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Foil #1: Dogs. Robyn has two Jack Russell terrier mixed rescue dogs: Fudge and Sundae. The love and friendship between the dogs and Robyn is a beautiful thing. The dogs are so loving, and are a wonderful unit between them and Robyn. Each dog has their own challenges. They were both rescued from a place that created trauma and an environment that did not allow either dog to thrive. Fudge is deaf and partially blind. He relies on Sundae, especially when in an unfamiliar environment. Sundae suffers from anxiety and being with Fudge helps calm that fear. Both challenges bring up the subject of living - and thriving - with a disability. Robyn understands her dogs challenges, but also comes to learn more about the range of disabilities and challenges of her peers. The subject of disabilities is well done and author Margaret Finnegan brings up great viewpoints. She helps readers understand, through the characters, that they are more than their disability. It's part of who they are, but there are many other parts that make up the person/animal.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Foil #2: Agility training for dogs. Right away, Robyn comes across an agility class being held nearby for dogs. Both her and Sundae are entranced by what they see. Robyn looks into it, but the instructor does not think her dogs can do it based on one thing: their disabilities. But it's the instructor's grandson, Nestor - Robyn's classmate - who sees more than the dogs' disabilities. Nestor starts training the dogs himself and instead of it being called agility class, it's <i>ability</i> class. I love the twist that makes all the difference for the dogs and Robyn. It's through these new classes that Robyn learns more about herself and makes her go back through those new kid rules she had established. One of my favorite quotes, "Dog training wasn't a way to impose a person's will upon a dog. It was about learning to communicate with another species and learning to listen as that species communicated with you." - pg. 234.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">All of these things come together to make a wonderful story. I loved so many lines that made me pause and think about them. Lots of great social-emotional lessons and things to talk about when thinking about people - the parts you see on the outside and what you don't see on the inside. This book makes a great read aloud and is easy to book talk. No doubt it will be a favorite among readers! Be sure to send readers to Margaret Finnegan's website, she has lots of resources and linked below are tips to train dogs!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">More praise for <i>New Kids and Underdogs</i>:</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">“</span><span style="margin: 0px;">A thoughtful story about learning to look beneath the surface and be a better friend.” —</span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Kirkus</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">A Junior Library Guild Selection</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Margaret Finnegan is the author of </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">We Could Be Heroes</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> and </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Susie B. Won’t Back Down</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, both Junior Library Guild Selections. Her other works have appeared in </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">FamilyFun Magazine</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, the </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Los Angeles Times</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, Salon, and other publications. She lives in South Pasadena, California, where she enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dog, and baking really good chocolate cakes. To learn more, and to download free discussion guides, visit </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.margaretfinnegan.com/&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw1H7GPcvvW2TqdFPnW57sKW" href="https://www.margaretfinnegan.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">MargaretFinnegan.com</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Twitter: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/FinneganBegin&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw1cFWahK_ihE__4k7VwxfEo" href="https://twitter.com/FinneganBegin" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@FinneganBegin</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/finneganbegin/&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw3CPdN6WlCgnd0HoUsPJOub" href="https://www.instagram.com/finneganbegin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@finneganbegin</span></a></p><br /><span style="margin: 0px;">Just like the kids in </span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">New Kids & Underdogs</span><span style="margin: 0px;">, you can ability train your dog! Check out the fun tips </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.margaretfinnegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/New-Kids-and-Underdogs-activity-pages.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw0P_KZcEseiND7Dr_qxFJvs" href="https://www.margaretfinnegan.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/New-Kids-and-Underdogs-activity-pages.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">here</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw0Ztalg5rJPlABo7z1klF4q" href="https://www.instagram.com/blue_slip_media/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@blue_slip_media</span></a></p><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip&source=gmail&ust=1666559632694000&usg=AOvVaw3rxxeNQieFHmQiS4Rb9W6X" href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueSlip" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Blue Slip Media</span></a></span></span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-15150824763215556942022-10-19T00:30:00.002-07:002022-10-20T06:36:43.569-07:00A Beginner's Guide to Being Human - a review 10.19.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">I'm just going to start with this - EVERYONE needs this book. ALL libraries, ALL classrooms, ALL humans. Because, honestly.... it seems like many of us have forgotten what humanity is. Or what is should be.</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="A Beginner's Guide to Being Human by Matt Forrest Esenwine" height="320" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642408270l/60143376.jpg" title="A Beginner's Guide to Being Human by Matt Forrest Esenwine" width="248" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>A Beginner's Guide to Being Human</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Matt Forrest Esenwine</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by André Geolin</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Beaming Books</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Author Matt Esenwine reminds us of what humanity should be. It's families. Of all shapes and sizes and colors and numbers. I love that he even says that you don't have to be related to be considered family.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdHH_wCfuBSkUIS1NnoI6uWoy1JYY40S6rXj6ERGG3geCJxNwIHVdEDFi41ochFDT0X8x6NdY6j1t4If7nQx11B248sS21xCKbldc3WrhSnqGe6fhdW4gFOL9vp4YlwpyrFHdp54ziVbSwg7Aw8uYRKXBRvxjnmKWwf4lO3AJU_OsvxnXN1JrY8AWEA/s1000/Human%20image.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdHH_wCfuBSkUIS1NnoI6uWoy1JYY40S6rXj6ERGG3geCJxNwIHVdEDFi41ochFDT0X8x6NdY6j1t4If7nQx11B248sS21xCKbldc3WrhSnqGe6fhdW4gFOL9vp4YlwpyrFHdp54ziVbSwg7Aw8uYRKXBRvxjnmKWwf4lO3AJU_OsvxnXN1JrY8AWEA/w558-h558/Human%20image.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Esenwine goes over empathy, compassion, and most importantly, kindness. Through the text and illustrations, readers see both the good and not-so-good examples of humans showing these things. Because, after all, as Esenwine says, humans do make mistakes too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDrIDgrH_4z3yV5j5_2Okemzfb53xV0-znQCjmCp0C6t6zgl_oOT6RtLJsniyUeOiPyl02iaB4xDnRYQDe7Eu-XXhdMQ-ZE_Z7eXPyciw_Mwlf9g5mhpGF5vYjAPA6b2651u70XNe0BfwNaGLIvZPGdHPMzULviqmiBErEKbchUCkmvHQGSH6d9IsAg/s1000/Human%20image2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="565" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDrIDgrH_4z3yV5j5_2Okemzfb53xV0-znQCjmCp0C6t6zgl_oOT6RtLJsniyUeOiPyl02iaB4xDnRYQDe7Eu-XXhdMQ-ZE_Z7eXPyciw_Mwlf9g5mhpGF5vYjAPA6b2651u70XNe0BfwNaGLIvZPGdHPMzULviqmiBErEKbchUCkmvHQGSH6d9IsAg/w565-h565/Human%20image2.jpg" width="565" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Follow along with the pro-tips of how a little bit of kindness or compassion or empathy can go a long way! And while these tips may seem to be something we all know, it's a good reminder for all readers to practice them in the future!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">And at the end, what's really important is the love we can have for one another. What a perfect reminder.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I was fortunate to be able to ask author Matt Esenwine a couple of questions:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Q: How did the idea of this one come about?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #45818e;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A: </span><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="background-color: white;">It was a really challenging book to write, not because it was difficult but because it was wasn't even my idea, ha! </span><span style="background-color: white;">It's actually the first time I’ve ever written and published a book specifically requested by an editor. </span><span style="background-color: white;">I had submitted a completely different manuscript with a similar title to Naomi Krueger at Beaming Books, my editor for ONCE UPON ANOTHER TIME and although she didn't feel it was a good fit for her list, she really liked it and told me about an idea she’d had for a different book, written in the same sort of style but focusing on emotions and feelings. She said we could title it A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BEING HUMAN and asked if I'd be interested in writing it, knowing there was no guarantee she’d accept the new manuscript. Fortunately, she liked it!</span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Q: You talk about this book being creative nonfiction. Tell us more about that!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A: </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: McLaren;">Creative nonfiction is a really cool genre that has been gaining popularity the past few years. It presents elements of nonfiction - facts, information, etc. - by using creative devices like narrative, dialogue, lyricism/poetry, etc. Examples of creative nonfiction are Lita Judge's WISDOM OF TREES, Joyce Sidman's DARK EMPEROR, and Melissa Stewart's FEATHERS NOT JUST FOR FLYING. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thanks, Matt!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This book should be shared at the beginning of the year, and probably at the middle and end, as well! The simple text doesn't preach, doesn't feel like a lesson, but gives us a little check of how we should be taking life day-by-day. The gorgeous illustrations by are authentic and diverse. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5Eh4BfcvC5818-XYAUrvb7zn3w6J4a0uCEVP4BmwE7XUxQhP5vFnY2UBHXB0bS4RrNVZIZpHgb1dTEa9mcErj-7vl4LaczXQAQB_QX_siHLRI99nw0s-d7gxJpL5IcMDyJDbLGrdmCmNeHN8qgAVUSpbdXr44YZKtAVl9ZDEbwPkZy6nnic4s9zKrw/s2730/HumanMattcover.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2730" data-original-width="2049" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE5Eh4BfcvC5818-XYAUrvb7zn3w6J4a0uCEVP4BmwE7XUxQhP5vFnY2UBHXB0bS4RrNVZIZpHgb1dTEa9mcErj-7vl4LaczXQAQB_QX_siHLRI99nw0s-d7gxJpL5IcMDyJDbLGrdmCmNeHN8qgAVUSpbdXr44YZKtAVl9ZDEbwPkZy6nnic4s9zKrw/w159-h212/HumanMattcover.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>More about author Matt Esenwine:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span>Matt Forrest Esenwine spent a good part of his life writing and publishing poetry for various national journals and anthologies like the Donald Hall tribute, <i>Except for Love</i> (Encircle, 2019). Then his debut picture book, <i>Flashlight Night</i> (Astra Young Readers, 2017), received a Kirkus starred review and was <span style="color: black;">included in Encyclopedia Brittanica’s list of “11 Children’s Books That Inspire Imagination!”</span></span></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Matt now has nearly a dozen books to his credit including <i>Once Upon Another Time </i>(Beaming Books, 2021), co-authored with Charles “Father Goose” Ghigna, and <i>I Am Today </i>(POW! Kids Bokos, 2022). His children’s poetry can be found in anthologies like <i>The National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry </i>(National Geographic<i> </i>Children’s Books, 2015) and<i> Construction People</i> (Wordsong, 2020). Connect with Matt and order personally-signed books <a href="http://mattforrest.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I know you'll be wanting to get your hands on a copy of this book! Author Matt Esenwine and publisher Beaming Books have donated a copy for a blog reader! Winner will be selected on Wednesday, October 26th.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzeJpKT1YgIm087Cr7oJXnzw78fvrYS2WUnMb6uEw6Q4doXg/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-50005278667897110512022-10-12T00:30:00.001-07:002022-10-12T00:30:00.183-07:00Ice Cycles - a review 10.12.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">My least favorite season is coming - winter. For many others, they are celebrating all that comes with winter - the cold temps, snow, and the outdoor activities that involve snow. Snow looks pretty in a picture. And the ice that accompanies it can have beautiful designs and swirls. Have you ever thought about that ice you see in the winter? What about the ice that forms in bodies of water? Maria Gianferrari helps us dig into ice a little further in her new book....</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Ice Cycle by Maria Gianferrari" height="270" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1653278915l/59879914._SX318_.jpg" title="Ice Cycle by Maria Gianferrari" width="320" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Ice Cycle: Poems About the Life of Ice</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Maria Gianferrari</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Jieting Chen</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Millbrook Press</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love that Maria helps us think about ice in a lyrical and alive way. She talks about the way ice moves, forms, and makes noises. She digs into how ice changes and that it doesn't stay the same. And all along, we feel the sense of movement and change with her lyrical poems. While young readers are learning about the ice in their world, they are doing so through poems that make the words dance and stretch and move through Maria's beautiful writing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I am a big fan of Maria's writing. Whether through poems or prose, she brings nonfiction to life. I asked Maria about this, and I think her response is something to share with young readers to make them think more about their own writing and writing processes. I'll let Maria take over now!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: McLaren;"><span style="background-color: white;">******************************************************************************</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: McLaren;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tips for Translating STEM Topics into Poetic Texts</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m delighted to be back here at Mrs. Knott’s Book Nook, a favorite and go-to blog for book recommendations. Thanks for having me, Michele!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Today I’ll be talking about translating STEM and scientific research into lyrical writing. For me, science and poetry go hand-in-hand and are complementary. I love how poetry can distill and encapsulate images and how scientific language and vocabulary can also be quite poetic in nature.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Research & Pre-writing</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During my research process, which often includes some kind of field research, like walking in the woods, taking photos of things that I observe, or noting other sensory details like smells and sounds and textures, I take notes to collect my thoughts and impressions by hand in a notebook. Writing by hand is slower, and it makes me feel more of a connection to the material that I’m working with, which helps me to reflect. Then I type up and print my notes, highlighting interesting vocabulary, images and phrases to see what patterns emerge. Next, I focus freewrite to explore my thoughts on the topic including voice, structure and theme.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sensory Lists: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Make lists that include your sensory observations. What interesting visuals emerge, and how can you describe them in a fresh and fun way? I try to paint a picture in words. ICE CYCLE is dedicated to my editor at Lerner, Carol Hinz, whose gorgeous photos of feathery frost like this one on Instagram first inspired the idea for the book. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was wowed by this photo and the visually stunning fern-like and feathery frost crystal formations, and highlighted those shapes in my poems about frost.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEX6Gl2Fiar3mG41b_Dqj-9x8TNWJHXtEd_oFjQBhq065jaI4GfFYd3VvUe8dO8LCBWKJV3FLJs7_DsIlWTcw7cbzmAxyqg2e2AQD6HoasDgvqhe4INBz_dH-zk5UwHPnA27I1LhsKhZ6hIg2G0ygwd1rdJsAw_PNoGmiz2NprD1Y1A8xbtEq-iAFUQ/s1080/Photo%201frost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1080" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEX6Gl2Fiar3mG41b_Dqj-9x8TNWJHXtEd_oFjQBhq065jaI4GfFYd3VvUe8dO8LCBWKJV3FLJs7_DsIlWTcw7cbzmAxyqg2e2AQD6HoasDgvqhe4INBz_dH-zk5UwHPnA27I1LhsKhZ6hIg2G0ygwd1rdJsAw_PNoGmiz2NprD1Y1A8xbtEq-iAFUQ/w400-h393/Photo%201frost.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">photo credit, Carol Hinz</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And this intricate needle ice I found in my yard.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwLwzukh9pHspqgpv4VN7Wx07uO1wehEKDonCxgb7LuaXjEmIiJLZOU3l9of1hEB-1prOY8fRQ3jhhF-gZaJuBY-FKKmRLKAe9zhZffF3diOxPdoE5Byv4COyLjIasIbLCZbjpZsaxB_8mz7sIwWcA69nRitLojqfx5-k4dccN9O8U8DApduEL_IasA/s4032/Photo%202%20needle%20ice.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizwLwzukh9pHspqgpv4VN7Wx07uO1wehEKDonCxgb7LuaXjEmIiJLZOU3l9of1hEB-1prOY8fRQ3jhhF-gZaJuBY-FKKmRLKAe9zhZffF3diOxPdoE5Byv4COyLjIasIbLCZbjpZsaxB_8mz7sIwWcA69nRitLojqfx5-k4dccN9O8U8DApduEL_IasA/w300-h400/Photo%202%20needle%20ice.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">photo credit me </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">☺</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Seek out sounds. I was amazed to discover that ice has many evocative and poetic-sounding names. As I mentioned above, I think poetry and science are complementary, and that scientific vocabulary is often poetic in and of itself. I loved the sounds of these sea ice names: hummocks and bummocks and shuga.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It doesn’t get more magical and evocative than pancake ice and dragon-scale ice, does it? </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5rdmlYEbr9bDXcWGERDr4Y9AVljarCw2-dED-3dWOoM1JrH2QAZShkASXnvZrAgEGyLnwukb5Ejr920O1jl03koZ5MU-WL7kLz60g_kmabiAuzSNNBFGVtQB9xHlfEL7ZDFn41fbFS86_PRO6vps16qN6LrNIxEjLjAOIOufqDWak2ZkrHcxLeoyMA/s1280/Photo%203%20dragon%20scale.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5rdmlYEbr9bDXcWGERDr4Y9AVljarCw2-dED-3dWOoM1JrH2QAZShkASXnvZrAgEGyLnwukb5Ejr920O1jl03koZ5MU-WL7kLz60g_kmabiAuzSNNBFGVtQB9xHlfEL7ZDFn41fbFS86_PRO6vps16qN6LrNIxEjLjAOIOufqDWak2ZkrHcxLeoyMA/w400-h300/Photo%203%20dragon%20scale.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">photo credit Guy Williams</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you heard of a brinicle? I hadn’t, before researching for this book. What does that evoke for you? I loved the sound of it, and watching videos of them pluming and blooming as they spread underwater. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch a brinicle form here: </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAupJzH31tc" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAupJzH31tc</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What other senses can you incorporate into your manuscript. Taste? Texture? Scent? Is there a unique way to bring your lists together?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">STEM Strands:</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part of the process of translating the stuff of STEM into lyrical poetic writing includes weaving in scientific facts, processes and vocabulary. For example, in HAWK RISING, I described the red-tailed hawk’s flight as “kiting.” Without even seeing Brian’s gorgeous art, one can easily visualize what’s happening as the hawk hovers in place. It’s scientifically accurate as well as poetic. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In WHOO-KU HAIKU, the Great horned owl mother, “mantles.” Can you picture a cloak or a cape? “Mantling” is the act of a bird spreading out its wings when feeling threatened to appear bigger, or to protect something (in the book’s case, her eggs). What about “pipping?” Doesn’t it sound like chipping, delicate and lovely? It’s onomatopoeic—and the sound and act of a hatchling chipping out of its shell with its egg tooth. Using these kinds of scientific vocabulary help make a text feel authentic.