This is well-organized and well-written effort to reveal the remarkable foods that feed the world. The text is accessible and detailed, on pages filleThis is well-organized and well-written effort to reveal the remarkable foods that feed the world. The text is accessible and detailed, on pages filled with vibrant photos and illustrations of foods both familiar and less common. Traditional nonfiction/expository text elements make this effective as a resource/reference asset in classrooms and libraries, including table of contents, index, glossary, and more. The point is well-0made throughout that cultures throughout history and across the globe have been innovative, effective, and interesting, but waste and deprivation mean that food supplies are not equitably shared. Calls to action and resources in back matter allow readers to find outlets for activism....more
This powerful graphic presentation of the historic processes (focus on western civilization/history) across thousands of years that placed women firmlThis powerful graphic presentation of the historic processes (focus on western civilization/history) across thousands of years that placed women firmly under the control of men, in personal relationships, public roles, and philosophical identities in society. The references to the many notable figures (all male) whose writings and teachings framed the world in which we live are iconic to older readers, so much of this will be most effective in absorbing facts and drawing connections for older readers with some of that western canon background. The various narratives are "voiced" by both men and women from history, and back matter fully documents the sources for each. Names of generally "lost" woken in history are provided and honored but that does not weigh down the forward trajectory of the reading. Some lighter touches throughout (in text and illustration) keep it from being too negatively overwhelming, while staying firmly on the path of facts and truth....more
What an ideal and delightful book for anyone who watches and wonders about the world around us - the very small world around us. By framing the readerWhat an ideal and delightful book for anyone who watches and wonders about the world around us - the very small world around us. By framing the reader as a "giant" in such a perspective, readers realize quickly that this book invites/challenges readers to take the time to observe AND to learn about the living things that so often go unnoticed. ...more
Jumping to the author and illustrator notes on back pages, I learned that Robbins was intrigued by the history of maps.Travares admits he had given veJumping to the author and illustrator notes on back pages, I learned that Robbins was intrigued by the history of maps.Travares admits he had given very little thought to maps until getting this assignment. In the righteous tradition of picture book production, both have done loads of research and become fans of the subject matter as it worked its way toward becoming a bound object. I commend them both for their results, collaboratively launching countless young map-lovers into the world.The scope of this fact-packed but minimal text opens with endpapers revealing (we later learn) one of the most ancient relics of an Egyptian map on papyrus. The closing end pages show a map on a digital screen display on the dashboard of an automobile.
Between those covers are luminous images and lyrical accounts of the history, processes, tools, impacts, and remaining evidence of maps from the earliest examples carved into massive rocks or ivory artifacts, through stick-charts depicting ocean currents, right through to satellite images of our actual planet earth. One of my earliest learning memories from that GEOGRAPHY book and map transcription is the fact that boundaries are arbitrary and the glorious country and river colors were simply visual aids, not indicators of any other sigificance, not reflecting the physical world they portray in any way other than SHAPE..
This "Big Blue Marble" on which we reside and survive only vaguely resembles those earlier attempts, but time, technology, tools, and tenacity produced efforts explained in main text and noted on that timeline on closing pages. It's impressive evidence that I'm not the only one who is curious about, intrigued by, the shape of things on this planet we occupy. I hope you'll feel the same....more
It's written in a quick-paced, clear-eyed way, framing the basic forces of physics (as above, and more) with examples and descriptions while offering It's written in a quick-paced, clear-eyed way, framing the basic forces of physics (as above, and more) with examples and descriptions while offering parallel ways in which girls demonstrate and apply such force in their roles in the world. The overall premise suggests a lively science/STEM classroom of club space led by an engaging and inviting female teacher/leader and attended by a diverse, attentive, and clever batch of girls/young women. The application shifts take them from that dedicated space into the community and real ways that they have force and power without being forceful or threatening. That's unless you are threatened by empowered young women.
