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Picture books

I YAM A DONKEY by Cece Bell

Although I read today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick last week, I YAM still laughing!

Title: I YAM A DONKEY story, pictures, and bad grammar

Written & Illustrated by:  Cece Bell

Publisher: Clarion Books (June 16, 2015)

Suitable for ages: 4-8

Themes/Topics: Wordplay, grammar, dialogue, humor

Brief Synopsis:  A yam, yes, a vegetable, determined to correct the grammar of an oblivious donkey fails because it’s just an impossible feat. The frustrated yam enlists other vegetables to help but remains unsuccessful. Alas, all good things must end and the surprise ending to this story is laugh out loud funny.

Opening pages:

YAM: What did you say?  “I yam a donkey?” The proper way to say that is “I am a donkey.”

DONKEY: You is a donkey, too? You is a funny-looking donkey.

YAM: No, I am a yam. You are the one who said, “I am a donkey.” 

Why I like this book:  It is laugh out loud funny! As the publisher’s blurb pointed out, I YAM A DONKEY can be compared to the comedic routine of the“Who’s on first.” about baseball by Abbott and Costello. What a fun way to teach grammar and dialogue. The ending is hilarious. I double dare you not to laugh while reading this book.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTcRRaXV-fg
  • Find a comprehensive list of resources here with a links to Cece Bell’s school presentation reading the book, activities, crafts, material about yams and sweet potatoes, and other books on grammar, etc.

  • TeachersPayTeachers has a book companion unit here.

  • Find a free ESOL resource here.

  • After learning all about grammar, make some yam or sweet potato fries. Read the story and you’ll know why!

    • To read more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog.

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Louisiana, Picture books

    The Littlest Streetcar by Vernon Smith

    Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday pick is The Littlest Streetcar by author-illustrator Vernon Smith. What a sweet story!

    Written & Illustrated by: Vernon Smith

    Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. (February 2017)

    Suitable for ages: 3 and up

    Themes/Topics: Self-Concept, Self-esteem, New Orleans, Louisiana, Streetcars & Trains, Transportation

    Brief Synopsis:  This is a story about a little streetcar named Charlie who wasn’t as popular as other streetcars because he was a maintenance vehicle. Convinced he was “just a worker car”, Charlie didn’t feel worthy or as important as the other streetcars until his skills helped them out of trouble. Charlie then realized he is appreciated and valuable and special, just they way he is.

     Opening pages:

    “Charlie the Streetcar liked to roll down the tracks and enjoy his day. It made him very happy, because he didn’t go out all the time like the other streetcars.

    Some days, Charlie was called upon to put sand on the rails. This would create traction, so the other streetcars could move without the wheels slipping and sliding.” 

     Why I like this book:  This is such an endearing story with a wonderful message. The Littlest Streetcar reminds readers that there is something special about each and every one of us. The artwork is colorful and expressive showing every character’s personality. See if you can find the spread where Vernon Smith gives a shout out to The King Cake Baby the first book we both published with Pelican; he as the illustrator.

    In the back matter Smith gives a brief history about New Orleans streetcars and his inspiration for writing the story.

    Resources: 

    • Learn more here about New Orleans Streetcars. And if you are ever in the city take a ride on one!
    • Read the history of trams, trolleys, and streetcars here and or visit your local train museum.
    • See this KidsHealth PreK-2 Teacher’s Guide on Self-esteem
    • Extension activities to help children develop self-esteem.
    • Extension crafts from Pinterest to help children develop self-esteem.

    Read more today’s reviews at author Susanna Hill’s blog.

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Author visits, Holidays, Mardi Gras, School Visits

    Author Visits: Mardi Gras 2016

    Slide1

    School visits are a wonderful way for authors to share their passion for literacy and share the joys of living a creative life. This baby ran all over New Orleans, over the Mississippi River, and across the Twin Span Bridge! I am very fortunate to have met wonderful faculty and great students during each visit.

    The kids and I had a blast reading The King Cake Baby and singing 12 Days of Carnival. My song is all about New Orleans food. And what food tops the Mardi Gras food pyramid? King Cake!