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vivid Verbs</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Vivid verbs are a writer’s best friend for all kinds of writing! They paint pictures, evoke emotions, store sounds, and the sound of those verbs is crucial when writing lyrically. There is nothing that’s quite so effective and evocative as a verb that can create an image as well as a feeling through its flowing and sonorous syllables. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the sounds and images and movement in the frost section of ICE CYCLE, and had fun morphing nouns into verbs. It begins, “Frost ferns,” which evokes shape and flow with the repetition of the fricative “f” and liquid “r” sounds. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhmX9_YrF3XeweTboRDCKenGQkTsPpAadPmn9XNU5O2PFfeDRfSqTVRo3qfBLhZu81HoHoG3W5612yQftGZmiSIbuMzLanEYzY2sRq5OxCffBmGOpQBtHCmkcANA5F8oGBsIkTomwgcHFVPG-x2XYvvHkSIGST2Oxr9buu1qTvW4GRmVZz4J08SaqoA/s1557/Photo%204%20frost%20ferns.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1557" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhmX9_YrF3XeweTboRDCKenGQkTsPpAadPmn9XNU5O2PFfeDRfSqTVRo3qfBLhZu81HoHoG3W5612yQftGZmiSIbuMzLanEYzY2sRq5OxCffBmGOpQBtHCmkcANA5F8oGBsIkTomwgcHFVPG-x2XYvvHkSIGST2Oxr9buu1qTvW4GRmVZz4J08SaqoA/w534-h459/Photo%204%20frost%20ferns.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As that poem continues, I tried to evoke the visual pattern as well as movement incorporated into the shapes and textures of frost using assonance and rhyme: frost fronds “curling” and “unfurling” as well as “binding” and “unwinding” feathery spines. Verbs such as fanning, forking and flowering flow with alliterative “f” sounds, and also evoke both shape and energy and dynamism because they are “ing,” in process.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There is also rhythm and flow in the various ways ice moves: floes flow, riding, gliding, drifting, shifting, because ice is in flux, depending upon the weather conditions.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be Playful:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In the “Ice Plays” section of ICE CYCLE, I used vivid and active verbs and sound to highlight the unusual visuals, beautifully depicted in Jieting’s fabulous art: Cat ice whorls/Swirl and twirl. Pancake ice stacks/Smack and crack, etc. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVHUl-vn6o_DljdQUvRfDJJm0MrSkKeR2FzbXAlQ3bYG-F-ugp6d5KPR8yU5O88xN3cwSN7hammE7ZlsLPcuGJpK5e9kRpSf1QWuuZ3X3D4KA3y4TTGJBQZAKVYbAeGKXHQC7zLz9Bk36HY83Zwvk5_7luu2GSaZ1294AFUt1wq8mR3zMoPG8ab8UlQ/s1557/Photo%205%20ice%20plays1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1557" height="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqVHUl-vn6o_DljdQUvRfDJJm0MrSkKeR2FzbXAlQ3bYG-F-ugp6d5KPR8yU5O88xN3cwSN7hammE7ZlsLPcuGJpK5e9kRpSf1QWuuZ3X3D4KA3y4TTGJBQZAKVYbAeGKXHQC7zLz9Bk36HY83Zwvk5_7luu2GSaZ1294AFUt1wq8mR3zMoPG8ab8UlQ/w537-h461/Photo%205%20ice%20plays1.jpg" width="537" /></a></div><p></p><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z0gmuZxONxNiJY_cV8t2ArOWGIKMQhGo0xH9rbrK1siqU9mcsa52XS1avR1sRI3L0ZBU0vldOgvao7TyOSIvW8ipyiE2QrU4H4SX2HdaghSV8x9VUCH2JhOoK9oWYFjFA1Z55qrZxBBBklkGp5u8rFoRJc5JqnAcJghziB1OKKarAbK56n4jl_BLyA/s1557/Photo%206%20ice%20plays2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1557" height="463" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Z0gmuZxONxNiJY_cV8t2ArOWGIKMQhGo0xH9rbrK1siqU9mcsa52XS1avR1sRI3L0ZBU0vldOgvao7TyOSIvW8ipyiE2QrU4H4SX2HdaghSV8x9VUCH2JhOoK9oWYFjFA1Z55qrZxBBBklkGp5u8rFoRJc5JqnAcJghziB1OKKarAbK56n4jl_BLyA/w539-h463/Photo%206%20ice%20plays2.jpg" width="539" /></a></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Word play is fun! This spread ends with an ice tongue that licks and ice foot that kicks. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I also literally played around with sound and used vivid, loud and onomatopoeic sounding verbs in “Ice Speaks,” as well as alliteration, assonance and consonance to emphasize the aural nature of ice.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuz0poY9Uj56PHwSgxPbpizdyOAIf0p08CkAzkt7Ffgwbhf6pZnUHFopBJQ9nVJgyH4mOY74SPCSEWdjOhOzsnOD7U0gtCLX_qwqHhtcqJO6KOEm8mIufvmWcuPDChssZr5P8Wbh-MQ6rkKYPqMuhz6mEnWc0ZXkhQPMbM31vRrn03OySKCKgZ74ZRQ/s1557/Photo%207%20ice%20speaks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="1557" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMuz0poY9Uj56PHwSgxPbpizdyOAIf0p08CkAzkt7Ffgwbhf6pZnUHFopBJQ9nVJgyH4mOY74SPCSEWdjOhOzsnOD7U0gtCLX_qwqHhtcqJO6KOEm8mIufvmWcuPDChssZr5P8Wbh-MQ6rkKYPqMuhz6mEnWc0ZXkhQPMbM31vRrn03OySKCKgZ74ZRQ/w551-h472/Photo%207%20ice%20speaks.jpg" width="551" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Voice and Structure:</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How do you find the right voice and structure for your project? Will it be narrative in nature, or more expository? Sometimes I know from the beginning what the structure will be, as in the case of WHOO-KU HAIKU. It’s one of the rare cases when I knew the title first. It evolved as a series of lyrical vignettes and narrative haiku poems within the general seasonal Great horned owl life cycle from nesting, to egg laying; from hatching to fledging. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Time and seasons prove to be logical, circular and grounding structures for translating STEM into lyrical language. As I mentioned above, WHOO-KU HAIKU as well as BOBCAT PROWLING have a winter to fall/spring life cycle seasonal structure, while both COYOTE MOON and HAWK RISING have circular nocturnal/diurnal structures. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The subtitle of ICE CYCLE, POEMS ABOUT THE LIFE OF ICE reveals its circular structure: ice is born, or formed due to dropping temperatures, and dies when temperatures rise. But it’s again re-born as temperatures plummet again—the ice cycle-life cycle. I used headings for each section and played with the verbs there as a hint of what’s to come in the poems. Ice grows, flows (and floes) goes, plays, speaks, sprouts and ages.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the best ways to figure out structure is to read and study a variety of mentor texts to see how other kidlit creators organized their material. Be sure to check out Sibert-honor winning author and science writer Melissa Stewart’s blog, “</span><a href="https://celebratescience.blogspot.com/?view=classic" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrate Nonfiction</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">,” where you can learn about all kinds of narrative and expository approaches, text structures and features, voice, and more.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Read Aloud:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you write picture books, reading your manuscript aloud is key. You can hear where the language is awkward, or faltering. As you revise, pay attention to your words. Are you being as economical as possible? Get out your poetry toolbox and explore image, word choice, figurative language, line breaks, rhythm and rhyme. You might want to re-examine your lists—how can you make your words sing?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Poetry’s imagistic nature helps to distill language to its most essential elements, which is perfect for both STEM topics and picture books.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experiment:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As with science, translating STEM content into lyrical writing (and all writing) involves experimentation, and play, trust and letting go—not being wedded to our original drafts so that we can literally re-envision what we’re writing. Failure and rejection are part of the discovery process. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I am fascinated by mushrooms and fungi, and my original manuscript called MARVELOUS MUSHROOMS was a concept book that had lyrical moments, but things weren’t coming together on paper quite in the way I was envisioning it in my head. Luckily it still sparked the interest of editor extraordinaire Andrea Welch of Beach Lane who requested a revision. After a great conversation and many, many revisions, I took a new approach favoring vivid verbs to blend science and poetry and wonder and it evolved to be FUNGI GROW, with swirling and gorgeous art by Diana Sudyka! I wrote the book with Diana’s illustrations in mind, so I was thrilled when she signed on to illustrate! I can’t wait to share our book with the world next fall. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What STEM things delight you and make you wonder? Let your curiosity and awe lead you along the road of research. And then write lists, find patterns, listen to your inner voice and experiment, mix and meld and blend to find the ways that fuse science and poetry into your own unique work of wonder.</span></p></span><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: McLaren;">******************************************************************************</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you so much, Maria, for stopping by and sharing your writing expertise with us! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQN2_TEcF-PQu67AncJRDADkFtu-kfKDQ7vTW7EZSbQxhL1i9un82DdK-Yi9ypIiUsFm_j4G8GoZMVhgRHWtOF71GL2SV0BfQWeMlwJwxgeOPpjoXHEHdzZlyc7q_XAgl1ILUHLtsMMbADGobW1pHk1rvUq_8lY73RPLugvWL6RY67n53iCFQyGnibA/s4272/Maria-blackandwhite.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2848" data-original-width="4272" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisQN2_TEcF-PQu67AncJRDADkFtu-kfKDQ7vTW7EZSbQxhL1i9un82DdK-Yi9ypIiUsFm_j4G8GoZMVhgRHWtOF71GL2SV0BfQWeMlwJwxgeOPpjoXHEHdzZlyc7q_XAgl1ILUHLtsMMbADGobW1pHk1rvUq_8lY73RPLugvWL6RY67n53iCFQyGnibA/s320/Maria-blackandwhite.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>More about author Maria Gianferrari:</span></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-a0835d57-7fff-9182-af01-627295a10d1b"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maria Gianferrari thinks ice is nice. After seeing editor Carol Hinz’s feathery frost photos on Instagram, she was inspired to find out more. During her research, Maria was amazed by all the diverse kinds of ice that exist, and this book was born. Her favorite form is pancake ice. Maria lives in Massachusetts with her family, where winters usually bring ice and snow. You can learn more about Maria at her brand new website, </span><a href="https://mariagianferrari.com/" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #0563c1; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">mariagianferrari.com</span></a><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I bet after reading that you want your own copy of this gorgeous book! Maria and publisher Millbrook Press, have generously donated a copy for a reader. Winner will be selected on Wednesday, Oct. 19th!