This is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orcheThis is a delightfully clever and well-executed approach that reveals parallels between a chorus of nighttime critters and the instruments in an orchestra. Stunning and appealing photography is used to allow even the youngest audiences to recognize animals (both familiar and surprising!) and mimic the onomatopoetic sounds integrated into the fluid and masterful rhymed text. Nature sounds and the creatures who produce them are figuratively compared to instrumentalists and their music tools. Back matter provides brief and appealing descriptions and details about the featured animals, then another double spread about the instruments named, including suggestions for readers to try to make similar instruments. Science elements reference ways vibrations are creating sound, making this a superb STEAM choice. The illustrations are darkly lush, making the contrasting text easy to read and part of a fluid page design that adds to the musicality of the full effect. The nightfall is introduced with a metaphorical curtain rising and night thrush, with the symphony's close at dawn as the curtain drops on a robin's morning rise-and-shine song. Highly recommended. ...more
This story of outreach and mutual support/concern weaves together four distinct cultures across two centuries. Some of the material was familiar to meThis story of outreach and mutual support/concern weaves together four distinct cultures across two centuries. Some of the material was familiar to me, but this complete telling is rich with detail and meaningful connective tissue while remaining simply lyrical and nearly magical. The text uses occasional side panels to clarify the history/science behind the actualmevents described in the main text, but the flow is not in any way disrupted. Beginning with the potato famine in 19th century Ireland (caused by a sudden fungal plague to the crop), the story reveals that Choctaw Native people, reached out frommtheir limited resources to offer assistance. The plight of starving people resonated with those who had been forcibly removed from their own land and suffered starvation and loss as a result. That act of kindness, of recognizing common humanity, remained in the hearts of the Irish people who marked a remembrance of their gift with a memorial statue in Ireland in recent years. Then COVID caused extreme isolation and suffering for the Hopi Navajo people, whose suffering reached the Irish people. They, in turn, contributed to the Native fund to help provide the water and medicines needed to make it through. In fact, this intersection of four distinct and distant cultures is a heartwarming reminder of our common humanity. The illustrations include informative scenes and contain luminous and vibrant traditional colors, evoking connection and conveying empathy.
This biography is moving and powerful as a portrayal of a committed and talented photographer whose work "told more than words" and changed people's mThis biography is moving and powerful as a portrayal of a committed and talented photographer whose work "told more than words" and changed people's minds and hearts. The emotional journeys throughout are intense, from a joyous boyhood in an idyllic wild world to homesickness at boarding school, through young adulthood, marriage, political upheaval, and various further successes and heartbreaks. Throughout it all, the heart and commitment of Salgado and his wife are compelling and inspiring for readers of any age. The illustrations are effective at revealing expansive and vibrant (or stark) natural scenes, but also manage to capture the nearly-magical qualities of light that characterized Salgado's photographs. This is one of those picture books that will appeal at many age levels, will also provide mentor text for writing a complex biography that engages many interests and concerns of readers. ...more
I first learned about Robert Smalls through an earlier award-winning picture book, so I expected to enjoy reading this version. It took a distinctly dI first learned about Robert Smalls through an earlier award-winning picture book, so I expected to enjoy reading this version. It took a distinctly different approach, focusing a bit on Smalls coming to the area and having useful boating skills. IT was not made clear until several pages in that he was NOT a Free Negro but an enslaved man whose skills allowed for more advanced work and possible compensation than for others in slavery. It became clear, though, that even those few benefits of living with his family and earning some small income left him vulnerable to losing his wife or children in a sale to other owners. The adventure of their escape is suspensefully conveyed, including his final realization of danger after they imagined they were safe. I was most pleased to read in the author note that this is told through a direct descendent of Smalls and is dedicated to the author's granddaughter, another direct descendent. Illustrations are effective in supporting the informational and emotional content of this important slice of history. ...more
This is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzasThis is a charming new picture book that appeals on many levels: minimal,mrhymed text that is arranged organically on then page rather than in stanzas, an array of living things that blend the familiar with surprising critters, and assemblage/collage art that portrays very natural scenes and accurate animal qualities using cut pieces with artifacts and materials. The many appeals are undeniable, and the layers of useful content will make this an asset in families, classrooms, and libraries. ...more
This is an important book, based on actual incidents in which an accepting community rises to hateful challenges in or to advocate- proactively standiThis is an important book, based on actual incidents in which an accepting community rises to hateful challenges in or to advocate- proactively standing inn solidarity rather than simply sympathizing or consoling those who were attacked for their identities. I appreciate that back matter references the 1993 incident in Billings, Montana in which a small community acted similarly in defense of a neighbor whose Jewish identity was attacked. Regardless of the target of the hate, it is never those attacked who are at fault. In this case, as in the earlier one,mit was young peop[le who actively sought answers and positivity in their solutions and solidarity....more
This first of three titles in a new series is focused on Mahlah, the oldest of five suddenly orphaned daughters. Still a teen, she is dedicated, firstThis first of three titles in a new series is focused on Mahlah, the oldest of five suddenly orphaned daughters. Still a teen, she is dedicated, first-and-always, to God, but then to her family and their right to claim a plot of land despite being all females. The novel opens at the conclusion of forty long years of survival in the desert, a righteous people poised to begin their assault on the walls of Jericho. She relies on their Moses-validated claim to her family’s inherited right to a land share. She is well aware that this requires her to challenge the deep-rooted Jewish gender-based culture that denied female independence or property ownership. I have a general Old Testament background, but nothing that would win a trivia contest. That (or less) is as much as any reader will need to plunge deeply into Mahlah’s story, to identify with her situation, and to cheer for her from the opening pages. Within the first chapters, readers will experience the immeasurable exhaustion of people who have been abiding in a desert for forty years, sustained by manna and quail, but deflated and even infuriated by the seemingly endless generational waiting for a prophecy to be fulfilled.
Britton has an impressive ability to weave Biblical references, like worshipping pagan idols, into a story that feels nearly contemporary in its urgency and relevance. Those who are entrenched in Biblical reading will find plenty of familiar details, but even without that Mahlah and Britton’s other characters soar. The plot and setting are structured seamlessly and with such sensory and descriptive world-building that the characters move through challenges, develop relationships, and confront complex obstacles as if their lives are unfolding in a movie. Britton’s dialogue and narrative language keep readers rooted in this vivid time and place while unveiling the timelessness of romance, temptations, politics, financial stress, and family love.
The word feminist is never used, of course, and it shouldn’t be. For some reason “feminist” still does not seem to be well-understood even in modern times, and it certainly would not suit this carefully researched and constructed fictional world. Instead, Mahlah’s journey requires her to be a Lioness on behalf of herself, her family, and their independence. And she is. The struggle to assure her family’s future is less a battle of feminism than it is a struggle for JUSTICE. Mahlah demands that promises be kept and that EACH AND EVERY life be recognized as valuable. In the process, a story is told that will keep readers turning pages and holding their breath throughout her journey. Mahlah is clearly the star of this novel, but her younger sisters are allowed to share the stage and scenes enough to know that they, too, can take leading roles in the upcoming titles. Groundwork is well laid for each to move with their tribes into the next stages of Bible history as a background to future compelling and relevant developments in their individual and family lives.
Britton’s novels are categorized as “Bible-based fiction”. Labels can be double-edged swords, identifiers that may attract attention or discourage browsers. I know that labels serve useful purposes for marketing, as shortcuts to communicate, even for shelving for sale at physical or digital bookstores. For those, like me, who might not turn to this category without urging, consider this a serious urge to give this (and Britton’s other novels) a try. I’m confident that her storytelling and writing will leave you recommending her books as firmly as I do. ...more
This rare account of an individual young Jewish woman who played a pivotal role in Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during the Holocaust. Few knoThis rare account of an individual young Jewish woman who played a pivotal role in Poland and the Warsaw Ghetto uprising during the Holocaust. Few know that there WAS an uprising, since so few Jews survived it and the Nazis actively suppressed news of it, but a few did, Valdka among them. This is a story that needs to be told and discussed and learned from. ...more
As you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) oAs you likely know, prairie dogs live in extensive communities, often called prairie dog towns. Whether the extended group is small (as this one is) or massive, their interactions can make a lively and appealing model for many human relationships. In this case, the story unfolds with speech bubble narratives, delightful perspectives, and one prairie dog, Earl, who is afraid of going outside. He prefers dig-dig-digging underground where he feels safe. His above-ground buddies are on the look out for predators, but Earl fears rain. Earl's fears (of several kinds) play a role in his rescue of the group. Even so, despite their safe survival, Earl relies on his peer support to find security within himself and among his community. OUTSIDE!
This is an excellent offering for young readers to encourage social/emotional learning and discussion, to empathize with characters, to identify/predict storyline, and to flat-out enjoy a funny story.
