Picture Book – Page 79 – Unleashing Readers

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday by Jane Yolen (& Can You Believe Trent is ONE?!)

February 14, 2021February 20, 2015 by Kellee

How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Birthday?
Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Published September 1st, 2011 by The Blue Sky Press

Goodreads Summary: Everyone has a birthday, and from riotous birthday parties to the excitement of being one year older, having a birthday is the highlight of a young child’s year.

All little dinosaurs love to get presents, and this new board book will be an immediate favorite. From birthday hats to Ceratosaurus-sized cakes, America’s young readers will laugh out loud as the celebration moves from “bad” birthday behavior to just the right amount of silliness and sharing. Bestselling duo Jane Yolen and Mark Teague have created the perfect introduction to birthday parties, with the same beloved humor and warmth of all their previous bestselling “How Do Dinosaurs” books.

Here’s a wonderful way to say “Happy Birthday!” to any dinosaur…young or old!

My Review: I bought this book to read to Trent on every birthday, and I cannot believe that today is the first one! I decided that this was the perfect birthday book because it is super fun to read, has great dino illustrations by Mark Teague who is such a great artist, and it even teaches a nice message that will be a perfect reminder at each birthday. I am so excited to share it with him for the first time today (and his 1st birthday party is dino themed, so it’s perfect!). Which brings me back to…

CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT TRENT IS ONE?!?!

This year has gone by super quickly. To commemorate, I wanted to share some of my favorite things about Trent and being a mom:

1) Trent likes books. I was so worried that I would read to him every day and that it would never lead to Trent liking books; however, that is not the case! He likes to grab his favorites (Pete the Cat, Fifteen Animals, and Personal Penguin) and flip through them or have us read to him. He’s even chosen books a few times as his toy to bring to the car on the way to daycare. I love listening to him in the back seat “reading” to himself.

2) Trent laughs with his whole self. I love when he laughs. He is a full body laugher, and it just fills his whole self and the whole room. And he does that thing where your laugh isn’t just on the exhale, it is on the inhale too. So great!

3) Trent is a super chill, super happy baby. Of course he has his melt downs, he cries when he doesn’t like something, and he cries when he’s tired/hungry/waking up; however, for the most part he is a super chill, super happy baby. His demeanor and attitude make me so proud!

4) Trent loves pop punk, dream pop, the Beatles/”Across the Universe” soundtrack, and the Snoopy song. He loves to listen to music. Trent dancing is SUPER adorable. He kind of shakes his hips and moves back and forth. It is so cute! Also, if he is upset, pop punk music surprisingly calms him down. I really think he likes all music, but these are the ones that he seems to enjoy the most.

5) The way he looks at me. Wow. That way that he looks at me is a look that could melt anyone’s heart. I knew how to love before, but this is a different type of love. It is a love that fills me up and makes me complete.

6) The way he looks at Jim. The whole son/dad thing is just the best ever. I love spying on them and watching them be so cute.

7) Watching him learn. To think that a year ago he was born and couldn’t do anything but poop, pee, and eat, and now he walks, talks, learns, etc. is just the most amazing thing in the entire world. My favorite things he’s learned recently are: how to play by himself, sign language for more, how to turn the propellers on his helicopter, pointing, and the SO BIG game.

8) Everything. I just had to cover my bases in case I forgot something 🙂

Being a mom may just be the coolest thing ever!

Happy birthday Trent! I love you!

A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

April 11, 2015February 18, 2015 by Kellee

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday is hosted by Kid Lit Frenzy and was started to help promote the reading of nonfiction texts. Most Wednesdays, we will be participating and will review a nonfiction text (though it may not always be a picture book).
Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!
**This book is technically historical fiction, but I felt it was pretty darn close to nonfiction**

A Taste of Freedom: Gandhi and the Great Salt March
Author: Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Illustrator: Giuliano Ferri
February 11th, 2014 by Walker Childrens

Goodreads Summary: No one ever forgets their first taste of freedom.

