Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (5)

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.

Here is my first foray into February nonfiction picture book releases.


A Leaf Can Be
Author: Laura Purdie Salas
Illustrator: Violeta Dabija
Publisher:  Millbrook Press (February 1, 2012)
Audience:  Ages 4 to 8
Source: Copy for Review and Giveaway

Some books defy my image of nonfiction.  I have to admit that I was truly a solid fiction reader and that nonfiction usually meant dry, boring, and connected to coursework.  As I have searched for nonfiction picture books, my beliefs about them are changing.  Seldom anymore do I utter the words dry and boring when reading these books.

The team of Laura Purdie Salas and Violeta Dabjija has created a beautiful book.  With the simple phrase "A leaf can be...", Salas explores all of the roles a leaf can play from a water ladle to food maker to frost catcher and more.  Dabjija's gentle and whimsical illustrations are a perfect match to Salas' sparse text making the book completely accessible for younger readers.  The end of the book takes each of the descriptors used in the book and explains them with more details.  There is also a glossary and some further reading which can both be useful resources for a teacher.

A Leaf Can Be would be a wonderful addition to a primary grade level classroom.  It would also make a lovely gift for a young child.

Giveaway Rules:

1. Though comments are very much appreciated, please do not enter any personal information in the comments section (including your email, website, etc.).  If you do enter personal information, you comment will not be posted.

2.  You must complete the Entry Form to officially enter the contest.

3.  The Contest runs from 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on February 8, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on February 15, 2012.

4.  You must be 13 or older to participate in this contest.

5.  If you are selected as a winner, I will notify you by e-mail.  If you do not respond within 48 hours, I will select a new winner.

6.  International participants are welcome to enter the contest.