     

    I had a blast and passed a good time visiting the following schools:

    • St. Pius X Catholic School, New Orleans
    • Terrytown Elementary School, Jefferson Parish Schools
    • Akili Academy, New Orleans
    • Abney Elementary School, Slidell
    • Westpark Montessori Magnet School
    • Homer A. Plessy Community School, New Orleans
    • St. Michael’s Special School, New Orleans

    I also attended my first King Cake Festival, a benefit for Ochsner Pediatrics! And I ate lots and lots of King Cake! Maurice French Pastries won the People’s Choice Award for the second year. Delicious. Félicitations!

    I am so fortunate to participate in this wonderful tradition and be a part of a very unique culture. And it’s celebrated year after year! Can’t wait till January 6th to kick off Carnival 2017. Mardi Gras Day is February 28, 2017. Who’s counting? ME, Baby!

    Mardi Gras 2017 Countown

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Author visits, Holidays, Louisiana, Mardi Gras, School Visits

    Author Visits: Mardi Gras 2017

    I had a wonderful time celebrating Mardi Gras 2017. The King Cake Baby and I ran all over south Louisiana parishes, visiting with students, parents, teachers, and school librarians.

    As a guest author for Scholastic, I met many wonderful educators who work tirelessly to bring books into schools for kids. Book fairs are quite popular and the state is recognized as one of the top sales areas!  📚

    And while there, of course, I ate a lot of different types of King Cake!  I even ate a King Cake hamburger. Yes. I. Did. The food truck @FoodDrunknola sold them at the King Cake Festival. To my surprise, it was deliciously sweet and savory. Yum.

    I was fortunate to visit Impact Elementary School at their Family Literacy Night. And had delightful visits at Port Allen Elementary and North Iberville Elementary. Watch these Port Allen Pre-K students dance! 🎶🎶

    Second graders sang the 12 Days of Carnival. So much fun!  🎶🎺🎵🎷🎶 

    Kindergarten students at North Iberville sang “Five Little King Cake Babies“. Cutest babies and baker in the city!

    The King Cake Baby and I love to Skype with classes, especially during Mardi Gras. We hung out with a great group of first grade students in Kentucky who knew all about Kings’ Day.

    Just so happens World Read Aloud Day, known as WRAD, is always during Carnival season. So the baby ran west…to Texas!

    All hail the North Pointe Elementary grade 2 Kings and Queens!

                                                  💜💚💛🎶🎺🎵🎷🎶 📚

    It was wonderful to see kiddos from coast to coast celebrating Mardi Gras, like this Girl Scout troop from San Diego!   💜💚

    Every year I bring a King Cake to my tennis club. Guess who got the baby?

    Eating King Cake during Mardi Gras is a longtime tradition and fun no matter your age or where you live. But no worries if you don’t eat any by Fat Tuesday on February 28th, there’s always next year!

                                                                                                                                                   

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Author visits, Holidays, Mardi Gras, School Visits

    Mardi Gras 2017 Highlights!

    I had wonderful time celebrating Mardi Gras 2017. The King Cake Baby and I ran all over south Louisiana parishes visiting with students, parents, teachers, and school librarians.

    I was a guest author for Scholastic and met many wonderful educators who work tirelessly to bring books into schools for kids. Book fairs are quite popular in Louisiana and the state is recognized as one of the top sales areas!  📚

    And while there of course I ate a lot of different types of King Cake! The strangest food I tasted was a King Cake hamburger. The food truck @FoodDrunknola sold them at the King Cake Festival. To my surprise, it was deliciously sweet and savory. Yum.

    I was fortunate to visit Impact Elementary School at their Family Literacy Night. And had a delightful visit at Port Allen Elementary and North Iberville Elementary. Watch these Port Allen Pre-K students dance! 🎶🎶

    Second graders sang the 12 Days of Carnival. So much fun!  🎶🎺🎵🎷🎶

    Kindergarten students at North Iberville sang “Five Little King Cake Babies“. Cutest babies and baker in the city!

    During Mardi Gras season, The King Cake Baby and I love to Skype with classes. We hung out with first grade students in Kentucky.

    Just so happens World Read Aloud Day, known as WRAD, is always in February, during Carnival. So the baby ran west…to Texas!

    All hail the North Pointe Elementary grade 2 Kings and Queens!