Gandhi’s famous Salt March shook the foundations of the British Empire and the world, showing the strength of a people united in peace to fight for freedom. Gandhi’s march had a significant effect on changing world and British attitudes towards Indian independence, and inspired the use of non-violence in other protest movements, like the US Civil Right movement. You’ll never forget Elizabeth Cody Kimmel’s heartwarming, insightful account or Guiliano Ferri’s stunning illustrations of the event seen through the eyes of a child inspired by Gandhi’s vision for a better world.

My Review: This is a good introduction to one of the greatest, most peaceful men ever to live. Although it is a little tame about the history, it overall stays truthful to the history. I very much liked the story-telling feeling of the story and the water color and pencil drawings were so beautiful and soft.

Teachers’ Tools for Navigation: The back matter includes a lot of information including resources to get further information, a map that shows the route of the Dandi March, and an afterword with more information about Gandhi.

Discussion Questions: Why did the young boy join the march?; How did Gandhi change India?; Who do you think is easier to respect in this story: the British or the Indians?

We Flagged:

“Gandhi and the satyagrhis are ready to leave by dawn. I join a long line of people as the Mahatma begins walking. His pace is very fast. Even Rajiv has to breathe heavily to keep up.”

Read This If You Loved: Nonfiction books about people fighting for what they believe in.

Recommended For:

**Thank you to Candlewick for providing a copy of the book**

From Kellee’s (Huge) Library Pile Part Four | Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t) by Barbara Bottner; The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, The Exploding Eggs, The Wolf, and Grandma by Diane Fox; The Very Inappropriate Word by Jim Torbin; Come On, Rain! by Karen Hesse; & The Girl Who Heard Colors by Marie Harris

July 5, 2016February 13, 2015 by Kellee

Because of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? posts, I find myself often with huge piles of picture books from the library that were highly recommended by fellow bloggers. I celebrate many of the nonfiction pictures books on Wednesdays, but I want to share some of the fiction picture books I have enjoyed. So, I decided to start series here on UR where I can pass on the love for these books sporadically as I read them. Here is a list of some great pictures books that I’ve read recently from my huge library pile (part 4!).

Miss Brooks Loves Books! (and I don’t)
Author: Barbara Bottner
Illustrator: Michael Emberley
Published March 9th, 2010 by Knopf Books for Young Readers

I am a sucker for books that celebrate books. I am also a sucker for books that celebrate teachers/librarians. This book does both. I love that the librarian never gives up and is such a book lover. I love that the little girl is real and someone that all teachers will encounter each year. And I love how the two come together with a perfect ending.

The Cat, the Dog, Little Red, the Exploding Eggs, the Wolf, and Grandma
Author: Diane Fox
Illustrator: Christyan Fox
Published August 26th, 2014 by Scholastic Press

This book is hilarious!
Cat is reading “Little Red Riding Hood” to her friend, Dog, but he keeps interrupting asking questions that Cat is not prepared, or doesn’t want, to answer. Dog is such a funny character! I am sure we all have friends or students or kids that do exactly what Dog does to Cat.
I really hope that Diane and Christyan Fox write more Cat & Dog stories because I’d love to hear their take on other fairy tales!

The Very Inappropriate Word
Author: Jim Torbin
Illustrator: Dave Coverly
Published August 20th, 2013 by Henry Holt and Co.

Michael is a word collector. He loves words! One day he finds a word he doesn’t know, but it turns out to be an inappropriate word.
I love how the teacher deals with Michael’s finding of this new word, I love how the words are exhibited throughout the book, I love how this book promotes learning and vocabulary, I love how fun the illustrations are, and I love the ending! Great book to share with kids. (BTW: Direct connection to A Snicker of Magic)

Come On, Rain!
Author: Karen Hesse
Illustrator: Jon J. Muth
Published March 1st, 1999 by Scholastic Press

I love Karen Hesse’s writing. She just has a way of putting words together and making them sound like dances. Come On, Rain! is the story of a young girl waiting for rain after a drought and the celebration she, and her friends and family, has after the rain comes. In addition to the beautiful writing, the watercolor illustrations adds an extra beauty to the story making it even more like a piece of art. I also truly appreciate the diversity of the families portrayed.

The Girl Who Heard Colors
Author: Marie Harris
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Published September 26th, 2013 by Nancy Paulsen Books

Synesthesia is something that I only became aware of after reading The Noisy Paint Box, and the idea of seeing colors of words or hear colors or foods having colors when you eat them just is quite fascinating and intriguing. This is a picture book, a very well done picture book, that introduces Jillian who is a young girl who loves her 5 senses and specifically loves being able to see colors of things. She doesn’t realize that this is different until she starts school, but she soon realizes it isn’t something to be ashamed of but something to be proud of.

What picture books should I add to my pile next?

Want to see Part One? You can view it HERE.
Want to see Part Two? You can view it HERE.
Want to see Part Three? You can view it HERE.

I Am Jackie Robinson by Brad Meltzer

July 26, 2015February 11, 2015 by Kellee

I am Jackie Robinson
Author: Brad Meltzer
Illustrator: Christopher Eliopoulos
Published January 8th, 2015 by Dial

Goodreads Summary: This New York Times Bestselling picture book biography series by Brad Meltzer has an inspiring message: We can all be heroes.

Jackie Robinson always loved sports, especially baseball. But he lived at a time before the Civil Rights Movement, when the rules weren’t fair to African Americans. Even though Jackie was a great athlete, he wasn’t allowed on the best teams just because of the color of his skin. Jackie knew that sports were best when everyone, of every color, played together. He became the first black player in Major League Baseball, and his bravery changed African-American history and led the way to equality in all sports in America.

This engaging series is the perfect way to bring American history to life for young children, providing them with the right role models, and best of all, inspiring them to strive and dream.

Kellee’s Review: Since Brad Meltzer published his first “Ordinary People Change The World” book, I have been intrigued by them. I am a huge fan of how he and Chris Eliopoulos format the books, and how they truly help engage their reader throughout. Their newest book in the series focuses on Jackie Robinson and how he went from a young kid loving and excelling at sports to changing the world by becoming the first black MLB player. It deals with acceptance and bravery and overcoming obstacles.

What makes this story of Jackie so unique though is how it is executed. First, I love how it is told in first person. Second, they included humor throughout. For example, there are two kids that keep guessing what the “B” on Jackie’s hat stands for, and they are such comic relief. Finally, the book is a picture book/graphic novel mix which I think really adds to the engagement of the book. And on top of all of this, the book is inspirational! Jackie’s story is always an awe-inspiring one, but this book specifically focuses on how you can truly change your own life if you put your mind to it even if there are truly tough obstacles.

Ricki’s Review: This book! From time to time, a book really impacts me, and I absolutely fell in love with this one. I have always found Jackie Robinson to be inspirational, but the way this story is crafted is uplifting. I am thrilled that kids will be exposed to this story–it teaches resilience and strength, and above all, it shows an extraordinary human being who made a difference in the world.

Like Kellee, I love the way this book is formatted. It will be great for all types of readers, and teachers will love how accessible it is for reluctant readers. The graphic novel style (with one panel per page) is intriguing and engaging. The last page provides a visually appealing fact-page to learn more about Robinson. I will absolutely be getting more books in this series.

Teachers’ Tools For Navigation: Meltzer’s series is a wonderful introduction to some phenomenal people in history that all children should learn about and aspire to be. “Ordinary People Change The World” would actually be a fantastic unit. You could read all of Meltzer’s titles (whole group or in lit circles) then research Lincoln, Parks, Einstein, Earhart, and Robinson to learn more about them. The students could then look into other ordinary people who have changed the world.

Discussion Questions: What do you think the hardest thing about being the first black MLB player would be?; Why do you think Jackie was chosen as the first black player?; What did the B on his hat stand for?

We Flagged:

From http://bradmeltzer.com/book/i-am-jackie-robinson/

Read This If You Loved: Any of the Ordinary People Change the World series books by Brad Meltzer, Henry Aaron’s Dream by Matt Tavares, Baseball Is… by Louise Borden, Something to Prove: The Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe Dimaggio by Robert Skead

Recommended For:

and

**Thank you to Penguin for providing copies for review!!**

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena

February 5, 2015 by Ricki

Last Stop on Market Street
Author: Matt de la Peña
Illustrator: Christian Robinson
Published: January 8, 2015 by Putnam Juvenile

Summary: Every Sunday after church, CJ and his grandma ride the bus across town. But today, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car like his friend Colby. Why doesn’t he have an iPod like the boys on the bus? How come they always have to get off in the dirty part of town? Each question is met with an encouraging answer from grandma, who helps him see the beauty—and fun—in their routine and the world around them.

