Just have not had time to get these organized. Here are a few, more to come this week!
When You Grow up to
Vote by Eleanor Roosevelt with Michelle Markel,
Illustrated by Grace Lin
Eleanor Roosevelt wrote this little gem several decades ago.
It has now been republished with updates by Michelle Markel. Who are our public
servants? How does the government work? Why should we vote? This can be used as
a resource for class projects or read a chapter at a time to help children
understand the workings of the government. It is a great reminder of why we
need to always vote.
Lucy Fell Down the
Mountain by Kevin Cornell
First, it is terrifying as a young girl is falling down the
mountain, so you have to suspend your belief in harm. Next it’s mystifying. Why
would a rope from a mountaineer save Lucy as she is falling? Hmmm. No one
knows. Finally, it is a bit disgusting as Lucy is saved by rolling into a huge
snowball and barfing when the ball comes to a rest next to a chalet. Have to
say, I am not a fan of this book. The art work is somewhat appealing, but the
story is a little much for me, an perhaps for the primary grades as well. Who
knows? This may be the book of the year for some kids!
Tessa Takes Wing
by Richard Jackson, Pictures by Julie Downing
Baby Tessa wakes up early, jumps out of her crib and flies
around the house, playing with big sister’s toys and reading her books. With
the help of Bingo, the dog, she gets back to the crib just in time, before
anyone else awakes. A fantastical dream of flying and maybe a way for the
younger sister to get something before the older sister, for once. Have fun
flying, Tessa!
Above and Beyond:
NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich
A picture/chapter book, with illustrations and photographs
of all the major space missions from the last 60 years. This will fascinate any
girl or boy who still dreams of space travel. Chapters cover what we learned in
space, who are scientists and astronauts are/were and even take on workplace
discrimination against women and people of color. Each chapter includes Fun
Facts and Fast Facts so the child who does not want to read all of the text
still has something to look at and can gather some facts for sharing.
Little Chef by
Matt Stine and Elisabeth Weinberg, Illustrated by Paige Keiser
Lizzie, aka Little Chef is preparing a special meal for her
grandma who is also a super chef. The day includes a special fortifying
breakfast, a shopping trip to the Farmer’s Market and cooking up a storm in the
kitchen with mom and dad. Food and relationships often go together and in this
book, it is certainly true. The recipe at the end allows more little chefs to
find and use their own secret ingredients.
Every Last Bubble
Must…Pop! By Jason Carter Easton, illustrated by Matt Rockefeller
Dewey is trying to catch the last bubble, but it flies too
high, so he jumps on his trampoline, climbs to the roof of his house, takes a
hot air balloon and finally commandeers a rocket to the moon. All in vain, as
the bubble flies higher and higher out of his reach! Finally, back in his own
home, he sees the bubble and knows its fate. Read if you want to find out what
this is.
