Thursday, May 31, 2012
My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop
Books4Learning is participating in My Favorite Reads Giveaway Hop hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer.
There are over 100 blogs participating.
Click on the Hop title for a complete list. The Books4Learning follower who enters and
wins, may chose from 3 different selections.
Click on each title for individual reviews.
- Walk Two Moons (Sharon Creech)
- The Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents (Terry Pratchett)
- Mother-Daughter Book Club (Heather Vogel Fredrick)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Love In Bloom Giveaway Hop Winner
Congratulations
to Danielle Chapman!
Winner of
the Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop.
She won a copy of Sara Dessen's
What Happened to Goodbye.
Thanks to
everyone who participated.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Picture Books (Science): Pond Life
Like its
title suggests, this fun story cleverly uses the beloved “Old MacDonald” song
as inspiration. The narrative follows a young girl’s
exploration of a pond on her family farm. She carries with her a notebook where she
draws the plants and creatures she finds. The soft, watercolor illustrations are contrasted with a white background,
keeping it simple and focused on the pond itself. There is a great use of onomatopoeia. For instance, the reeds go “swish, swish,” the
deer “flick, flick” (as it drinks), and the dragonflies “whir, whir.” As the exploration ends, Jo runs to playfully
share her drawings with “Old MacDonald.” The closing pages reveal her drawings as wells as facts about ponds, additional resources on them, and ways to be a young naturalist. Jo MacDonald Saw a Pond is
ideal for ages 3-8.
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On summer
morning, Buddy and Mamma decide to go on a pond walk. Buddy wants to see a turtle more than
anything! As he investigates, his mamma
helps him identify insects and animals.
They discuss what they know about them and tell silly jokes. Buddy
draws a picture of each creature and plant he sees like whirling beetles, a frog,
cattail plants, dragonflies, a lily pad, and a salamander. The duo share a picnic lunch
at the pond before heading home. They
finally spot a turtle but in an unexpected way! The illustrations are typical of Wallace’s
style—simple shapes using paper collage, photographs, and colored pencils. Instructions at the end demonstrate how you
can make a rock turtle with your little ones.
Pond Walk is a fun book for ages 3-8.
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This narrative is hosted by none other than the Cat in the Hat who teaches his
child companions all about pond life. Though it is written in free verse poetic form with simple vocabulary
and sight words, it delves into things big and small at the pond. He begins by introducing microscopic organism
like spirulina and amoeba. Readers get a look at what can be seen in a
microscope. Next, he shows the snails,
worms, and leeches on the pond’s floor.
Thing 1 and Thing 2 stop by to help out with the difference between a
complete and an incomplete metamorphosis. Much more is revealed about the
fish, insects, and other animals that make up this habitat. The narrative ends with one of the Cat’s
unusual antics. I recommend Would
You Rather Be a Pollywog for ages 5-9. Early Reader,
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This selection
begins with a spy-hole view of a small part of something in the pond
surroundings. The text asks, “Look very
closely. What do you see?” Several
suggestions are made as possibilities.
Children can pick one of them or make their own guesses. Turning the page reveals the animal or plant
in full. Two short paragraphs are
written about each one. For animals,
their habits, such as eating, nesting, and protecting themselves, is disclosed. For
plants, their role in the pond habitat is explained. This
same pattern is repeated for each one like the box turtle, shubunkin, mallard
duck, dragonfly, water lily, cattail, and tiger salamander. The final page reveals a sweeping view of the
pond at dusk. The photograph
illustrations are vivid and striking. Looking
Closely Around the Pond is recommended for ages 5 and up.
This
brilliant book is oozing with stunning photographs of plant and animal
life. There are so many amazing
close-up shots from everything from algae and microscopic volvox to killer
grubs and water boatman. The fascinating
text delves into the lives of the northern water snake, the great blue heron,
the fearsome mink, and the red-spotted newt.
Creepy crawlers also abound like snails, mosquitoes, grubs, and
leeches. A snapshot of some of the most
interesting information is given on each one.
