Month: February 2021

Featured

Outside Inside by LeUyen Pham

Written and Illustrated by LeUyen Pham, Published by Roaring Brook Press, 2021. (fiction, ages 3-6)

It was only a matter of time before picture books about Covid and shut downs were going to emerge. I have read a few with varying levels of success, but this one is by far is my favorite. I loved how Pham was able to balance the seriousness of the subject while having an overall hopeful tone. I have always adored her illustrations so it was no surprise that the page spreads in this book are not only engaging and lively, but beautifully poignant as well.

BACKGROUND

Primarily told through the perspective of a young mixed-race girl, a community changes when “Something happened” and everyone who was outside is now staying inside. It didn’t mean that weren’t changes or growth. And it definitely didn’t mean there is any loss in love for one another.

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud perfect for initiating discussions about Covid, shut downs, and the major changes in lifestyles and systems while still offering hope and love.

PAIR WITH

Evelyn del Rey is Moving Away by Meg Medina

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker Learned To Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard

Written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, Illustrated by Oge Mora, Published by Schwartz & Wade, 2020. (fiction, ages 5-9)

It’s interesting how we place barriers between us and our goals. We tell ourselves that we do not have time, or that it is too hard. Then when we do have the time we say, “I’m too old” or “it’s too late to start going for my dreams now.” This book really gave me the wake up call to always strive for what we want no matter how old, or how long it takes. Not to mention that the story is charming and a stunner since it’s based on the true story of Mary Walker who lived through twenty-six American presidents!

BACKGROUND

Mary Walker was born in 1848 and always wanted to learn to read. She was freed from slavery at the age of twenty and worked hard to provide for her family growing family. Finally at the age of 116 she decides that she will finally learn to read. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a perfect model of grit, perseverance, goal-setting, and hard work.

PAIR WITH

Fauja Singh Keeps Going by Simran Jeet Singh

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Featured

Mimi and Shu in I’ll Race You! by Christian Trimmer

Written by Christian Trimmer, Illustrated by Melissa van der Paardt, Published by Simon & Schuster, 2016. (fiction, ages 3-5)

The Lunar New Year is approaching and while there are many books that talk about the celebration, there are even fewer that talk about the folktale that explain the animals in the zodiac. Based on the Chinese folktale, the Jade Emperor, or ruler of heaven, held a race for all the animals. The first twelve that crossed the finish line were included in the calendar in the order they placed. The rat was cunning and tricked its way to first place and managed to exclude the cat, hence the reason why the cat is not in the zodiac and why the two are natural enemies. It is important to note that the Lunar New Year is celebrated in numerous Asian countries and although the animals in the zodiac are similar, there are variations. For example, unlike the Chinese, the Vietnamese zodiac does include the cat, but does not include the rabbit.

BACKGROUND

A lighthearted version of the Chinese folktale. When Shu the rat receives the invitation to the Great Race it is up to his smarts and know how to make sure that he and his best friend Mimi the cat win the race. Mimi agrees to go along with Shu, although her focus is getting the promised cupcakes at the finish line.

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud that would be great for a Chinese New Year celebration. It would also be appropriate for a folktale unit, or just a silly and entertaining read aloud.

PAIR WITH

The Year of the Rabbit by Oliver Chin

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore