Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - What are you reading?

Thank you everyone for signing up for the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014.  It is going to be an amazing year of sharing nonfiction books with one another.
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For the past 32 days, I participated in the Slice of Life March Challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers. It was a fabulous experience but one that resulted in some of my other routines getting shifted around.  Since I missed a number of What are you reading? posts, I thought I would feature a special edition one that focuses on my nonfiction picture books.

Next week's post will include new releases for April and May.

Here is what I have been reading and enjoying lately...

The Animal Book by Steve Jenkins (HMH Books for Young Readers, October 2013) - Why did it take me so long to find this book and read it? I think this is one of Jenkins best yet.  If you can only buy one of his books, make it this one. Amazing!

How to Make a Planet: A Step-By-Step Guide to Building the Earth by Scott Forbes, Illustrated by Jean Camden (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2014) - There is a lot of fun packed into this slim volume. Humor, and facts and directions for building planet earth. I shared this with a bunch of teachers recently and they loved it too.

Creep and Flutter: The Secret World of Insects and Spiders by Jim Arnosky (Sterling Children's Books, April 2012) - I saw this book over on a post that The Nonfiction Detectives did and wondered why I hadn't read it?!  I quickly corrected that oversight and I love this one, especially the pull out pages.

On Kiki's Reef by Carol Malnor; Illustrated by Trina L. Hunner (Dawn Publication, March 1, 2014) - A narrative story on the life of a sea turtle from hatchling to adult. The illustrations are beautiful and I also enjoyed the facts throughout the book and the end notes and resources.

Aviary Wonders Inc., Spring Catalog and Instruction Manual by Kate Samworth (Clarion Books, March 4, 2014) - Okay, this is technically not nonfiction, but there is some good information in this one. Thanks Carrie Gelson for tipping me off to this book. I simply love it.

Feathers: Not Just for Flying by Melissa Stewart; Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannon (Charlesbridge, February 2014) - I am a huge Melissa Stewart fan and love the way she is writing and creating her books. Text and design work beautifully in this one.

As a result of some of these books, I now want to read:

Sea Turtle Scientist by Stephen R Swinburne (HMH Books for Young Readers, January 2014)

The Case of the Vanishing Golden Frogs by Sandra Markle (Millbrook Press, 2011)

The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees by Sandra Markle (Millbrook Press, 2013)

I know when I begin checking out all of your links there will be dozens more to read as well. Don't forget to link up so that we can see your reviews too.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Women's History Month Part II

Thank you everyone for signing up for the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014.  It is going to be an amazing year of sharing nonfiction books with one another.

Last week I mentioned that I was having difficulty finding 2014 nonfiction picture books that celebrated women.  This messed up my plans for my March posts. Oh well! Last week, I featured 5 of my favorite picture book biographies of women.  This week I am sharing nonfiction books that still have quite a few illustrations or photographs but are geared for a slightly older audience, and still celebrate women and their contributions and honor the intent of Women's History Month.

For Part II, I  feature 5 of my favorite longer length biographies of women:

Cleopatra Rules! The Amazing Life of the Original Teen Queen by Vicky Alvear Shecter (Boyd Mills Press, 2010) - If you have not read this book, find it and read immediately. Written in a way that will pull in even the most reluctant nonfiction reader, the book is filled with great facts and just the right amount of humor.

Zora!: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston by Dennis Brindell Fradin; Judith Bloom Fradin (Clarion Books 2012) - I was so sad that I discovered this after I did my Literacy Café on the Harlem Renaissance. A very accessible biography on Zora Neale Hurston for ages 10 and up.

Almost Astronauts: 13 Women Who Dared to Dream by Tanya Lee Stone (Candlewick Press, 2009) - I am a huge fan of Tanya Lee Stone and this was the book that began my journey to learn about what was new in children's nonfiction and eventually led me to begin my nonfiction picture book challenge.

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way) by Sue Macy (National Geographic Children's Books, 2011) - Sue Macy is another author that I enjoy reading. However, I would have picked this one up just based on the title alone. I learned so much in reading this one. I had never thought about how a bicycle would provide women with a certain amount of mobility which would then lead to freedom.