Life in a Pond is a visual delight that ages 7 and up will
love!
This post is
linked up with Science Sunday at Adventures of Mommydom and NonFiction Monday at Apple with Many Seeds.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Poetry Friday: Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes (Brian P. Cleary)
The people
with
the purple
paper
pranced in their
pants by the
simple
steeple.
There are
several examples of alliteration (the same beginning sound)—people/purple/paper/pranced/pants
and simple/steeple. Children can recognize the sounds they frequently hear and pick out the specific words with those sounds. Older children can identify consonance (repetition
of same sounds anywhere in the word).
The emphasis on the “p” sound is underlined. Encourage listeners to identify how many “p’s”
they hear (10 total). Another example emphasizes other sound devices:
Sasha shifted
as she sifted
through the thistle
for her sister’s
whistle.
There is end
rhyme (thistle/whistle) and internal rhyme (shifted/sifted). Alliteration and consonance are
present, but there is also assonance (repetition of the same vowel sound) which is trickier to
identify. The underlined letters indicate where the short "i" sound is located.
The
illustrations (by Steve Mack) are bright and colorful, making them enticing for young readers. The tongue twisting lines make for humorous and creative
pictures, many focusing on animal antics.
I recommend Six Sheep Sip Thick Shakes and Other Tricky Tongue Twisters for ages
3-9. Young listeners and readers will
find the tongue twisters pleasurable to their ears and the dynamic pictures a
feast for the eyes. This tongue twisting ride is sure to prompt children to create their own twisters. They will be having so much fun doing it that they won't realize they are practicing important language and reading skills. Round in out with the opportunity for them to illustrate each one they write.
For other great poetry related posts, visit Write. Sketch. Repeat.
Fairy Tale Friday: The Twelve Dancing Princesses
It is Fairy Tale Friday. All bloggers are welcome to link up their fairy tale themed posts.
The Twelve
Dancing Princesses has been a beloved fairy tale for centuries. There
are a few things in common in most versions.
First, there is a male protagonist who is a commoner. He may be a soldier coming back
from war, a shepherd, or other laborer. Generally, this man has shown himself to be
worthy by being come combination of these character qualities—hard working,
generous, brave, cunning, and patient. Surely,
it gives hope to the masses that they can ascend their current humble stations
with the right qualities and some luck.
Luck usually comes in the form of a wise woman who has some
magical powers. She offers clever advice
and a magical item (flower or cloak, for instance). The mystery of the daughters' nightly
activities is likely rooted in the universal parental experience of letting go
and lacking control over what your children are doing. It also reflects a fascination with the
underworld or otherworld. This
underworld is often cursed but ironically is a source of beauty and
riches. Making a quest into the underworld goes back to ancient times when heroes
like Gilgamesh and Odysseus journeyed there.
Fairy tales capture our imagination because of their ability to appeal
to the collective hopes, dreams, and fears of humanity.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Marianna Mayer):
This picture
book version is my favorite! The first
thing that drew me to it is the stunning paintings by K.Y. Craft that grace
each page. The text is framed with a
nearly full page illustration on one side and a small window picture on the
other. A border beautifully connects
everything together. This version is the more detailed, developing
the male protagonist (a former shepherd and eventual castle gardener) well and
providing time for the love to grow between him and one of the princesses. He does not reveal the secret to the
king. Instead, he willing attempts to
consume the drink that will attach him to the underworld kingdom forever
because he thinks it will please his favored princess. Her act of stopping him
(which is an act of true love) breaks the spell. The only part I don’t like is the addition of
the fortunate teller. Ruth Sanderson’s version is a condensed version of Mayer’s. It is also beautifully illustrated.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Jane Ray):
The pictures
in this version are also amazing, but the style is very different from Craft’s
depiction. The colors are vivid, and the details are
delicate. This version is based on the
Grimm’s fairy tale. A soldier comes upon
the castle hoping to solve the mystery.
