Just what you'd expect, with Karen Katz's round happy multicultural babies. A satisfying ending that is a good balance to the sibling-rivalry books. Just what you'd expect, with Karen Katz's round happy multicultural babies. A satisfying ending that is a good balance to the sibling-rivalry books. ...more
A good retelling--you can hear it as you read it; it would be fun to learn to tell for school groups. Everyone could get up and do the snow dance and A good retelling--you can hear it as you read it; it would be fun to learn to tell for school groups. Everyone could get up and do the snow dance and chant for snow. The source notes are missing, but apparently will be included in future editions. The illustrations remind me a little of gold old Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons. ...more
One verse per page, with four children representing different cultures on each spread. They are all in traditional garb which gives this a bit of an "One verse per page, with four children representing different cultures on each spread. They are all in traditional garb which gives this a bit of an "It's a Small World" feel, so you will have to decide for yourself whether that is a good thing or not. :) 3nd to last spread has all the children saying "Hello" in their own language, and 2nd to last spread shows each child, and gives them a first name and identifies their country/culture. Last spread has words and music for the song. ...more
A solid faith-based story about worry. The fourth star is for the explanation Rabbi Jamie gives Sadie about the size of Mt Sinai, which brought tears A solid faith-based story about worry. The fourth star is for the explanation Rabbi Jamie gives Sadie about the size of Mt Sinai, which brought tears to my eyes. Another book I need to buy for the children's library at church.
(PS. I did some reading about the author, and now realize that getting outside and hiking like they do in the story is actually a perfect reflection of her real-life calling to connect spirituality and nature, however, does it seem weird to anyone else that she wrote herself into the book?)...more
Martial arts students will enjoy this, and I always enjoy encountering folklore that is new to me. The story structure is solid and I don't mind the lMartial arts students will enjoy this, and I always enjoy encountering folklore that is new to me. The story structure is solid and I don't mind the longer text (not every picture book has to be for a preschool audience) but I do think this could have used a little more editing, some for overall length and some at the sentence level. ...more
This is not just Tex-Mex, but has a contemporary flair as well ("I gassed past Lagarto & dusted Escorpion"). The illustrations have a soft, air-brushyThis is not just Tex-Mex, but has a contemporary flair as well ("I gassed past Lagarto & dusted Escorpion"). The illustrations have a soft, air-brushy feel and the colors are rich. I'm always satisfied when an author doesn't feel the need to avoid the getting-eaten ending. ...more
The illustrator did a phenomenal job. She conveyed both cultural detail (head scarves, henna, architechture) and a sense of universal experience (bicyThe illustrator did a phenomenal job. She conveyed both cultural detail (head scarves, henna, architechture) and a sense of universal experience (bicycles, toys, smiles, school). She also managed, with her kite motif, to create something of a narrative thread out of the author's rather rambly and unstructured musings. The author is writing from a child's point of view, but the text really doesn't sound like a child, either in vocabulary or thought structure. And the extended metaphor isn't clear or grounded enough to give young readers traction for building any new comprehension or understanding. Give this to an adult or teen already aware of war and conflict in the Middle East and Asia; they will love it. ...more
Well-written original folk tale, with great setting details. It borrows a familiar motif but has a good ear for the rhythms and patterns of a folktaleWell-written original folk tale, with great setting details. It borrows a familiar motif but has a good ear for the rhythms and patterns of a folktale story structure. A valuable addition to titles like Very Last First time because it shows a mix of contemporary and traditional details. ...more
Lots of things to like here: a fresh folktale (I always appreciate folktales that incorporate contemporary objects or themes because it shows that folLots of things to like here: a fresh folktale (I always appreciate folktales that incorporate contemporary objects or themes because it shows that folklore isn't only something from long ago), and a peek at something familiar in a different setting. I also love how the story was told: first the grandfather had his grandson look and observe the animals' behavior, then (when he knew his grandson had the context for the tale) he told the story, but then asked his grandson to figure out the "punchline" himself--WHY the animals behaved the way they did. Great model for parents for one way to share stories and ideas with their kids!
I was braced for this to be dreary and didactic and instead it is lyrical and expressive.
The clarity of the short phrases and the uncluttered images I was braced for this to be dreary and didactic and instead it is lyrical and expressive.
The clarity of the short phrases and the uncluttered images makes this an accessible experience, with plenty of room in the narrative to pause and reflect and unpack the content a bit. (eg, "The sun rises" ...Why are they getting up so early? People came from all over, some from far away, to attend the march. So why was it so important for so many people? Etc.... and, "We pray for strength." ...Why are they praying when they aren't going to be in church? Etc.)
Author's note in the back with historical context. ...more
The illustrations are rich with detail and the story flows nicely; between the shah's actions and the shoemaker's attitude there is lots to talk aboutThe illustrations are rich with detail and the story flows nicely; between the shah's actions and the shoemaker's attitude there is lots to talk about here. PLUS it's well-researched, and sourced & cited thoroughly. ...more
I read the ending, and thought, "Well, that's nice, but it's probably not realistic given the time period," and then read the author's note explainingI read the ending, and thought, "Well, that's nice, but it's probably not realistic given the time period," and then read the author's note explaining the whole book--ending and all--was based on a true story. Nice to be wrong sometimes. ...more
The story is pretty straightforward and covers familiar ground, but I love the matter-of-fact touches throughout: the multiracial family, the use of tThe story is pretty straightforward and covers familiar ground, but I love the matter-of-fact touches throughout: the multiracial family, the use of texting, and the caregiving by both genders and all generations....more
A straightforward and prosaic retelling of an epic tale, with Persian-style illustrations. Endnote provides information about an allegorical way of reA straightforward and prosaic retelling of an epic tale, with Persian-style illustrations. Endnote provides information about an allegorical way of reading the story....more
Matter-of-fact, straightforward text perked up by the conversation bubbles throughout. My favorite pages are at the zoo, where Westcott has clearly haMatter-of-fact, straightforward text perked up by the conversation bubbles throughout. My favorite pages are at the zoo, where Westcott has clearly had a fun time filling the spaces with families of every variety. ...more
This is actually more than a counting-money book, since it also introduces other business concepts such as advertising, supply-and-demand, start-up coThis is actually more than a counting-money book, since it also introduces other business concepts such as advertising, supply-and-demand, start-up costs, discounts, and profit and loss. You could also talk about entrepreneurship and innovation. Not too shabby for something that is ALSO a fun story with a great ending. PS: Yay for parents who don't squash their kids' wild plans. ...more
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