Spotlight on Friendship and Compassion in Books by Cori Doerrfeld

Today, I am highlighting two amazing picture books by author-illustrator Cori Doerrfeld.  The first title, The Rabbit Listened, has been on my to-review list for a while.  When I discovered Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! I decided to discuss these books together.  While they are diverse in their subject matter, they have some noteworthy commonalities. 

The Rabbit Listened 
Publisher Summary 
When something sad happens to Taylor, all the animals think they know how to help.  One by one they come, but nothing they say makes Taylor feel better.  Until the rabbit arrives…and the rabbit knows just what to do. 

Evaluation 
This book can be read on multiple levels.  On the one hand, it is a simple picture book about a child’s experience with pain.  However, it resonates as an allegorical tale for adults as well.  

Out of nowhere, life often comes crashing down. This idea of the unexpected in life and sense of things falling apart is a universal experience at all ages.   In the story, this idea is illustrated when a pack of black birds knock down an elaborate building the protagonist, Taylor, has built.

Various animals attempt to “comfort” Taylor.  Each animal parallels the types of people we encounter in life.  These people are often more concerned with their own agendas rather than genuinely helping someone.  In the story, the chicken just wants to talk, talk, talk about it. The bear wants to dwell on angry feelings while the elephant tries to fix it.  When their approach doesn’t work, they walk away.

The rabbit in the book is the only one concerned with just being present.  He is true to his nature:  He sits and listens.  Everyone needs someone just to be present sometimes.  The rabbit allows the protagonist to go through all the emotions he feels.  The rabbit represents what a true friend acts like—compassionate, supportive, and selfless.    

Goodbye, Friend!  Hello, Friend! 
Publisher Summary 
Every goodbye brings a new beginning.  Goodbye to snowmen means hello to stomping in puddles!  Goodbye to the sun means hello to the stars!  Sometimes goodbyes are especially hard, and sometimes new beginnings take time but tomorrow always comes. 

Evaluation 
Several life experiences are represented through this straightforward text all while exemplifying the saying: When one door closes, another one opens.

Initially, Stella is reluctant to go to school.  She learns to make friends and to follow a new routine.  Another aspect of change is having to transition from an activity she enjoys to another one.  

Stella deals with loss.  Her pet dies.  Later, her best friend Charlie moves away.

With each potentially negative experience, Stella learns to see the rainbow on the other side of the storm.  Sometimes optimism is a relatively easy choice,  like having to come inside when it gets dark or having to go to bed during a sleep over.  Other times, she learns this lesson in more challenging experiences like falling down while trying something new or losing a loved one.  

Goodbye, Friend!  Hello, Friend! illuminates the importance of resilience and optimism no matter the circumstances.  The story reminds us that a closed door isn't the end.  Instead, there is an opportunity for a new beginning.

Cori Doerrfeld demonstrates exceptional skill in both picture books.  She shows the complexities of life and friendship while keeping it all on a concrete child’s level. The Rabbit Listened and Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! are must-reads for home and the classroom.  They illustrate the importance of compassion, friendship, feelings, and optimism in challenging times. 

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle (Anne Renaud)

Title:  The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson’s Famous Frozen Treat 

Author:  Anne Renaud 

Illustrator:  Milan Pavlovic 

Target Ages:  5 and up 

Genre:  Picture Book STEM Biography 

Publisher Summary: 

Young Frank William Epperson always knew he wanted to be an inventor.  He loved to experiment—especially with flavored soda water.  

Frank was determined to create the yummiest, most thirst-quenching soda drink ever.  Not all of his attempts were successful…you could even say some were disastrous.  But Frank never stopped trying, even as he grew up. 

First Lines:
Frank William Epperson knew what he wanted to be when he grew up.

And everyone in Frank’s family knew, too.  Because in case they forgot, he reminded them—often.  

Memorable Moment:  Frank has a creative and effective way to market his new product. 

Evaluation:

Frank’s idyllic childhood illustrates the importance of being creative, imaginative, and inquisitive.  His first laboratory was his back porch where he tinkered, tested, analyzed, and scrutinized.   

When he was 10 years old, he completed his first successful invention.  Frank’s example will inspire young readers as they realize they don’t have to wait to grow up to become an inventor.  They can begin doing it right now!

Another essential life and STEM lesson is show in Frank’s experience both succeeding and failing during experimentation.  Without the failures, Frank never would have found the right combination for success.   

Milan Pavlovic’s energetic and entertaining illustrations compliment this engaging text.  

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is an ideal family or school text to encourage scientific thinking and doing.  I recommend it for teachers and parents looking to add STEM biographies and models for their children. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans: 

• Comparison:  Compare and contrast Frank Epperson with another kid inventor. Try Marvelous Mattie: How Margaret E.Knight Became An Inventor by Emily Arnold McCully. 
• Characterization:  Discuss the types of activities Frank did in his daily life that lead to his success. 
• Creativity:  Create a new Popsicle flavor.  Draw a picture of it and write a pitch or advertisement to encourage others to try it. 
• Nonfiction:  Discuss the difference between fiction and non-fiction.  Compare this non-fiction story about a child inventor with a fiction counterpart like Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts.  
• Science:  Integrated in the story are 4 related science experiments that children can complete at school or home. 

Additional background information and photographs on the life of Frank Epperson are provided at the end of the story. 

For other books on inventors, click HERE. 

Perfect Picture Book Friday. 

 

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures (Julia Finley Mosca)

Title:  The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:  The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

Author:  Julia Finley Mosca

Illustrator:   Daniel Rieley

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Picture Book Biography

Publisher Summary: 

Meet Dr. Temple Grandin—one of the world’s quirkiest science heroes! 

When young Temple was diagnosed with autism, no one expected her to talk, let alone become one of the most powerful voices in modern science.  Yet the determined visual thinker did just that.  Her unique mind allowed her to connect with animals in a special way, helping her invent groundbreaking improvements for farms around the globe!

First Lines:

If you’ve ever felt different,

if you’ve ever been low,

if you don’t quite fit in,

there’s a name you should know. 

TEMPLE GRANDIN’S that name.

In her tale, you’ll find glory.

So, get ready, get set,

for this cowgirl’s TRUE story.

Memorable Moment:

So, here is the lesson:

Feeling odd or offbeat?

Being DIFFERENT might just

be what makes you so NEAT!

Don’t let doubt hold you back,

Not for one minute more.

STAND TALL, and like Temple,

MARCH RIGHT THROUGH THAT DOOR!

Evaluation:

Julia Finley Mosca's uplifting text perfectly brings Temple Grandin’s moving story to life for young readers.   

Temple was a leader in a STEM field in a time when few women were included.  Many ignored her ideas, but she was persistent.  As a result, she slowly changed minds.  Her influence is vital not just for science, but for the humane treatment of animals.

Parents, teachers, and students—especially those who do not act and think like mainstream kids do—will be inspired by Temple’s early years. Because she was autistic, she had extra challenges.  She dealt with sensory issues and delayed speech.  Interpersonal interactions were a difficult. Her mind processed information in a unique way.  Fortunately, her parents and teachers concluded she was “different, not less.” Her story encourages children to internalize that “different” is positive, not negative.

After repeated bullying, she moves to live on her aunt’s farm. Not only did Temple feel solace and acceptance there, her unique way of thinking allowed her to understand and to connect with the animals.  This experience and realization led her toward her professional path, illustrating that good outcomes can come from bad occurances.

The teachers in her life are often the source of inspiration. For instance, one of them told her,  “You’ll never fall short when you find what you’re good at, like science—you’ll soar!”  Her teachers’ encouragement and faith in her helped her to begin imagining solutions to problems on farms. 

Today, Temple teaches and speaks all over the world, illustrating that setbacks and, even, disabilities do not prevent people from doing great things.  Instead, it is her differences that make her uniquely created to help solve problems and to make the world a more humane place.

One of the personalized touches is a letter from Temple.  In it, she encourages children to find something they are good at it and to develop it.  In addition, she tells them to “keep learning, especially from your mistakes.”   

Fun factions and tidbits, a time line, additional background information, and bibliography are resources included for educators and parents.

Add The Girl Who Thought in Pictures:  The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin to your women in STEM biography library.  The text and illustrations are engaging.  The warm colors, animated expressions, and creative action are perfect for young readers.  

Also check out The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes by this author-illustrator duo. 

For other Amazing Scientists books, visit Innovation Press.

Activities and Extension Ideas from around the Internet for Lesson Plans:

Multiple Printing Resources from Innovation Press

Amazing Women in STEM Printable

Visualizing FREEBIE

Reading Skills and Strategies Activities (Multiple)

Meta Cognition Printable Freebie

Profile Portrait Craft Idea

Book Study Printables ($1.95)

Check out other excellent recommendations at Perfect Picture Book Friday.

5 Fabulous African Fiction Picture Books

The Herd Boy

Niki Daly, author and illustrator

Malusi is a herd boy in a mountainous region of South Africa. He wakes up early each morning to watch and care for his family’s herd. Visited by his friend, Lungisa, they play and share dreams. Malusi wants to be president, but Lungisa thinks that it is funny to aspire to such a lofty goal. When a baboon threatens the flock, Malusi fights to save the endangered lamb. Later, he is visited by an old man who encourages him: “A boy who looks after his herd will make a very fine leader.” In his humble job, Malusi learns self-discipline, bravery, and compassion—all the qualities of a great leader.

Kele’s Secret

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

Catherine Stock, illustrator

Yoanes helps his grandmother by collecting the eggs laid around the farm—in the cluttered loft, in the barn, and, even, in the corner of the outhouse. One clever chicken though hides her eggs.  It is up to Yoanes to discover her secret place, but he will have to overcome his own fears in doing so! 

My Rows and Piles of Coins

Tololwa M. Mollel, author

E. B. Lewis, illustrator

Every week Saruni helps his mother sell their produce at the market, earning him a 10 cent coin. There are so many options to use his money for, but instead he carefully saves it week after week in order to earn enough money to buy a bike to help his family.  This beautiful story about self-discipline, perseverance, and selflessness transcends culture and continent.

