Category: nonfiction

Cecil’s Pride

September 30, 2016

Today we look at a real Lion King. Tomorrow I’ll announce the winner of a copy of Miranda Paul’s 10 Little Ninjas. You’ve got a few more hours to leave a comment and be eligible for the drawing. Title: Cecil’s Pride, The True Story of a Lion King Told by: Craig Hatkoff, Juliana Hatkoff, and Isabella Hatkoff … More Cecil’s Pride

It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

July 8, 2016

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post features a man of seemingly endless talents, author /illustrator Don Tate. Looking forward to meeting him at the WOW retreat and learning about his process, with text and art! Title: It Jes’ Happened, When Bill Traylor Started to Draw Written by: Don Tate Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie Lee and … More It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

The Kid From Diamond Street and other Audrey Vernick favorites

July 1, 2016

Another WOW Retreat author is Audrey Vernick. She’s definitely a baseball fan and writes nonfiction as well as fiction picture books. Title: The Kid From Diamond Street, the Extraordinary Story of Baseball Legend Edith Houghton Written by: Audrey Vernick Illustrated by: Steven Salerno Clarion, HMH, 2016, biography Suitable for ages: 4-7 (easily extends to age 10) … More The Kid From Diamond Street and other Audrey Vernick favorites

Dorothea’s Eyes and The Noisy Paintbox

June 17, 2016

Another author I’m thrilled to meet at the Week of Writing (WOW) Retreat is Barb Rosenstock. I’ve already started my list of questions for her. What an amazing writer! It’s hard to choose just two favorites… Title: Dorothea’s Eyes, Dorothea Lange Photographs the Truth Written by: Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by: Gerard DuBois Calkins Creek, 2016, … More Dorothea’s Eyes and The Noisy Paintbox

Platypus

June 3, 2016

How much do you know about the puzzling platypus? Title: Platypus Written by: Sue Whiting Illustrated by: Mark Jackson Candlewick Press, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 5+ Themes/topics: animals, nature, Australia Opening: Beyond the snaking bend in the creek, where the water lazes in a still green pool, a scraggly gum tree perches on the … More Platypus

The Secret Subway

May 6, 2016

Go beyond planes, trains, and automobiles! Check out this week’s fascinating “Perfect Picture Book.” Title: The Secret Subway Written by: Shana Corey Illustrated by: Red Nose Studio Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 (I would say 5+) Lexile: AD810 Themes/topics: history, New York City, subways, invention Opening: Welcome to … More The Secret Subway

A Splash of Red

April 8, 2016

PPBF Special: For all the teachers who are in the midst of testing season, I’ve included a literature unit for this amazing book. Title: A Splash of Red, the Life and Art of Horace Pippin Written by: Jen Bryant Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet Random House/Knopf, 2015, biography Suitable for ages: 5-8 (easily Gr 1-5) Lexile: 610 … More A Splash of Red

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