What a great combination - Kentucky author/poet Geoge Ella Lyon writing about people who have had the courage to speak out for social justice! One of Lyon's poems incorporates a quote from the subject into her poetry. Very powerful! The book includes a glossary of important vocabulary as well as background information on each of the subjects of her poems. The last poem is titled, "You!", which is a perfect segue into conversation about using your voice as a tool.
Anne Tyler, one of my favorite authors, comes through with yet another engaging story with great character development. Redhead by the Side of the Road is a wonderful depiction of a man, Micah, who has a very routine driven life that is interrupted by two separate hurdles. The title of this book is something I was able to relate to and laugh at once it is revealed. Definitely a book I recommend!
Have you ever gone down a road and wondered where it may lead? What the Road Said, by the bestselling poet Cleo Wade, is a unique story about the conversation between a road and the author. It chronicles the questions we all have as we go through the journey of our lives, and reminds us what to do when we encounter different situations along the way. At one point, the road reminds the author/reader "Sometimes we go the wrong way on our way to the right way." A great book for children and adults!
Bedtime for Sweet Creatures is a lovely book written by Award-winning author Nikki Grimes and illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon. The author weaves a variety of animals and their movements into her tale of the bedtime process, creating a fun story for parents and kids. The illustrator does an amazing job with the child's facial expressions, and the collages she uses throughout the story are wonderful!
Author Sy Montgomery has written this children's book based on her memoir. She tells of her adventures throughout life, and what lessons she has learned from all the "teachers" she's had along the way. Her lessons range from learning respect from the gorillas to learning forgiveness from the white-coated weasel. Lovely illustrations are icing on this cake!
Tomorrow I'll Be Kind is a follow-up to Jessica Hische's award-winning book, Tomorrow I'll Be Brave. Hische's words and illusrations weave together beautifully, showing examples of ways that all of us can make the world a better place. Through kindness, patience, honesty, generosity, gentleness and more, we can make a difference! An excellent and uplifting read, especially during this difficult time our nation is facing.
An Ordinary Day tells the story of two families simultaneously. The parallel stories are both of extraordinary love happening on an ordinary day. It's sweet and sad and beautiful all at once, with amazing illustrations.
Love You Head to Toe is illustrator's Ashley Barron's first book. In this book, she compares babies and their actions to different animals. The comparisons flow throughout different adventures in the life of a baby. Barron's cut-paper collage illustrations are quite delightful! A sweet book just in time for new parents or as a valentine book for children.
What a clever way to introduce or discuss the topic of perspective with children! R. Henderson has created a book that is read with two people sitting across from each other, allowing the illustrations to be viewed differently. What one sees is not the same as what the other sees! This gem is likely to spark some good conversations!
This is a true story about a young boy who finds refuge from the chaos of the city by building treehouses in the trees of Central Park. Unfortunately, each of the treehouses is discovered and removed. Over the course of eight years, Bob Redman builds a total of 13 treehouses in the Central Park trees!
The author first met Bob Redman when she was looking for an arborist to help prune a tree for her! Be sure to read the book jacket flaps for more fun facts.
This book is a fun cross between monsters and classic art. The illustrations have vivid colors and a cute hamster who tends to all the art supplies. The end of the book contains a section with a brief, kid-friendly description of each artist contained within. Fun and educational!
Sharon Creech describes the heart-felt journey of a young boy's love for his dog. The story is told through a poetry journal with the boy's teacher. Be prepared to shed a tear!
A delightful children's book about compassion. Susan Verde shows how each of us is instilled with amazing qualities, yet at the same time capable of making mistakes. The book teaches how to handle our imperfections with grace. Beautiful teamwork (again) with illustrator Peter Reynolds!