Wideness and Wonder: The Life and Art of Georgia O'Keefe by Susan Goldman Rubin (Chronicle Books, 2011) - Whether you are a fan of the artist, Georgia O'Keefe, or just interested in women's biographies, this is an interesting read about the early influences over O'Keefe's art and development into the artist she would become.

And my bonus pick...I sat on the fence with this one...however, it was such an amazing book that I needed to include it.

Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem by Rosalyn Schanzer (National Geographic Children's Books, 2011) - When I read this book, I remember thinking that I knew about the Salem Witch Trials.  However, there was a lot that I did not know and I could not put this down. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014

This will be my third year of doing a Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge.  At first, it was a way to challenge myself to read more nonfiction picture books.  It was wonderful to find so many special books.  Now, I have found that it has become a wonderful habit and one that I am not ready to give up.  Since I had a lot of fun with this challenge last year, I am hosting it again this year.   

Though I did not read as many books as I hoped last year, I am rolling up my sleeves and diving into the new year with new goals.  I am also hoping that many of you will continue your nonfiction posts because I loved reading what others had posted as well.   

My goal will be to read as many 2014 informational picture books that I can find and try to increase my reading of MG/YA nonfiction books of longer lengths.

Here are the details if you would like to participate in the challenge:

 1. Set a goal as to how many nonfiction picture books (or nonfiction MG or YA books)  you would like to read over the course of 2014. Maybe you want to read one a month or one a week. Will they all be from 2014 or will you be reading ones previously published? Set a goal that will be fun and not stressful.

2. I will be posting my nonfiction book reviews and posts on Wednesdays.  There will be a link if you want to connect up one of your reviews or progress towards your goal.

3. There will be a few giveaways. Keep an eye out for details.

4. If you would like to participate in this challenge, please link up your blog or GoodReads Shelf using the Widget below.

5. If you tweet about what you are reading as part of this challenge, please use the twitter hashtag #nfpb2014.

6. Finally, I am still working on the Challenge images to be used in this blog post, but I should have them for you to grab soon.  You are welcome to copy the one at the top of this for now. Good luck everyone and happy reading in 2014.

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2013

Last year, I had a goal to read more Nonfiction Picture Books.  As a way to hold me accountable, I helped set up the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge (#NFPB2012).

In 2011, I read 55 nonfiction picture books.  In 2012, with the challenge, I read 86 nonfiction picture books and 6 more nonfiction MG/YA books of longer lengths.  With the coming of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and the emphasis on nonfiction or informational text, I feel the need to keep on top of what is being released.   Since I had a lot of fun with this challenge last year, I am hosting it again this year.

My goal will be to read as many 2013 nonfiction picture books that I can find and try to increase my reading of MG/YA nonfiction books of longer lengths.

Here are the details if you would like to participate in the challenge:

 1. Set a goal as to how many nonfiction picture books (or nonfiction MG or YA books)  you would like to read over the course of 2013. Maybe you want to read one a month or one a week. Will they all be from 2013 or will you be reading ones previously published? Set a goal that will be fun and not stressful.

2. I will be posting my nonfiction book reviews and posts on Wednesdays.  There will be a link if you want to connect up one of your reviews or progress towards your goal.

3. There may be giveaways. Keep an eye out for details.

4. If you would like to participate in this challenge, please link up your blog or GoodReads Shelf using the Widget below.

5. If you tweet about what you are reading as part of this challenge, please use the twitter hashtag #nfpb2013.

6. Finally, feel free to grab one of the Challenge images used in this blog post. I am working to get the html for bloggers to grab the badge for their websites. Good luck everyone and happy reading in 2013.

Link up with your blog:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - 2012 Wrap Up

At the beginning of 2012, I challenged myself to read more Nonfiction Picture Books.  This is the last Wednesday post of the year and here is how I did with the challenge.

Throughout the year, I read 86 nonfiction picture books and 6 more nonfiction middle grade books that were heavy on the pictures.  I had so many more on my list.  Some that I am still hunting for and some that I found but just didn't get a chance to read.  In October, I did a guest post on the Nerdy Book Club and listed 10 of my favorites at that point in the year.  I have revised my list and some books made the final top ten and a few other books came on board. 

