Today’s book is another story told through the alphabet. It is a story of suspense and mystery… THE DANGEROUS ALPHABET by Neil Gaiman, author and Gris Grimly, illustrator Harper Collins 2008 In this rhyming picture book we meet two children who sneak out with a treasure map and find themselves in the sewer. A is […]
picture books
C is for Classics
I love alphabet books that tell a story and today’s choice is a classic- Chicka, Chicka, Boom Boom! by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault (authors) and Lois Ehlert (illustrator) Simon & Schuster 1989 This rollicking, rhythmic, story begins Then. All the lowercase letters follow them up the tree in alphabetical order until the […]
Roaming around with the Letter B
Beep, beep! Today I continue on my alphabetical journey through alphabet books. I just discovered a new book by one of my favorite children’s writers, but it only focuses on the letter B! B IS FOR BABY By Atinuke (author) and Angela Brooksbank (illustsrator) Candlewick Press 2019 Recommended for little ones and those who […]
A is for Animalia, Alphabeasties, and Alligators
It’s April 1st which means it’s the official kick off day for the A to Z Blog Challenge where bloggers use the alphabet to structure their posts. I’m focusing on Alphabet Books this year and I am surrounded by piles of ABC books. One problem is that most alphabet books start with the letter A […]
The A B C’s of Alphabet Books
The A B C’s of Alphabet Books A to Z Blog Challenge Theme Reveal Alphabet books have been a part of children’s reading experiences for hundreds of years. They began as horn books and have transformed through the years. They are intended to teach children to recognize letters and sounds in an entertaining way. Over […]
Read Your World! A Multicultural Children’s Book Day Review of The Giant Turnip
It’s Time to Celebrate Multicultural Children’s Book Day! I am excited to once again be a part of a fun-filled event where diverse books for children are shared and celebrated. I was thrilled to receive a book from Language Lizard. The Giant Turnip By Henriette Barkow (illustrator) and Richard Johnson (illustrator) Translated by Bhadra Patel […]
To Card or not to card? The Christmas card question
I love receiving mail and this is the time of year when my mailbox overflows with greetings from friends and family. I display the cards and love seeing what has transpired in the lives of those I care about but don’t often see. I send out card but there is always a problem. Namely, the […]
Rice From Heaven – The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans
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) […]
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 […]