Maps are visual art that communicates information to give us a sense of place. We read maps and we read books. And, in my opinion, books containing maps are the best kind of books. I’ve shared many maps this past month for the A to Z April Blog Challenge and I could easily go on […]
Books
Under the Sea – mapping an unknown world
Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea; Marie Tharp Maps the Ocean Floor by Robert Burleigh (author) Raúl Colón (illustrator) Simon & Schuster (2016) picture book biography grades Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea is a book for anyone interested in maps and map-making. It tells the story of Marie Tharp who,as a girl, loved maps. She […]
Treasure Island – the story of the map that inspired a book
I still remember the day that I opened an old copy of Treasure Island and read these words: And so begins one of the world’s greatest pirate novels with arguably the most well-known map included in a book. This is the classic adventure written by Robert Louis Stevenson, which tells the tale of the […]
Swallows! Ahoy! adventures illustrated with maps
‘Ahoy! Ahoy! Swallows! Ahoy!’ This year for the A to Z Blog Challenge, I have been on the lookout for maps in children’s literature. When I shared my theme, a number of bloggers asked if I was going to write about Swallows and Amazons. I answered, “of, course!” But, truth be told, I had never […]
R is for Redwall – a world with maps
Fantasy series are the ones that most generously include maps which enable readers immediately enter and gain an understanding of the world the characters inhabit. The Redwall series is not exception. REDWALL by Brian Jacques (author) Troy Howell (cover artist) maps drawn by different artists series began in 1986 and ended in 2011 Redwall is […]
Q is for Quilts – Leading the way to freedom
Slavery is a difficult but important topic to teach to young children. One of the best ways is to share stories featuring the amazing Freedom Quilt Maps. These quilts sewn with block patterns were displayed as signals to slaves as they set out to the north during on the Underground Railroad. Because quilts were so […]
P is for Passport, Paper Towns, and a Parade
I am always up for a trip somewhere out of the country where I can use my passport. I’ve had many passports over the years and it’s fun to look through them and see the stamps from the many places I’ve been. But, am I the only one who never likes their passport photo? In […]
To Oz! on a wonderful journey through children’s literary maps.
Today for the letter O on the A to Z Blog Challenge, we’re traveling over the rainbow and down the yellow brick road using maps of the Land of Oz. This map was created for Frank L. Baum’s 1908 play and lecture series, The Fairylogue and Radio Plays that were intended to promote the first […]
Lost!
Lost? Then you need a map! Lucy in the City by Julie Dillemuth (author) and Laura Wood (illustrator) Magination Press Lucy and her raccoon family head out into the night in search of dinner. Lucy is so busy licking the jar of peanut butter that she doesn’t hear her father say “Time to go!” She […]
Kingdom Maps in Kid Lit
What’s a literary kingdom without a map? Fantasy is the genre where fantastic maps abound. Maps provide guides to adventures held within the pages. For today’s April A to Z Blog Challenge, I’d like to share some series that will bring you into some very different kingdoms. The Kingdom of Wrenly by Jordan Quinn (author) […]
I is for Islands in Kid Lit Maps
Books that involve runaways and dangerous settings are magnets for young readers. Add a map and danger and you have a book that will intrigue and delight children which is why My Father’s Dragon has been in print since 1948. My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett (author) and Ruth Chrisman Gannett (illustrator) […]
G is for Geography in the A to Z of Literary Maps
One of the most dramatic areas of geographic study is that of the movement of people escaping war, drought, and terrorism. This is not a new phenomena but goes back to the dawn of history. There so many gripping stories of refugees and today I’d like to share of of the most beautiful and emotionally […]
D is for Dinosaur on a literary mapping journey
Welcome to Day Four of the A to Z April Blog Challenge. This year I’m wandering through children’s books with maps. Who doesn’t like dinosaurs and love to learn where they once roamed the earth? One of my classroom favorites is: Where to Look for a Dinosaur by Bernard Most (author and illustrator) The simple […]
C is for Cities
I live in rural America but love to visit cities to get my fill of museums, theaters, restaurants, and shops. Today I am sharing a great book for those who love the excitement of being in the city. 50 Cities of the U.S.A. written and researched by Gabrielle Balkan Illustrated by Sol Linero Wide […]
B is for Biography – mapping a trip around the world
Welcome to Day 2 of Blogging A to Z where I’m blogging this year about maps found in children’s books. I love to find a biography that includes maps of where the subject lived and traveled. I am fascinated by Nelly Bly and all that she accomplished. She was the ultimate traveler! The Daring Nellie […]