The double spread back matter includes labeled illustrations of the ways prairie dogs dig complex intentional underground spaces to survive and thrive. I found Earl & Company to be unforgettable, and I hope you will, too....more
Main narrative and densely powerful illustrations convey a "night in the life" of an imagined individual RURU, a New Zealand variety of owl. SecondaryMain narrative and densely powerful illustrations convey a "night in the life" of an imagined individual RURU, a New Zealand variety of owl. Secondary/parallel text on most pages provide facts about this species as relate to the lyrical (and busy) male owl as it spend a moonlit night trying to feed its mate and owlets. Both text and image are dramatic and exciting, while providing engaging information about food chains and other STEM material that allows compare/contrast opportunities for varieties of animals in local and distant settings. The parallel text makes this appealing and useful across many ages, with back matter that can be used for further investigations....more
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
It was no surprise to me that I loved this collection of poems themed on found objects/scenes/littler/trash. That theme or topic may feel very groundeIt was no surprise to me that I loved this collection of poems themed on found objects/scenes/littler/trash. That theme or topic may feel very grounded in obvjects, but Nye's poems inevitably mine such concrete inspirations to explore inner emotions, civic issues, and philisophical questions. A terrific read, endnote that could inspire writers young and old to challenge themselves to see (and write) beyond the surface....more
Fans of shipwrecks will dive into this with eager enthusiasm. Even those who may not find the topic intriguing may come away as newly curious and exciFans of shipwrecks will dive into this with eager enthusiasm. Even those who may not find the topic intriguing may come away as newly curious and excited to learn more. This well-written and thorough account of several specific shipwreck discoveries and explorations features the oldest wreck ever discovered but also depicts the tradition from looting/collectiing from found wrecks to origins of applying anthropologic science and techniques/documentation to discoveries while still underwater. As stated several times, the early stage documentation is only a small portion of the extended years of work done on artifacts once they are removed from the water....more
This is a lovely account of the ways in which Barbara Cooney lived, grew, and became a renowned illustrator of children's books, eventually charting hThis is a lovely account of the ways in which Barbara Cooney lived, grew, and became a renowned illustrator of children's books, eventually charting her own course and writing text, as well. The illustrations and text both call to mind the color choices and nature focus of Cooney's later works. A must read for anyone who knows and loves her classic, award-winning books....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
This is a thorough and powerful account of a man whose life and activism set the stage for the political/social passive resistance movements that follThis is a thorough and powerful account of a man whose life and activism set the stage for the political/social passive resistance movements that followed. As Martin Luther King Jr. said about Ghandi and nonviolent activism (paraphrased) Jesus taught the principles of the power of love in achieving better lives for the everyone in then world, but Ghandi taught us the method by which we can practice nonviolence to a successful end.
The story is very complex and could be challenging for youth readers without discussions and contextual backgrounds....more
This is a gloriously illustrated presentation of changes in our natural world during a span of time in this and the prior century. The brutal transforThis is a gloriously illustrated presentation of changes in our natural world during a span of time in this and the prior century. The brutal transformation caused by human imprint and imposition on nature and its animal/plant inhabitants is both delicately and devastatingly portrayed. David Attenborough is not the only "kid" who grew up fascinated by the fossils and pants and creatures in nature, but he held fast to that interest to grow a career and reputation that touched millions of lives. His intrigue and concern for the complexity and survival of natural life around the globe are inspiring and empowering. Back matter includes authors' note, bibliography, descriptions of rewilding as a potential intervention, and descriptions of various problems discussed in the main text....more
I sure hope that the name WILMA RUDOLPOH has familiar to everyone by now. I have several favorite titles about herm spanning decades. This, though, isI sure hope that the name WILMA RUDOLPOH has familiar to everyone by now. I have several favorite titles about herm spanning decades. This, though, is a new favorite and takes amore purposeful and direct approach to the groundbreaking changes she led in daily life, not just in sports. Her accomplishments brought positive attention to her small home town and the people there rightly wanted to celebrate her accomplishments. Her time in Europe following the Olympics revealed to Wilma the remarkable openness and equality in societies in which skin color did not separate and denigrate one group over another. She set a firm boundary on what she would agree to do and how she would engage in celebrations. This included her refusal to take part unless ALL people, of any skin color or background, would be included as equals in the festivities, the parties, the meals, and more. After that time of celebration ended, though, her town, Clarksville, TN, continue to segregate the public pool, transportation, and more. But Wilma never stopped fighting for justice and using her success on the track to make gains for all people on the hardest of all fields- her racist community. The illustrations are vibrant and crisp, a collage approach that lifts elements from the page and makes each comparative spread (European social life vs her home life in the south) all the more dramatic because they are simply doing daily activities with entirely different, arbitrary rules. Recommended....more
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