No Kimchi for Me! (Aram Kim)

Title:   No Kimchi for Me!

Author:  Aram Kim

Illustrator:   Aram Kim

Target Ages:  3-8

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Publisher Summary: 

Yoomi hates stinky, spicy kimchi.  So her brothers call her a baby and refuse to play with her.  But Yoomi is NOT a baby!  Maybe if she tires it on a chocolate chip cookie…

This coming-of-age story celebrates family, food, and Korean culture.

First Lines:

It’s time for lunch!

Yoomi loves Grandma’s dried seaweed, tiny anchovies, soft egg omelets…even her seasoned bean sprouts!

But Yoomi does not like stinky spicy kimchi!

Evaluation:

No Kimchi for Me introduces children to diverse cuisine.  The foods described (seaweed, anchovies, bean sprouts, and, in particular, kimchi) are an opportunity for many to learn about another culture as well as a chance for Korean children to see their familiar foods celebrated.   

Yoomi’s aversion to a food her family enjoys is one that kids in any culture can identify with.  I was not a persnickety eater, but there were a couple family staples I abhorred as a child (creamed corn and baked beans being the two most memorable).  While the kimchi is a cultural specific food, the illustrations (anthropomorphic cats) and theme (fussy eating) are universal.  Discussing this issue is one way to illustrate to children we are more alike than different. 

Yoomi is teased by her brothers.  They call her a “baby” and leave her out of their activities.  The teasing, while not desirable, is realistic.  In most families, there is playful and some times competitive banter between siblings. While teasing is generally not a desirable response, it does prompt Yoomi to get over her picky preferences. Parents and teachers can discuss alternative ways the brothers could have responded. 

Ultimately, Yoomi is perseverant.  Even though her initial impression of kimchi is negative, she does not refuse to try it again.  Instead, she attempts to enjoy it on some of her favorite foods.  (I learned to like creamed corn after mixing it with mashed potatoes.)  None of her combinations are tasty though. 

Her clever and patient grandmother saves the day by making a special kimchi pancake recipe.  Yoomi is celebrated as a “big girl” as her family gathers around the table, sharing the big kimchi pancake!  The feeling of community and personal accomplishment is conveyed. 

Once she conquers this food feat, she joins in games with her older brothers.   Yoomi now feels both more grown up as well as part of her cultural heritage. 

I recommend No Kimchi for Me for your class or home library. 

Activities and Extension Ideas for Lesson Plans:

Read out loud experience with author Aram Kim

Make Kimchi Pancakes with Aram Kim (Recipe in Book)

Homemade Kimchi Recipe

Activity Kit

For more Perfect Picture Books, visit Susanna Hill's Blog.  

Robinson (Peter Sis)

Title:  Robinson

Author:  Peter Sis

Illustrator:  Peter Sis

Target Ages:  4-8

Genre:  Magic Realism

Publisher Summary:

A boy who love adventure.

A mysterious ocean journey.

A remote island wilderness.

Discover what surprises await…

First Lines:

My friends and I love adventure.

We play pirates all the time.   Together, we rule the high seas!

Evaluation: 

The narrative begins with a collage of small, but lively pictures of a group of boys on imaginative pirate adventures.  From the start a bit of fantasy mingles in with the reality.  In some illustrations, the reality is shown (boys dressed as pirates in the tub) while in others their fantasies begin to take over (they are sailing down a river in their own pirate “ship” with their city in the backdrop).  

The illustrations shift to full pages as the main event is announced:  a school costume party.  Peter and his friends are excited to attend dressed as pirates.  However, the party does not last long for Peter.  He flees home to the solace of his room after being teased by his friends. 

The pictures become grand two-page spreads as Peter is carried away into a feverish dreamland—a mingling of his favorite novel (Robinson Crusoe) with his real experience.  In his dream world, he is surviving alone on a remote island.   Through the literary and imaginative occurrence, he transforms into a more competent and courage person in reality.  Sis illustrates the role that literature has on how children see themselves as they read and the vital role books have on character development. 

With only minimal words on each page, the primary narrative is discovered through the lush watercolor illustrations.  As Peter learns to survive on his own, exotic animals and foliage as well as his busy activities illustrate the sights and sounds of his fantasy world. A combination of aerial views and close-up snapshots transport the readers into his grand and intimate journey.  

His dream world slowly morphs back into reality as pirates (his friends) invade his island adventure (his bedroom).  The illustrations reflect this change by shifting back to one page, smaller views of the world.  There is a satisfying ending as his friends apologize for teasing him and ask to learn more about his favorite adventurer (Robinson Crusoe). 

An added charm of the story comes from the author’s note sharing the incident from his childhood that inspired the book. 

