Five Fab Picture Books: African American Children (Preschool)

Jabari Jumps

Gaia Cornwall, author and illustrator

Publisher Summary:  

Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board.

He’s finished his swimming lessons.  He’s passed his swim test.  It’s just…maybe he should do some stretches first. 

Why It’s Fabulous:

The text and illustrations successfully depict the fear of trying something new and often seemingly scary.  The father is shown being affectionate and involved with his children.  However, he allows his son to work through his fears on his own for a while, but then steps in with wise advice when he is needed.  Jabari not only overcomes his fear, but he wants to continue being adventurous.   

Hank’s Big Day:  The Story of a Bug

Evan Kuhlman, author

Chuck Groenink

Publisher Summary:

Open this book if you want to meet a pill bug named Hank who is best friends with a girl names Amelia.  To the amazing story…

Why It’s Fabulous:

Young readers see the world from the perspective of the pill bug (Hank) as he passes a curious cricket, a weird worm, an industrial ant, a scary grasshopper, and an array of inanimate objects so he can meet up with his best friend, Amelia.  His day with her is a spunky backyard romp full of adventure, imagination, and fun.  As the day comes to a close, the perspective moves back to Hank’s world as he returns home to go to sleep.  The creative mixed media illustrations and the playful text make this tale of friendship a memorable story time selection.

Lola Gets a Cat

Anna McQuinn, author

Rosalind Beardshaw, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Lola really wants a cat.  But Mommy says pets are a lot of work.  Lola is eager to find out more. 

She reads all about cats at the library.  She takes extra good care of her stuffed cat toys.  When Lola finally gets to adopt a cat of her own, she knows just what to do.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Lola works to prove she is responsible and knowledgeable before her parents agree to grant her wish for a pet.  When they decide to add a furry member to their family, they adopt one from a shelter.  As the cat adjusts to her new home, Lola is patient and kind. Not only does she play and snuggle with her cat, she helps take care of her.  This sweet story is a wonderful addition to the Lola series. 

Grandma’s Tiny House: A Counting Story

JaNay Brown-Wood, author

Priscilla, Burris, illustrator

Publisher Summary:

One grandma waits in her big easy chair, while TWO turkeys send scrumptious smells through the air…

It’s time to celebrate!  Count the festive foods, family, and friends at Granma’s feast.

Why It’s Fabulous:

Youngsters can count a long (1-15) as they listen to the smooth poetic text.  Lively people—young and old—and lots of delicious food fill each page.  When the house becomes overcrowded, a clever child comes up with the perfect solution. This celebration of family and friends proves it is the size of the heart, not the home that matters. 

Read and Rise

Sandra L. Pinkney, author

Myles C. Pinkney, photographer-illustrator

Publisher Summary:

Children can be anything they want to be through the power of reading.  Through the Read and Rise literacy campaign, Scholastics teams up with the National Urban League to inspire African-American children to achieve their dreams.

Why It’s Fabulous:
The book begins with a poem by Maya Angelou.  A key line is, “Reading is the river to your liberty for all your life to come.” This theme is carried through on each page of photographs depicting children engaged in imaginative play and reading activities.  They are shown cuddled up with family members like fathers, mothers, and grandfathers reading and interacting.  The photographs are accompanied by lyrical text and interspersed with the refrain “read and rise.” This book is a wonderful celebration of the act and importance of reading. 

Seesaw Girl (Linda Sue Park)

Title:  Seasaw Girl

Author:  Linda Sue Park

Illustrator:  Jean and Mou-sein Tseng

Target Ages:   8-12

Genre:  Realistic Historical Fiction

Publisher Summary:

Jade Blossom never ventures beyond the walls of her family’s Inner Court.  In seventeenth-century Korea, a girl of good family does not leave home.  Until she marries, she is expected to spend her time learning to sew, to embroider, to do laundry, to manage a kitchen—so that when she makes her wedding journey to her husband’s Inner Court, she will be a good wife.

Jade accepts her destiny, and yet she is endlessly curious.  She eagerly questions her older brother about the adventures that only boys can have: trips to the market and to the ancestral grave sites in the mountains, reading and painting, conversations with their father about business and politics.  Sometimes the things Tiger Heart describes are more vivid in her mind than her everyday surroundings.  If only she could see them for herself.

Jade Blossom’s daring attempt to enlarge her world succeeds in surprising ways, revealing the truth of her father’s words:  “The path of wisdom lies not in certainty, but in trying to understand.”

Memorable Lines: 

“I have learned to make it enough” (51).

“Right behavior, good form, wisdom, faith, and love.  They are small words, but they hold all that is good about men” (61).

Evaluation: 

Seesaw Girl is a middle grade novella.  Short chapters and occasional black and white pictures make it ideal for youngsters getting comfortable reading longer books. 

Jade, the protagonist, lives in a world foreign to most children in the West, so the story is an opportunity to expand young readers’ understanding of other cultures and eras.  There are many possibilities to discuss how her life, culture, and future are different than the typical middle grader. 

During a conversation Jade has with her father, he says (in relation to the Dutch sailors who are shipwrecked there), “And though we have many differences, there are things about their laws that are in harmony with ours.”  This quote is a perfect springboard for discussing similarities, though maybe not as obvious, and building connections between cultures.     

Young readers will connect with Jade because she is passionate, curious, and even a bit mischievous.  She has to do chores and to follow her family’s rules.  Similar to many her age, she must deal with a close friend moving away as well as the uncertainty of change and growing up. 

Jade matures as the novella progresses.  For instance, her actions inadvertently cause a servant to lose his job.  Jade goes before her father to take responsibility for her actions and respectfully appeals on the servant’s behalf.  From her mother, she learns the importance of being content in her circumstances and taking pride in her role.  These timeless lessons resonate with readers of all ages. 

Historical Connections:

Korea’s policy of isolation

The Sperwer (Sparrow) shipwreck
Choson period in Korea

Visit Always in the Middle for more Marvelous Middle Grade recommendations.  

But It’s Not My Fault (Julia Cook)

Title: But It’s Not My Fault

Author: Julia Cook

Illustrator: Anita Dufalla

Target Ages: 3 and up

Genre: Realistic Fiction

First Lines:  

“My name is Norman David Edwards…but everyone calls me ‘Noodle.’ Sometimes things happen to me that get me in trouble.  But it’s not my fault.”

Publisher Summary:

“This first book in the new Responsible Me! Series, follows Noodle through a very rough day at school. It just isn't his fault that his brother's game ran late and he didn't finish his homework. Or that his mom forgot to remind him to turn in his library book. Or that Mary Gold got in his airspace and hit his arm with her head... Join Noodle on his journey as he learns not to blame others or try to find fault; but instead practices accepting responsibility, and turns his very rough day into a very good NEW day!”

Evaluation:

As Noodle goes through his day, he has an excuse for every poor choice and behavior. He consistently blames someone or something else. When he gets in trouble, he exhibits a “poor me” persona. 

At the end of the day, he has a talk with his teacher. She tells him:  “I’m not talking about whose fault it is…I’m talking about whose responsibility it is.” This response is perfect!  I love how she changes the focus to get at the heart of the problem. 

She goes on to tell him, “You are responsible for the things that you do….Blaming others is a reason, but it is not an excuse.  If you keep playing this game, you surely will lose!”  Wow!  More excellent insight for children as well as the parents and educators guiding them.  The game metaphor is effective because children tend to love to play and to win at games.  It is a concrete way for them to understand the consequences of their choices.

When Noodle gets home, his mother reinforces the guidance his teacher offered him. She separates the behavior from the person.  He made some mistakes, causing him to have a rough day.  However, he is in charge of his body and mouth, so he must “own up and become more responsible for the choices” he has made. However, it is clear that he is not a “bad” kid. 

Finally, his mother focuses on teaching him to be a problem solver. She explains that mistakes can be used as a learning experience. Blaming others robs him of a chance to learn.  She tells him to say, “I did that! Now what can I do to improve my situation?” 

The next day when Noodle runs into a problem, he takes responsible.  He learns there are both consequences and benefits of doing so. 

Rounding out this book is a list of 9 effective suggestions for parents and educators to help them teach children to avoid the blame game and take responsibility. 

It’s Not My Fault is an excellent teaching tool for home or the classroom.  I HIGHLY recommend it as a means to help refine and refocus your approach as well as a springboard for discussion with your child. 

Boys Town Press has dozens of books and resources to help parents and educators.

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Book Talk:  Discuss each one of Noodles problems and ways he could take responsibility. For instance, he could leave himself a sticky note to remind him to put his library book in his book bag or complete his homework before the game begins.
• Cause and Effect:  Introduce or reinforce cause and effect.  Make some causal chains or maps to show how one choice impacted many others. 
• Dramatic Play: Role play common issues of “blame” your child tends to display. For instance, you can be the child (person) blaming others.  Have your child “teach” you about taking responsibility.  OR Use 2 dolls, action figures, or stuffed animals to play scenarios out. 
• Problem Solving Slogan:  Come up with a way to help you child remember to take responsibility. With older children, have them help you. For instance, make up a snappy saying like “Stop. Drop. Solve.”  Stop talking/whining/complaining.  Drop the blame game.  Solve the problem.
• Reward Jar: Instead of penalizing a behavior (think swear jar), create a reward jar.  Each time you see your child taking responsibility, allow them to pick out of the reward jar, which can include favorite activities or treats. 

Middle Grade Monday: Lawn Boy (by Gary Paulsen)

Summary of Lawn Boy (by Gary Paulsen):

This first person narrative chronicles the summer the protagonist (unnamed "Lawn Boy") receives an old riding lawn mower for his twelfth birthday.  Though his parents are good, hard-working people, they are just barely getting by financially.  The boy wants to get a new inner tube for his bike tire, but they cannot afford the $10 it would cost.  When a neighbor asks him to mow his lawn, the boy is happy to make a little cash to fix his bike.  One mowing request quickly spirals into dozens of requests.  The poor kid can’t even keep up with them all! 

Things change dramatically with a business proposal by Arnold, a stock broker, who offers to invest a little money for him.  Arnold also gives the boy business advice and helps him network with others.  In a matter of weeks, Arnold has multiple employees, a growing stock portfolio, and a serious bullying problem.  With the help of some key adults, the Lawn Boy is able to manage everything. 

Evaluation:

I have mixed thoughts on this story.  The protagonist is a hard working, good kid.  Unfortunately, he hides the money he is making and even the escalating trouble from his parents for a large portion of the novel. There is a sense of not trusting his parents, though he does not appear to have a reason not to.  In the end, his parents do pull through for him and have his best interests at heart—which is a huge positive.

I like that this book does bring out some important economic principles, such as supply and demand, business planning, and investment income/stocks.  As a teacher and/or parent, there are lots of opportunities for discussion and enrichment.  Sometimes, though, the story seems to be more about teaching these principles than being character or plot driven.  In addition, the Lawn Boy's business grows a little too easy and fast without any real efforts on his part.  Really, he just seems to be sitting there allowing everything to happen to him and for him, not pursuing and working for it--which is unrealistic.

I read this book out loud to my 12 year old son, who urged me each night to read it to him (which is a definite vote of confidence for the book).   It did prompt some good questions from him too.  As a result, I would recommend this book for ages 9-12.  Lawn Boy is a short, engaging read—ripe with opportunities to teach business and economic ideas.  

For other Marvelous Middle Grade fictions, head over to Ramblings of a Wanna Be Scribe.  

Middle Grade Fantasy: The Dragon of Lonely Island (by Rebecca Rupp)

Summary of The Dragon of Lonely Island:

Three children, along with their mother, plan to spend the summer on Lonely Island where their elderly great-aunt Mehitabel has a home.  The only current residents on this island off the mainland are Mr. and Mrs. Jones, the caretakers.  Before they arrive, the children—Hannah, Zachary, and Sarah Emily—receive a short note from Aunt Mehitabel urging them to explore Drake’s Hill and to find the Tower Room.  A key is included.  The first morning on the island, Sarah Emily and Zachary find the intriguing Tower Room with its antique toys, books of fairy tales, and a puzzle box.  Later, they enthusiastically venture out to Drake’s Hill.  The smell of cinnamon and smoke permeates the air and entices them to explore a cave in the side of the hill.  To their amazement, there is a tridrake (three-headed dragon) named Fafnyr living there.   During each visit, one of the three dragon heads is awake.  The children curl up with the mythical beast as he tells them a story.  The eldest dragon head teaches Hannah about being responsible and compassionate from the experience of Mei-lan, a young girl from ancient China.  The middle dragon head is awake on their second visit.  He illustrates for Zachary the importance of sharing and selflessness through an orphan named Jamie who was taken captive by pirates.  The youngest dragon is alert on the children’s next visit.  Fearful Sarah Emily sees through the story of her young aunt Mehitabel’s (referred to as Hitty) plane crash on an island that she needs to be more resourceful and courageous.  The final story also reveals how Fafnyr came to live at Lonely Island.   The children inherit an important job:  protector of Fafnyr’s existence.   As the summer ends, the trio are reluctant to leave, but they look forward to the next summer on the island with Fafnyr and the Joneses. 

Evaluation:

The Dragon of Lonely Island is an interesting combination of fantasy and reality. This non-linear narrative moves fluidly from present to past to present by using key repetitive phrases as a flashback begins and italics during the past encounters.  The majority of the setting is in the “real” world with the only fantastical element being the dragon encounters.  Even the flashbacks with the dragon are historical fiction accounts where the dragon meets human children and indelibly impacts them in a positive manner.  While the dragon is clearly wise from its centuries on the Earth, the flashbacks reveal that Fafnyr experienced  many of the same inner conflicts as the humans.  The tale is clearly instructional with lessons for the characters and readers in sharing, honesty, responsibility, courage, and resourcefulness.  There is also an underlying thread about the lack of compassion and understanding of humans.  For instance, in the Mei-lan story, a man shoots and injures the dragon as it benignly flies through the sky.  In addition, a few remarks are made about humans taking up all the space on the planet.  The narrative plays it safe.  Author Rebecca Rupp uses direct presentation and popular plot conventions—summer in a large, old house, a mysterious box, and a secretive place.  As a result, there is nothing profound in the plot or characterization.  Nevertheless, the realistic setting with fantastical experiences and stories will appeal to many young readers who want to escape for the afternoon.  I recommend this middle grade fantasy novel for children ages 8-11.   

Saturday Spotlight: Nancy Carlson (A Favorite Author)

My favorite librarian introduced me to Nancy Carlson’s books several months ago.   Not only did my son (and I) enjoy them the first time we read all the available ones in the local library, but again and again, he checks out one or more on our weekly library trips.  Some of her books are narrative while others are instructional.  Ms. Carlson uses memorable characters (both animal and children) to depict life lessons and to teach social skills. 

The stories are ideal for early readers and young listeners.  There are only 1-2 lines on a page using basic vocabulary, allowing for students to feel prompt success.  The plot lines and characters are entertaining and relatable which will prompt children to go back to them over and over.  The target audience for these picture books is ages 4-9. 

Loudmouth George Earns His Allowance, Henry’s Amazing Imagination, and Think Big are examples of her narratives.

Loudmouth George Earns His Allowance 
Loudmouth George spends the weeks relaxing and hanging out.  When his best friend calls to invite him to the movies, George learns he has to do a week's worth of chores to earn the money to go. Still trying to get out of his duties, he enlists his siblings to do them.  Unfortunately, they causes a bigger mess and more work for him.  He learns the hard way that taking short cuts often leads to bigger problems.

Henry’s Amazing Imagination  
Henry loves using his imagination!  During  show and tell, he shares about his experiences with big fish, green aliens, and colossal snowmen until he is called a big fibber by one of his classmates.  His teacher encourages him to write his imaginative stories down, which he enthusiastically does.  Now, show and tell is boring without Henry's tall, exhilarating tales.  Then, he gets an idea on how to make show and tell exciting again without being a fibber. 

Think Big! 
Because Vinney is short, he is often the object of ridicule and jokes at school.   His mother encourages him to "Think big."  The next morning, he begins to turn things around, showing his quick wit and cleverness.  Soon he is using  his small stature and his unique talents to make a positive name for himself amongst his peers.  Vinney learns he can be "big" even if he isn't very tall.   

How to Lose All Your Friends, Think Happy, and Get Up and Go are samples of her instructional books. 

How to Lose All Your Friends 

Children will see first-hand how pushing in line, grabbing all the toys, and whining for treats will quickly alienate everyone in their paths!  Using ironic and lighthearted humor and active illustrations the consequences of bullying, tattle-telling, and selfishness are depicted.  The book provides an excellent opportunity for discussing how these behaviors affect others as well as how to be a good friend.

Think Happy 

Feeling sad is a common emotion.  Staying sad isn’t necessary though.  This selection offers lots of exuberant pictures and advice on how to make your own happiness.  Suggestions vary from asking for help to throwing a party to being friendly.  Happy thoughts and kind actions can turn any frown up-side down!

Get Up and Go 

People come in different shapes and sizes—which is normal.  Everyone needs to take care of his body though.  The benefits of exercise are given in a accessible manner.  Children exercise helps them become better sports, make new friends, see amazing places, and keep the body healthy.  Numerous energetic pictures show animal characters skating, batting, biking, hiking, boating, and more.   Readers will want to get up and go! 

Nancy Carlson has written nearly 50 children’s books!  Visit her website to see a complete list of her titles. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Summary of The Hunger Games:  

From the publisher, Scholastic

Twenty-four are forced to enter. Only the winner survives.

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. Each year, the districts are forced by the Capitol to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the Hunger Games, a brutal and terrifying fight to the death – televised for all of Panem to see.

Survival is second nature for sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who struggles to feed her mother and younger sister by secretly hunting and gathering beyond the fences of District 12. When Katniss steps in to take the place of her sister in the Hunger Games, she knows it may be her death sentence. If she is to survive, she must weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Evaluation:

As I read The Hunger Games, I could not help but to wonder how far our society is from the “game show” scenario of the novel's setting.  There is a reality TV show for just about everything in life.  Clearly, the producers manipulate the contestants and the audience—one reason I don’t watch much reality TV.  Contemporary society seems ever hungry for more blood, gore, violence, and drama.   Our own government is bent on keeping people enslaved and dependent on it for food, money, and health care.  Their laws and policies encourage debt, ignorance, and unemployment.  If the course does not change, nearly everyone will eventually be dependent on the government for his livelihood.  It is the surest way to maintain power and control over the populace.  All of these present-day symptoms make The Hunger Games feel more like a coming reality than a passing fantasy. 

The characterization in the novel is multi-facet.   Katniss, the main protagonist, is the most complex of the characters.  Her genuine struggles reveal the complexity of human choices and feelings.   With her family, she is wholly devoted to them, yet she struggles to trust her mother.  Interestingly, she has had to step up to play the role of provider and protector.  On the other hand, she has a vulnerable and insecure dimension.   Katniss has a quality I think is important in any appealing character or person:  She has an edge.  For her,  it is quiet rebellion.  

While the plot has the commercial quality of being a page-turner, the author has added depth and authenticity to it.  Katniss consistently contemplates the motives of the other players, the government, the gamekeepers, and even herself, prompting me to think about it as well. The overall realistic plot twists and turns are not easily predicted.  Each turn also uncovers a hidden motivation, prompts an individual's development, or escalates inner conflicts.  Despite the storyline’s potential for gore, Suzanne Collins, the author, provides sufficient detail without inducing squeamish disgust.  Like a high powered zoom lens, the reader is brought in close to the action and anguish momentarily, but then pulled away at a protective distance—parallel to the protagonist’ internal survival mechanism.  

Bottom line:  I could not put this novel down!  It has been a while since I have been so captivated with a book of this length.  I read it in only a few days…and I have been busy!  I had to sneak in the time to read—staying up late, telling my kids to go play for a while, and ignoring the mess around the house.   I highly recommend The Hunger Games with an enthusiastic five stars and two thumbs up for ages 13 and up.  Go get your copy at the store or library right away! 

Click here for more about this thrilling book and its sequels.