A Full Moon is Rising

A Full Moon is Rising

Singer, M. (2011). A Full Moon is Rising: Poems. Ill. by Julia Cairns. Lee & Low Books.

ISBN 1620141965

“A children's book takes readers on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places.


In the night sky, nothing is more magical than the full moon that rises every month. When it shines, all kinds of fascinating things occur. Tides rise to enormous heights. Children dare each other to climb a staircase to the moon. Families eat cakes with a moon inside. Campers watch out for werewolves. And sometimes, the whole moon disappears in the earth's shadow.


Come along on a whirlwind tour of the world to discover an amazing collection of full moon celebrations, beliefs, customs, and facts. We'll visit India, Israel, Morocco, China, Australia, and many more places to see what can happen ... when a full moon is rising!”
–Amazon Book Reviews

This book of poetry has worldwide, and even outer-space representation. The poems compare unique perspectives of the full moon from around the globe. They highlight many beliefs, customs, and facts surrounding our relationship with the moon. The illustrations beautifully exemplify many differing cultures. They are colorful and warm despite their night-time settings. The final pages of the book give insight to each poem and the customs that inspired Singer’s writing. The collection is a joy to read and left me wondering what things I take for granted that show up in my world every day.

Book Review Excerpts:

"Singer's sparkling verses celebrate the majesty of the moon as experienced in settings around the world, each distinctly conveyed in Cairns's perceptive watercolors... The breadth of perspectives creates a stirring portrait of a familiar but no less marvelous sight."
-- Publishers Weekly

"Singer's poetry presents a world of science facts, cultural events, and some of the unusual customs that surround the cyclical occurrence. Her poems create marvelous pictures. . .. Cairns's vibrant watercolors and warm folk-art style successfully capture the excitement of the around-the-world occurrences...The combination of descriptive poetry and eye-catching illustrations will invite children to wonder and imagine while the multicultural themes and science facts will excite and satisfy."
-- School Library Journal

Connections:

- This is a great introduction to world cultures.


- Students could think about what traditions or memories they have about the moon, and write their own poetic tributes.


This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

This is Just to Say

This Is Just To Say

Sidman, J. (2007). This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness. Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618616800

“When Mrs. Merz asks her sixth grade class to write poems of apology, they end up liking their poems so much that they decide to put them together into a book. Not only that, but they get the people to whom they apologized to write poems back.”
(This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness, n.d.)

This collection of poetry, written by a class of fictional 6th graders, is introduced by Anthony K., editorial board member. He explains that Mrs. Merz’s class, inspired by the poem This is Just to Say, by William Carlos Williams, wrote poems of apology and gave them to their prospective subjects. Those recipients were then asked to reply with a poem in kind. They enjoyed their project so much, they decided to publish it in book form, including illustrations created by a classmate and their art teacher. 

Pamela Zagarenski, our illustrator, uses notebook paper, paper bags, graph paper, newspaper and other items a school child might sketch on to create a whimsical complement to the poetry. The poems themselves express an emotional range from funny, to heart-breaking.  Joyce Sidman captures the uncomplicated guilt of a stolen doughnut, the mischief of an adventurous hamster, the ferocity of playground dodgeball, as well as the ache of the death of a beloved pet. Relationships play an important role in this partnership-poetry with sibling, parent, friend, and other unexpected connections all highlighted. I enjoyed the illustrations as much as the poems, and I very much want to touch the shiny nose of the statue Florence P. Scribner for a bit of luck.

Book Reviews:

"Sidman's collection could help young poets express themselves and learn from their mistakes." Book Links January 2008 Book Links, ALA

"Delicate, mixed-media illustrations...add touches of whimsy and wit to these delightful missives." SLJ December 2007 School Library Journal —

Connections:

- This book of poetry would complement an SEL lesson about apologies, and forgiveness.

- Students could use the “editorial board” angle of this collection to discuss the process of publication and what they could produce to share with a wider audience.

- This could be performed as a reader's theater, and has been adapted into a stage play.

