Sunday, November 20, 2011

The Book Whisperer

I had the chance this week to attend a conference with Donalyn Miller, the Book Whisperer.  What an inspiring day.  You can read about her in this National Writing Project article, and see a short video on how to encourage your child to read as a parent. 

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Friends True Stories of Extraordinary Animal Friendships

What makes a camel friends with a Vietnamese pig? Or a wild polar bear pals with a sled dog? In this young preschool book, Catherine Thimmesh makes us wonder at the truth and mystery of unlikely animal friendships. Because the stories behind these friendships are true, not contrived, captured by photographers in many countries ranging from Siberia to Japan, they not only give readers insight into animals but challenge preconceived notions about compatibility. This book also expresses tolerance of differences and makes us look at the kindness of animals—and humans—a little differently.
The photographs in this book are of true animal friendships.  It warms your heart to see the photos and read the stories of how the animal pairs have become friends.  The book is told as an extend rhyme about friendship, but below each stanza is the story of the animals.  The rhyme seems a little forced sometimes, earning it a 2 in my review. 

This is a  book I’ve received for consideration.   The above is my opinion and the book has not been nominated to the official Charlotte2014 ballot.

Friday, August 12, 2011

Job Site

 



Bring in the big rigs! The bulldozer, the excavator, the loader and other heavy machinery all have important tasks to accomplish at the job site digging, lifting, carrying, dumping, moving, shaping. In this exciting follow up to the critically acclaimed Drive, Nathan Clement once again pairs his striking illustrations with spare, succinct prose, offering construction buffs a close-up view of the action and excitement at the job site.
A great book for boys everywhere!  The illustrations will captivate young & old.  The author uses the real names for all the construction equipment and the limited text on the page makes it an excellent read along for your younger readers.  My nephew has already asked me to read it over & over!

This one receives a 1- highly recommended

This is a  book I’ve received for consideration.   The above is my opinion and the book has not been nominated to the official Charlotte2014 ballot.