Pura Belpre Award Winner and Honors Books

The Pura Belpre Award is given annually to a Latino or Latina writer or illustrator whose work celebrates the Latino culture in a work of literature for children or young adults.  The award was established in 1996. It was named for the first Latina librarian at the New York Public Library.

The Pot That Juan Built

Andrews-Goebel, N.(2002).The Pot That Juan Built. Lee and Low Books.

This true story about Juan Quezada, a professional potter, tells of how he makes his famous clay pots in Mexico.  The story tells of how he digs the white clay, uses cow-manure fire, makes paints from the rocks surrounding his village, and uses human hair for his brushes. It is written in the style of " The House That Jack Built", with rhyming words and repetitive text that will have your child reading along with you. 

This book is a great way to introduce the pottery of the Mata Ortiz village in Mexico to your child.  Juan Quezada, the famous Mexican potter, discovered the shards of pottery from the Indians that lived in the hills surrounding his village as a young boy.  He taught himself how to make this traditional pottery of his ancestors.  He then taught his village.  His village has prospered into a community of artists, thanks to Juan.  A beautiful true story to read to your child.

Maria Had a Little Llama/Maria Tenia Una Llamita

Dominguez, A. ( 2013). Maria Had a Little Llama/Maria Tenia Una Llamita. New York,NY: Henry Holt and Company.

Here is a Peruvian twist to the classic nursery rhyme of Mary Had a Little Lamb.  The author includes illustrations set in the mountains of Peru, with clothing and culture woven throughout the picture book.  The author includes a map of famous places in Peru, such as the Inca Trail, Andes Mountains, Cuzco, and Machu Picchu. The author includes both English and Spanish on every page, so it is truly a bilingual book for children. 

The illustrations are bright and colorful.  The Peruvian village includes red tile roofs, a small open air market, a church, and a plaza typical of Spanish influences in South America. The traditional clothing and instruments of the folk band in the village would be a great way to start introducing your child to the Peruvian culture.   The map is also a great way to teach your child famous places in Peru and the Inca culture that shaped the land and people.

Little Roja Riding Hood

 

Elya, S. (2014). Little Roja Riding Hood. G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Here is a latin twist on the classic fairy tale. Little Roja is taking some sopa, or soup to her Abuela's in the woods.  She rides her four-wheeler through the woods with her cat when the Wolf appears. He suggests she pick flowers for Abuela, and while Little Roja is picking flowers, he steals her red capa and takes off for Abuela's.  When the Wolf arrives, Abuela notices the large eyes, ears, and  teeth of the Wolf, and just as the Wolf was about to attack Abuela, Little Roja bursts through the door and throws the hot soup at the Wolf. He runs away, but Abuela thinks she needs a plan to keep safe.  So Roja and Abuela shop for a security system to keep her safe from now on.  And now when Roja travels through the woods to Abuela's house, she always takes her sopa caliente.

Sprinkled with Spanish words and phrases throughout, here is a version of Little Red Riding Hood that is updated and has a Spanish flare.   Little Roja's mother watches telenovelas , Abuela has a laptop computer, and Abuela installs a security system.  Throughout the book, the illustrator includes the Three Blind Mice and some little elves on Little Roja's adventures.  Also, Little Roja rescues the grandmother herself, showing a strong feminine character.  The author also includes a glossary of the Spanish words used in the book, which is a great way to learn some Spanish vocabulary.  This is a version of Little Red that should not be missed!

Juana & Lucas

Medina, J.( 2016). Juana & Lucas. Candlewick Press.