References:

This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness. (n.d.). Amazon.com. Retrieved June 25, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Crossing Stones

Crossing Stones

Frost, H. (2009). Crossing Stones. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR). ISBN 9780374316532

“Eighteen-year-old Muriel Jorgensen lives on one side of Crabapple Creek. Her family's closest friends, the Normans, live on the other. For as long as Muriel can remember, the families' lives have been intertwined, connected by the crossing stones that span the water. But now that Frank Norman—who Muriel is just beginning to think might be more than a friend—has enlisted to fight in World War I and her brother, Ollie, has lied about his age to join him, the future is uncertain. As Muriel tends to things at home with the help of Frank's sister, Emma, she becomes more and more fascinated by the women's suffrage movement.”
(Frost, 2009)

The poetry in this book is as beautiful in form and structure as it is in word. The characters each speak in their own poetic form as their words take shape on the page. Ollie and Emma’s cupped-hand sonnets look like stepping stones and contrast with Muriel’s free style flowing verse. Frank, a main subject for the story, lacks his own verse, which ironically speaks volumes. The story winds together themes of family, World War I, women’s suffrage, the Spanish Flu, and a young girl learning to follow her own path. The poet stays true to the chosen poetic form without disrupting the story-line to do so. The appendix for the book contains Notes on Form, and Acknowledgments. After studying these sections, I went back into the book to discover the details of craftsmanship I had overlooked during the first reading. This is truly a written and visual work of art that illuminates an important historical time period.

Book Review Excerpts:

“Eighteen-year-old Muriel, who is our primary source of information, speaks in an engaging and convincing free-verse stream-of-consciousness style. The other two young adult narrators speak in "cupped-hand sonnets," a form with a highly stylized rhyme scheme. The discipline of these forms (elaborated upon in an author's note) mitigates against sentimentality, and the distinct voices of the characters lend immediacy and crispness to a story of young people forced to grow up too fast.”
Ellis, S. (2009). [Crossing Stones]. Horn Book Magazine, 85(6), 671.


“With care and precision, Frost deftly turns plain spoken conversations and the internal monologues of her characters into stunning poems that combine to present three unique and thoughtful perspectives on war, family, love and loss. Heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful, this is one to savor.”
Crossing Stones. (2009). Kirkus Reviews, 77(18), 204.

Connections:

- Students studying poetic form could examine examples from the book and create their own cupped-hand sonnets.
- The story follows two families through WWI. It would be a great addition to a history or social studies lesson on the subject.

Awards:

Kirkus Best Book of the Year

New Jersey Garden State Children's Book Award

CCBC Choice (Univ. of WI)

References:

Frost, H. (2009). Crossing Stones by Helen Frost. Goodreads. Retrieved June 24, 2023, from https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/6458728

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Singing With Elephants

Singing With Elephants

Engle, M. (2023). Singing with Elephants. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 0593206703

Cuban-born eleven-year-old Oriol lives in Santa Barbara, California, where she struggles to belong. But most of the time that’s okay, because she enjoys helping her parents care for the many injured animals at their veterinary clinic.

Then Gabriela Mistral, the first Latin American winner of a Nobel Prize in Literature moves to town, and aspiring writer Oriol finds herself opening up. And when she discovers that someone is threatening the life of a baby elephant at her parents’ clinic, Oriol is determined to take action. As she begins to create a world of words for herself, Oriol learns it will take courage and strength to do what she thinks is right—even if it means keeping secrets from those she loves.
(Penguin / Random House, 2023)

This book of poetry paints a picture as you follow the thoughts and hopes of its main character, Oriol, or Olivia as her sister Cat calls her. The story introduces some serious elements, including animal cruelty, xenophobia, cultural displacement, and loneliness. The author touches on the subjects without getting lost in them. Her descriptive language is succinct and stunning. There is a range of diversity represented, but it doesn’t dominate the story. The themes of courage and friendship stood out as pillars of the storyline. There was even a nod to librarians:

“Modern librarians

love fun and happiness,

not silence.”

(Engle, 2023, p143)

The book is just over 200 pages of poetry; I was enchanted by the story of this young girl who learned that her voice can be powerful, too. I would recommend it to poetry lovers and novices alike.

Book Review Excerpts:

“Throughout, the power of words—both to help children find where they belong and to make the world a kinder place—profoundly resonates. Brilliant, joyful, and deeply moving.”
Singing with Elephants. (2022). Kirkus Reviews, 90(5), N.PAG.

“Engle’s writing style encourages young readers to fall in love with poetry. The reader learns along with Olivia about grammar and literary terms (noun, verb, onomatopoeia, etc.). Our young friend comes to discover that language shouldn’t be used to hinder but to create beauty.”
Puhr, B. (2022). Singing with Elephants. Booklist, 118(18), 57.

Connections:

- This story is a great companion for an SEL unit about loneliness and belonging.

- Students could use one or more of the poems in the book as an example of how to move a story along in verse.