Using a cloak provided by a wise woman, the soldier solves the mystery
and tells the king. The free spirited daughters’
admit it is true. They had been
outwitted. The girls are defying their father to have fun after hours. The narrative ends with the eldest daughter
(now queen) decreeing that she and her sisters should go dancing as often and
late as they wish. There is the sense
that the girls felt too confined by their father’s rules, so they were
rebelling (rather than being cursed). John Cech version is very similar. The pictures are nicely done in more muted
colors. Background information on this
fairy tale is provided on the final page.
The Twelve Dancing Princesses (by Rachel Isadora):
This version
relates the story in its simplest form, making it ideal for the youngest
readers. The text is straightforward and
concise. The African setting causes it
to stand out from the others which have more of a traditional western European appeal.
The characters dress in traditional African
garb. The energetic illustrations are
done with paint and collage paper, offering a distinctive look and feel.
Fairy Tale Friday is a weekly link-up co-hosted by Literary Transgressions and Books4Learning. Join in by clicking on the linky below.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Love in Bloom Giveaway Hop
Picture Book (Science): Pandas' Earthquake Escape (Phyllis J. Perry)
Summary of Pandas' Earthquake Escape (by Phyllis J. Perry):
On May 12,
2008, a 7.9 earthquake rocked northern China.
Following this natural disaster, a giant panda escaped from the safe
reserve he lived on. Author Phyllis
Perry uses that incident as inspiration for this fictional story about a mother
panda (Liling) and her cub (Tengfei). The two giant pandas are sleeping in a tree when it begins to shake violently, causing Tengfei to fall out of it. Her frightened mother quickly checks on her. Finding she is well, the two-some begin
running. They come to the wall that
keeps them safely in the reserve. In
the chaos and panic, they continue to run with Liling leading the way. When Tengfei gets separated from his mother,
he begins to cry out. Fortunately, they
are reunited. Deeper and deeper they
flee into the forest where they eventually find a cave to take cover in. The two pandas huddle close until they feel
safe enough to leave to forage for food and water. The workers from the reserve eventually find
them and return them safely to their home.
Evaluation:
Pandas' Earthquake
Escape
depicts how wild life is impacted by natural disasters. Even in the midst of the confusion, though,
the mother is quick to protect her young.
Animals have amazing survival instincts and resilient spirits. This book reminds us how the panda’s habitat and food supply are
endangered. As a result, there are
reserves (like the one shown in this book) that help protect them, so
they may continue to thrive and multiply. The story, though fictional, is
believable and appealing. Artist Susan
Detwiller has created striking illustrations with texture and depth. The pandas’ features and emotions are
captured brilliantly. Their habitat is
vivid and realistic. I recommend this book for ages 4 and up.
Sylvan Dell is an educational partner with parents and teachers. They provide books on science and math
concepts to accompany and promote learning at home and in school. In addition, there are always valuable
resources on the book pages, including a free teaching resource guide with lots of
extension activities.
This post is
linked up with Read Aloud Thursday at Hope is the Word.
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Picture Book: Dreams Around the World (by Takashi Owaki)
Photographer
Takashi Owaki traveled around the world, visiting multiple countries on 6
different continents. To the children he met, he asked the question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Owaki
highlights 13 of the children he interviewed and photographed in Dreams Around the World.
For each child, his/her name, age, and native country are provided. Then, Owaki shares a little of what he learned
about each one's life and dreams. Many
of the children have very different lives from the typical American child. For instance, Udayakumar (age 6) works in his
family’s restaurant while Armando (age 8) takes care of the llamas and donkeys
in a traveling circus his family works in.
Others have similar experiences
to many American children, like Angelica (age 6) who plays hide and seek with
her friends and Sara (age 7) who goes on bike rides with her family. American youngsters will definitely related
to their occupational dreams, such as dancer, teacher, pilot, kung-fu master,
police officer, ballerina, and princess. The photographs are striking. Each child has a full-page picture facing the information on him/her. Underneath the text, additional pictures of the child are shown that
reflect cultural and personal attributes.
Dreams Around the World reveals that no matter where we live, children have similar
interests and hobbies. Family and
friends are important. Most importantly, children all have dreams for the future. I recommend this book for ages 3-8.
