North Korea is front page news these days but it remains a place of mystery to most people. There are few books for children about North Korea so I am excited to share this new one: Rice From Heaven, The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans by Tina Cho (author) and Keum Jin Song (illustrator) […]
picture books
The Map of Good Memories
Every once in awhile I come across a book that seems so important that I just need to add it to my book collection. I have discovered a new favorite: The Map of Good Memories written by Fran Nuno and illustrated by Zuzanna Celej Spanish Title – El Mapa de los Buenos momentos translated […]
Zoo Maps in Kid Lit
Zoo maps are usually the first maps that children see and learn to read. They are heavily illustrated with animals and the paths show clear directions to get from place to place. Kids learn that a map can help you to get where you want to go. Children also love the maps in zoo books […]
Y – Are We There Yet?
Y is for Yet as in – Are we there yet? Is there any traveler who hasn’t asked that question or had to answer that question? It is a popular book topic with many sharing clever suggestions on how to make the journey more enjoyable. But, for those trips being taken through the pages of […]
V is for Vintage Maps in Children’s Books
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Here and There – a global celebration
One of the great things about traveling is seeing how every day life differs from place to place. If you, like me, like to visit markets to see what is on the shelves or participate in activities to learn about people and their traditions then you will enjoy Here and There by Susie Rae (author) […]
A Challenge! Vivien Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words Contest Vivien Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words Contest
I love a challenge so when I read about Vivien Kirkfield’s 50 Precious Words Contest, I was intrigued. Based on a challenge Bennet Cerf gave to Dr. Seuss to write a story using only 50 unique words, (he came up with Green Eggs and Ham) writers are challenged to write a 50-word story. It’s […]
The Rock Maiden – A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty #ReadYourWorld
The Rock Maiden – A Chinese Tale of Love and Loyalty By Natasha Yim (author) and Pirkko Vainio (illustrator) Wisdom Tales: 2017 picture book ages 4-9 Today I am excited to share a wonderful book as part of Multicultural Children’s Book Day. I love it when books transport me to another time and place. […]
Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library – #ReadYourWorld
SCHOMBURG: THE MAN WHO BUILT A LIBRARY by Carol Boston Weatherford (author) and Eric Velasquez (illustrator) Picture book for ages 7 – adult Candlewick Press: 2017 Can you imagine building a library? I can and I’ve found my inspiration. Arturo Alfonso Schomburg was an amazing man unfamiliar to most people. But, everyone should know his […]
Kindness Counts
Today is officially Kindness Day but don’t you think that people should be kind everyday?? It is never to early to encourage children to be kind and a perfect place to begin is with this retelling of the classic Aesop’s fable: The Lion and the Mouse Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney […]
Hispanic Heritage Month – Rebozo Revival
September 15th to October 15th has been designated National Hispanic Heritage Month. Here, in Central California, there is much to celebrate. The Rebozo Revival is one of the exciting events being held this week. This five-day celebration was founded by rebozo expert Lourdes Sevilla. She has brought four master weavers from Mexico to exhibit their […]
All the Way to Havana
My husband and I have dreamed for years of visiting Cuba. High on our list of things to see are the classic 1950’s automobiles that continue to rule the roads. So, I was thrilled to read All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Mike Curato. The story begins as […]