Space is all around us. You find space in between words, buildings, and in the sky. Space can be useful. This short picture book causes readers to pause and think about empty space in a different way. The illustrations are diverse and inclusive, but does include and anthropomorphic gorilla.
The book might be useful in looking at perspective or trying to look at things in new ways. It would probably be best in an individual or small group setting.
In the year 2009 and young cougar kitten is born in the Santa Monica hills, above Los Angeles California. He is the offspring of a tagged cougar known as P-1. This male cougar was the first to be tagged in the National Park Service Scientist program to study the wild mountain lions. This kitten become to be known as P-22. This particular mountain lion, known as P-22 becomes a local hero to people who are advocating for safe passage for wildlife over the freeways of southern California. Construction began in the year 2021 and will continue unti lit’s projected completion date of 2024.
The conclusions of the cougar study by the scientists revealed that cougars would likely become extinct within the next 50 years unless humans learned how to help them. They discovered that most cougars were killed by cars, rodent poisoning, and human hunters. The information of this study was helpful to get the information out to people who were leaving poison out for rats or mice, that domestic (dogs, cats) or wildlife (cougar, coyotes) could ingest this poison and die a horrible death. A law went before legislature to ban certain rodent poisons deadly to wildlife predators.
As the media followed this tagged cougar, known as P-22, people become invested in his wellbeing and cared about his safety. He had even eaten a favorite koala at the zoo and was forgiven by zoo officials, who vowed to better protect their animals at night. The puma’s following and loyal fan base was just as strong. This cat created a sensation which worked to create the animal crossing now being constructed. P-22 is still alive but has reached his old age and we have yet to see if he lives long enough to see the completion of the landbridge he helped to build!
At the end of this book are illustrations and information of other native animals in the hills of California, along with a timeline and website address for further research.
She tells them about dragons that bring down the rain. Dragons that are wise and just. Dragons that fly without wings.
This primary children’s book is the account of an elementary girl of Chinese heritage and her experience with sharing her family’s knowledge and beliefs around dragons. During a classroom scene, her teacher reads a special dragon book that Amy brings to school. The children are inspired to create their own version of a dragon. That evening Amy includes her family in the process of rehabilitating an old dragon “puppet” costume found in the attic. They bring out cardboard, glitter, jewels, fabric and everyone contributes until Amy has the perfect thing to share with her classmates. Several gather round and get inside the puppet costume and soar through the class to the amazement and amusement of others.
In addition to the lovable story, there is an activity page at the end of the book with directions on how to make your own dragon! There is also a comparison of Western verses Eastern dragons and the different interpretations of both. This would make a delightful read aloud, inspiration for an art activity, or a good share during the Lunar New Year. This book would make a great addition to your library.
A delightful and true story of a remarkable man named Nek Chand who was victim of the Indian and Pakistani partition of the late 1940s. He and his boyhood family were forced to relocate from Pakistan to India during a government order to separate Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs. Within two years after the forced move his parents died, primarily of heartbreak, as Nek recounts, “Partition devoured them.” Nek grieved his parents, his childhood village, and his former life, as a million other Hindus were doing the same.
Nek then turned the energy of grief into productive, artistic energy. He began to build, clear, and create a beautiful space in the forest just outside his new village of Chandigarh, India. He collected cast-off materials, such as: rocks. bottles, scrap metal, glass, ceramic shards, ect. and arranged them into works of art. Soon, others discovered his secret! The village people loved it, but the city had plans for a road to be placed through his artwork. After much consternation the city decides to go through with their plan to demolish the work until the towns folk, including children, create a human chain to protect the garden. And now an estimated 5,000 people daily, from all over the world, visit Nek’s Rock Garden.
Photos and drawings illustrate the large-font text that averages 3 sentences per page with 10-20 words per sentence. The book begins with a glossary and contents page It also includes a map of Tigers’ range and a graph comparing their maximum weight to that of other animals, ranging from house cats to polar bears. The illustrations are engaging and relatable. As the title says, the text contains many facts about tigers. This would be useful for younger readers doing a research project or older readers wanting some quick information.
Twelve year old Cuban Italian American Zoey could use a female in her life. Her maternal grandfather (Poppy), father and brother Jose are all she has since the death of her Mami and Abuelo. Her brother Jose is the constant in her life, but he is heading to college in a few months. Zoey, Jose and their Dad have moved several times a year since Mami died, most recently to Poppy’s house at the Jersey Shore. The book addresses the impact of loss, frequent moves, family tension, and a growing sense of belonging. Bowling, math, food, friends, family, hard work, and of course dreams are all a part of the story. There are conflicts to resolve, but there is a satisfying ending. There are enough things left open at the end to hope for a sequel.
Eva so very much wants to dance but her physical limitations keep her wheelchair-bound. When one of her moms reads about a dance class for “…all abilities, all ages. All are welcome” Eva is excited about the chance to pursue her dream. She is also nervous about stares and whispers, and about being rejected. Eva gives class a try and discovers she CAN dance as part of a group of all abilities. Soft watercolors illustrate both typically abled and dancers with varying needs for physical accommodations. The illustrator manages the difficult task of representing dance in a two-dimensional work. One way she shows the interconnected nature of dancing is through the use of stars floating on a blue swirl intertwining around and between the dancers. The charming story is inspired by a child named Eva who learned to dance at the actual company, Young Dance. The book ends with an author’s note and a note from the executive director of Young Dance.
Rachel Tawil Kenyon’s beautifully written story with gentle reminders on including and being kind to all. The flow is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, with a message reminding readers “Wherever life takes you, wherever you go, trut what’s inside you and let kindness flow.” Mary Lundquist’s gentle watercolor illustrations perfectly match the tone of the story and include friendly faces of different races, religions, and ages. “There are all sorts of people, as many as stars. Just give them a chance, and learn who they are.” This would be an excellent read aloud for any class. Highly Recommend
Markette Sheppard’s sweet, simple book, What is Light is sure to be enjoyed while snuggling up with a parent or loved one. The story is told in verse and points out not only the light around us, but the light within us. Stars, fireflies, the smile of a friend, a mother’s love. Cathy Ann Johnson’s bright and vibrant illustrations complement the story’s overall mood. The rhythm of the book is altered a bit when the author asks, “What is the light that can be seen around you? It can be found in everything that you do.” However, I am sure with repeated readings the rhythm would begin to flow for the reader. The diverse characters are refreshing to see.
The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson. Illustrated by Marie Lafrance picture book Grades 1-4
This picture book, The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson takes place in Germany immediately after WWII, and some details might be difficult for younger or more sensitive readers. Marie Lafrance’s illustrations mimic the hopeful, yet somber, and quite heavy, tone of the book. The author describes the family’s hardships – the children in the story are very hungry and their father was shot for refusing to fight during the war. This book highlights the children’s visit to a book exhibit set up by Jella Lepman, and the positive impact on their lives of being able to hear a read aloud again even though their town’s library was destroyed in the war. At the end of the book there are additional pages, with photographs, explaining the historical background, and her legacy. Inspiring and educational read aloud, but touches on complex and difficult issues.