Some of the other forces explored include magnetism, nuclear power, tension, and friction. You can imagine the countless ways in which those forces, in terms of physics, can also reference women of any age in a world that sometimes tries to force them into or out of roles. The overall text is lightly applied with elaboration in the illustrations, including simplified indicators of physics forces, including vectors, spirals, and more. Diversity displayed is extensive, suggesting identities, interests, adaptations, and potentials. The author note also indicates the importance of encouragement, with the author pointing out that her own engineer-father always provided opportunities for her to explore and engage with science and math throughout her life.
STEM has taken center stage in many aspects of publishing and educational approaches, but this is a grand example that directing aspects of science principles and challenges at girls and young women is a natural and valuable approach with lighthearted sincerity and appeal.
If you've never used these words- reduce, reuse, recycle, and maybe repurpose- what planet have you been on? This new picture book introduces a real bIf you've never used these words- reduce, reuse, recycle, and maybe repurpose- what planet have you been on? This new picture book introduces a real boy who appreciated the many things he could find on a discard pile and turn into things that made his family smile. This kid grew up to become an urban garbage collector, who spent his days identifying and salvaging items that truly had no reason to end up in a landfill. From his many years of gathering, organizing, and displaying the treasures he found, he developed a sort of museum of trashed treasures, and folks welcomed a chance to visit and explore. When his bosses insisted there was no place for such items at work, he won the argument through public acclaim and now the museum of trash is open to the public. This specific account of a responsible person who preserved worthwhile items and led others to do the same is also a call to action to every reader to use those somewhat mundane words above in daily life. THINKing about what we consume, why we consume it, and ways in which we proceeds when the item is no longer being used is very powerful in the context of this account of the things a man on a mission is able to do!...more
I opened this book based on recommendations of people I respect, but not expecting to be as fascinated and informed as I was. Set up as a daily accounI opened this book based on recommendations of people I respect, but not expecting to be as fascinated and informed as I was. Set up as a daily account of a team of oceanographers who are tasked with extending human/scientific knowledge of the mid-level life of the ocean- the spaces between the upper, sun-filled waters where photosynthesis can occur and the totally sunless deep waters beneath. That area, the "twilight zone", is not a life-space for largely unexplored creatures and organisms of many sizes, ones whose lives depend on moving up into the food-rich zone without becoming prey. It is also the transit zone for waste (dead lifeforms, including the photoplankton, microscopic elements, and macro creatures) with their carbon burdens destined for the ocean floor. In addition, this scientific team has tasked itself with determining/measuring the amounts and ways carbon moves from the upper levels to the ultimate carbon-capture floor of the ocean, serving as a major tool for reducing (or holding the line) for global heating and ocean warming. Whew! No wonder I expected to be impressed, but not necessarily excited about it. Was I wrong! Through the accessible language and manageable text, the informative and engaging photography, the fascinating sidebars about everything from technology and massive equipment to the ship's chefs, this book took me along on a cover-to-cover journey that nearly left me seasick during their three major storms. It also informed me about things I generally ignore from the world in which I live, and impressed me with nits importance. I learned of the range of careers, specialties, and innovations of each person on board, as well as the uniquely demanding situation of isolation in on a ship with access only to the minds and materials around you to solve dramatic problems. I can't say enough about how well-written, designed, and produced this book is and how surprised I was by its value and interest to young readers of all kinds. In years and years of teaching, I've heard countless kids say they want to grow up to be an oceanographer and work with Manatees or dolphins. This is a book that will help those (and every kid) realize that "oceanographer" encompasses countless remarkable potential careers, and they are open to every gender, ethnicity, interest, and background. What we DON'T KNOWand how to LEARN MORE is the essence of this book, and it urges everyone to get on board!...more
the simple rhyming text provides a first-introduction to the concepts (and workings) of DNA in human and other life forms, with illustrations that enhthe simple rhyming text provides a first-introduction to the concepts (and workings) of DNA in human and other life forms, with illustrations that enhance the informational text effectively. This offers an effect first encounter with the underlying codes of living cells, and a simple approach to explain how these arrive inside us, shape our development, and direct the NATURE of our lives. There is an important nod to the NURTURE and CHOICE sides of human growth and development. The back matter experiment to visualize an accumulation of DNA extracted from a banana is somewhat confusing, since it simply indicates ways in which components of cells can be separated, and why that happens. Your younger readers this may suggest that DNA is observable blobs, despite the author's clear statement that the actual DNA must be viewed through microscopic technology.
