Nonfiction Monday

Thank a Farmer by author Maria Gianferrari with illustrations by Monica Mikai is a celebration of the many ways farmers provide for our communities. Wheat, milk, vegetables, fruits, and wool are obvious choices for attention, but that's only the beginning!

 

Gianferrari takes the content to a new level by providing clear details about many of the varied elements essential to the process of growing and harvesting nature’s bounty. The narrative is informative for children and adults. Double-page spreads illustrate how tree shakers collect cherries, delves into peanut picking, shows both the mechanized cultivation of rice, and the hand harvesting of wild rice. Readers can explore mushroom culture and the tapping of maple trees for syrup.

In addition, the author illuminates new farming methods such as rooftop gardens and hydro-aero-aquaponics being employed in cities, schools, and backyards.

Mikai’s vividly colored and detailed illustrations are rich in detail to perfectly compliment the text.

For readers 4-8.

Highly recommended for home and school libraries. 

Picture Book Friday

BEAR SAYS THANKS—another delightful Bear Book from the wonderfully talented Karma Wilson (author) and Jane Chapman (illustrator) is my share for today.

All alone in his cave on a windy day, good-hearted Bear is bored!!! Until…his woodland friends arrive one-by-one with tasty treats. Mouse brings pie. Rabbit has muffins. With each addition, Bear says, “Thanks.” Soon the cave is full of friends and delicious foods to share.

But Bear is sad. His cupboard is bare and he has nothing to contribute. That’s when his friends remind him that the gathering isn’t just about the food. It’s about their friendship and the delightful stories Bear can tell.

Wilson’s talent for storytelling through the use of rhyme is perfectly on display. The word choice and rhythm make the narrative a comfortable read-aloud experience and keep the storyline moving along.

Chapman’s charming illustrations fill each page with warmth and movement. Fun details provide interesting talking points.

For ages 2-5.

Recommended for home and library shelves. 

 

Thanksgiving . . .

It's not just about the beauty of the season . . .

Or the delicious food in abundance . . .

It's about the family and friends who share these blessings with us.

Today I'm thankful for...

·                  A family that respects and supports my need to write.

 ·                  Friends who cheerfully read my work and provide thoughtful comments.

·                  and Fans who read my books and ask for more.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today is NATIONAL GINGERBREAD COOKIE DAY

 

CELEBRATE with your favorite Gingerbread Cookie. Here’s mine—

THE GINGERBREAD COWBOY -- can run from the rancher's wife, he can dash past the javalinas and he can giddyup right by the cattle grazing on the mesa.  But what happens when he meets a coyote sleeping in the sun?

The Gingerbread Cowboy was the 2007 Arizona Governor’s First Grade Book. A special edition of 100,000 copies was distributed to every first grader in the state.

Here are a handful of reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars "super” Reviewed in France on May 5, 2021

 

Five Stars  "A great contrast to the traditional English version. Used it in KS1."    —Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 2, 2015

"A delightful, infectiously cheerful, Southwestern rendition of a familiar story. Phrases used to describe biscuits, such as "plump as pillows, soft as clouds and tasty as a big Texas Barbecue," just roll off the tongue ..." The lively text demands to be read aloud ... A fresh version of an old favorite."
          — School Library Journal, August, 2006

"Sure to delight youngsters, as well as introduce them to the flora, fauna and geography of the west ... A welcome change of setting for the Gingerbread Man, sure to find a spot on the library shelf."
          — Kirkus Reviews, July, 2006

 

Nonfiction Monday

 

From Author/Illustrator Rob Hodgson—When Moon Became the Moon

 

Moon shares the story of her origin and her many aspects in a lively conversational narrative. The light-hearted text succeeds in imparting an abundance of scientific detail in language that is easily accessible to youthful audiences.

 The content is organized into brief chapters featuring colorful, cartoon-style illustrations that offer visual emphasis for the narrative points. The entire book employs an entertaining and whimsical tone that is evident even in the chapter headings where Hodgson inserts a chapter 5 ½ into the list. Chapters 1-5 ½ take a chronological look at Sun, Earth, Baby Moon, Orbit, Craters, and Moon Today. Chapters 6-11 explore a variety of lunar features titled: Light, Moon Phases, Moon Helps Earth, Solar Eclipse, Visitors, and The Future.

 For ages 3-5.

 Recommended for aspiring young astronomers at home and in classrooms.

Picture Book Friday

WONDER WALKERS—A Caldicott Honor book by Micha Archer is a thoughtful invitation to explore the marvels of nature.

A young girl and boy set out on a “wonder walk” that is filled with questions. Is the sun the world’s light bulb? Do mountains have bones? Are trees the sky’s legs? Their trek takes them from meadow to mountain, river to sea shore.

The short sentences carry a single focus reminiscent of a child’s inquisitive voice. This minimalist language invites readers to focus on the fascinating details of the illustrations composed of a medley of intricately patterned papers in rich colors. The visual complexity and movement is an excellent contrast with the brief text.

Archer has captured the essence of a childhood that is filled with one “why?” after another. This charming book could easily inspire young audiences to ask a host of their own questions—or better yet, pursue their own nature explorations.

Additionally, the illustrations could provide a model for readers to create their own collages of varied materials.

For ages 3-7

Recommended for home and school libraries.