Teaching Opportunities:
- Geography: identify the countries represented on a map; learn a few basic cultural and geographical elements about each one (or a couple favorites)
- Writing: instruct the child to write one or more sentences about what he wants to be when he grows up like “I want to be a ___________ when I grow up.” OR “When I grow up I want to be a _____________ because I want to ______________.”
- Art: allow the child to draw a picture of himself working in his dream job
- Unit Study: use as a part of a unit on community helpers; visit (or bring in as a guest speaker) community helpers like firemen, police officers, and business owners
- Math: create a graph of some of the most popular dream jobs from the book; allow students to vote on their favorite and create a graph together to depict the data
- Literature: pick 1 or more countries of interest; then, find a couple fiction books (such as myths, legends, or popular stories) in the library that reflect the culture; read and discuss them together
- Comparison: talk about similarities and differences between the children in the book and those in the class or neighborhood of the readers/listeners
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Children's Book Week Blog Hop Winner
Congratulations to Barbara Watson!
Winner of the Children’s Book Week Giveaway
Hosted by I am a Reader, Not a Writer.
She will receive a copy of Chester by Melanie Watt.
Check out Barbara's Blog.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Nonfiction Monday: Voices of World War I (Ann Heinrichs)
Evaluation:
Author Ann
Heinrichs emphasizes the personal and human side of the war. By examining it from multiple perspectives,
she suspends any judgment about fault or moral superiority of those who fought. There are photographs of each person and additional information about the general experiences of those who fought in similar circumstances. The sweeping context of the war is revealed in the many places the battle occurred—air, sea, and land . People from different countries and
backgrounds reflect the diversity of individuals. The book is relatively concise which makes it easy to read in one
sitting or it can be broken up into smaller ones focusing on 1-2 chapters. The biographical information is fascinating. I finished wanting to know more about each of the people. Also, I would have liked to see
a bit more background information about the war, but that can be found easily elsewhere. There are three additional books in this
series covering the American Revolution, American Civil War, and World War II. Voices of World War I: Stories from the Trenches is a nice accompaniment to a study of the Great War. I recommend it for ages 9 and up for either
independent reading or educational instruction.
Teaching Opportunities:
- Unit Study: a great resource for a study of history, WWI, or war
- Research: learn more about the specific people showcased in this selection or about warfare during WWI
- Writing: after further research, write a journal entry through the perspective of one of the real people who fought it or as a fictional solider
- Geography: locate each of the countries on the map; identify their capitals and a few significant details about the culture or terrain
- Journaling: write about which story you enjoyed most and why
- Literature: read a historical fiction title such as All Quiet on the Western Front or selections suggested HERE and HERE
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Middle Grade Reader: Walk Two Moons (Sharon Creech)
Creech is a
master story teller. There are three
main storylines in Walk Two Moons that are intertwined. Sal is the main protagonist and
narrator. As she is traveling across
the country with her grandparents (storyline #1), she reveals her life before
this journey (storyline #2) and tells her grandparents the story of her friend
Phoebe (storyline #3).
The physical
journey Sal takes with her grandparents follows the path her mother took from
Bybanks, KY to Lewiston, ID. Through the
trip, Sal shares memories of her mother and her life with her parents living on
a farm in Kentucky. Sal is determined to
bring her mother back, but as she gets closer and closer, she is afraid to face
what is to come. During the road trip,
the quirky and fun-loving characters of Gram and Gramps just steal your heart. Their love and devotion to one another is endearing. To help pass the time during the
trip, Sal tells about her move to Euclid, Ohio after her mother leaves for Idaho and the
story of her friend Phoebe who lives in a rigid and sterile home. Phoebe’s mother is clearly unappreciated by
her family. One day, she leaves a note
and disappears (similar to what Sal’s mother did). To add more intrigue, there is a mysterious young
man who they see periodically (called the “lunatic), envelopes with handwritten
messages from an unknown source show up on Phoebe’s porch, and a flamed-haired neighbor
named Mrs. Cadaver who is seen as a "threat" by both girls. Another significant
relationship in Euclid is with Ben, a boy in her class. With him, Sal experiences young love and her
first kiss. This relationship is
innocent and sweet.