                                                                                    

                                                  💜💚💛🎶🎺🎵🎷🎶 📚

    It was wonderful to see kiddos from coast to coast celebrating Mardi Gras. Mon amie’s daughter’s Girl Scout troop from San Diego celebrated!   💜💚

    Every year I bring a King Cake to my tennis club. Guess who got the baby?

    This tradition is fun no matter your age or where you live. If you haven’t eaten a piece of King Cake to celebrate Carnival, there’s always next year!

      Happy Mardi Gras! 

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Louisiana, Picture books

    Chicory and Roux: The Creole Mouse and the Cajun Mouse

    I was so pleased to receive an advanced copy of Chicory and Roux: The Creole Mouse and the Cajun Mouse to review for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday. What a fun retelling of Aesop’s fable, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, told Louisiana style!

    Written by:  Todd-Michael St. Pierre

    Illustrated by: Lee Brandt Randall

    Publisher: Pelican Publishing (February 10, 2017)

    Suitable for ages: 5-8

    Themes/Topics: Louisiana, Creole and Cajun culture, animal folk tale, city vs. country living

    Brief Synopsis:  This is a story about two mice, Chicory from the city of New Orleans and Roux from the countryside of Southwest Louisiana. One day, Chicory fell asleep in a picnic basket and ended up in the countryside where she met Roux. They explored Roux’s hometown. Chicory found Roux’s food boring, and yikes…there were alligators in the swamp!  Chicory invited Roux to explore the city of New Orleans. Although they did pass a good time during Mardi Gras, Roux prefers the way the tradition is celebrated back home. The city may have fancy food but there were dangers Roux was not used to! Chicory and Roux parted ways but promised to keep in touch. They agreed that where they live is exactly where they’re meant to be.

    Opening pages:

    “Once upon a Louisiana time, there lived a Creole mouse named Chicory. One morning she climbed into a picnic basket to nibble on some French bread, and she feel fast asleep. A nice New Orleans family had packed the basket with their favorite foods, such as roast-beef po’boys, Creole tomatoes, and pecan pralines. As Chicory napped, she was carried away to a picnic on a humid day!

    When she awoke, Chicory discovered that the basket was smackdab in the middle of a swamp!”

    Why I like this book:  Author Todd-St. Pierre cleverly adapted Aesop’s fable, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, to create Chicory and Roux: The Creole Mouse and the Cajun Mouse. He highlighted city vs. country life through the lens of Louisiana culture.

    When people find out I’m from New Orleans, often they ask, “What’s the difference between a Louisiana Creole and Louisiana Cajun?” And I always reply that the difference is similar to any region’s city vs. country living. Simply, where you choose to live influences how you live. As a city girl, I attended undergraduate school in Lafayette, Louisiana, located in the southwestern corner of the state. I had a wonderful experience, but I’m a New Orleans girl and identify with Chicory, the Creole Mouse! Yet I have friends and family who are like Roux, the Cajun Mouse, who would never leave the countryside. Truthfully, whether folks live in the city or the country we all celebrate the same wonderfully unique Louisiana culture.

    There are two original songs at the end of the book, “Song of Roux: The Cajun Mouse and Song of Chicory: The Creole House.

    Resources: 

    To read more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog.

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson3 Min Reading
    Picture books

    ABC, Adoption and Me – Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review

    This Friday we celebrate the fourth annual Multicultural Children’s Book Day!

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    As readers, reviewers, and writers this day is an excellent way to raise awareness of the ongoing need to include kidlit that address diverse topics and feature people of color. Even though census data shows 37% of the US population consists of people of color, only 10% of children’s books published have diversity content. Using the Multicultural Children’s Book Day holiday, the MCBD Team is on a mission to change all of that. You will find hundreds of book titles and reviews to read at this linky. Raising awareness of these titles will help you create a more diverse bookshelf, and make it easier to get these books into homes, schools, libraries, and into the hands of young readers. And for this reason, the co-creators of this unique event, Valarie Budayr from Jump Into A Book and Mia Wenjen from PragmaticMom  have chosen #ReadYourWorld as the official hashtag. 
     ABC, ADOPTION & ME was sent to me by authors Gayle H. Swift, and Casey A. Swift to review. Published by WRB Publishing, the book has won recognition and many awards.
    • Named a Favorite Read of 2013 by Adoptive Families national magazine
    • Named a Notable Picture Book for 2013 by Shelf Unbound in their Dec/Jan 2014
    • Honorable Mention – Gittle List of 2014; 
    • Finalist; IPNE 2014 Book Awards (Independent Publishers of New England)
    • Honorable Mention 2014 Purple Dragonfly Book Award 
     ABC, Adoption & Me is an informational ABC concept book. Written from a child’s point of view, it skillfully addresses complex information about adoption, such as who can be adopted, feelings about birth parents, and the different ways to adopt, all explained in an age appropriate way for young children.
    Page samples:
    “C is for children. You can be adopted at any age, from tiny babies to teens.”   
    “M is for miss. Sometimes I miss my birth parents. I wonder if they miss me too.”  
    “O is for open adoptions. In open adoptions, adoptees know their birth parents. They visit each other and spend time together – a little or a lot.” 
     
    The illustrations are colorful cartoon-style drawings that show an array of multicultural characters and families. What I like most about this book is that it includes the challenges and difficulties kids face when adopted, in addition to the positive experiences. It also includes an introduction to show adults how to use the book. It mentions the Adoption-attunement Quotient (AQ) which considers how adoption influences a child. The book would be a valuable resource for caregivers, parents, and schools to use when discussing adoption. And especially helpful for adoptive families who want to talk about adoption with their adopted children. The authors have provided a very informative, inclusive, and kid-friendly guide on the subject.

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    Current Sponsors:  MCBD 2017 is honored to have some amazing Sponsors on board.[spacer height=”10px”] Platinum Sponsors include Scholastic, Barefoot Books and Broccoli. Other Medallion Level Sponsors include heavy-hitters like Author Carole P. Roman, Audrey Press, Candlewick Press,  Fathers Incorporated, KidLitTV, Capstone Young Readers, ChildsPlayUsa, Author Gayle Swift, Wisdom Tales Press, Lee& Low Books, The Pack-n-Go Girls, Live Oak Media, Author Charlotte Riggle, Chronicle Books and Pomelo Books
     

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    We’d like to also give a shout-out to MCBD’s impressive CoHost Team who not only hosts the book review link-up on celebration day, but who also work tirelessly to spread the word of this event. View our CoHosts HERE.
     
    MCBD Links to remember:
    by Keila Dawson4 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Picture books

    BunnyBear – A Perfect Picture Book Friday Review

    I am fortunate to have read an advanced copy of BunnyBear, my pick for today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday. What a delightful story!

    Written by:  Andrea J. Loney

    Illustrated by: Carmen Saldaña

    Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company (January 31, 2017)

    Suitable for ages: 5-8

    Themes/Topics: bears, identity, being yourself, friendship, acceptance

    Brief Synopsis: What should a bear do when he feels like a bunny? And other bears called him odd. He wiggled his nose, nibbled on strawberries, and bounced through the forest of course!

    Author Andrea Loney tells the story about a bear who did what felt natural because “It made him feel free and light and happy.” Even though others did not always understand, Bunnybear finds out he is not the only animal whose identity is at odds with social norms. Readers will celebrate the importance of staying true to who you are on the inside, despite what you look like on the outside.

    Opening pages:

    “There was once a bear who was more than a bear.

    Sure, he was shaggy and stompy like most bears.  And he could be loud-very loud-if he wanted to.

    But when he was alone, he loved to bounce through  he forest, wiggle his nose, and nibble on strawberries. It made him feel free and light and happy.”

     Why I like this book: BunnyBear is a wonderful story to introduce kids to the idea that it’s more  important to know who you are, be yourself and be happy rather than try to live in a way that doesn’t feel right to please others.

    Being different can be difficult and lonely for kids. This story gives them hope. They learn that being true to your natural self means you don’t have to be alone. And somewhere there are friends who will accept you for who you are. The theme of this story is “Just be you.”

    Resources: K-8 Classroom article, Express Yourself! Encouraging Kids to Be Themselves

    Here is an article from kidshealth.org about self-esteem.

    The website All Done Monkey lists these picture books about being yourself.

    No Time for Flashcards picture books about being different and learning to be yourself.

    Susanna Hill’s book lists on Acceptance/Tolerance and Be Yourself/Individuality.

    Chapter Two “I’m Special” and Chapter Six “I Like Myself” from author Vivian Kirkfield‘s book Show Me How! Build Your Child’s Self-Esteem Through Reading, Crafting and Cooking has many activities appropriate activities.

    To read more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog.

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson3 Min Reading
    Holidays, Mardi Gras, Recipes

    Easy Peasy Pillsbury King Cake

    Happy Almost Mardi Gras! Every January 6th kicks off the official king cake season and Carnival. I wrote a guest post about the history of king cakes on Jama’s Alphabet Soup blog for all you food history and culture buffs. 

    Today I want to share another easy king cake recipe. The recipe in my book, THE KING CAKE BABY, uses frozen bread dough with a cinnamon-sugar filling and includes a recipe for making a Cream Cheese icing. In this recipe, I use three Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheets, the cinnamon-sugar mix, colored sugar sprinkles, and a can of Pillsbury Cream Cheese icing. Easy peasy! The only thing easier than making this king cake is picking one up at your favorite grocery or bakery.

    Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet King Cake Recipe

     Ingredients:

    • 3 Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheets
    • cinnamon sugar mix: ½ c. granulated sugar + 2 tablespoons cinnamon 
    • 1 plastic king cake baby (to hide inside, of course!)
    • purple, green, & gold sugar sprinkles
    • 1 can Pillsbury Cream Cheese Icing or make your own 

    Directions:

    Heat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).

    Cover a baking pan with parchment paper or use a nonstick cookie sheet. Unroll dough sheets and sprinkle each with about a tablespoon of the cinnamon-sugar mix. 

    Roll each dough sheet from the shortest side of the rectangle. 

    Arrange into an oval shape. Press seams together to connect. Bake 20-25 minutes.

    Decorate the King Cake

    Soften ½ can of Pillsbury Cream Cheese icing. Have purple, green, gold sprinkles handy.

    While the cake is still warm, pour icing on top. Alternate with purple, green and gold colored Mardi Gras sprinkles.

    If you prefer to make your own icing:

    Cream-Cheese Icing

    3 cups powdered sugar

    4 ounces cream cheese, softened

    3 tablespoons melted butter

    ¼ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

    3 tablespoons milk

    Mix all five ingredients in a bowl. The icing should be thick enough to slowly drip from a whisk or spoon. Drizzle over the warm cake.

    DON’T FORGET THE BABY!

    Hide a plastic King Cake Baby in the underside of the cake. Before eating, check to see if you got the baby! 

    If you can’t find dough sheets, here’s an Easy Peasy Crescent Roll King Cake Recipe.

    How to host an Easy Peasy King Cake Party with pictures and step-by-pictures for making a king cake with kids.

    And if any of you need a gluten-free recipe, see this Red Mill cinnamon roll recipe.

     

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Holidays, Picture books

    Christmas & Hanukkah

    This Perfect Picture Book Pair celebrates the most wonderful time of the year to read… Christmas and Hanukkah stories!

    Title: Jackie’s Gift

    Author: Sharon Robinson

    Illustrator: E. B. Lewis

    Publisher: Viking (2010)

    Age Range: 3-7 years

    The famous baseball player Jackie Robinson gives a gift to a boy he befriends in his new neighborhood. The gesture allows the two families to learn about their different holiday traditions.

    Title: Dear Santa, Love Rachel Rosenstein

    Authors: Amanda Peet & Andrea Troyer

    Illustrator: Christine Davenier

    Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers  (2015)

    Age Range: 3-7 years

    When Rachel Rosenstein feels she’s missing out because her family doesn’t celebrate Christmas, she learns others celebrate differently at this time of year too.

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience,  or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.

    Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!

    Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Picture books

    Penguin Problems by Jory John

    Today’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday is… Penguin Problems

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    Written by:  Jory John

    Illustrated by: Lane Smith

    Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (September 2016)

    Suitable for ages: 3-7

    Themes/Topics: penguins, grumpiness, pessimism, attitude

     

    Brief Synopsis: One penguin’s pleasures are another penguin’s problems. The story follows a pessimistic penguin who complains about penguin life. The snow is too cold, the sea is too salty, and waddling makes him look silly. When he meets a wise walrus who helps him look on the bright side of life, the penguin changes his attitude. Or does he? You’ll have to read the book to find out!