Awards:

A New York Time’s

Year’s Best Children’s Book

References:

Engle, M. (2023). Singing with Elephants. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 0593206703

Penguin / Random House. (2023). Singing with Elephants by Margarita Engle: 9780593206706 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books. Penguin Random House.

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Just a Minute

Just a Minute

Morales, Y. (2003). Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. Chronicle Books.

ISBN 0811837580

“Death comes to Grandma Beetle's door in the skeletal form of Señor Calavera (Mr. Skull). "Just a minute," she sweetly explains. "I have just one house to sweep." So Señor Calavera patiently takes a chair and waits, counting off Grandma Beetle's completed tasks in English and Spanish as one chore invariably leads to another. In the end, all of the hard work turns out to be preparation for her birthday party attended by her nine beautiful grandchildren, and Señor Calavera is happily surprised to be counted among the guests. After the celebration, Grandma Beetle is finally ready to join him, but death has departed without her, leaving a note saying that he looks forward to her next year's gathering and a twinkle in Grandma Beetle's eye.”
(Threadgill, 2003, p136)


This colorful trickster tale grips you from the first page. The author expertly navigates the topic of death without being scary or passive. Grandma Beetle is clever and warm. The illustrations are full of expression as she watches Señor Galavera out of the corner of her eye. The spirit of family is strong throughout. As her grandchildren file in, you realize that all the work she was doing was for them to enjoy. The invitation for Señor Galavera to join the party is a perfect break in the tension. The illustrations are beautiful, and the story is a heart-warming surprise.

Book Review Excerpts:

“This story is a delight. Morales's personification of death is never forbidding or scary, but rather a simple matter of fact. This deceptively simple read-aloud treat has as many layers as an onion, and is every bit as savory.”
(Threadgill, 2003, p136)

“Morales (Harvesting Hope) whips up a visually striking book, and funny to boot. Her deep, glowing pastels and stylized human characterizations beautifully conjure the traditions of Latin American muralists, while Señor Calavera's ghoulish, goofy gallantry would make him the comic lead of and Day of the Dead festivity.”
(Publisher’s Weekly, 2003)

Connections:

-This story could be used to support a SEL unit about grief and families.

-Just a Minute is a beautiful way to introduce an exploration of hispanic customs and traditions.

Awards:

Notable Children’s Books, ALSC, 2009

References:

Threadgill, C. (2003). School Library Journal, 49(12), 136-138.


{Just a minute!}. (2003). Publishers Weekly, 2003, 250(48), 55.



This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

It's Not the Three Little Pigs

Funk, J. (2022). It's Not the Three Little Pigs. Amazon Publishing. ISBN 9781542032438

“Meet the three (ahem―four!) little pigs as they convince the narrator to tell a slightly different version of their fairy tale: First, there’s Alan, the one pig in the bunch who is actually a builder. He’s got a BIG problem with building a home out of flimsy straw. Next, there’s Alfred, who wants to be an actor and wouldn’t dream of getting his hands dirty. Then we have Alvin, whose dream is to be…a pumpkin. Last but not least is Alison, the fourth pig, who is ready to bring some flair to this story―if only she can get the narrator to agree to a few changes…And what about that wolf?”
(Funk, n.d.)


It’s Not the Three Little Pigs is the fourth book in a series titled It’s Not a Fairy Tale. Other stories in the series include Jack and the Beanstalk, Hansel and Gretel, and Little Red Riding Hood. The illustrations for this non-traditional re-telling of The Three Little Pigs are detailed and colorful. The ‘fourth pig’ and the narrator have a contentious dialogue as they banter back and forth about the details of the story. The text is written in speech bubbles for all characters, excluding the narrator, which make the dialogue easy to follow. Blueprints detailing the pigs architectural designs are fun and unexpected. It is a fun read with a surprise appearance by Cinderella’s fairy godmother. At the end of the story the fourth pig, Alison, says, “Maybe the moral is that not all stories have morals. Or maybe the audience can decide for themselves.” It’s an interesting take if you believe that the moral of the story is an integral tenet of a fairy tale. Overall, It’s Not the Three Pigs is a fun read with likable characters and detailed illustrations.

Book Review Excerpts:

“Those who love to make up their own stories will be inspired, and readers who march to the beats of their own drums will be delighted. Will leave readers as happy as a pig in mud.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Boisterous digital renderings capture the figures’ glee as they go their own ways for an effect that spotlights the twice-told tale’s whirlwind qualities.” ―Publishers Weekly

Connections:

-This book would complement an SEL lesson about creativity, or self confidence.

