Month: June 2021

Featured

Great Job, Dad! By Holman Wang

Written and Illustrated by Holman Wang, Published by Tundra, 2019. (Realistic Fiction, Ages 3-5)

Thanks for your patience! I have been slowly working myself back up to normal pace after some travel and getting a new puppy! For father’s day, I wanted to highlight a uniquely illustrated book series by Holman Wang. He makes wool models, sets, and he photographs them against life sized backdrops. As a result, young and older readers alike get to enjoy playful pictures accompanied by a simple narrative.

BACKGROUND

An Asian American father may go to a desk job everyday, but that doesn’t come close to the plethora of jobs he does for love at home with his two kids.

BEST FOR

This three minute read aloud is great for father’s day, discussing caregivers and family members, family relationships, and different types of art.

PAIR WITH

Great job, Mom! By Holman Wang

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Great job, Dad! By Holman Wang

Featured

A Girl Named Rosita: The Story of Rita Moreno. Actor, Singer, Dancer, Trailblazer! by Anika Aldamuy Denise

Written by Anika Aldamuy Denise, Illustrated by Leo Espinosa, Published by Harper, 2020 (Biography, Ages 6-13)

I am obsessed with musicals, especially during my teenage years, and the musical number “America” from West Side Story still invokes as much joy as it did the first time I watched it. As many know, the magnetic performance of Rita Moreno is a big part why it’s considered one of the most memorable moments caught on film. She even won an Oscar for it. So I was so excited when I saw that they were going to publish a picture book on her remarkable life.

BACKGROUND

Rita Moreno was signing and dancing for as long as she can remember in Costa Rica. When her and her mother ends up moving to America, she must navigate a new culture, language, while still pursuing her dream to perform.

BEST FOR

This fifteen minute read aloud would be great for a biography unit, discussing singing, dancing, or a great example of going for your dreams.

PAIR WITH

Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreño Played Piano for President Lincoln by Margarita Engle

WHERE TO PURCHASE

A Girl Named Rosita by Anika Aldamuy Denise