Children will empathize with Peter’s experiences playing imaginatively and dealing with teasing.  The fantastic elements elevate the story to a brilliant and engaging read.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Literature:  Read a children’s version of Robinson Crusoe and/or other adventure stories.
• Character Development:  Discuss the importance of accepting individual differences, building strong friendships, and dealing with teasing.
• Art:  Have students create their own fantasy island with a diorama or draw their island on poster board.
• Science:  Discuss animals and plants commonly found on tropical islands. 
• Social Studies:  Learn about basic survival techniques from books, such as The Dangerous Book for Boys or Survivor Kid: A Practical Guide to Wilderness Survival. 

Literary Connections:
Robinson Crusoe and other adventure stories

For more perfect picturebook recommendations, visit Suzanne Leonard Hill's blog.  

Mr. Ferris and His Wheel (Kathryn Gibbs Davis)

Title:  Mr.Ferris and His Wheel

Author:  Kathryn Gibbs Davis

Illustrator:  Gilbert Ford

Target Ages:  6 and up

First Lines:  “It was only ten months until the next World’s Fair.  But everyone was still talking about the star attraction at the last World’s Fair.  At eighty-one stories, France’s Eiffel Tower was the world’s tallest building.  Its pointy iron and air tower soared so high that visitors to the top could see Paris in one breathtaking sweep.”

Publisher Summary:  It was a bizarre idea, presented by an eccentric young engineer.  Yes, it might be showy, but would the flimsy contraption collapse?  Wouldn’t it be undignified?  Or frightening?  Finally, the young inventor was told he could try—but only with his own money and with barely enough time. 

Evaluation:  Growing up, I loved going to Cedar Point.  They were always coming out with the next best thing—the fast ride, the tallest hill, the steepest drop.  I could not wait to go each summer to try out their newest innovation.  You might say that George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr. started that craze.  After his introduction of the Ferris wheel, there was a competition around the globe to duplicate it—only taller.

The storytelling in Mr. Ferris and His Wheel is brilliant.  I enjoyed every minute reading this fascinating story, not once—but twice.  Outside of the main narrative, there are many sidebars of additional facts that give a greater context and historical background.  The muted drawings capture the nineteenth century landscape as well as add to the drama and tension of this underdog story.

What I love most is that at the heart of the story is the American story.  The very essence of America, the founders, and millions of people who came after is that of innovation and perseverance.  Ferris demonstrated both. 

As a young civil engineer, he was an innovator. Not only did his idea dazzle, but it moved!  His wheel was innovative in another way too.  It had thousands of tiny electric lights on it during a time when most people still did not trust electricity.  His invention proved to many that electricity was safe. 

Ferris was perseverant. He saw the contest for building the starring structure at the World’s Fair as a matter of national pride.  Determined to outshine the Eiffel Tower, he worked tirelessly to build this wheel during a brutal winter and through many set backs.  People mocked him.  They joked it would fall over with the slightest bit of wind. He ignored the noise of the masses and the faithless of the Fair’s planners.  Instead, he put his efforts into making sure every part of the process was perfectly planned and executed.   

This story would work well for a study of great Americas, character education on perseverance, STEM objectives related to electricity, building, and innovation, or American history.

Two additional fascinating connections are related to other magical places—the Emerald City and Disneyland.  You will have to read to find out more on those links. 

Check out Mr. Ferris and His Wheel during your next trip to the library or book story.  You might just inspire a young innovator for tomorrow.   

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts

Title:  Those Shoes

Author:  Maribeth Boelts

Illustrator: Noah Z. Jones

Target Audience: 5-10

Publisher Summary: 

All Jeremy wants is a pair of those shoes, the shoes everyone at school seems to be wearing.  But his grandma tells him they don’t have room for “want,” just “need,” and what Jeremy needs are new boots for winter.

Evaluation:

The main character is relatable. Nearly all children have felt embarrassed or experienced teasing by their peers. Jeremy gets a heaping helping of it because he is seemingly the only student who does not have “the” shoes.  Then, his ordinary shoes come apart, causing him to have to wear an even more humiliating pair! 

Jeremy learns the value of a dollar.  Even with the money his grandma has set aside, there is not enough for the shoes he wants.  They visit several thrift shops until he finally finds a pair!  They are too small, but he buys them with his own money—hoping the shoes will stretch out.

He demonstrates selflessness.  Antoine, the only student who does not mock and tease him, has a pair of shoes held together with tape!   Jeremy’s “anonymous” act of kindness toward him demonstrates character and maturity.  

In the end, he has some unresolved conflicting feelings, which gives the book authenticity.   Few people in his circumstances (especially children) can be fully content.  Ultimately, he choses to embrace a positive outlook though.  The key is, it is his choice--despite the fact he did not get his desires.