Merged review:
the simple rhyming text provides a first-introduction to the concepts (and workings) of DNA in human and other life forms, with illustrations that enhance the informational text effectively. This offers an effect first encounter with the underlying codes of living cells, and a simple approach to explain how these arrive inside us, shape our development, and direct the NATURE of our lives. There is an important nod to the NURTURE and CHOICE sides of human growth and development. The back matter experiment to visualize an accumulation of DNA extracted from a banana is somewhat confusing, since it simply indicates ways in which components of cells can be separated, and why that happens. Your younger readers this may suggest that DNA is observable blobs, despite the author's clear statement that the actual DNA must be viewed through microscopic technology....more
This is an ideal example of ways in which stories depicting non-dominant cultures and patterns can transcend any traditions or patterns to serve everyThis is an ideal example of ways in which stories depicting non-dominant cultures and patterns can transcend any traditions or patterns to serve every child. For decades (centuries?) it was conventional wisdom that all children and families who were NOT of the majority culture could still find themselves within stories featuring that an exclusive dominant culture. The truth is, kids of every culture who ask for what they want are counting on hearing YES. Anything less (we'll see, maybe, etc.) comes across as NO! That universal emotional expectation and response is portrayed in this story so well, for every child, and also reveals a family/cultural pattern that might be new or less than fully understood by others. The expression, Insha'Allah, is launched in the first-person voice of a child who calls out her mother for always saying Insha'Allah, meaning NO! Mama patiently explains that the expression means "God willing", not NO!. Mama listens as Rana reports how it actually feels to her, and then Mama clarifies that is is used for things we WANT to happen, but don't know if they will. Examples are kid-friendly. (Go to the park? It might rain; Bake cookies? Not enough time before bed; Have a sleepover? Someone got sick.) Some things are NO, some are MAYBE SO, and some are INSHA'ALLAH... it is out of our hands, for now. The art in this new release is lovely, with saturated colors, figures with natural edges, readable expressions, familiar settings, and a warmth that is undeniable. There's a humorous twist or two at the conclusion and the story's topic and appeal spans many ages....more
This is an ideal nonfiction picture book for developing both understanding of and appreciation for the role of keystone species, in this case wolves. This is an ideal nonfiction picture book for developing both understanding of and appreciation for the role of keystone species, in this case wolves. Despite my chronic resistance to viewing 1990s as "history" that is, in fact, true when it comes to the absence and presence of wolves in Yellowstone National Park. Using simple but naturalistic illustrations within the body of the account, along with inset boxes to layer earlier history and events in that area, even young readers will find the contents accessible and compelling. When the absence of wolves (haunted to near extinction) resulted in overpopulation of elk. Commentators Coyote and Bear and others debate the potential dangers to themselves and other animals throughout, voicing possible concerns of readers. The eventual changes to balance of populations, natural courses of the river and plant life, and more make it undebatable that maintaining Nature's balance is a worthy cause. Back matter includes simple picture dictionary of the many animals shown, a glossary, resources, and a text history of wild wolves in our western landscape....more
This bright and lively approach to something as widely familiar as FALMINGOS serves as a mentor text to nonfiction writing with a light touch elevatinThis bright and lively approach to something as widely familiar as FALMINGOS serves as a mentor text to nonfiction writing with a light touch elevating complex information. Cushman is both author and illustrator and has provided a visual account of flamingo varieties, behaviors, and more with apparent ease. It's only when you consider how truly special this book is that the hard work behind this effort is apparent. Kids (and adults) will learn a great deal, and enjoy every minute of the process....more
This book defies simple categorization. It is newly translated from the original Italian, ands that work was a compilation of articles/columns to answThis book defies simple categorization. It is newly translated from the original Italian, ands that work was a compilation of articles/columns to answer WHY questions from kids. In this case, each inquiry is dealt with in a page or two, and often pairs a direct address response to a question (from science, philosophy, or simple wondering) with a poem that relates to the content of that exchange in some way. Some are rhymed,m some free verse.