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="550" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjhn3sJVjLRnr6t8kAfxO8_5437o5z2uClbsoDJFkaa78NMw/viewform?embedded=true" width="550">Loading…</iframe><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-84464957819646765962022-09-21T00:30:00.001-07:002022-09-21T00:30:00.165-07:00Annette Feels Free - a review 9.21.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">A woman who championed women's rights, who had a disability and said "I can do this anyway", and was a swimmer? Annette Kellerman is definitely a woman I wanted to know more about!</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX48xyknnd7TXvE0v2yCZpNmpqdBW9wQZbc_5CHDaE3vzJacX001j3hxzvagdlMa0qtXTAPrwCD3Q_fI9eKJsGLVwtNK4fXCv4wLRxF1nnCiFImV0qUahkXJ77IAYcBqKKDtCivvBgtzdthbvTMEdRKi_wH5m73k0Xw14V096-IdpUc0D8-NfyecNNw/s1333/ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE%20cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1000" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX48xyknnd7TXvE0v2yCZpNmpqdBW9wQZbc_5CHDaE3vzJacX001j3hxzvagdlMa0qtXTAPrwCD3Q_fI9eKJsGLVwtNK4fXCv4wLRxF1nnCiFImV0qUahkXJ77IAYcBqKKDtCivvBgtzdthbvTMEdRKi_wH5m73k0Xw14V096-IdpUc0D8-NfyecNNw/w185-h247/ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE%20cover.jpg" width="185" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Annette Feels Free:</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The True Story of Annette Kellerman, World-Class</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Swimmer, Fashion Pioneer, and Real-Life Mermaid</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Katie Mazeika</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Beach Lane Books</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Annette was a fierce and joyful young girl, but after an illness, she suffered muscle loss in her legs and needed to wear braces for support. Feeling constricted left Annette feeling quiet and sad and she wasn't the happy girl from before. It was her father's idea to bring her into the water and see what she can do. It was there that her freedom to move returned. Annette could dance, kick, and move about in the water and it brought joy back into her life. As she continued to grow, she found new ways to show her artistry in the water by putting on water dance shows, and ways to show her athleticism by swimming - and winning - in swim races across her homeland of Australia. But there was one thing holding her back - what she had to wear in the water. Annette was swimming during a time when women not only had to be covered in their attire, but it was also appropriate for their swim attire to be loose and flowy. Hard to win when your material is causing a lot of drag! Annette solved her own problem by creating her own swim attire, more similar to what a man would wear, but that was not ok with law enforcement! Annette pleaded her case in court, and won! Not only a pioneer for a women's right to wear appropriate swimwear, but also a pioneer of sport. From competitive swimming to the sport now known as artistic swimming, Annette Kellerman lead the way!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHAT7l7afmcd3idYtvBUTkG__YNPECImJk9g0AS2jo-4x55Rc8gEoELlJWIyT8pCeHwU88dbLbaT6_EqcNpD59GGZkNp3G1hcPfYYwFsZVznmFHtgnmCNoIqm8v3rqpAHl7lL-glkSmN70Hxi3ZDfWGkUkRUIDKU5C1E97lxELJTPzRnGINCqIssDvw/s1000/Interior1%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGHAT7l7afmcd3idYtvBUTkG__YNPECImJk9g0AS2jo-4x55Rc8gEoELlJWIyT8pCeHwU88dbLbaT6_EqcNpD59GGZkNp3G1hcPfYYwFsZVznmFHtgnmCNoIqm8v3rqpAHl7lL-glkSmN70Hxi3ZDfWGkUkRUIDKU5C1E97lxELJTPzRnGINCqIssDvw/w577-h383/Interior1%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" width="577" /></a></div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div>Too often I hear people saying how "inspiring" people with disabilities are. I've heard from many disabled athletes, including my own, who hate being described as that. From what I understand, it makes them feel that their accomplishments are only looked at as inspiring because of their disability. I think creator Katie Mazeika has done a wonderful job showcasing Annette's amazing accomplishments first, with a smaller note of how they came about.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q9ufCMsIF-cHrk_V4mxm0WUpnCQxmCr_u-rBZO1uHmqTPY_kos9zA7pbOyHDHFjfY7o8WnGrwLFPYE9hEAS9L6BGNdWvyikrmqxTSWeIZYqhvaUS9QAGt4C3qGSs3rq9Ffto4Vp1lJ5yF9_v9IjwT_3mukOnqmrQm7I25iUvIIUL-l9xLFgAGaDXVw/s1000/Interior2%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Q9ufCMsIF-cHrk_V4mxm0WUpnCQxmCr_u-rBZO1uHmqTPY_kos9zA7pbOyHDHFjfY7o8WnGrwLFPYE9hEAS9L6BGNdWvyikrmqxTSWeIZYqhvaUS9QAGt4C3qGSs3rq9Ffto4Vp1lJ5yF9_v9IjwT_3mukOnqmrQm7I25iUvIIUL-l9xLFgAGaDXVw/w591-h394/Interior2%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" width="591" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I really love how Annette was described in the backmatter as, "a woman who pushed boundaries and advanced women's rights. And we can all thank Annette for the freedom of wearing what we feel best in at the beach." In a time when we question the rules, who makes them, who benefits from them, here is a great story of the person who helped women to the place we are now.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiErzQjH59LLgvm8Bkvxv1TtEQWGj1bIiZ26KuMSo7BWr5VahO_uy-QqRYutpJTcPLJ2znm8FD9Sp23eNpuV9d04dAh7qdKXMxIaWGcwF6wKQK7A6K1ImdUBd6xc9L2yxg5OREbgIwF0gCZ3K61_ydNYEzbn2hBcDKtKievnxhlNqwLjs3PFyhr7JBXg/s1000/Interior3%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiErzQjH59LLgvm8Bkvxv1TtEQWGj1bIiZ26KuMSo7BWr5VahO_uy-QqRYutpJTcPLJ2znm8FD9Sp23eNpuV9d04dAh7qdKXMxIaWGcwF6wKQK7A6K1ImdUBd6xc9L2yxg5OREbgIwF0gCZ3K61_ydNYEzbn2hBcDKtKievnxhlNqwLjs3PFyhr7JBXg/w619-h412/Interior3%20from%20ANNETTE%20FEELS%20FREE_illus%20by%20Katie%20Mazeika.jpg" width="619" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">More accolades for <u>Annette Feels Free:</u></span></div><div><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><tbody><tr style="height: 21pt;"><td style="margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A Junior Library Guild Selection</span></span></p><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="margin: 0px;">“<span style="margin: 0px;">Annette</span>’s legacy in competitive, artistic, and recreational swimming is undeniable, and Mazeika’s text deftly balances her subject’s varied career. . . . Swim-pressive!”—</span><span style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Kirkus Reviews</span></span></p><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">“An enthralling introduction to a remarkable woman.”<span style="margin: 0px;">—<i>Booklist</i></span></span></span></p></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u><br /></u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">About creator Katie Mazeika:</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="624"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21pt;"><td style="margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Katherine Mazeika is an author and illustrator with a BFA from the Columbus College of Art and Design. When she isn’t in the studio, she likes to spend time at the theater, in her garden, or getting lost in a good book. She lives in Ohio with her husband, two kids (Lillian and Jack), and two dogs. To learn more, and download a free curriculum guide, visit her website at<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.katiemazeika.com/&source=gmail&ust=1662860183919000&usg=AOvVaw0kmtWdE7HGtva8oOLwTx5U" href="https://www.katiemazeika.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">katiemazeika.com</span></a><span style="margin: 0px;">.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Twitter:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/kdmaz?lang%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1662860183919000&usg=AOvVaw3sEmxhB-zAmQ0hhUELpC6S" href="https://twitter.com/kdmaz?lang=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@kdmaz</span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/kdmazart/?hl%3Den&source=gmail&ust=1662860183919000&usg=AOvVaw1YfifGKNheP6QGPY_8EXU9" href="https://www.instagram.com/kdmazart/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">@kdmazart</span></a></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><span style="margin: 0px;">Facebook:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/kdmazillustration/&source=gmail&ust=1662860183919000&usg=AOvVaw14Ty7fTyBwdD7qPQBCyZ4o" href="https://www.facebook.com/kdmazillustration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span style="margin: 0px;">Katie Mazeika Illustration</span></a></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy.</span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-34936906547881415352022-08-31T00:30:00.001-07:002022-08-31T00:30:00.178-07:00New graphic novels for middle grade readers - 8.31.22<div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This past school year, graphic novels have been the most popular and widely read format. I expect to see that trend continue this year. Earlier this summer I shared some <a href="https://mrsknottsbooknook.blogspot.com/2022/06/new-graphic-novels-for-readers-50822.html" target="_blank">graphic novels for readers</a> who are just starting their independent journey. Today are some new graphic novels for middle grade readers.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Just Roll with It" height="176" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1643124666l/43605207._SX318_.jpg" width="124" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Just Roll With It</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Meet Maggie. She's heading into middle school and worried about the same kinds of things that most kids are. It doesn't help that she has two older sisters who, in her eyes, seem to have everything figured out. To cope with her worries, Maggie's carries a d20 dice (20 sides). She rolls the dice to help her make decisions. Anything above 10 is good. Luckily on her first day of school, Maggie meets Clara who is a friend I wish everyone had. Clara sees Maggie's anxieties and accepts them and helps Maggie.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">With all that is going on in our world, kids today have so much more to worry about and new anxieties that form. Mental health is an important topic that needs to be addressed and discussed with students. I appreciated that this graphic novel also shows attending therapy as a way to help cope with these big feelings. The storyline also features two moms and has a sibling that is in a same-sex relationship. Both are just parts of the story, yay for including same-sex relationships!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Born to Be Bad (Mischief and Mayhem, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607321042l/55338971.jpg" width="138" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Mischief and Mayhem: Born to be Bad</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Ken Lamug</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">All Missy (and her cat Gizmo) want is to be included in the Heroes group at Superhero Camp, but she was not born with her powers, unless you call her awesome brain power! But it's after meeting Melvira, a fellow camper, that they realize that being a hero is not what it's cracked up to be - it's being a villain that puts them in control. However, Missy and Melvira have different opinions on being bad. Missy likes to cause trouble as her alter-ego "Mischief". But Melvira just likes being bad. But when Melvira goes too far, will Missy step up and actually be a hero?