Tree of Wonder

March 25, 2016

Literature, Science, and Math, OH MY! Title: Tree of Wonder, The Many Marvelous Lives of a Rainforest Tree Written by: Kate Messner Illustrated by: Simona Mulazzani Chronicle, 2015, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 5-8 Themes/topics: rainforest, math, animals Opening: Deep in the forest, in the warm-wet green, ONE ALMENDRO TREE grows, stretching its branches toward the … More Tree of Wonder

Marvelous Cornelius

March 18, 2016

There IS something truly marvelous about trash pick up. Experience the magic in this week’s Perfect Picture Book selection. Title: Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans Written by: Phil Bildner Illustrated by: John Parra Chronicl e Books, 2015, Fiction (based on a true story) Suitable for ages: 5-8 Lexile: AD560L Themes/topics: … More Marvelous Cornelius

I’m Trying to Love Spiders

March 11, 2016

Here’s a fun approach to nonfiction. Title: I’m Trying to Love Spiders Written and Illustrated by: Bethany Barton Viking, 2015, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4+ Themes/topics: spiders, arachnophobia Opening: I keep telling myself: “Spiders are cool.” I want to love them. Brief synopsis (from worldcat.org) This fresh and very funny non-fiction picture book shares lots … More I’m Trying to Love Spiders

Sanji and the Baker

February 19, 2016

Every once in a while I like to pull one of my all time favorites off the bookshelf. Here’s a clever tale from the Middle East. Title: Sanji and the Baker Written by: Robin Tzannes Illustrated by: Korky Paul Scholastic 1993, fiction Several re-issues and Spanish translation available Suitable for ages: 5+ Themes/topics: justice, honesty, greed … More Sanji and the Baker

Nerdy Birdy

January 29, 2016

Who amongst us hasn’t been the oddball and felt left out? While we all want to belong, we don’t want to be caught in a stereotype, our uniqueness ignored. This is truly a special book! … More Nerdy Birdy