All are intriguing and fun reading, especially for kids who like to "wonder"....more
With resonant but minimal text, the rhythm of lives in an urban setting cannot feel like home. The people, noises, even the air itself feel invasive, With resonant but minimal text, the rhythm of lives in an urban setting cannot feel like home. The people, noises, even the air itself feel invasive, constricting. Nature connections are absent. A move is planned. With heartfelt good-byes to beloved elements (tree, swing) the family drives away to restore the natural rhythms to their lives and home.
Characters are ones in which readers from many cultures might see themselves. Specifically, though, this provides a vibrant look at a contemporary Native family and community. When so many young people today (and most of us old folk) conjure an image of leather and feathers when "Indian" or "Native" is mentioned, this is a superb book to showcase the reality of modern Native lives and relationships. Honoring traditional ways and connections is valued in most cultures, and is shown to be at the heart of this familiy's life.
The young narrator is also clearly an artist at heart and seeks inspiration in daily life as well as centuries-old patterns. ...more
I've sung the praises of Schaffer's books in the past, HERE and HERE, with an interview HERE. Her ongoing success, and the outstanding output of illusI've sung the praises of Schaffer's books in the past, HERE and HERE, with an interview HERE. Her ongoing success, and the outstanding output of illustrator Neal can be found easily with a search of their names. In this case, their pairing has produced a delightfully creative nonfiction version of a food chain, including those who consume, and those who are eaten... or escape! My delight in this title is not only in Schaffer's fluent, lyrical rhymed text that naturally reflects the rhyme and rhythm schemes of THERE WAS AN OLD LADY WHO SWALLOWED A FLY. (Click on that to hear Judy Collins sing the song with the muppets!) The original is a silly-sort-of food chain verse, but Schaffer's take is an authentic approach in a nature scene including familiar animals and inserting a realistic but exciting twist at the conclusion. Another aspect I adore (absolutely adore) is her successful adherence to this structure that honors the source of all of Earth's food in her opening spread. This is repeated throughout (instead of the old lady's "perhaps I'll die"):
"There was a blue sky with a bright shining sun,
a glorious, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun."
From that introductory verse the patterns of life and food move to plants and trees then to plant-eating insects, celebrating that global gift before any predators appear:
"The cricket munched grass
far beneath the tall trees
that blew in the cool
of a blustery breeze.
They made their food
with the help of the sun,
the glorious, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun."
I don't usually include such extensive quotes, and won't do so again for this book or the others. (Maybe just a little.) This example felt important to demonstrate the joy of ready text in this style that appears effortless and yet must have involved countless hours of adjusting and modifying words and syllables to remove any stumbles or stutters or clunkers. I've reread this book multiple times, silently and aloud, and never encountered a single stumble to disrupt the meaning or the flow or the magical bouncing beauty of the narrative.