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Book #2 in the series is also available.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1634033405l/58782871.jpg" width="144" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This story was concocted during the pandemic between these two creator-friends. The plot... the moon is being eaten by rats and it's up to a cat to save the moon. Cat quickly teams up with a princess and a robot to save the day. Sound crazy? It really is. There are some catchphrases by a captain in the story that are silly and will for sure elicit some giggles. Otherwise, it's a bit crazy and definitely out of this world!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Borders by Thomas King" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633711462l/24447097._SY475_.jpg" title="Borders by Thomas King" width="140" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Borders</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">story by Thomas King</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Natasha Donovan</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">When you hear "border", my thoughts, anyway, go to the US/Mexico border. Of course, we also have our Northern border with Canada. And that is where this one takes place. The narrator is a young boy, who is telling the story of going to visit his sister. He lives with his mom in Canada. Through flashbacks, we slowly get the story of how his sister, Laetitia, and his mom would fight and how Laetitia eventually left for Salt Lake City. Enough time has passed, and his mom wants to go visit her. However, upon reaching the border, the boy's mother will only give her Native American citizenship, Blackfoot, when the border official asks. He's looking for an answer of Canadian or American. However, she holds steadfast to Blackfoot, which is not recognized as an official citizenship. The problem is, now they cannot move on to the United States, or go back to Canada. After days of staying in this limbo, the news agencies are alerted of this and come to share their story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I thought it was an interesting small moments story, as the present day part of the story really is about their time within the borders. Seeing as I thought it was going to be about the US/Mexico border, it helped me understand that there are border issues in many locations that I'm unaware of. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Great graphic novel for middle school libraries.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Spy School the Graphic Novel (Spy School Graphic Novels, #1)" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1630251414l/57066669.jpg" width="133" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Spy School: the Graphic Novel</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Stuart Gibbs</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Anjan Sarkar</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This will probably be a familiar book for many since the <i>Spy School</i> series (and Gibbs' <i>Fun Jungle</i> and <i>Moon Base Alpha</i> and <i>Charlie Thorne</i> series) are very popular. I really like the graphic novel version. The illustrations pull in some of the visuals that can be hard for some readers to picture. There are parts that don't transition as well as they do in the stories (fairly typical of books that are turned into graphic novels), but it's still relatively smooth. Looking forward to more in the series being put into this format.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Andy Warner's Oddball Histories: Pests and Pets" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1617708261l/56620830.jpg" width="141" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Andy Warner's Oddball Histories: Pests and Pets</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Andy Warner</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">A nonfiction graphic novel for you! Ever want to know about the history of animals? Particularly those that are considered pests or even our pets! This book is divided up into three sections - Creatures We Find Cute (like dogs, cats, rabbits), Creatures We Find Useful (like cows, bees, sheep), and Creatures That Find Us Useful (like raccoons, cockroaches, pigeons). For each animal, Warner gives us the history of how the animal came about, populated, and eventually found their way to us. Warner uses nonfiction text features within his graphics for further information. Each section starts with a layout that has all of the animals covered in that section and what page to find it on. Then in that animal's section, there are page numbers and headings if you want to go to a specific topic. There is a box with animal specifics on it. And usually some frames that highlight some unique information. Backmatter includes an index, a map of origins, and other info.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="Invisible" height="200" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649176963l/56587993._SX318_.jpg" width="137" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Invisible</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Christina Diaz Gonzalez</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Gabriela Epstein</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This is a powerful realistic fiction graphic novel. It's <i>The Breakfast Club</i> for kids. What happens when you put together a mix of students that seemingly have their language in common? Well, lots of inaccuracies and assumptions for one. But that is what happens, a group of students are put together to do some school mandated community service. The students, who were not friends before this, make assumptions about each other, as do the adults who are in charge. But slowly this group of kids learn more about each other and how they each feel invisible. It's through this common bond that they end up reaching out and helping someone else in need.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Told in English and Spanish, this graphic novel will reach across languages to tell a truly unique story.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><img alt="The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661568686l/59806053._SX318_.jpg" title="The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat" width="140" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>The Tryout</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Christina Soontornvat</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">illustrated by Joanna Cacao</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">publishes next week!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Here's another GN that you will want multiple copies of in order to meet your demand! This one is a memoir from the author about her experience of growing up in a small town in Texas, being one of the only students of color in the school, and her experience of trying out for the middle school cheerleading team. But it's also about family culture and how that ties into your identity. And about best friendship and how to keep it going even when your interests change. And about fitting in and what popularity is like and the impact it makes. All themes that readers will relate to today!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I have more GNs in my pile. I'll have another post this fall!</span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-28826066302789464942022-07-27T00:30:00.001-07:002022-07-27T00:30:00.175-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - 7.27.22<span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I know, it's been awhile for a nonfiction post! I've got some books in my lap so I figured I would take a moment and share them. </span><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="58437710. sx318 " height="97" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1645385417l/58437710._SX318_.jpg" width="139" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Happy Sloth Day!</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">by April Pulley Sayre and with Jeff Sayre</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I've had this book in my pile for a long time, but have felt very bittersweet about reading it since April's passing this past spring. I've always loved her poetry and the way she and her husband worked together (photos for her books), always made me smile.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">This book also made me smile because with April's trademark poetry, it was such a joy to read. Of course reading about sloths is always fun but you can just stretch out the lines in the poetry and make it so fun! Full of additional facts spread throughout the book and in the backmatter, this book is one you'll really want to read slowly... you know, like a sloth!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama" height="123" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1642988846l/59386142._SX318_.jpg" width="123" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Honeybee Rescue: A Backyard Drama</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Loree Griffin Burns</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">photos by Ellen Harasimowicz</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">A couple of years ago I fell in love with Burns' <i>You're Invited to a Moth Ball</i>. I've used it every year with students and have found them to be fascinated with the sequencing of the story. This one is definitely one to add to my collection and I hope you find it too! With the honeybee population lowering in numbers, this is a perfect book to teach young readers what to do if </span><span style="font-family: "Happy Monkey";">they find a swarm of bees. They can be habitat heroes and help the bee population! I read this book cover to cover and then had more questions that I quickly had to research. This is a must have for your nonfiction collection.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="One Turtle's Last Straw: The Real-Life Rescue That Sparked a Sea Change" height="113" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635250468l/59316982._SX318_.jpg" width="137" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>One Turtle's Last Straw: The Real-Life Rescue That Sparked a Sea Change</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Elisa Boxer</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Marta Alvarez Miguens</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">If you ever wanted to get a child (or adult!) to stop using plastic straws, this is the story to read! It might be a bit much for younger readers, but it certainly will make everyone think twice about what happens to those plastic straws you throw away! This is the story about a true rescue of a sea turtle that got a plastic straw stuck in its nostril. Without the rescue from some marine biologists, this animal probably would not have survived.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky" height="158" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625606393l/58496722.jpg" width="123" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Blue: A History of the Color as Deep as the Sea and as Wide as the Sky</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Daniel Minter</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Never really thought about the history of a color before. Because, you know... colors are just always there, right? But they have a history, and I never really thought about how fascinating they could be! Brew-Hammond not only brings the history of the color to light, but also talks about connections to common blue phrases. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">And the illustrations? Well, let's just say there's a chance we'll be hearing this one mentioned during award season.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild" height="157" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1621891465l/57155095.jpg" width="122" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Joshua David Stein</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Dominique Ramsey</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">So often we teach groups of animals, but what about those animals that choose to be alone? An interesting look at a few of them. Be sure to read the Q&A at the end of the book because it most likely answers questions that aren't in the text.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MSP9PLKhGXdYbRWd89kh7q7I4kfCuPehG59HThlLVzFqbKiuuOFfnm0ToRMLkyG_J9dIJjclBuxtynLoIUlkdmo4ZZ9gBbYX9voBLxJd7mLdXGahY3mceJdJGy6_CrYftbkeDg25FW2dqLSstkAzpT5tBWwvorI_AHcCuUV9bG9-w9bmEpHweEJAjg/s3484/Footprints.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2776" data-original-width="3484" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MSP9PLKhGXdYbRWd89kh7q7I4kfCuPehG59HThlLVzFqbKiuuOFfnm0ToRMLkyG_J9dIJjclBuxtynLoIUlkdmo4ZZ9gBbYX9voBLxJd7mLdXGahY3mceJdJGy6_CrYftbkeDg25FW2dqLSstkAzpT5tBWwvorI_AHcCuUV9bG9-w9bmEpHweEJAjg/w162-h129/Footprints.jpg" width="162" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Footprints Across the Planet</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Jennifer Swanson</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">A beautiful poem about the footprints we leave across the planet - both physically and metaphorically. With poetic lines, Swanson leaves us with some big ideas about the footprints we leave all around us. Beautiful, full-layout photos go along with the lines that will leave readers thinking about these big ideas. Going from animal footprints to human, to those we see on the ground (for long and short times), to the footprints we are leaving on this earth that show we are here (some good, some bad). The backmatter has additional information about the photographs and ideas in the layouts. Whether you share this book around Earth Day or at any point in the year, it's a great springboard for talking about the environment.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Blips on a Screen: How Ralph Baer Invented TV Video Gaming and Launched a Worldwide Obsession" height="139" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1628532432l/58065381.jpg" width="108" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Blips on a Screen</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Kate Hannigan</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Zachariah Ohora</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Video gaming is well-known by young readers, but how did it get its start? This biography goes step by step of how Ralph Baer started with the idea of gaming on television to making it happen. The backmatter gives loads of more information, including that Baer also invented the game of Simon - that's one that provided lots of gaming time in my youth!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="The Mystery of the Monarchs: How Kids, Teachers, and Butterfly Fans Helped Fred and Norah Urquhart Track the Great Monarch Migration" height="124" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656204462l/61351989._SX318_.jpg" width="159" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>The Mystery of the Monarchs</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Barb Rosenstock</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Erika Meza</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">This was a fascinating story! The monarch is Illinois' state insect, and I always make sure to plant some flowers and plants to attract monarchs to my backyard every year. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">We know that monarchs migrate south every year, even know that many make the trek all the way to Mexico. But how did we discover that? That's Fred Urquhart's story! Rosenstock tells us about Fred's love for these winged insects and his curiosity about where monarchs went when it got cold. It's really interesting to read about all the steps and travels they took to find the answer to the mystery!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="My Blue-Ribbon Horse: The True Story of the Eighty-Dollar Champion" height="143" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1635250582l/59446946._SX318_.jpg" width="143" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>My Blue-Ribbon Horse: The True Story of the Eighty-Dollar Champion</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Elizabeth Letts</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Kayla Harren</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">There seem to be quite a few books written lately about true stories of horses and this one will be a welcomed addition! It's the story of a horse that was saved from being sent to the slaughterhouse. Never thought to be more than a horse students could ride, this special horse went on to be a champion jumper!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="The Rise (and Falls) of Jackie Chan" height="131" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1626115048l/58502641._SX318_.jpg" width="159" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>The Rise (And Falls) of Jackie Chan</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Kristen Mai Giang</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Alina Chau</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I know who Jackie Chan is, I've seen him in some movies. I mostly know him by his fighting in movies and those faces he makes! I loved being able to dive into his past and learn more about him. I'm glad he is someone who knew who he was and wasn't going to change that to fit into the mold others wanted!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><img alt="Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates" height="124" id="coverImage" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1639587978l/58400974._SX318_.jpg" width="164" /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Moving Forward: From Space-Age Rides to Civil Rights Sit-Ins with Airman Alton Yates</u></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Chris Barton</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Steffi Walthall</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">This is fascinating and equally frustrating to read. It's about Airman Alton Yates' life - going from the work he did in the Air Force, including putting his body through crazy stunts all to improve safety for those protecting the country's freedom. Then going back home to segregated Florida and not be served at counters or be given the same rights as whites. Then Yates put his body through new rigors - some physical, some verbal and mental. All to protect basic freedoms. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Hope you found some new nonfiction books to add to your collection this fall!</span></div><div><br /></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-36053560231911389802022-07-26T00:30:00.002-07:002022-07-26T00:30:00.162-07:00Pigeon and Cat - a review 7.26.22<span style="font-family: McLaren;">A story about compassion, about gift-giving, and about letting others in. A character who changes. Characters who know just what the other needs. This is a beautiful story for young readers today.</span><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUG6jRo6wkF5471BckR5CLECFzrCxWUBtn313ClVAnm1Iv3phn-cUMOZbyuICD_9ZKcS2v4rbAxJEbiqwOG-Cx6hq8j0qmAXpm2LR9u6gEG83eTWUwcYgiJthUnsl9LCZjZ7JDhPmpajigKVurnXMynImWo932zVkrnt6OeHTBJgCoH0QSwE_LCm9JQ/s1000/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20low%20res.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUG6jRo6wkF5471BckR5CLECFzrCxWUBtn313ClVAnm1Iv3phn-cUMOZbyuICD_9ZKcS2v4rbAxJEbiqwOG-Cx6hq8j0qmAXpm2LR9u6gEG83eTWUwcYgiJthUnsl9LCZjZ7JDhPmpajigKVurnXMynImWo932zVkrnt6OeHTBJgCoH0QSwE_LCm9JQ/w200-h200/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20low%20res.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Pigeon & Cat</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">by Edward Hemingway</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Christy Ottaviano Books</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Cat has always lived on his own, in an old abandoned lot. He has just what he needs and doesn't need anything to change. But when he finds an egg that is so beautiful he can't even eat it, and he decides to bring it home is when his character starts to change. For once Pigeon hatches, they form an unbreakable bond. Communicating through cat-speak and pigeon-emojis (it's really cute), the two help each other out and grow as characters. Cat gives Pigeon the unconditional love that allows him to flourish and explore. On Pigeon's explorations, he brings home little gifts for Cat that allow him to explore his artistic side in his abandoned lot. But when Pigeon doesn't come home after a storm, Cat must venture outside his little area to find his BFF. While searching for his friend, Cat befriends other community members and shares his artistic side, something he's only shown Pigeon. Cat learns that the outside world isn't quite as scary as he thought and lets new people into his world. I love that the strays of the world get so much love in this story! But does Pigeon find his way home? No spoilers, but after all, it is a picture book :)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyLRLTZrv-Uve90zqdN8Xts-Sgbg_dv-FlxXUQyAVq-Xter-xLfNo6PSLIpyP9adxDD0EKTeAa2ZmIeuHpnVRri3wBNGTUE52T58_bg7G_XJbCOdm4Znrc1xE6wtjJIAs6Wo4E_8QBYhpMuRIdMuSA_bZctPRXHPjTZdmR5i-SPJIPzQn2nanc8ZSPw/s803/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="803" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsyLRLTZrv-Uve90zqdN8Xts-Sgbg_dv-FlxXUQyAVq-Xter-xLfNo6PSLIpyP9adxDD0EKTeAa2ZmIeuHpnVRri3wBNGTUE52T58_bg7G_XJbCOdm4Znrc1xE6wtjJIAs6Wo4E_8QBYhpMuRIdMuSA_bZctPRXHPjTZdmR5i-SPJIPzQn2nanc8ZSPw/w640-h318/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIrxptRGy5gx2MzCRGAgW9T_ZdSoFrTZk75qIj0pHc6VzzUxn-GFGAibGopz3ogQmzaaOsfNBftY-T3PP7WtH6ck0W4ZHWfG1rI-zXOlVdV7swl_HCxDbAduhXg-oZ8ouptPNGEZevCANUiJ9t683f_qiXLyZnD1LnVjLcjgnz9-bbl6RGMIZy9tHpA/s803/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="803" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIrxptRGy5gx2MzCRGAgW9T_ZdSoFrTZk75qIj0pHc6VzzUxn-GFGAibGopz3ogQmzaaOsfNBftY-T3PP7WtH6ck0W4ZHWfG1rI-zXOlVdV7swl_HCxDbAduhXg-oZ8ouptPNGEZevCANUiJ9t683f_qiXLyZnD1LnVjLcjgnz9-bbl6RGMIZy9tHpA/w640-h318/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Just take a look at these beautifully illustrated layouts by creator, Edward Hemingway! I love the urban colors and the busy-ness of the city! Hemingway shares he created the illustrations during the height of the pandemic, and just like Cat, he's sharing it now with the wider world! Kind of a neat parallel! I love all of the chalk messages throughout the book and it did remind me of what we saw during the pandemic. It is a beautiful way of sharing a message of positivity and hope with others in your community.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbDDEkwz2G6rYwdB_bl2zNE9Ijv1lvDu-DQ6vluzmRllqzoVK6EywgaS8HTZvCmJ6BeMH-jod2pu_q94Z_LzmBXms4mougxdLNJ3w8yhLMG26wfrK-kPuZXECSmz2OwPHJtWmk_HW3-D2zzl1MpsotU4sxpacH4tHeiC1BQaPdthJ36G9__cisy2_og/s803/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="803" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXbDDEkwz2G6rYwdB_bl2zNE9Ijv1lvDu-DQ6vluzmRllqzoVK6EywgaS8HTZvCmJ6BeMH-jod2pu_q94Z_LzmBXms4mougxdLNJ3w8yhLMG26wfrK-kPuZXECSmz2OwPHJtWmk_HW3-D2zzl1MpsotU4sxpacH4tHeiC1BQaPdthJ36G9__cisy2_og/w640-h318/PIGEON%20&%20CAT%20interior%20illus%20by%20Edward%20Hemingway_3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Check out what others had to say about the book:</span></div><div><span face="Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-size: 16px;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; margin: 0px;">“A satisfying story exploring heart and home." <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;">—</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">The Horn Book</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 11pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">"A sweet tale celebrating the joys of both personal and communal togetherness."<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;">—</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Kirkus Reviews</span></p><div align="left" dir="ltr" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0pt;"><table style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none;"><colgroup><col width="624"></col></colgroup><tbody><tr style="height: 21pt;"><td style="background-color: white; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; overflow: hidden; vertical-align: top;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Edward Hemingway is the acclaimed creator of many popular books:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Tough Cookie: A Christmas Story, Field Guide to the Grumpasaurus</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">, and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Bad Apple: A Tale of Friendship</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">. His writing and artwork have been published in the<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">New York Times</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;"> and<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">GQ Magazine</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">, among others. The youngest grandson of Ernest Hemingway, he lives in Bozeman, Montana. He invites you to visit him at<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://edward-hemingway.squarespace.com/&source=gmail&ust=1658764079252000&usg=AOvVaw2ebaGsz-nqr05AuR3XlvTU" href="http://edward-hemingway.squarespace.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">edwardhemingway.com</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">.</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Twitter:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/EdwardHemingway&source=gmail&ust=1658764079252000&usg=AOvVaw0UxM1NYrMHVjEFPi7dV0Rn" href="https://twitter.com/EdwardHemingway" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">@EdwardHemingway</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/edwardhemingway/&source=gmail&ust=1658764079252000&usg=AOvVaw070zpYiaYlPLSImYDNNdyt" href="https://www.instagram.com/edwardhemingway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">@edwardhemingway</span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">A charming video on the backstory behind<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Pigeon & Cat:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://vimeo.com/626765984&source=gmail&ust=1658764079252000&usg=AOvVaw3C_uq_wol2b1HQ2IpDaSx_" href="https://vimeo.com/626765984" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">https://vimeo.com/626765984</span></a></p></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This would be a beautiful story to share with young readers at the beginning of the year.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!</span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-83436811259260418682022-06-23T00:30:00.002-07:002022-06-27T16:44:34.411-07:00Rosa's Song, a review - 6.23.22<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">When you think back to your childhood, what are the things that made you truly happy? Perhaps at the top of the list would be good friends and a strong imagination. For young Jae, these are the things that keep him going after immigrating to a new country. And it's within this shared experience, other children may relate and then learn from young Jae.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHaeYKtoDVR0jbBCfHHecoDIJ8khFYVF6ElDx7uan5L3AZU2ElLCEFI-4ubrYD7wbnxhEUEAbwWglnG1DhF9VVPBcC6hWXycpFn4Rp9SqqeXkXZKihmOLKCb5ZzrFLlrMXUIWNsLRL4eiKbf_KMlR0351RX9Hsv0Grz4i6oznOrrqa8x9EidesqosQA/s3375/Rosa's%20Song%20Cover_9780593375495.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3375" data-original-width="2613" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFHaeYKtoDVR0jbBCfHHecoDIJ8khFYVF6ElDx7uan5L3AZU2ElLCEFI-4ubrYD7wbnxhEUEAbwWglnG1DhF9VVPBcC6hWXycpFn4Rp9SqqeXkXZKihmOLKCb5ZzrFLlrMXUIWNsLRL4eiKbf_KMlR0351RX9Hsv0Grz4i6oznOrrqa8x9EidesqosQA/w221-h285/Rosa's%20Song%20Cover_9780593375495.jpg" width="221" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><u>Rosa's Song</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">written by Helena Ku Rhee</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Pascal Campion</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">published by Random House Studio</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The story starts out, "Jae was new to the country, the city, the building." He misses the comforts of his home and is sad without all that is familiar to him. It's after his mom suggests he meets other children in the building and he meets Rosa and her parrot, Pollito. Rosa helps Jae open up his imagination and see things with fresh eyes and a new perspective. Pollito's song brings a smile to Jae's face and makes his heart happy. But suddenly Rosa is gone and has left Pollito to Jae's keeping. Although Jae is sad, it's through Pollito's song and the gifts of imagination that Rosa left that allow Jae to open his heart and meet new friends.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-_kfPO9KH2Pcqq9Mw6wIe5KgKBvFwM4UQnZWIThtWI2HySunsHF1hW549NPVC5yFWSmSARyWfjn0Z32HNkfODIaFirnx3JRofZn9nfW5Ix0RIqoCff2-bh50szloJUunG0yd8qo-T0XtFPFNjYJNotWjduxNFOKVvKRX88ijDWCY76SwejuEMuPnrg/s1000/Interior%20from%20ROSA'S%20SONG%20by%20Helena%20Ku%20Rhee_%20illus%20(c)%202022%20Pascal%20Campion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1000" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-_kfPO9KH2Pcqq9Mw6wIe5KgKBvFwM4UQnZWIThtWI2HySunsHF1hW549NPVC5yFWSmSARyWfjn0Z32HNkfODIaFirnx3JRofZn9nfW5Ix0RIqoCff2-bh50szloJUunG0yd8qo-T0XtFPFNjYJNotWjduxNFOKVvKRX88ijDWCY76SwejuEMuPnrg/w597-h386/Interior%20from%20ROSA'S%20SONG%20by%20Helena%20Ku%20Rhee_%20illus%20(c)%202022%20Pascal%20Campion.jpg" width="597" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">The story ends with a note from the author about the immigration experience and the transience it can bring, whether due to financial situations or immigration status. Friendships can be disrupted, which is hard for young children to understand. Author Helena Ku Rhee's previous collaboration with illustrator Pascal Campion, <i>The Paper Kingdom</i>, is similar to this one as it helps children understand and value all experiences that humans may experience.</span></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sLlSxuMzLraThdXJqO6rFwdUJ2vwKEjL0Y4Y-mij0rIIxyco05DO4S659UEg_w09LLR3WJ95UPbSFfZSZy-A7_vMYkWMvIaMY7U-1f_0Vb-Op8txMQKXyZLIbOvc6ACqXaGdOnriv5wjvXBJYYUL9W1HZQ-KG8v7hPWjKpZ43iupWrukYp1hXWeGtw/s1000/Interior%20from%20ROSA'S%20SONG_2_%20by%20Helena%20Ku%20Rhee_%20illus%20(c)%202022%20Pascal%20Campion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="1000" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7sLlSxuMzLraThdXJqO6rFwdUJ2vwKEjL0Y4Y-mij0rIIxyco05DO4S659UEg_w09LLR3WJ95UPbSFfZSZy-A7_vMYkWMvIaMY7U-1f_0Vb-Op8txMQKXyZLIbOvc6ACqXaGdOnriv5wjvXBJYYUL9W1HZQ-KG8v7hPWjKpZ43iupWrukYp1hXWeGtw/w599-h387/Interior%20from%20ROSA'S%20SONG_2_%20by%20Helena%20Ku%20Rhee_%20illus%20(c)%202022%20Pascal%20Campion.jpg" width="599" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love the possibilities of using this book with young children. First of all, the discussions about imagination would be so powerful. I would love to hear children's ideas on how using their imagination is helpful to them. Look deeper at Campion's illustrations - how did Rosa and Jae use things around them as a tool for play? The theme of friendship is also important in this story. How did Rosa's friendship leave a lasting impact on Jae even after she left? While the idea of immigration or moving may be new to some readers, for others this may be a powerful story that lets children feel seen and heard.