This energetic ride through a bustling city highlights the wonderful perspective only grandparent and grandchild can share, and comes to life through Matt de la Pena’s vibrant text and Christian Robinson’s radiant illustrations.

Ricki’s Review: Matt de la Peña is a literary genius. I pre-ordered this book because I knew it would be excellent, but the story and illustrations blew me away. CJ wonders why he doesn’t have a car, and Nana reassures him that they are better off without one. They take an adventure on a bus to a soup kitchen. Nana sees the beauty in life, and her words are powerful. This is a story about giving back and appreciating what we have. My son and I have read this book dozens of times since we received it. My mother-in-law and husband also enjoyed reading it with him!

Kellee’s Review: This book is a celebration. A celebration of the little things we sometimes miss, of diversity, of kindness, of family, and of beauty. Matt de la Peña’s story is well written and beautifully illustrated with amazing collages by Christian Robinson. Although I haven’t read it with Trent yet, I feel that this book is an important one for him and all kids to read.

Teacher’s Tool For Navigation: What a perfect book for a field trip on a bus to the soup kitchen? Students can describe the people and things they see. This would also make a great homework assignment. Alternatively, teachers might ask students to go to a public place with their parents and describe the people and things they see—they should be instructed to find the beautiful things in their environment.

Discussion Questions: What is Nana’s attitude about life? How do her words show this?; What kinds of things does CJ see on his trip?; How do the illustrations make this story stand out?

We Flagged: “The outside air smelled like freedom, but it also smelled like rain, which freckled CJ’s shirt and dripped down his nose.”

Read This If You Loved: Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, A Bus Called Heaven by Bob Graham, Harlem by Walter Dean Myers

Recommended For:

and

**Thank you to Penguin for providing a copy for review**

2015 Mock Sibert: Considered Nonfiction Picture Book Titles

February 4, 2015 by Kellee

First, I want to share my excitement for The Right Word, our Mock Sibert winner, becoming the actual Sibert winner! So ecstatic that we got it right! Also, Neighborhood Sharks was honored which makes me super happy because it might have been my favorite.

Part of hosting the Mock Sibert is reading as many nonfiction books (we focus on nonfiction picture books and children’s books) as possible. Today I wanted to share with you some of the amazing titles that we considered for the Mock Sibert, but that I hadn’t been able to post about yet. They may not have been in my top 5, but were definitely some of the best nonfiction titles I read in 2014.

A Boy and a Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz
Published May 6th, 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

I loved loved loved this book. The messages about animals and human are the same: all living things should be respected. I am so glad that the Schneider committee recognized the power of this book.

Star Stuff: Carl Sagan and the Mysteries of the Cosmos
Published October 14th, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press

Carl Sagan is such an inspirational person, and this book is the perfect introduction to him. I really loved how this author tied Dr. Sagan’s childhood of curiosity and exploration to his success as a scientist. He is such an inspiring man and his story shows how anyone can build a repertoire of knowledge and grow up to make a difference.

Born in the Wild: Baby Mammals and Their Parents by Lita Judge
Published October 21st, 2014 by Roaring Brook Press

A beautifully illustrated picture book that focuses on what each baby needs to thrive.

Chasing Cheetahs: The Race to Save Africa’s Fastest Cats by Sy Mongomery
Published April 1st, 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers

Beetle Busters: A Rogue Insect and the People Who Track It by Loree Griffin Burns
Published October 7th, 2014 by HMH Books for Young Readers

These were my first two “Scientists in the Field” books I’ve read after years of people suggesting them to me. I now know why everyone likes this series. They are interesting, have phenomenal illustrations, and makes the stories they are sharing accessible to their readers.

The Case of the Vanishing Little Brown Bats: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle
Published September 1st, 2014 by Millbrook Press

This book takes the reader through the scientific inquiry process while the scientists work to figure out the mystery of the bats. Quite an adventure!!