Shaffer's food cycle is confined to a meadow/deciduous woodland habitat that will be familiar to many readers, from the glorious, food-producing sun-source through to an apex predator, a black bear. The back pages include a glossary that sustains the large open font in accessible vocabulary with full-sized illustrations, including not just the animals but a description of a food chain and reference to the reality that many prey do escape, living on to sustain their species and the stability of the food chain. This is a "take-off" title that stands fully on its own, including the language, the information, and the illustrations that delight and inform. Please devour it!...more
The endpapers serve up an invitation to notice the farm-based products/objects and link them to the processed results on the closing endpapers. ThrougThe endpapers serve up an invitation to notice the farm-based products/objects and link them to the processed results on the closing endpapers. Throughout, the illustrations again provide a child-friendly but richly detailed and informative view of specific farm/food settings and steps in growing, harvesting, processing, and delivering food to our supermarket shelves. Language and descriptors are accurate but not excessive and make this a great book for early childhood. The text is not rhymed but uses a very intriguing hook for each cluster of pages. Direct address to the reader/characters inquiries-
"What's that, you say? You'd like ________?
RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE? Then you need a farmer."
The questions arise in everyday homes, include a variety of families and identities, and range from pancakes to fruit to dairy to veggies, to... more. Each page and element involves the farm-to-table stages, showing complex situations that subtly include features related to safety, health, and mechanical aspects bringing seed to supermarket. The concluding pages encourage young readers to grow food themselves and to "see" the process behind their bounty in every bite they eat. The cover does a great job of suggesting the way a simple dinner can call to mind the farmer on a tiller, a rancher with cattle, an orchard, bees, and more.
In this delightful story-in-rhyme, it's the boots that star. Revealed in short couplets and brightly illustrated pages, the many ways that boots are In this delightful story-in-rhyme, it's the boots that star. Revealed in short couplets and brightly illustrated pages, the many ways that boots are part of life on the farm throughout the year are celebrated through a year's seasons. These certainly involve work of many kinds, but also reveal the types and variations of fun and adventure that can be had in footwear that we rightly label boots. The end papers are a visual glossary of the variety of boots (and related farm elements) that can be spotted within the pages. In repeated readings (which both the story/concept and the rhymes will invite) young audiences may try using that array inside the covers to play a find-and-search game in the illustrations. ...more
STANLEY's LIBRARY is one of many in the STANLEY series. Stanley (hamster) stars in an ongoing series of delightful books for young audiences. Just as STANLEY's LIBRARY is one of many in the STANLEY series. Stanley (hamster) stars in an ongoing series of delightful books for young audiences. Just as early chapter books offer a transition from beginning readers to actual youth novels, STANLEY's stories, though appealing to even the youngest eyes and ears, offers a set of stories and characters with enough substance to engage longer conversations, questions, reactions,, and connections that reach beyond the basic naming concepts in most board books. The colorful, graphic, but detailed images focus on the topic-related materials and their purposes for each of the many topics. Though seemingly simplistic, Stanley takes young minds on journeys into the world around them, reflecting things they know and extending their awareness to think and absorb more while having a grand journey through the day. The impact of a template or pattern that carries through each story/Stanley structure builds confidence and connection, including not-quite-identical end of day pages. Side note, for anyone bemoaning the lack of analog clock faces in young lives, Stanley's bedtime clock is set each night, and the times are not the same. In fact, it's worth noting that the particular career he holds for that title is reflected in the time he is expecting to get up. I found that to be a wonderful example of the ways these seemingly simple books will transcend a few readings or even a few years. ...more
This is reportedly a personally-based fictional story about a young girl with OCD, but expanding the sense of ways in which obsessive patterns can be This is reportedly a personally-based fictional story about a young girl with OCD, but expanding the sense of ways in which obsessive patterns can be internal. In this case, "overthinking" is the issue the child struggles with, seeing her own response patterns as slower than, different then, and possibly less acceptable than... the typical kids in her school. IN fact, her thinking patterns also r4eveal her self-awareness and intentionality, her good nature and kindness, and her eventual acceptance of the fact that there are times and ways in which her more mindful approach to everyday situations can lead her to choices and behaviors that are welcomed. A lovely book and one that could inform and comfort many readers. ...more
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