Children's Books
Coretta Scott King Honor Book
This book is going to be BIG! I chose Big by Vashti Harrison because it is a Corretta Scott King Honor Book that caught my attention when I glanced at the pictures. It is hard to find a book that can teach youngsters empathy for others, encourage them to be proud of who they are and keep them turning the pages. This is a triple threat!
The story begins with an infant that eats her food like a big girl and continues to grow. It was all good, “until it wasn’t,” the book says. A drawing depicts her squashing someone, getting stuck in the playground and throughout the pages there are comments being made that she hears and internalizes. Her smile isn’t as big because she feels uncomfortable in her own skin. Although others try to help, nothing works. Not until she makes a decision.
Through the pictures we can imagine her feelings, no wonder, it’s illustrations won the Caldecot. The pictures create depth with the detail of the girl taking up the entire space of the object in the page. She literally can’t fit on the page we are reading and viewing. We have all had those thoughts of not measuring up in other people’s eyes. Through the main character’s interactions we see how words hurt her and that she is treated differently because of her size. We see her pain, but also how through this she is eventually able to see her own value. As a child, that is priceless!
The problem we know doesn’t go away, but now we are aware that she will be able to face her future and that her happiness is not based on other people’s words and actions, but her own way of seeing herself.This book is important in my opinion, because young girls are taught these lessons all the time, usually by those very close to them. Their intention is not to hurt, but these souls are so impressionable.
This story was so realistic and heartwarming. I love that children who read this book can experience empathy. We can’t always change what others think, but we can change the way we think and react, which makes all the difference. I recommend this book to anyone that has ever felt the same kind of pain and wants to root for her to smile big again. This book belongs in my elementary library because we cannot ignore that it has at least 3 awards so far and will reach many diverse readers with it’s Caldecott, National Book Award Finalist and the Corretta Scott King Honor Award.
Harrison, V. (2023). Big. Little, Brown and Company.
Pura Belpre Winner
How I wish my hands were dancing hands! Dancing Hands is a Pura Belpre Winner by Margarita Engle and a work of art. These awards are chosen for books that celebrate the youth Latin Culture. I chose this book because I had never heard of it before and the bright colors in the artwork drew my attention. This biographic children’s picture book successfully combines her latin culture with the power of music to bring happiness to others.
This is based on a true story of a small girl in Venezuela, who learns to play a musical instrument with much work. Her family eventually must flee their war torn home and go to New York to start their lives over. The U.S. was then experiencing a war of it’s own. She takes her talent and makes a life in her new land. She is soon asked to play in a very important place.
The illustrations are each a masterpiece in themselves. This book is a true joy and I recommend to all who love learning about real historical events through the magic of the arts. How can I hear the music when I am reading a book? The illustrations depicted the action of the music with floating flowers and other objects meant to portray a certain feeling. I loved the part that asked us how she could ever play happy music again when she felt such sorrow inside her heart. Such beautiful descriptions help the reader visualize her feelings in each moment.
Terresa Carreno was this little girl who showed true spirit when she showed up to play the piano for a grieving President Lincoln during a turbulent time in America’s history. She herself had been a struggling refuge. She was a girl that I could tell wore her heart on her sleeve and wanted to share this kindness with the President.
She overcame her fears and brought comfort to where it was needed through her lively playing. Someday I hope to feel the same peace when I play the piano, that her music inspired in others and herself. I hope this helps children who read it, know of important people that helped shape our country.
Engle, M., & López, R. (2019). Dancing hands: How Teresa Carreño played the piano for president Lincoln. Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Caldecott Honor book
Mel Fell is a fun Caldecott Honor book about a young, spunky bird who is ready for her first flight. Much to everyone else’s fear, she jumps into the air. When they very obviously do not think that she is ready. It does not go exactly how we thought it should and some of her neighbors in the tree try to save her. Little did we know that she knew exactly what she was doing.