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">This is a beautiful book that I recommend being on your library shelves this fall. Booklist had wonderful things to say too:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">★ "Striking and raw…. Readers will share the sadness of Jae's loss, but only after seeing<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;">Rosa</span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>and Jae's joyful playing—a happiness that's distinct to childhood." —</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Booklist</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px;">, starred review</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">More about the creators of this book:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-size: 16px;"><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Helena Ku Rhee</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;"> grew up in Los Angeles, but has also lived in various parts of the U.S., Asia and Europe. She has a soft spot for small, stout animals and loves to travel far and wide across this beautiful planet, counting among her favorite journeys a camping trip in the Sahara Desert, a swim with elephants in Thailand and a horseback-riding tour of Easter Island. She is also the author of<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">The Paper Kingdom</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">, which was included on many year-end Best Books lists, including NPR,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">BookPage</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Kirkus</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">,<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="font-style: italic; margin: 0px;">Parents<span style="margin: 0px;"><wbr></wbr> </span></span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Magazine, the Los Angeles Public Library, and Amazon, among others. Helena works at a movie studio by day, and dreams up story ideas in her spare time. She currently lives in Los Angeles. Visit her at<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://helenakrhee.com/&source=gmail&ust=1655919190914000&usg=AOvVaw3gkkEwvkojioFnu3LMu8vw" href="http://helenakrhee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">helenakrhee.com.</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Instagram:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/helenakurhee/&source=gmail&ust=1655919190914000&usg=AOvVaw3YFp3b8Q4FZgoXl5mWyPZj" href="https://www.instagram.com/helenakurhee/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">@helenakurhee</span></a></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">Twitter:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/HelenaRhee&source=gmail&ust=1655919190914000&usg=AOvVaw38TwtdBB7kVmBUFBe71LGn" href="https://twitter.com/HelenaRhee" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="margin: 0px;">@HelenaRhee</span></a></p><br /><br /><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px;">Pascal Campion</span><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0px;"> is a prolific French-American illustrator and visual development artist whose clients include: DreamWorks Animation, Paramount Pictures, Disney Feature, Disney Toons, Cartoon Network, Hulu, and PBS. Working in the animation industry for over 15 years, he has steadily posted over 3,000 images of personal work to his "Sketches of the Day" project since 2005. He lives and works in Los Angeles, CA. Follow him on Instagram<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/pascalcampionart/&source=gmail&ust=1655919190914000&usg=AOvVaw0VaysBUBqiotvpKttC5NHi" href="https://www.instagram.com/pascalcampionart/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;">@pascalcampionart</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0px;"> or Twitter<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://twitter.com/pascalcampion&source=gmail&ust=1655919190914000&usg=AOvVaw3fXmdDukp9sF3uTFDrl_Vo" href="https://twitter.com/pascalcampion" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc; margin: 0px;" target="_blank"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px;">@pascalcampion</span></a><span face="Calibri, sans-serif, serif, EmojiFont" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; margin: 0px;">.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Thank you to Barbara at Blue Slip Media for the review copy!</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"> </span></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059745967759944669.post-67030798418364518972022-06-22T00:30:00.001-07:002022-06-22T00:30:00.163-07:00Before Music, a review - 06.22.22<span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Musical instruments - I bet we've all had the opportunity to play one at some time in our lives. Maybe it was a school instrument - from the wooden sticks and blocks to the triangle to the recorder in music class. Or maybe we tried our hand at an instrument as a child in band or orchestra. I bet many of us have had the opportunity to see professionals play at a concert, or even in a worship choir. But have you ever thought about where those instruments got their start?</span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Before Music by Annette Bay Pimentel" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1627738944l/58667396.jpg" title="Before Music by Annette Bay Pimentel" width="140" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Before Music:</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><u>Where Instruments Come From</u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">written by Annette Bay Pimentel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">illustrated by Madison Safer</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">published by Abrams Books for Young Readers</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Author Annette Bay Pimentel explores that idea and take a look at some different instruments. Each section starts with a narrative that begins with, "Before music..." and she tells us a little story about the early starts of an instrument. In the following pages, the reader gets more information. Maybe it's about the history of the instrument - and spoiler alert - an instrument did not usually start in the form we know it as. Pimentel gives us the history behind the instrument and details perhaps the science behind it, or the creativity in its early beginnings, or how a person lent their talent to use this instrument in a new way. Next, we see a variety of instruments that use a similar fashion of being played. Some of these instruments are familiar, many are historical and are not used in the same way. I took my time looking at the different instruments and where they were originally used. Pimentel says early in the book, "humans are makers" and it is evident in the vast number of instruments included in this book!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Beautifully illustrated by Madison Safer, the bright illustrations done in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencils stand out on each page. Another stand out is the size of the book - it stands at 14 1/2inches tall! But with all of the information it covers, I love that there is more room on the page to tell and show the information.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">The backmatter contains sources and information about how instruments are classified called organology (I would not have guessed that's what the word meant!). And if the book has called you to play an instrument, well, there are some ideas for making your own in the backmatter!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">I am grateful that author Annette Bay Pimentel agreed to answer some questions about her book. Thanks, Annette!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><div><span style="font-family: McLaren;">1. I love the perspective of thinking about how instruments got their start. What gave you the idea to write from this perspective?</span></div></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">My kids play string instruments, and I always loved hearing our violin teacher talk about how violins are made. In fact, years ago I wrote a rhyming text about the natural materials in violins. But this book really took off when I attended a session about geography at the conference of the National Council of Social Studies. I started thinking about how each culture is connected to the ecosystem of a particular place. I realized that it's not just violins that have an interesting origin story. Every instrument starts with a creative person figuring out how to shape natural materials to make music. To me, the most awe-inspiring thing is that we humans, throughout the entire world and for even longer than we have records, have always made music with whatever is at hand.</span></div><span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div><br /></div><div>2. I'd love to know more about the research for this! How did you find the information and then how did you decide to structure the writing?</div></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I can't write or even research effectively until I have an idea of the structure I'm building. So I started by reading about organology, which is the science of classifying musical instruments. I already knew the Western classification system--string instruments, brass, woodwind, etc.--but I discovered that other cultures have classified musical instruments in startlingly different ways. The organization of my book is inspired by the classical Chinese system of organizing instruments by the material they're made of, and by Indian and Javanese systems that organize instruments by the action the musician takes to make music, plucking, rubbing, striking, or whirling, etc..</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">Once I had a framework for my idea, I started looking for instruments. I live near two universities, so I spent a lot of time in their libraries (thankfully most of the research was done before the libraries closed during the pandemic!), but I also used online databases of musical instruments. I spent a lot of time exploring The Grinnell College Musical Instrument Collection and the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Musical Instruments Collection. </span></div><span class="im" style="background-color: white; color: #500050;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;"><div><br /></div><div>3. There are lots of instruments mentioned in the book. Which one would you like to play, if you had your choice?</div></span></span><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: McLaren;">I love the idea of making music by whirling stuff around. In fact, I was so intrigued by the idea that I bought both whirling pipes and a thunder tube. They're really fun to play, and I'm excited about sharing them with kids when I do author visits.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Thank you, Annette, for stopping by!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;">Would you like to add a copy of the book to your collection? Annette and Abrams Books for Young Readers have generously donated a copy for giveaway. Enter below for your chance to win! Winner will be selected on June 29th.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Happy Monkey;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe frameborder="0" height="600" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXqVJVsvqlxwLw4uOpN6HsigTwbVPncfxaixu7bIzMDtmeEA/viewform?embedded=true" width="600">Loading…</iframe><div><br /></div>Michele Knotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05087579707297009719noreply@blogger.com0