So, here is my final favorite nonfiction picture books for 2012:

Island: A Story of the Galápagos by Jason Chin - This remains one of my favorites from the whole pile of nonfiction picture books from the year. Text and illustrations worked together beautifully. Definitely a must have.  Read my review here

Here Comes the Girl Scouts!: The Amazing All-True Story of Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low and Her Great Adventure by Shana Corey; Illustrated by Hadley Hooper - Again, another book that works well with both text and illustrations.  Corey does a fabulous job creating this biographical picture book about Juliette 'Daisy' Gordon Low and what guided her to starting up the Girl Scouts.  Another must have book. 

Birds of a Feather by Bernadette Gervais - Thanks to the Nerdy Book Club Award nominees, I found this book.  It is over-sized, and creative, and well done.  Children will love looking at the illustrations and learning more about birds. 

Buffalo Bird Girl: A Hidatsa Story  by S.D. Nelson - I was so glad to have discovered this nonfiction biographical picture book.  A great book to add to any collection of biographical picture books.  Read my review here

Fifty Cents and a Dream: A Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim; Illustrated by Bryan Collier - You will quickly notice that biographical picture books dominate this list.  This one came out late in the year, but shouldn't be missed.  Read my review here

There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Who Ever Lived by Matt Tavares - I love the paintings in this one and Tavares tells just the right elements of Williams' life in this book.  Baseball fans will certainly want to pick up a copy.  Read my review here

Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Chase Ferris; Illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch - Ferris found just the right balance in talking about Noah Webster and the creation of the Dictionary.  This one is fun and informative.  Check out the book trailer below:

Touch the Sky: Alice Coachman, Olympic High Jumper by Ann Malaspina; Illustrated by Eric Velasquez - Can you tell that I like biographical picture books?  Here is another one that provides great information about Alice Coachman and her quest to become an Olympic High Jumper.

In the Sea by David Elliott; Illustrated by Holly Meade - It was hard to choose which book of poetry to add to this list.  I knew I wanted to include at least one but there were several I could have gone with.  I featured UnBeelievables in the Nerdy Post so I thought I would add In the Sea to this post.  Both are fabulous and should be part of a collection of poetry with a nonfiction twist.

I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King Jr.; Paintings by Kadir Nelson - It is no secret that I love the work of Kadir Nelson and this book combines the full text (as well as a cd) of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech accompanied by the beautiful paintings of Kadir Nelson.  A must have.



Check out all of these amazing books at your local library or independent bookstore.  For more titles, check out my NFPB 2012 GoodReads shelf.  If you participated in the 2012 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge and did a final post, can you add a link below?

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Timeless Thomas

Author/Illustrator: Gene Barretta
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (July 17, 2012)
Audience: Grades 2nd to 5th
Source: Personal Copy
Nonfiction * Biographical * Inventors

Description from GoodReads:
What do record players, batteries, and movie cameras have in common?
All these devices were created by the man known as The Wizard of Menlo Park: Thomas Edison.

Edison is most famous for inventing the incandescent lightbulb, but at his landmark laboratories in Menlo Park & West Orange, New Jersey, he also developed many other staples of modern technology.  Despite many failures, Edison persevered. And good for that, because it would be very difficult to go through a day without using one of his life-changing inventions. In this enlightening book, Gene Barretta enters the laboratories of one of America’s most important inventors.

My thoughts on this book:
I discovered Gene Barretta's books (Now & Ben: The Modern Inventions of Benjamin Franklin; Neo Leo: The Ageless Ideas of Leonardo da Vinci) a few months ago.  I loved his way of making information about famous inventors/thinkers very accessible and fun for young readers.  When I went in search of more information about Gene Barretta and his books, I discovered that a new book would be out soon.  I have been eagerly anticipating Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives and it didn't disappoint.

Barretta's latest book focuses on the life and inventions of Thomas Edison.  After a short introduction to Edison, Barretta begins by comparing "Present Day" activities such as recording sound or the photocopier and compares them to "Edison's Lab" and how some of Edison's inventions or ideas were forerunners to what we often take for granted.  There are over 15 examples of how Edison's inventions were instrumental in the development of the many common day items that are essential to us today.  Each of these items are presented in very readable text accompanied by bright, cartoon-like illustrations that add to the enjoyment of the story.

At the end of the book, Barretta provides the reader with short bios for 20 of Edison's Employees.  Additionally, there are some trivia facts and a bibliography that will hopefully encourage readers to learn more about Thomas Edison. Overall, this is an enjoyable look at Thomas Edison that will hopefully inspire children to not only try to succeed with taking risks but also model Edison's philosophy that failure is just as important to learning as getting it right.

I would encourage teachers and librarians to make a set of Barretta's books available in the classroom or school library.  I have a feeling that a lot of children will enjoy checking them out.  Look for Timeless Thomas at your local school or public library, and when purchasing books, consider supporting your local independent bookstore.

For more information on Gene Barretta: website | blog | facebook | twitter

  Don't forget to link up your nonfiction picture book reviews here:

Nonfiction Picture Book Releases - May - July 2012

The Nonfiction Detectives and I are hosting a Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge.  My goal has been to kick off the month with the new nonfiction picture book release titles.  As I was going through books that I have found, I added titles from May and June that I had not previously posted.  Additionally, I am looking for more July titles.  I am quite certain that there are more nonfiction picture books being release than the one I have noted.  

May 8, 2012
Suriya Swims! The True Story of How an Orangutan Learned to Swim by Bhagavan Antle; Thea Feldman; Illustrated by Barry Bland

May 15, 2012
Big Cats: In Search of Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, and Tigers by Steve Bloom

May 22, 2012
Bon Apetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child by Jessie Hartland

How Things Work in the House by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Robin, Where are You? by Harriet Ziefert; Illustrated by Noah Woods

June 1, 2012
George Bellows: Painter with a Punch! by Robert Burleigh; Illustrated by George Bellows

June 12, 2012
I, Galileo by Bonnie Christensen

June 19, 2012
Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Dessert by Gary D. Schmidt; Illustrated by David Diaz

July 17, 2012
Timeless Thomas: How Thomas Edison Changed Our Lives by Gene Barretta

The links for the above books will take you directly to the IndieBound.org book page for purchasing information, unless otherwise noted.  Please note, I do not make anything off these links or profit in anyway from posting the links.   I know that I am still searching for May releases and will likely do a Part II update. If you know of a book that should be included in this list, please include the title and author in the comments section and I will update the list. 

Feel free to link your nonfiction picture book reviews to the Mr. Linky below.  

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (13)

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.


I just realized that today is the last Wednesday of the month.  Where did April go?  Seriously!!!  It is time for a giveaway.  And it is also National Poetry Month.  So I might be stretching this a bit to fit a poetry book into a nonfiction review, but I'll share why below.   My nonfiction giveaway of the month will be a copy of Douglas Florian's unBEElievables.  You have until Wednesday, May 2, 2012 to enter the contest.  It is open to international participants. 

Author/Illustrator:  Douglas Florian
Publisher:  Beach Lane Books (March 2012)
Number of Pages: 32
Source: Personal Copy
Audience: K-5
Poetry * Bees * Nonfiction

Description from the publisher's page:
The buzz is big for Douglas Florian’s new poetry collection about the unBEElieveably unique lives of honeybees—and the vital role they play in our ecosystem. Come inside the honeycomb—a busy, buzzy, bee-filled home—and learn about the unexpected wonders of these tiny insects’ lifestyles, families, and communities. In fourteen funny, fact-filled honeybee poems and paintings, Douglas Florian explores the natural history of these often-unappreciated critters, revealing them to be a totally cool—and totally important—part of our ecosystem. Indeed, these buzzy bugs have been in the spotlight lately as wild bee populations are dwindling, honey prices are rising, and beekeeping has become a popular hobby. 

My thoughts on this book:
When I first saw this book, I fell in love with it.  My initial thought was how cool to mix poetry and nonfiction in the same book. Florian has a brilliant concept within the pages of this book.  There are 14 poems about bees (bees, bee anatomy, queen bees, types of bees, and more), and they are all very accessible for children (or for those adults who are still trying to figure out poetry).  Though I really enjoyed the poetry, I was impressed with how each poem was accompanied by a corresponding "bee fact" about the same topic as the poem.  There was even a few further reading suggestions at the end.

This is certainly one of those books that can be used with various grade levels and also in different parts of a curriculum.  I love books that I can keep referring to all through the year and not just for a specific unit or feature in a month.  I also like things that I can share with more than one grade level and allows for multi-age projects.  Additionally, Florian's illustrations had this great "kid" feel to them which gave me ideas of how to combine both art and poetry into a lesson for the students.

If you want a chance to check out this book, don't forget to enter the giveaway (no reviews necessary but you do need to fill out the form.) 

Also, if you are participating in the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge, link up a recent review. 





Don't forget to add a link to your own nonfiction picture book reviews from this past week. Thanks for participating in the challenge.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (11)

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.

This weeks, Nonfiction Picture Books seem to be centered around a nature theme - beetles, frogs, and crocodiles.  Lots of fun reading for the boys in your class and those girls who would rather be chasing the frogs in the pond than kissing one in a play.

Frogs! Strange and Wonderful
Author: Laurence Pringle
Illustrator: Meryl Henderson
Publisher: Boyd Mill Press (April 1, 2012)
Audience: Ages 8 to 11

Interested in frogs? In this picture book geared for 2nd or 3rd grade and up, author Laurence Pringle looks at frogs, their behavior, habitats, life cycle, etc. Lots of text in a much more traditional nonfiction book format.  As schools move towards Common Core Standards and seek to incorporate more nonfiction texts to the curriculum, teachers will be interested in books just like this.  The illustrations provided quite a bit of detail and helped to highlight the text.

What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings: A Guide for Crocodilian Parents (And Curious Kids)
Author: Bridget Heos
Illustrator: Stephane Jorisch
Publisher: Millbrook Press (April 1, 2012)
Audience: Ages 7 to 10

Where as the book on Frogs! was done in a more traditional nonfiction format, Heos uses a more interactive and fun format in her book of What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings.  I haven't read the previous book in the series, but since they stand alone it isn't necessary. I loved the smart Q & A approach to talking about crocidilian parents and their hatchlings.  It made the book very readable and increased the chance of young readers staying with the text.  The colorful illustrations just accentuated the humor that was woven into the text. This would be great for kids who might be less enthusiastic to be reading non-fiction text.

The Beetle Book
Author/Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (April 3, 2012)
Audience: Ages 7 to 10

It must be spring. It seems my recent selection of new picture books have a running theme of insects and this one is no different. Steve Jenkins is amazing. His books are fascinating, and if you haven't read any of his other books, you should.  This isn't a text heavy book.  Instead, the book is filled with great illustrations and lots of little snippets of facts about beetles.  I probably learned more than I ever wanted to about beetles but it was a fascinating read.


Don't forget to add a link to your own nonfiction picture book reviews from this past week. Thanks for participating in the challenge.

Book Review: How Many Jelly Beans?

Author: Andrea Menotti
Illustrator: Yancy Labatt
Publisher: Chronicle Books (February 29, 2012)
Source: Book for Review
Audience: Elementary
Nonfiction * Math * Picture Book

Description from Chronicle Books:
How many jelly beans are enough? How many are too many? Aiden and Emma can’t decide. Is 10 enough? How about 1,000? That’s a lot of jelly beans. But eaten over a whole year, it’s only two or three a day. This giant picture book offers kids a fun and easy way to understand large numbers. Starting with 10, each page shows more and more colorful candies, leading up to a giant fold-out surprise—ONE MILLION JELLY BEANS! With bright illustrations and an irresistible extra-large format, How Many Jelly Beans? makes learning about big numbers absolutely scrumptious! 

When this book arrived from the publisher, it was in a huge box.  I assumed it contained several books until I opened it up and realized that this book was larger than the typical picture book and required a larger than normal box.  The brightly colored jelly beans and black & white illustrations drew me in immediately.  I had to read this one.  Since receiving it, I have read it several times and enjoyed it every single time.  I even read this one aloud to a group of teacher/librarians recently who also loved it.  We couldn't stop plotting about ways to use this book with children.

The story kicks off with Emma being asked "how many jelly beans would you like?" She starts off with a conservative 10.  The corresponding illustration shows 10 realistically sized jelly beans in all colors.  Emma's younger brother, Aiden, though isn't as hesitant and asks for 20 jelly beans.  Quickly the number goes up 25, 50, 75, 500, 1000.  The two children eventually try to figure out how many jelly beans per day you would need to eat to consume 1000 in a year.  Even Murphy the dog finds a way to get into the action.  As the number of jelly beans goes up, the size of the jelly beans goes down.  The book ends with a surprise pull-out to represent 1,000,000 jelly beans.

This is a fabulous book.  It has it all - great concept, engaging illustrations, and well executed.  The size of the book may be a challenge on a shelf and the pull out at the end may be a bit difficult for younger children to re-fold (think how hard it is to refold a map properly).  However, this book needs to be used with children.  I can see a child reading it and calling others over to "check this out".  I can also see teachers using it with groups of children to discuss number sense.

Andrea Menotti and Chronicle Books have a winner on their hands.  I am so excited about this book that I am giving away the copy I received (it is in perfect condition - I was careful in looking at it).  And I plan on picking up several copies for the school library and for a personal copy at my local indie bookstore.

Rules for the Giveaway:
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 March 15, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on March 22, 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.  US residents ONLY for this contest.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (8)

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.

This week's Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is coming to you courtesy of Penguin Books. Thanks to Publisher Rep extraordinaire, Nicole, one lucky reader has a chance to win a copy of The Camping Trip that Changed America by Barbara Rosenstock and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba.  In addition to these two wonderful books, there is also a signed print from Maira Kalman's book Looking At Lincoln. 

The Camping Trip that Changed America
Author: Barbara Rosenstock
Illustrator: Mordecai Gerstein
Publisher: Penguin Group (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Can you imagine going on a camping trip with the President of the United States?  True, I am not much of a camper, it doesn't prevent me from thinking about what it would be like to have some undivided time with one of the most influential people in the world.  Of course, it wouldn't be very easy to accomplish this today.  Can you imagine how many Secret Service men would have to join you?  However, this story takes place in 1903, when it was still possible for the President to go off on an adventure. 

Though this is more of a fictionalized telling of a fateful camping trip that President Theodore Roosevelt went on with naturalist, John Muir, there is still some great information in this book. Barbara Rosenstock does a nice job depicting the enthusiasm which Roosevelt possessed and the sense of adventure and appreciation for nature as beheld by Muir.  My favorite part in the book is a two page spread where Roosevelt and Muir are camping out under the skies and Muir tells Roosevelt about all the wonderful things there were in the United States.  All I can imagine is how these two men influenced each other in some important way.

Mordicai Gerstein illustrations lend a certain mood that perfectly suits the book.  Rosenstock includes some quotes and important author notes at the end of the book which provide slightly more information.  I found this a fun read and would certainly recommend it for a classroom or school library.

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
Author: William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zunon
Publisher: Dial (January 19, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

"In a small village in Malawi, where people had no money for lights, nightfall came quickly and hurried poor farmers to bed.  But for William, the darkness was best for dreaming."  

In a world, where so many children have so much and sometimes believe that they should receive a grade or a position for just showing up, it was refreshing to read about William Kamkwamba's story.  In a poor village, in face of a drought, and without the funding to attend school, William used his ability to dream and his curiosity about how things work to develop a solution that would help his family and community.  Creating a windmill at a teenager in the best of circumstances would be a challenge, but having to scrounge the pieces from junkyards and wherever else he could find things made the challenge even that much greater.  William's story is inspirational and should be shared with children. 

Elizabeth Zunon's mixed media illustrations bring an extra dimension to this story and makes both William and his windmill stand out and pop off the pages.  A fascinating story paired up with well matched illustrations makes this a wonderful book to add to a classroom or school collection.

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Starting with the penny and a five dollar bill, Maria Kalman introduces children to the 16th president in quirky but factual manner.  As with the previous title, there is an element of the story being fictionalized but there is accuracy in the facts of the story.  It was particularly interesting for me to pick up a couple of other picture books written at very different times and by very different authors and find that certain aspects of Lincoln's life was prominent in each of the books. 

The often humorous, yet touching look at the life and habits of Lincoln, including his relationship with his wife, and how he stored notes in his hat, made this important president seem even more humble and significant.  The illustrations also done by Kalman add to the feeling of the book, and I especially liked how she tied the story together at the end with the Lincoln Memorial.  Though I believe children ages 7 and up will enjoy the book, I do think the 2nd and 3rd graders may particularly connect to the illustrations and story format.