I chose this book because of the award that it had been nominated for, not expecting to really enjoy it. I do recommend this book to all parents and children so that they can see what awaits them when they conquer their fears and jump into the unknown. What a fun way to learn one of life’s many lessons. Caldecott’s celebrate illustrations that go beyond a simple drawing and tell part of the story without the words. They are eye-catching and inspire feeling.
This nicely illustrated book will teach children to take the initiative and make the leap when they are ready. What cute and happy characters that all want to do the right thing. We are drawn even more into her plight because of the vertical orientation that the book is to be read! Hopefully they will recognize the confidence that Mel displays and be able to shine, or try again if necessary.
Children will laugh at a wannabe helper that is too slow to be of any help. I especially loved the interesting asides, or comments that were part of the illustrations, these comments of her animal neighbors as she goes up and down the tree were adorable. The end notes state that Mel is a Kingfisher. I learned some facts about this type of bird that I did not know before reading this book.
There was one image toward the end of the book where we are reminded that she is just a youngling and might still need her parents’ guidance. The picture depicts Mel assuming that all her siblings are just as ready as she to leave the nest. Mel is pushing one towards the end of the branch. Whoops! She is not ready for everything it seems.
Tabor, C. R. (2021). Mel fell. Balzer + Bray.
Newbery Medal
This Newberry Award Winner, entitled Last Stop on Market Street finds the joy in the little things each day. I chose this book because I had heard of the title before and that it was an excellent read. De La Pena, the author, writes from his experiences and he was that little boy holding his Nana’s hand. This afternoon bus ride is a combination of his memories running their errands after church, wishing he had that cool new toy, but also seeing more than what the average person sees. It is even on some challenged book lists, which makes it a must read for any library that wants to share this freedom of knowledge and inspiration. The Newberry is given annually by the ALA to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. This also is a Corretta Scott King honor book.
The main character is named CJ and he learned from his Nana how to see the beauty in the rundown and thus changed his viewpoint of his world for the better. He realizes, as a small child, that he does not need the fancy new music player, he can hear music being played by a guitarist on the bus. What he feels from that is so much more than he could have gotten from fancy headphones.
He might have started to feel sorry for himself, but I liked this book because he makes the choice to see things through a different light. My own perspective changed, when I looked through Nana’s eyes. Those people on the bus were her neighbors and she had a servant’s heart for those around her.
The pictures were bright and vibrant, just like the characters in this latin area of the city. No wonder it was a Caldecott finalist. In fact, because of the art, it is hard to tell how they are traveling through a poor and torn up area.The overall mood of the story and pictures is upbeat. The pictures depict what the citizens see that live and work there.
We all can relate to wanting to make our world a better place, but this book is a blessing to those who are willing to read it with their heart open. Money does not solve problems, people’s actions and attitudes towards the life they are living do. Absolutely recommended to any who wish to be reminded of their blessings and to be inspired.
De La Pena, M. (2015). Last stop on market street. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Poetry
Poetry can be many things. The book, Moving Words about a Flower by K.C. Hayes, starts with a single seed that then grows into so much more. We not only see the life cycle of this dandelion but we see the life around it. The book begins with rain and a rainbow in a city of cement. A sprout comes up in a crack of the sidewalk and we follow the journey of the last three flying seeds of that dandelion as they travel far away and land in a green field. The seasons pass and we see them take root as their journey brings them into the sun. We get to see the plants come full circle and its seeds start the story over again.
I chose this for my library because Spring is a great learning opportunity. I recommend this book to teachers that may want to bring some science or poetry with them into the classroom. This book was a quick read that I could have kept reading to see what came next.
While reading this book, you can close your eyes and smell the fresh sweetness in the air that nature creates. Children and adults will be entertained by the movement in this book and may never look at a dandelion the same way again. Playing with imagery in this way will guarantee students to take away some scientific knowledge. The simple vocabulary easily describes each detail so that it is easy for children to grasp.