     

    Opening page: It’s way too early.

                                   My beak is cold.

                                  What’s with all the squawking you guys?

     

    Why I like this book: It’s hilarious! We’ve all met, um, penguins like this. You may live with one. You may work with one.  Maybe you’re a penguin! And Lane’s illustrations capture this little penguins attitude on every page.

    Even if you are not a penguin, we’ve all certainly had penguin days, um, or weeks. One thing I’ve learned when that happens is to focus on doing something for someone else. I think giving your time or talent to help another person in is an uplifting experience, whether a planned activity or a random act of kindness.

     

    Resources: It’s Not Fair! Tackling Your Child’s Complaints from Parents.com gives tips about how to deal with children who complain. 

     

    Whine? Not! Four Ways to Deal with Whining Children from Parents.com gives tips about how to deal with children who whine.

     

    5 WAYS TO TEACH GRATITUDE IN YOUR CLASSROOM shows creative ways to incorporate gratitude in your home or classroom. 

     

    Find a lesson on gratitude for middle grade students here from Heart-Mind Online. 

     

    To read more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog here.

     

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Picture books

    Monsters!

    The characters in these two books figure out how to deal with their monster problems in this Perfect Picture Book Pair! 

    Title: Monster Trouble

    Author: Lane Fredrickson

    Illustrator: Michael Robertson

    Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (September 2015)

    Age Range: 4-8 years

    What’s a girl gotta do to rid her bedroom of monsters so she can get some sleep? Winifred Schnitzel finds the perfect solution to her monster trouble!

     Title: The Monstore 

    Author: Tara Lazar

    Illustrator: James Burks

    Publisher: Aladdin (June 2013)

    Age Range: 4-7 years

    What’s a boy gotta do to get rid of his pesky little sister? To solve his problem, Zach goes to the Monstore!

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience,  or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that contribute to diversity in children’s literature.

    Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too!

    Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Author visits, School Visits

    Hammond Westside Montessori

    What a fun visit at Hammond Westside Montessori! I had a blast with the kids in Ms. Donnow’s 1/2/3 combo class. They sure know their Louisiana history and geography. We sang the 12 Days of Carnival and they learned to spell Tchoupitoulas. Yes they did!

    school-visit-hammond

    But when they learned the King Cake Baby tradition is not well known outside of the state of Louisiana and people don’t eat King Cake DAILY during Mardi Gras they were shocked! C’est ouf! That’s cray cray!

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    She can spell TCHOUPITOULAS!!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Writing Craft

    Books by the Banks 2016 Highlights

    Books by the Banks 2016 had a stellar line-up of authors and presentations.

    Bookseller Alia Jones, authors Zetta Elliott, Greg Leitich Smith and Children’s Librarian Sam Bloom discuss the state of diversity in publishing and ideas to close the gap.

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    These guys! Laughed out loud the entire presentation with author-illustrators Greg Pizolli, Bob Shea, and Loren Long. Fun session where they shared personal experiences as well as a bit about their creative process.

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    Authors Kerrie Hollihan, Brandon Marie Miller, Michelle Houts, Nancy Poe Pimm, Mary Kay Carson, Carmella Van Vleet, and Jen Swanson talk about science and history – and women in science and history!

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    Ohio creatives Tim Bowers, Lana Wayne Koehler, Gloria Adams, Will Hillenbrand and Christina Wald.

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    What a fun and creative day! Until next year…

    Read and write on!

     

     

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Holidays, Picture books

    Grandparents & Celebrating Heritage: A Perfect Picture Book Pair

    PERFECT timing for this Perfect Picture Book Pair!

    This October, Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur are celebrated, and it’s also National Hispanic Heritage Month.

    Both books are inspired by the Yiddish folksong “Hob Ikh Mir a Mantl” (I Had a Little Overcoat or My Coat). And both stories show how grandparents re-use and re-purpose fabric to leave a legacy of love.