Those Shoes tackles the trap that we all fall in at varying degrees:  Consumerism.  More than ever, even children are consumed with having the latest trendy items.  Those who have them are “in” while those who do not are “out.”  This situation can cause embarrassment, stress, and low self-esteem in children and teens. Boelts deals with the subject in a profound though age-appropriate manner.

I loved this book because the valuable lessons are clear, but it is not preachy or overly idealistic.   The story is well written with expressive watercolor and ink pictures.  I enthusiastically recommend Those Shoes. 

Activities and Ideas for Lesson Plans:

• Social Studies:  Discuss the difference between needs and wants.  For older children or teens, introduce Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. 
• Math:  Identify current trendy items (preferably more expensive ones).  Using the current minimum wage, calculate how many hours the student would have to work to earn the items.  Discuss if the item would be “worth” it. 
• Character:  Read Those Shoes as part of a lesson on teasing or bullying.  Talk about Jeremy’s and Antonio’s situations and feelings. 
• Economics:  Discuss commercialism.  How do businesses target key demographics?  What techniques do they use to create a need and desire for their products?  How can students arm themselves so they do not fall prey?
• Writing:  Have students write a letter to someone who has sacrificed or given them a memorable gift.  Teach how to express gratitude and appreciation to the giver.  OR Students can make a list of non-material items that they are grateful for. 
• Literature:  Evaluate the character’s feelings, actions, and motivations.  See ideas for areas to cover in the “Evaluation” section above.  Discuss the story’s conflict.  Ask the students if the conflict is resolved and how.
• Art:  Have students design their own pair of shoes.  Modify for younger children by giving them a shoe printable like this one and instructing them to decorate it. 

Visit Suzanna Hill’s Blog for the Perfect Picture Book Weekly Round up and Multicultural Blogs for their Monthly Round Up.

Early Reader Series: Katie Woo (by Fran Manushkin)

I am like a moth to the light when it comes to bright colors.  When I walked by the display table at the library last week, I was immediately drawn to a new early reader series:  Katie Woo.  Little girls will love the vibrant, multi-colored book covers in pinks, purples, greens, and yellows showing an Asian-American young girl confronting typical childhood situations.  The series is multi-cultural, depicting Latinos, Asians, African-Americans, and Caucasians.  Each book is broken up into three small chapter, allowing youngsters to feel like they are reading “chapter books.”  Author Fan Manushkin uses vocabulary ideal for early readers to help them navigate through the grade school years dealing with issues like bullies, moving, bossiness, sleepovers, lying, and much more.  The illustrations by Tammie Lyon are appealing and colorful.  They focus on the characters by illustrating the text in snapshots contrasting with a mostly white background. Teachers and parents will appreciate that each book includes a glossary of less familiar words (with pronunciation hints), discussion questions, writing prompts, and a fun Katie Woo activity.   I recommend this series for ages 5-8. 

Highlighted today are three of the currently twelve books in the Katie Woo series.

Moving Day  
Katie's parents assure her that she will love her new home, but she has mixed feelings about moving.   To help her transition, she writes a letter to the new girl who will live in her room, wishing her well.   When her father describes some of the features of their next home, Katie is concerned.  Her experience initially limits her understanding of what a whirlpool tub or a sunken living room is, but she is relieved to see her fears were for naught.  As the family moves in and resumes their normal rituals, Katie begins to feel at home.  To Katie’s surprise and glee, she finds a note from the last young girl in her new room.  She realizes that she is going to have a great time there. 

Boss of the World 

Katie is spending the day at the beach with her family and friends, Pedro and Jojo.   While making a sand castle, Katie delegates all the “working” jobs to her friends and the “fun” ones for herself.  Then, she greedily eats the majority of their shared snack.  Katie is not concerned about the wants and needs of others, even when they express them to her.  As the day continues, Katie monopolizes the only vacant swing and lays on the entire blanket during rest time. The final straw is when she selfishly snatches a shell Jojo is attempting to pick up.   Her friends walk away and begin an activity on their own.   Katie sees them having fun, so she wants to join.  They agree, but not before they help her realize how her bossiness is negatively affecting them.

No More Teasing  

Katie trips, falls, and hurts herself on the way to school.  As she begins to cry, classmate Roddy Rogers calls her a “cry baby.” His teasing causes her to cry even harder!  Once he sees the affect of his teasing, Roddy continues to torment Katie at recess and a lunch.  She yells at him, tells him to stop, and even makes ugly faces at him.  Roddy loves the attention though.  Katie doesn’t know what to do to make him stop.  Then, one day she is so captivated during a class activity that she completely ignores his teasing.  He becomes so mad that he inadvertently injures himself.  Katie realizes the secret:  Ignore the teasing, and the teasing will stop.