Monthly Archives: October 2013

The Blessing Cup

Posted on October 31, 2013 by

Patricia Polacco‘s family history is reminiscent of Fiddler on the Roof  for kids. This beautiful book has everything you’d expect from Polacco, complete with gorgeous, mainly black and white, illustrations in pencil and marker. Key elements, such as the blessing cup, … Continue reading →

Posted in Books with social studies links, Michigan author/illustrator, Picture books | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures

Posted on October 24, 2013 by

There is a soft spot in my heart for squirrels and their stories. Kate DiCamillo has created  an important book about a superhero squirrel whose best weapon is poetry. As Dr. Meecham says, “Take this squirrel, for instance. Ulysses. Do … Continue reading →

Posted in Chapter Books, strong characters, Voice, Word choice | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Señor Pancho Had a Rancho

Posted on October 23, 2013 by

Señor Pancho Had a Rancho is a fun mash up of Old MacDonald Had a Farm with verses in Spanish and English. A pronunciation guide and author’s note complete the farmer dance. Written by René Colato Laínez and illustrated by … Continue reading →

Posted in Books with social studies links, Picture books | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Bluffton

Posted on October 21, 2013 by

Matt Phelan‘s graphic novel is a rare history of vaudeville for children. Set in Muskegon and Bluffton, Michigan in the early 1900s, it shows all of the main acts while still focusing on friendships and the angst of growing up. … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's novels, Graphic novels, historical | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp

Posted on October 20, 2013 by

Listen up all of you Six Plus One Traits people: This is your book for voice. And it’s a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature. The scouts are two raccoons, J’miah and Bingo, who live in … Continue reading →

Posted in Children's novels, strong characters, Voice, Word choice | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Animals Speak

Posted on October 17, 2013 by

Did you know a dog in Ireland says “Bhuf”? A bee says, “Surr” in Swedish? Pigs in Bosnia say “Rok”? Animals around the world can unite because we humans now have a handy-dandy translation picture book for all of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Books with social studies links, Love that art, Picture books | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments