Who doesn’t love to tinker? It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday, and here’s an inventive biography to check out. Title: Just Like Rube Goldberg, The Incredible True Story of the Man Behind the Machines Written by: Sarah Aronson Illustrated by: Robert Neubecker Suitable for ages: 3-8 Themes/topics: STEM/STEAM, perseverance, creativity Opening: Question: How do you become … More Just Like Rube Goldberg
Elizabeth Brown found the heart of her story by examining how her character overcame obstacles. What pulled her through? How did that perseverance manifest itself? Then, how could the author thread that through her story for children? Today we dig deep into DANCING THROUGH FIELDS OF COLOR: THE STORY OF HELEN FRANKENTHALER by Elizabeth Brown, illustrated … More Mining for Heart: “The Battle Within” by Elizabeth Brown
Perfect Picture Book Friday digs deep today…into the past. Find out how one budding archaeologist followed his passion to uncover King Tut. Title: Howard and the Mummy, Howard Carter and the Search for King Tut’s Tomb Written by: Tracey Fern Illustrated by: Boris Kulikov Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018 Suitable for ages: (not really 4-7) more … More Howard and the Mummy
GIVEAWAY!! Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday! Last week Elizabeth Brown shared her process of finding how to write the story that became Dancing Through Fields of Color. This week I have more about the book and an opportunity to win your very own copy of this very lovely biography of Helen Frankenthaler. Be sure to … More Dancing Through Fields of Color
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday! Today, we’ve got a double-feature – two new picture book bios by the incredible Mara Rockliff! AND on March 1st, Mara will share her process of Mining for Heart. Come back and hear the story behind the stories. Title: Doctor Esperanto and the Language of Hope Written by:Mara Rockliff Illustrated … More Doctor Esperanto AND Lights! Camera! Alice!
Barbara Jordan always impressed me as a phenomenal woman. She inspired reverence and awe and spoke to something deep inside. Such dignity and resolution. There are hardly words for her. But Chris Barton found the words, and Ekua Holmes has created such magnificent and complex illustrations. This is a picture book is big and bold … More What Do You Do with a Voice Like That?
Every once in a while I like to include a recommendation for middle grade books. I haven’t featured one in a while, so when the publisher offered to send me a copy of THIS PROMISE OF CHANGE for review, I welcomed the opportunity. This is an important book for young readers anytime. May we all … More This Promise of Change
A few weeks ago, author Hannah Holt shared her process of finding the heart of this story in my blog series “Mining for Heart.” Now, here’s a look at this gem of a picture book. And don’t miss the epic giveaway going on – details below. Title: The Diamond and the Boy: The Creation of … More The Diamond and the Boy
Back in the days of long skirts and afternoon teas, young Joan Procter entertained the most unusual party guests: slithery and scaly ones, who turned over teacups and crawled past the crumpets…. … More Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor
Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is a beautiful story of Harriet Tubman. You’ve probably heard of her in connection with the Underground Railroad. But did you know she played numerous roles in history? Title: Before She Was Harriet Written by: Lesa Cline-Ransome Illustrated by: James E. Ransome Holiday House, 2017, biography Suitable for ages: 4-7 Themes/topics: … More Before She Was Harriet