What makes
this novel so amazing is that each of the storylines compliments the others,
adding depth and complexity. In the end,
all of them come together in such a beautiful, compelling manner. Sal reflects:
“Lately, I’ve been wondering if there might be something hidden behind
the fireplace, because just as the fireplace was behind the plaster wall and my
mother’s story was behind Phoebe’s, I think there was a third story behind
Phoebe’s and my mother’s, and that was about Gram and Gramps.”
Walk Two Moons
is absolutely Marvelous Middle Grade fiction!
Each of the four times I have read it (over the past 15 years), I got choked up to the point of an all out catharsis. Few stories have had such an impact on me. It is a MUST READ! Check out this novel and Sharon Creech’s other great works. I recommend this book for anyone ages 9 and up.
This post is
linked up with Marvelous Middle Grade Monday at Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe.
Picture Book (Science): Hornets, Incredible Insect Architects (Markle)
Summary:
Before delving into the specifics on hornets, the book begins with
a concise overview of what makes insects unique from other living things.
Next, the difference between hornets and wasps is explained, making it clear
that even though these terms are often used interchangeably, they are two very
different species. Interestingly, there is only one type of hornet in
America. Originating in Europe, they were first found in New York in
1840. They have since spread out through much of the country.
The parts of the body—inside and out—are covered extensively with
diagrams and text boxes identifying each part and explaining its use.
Then, the life cycle is described as it moves from egg, to larva, to pupa, and,
eventually, to adult. One particularly interesting fact is that the larva
“clamour” for food—often in unison! The focal point is the building and
tending of the nest. The queen chooses the building site and starts the
design. The most amazing part is how she combines wood fibers with her saliva
and juices to make paper! In addition, she forms each small cell into a
perfect hexagon, making it ready for a single egg. Hornets prey on honeybees
for food. They bite off the head and abdomen to eat the protein-filled
thorax. Further information is laid out about the functions and continued
building within the nest, ending with the winter coming. The queen
dutifully sets everything up for a next crop of queens for the following spring
season. The book concludes with information about other insect architects,
glossary of key scientific terms, book and website resources, and hornet
activities.
Evaluation:
This series goes beyond most juvenile science books, but the
information is not so dense that is becomes cumbersome. Markle's writing
style is highly engaging. I found myself learning a lot and not wanting
to put the book down! Stunning photographs accompany each section of
information to provide an up-close look at the lives of these remarkable
insects. I will continue to seek out additional books in the series as
well as Markles other books. I recommend Hornets:
Incredible Insect Architects for ages 7 and up.
Independent reading level is about third-grade.
This post is linked up with Science Sunday at Adventures of Mommydom.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Early Reader: Pip's Trip (by Janet Morgan Stoeke)
Summary of Pip’s Trip (by Janet Morgan Stoeke):
On Loopy
Coop Farm, there live three curious hens—Midge, Dot, and Pip. The farm pick-up truck is a source of
fascination and wonder to them. They
want to know where it goes. Noticing the
back of the truck is big enough for them all to fit inside, they each urge the other
to get in first. Midge is afraid of the
loud noise. Pip assures her that it is
quiet now. Midge is not so sure she
wants to see the wide world after all, so Pip boldly gets in the truck bed. Midge delays.
She insists on asking Rooster Sam first, so she struts off with
Dot. Pip hides under a blanket when the
truck gets loud. Pip's "outing" is surprising fun!