    Title: Maya’s Blanket/La manta de Maya

    Author: Monica Brown

    Illustrator: David Diaz

    Publisher: Children’s Book Press (CA); and imprint of Lee & Low Bilingual edition (August 15, 2015)

    Age Range: 3-7 years.

    Topics: Latino culture, inter-generational story, sewing, re-use/re-purposing cloth, legacy

    Title: My Grandfather’s Coat

    Author: Jim Aylesworth  

    Illustrator: Barbara McClintock

    Publisher: Scholastic Press  (October 2014)

    Age Range: 4-8 years.

    Topics: Immigration, inter-generational story, sewing, re-use/re-purposing cloth, legacy

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair  showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include diverse settings, life experiences, and or people in the world of  children’s literature in response to the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign.

    Mark Twain said ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”Reading is too!

    Kids love to see their own reflections in books. Join me and = #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Picture books

    Boys and Bots: A Perfect Picture Book Pair

    Two boys and their bots make a perfect picture book pair! Friendship, hilarity, and science save the day.

    Title: The Bot that Scott Built

    Author: Kim Norman

    Illustrator: Agnese Baruzzi

    Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books (August 2016)

    Age Range: 3-7 years.

    Boy builds bot. Classroom calamity ensues. Boy and bot save the science fair!

    Title: Boy + Bot

     

    Author: Ame Dyckman

    Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

    Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers  (April 2012)

    Age Range: 2-5 years.

    Boy likes bot. Bot likes boy. Friendship ensues!

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include diverse settings, life experiences, and or people in the world of children’s literature in response to the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign.

    Mark Twain said ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…”Reading is too!

    Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Picture books

    Maneki Neko: the Tale of the Beckoning Cat

    Today’s pick for Perfect Picture Book Friday is Maneki Neko: the Tale of the Beckoning Cat 

    Written by: Susan Lendroth

    Illustrated by: Kathryn Otoshi

    Publisher: Shen’s Books (July 2010)

    Suitable for ages: 5 and up

    Themes/Topics: Japan, legend of Maneki Neko, folk tale, gratitude

    Brief Synopsis: A cat named Tama lives in a small Japanese village with a poor monk at the Kotoku Monastery. During a great storm, a samurai takes cover under a tree not far from the temple. Tama is also stranded outside. When Tama is cleaning her face with her paw, the samurai sees the cat beckoning him. He moves toward the cat and the tree is hit by lightning. He believes the cat saved his life. 

    In his gratitude, the samurai shared his wealth with the monk, who then shared the riches with his village. When the cat died, the monk created the legend of Maneki Neko “beckoning cat” or “lucky cat” to honor Tama. 

    This is one of many versions of the Japanese legend of Maneki Neko, the beckoning cat. 

    Opening page: You have come to the wrong place, little one, for I am as poor as you with few scraps to share,” said the monk when he first saw the cat sunning herself outside his door. Still, he smiled, scratching the thin fur behind her ears and the spot on her back, round as a child’s ball. 

    The cat rolled, rubbing her head between the monk’s hand and the hard-packed earth, then immediately sat up to polish the dust from her face. One curled paw dipped and rose, beckoning to the monk like an old friend. 

    Why I like this book: The artwork by Kathryn Otoshi captures the peacefulness and serenity of the landscape in many rural areas in Japan. 

    The story is a beautiful memory of my years living and working there. These small figurines are found all over Japan and throughout Asia. Homes and businesses have Maneki Neko statues displayed with either its left or right paw raised. Businesses display cats with the left paw raised to bring in customers. A raised right paw is said to bring luck and money. The figurines come in a variety of colors that symbolize a different kind of luck. White is for happiness, gold brings money, black is for good health, and red is for love and relationships. 

    The book introduces readers to Japanese culture and folklore.

    Photo : (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

    Resources:

    • See Sushi Cat for concentration and memory games. 
    • See DLTK for directions for making a Maneki Neko craft Education.com and Coloring Castle for a coloring pages. 
    • See Mr. Dunn‘s site for links, PowerPoint presentations, maps, and lesson plans about Japan for students of all ages. 

    For more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog here.