When Lunch Fights Back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses by Rebecca Johnson
Published September 1st, 2014 by Millbrook Press

This book talks about some truly strange, fascinating, and cool animal defenses on the planet. The illustrations are amazing, and this book is going to definitely be a kid magnet.

We also considered The Noisy Paintbox, Gravity, and A Home for Mr. Emerson, but I have already reviewed them. Click on the book covers to read my review of these titles.

Also, check out my Mock Sibert partners’ lists of favorite 2014 nonfiction books (Alyson Part 1 Part 2 | Carrie) to see other titles that are must reads!

What were your favorite NF books from 2014?

Great Picture Book Picks by Kellee

January 21, 2015 by Kellee

I never have enough time to blog about each and every great picture book I read, so every once in a while I like to do a post where I highlight several books so that I can share some of the wonderful picture books I hadn’t been able to review. Here are some that I have read so far this winter:

I’m My Own Dog
Author: David Ezra Stein
Published August 5th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

This hilarious book definitely makes you look at perspective and point of view! This dog is independent and doesn’t need anyone! But maybe he can help out this human by letting him be his owner. There are some laugh out loud moments in this book.

Penguin & Pumpkin
Author: Salina Yoon
Published July 29th, 2014 by Walker Childrens

Salina Yoon’s penguin books are a favorite of mine! (I am a sucker for all things penguins.) I particularly enjoy Yoon’s illustration and coloring style because they make her books so enjoyable to read. This Penguin book is about experiencing new things and sharing the joy you feel with others.

A Thirst for Home: A Story of Water Across the World
Author: Christine Ieronimo
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Published May 20th, 2014 by Walker Childrens

A Thirst for Home is a heart-wrenching story that was inspired by the author’s adopted Ethiopian daughter. It looks at the struggle for food and water in Africa and how some mothers must give up their children for adoption in hopes of their survival. This book would be a perfect companion to A Long Walk to Water.

Legend of the Dust Bunnies
Author: Michelle R. Eastman
Illustrator: Kevin Richter
Published August 21, 2014 by Byway Press

Told in fun quatrains with cartoon-esque illustrations, this story explains how our houses suddenly get dustier than we remember them and why cleaning up isn’t always such a good idea. It also celebrates differences and shows why you shouldn’t automatically judge someone’s choices. (Book preview video at https://animoto.com/play/jYfpc2NfPL1WiV9v1zgevQ)

On My Way to School
Author: Sarah Maizes
Illustrator: Michael Paraskevas
Published July 1st, 2014 by Walker Childrens

I love how Maizes’s books promote imagination! I think imagination is such a wonderful part of childhood, and her books show the crazy, fun, exciting things you can do with your imagination. In this book, our narrator goes on quite an adventure on her way to school.

I Love You Night and Day
Author: Smriti Prasadam-Halls
Illustrator: Alison Brown
Published June 3rd, 2014 by Bloomsbury USA Childrens

There are some books that were made to be bedtime stories told from loving parents to their child(ren)–this is one of them. It is a book about unconditional love and how it is felt in all kinds of different circumstances.

Time for Bed Fred
Author: Yasmeen Ishmail
Published February 11th, 2014 by Walker Childrens

Fred is a dog that many kids will relate to. He would rather do ANYTHING than go to bed, so he does whatever he can to avoid it. Every time you think the human has won and Fred is going to go to bed, the tables turn. This will be a fun bedtime story and a good companion to Harry the Dirty Dog by Gene Zion.

Found
Author: Salina Yoon
Published April 1st, 2014 by Walker Childrens

Once again, Salina Yoon’s illustrations shine bright. They are so colorful and fun! This time they illustrate a story of a bear who finds a lost bunny and, although he is falling in love with the bunny, does everything to help it find its way home. A super sweet story! One of my favorite parts are the end sheets though. They are covered in lost advertisements that are so clever and filled with an allusions to Peter Pan and I Want My Hat Back and word plays

Recommended For:

Happy reading!

**Thank you to Bloomsbury, Candlewick, and Michelle Eastman for providing some of these books**