Evaluation:
Stoeke has
created a delightful early reader that effectively utilizes a small group of
high frequency words. The story is broken into short sections, allowing beginning readers to tackle the book in small spurts if needed. The vivid illustrations allow for young readers to discuss their relationship to the text, how they add to the characterization and fill in parts of the narrative the text leaves out. The characters are amusing and endearing. Pip's “journey” teaches her (and the others) about courage, contentment, and friendship. This book is the sequel to The Loopy Coop Hens, which, unfortunately,
I was unable to acquire. Both are deemed
by critics as just the thing for new readers. Based on my experience with Pip’s Trip, I whole-heartedly agree.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Fairy Tale Friday: The Girl and the Golden Bower
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One day, the
woodsman finds a frail young woman in the forest who has no memory of anything--even her name. Her only possessions are the dress she is wearing and a plain comb the color of her long hair. While the woodsman takes care of her, they
fall in love and get married; Aurea is born to them some time later. When Aurea is a five, another woman visits
the cottage. She asks for room in board. In exchange, she will cook for them. Aurea only receives watered down porridge. The couple, on the other hand, enjoy delicious
meals which are meant to distract them from their new cook’s real purpose. She is sorceress, looking for a charm she
believes is nearby. Soon after, the mother becomes
deathly ill, so she calls Aurea to her.
She bequeaths her the russet comb she came to the cottage with. Aurea is told the comb belonged to her
grandmother and will watch over her.
After the
wife’s death, the sorceresses casts a spell on the woodsman to attempt to learn
the charm. When he reveals nothing, she
discards him. Now, only two remain—the enchantress
and the child. Believing the child must
own the charm, the sorceress tries to woo her with her good food and feigned kindness. Aurea does not trust her
though. She instead retreats to the
forest where she is surrounded by creature that comfort her as she combs
their hair with her beloved comb.
Realizing the comb is the charm, the sorceress works to get it from
her. Aurea refuses.
The
sorceress drags her deep in the forest and puts a sleeping charm on her, hoping
she will die of starvation. The animals all
gather round to comfort her, and with the use of the comb, they build a protective
gate around her. When the sorceress
returns, she finds that everything nearby has turned to gold. Instead of a child lying there, it is now a
young woman. Forgetting about her original goal, she begins
to cut the gold strands for herself. A
loud roar resonates from the other side of the gate and the cut strands bind
the sorceress.
After being
awoken, the young woman walks over and opens the gate. Her animal friends transform into huntsman. Thinking
she will be rescued, the sorceress commands them to kill the beast. Instead, they do not move. The young woman walks up to the beast and begins to
comb his hair with her comb, causing both of them to be transformed—the beast
into a man (the king) and the young woman back to the girl Aurea. The
comb allows them to realize that Aurea is his granddaughter. The king is overjoyed to have found her. The sorceress receives her just “reward.”
This original, modern fairy tale is an interesting combination of Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and another tale
I once read about a huntsman in the woods. The soft watercolor illustrations (by Jane Dyer) in are lovely. They capture the setting beautifully and compliment the text exquisitely. What continues to stand out to me in fairy tales is that a vulnerable
child is trapped and destitute. So many
fairy tales depict these children overpowering the oppressive forces and people to be
reconciled with those they love and to live in the safety (usually in a castle).
If you think about it, isn’t that what
most movies and stories are at their barest form. Fairy tales are a window into the psyches of
humanity—in particularly children but generally all humans. Children today still need that reassurances—Mom
and dad will always be there for you.
You can overcome adversity. You
can fight to get free if someone tries to take you (at least I always told my
children this). I highly
recommend The Girl and the Golden Bower for ages 5 and up.
For teaching and extensive ideas with fairy tales, visit my Fairy Tale Teaching Ideas board on Pinterest.
For teaching and extensive ideas with fairy tales, visit my Fairy Tale Teaching Ideas board on Pinterest.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Chapter Book (Biography): Lincoln, A Photobiography (Russell Freedman)
I am
thrilled that I have finally found a subject to write my first book on. The subject is a biography of a person I
have admired for many years. I seriously
considered naming my child after this person.
Unfortunately, there were way too many others giving their child this
first name (not necessarily because of this historical person though). I will reveal my subject once I get a draft done. :)
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I have read
some really fantastic biographies lately.
