More non-fiction
If Sharks Disappeared
by Lily Williams
What is an eco-system? How do animals and plants interact
with one another within an ecosystem? Using scientific vocabulary in a way that
is engaging for children, Williams paints a dire picture if sharks were to
disappear. Most two-page spreads include semi-realistic pictures of animal and
plant life and one little girl with noticeably brown skin. Yes! The book
includes a glossary, author’s note on where to get more information and a list
of ways the reader can help save sharks. The endpapers include illustrations of
several different sharks. Studying ocean life? This is a must have!
Maya Lin: Artist-Architect
of Light and Lines, Designer of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial by Jeanne
Walker Harvey, illustrated by Dow Phymiruk
If you are looking for a story of strong woman who succeeds
in a field traditionally dominated by men, you have found it in this short
biography of Maya Lin. Harvey has done her research and tells the story of Maya
Lin’s winning entry into the Vietnam Memorial Design Contest with grace and
care. While I have been to the memorial and knew that it was designed by a very
young woman, I didn’t know anything else about Lin. This gives me some context
and insight into her life and her reasons for the design. It is even more
beautiful to me after reading this book and I am anxious to go back to see it
again.
Poetry About Daddy and Mommy
My Daddy Rules: Poems
about Dads by Hope Anita Smith
Lovely poems by an award-winning poet combined with simple
illustrations of fathers and their children. While the cover shows an African
America boy and his dad, inside you will see brown, white and black dads and
both sons and daughters. Looking for a book with positive images about dads of
any color? This one is perfect!
Mommies are Amazing by Meredith Costain, illustrated by Polona Lovsin
The title says it all, Mommies ARE amazing! Costain uses Lovsin's illustrations of cat mommies and their kittens as a jumping off place to tell all the ways mommies are amazing! With short rhyming couplets, and simple language for the littlest readers, Costain describes all the ways that mommies come to our rescue, love us and help us when we are happy and sad. I thought of my mommy and you will too!
Early Concept Books
Billions of Bricks
by Kurt Cyrus
A rhyming book and a counting book with a twist. Throughout
the book about building with bricks, the author counts by twos, fives, tens and
twenties. For those young children that are ready to move beyond counting by
ones, this is perfect. And the illustrations, of both bricks on pallets and
trucks and bricks in gorgeous buildings are perfecting done. Count away!
May I Have a Word?
By Caron Levis; Pictures by Andy Rash
Another alphabet book? But, wait, this one does not go
through the alphabet letter by letter. These letters have personalities, giving
the author a clever way to teach the concepts of C and K making the same sound
and the K being silent when combined with N (KN). Kindergarten teachers: anyone
want this book?
Walter’s Wonderful Web
by Tim Hopgood
Walter cannot make a perfect web, but he can make webs of
many different shapes. A cute story that helps very young children to learn
about shapes. And a certain young boy named Walter was always one of my favorite children. He is all grown up now, but maybe he would enjoy sharing this book with his younger cousin!
A Small Thing…But Big
by Tony Johnston, Pictures by Hadley Hooper
Lizzie goes to the park with her mother and meets an old man
and a dog. No, that is not the beginning of a joke. Lizzie wants to approach
the dog, but she is a little afraid, or to use another word: timid. Do you need
to teach adverbs? Here’s the book for you: carefully, quietly, springingly, and
magnificently are just a few of the great adverbs in this book. Have fun!
Sing with Me! Action
songs Every Child Should Know Illustrated by Naoko Stoop
A series of baby’s first songs including Here We Go Round
the Mulberry Bush and Polly Put the Kettle On. All are illustrated with cute
children and cartoon animals. Each song includes brief instructions for
movements to try when singing the song.
Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley, pictures by Tracy Subisak
When Shawn's teacher announces that each student will do a report on a predator, Shawn is sure that he will do sharks. But, Stacy draws the shark from the bowl of options and Shawn draws the Leopard Seal. He is crushed and Stacy won't trade. What's a boy to do? Let's say the ending involves friendship, sharing information and falling in love with Leopard Seals. Plenty of information here for those who are researching predators, and Manley throws in a few laughs just for fun.
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