The words are written in the shape of what that word describes. It is a type of concrete poem. The words themselves are art and part of the illustration. When a seed flies or falls, the word seed is drawn as a dandelion seed and is mimicking the actual motion of falling down to the earth.
These illustrations reinforce the written words of the pages. Readers cannot only read the moving words, but can see the action or the subject as part of the drawing. Big colorful illustrations are very important for visual learners and the majority of our children today need some sort of picture in order for understanding to occur.
Hayes, K. C., & Chotiner, B. (2022). Moving words about a flower. Charlesbridge.
Graphic Novel
Peter and Ernesto: a Tale of Two Sloths is a story about friendship and how it is okay to try new things. These two friends have differing opinions on how they want to spend their days. Peter loves their home and Ernesto wants to travel and see the sky from all over. On his adventure, Ernesto meets different creatures and sees beauty wherever he goes, but Peter gets stuck when he comes to the first obstacle. He wants to find his friend, but he must get over his fears and step out of his comfort zone. When he ventures out, he too sees the marvels that he would have never seen if he had stayed in place.
I chose this book for several reasons. I too have wanted to change up my routine when I get bored. So in this I would see myself as Ernesto, but my inner personality is actually an introvert, like Peter, so it can be a struggle to take the first step. I root for them to make it home. This reminded me that I can’t get too comfy, there is always something to broaden my horizons.
Graphic Novels are eye-catching because of all the colors and pictures involved. My son is one who enjoys “reading the pictures”. With so little wording, the pictures tell a great deal of the story and we see the development of characters throughout each page. We experience Peter’s awe when he first looks up to the stars and even though it is never mentioned, we see the Aurora Borealis. His facial expressions truly say his exact feelings of that moment.
This book would hook the hesitant early reader. They will feel accomplished when they fly through this and are able to have a clear understanding. It also has positive messages. To those students who might be worried about change, they can learn there is a whole new world out there that needs to be explored. Friendships can overcome time and distance, but it is also good to go out on your own as well.
The illustrations help us see a differing point of view. When Ernesto comes to the bridge he sees it as fun because of his excited expression. But when Peter is there, you see how tall it is and his shaking legs. This helps push the plot so that they each have a successful journey, but came about it, in different ways.
Annable, G. (2018). Peter & Ernesto - A Tale of two sloths. First Second.
Informational
This informational text which also is a Caldecott Medalist and a Sibert Honoree was written by Jason Chin to introduce the smallest building blocks of nature. What makes up you? The Universe in You; a Microscopic Journey starts with the smallest hummingbird alive and compares it to the smallest butterfly and on and on until we get to particles that are not even visible by the human eye. We are each made up of these elements and they are what make each of us unique.
Nonfiction has always been a favorite of mine and since this is a topic that seemed too broad for a picture book, I just had to see how he covered it. I learned more than I ever knew about these teeny atoms and molecules. I recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn more about the human body. It makes me realize how amazing each detail is and would be a valuable addition to any school library.
The visual framing device, or the cover depicts a double helix of DNA going across an enlarged eye which is like a window into the unknown. You automatically realize that you will be seeing more deeply into that eye. The smallest details are labeled in this picture book and magnified for us to be able to see.
Several visual elements were put in place in order for these pictures to teach. The colors and shape give life to the words. Without these pictures to visualize this substantially difficult scientific topic, it would not truly be real or accurate for most of us. Even as small as these elementary particles are, even they have smaller components. Prepare to be amazed.
This book also has many interesting asides, or details off to the side of the main topic, that don’t have to be read, but give a deeper insight into the descriptions on the page. Sometimes, they help give insight to the actual size of something or help the reader take a break from the load of difficult information that is being presented to you by giving you a fun fact or joke.
Chin, J. (2022). The universe in you: A microscopic journey. Neal Porter Books/Holiday House.
Easy Reader Picture Book
This easy-reader picture book, Cat Has a Plan by Laura Gehl is perfect for beginning readers. It starts out when Cat decides he will trick Dog into giving his stuffed dragon back. It worked until Dog returns the favor because he wants it back. Dog has a plan and then there is also a mouse! They all have a plan. They must learn to work together if they want to accomplish their goals.
This book caught my attention because of the orange cat and bright blue dog on the front hugging a lime green stuffed dragon. I learned that using words in the same sound family can help their little brains learn through repetition. All children’s libraries need this for their Kindergarten, first and second grade classes. When they are able to read these, this will help build an excitement for reading.
Bright, colorful illustrations are a must in all early readers. I can tell by the cat’s mischievous look that he is up to something. You will definitely appreciate this book if you have young children that are getting ready to start reading. They can use the pictures to help them figure out the words.
Children need the silliness that this book will bring and it also contains a list of words at the front to practice so that they will be able to read them when they come across them in the book. There are also some questions to ask them after they are done reading, which is very helpful. Take and read this book because it is highly recommended to you and your kids.
It’s light hearted with a playful message, especially for those with sibling rivalries. New reader books remind me of the books that I used when I was a child, however, these are much more scientifically based to help struggling children by using pictures to help guide new learners to feel more confident in their reading.
Gehl, L., & Blunt, F. (2020). Cat has a plan. Simon Spotlight.
Fantasy
Uni the Unicorn is a fantastical adventure of the childhood imagination, when belief in your dreams makes them come true. Uni believes that little girls exist even when everybody laughs at her. At night she dreams of her and all that her and her best friend could do. Little did she know that somewhere there was a little girl thinking of her too.
This book is for everyone who has ever made a wish that their favorite character was real. Children need to be able to have dreams and use their imagination. I chose this book because I was that little girl that loved sparkly pink unicorns and pretended to use magic in my everyday life.
This story of friendship is what we all need, however, the ending left us hanging. Did they ever get to have their longed for best friend? I feel like it is missing a big chunk of the story. I loved that they were looking for a smart, kind and helpful friend. The author chose not to have them actually discover each other because we are supposed to just have faith.
The artwork displayed on these pages was gorgeous. It really tied together the wildest imaginations of little kids everywhere. What does a unicorn look like? Where do they live? What do they do? The dreams were never detailed in words, but we knew of them because we could see them in the beautifully bold colored illustrations. In fact they seemed to stand out more so than any of the other pictures. Uni’s white body and the girl’s golden hair glow intensely set against the dark bold colors in the flowered backdrop surrounding them. They must live in a magical world where they have hot pink trees and diamond flowers.
The exciting message to children is that there may just be unicorns out there. Don’t give up on your dreams. With the twist ending, it leaves it open to us as to what happens next. Keep on believing!
Rosenthal, A. K., Barrager, B.(2014). Uni The Unicorn. Random House.
Historical Fiction
Home in the woods is based on a true story of Eliza Wheeler’s grandmother. It tells how a young mother and her eight children start life over in a shack that they find in the woods. The time period is the Great Depression and they have just lost their father. Through hard work, they rebuild, plant, serve and grow up together. They trade their goods with the neighbors and are able to buy some supplies that they need at a store.
This book is needed today. Especially with people that have everything they could possibly want or need. The hardship these children go through makes them grow up faster, but also creates better human beings overall. This is one viewpoint into this era of history.
The kids gaze at the neat toys and treats through the store window, but don’t complain when they head home empty-handed. They find their joy in their shared purpose. The message is that we have all we need if we have each other and love. This is perfect for children to make the realization of all that they have to be grateful for.
The artist makes their home the central focus on many of the pages. There is a reason for that. At first it doesn’t feel like home, but throughout the changes the pictures depict a fullness that wasn’t there when they first came upon it. What we do matters. The impossible is made whole when we try small steps at a time.
The family in the illustrations did not appear to be glorious works of art. But the further we were brought into their story, the more little colors were brought to our attention. Yellows and greens and browns led to blues and purples and reds towards the end when we see them triumph over their circumstances.
Wheeler, E. (2019). Home in the Woods. Nancy Paulsen Books.