Russell Freedman has always been, to me, the epitome of great biographical
writing for children. As I am preparing to begin work on my first
biography, I turned to his works. This
week I reread Lincoln: A Photobiography.
Freedman has
amazing storytelling skills. As I read,
I felt as if Lincoln’s life was unfolding before me. Often, he is painted heroically, larger than
life, savior of the union, champion of freedom. These things are no doubt true of him. Lincoln is much more. Most know he came from humble beginnings,
but even into adulthood he struggled with many of our contemporary issues—depression,
rejections, debt, money problems, malicious gossip, loss, failure, and feelings
of inadequacy. More than anything, he
should be admired for overcoming these often overwhelming adversities. No doubt they each had an impact on him that
prodded him to succeed to the highest office and to become a man of great
compassion and diplomacy.
Freedman
uses photographs in his story telling.
Each one gives a glimpse of Lincoln, his loved ones, his rivals, and his
world. Several depict soldiers—planning, fighting,
and dying on the battlefield. Surely,
the war and its losses weighed heavily on a man who experienced it all too often at a personal level. Also, there are some popular political cartoons berating him. In one he is depicted as a villainous coward
sneaking into Washington for his inauguration. Another one portrays him childishly playing tug-a-war with a map—a poke at him
fighting over the union. The illustrations add depth and reveal the criticism he faced and the complex political climate he navigated through.
Freedman
uses quotes effectively. Seamlessly,
quotes by Lincoln and others of his time are interwoven to make this narrative
personal and poignant. For instance,
when discussing Lincoln’s inner-conflict on when and how to free the slaves,
quotes are interspersed that reveal both sides of the issue. Eventually, Lincoln decides: “Fellow citizens, we cannot escape
history. We of this administration will
be remembered in spite of ourselves…In giving freedom to the slave, we assure freedom
to the free—honorable alike in what we give, and what we preserve.” Shortly after, he declared his view and
policy in the Emancipation Proclamation.
It is
difficult to read this book and not develop an even deeper respect for our 16th
president. This respect does not merely
occur because of his outstanding words and acts that made him famous. Instead, it comes from his quiet struggles,
his personal growth, his courage of conviction, and his great love for his
family. I highly recommend Lincoln: A Photobiography
for ages 8 and up.
This post is
linked up with Read Aloud Thursday.
Visit Hope is the Word for other great read aloud books for children.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Middle Grade Reader: Pipper's Secret Ingredient
Evaluation:
The layout
of Pipper’s Secret Ingredient is geared toward reluctant and transitional
readers. While it is a chapter book, the
pages have the smooth glossy feel of a picture book. There are colorful illustrations throughout,
ranging from small ones on a page of text to full one- and two-page spreads. This feature helps break up the text, which
many readers need. Also, the text is spaced well. The lines have a slight space between them
with bigger gaps between paragraphs. One
of my children gets overwhelmed with too many words (especially close together)
on a page, so I really appreciate this format. My favorite visual feature is the blog entry
pages that begin each chapter. The pages look like blogs snapshot with an entry through Pipper’s perspective as well
as features that reveal her past posts, recipe titles, and follower comments
(called Bark Backs). All of these aspects make it visually appealing. I wish there were
more of these transitional type readers.
The
characters are all dogs, but their character qualities and actions are human.
The dog motif is used to create some fun puns and word play. The narrative is part adventure story and
part quest. Pipper visits many
fascinating areas, which is ideal for extension activities related to geography
(locating areas on a map, learning about the cultures, trying ethnic
foods). There is mystery and excitement
along the way. She meets inspirational
people who each teach her something about life and cooking. One of the best parts is the focus on good
character. Pipper and her friends are
encouraging, loyal, and helpful.
I recommend Pipper's Secret Ingredient for ages 8 and up. The layout is perfect of reluctant readers (especially of chapter books). The exciting adventures and loyal friendships are sure to appeal to many.
For more information on this book, check out the website. The publisher has included an activity guide with lots of extension ideas for learning and fun!
Disclaimer: As per FTC guidelines, I received a copy of this book from the publisher or author in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
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