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 29, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on March 6, 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.

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday (6)

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.

What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors
Authors: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Raymond Obstfeld
Illustrators: A.G. Ford, Ben Boos
Publisher: Candlewick Press (January 3, 2012)
Audience: Grades 3 to 7
Source: Borrowed Copy

Description from GoodReads:
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, basketball legend and the NBA's alltime leading scorer, champions a lineup
of little-known African-American inventors in this lively, kid-friendly book.

Did you know that James West invented the microphone in your cell phone? That Fred Jones invented the refrigerated truck that makes supermarkets possible? Or that Dr. Percy Julian synthesized cortisone from soy, easing untold people's pain? These are just some of the black inventors and innovators scoring big points in this dynamic look at several unsung heroes who shared a desire to improve people's lives. Offering profiles with fast facts on flaps and framed by a funny contemporary story featuring two feisty twins, here is a nod to the minds behind the gamma electric cell and the ice-cream scoop, improvements to traffic lights, open-heart surgery, and more - inventors whose ingenuity and perseverance against great odds made our world safer, better, and brighter.


An interview with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

 

My thoughts on the book:
Some books make you wonder about the conversation that might have taken place between publisher, editor, author, illustrator.  If I was a more talented writer, I would recreate this hypothetical conversation for the entertainment of readers.  However, I will spare you that digression and jump into my thoughts on the book.

When I look at a book, especially a nonfiction picture book, I have a hard time stepping out of my educator mindset.  Yes, I want to enjoy a book simply because it is an enjoyable book.  However, with nonfiction, I am also trying to consider how to use it with children.  Basketball great - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has stepped into the role of celebrity debut author with his new children's book What Color is My World: The Lost History of African American Inventors.  His comment in the video above indicating his desire to show children a piece of African American History beyond Slavery and Civil Rights is most admirable.   I want children to know about the rich history and culture of African Americans too.  For that we are in agreement.  We are also seeing eye to eye on the wonderful facts provide on the various men and women inventors which are included in this book. 

Where we diverge, the format of the book and the voice of the story.  The format is a large-size picture book with flaps which in my mind is typically for younger audiences.  The text written for the facts about inventors is written for student in grades 4 and up.  The story portion of the book has an excessive amount of text (again for an older audience) but a voice that almost seems appropriate for younger readers.   

It is true that I haven't had a chance to look at this book with children, and so my opinion might change.  And though, I think there are wonderful facts and parts to this book, I would discover a way to share this book so children will get the most from it.

Click here to check out Candlewick's Book Trailer for What Color is My World?

It's that time of the week...add your nonfiction reviews to the Mr. Linky below.  

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.

Nonfiction Picture Book Releases February 2012

The Nonfiction Detectives and I are hosting a Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge.  At the beginning of each month, my goal is to post all of the new non-fiction picture books being released over the next 30 days. 

February 1, 2012

*A Blackhole is Not a Hole by Carolyn Cinami Decristofano, Michael Carroll

A Leaf Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas, Illustrated by Violeta Dabija

Snowmobile: Bombardier's Dream Machine by Jules Older

February 8, 2012

The President's Stuck in the Bathtub: Poems About the Presidents by Susan Katz, Illustrated by Robert Neubecker

February 14, 2012

Citizen Scientist by Loree Griffin Burns, Ellen Harasimowicz

*The Impossible Rescue by Martin W. Sandler

There Goes Ted Williams: The Greatest Hitter Whoever Lived by Matt Taveres

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature by Nicola Davies, Illustrated by Mark Heard

February 15, 2012

I Lay My Stitches Down: Poems of American Slavery by Cynthia Grady, Illustrated by Michelle Wood

February 16, 2012

Women Explorers by Julia Cummins, Illustrated by Cheryl Harness

February 28, 2012

*Boston's Great Molasses Flood by Deborah Kops

Georgia in Hawaii: When Georgia O'Keeffe Painted What She Pleased by Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Yuyi Morales

The links for the above books will take you directly to the IndieBound.org book page for purchasing information, unless otherwise noted.  Please note, I do not make anything off these links or profit in anyway from posting the links.   If you know of a book that should be included in this list, please include the title and author in the comments section and I will update the list. 

* Indicates Non-fiction children's books that are not specifically picture books.