- This would be a good book to read then let the students experiment with writing their own dialogue. Let the students fill in the speech bubbles to change the trajectory of the story.

References:

Funk, J. (n.d.). It's Not the Three Little Pigs by Josh Funk & Edwardian Taylor | Books. Josh Funk Books. Retrieved June 17, 2023, from https://www.joshfunkbooks.com/its-not-the-three-little-pigs


This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

Joseph Had a Little Overcoat

Joseph had a Little Overcoat

Taback, S. (1999). Joseph had a Little Overcoat. Penguin Young Readers Group.

ISBN 9780670878550

“When Joseph's much-loved overcoat becomes worn, the resourceful tailor reinvents the garment until there is only enough cloth for a button. When he loses the button, Joseph discovers that he still has the most important part: the story.”
Grover, S., & Hannegan, L. (2013). Singing the Story. School Library Journal, 59(12), 1.


Joseph Had a Little Overcoat is a visual delight. Every page is full of color and warmth. The illustrations use a die-cut technique to reveal hidden surprises throughout. The moral of the story is the notion that you can make something out of nothing. He starts with an overcoat, and when it wears out he fashions it down to a vest. It continues to transform until he has only one small piece left which he makes into a button. Near the end the button is lost, and I found myself heart-broken as he searches for his final textile. In a beautiful twist, he decides to write a book about the overcoat, essentially making something meaningful when it seemed that all was lost. This traditional tale is carried by captivating illustrations that have a life of their own. I recommend this book for all ages. It is whimsical and warm, an uplifting read that leaves you feeling gratitude.

Book Review Excerpts:

“In the end, Joseph loses his button, his last bit of overcoat; left with nothing, he makes one more item — this book. Don't you lose it: clever, visually engrossing, poignant, it's worth holding on to.”
Parravano, M. V. (2000). Joseph had a little overcoat. Horn Book Magazine, 76(1), 68.


In this work based on a Yiddish folksong, Taback's spirited, well-paced narration lets the illustrations shine. Playful sound effects extend the humor, while the Klezmatics's rousing music reinforces the focus on Jewish culture.
Grover, S., & Hannegan, L. (2013). Singing the Story. School Library Journal, 59(12), 1.

Connections:

-This book could support curriculum related to recycling.

-Students could explore art techniques of collage or die-cutting using the illustrations as an example.

Awards:

Caldecott Medal, 2010

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse

Aesop, & Pinkney, J. (2009). The Lion & the Mouse. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. ISBN 9780316013567

Set against the African Serengeti of Tanzania and Kenya, a single small mouse escapes the claws of a hungry owl, only to find herself trapped within the paw of a huge lion. On a whim, the lion lets the mouse go and then sets about his merry way. Unfortunately, poachers have been putting up traps, and before he knows it the lion is caught and bound in nasty ropes, high above the ground. To his rescue comes the little mouse, and she nibbles the ropes until they give way and free the lion. In her mouth she leaves with one of the knots of rope, which she gives her family of tiny babies at home to play with. On the final endpapers, the lion and his family of cubs prowl with the mouse and her family safely ensconced on the lion’s back.
(Bird, 2009)


This story has a timeless and traditional message of courage and kindness. The opposing characters both exhibit bravery and heart as they experience the dangers of living in their natural world. The illustrations are so expressive, there is very little need for text. The reader is allowed to infer their own interpretations of each page as they progress through the story. The range of emotion depicted by the author is truly remarkable. The lion's expressions are both majestic and contemplative and even humble. The mouse's character gains depth with each page, culminating in the final page as she brings a knot of rope from the lion’s net home to her waiting babies. This traditional tale is beautifully depicted and the simplicity of the story flows into an important life lesson about how we treat our fellow creatures.

Book Review Excerpts:

“On every page, this beautiful book suggests even more than it tells about its real setting, and about that fabulous world where such bargains are made and such rescues may happen.”
Long, J. R. (2009). [The Lion & the Mouse]. Horn Book Magazine, 85(6), 658–659.


“The ambiguity that results from the lack of words in this version allows for a slower, subtle, and ultimately more satisfying read. Moments of humor and affection complement the drama. A classic tale from a consummate artist.”
Lukeheart, W. (2009). [The Lion & the Mouse]. School Library Journal, 55(9), 146.

Connections:

-This book would be a great feature for SEL unit about compassion, empathy, bravery, or kindness.

-The illustrations are a great example of simple storytelling. This could be used as an introduction to illustrating which the students could practice in their Makerspace.

Awards:

Caldecott Medal, 2010

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.

References:

Bird, B. (2009). Review of the Day: the Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney. School Library Journal. https://afuse8production.slj.com/2009/07/20/review-of-the-day-the-lion-and-the-mouse-by-jerry-pinkney/

Texas 2X2's & Bluebonnet Award winners

1. Black Boy Joy, edited by Kwame Mbalia.  

✅2. Blue by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond. Illustrated by Daniel Minter. 

A history of the color that surprises and educates. An eye-opening read.

✅3. Gladys the Magic Chicken by Adam Rubin. Illustrated by Adam Rex. 

        With a name like Gladys, this chicken's got pluck.

✅4. Haven: A Small Cat’s Big Adventure by Megan Wagner Lloyd. 

Danger and adventure are around every corner as an unlikely pair of friends unite to save Ma Millie. 

5. Indelible Ann by Meghan P. Browne. Illustrated by Carlynn Whitt. 

✅6. Invisible by Christina Diaz Gonzalez. Illustrated by Gabriela Epstein. 

A Breakfast Club-esque group of misfits prove that you can't judge a book by it's cover.

7. Leave it to Plum! by Matt Phelan. 

✅8. Once Upon a Tim by Stuart Gibbs. Illustrated by Stacy Curtis. 

An open call for knights to join the prince a quest is just what Tim, Belinda, and Ferkle need to leave their peasant life behind. But the prince is not so brave, and the princess realizes she can rescue herself. 

9. Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs by Pam Muñoz Ryan. 

✅10. Tales to Keep You Up At Night by Dan Poblocki. Illustrated by Marie Bergeron.  

These tales of family, curses and revenge will give you goosebumps.

✅11. The Beatryce Prophecy by Kate DiCamillo. Illustrated by Sophie Blackall. 

The writing is lovely and grounded. Beatryce inspires us to remember who we are and bravely take our place. This is a wonderful story of lifting those around us. The illustrations are a perfect complement to the writing. 

✅12. The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals That Live Beneath Our Feet by David L. Harrison. Illustrated by Kate Cosgrove. 

An in-depth look at the world beneath our feet. This book will surprise and delight you with poems from underground.

13. The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza by Mac Barnett. Illustrated by Shawn Harris. 

✅14. The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya. Illustrated by C. Vélez Aguilera. 

Yoli and her sister join forces with their friends and neighbors to take down tyranny and reclaim nature in this dystopian tale.

15. The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat. 

✅16. The Legend of Gravity by Charly Palmer. 

An epic basketball story where teamwork steals the show. 

17. The Marvellers by Dhonielle Clayton. 

✅18. The Polter-Ghost Problem by Betsy Uhrig. 

An adventurous ghost story about friendship, loyalty, and righting wrongs from the past. 

✅19. Thirst by Varsha Bajaj. 

This story captivates your attention and your emotions as you see the injustice surrounding a human necessity, water. The conflict, seen through the eyes of a young girl, highlights the best and worst in her community of people.

✅20. Unbound: The Life + Art of Judith Scott by Joyce Scott with Brie Spangler. Illustrated by Melissa Sweet. 

A touching tribute to a unique artist. This is a story of family reparation and recovery. The illustrations are beautiful. This book will touch your heart.

✅1. A Seed Grows by Antoinette Portis 

This is a sweet and simple glimpse at the life cycle of a seed. The illustrations are colorful and support the dialogue perfectly. This is a great read-aloud for younger students.

✅2. Bathe the Cat by Alice B. McGinty, illustrated by David Roberts 

          A diverse and light-hearted story about getting the house ready for Grandma to visit.

✅3. Bear Has a Belly by Jane Whittingham 

A cheerful call and response book for young children comparing their active bodies with animals in nature.

✅4. Berry Song by Michaela Goade 

A multi-generational glimpse at the beauty and necessity of nature and the heart of tradition.

✅5. Big Truck Little Island by Chris Van Dusen  

When the big truck gets stuck, blocking the island road, this community of trust works together to get where they need to go.

✅6. Chester Van Chime Who Forgot How to Rhyme by Avery Monsen, illustrated by Abby Hanlon 

           I hope that you look at this fantastic...bundle of paper with words and pictures.

✅7. Counting to Bananas: A Mostly Rhyming Fruit Book by Carrie Tillotson, illustrated by Estrela Lourenço 

This banana extrovert can't wait to steal the show, but the author writes from fruits to animals in her quest to rhyme...It might be curtains for our leading banana before he even hits the stage.

✅8. Endlessly Ever After: Pick YOUR Path to Countless Fairy Tale Endings! by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Dan Santat 

A fun pick-your-path adventure with unexpected endings, and a multitude of possibilities.

✅9. I Was Born a Baby by Meg Fleming, illustrated by Brandon James Scott 

          This book explores the many different names we have for young animals; some will                       surprise you!

✅10. I’m Hungry/ ¡Tengo hambre! by Angela Dominguez 

A story of friendship ending in a delightful compromise. A good read for English and Spanish speakers.

✅11. Mina by Matthew Forsythe 

Mina the mouse knows there is danger when her dad invites squirrels (who are really cats) home to stay with them. The unlikely stick-heroes at the end steal the show as the story comes full circle.

✅12. Odd Birds: Meet Nature’s Weirdest Flock by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Gareth Lucas                 Odd Birds is an easy read that leaves you a thirsty to know more. The pictures are colorful,          and the text is concise. The final pages are informative with live photos of each bird                     depicted.

✅13. Perfectly Imperfect Mira by Faith Pray 

A sweet story about trying, and trying again. Mira learns that it's okay to be imperfect, and growing feels good.

✅14. Pizza! A Slice of History by Greg Pizzoli  

Whimsical illustrations explore the evolution of pizza and our world-wide love for all of its variations.

✅15. Powwow Day by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight 

River, a young girl recovering from an illness, gains strength from the sidelines as her friends and family participate in traditional powwow customs.

✅16. Solitary Animals: Introverts of the Wild by Joshua David Stein, illustrated by Dominique Ramsey 

Solitary animals are not so alone in a wide world of dazzles, fevers, gulps, kits, and charms.

✅17. Somewhere in the Bayou by Jerome Pumphrey and Jarrett Pumphrey 

This twisted tale of nature is a delightful adventure that gives you goosebumps along the way. The moral of the story is that kindness wins, and nature is nature.

✅18. That’s Not My Name by Anoosha Syed 

Mirha learns to be proud of her name and speak up for herself during her first days of school. Her classmates are emboldened by her example.

✅19. Vámonos/ Let's Go! by Cynthia Weill 

Mexican Folk Art gets you to the library in this colorful and artistic book, written in both English and Spanish.

✅20. Where in the World Are You? by Marie G. Rohde

        This story, starring a clever black cat, is a prepositional adventure that proves just how big            the universe really is.

The Snowy Day

Keats, E. J. (1962). The Snowy Day. Penguin Young Readers Group. ISBN 0670654000

The Snowy Day follows a young boy, Peter, who wakes up to a world of snow. His adventures lead him through a day filled with adventure and discovery. That evening, when he is ready for bed, he finds that the snowball he had kept in his pocket was gone. He dreams that night that all the snow has melted away. To his delight, when he wakes in the morning the ground is covered in white and there is new snow falling.

This book was Keats first book that he both wrote and illustrated. The young boy he depicts was inspired by a photo from Life magazine. He wanted to capture the wonder and surprise that children tend to be open to. The writing is sweet and clear. At one point in the story, Peter wants to join in a snowball fight, but realizes that he’s not big enough yet to play with the big boys. It doesn’t stop him as he continues to enjoy and discover the snow on his own. This is a story of independence and joy.

The illustrations for this story are colorful and add to the innocence the book portrays. I especially enjoy the unique shape of Peter’s hood and the impression it leaves in the snow when he makes a snow angel.

I would recommend this book for any age, but especially young children just spreading their wings for outside adventures.

Book Review Excerpts:

“The journey of Peter through a snowbound New York City made for a milestone: as a successful children's story focused on a black protagonist, it broke down barriers many white editors may have never noticed. But Ezra Jack Keats' book is memorable too for the sheer beauty of its collage illustrations.”
Top 10: Children. By: D'addario, Daniel, TIME Magazine, 1/19/2015, Vol. 185, Issue 1

“The Snowy Day paints a picture of a Black kid immersed in his enjoyment of the outdoors long before other white writers and illustrators of Keats's time saw a need for this portrayal.”
Black Kids Camp, Too...Don't They? By: Martin, Michelle H., Horn Book Magazine, 00185078, Sep/Oct2019, Vol. 95, Issue 5

Connections:

-This book could be part of a larger study of race in children’s books. Peter is an unusual main character considering the publication date in 1962.

-Peter’s sense of adventure and discovery is a great model for children. This could be part of a young child’s learning to explore and entertain themselves in nature.

Awards:

Caldecott Medal, 1963

This review was created as an assignment for SHSU LSSL 5360.