Author Archives: Midge Livingston

I am a Great Friend!

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By Lauren Stohler

Baby Capybara is a happy, fun-loving soul that enjoys playing the drums (on rocks), blowing bubbles and making obstacle courses. Unlike the other capybaras, he has no bird friends that stay on his back. His mother explains that he needs to be calm and relaxing in order to gain friends like birds. He tries to do these things and eventually is successful. Will his new friends enjoy the high energy activities that he wants to share with them or will he always be a lonely capybara?

The author has created a cute story that gives readers a message that while there are times finding and making friends can be challenging. She also sends the message that being yourself will make you a happier person in the long run. With adorable a pleasing illustrations, this picture book will make young readers smile.

The Greedy Worm

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by Jeff Newman

In this (pretty much) wordless picture book, a worm finds a beautiful, huge apple. When others come along he has to make a decision. Will he share or not? As the title says, this worm is greedy. He quickly eats it all so others don’t get any. This makes him a very plump and pretty much immobile worm that a hungry bird is VERY interested in. Do the others choose not to help? Or do the step in even though he decided not to share? This is a very simply illustrated book that all will understand.

Bolivia

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By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is an introduction to a South American country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Cocadas and make creative spinning tops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Andean Condor, Capybaras and Giant Otters. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What sites to see and activities to do in the Madidi National Park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Finland

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By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is a introduction to a Northern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to learn about a famous hockey player and learn to make a “Himmeli”. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Eurasian Lynx, Moor Frogs, and Reindeer. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What a family or person would do in a famous national park, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Slovenia

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By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Eastern European country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe of Carnival Fried Dough Balls and an activity called Thieves and Cops. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Olm, Alpine Ibex and the Ural Owl. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Taiwan

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By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an Asian country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try basic Mandarin phrases and learn about a famous film director and screenwriter from the country. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Formosan Black Bear, Sambars and Chinese Cobras. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Tanzania

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By Golriz Golkar

This book is a introduction to an African country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try the main language, Kiswahili, and learn about a famous singer as well. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Dik-Dik, Marsai Giraffes and the Hippopotamus. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but could also just be a fun read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

United Arab Emirates

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Country Profiles

By Alicia Z. Klepeis

This book is an introduction to a Middle Eastern country that is unbiased and current. Readers will enjoy the colorful images as well as the opportunities to try a traditional recipe and do a cultural activity. There is fun and fascinating information about a variety of animals such as: the Arabian Oryx, Sand Cats and Hawksbill Turtles. This book also shows citizens in traditional as well as daily dress doing a variety things throughout the day. This is an informative book that could not only assist a student in a project but is also just a fun and fascinating read. It is recommended for elementary libraries that are interested in purchasing/updating country reference books that covers just the basics.

The Blastoff! Discovery – Countries of the World series contains many informational chapters including but not limited to: What someone would do and/or see in a major city of the country, landscape and climate, wildlife, people/communities, various cultural aspects, a timeline, and facts about the country. These books also include a glossary with terms that are in bold throughout the book as well as an index and a section with links and books to learn more about the country. These books are recommended for grades 3 – 8 and are marked at a fourth grade reading level. They are at “Level 3″ which offers a bit more challenge newly fluent readers but also includes an increased text load, and test-supportive special features.”

Burt the Beetle Lives Here

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By Ashley Spires

Burt is a junebug in search of the perfect home. As he travels, he learns about the many homes that insects live in. This adorable critter searches long and far becoming frustrated and cold only to find his shelter can simply be a leaf to sit under. Not only does this book introduce many insects and where they live, it shows that one can overcome adversity as well as find supportive friends.

This is book two in the series but can easily be a stand alone. Also included are some “Awesome Insect Builder Facts” as the end of the book. This book is highly recommended and this librarian will be searching to include book one, “Burt the Beetle Doesn’t Bite” to her collection.

I am John Lewis

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By Brad Meltzer, Illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos

In another wonderful addition to the Ordinary People Change the World biographical series, Brad Meltzer has done an excellent job writing about yet another impactful person in history. Not only is this title an introduction to John Lewis. It also introduces the Civil Rights Movement in a way that is colorful and visually appealing to young audiences. Meltzer touches on others in the movement such as Martin Luther King, Jr as well as important events in Civil Rights history. Also included are historical images and a timeline.

This is a book in a must have series for libraries that shows grit and determination.