Lake of the Big Snake: AnAfrican Rain Forest Adventure

Isaac Olaleye, author

Claudia Shepard, illustrator

Ade and Tayo are given instructions to do their chores and stay in the village. The mischievous boys though decide to cross the field and stream in search of fun and sweet berries.  Pulled by curiosity toward the mysterious waters of the river, the boys become cornered by a snake. They cleverly outsmart it and run back to safety of the village...while dreading the trouble they are in for disobeying.

Elsina’s Clouds

Jeanette Winter, author & illustrator
During the dry season, Elsina dreams of clouds and the rain they will bring.  In the tradition of her people,  her parents allow her to paint the walls of their house in hopes of her ancestors hearing her prayers. Every day she wakes up, waiting for an answer. She waits and waits…until finally, she sees black clouds and hears the roll of thunder.  With the rain comes new crops and healthy livestock that help her family survive. 

The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes (Julia Finley Mosca)

Title:  The Doctor with an Eye for Eyes:  The Story of Dr. Patricia Bath

Author: Julia Finley Mosca

Illustrator: Daniel Rieley

Target Ages:  5 and up

Genre:  Picture Book Biography

Publisher Summary: 

Meet Dr. Patricia Bath—the scientist who never lost sight of her dreams!  As a girl coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement, Patricia Bath made it her mission to become a doctor.  When obstacles like racism, poverty, and sexism threated this goal, she persevered—brightening the world with a game-changing treatment for blindness. 

First Lines:

If you like to think BIG,

But some say you’re too small,

or they say you’re too young

or too slow or too tall…

Pay no mind to their doubts,

and just follow the path

of one AWESOME inventor,

PATRICIA E. BATH!

Memorable Moment:

So, if helping the world

seems too hard, you are wrong.

If some say you can’t do it,

don’t listen.  Be STRONG.

Like Patricia, stay FOCUSED.

Push FORWARD. Shine BRIGHT.

And you’ll find all your DREAMS

will be well within SIGHT.

Evaluation:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book!  There is so much about Dr. Bath’s life that is inspirational.  She had to overcome difficulties to get an education and dealt with racism and sexism early in her career. The narrative is more focused on what she did to overcome those negative people and social constraints than the actual incidents themselves, which is empowering.    

There are several pages devoted to her childhood that give an nice picture of the influences in her from her parents to her brothers to her first science kit.  Her parents instill some vital lessons that parent and teacher readers will want to highlight, explore, and expand on. 

Another admirable character trait is her never-ending quest to learn and to advance in her field.  Her post-school educational pursuits are what led to eye treatment advancements that have helped millions around the world. 

The story keeps a steady pace, focusing on the highlights of her career.  The information is the right balance of being informative without being overwhelming.  However, the author provides plenty of additional information for teachers and parents to share with students, including Fun Facts and Tidbits from the Author’s Chat with Patricia, Timeline of Dr. Bath’s life, and About Dr. Patricia Bath section.

YouTube has a short, animated video about Dr. Bath in her own words.

Here is a Reading Guide for the book.  

Check out other women in STEM biographies. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Science: Learn about the parts of the eye—pupil, cornea, lens, and so forth—what the parts do, and how to keep eyes healthy.  To spark of love of science, order a science kit for the family or plan some science experiments in class. 
• Senses:  Read this biography while studying the 5 senses.  Some fun five senses activity ideas are HERE. 
• Time Line:  The book includes a timeline of Dr. Bath’s life.  Use this organizer in a history unit or to outline the life of another famous scientist.  Another possible way to apply it is to have student create a timeline for their future.  What do they hope to accomplish and by what age?  This ties in nicely with math as well since they have to calculate the year they will be the target age for each accomplishments. 
• Geography:  Identify the places on the map that Dr. Bath lived or traveled to for her work, such as California, New York, and Paris.
• Community Helpers:  Connect this book with a unit on community helpers for younger children.  Older students can learn more about the process of becoming a doctor and their important contribution to the community.
• Letter Writing:  Write a letter to Dr. Bath.  Tell her about what you enjoyed most about her story or what inspired you from her life story. 
• Writing—Personal:  Dr. Bath accomplished many “firsts.”  Students can write about what they want to be the first to do or to discover.  Younger students can fill in a simple sentence like:  “I want to be the first to ______.” Older students can write more, depending on age and ability.
• Writing—Argument:  Pick one of the lessons her parents taught her (“We’re equal—all genders, all shades.”  “Nothing’s off limits—no job, dream, or role.”  “Education is the key to success.”).  Use it as a prompt for students to write an argument, such as arguing why the quote is true or how it was the lesson that impacted her life most (based on the evidence in the story). 
• Poetry:  The story is written in poetic form.  Possible connections can be anywhere from identifying rhyming words to students writing their own poetic lines.  Poems can be about Dr. Bath or about their own goals for the future.  Assign a specific poetic form or allow them to write in free verse.

Historical Connections:

Civil Rights Movement

For more great picture book recommendations, visit the Perfect Picture Book Friday Round Up.