    Happy reading!

    by Keila Dawson3 Min Reading
    Picture books

    Finding what makes you special: A Perfect Picture Book Pair

    What an excellent and extraordinary perfect picture book pair! Both books show the importance of fitting in by finding out what makes you special.

    capture-ed

    Excellent Ed by Stacy McAnulty (Author), Julia Sarcone-Roach  (Illustrator)

    Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (May 2016)

    Age Range: 4-8 years.

    Ed finds out exactly what makes him special in an exceptional family.

    **********

    capture-jane

    Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (Author/Illustrator)

    Published by Dial Books (February 2014)

    Age Range: 3-5 years.

    Jane learns ordinary friendship, kindness, and loyalty is what makes her extraordinary.

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes but one must include diverse settings,  life experiences,  and or people in the world of  children’s literature in response to the #WeNeedDiverseBooks campaign.

    Mark Twain said ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” Reading is too! Join me and  #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Picture books

    Little Red Cuttlefish

    Perfect Picture Book Friday is back! Today’s pick is Little Red Cuttlefish.

    k2-_df509943-0ed1-43dd-a5b4-ea47d3e0264c.v1

    Written by:  Henry Herz, Josh Herz, and Harrison Herz 

    Illustrated by: Kate Gotfredson

    Publisher: Pelican Publishing Company, Inc. (September 2016)

    Suitable for ages: 5-8

    Themes/Topics: bravery, marine life, fractured fairy tale

    Brief Synopsis: Little Red takes crab cakes to Grandmother Cuttlefish’s corral, but when she gets there, the big, bad, hungry tiger shark threatens to eat them. Little Red’s quick thinking and smooth moves saves the day!

    Life under the sea is captured beautifully in the colorful and detailed illustrations by Kate Gotfredson. The movement and vibrant depiction of marine life brought back many fond memories of my experiences diving and snorkeling around the world.

    Why I like this book: Little Red Cuttlefish is a fun, lively aquatic retelling of the classic Little Red Riding hood tale. Ocean references and active language is used throughout the story. The author’s note includes information about cuttlefish and tiger sharks and provides online resources for further reading. A nice addition for any home, elementary school, or classroom library.

    Resources: The BBC, NOVA, PBS, etc. has cool videos on cuttlefish here.

    The book also includes links to learn more about oceans and sea life from Oceana, Animal Planet, National Geographic and many others.

    For more reviews of today’s picks, visit author Susanna Hill’s blog here.

    Happy reading! (more…)

    by Keila Dawson2 Min Reading
    Diverse Books, Picture books

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair – Girls Rule Dress-up

    What a fun, perfect picture book pair about little girls who love to dress-up. But looking pretty is only one part.

    Mary Had a Little Glam by Tammi Sauer (Author)

    Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)

    Published by Sterling (August 2016)

    Age Range: 4-8 years.

    Mary is a bit of a fashionista, but she won’t let her goals interfere with her fun! The ending is delightful.

    **********

    Every-day Dress-up by Selina Alko (Author/Illustrator)

    Published by Knopf Books for Young Readers (October 12011)

    Age Range: 3-7 years.

    Do all girls dress like princesses? Not this one. She dresses like famous female role models. 

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair showcases two books with universal themes, but one must include a diverse setting, or life experience,  or main character. My goal is to support books in the market that helps contribute to diversity in children’s literature. 

    Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness…” I believe reading is too! 

    Kids love to see their reflections in books. Join me and #ReadYourWorld!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
    Picture books

    A Perfect Picture Book Pair Based on a Cumulative Tale

    What a fun perfect picture book pair based on the cumulative story, “I Know An Old Lady That Swallowed a Fly”. And perfect for reading aloud!

    Both books are modern adaptations of the old tale filled with lyrical language and wordplay. 

    One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree by Daniel Bernstrom (Author), Brendan Wenzel (Illustrator) Published by Katherine Tegen Books (May 2016) Age Range: 4-8 years.

    A hungry snake fills his belly, but his captives are planning their escape.

    There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann (Author), Ben Mantle (Illustrator) Published by Random House Books for Young Readers (August 4, 2015) Age Range: 4-8 years.

    There was an old dragon who swallowed things in a kingdom, including a knight! That’s not polite!

    by Keila Dawson1 Min Reading
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