Juana is a little girl who lives in Bogata, Columbia with her mother and her dog Lucas.  She is a spunky little girl who loves drawing, Astroman, Brussel sprouts, soccer, and much more.  The new school year is starting, and Juana soon learns she will have to learn " the English".  She is not a fan of " the English", and finds it hard and impossible to learn.  As she interacts with all of the people in her life, they all tells her how wonderful to learn English.  They explain how it will help her, her community, but most of all, her abuelos have a special surprise....a trip to Florida to visit Astroman in Spaceland, who only speaks "the English".   Juana works hard to learn English and can soon read and speak English very well. It is finally time for her trip to Spaceland.  When she finally meets Astroman,  she tells him everything on her mind in English.  But she soon discovers, Astroman doesn't speak at all, Spanish or English.  Juana discovers that learning English was not so bad after all though, and learns her love of traveling. Now she can't wait to learn all sorts of languages so she can travel all over the world. 

Children will enjoy reading Juana's story of school, family, friends, and her lovable dog Lucas.   They will relate to her point of view that learning something new is hard, and not always fun.  They can relate and connect to her adventures of bullies, grades, and best friends.  This book is one that teaches children that learning something new can be rewarding and have benefits. 

Gracias/Thanks

Mora, P. ( 2009). Gracias/Thanks. Lee & Low Books.

A little boy gives thanks to all the things he encounters in a day, from the sun in the morning that wakes him up to the crickets at night that sing him to sleep.  He thanks all of the simple things throughout the day that you would not usually think to thank.  He thanks the bees for not stinging him, the worm on his hook to help him catch a fish, and more.  Gracias/Thanks is written in both Spanish and English throughout the entire book, including the dedication page. 

This is a bilingual book that can be enjoyed by both Spanish and English readers.   The Spanish text is on the left and English on the right.  The brightly colored illustrations are detailed and bring the story to life.  A great book  to teach children to be thankful for the simple things in life.

Nino Wrestles the World

Morales, Yuyi. ( 2013). Nino Wrestles the World. Roaring Brook Press.

This picture book is about Nino, a boy who pretends he is a famous wrestler, or champion lucha libre competitor. Nino wrestles the mummy, the alien, El Chamuco, and other wrestlers.   He has moves and sayings which crush his opponents.   In each of his  matches he is the clear winner.  But when his little sisters, or Las Hermanitas, wake from their nap, he is no match for them.  They tickle him, pounce on him, and he is finally defeated by him.  He decides if he can't beat them, he will join them. 

This is a hilarious book about Nino, the Mexican wrestler.  With a blend of Spanish and English, this multicultural book is pleasing to the eye and the ear.  Morales introduces us to the popular Mexican wrestlers wit their Spanish names.   Boys will especially love the wrestling moves of Nino.  A great way to introduce some Mexican culture into your child's life in a fun-loving way.

Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert

Schmidt, M. ( 2012). Martin de Porres: The Rose in the Desert. Clarion Books.

This beautifully illustrated book tells about the life of Martin de Porres.  Born to a slave and a noble Spaniard in the barrio of Lima, he was a bi-racial boy who grew up in poverty.   His mother called him a rose in the desert, but when baptized, the priest named him Martin.  When he was eight years old, his father, Don Juan de Porres, took him back to Ecuador with him.  When he became older he was apprenticed to a cirujano, or surgeon back in Lima.  One day he healed a man, and as a gift, the man brought him lemon seeds.  Once they were planted by Martin, the tree grew overnight and was said to have lemons year round.  He soon became know to have healing powers.  At the age of 15, he gave his life to the Monastery.  The priests told him he could never become a priest because he was of mixed blood.  He became a servant and served the priests well. He was soon know to heal animals and people alike. He served the poor people in the barrio and cured their sicknesses.   After thirteen years, he was finally accepted into the priesthood.   He as no longer considered just a son of a slave, but a rose in the desert.  He was known for performing miracles throughout his life and serving the forgotten poor.

Martin de Porres became the first black saint in the Americas.  His life is remembered as one of service, compassion, and charity to the poorest in Lima.  He is the patron saint of mixed race, interracial relations, social justice, public education, and animal shelters.   This beautiful book shows his remarkable life from a poor boy in the barrio to a beloved priest in Lima.  This would be a great book that shows it doesn't matter the color of your skin, but the kindness of  ones heart.

Chato's Kitchen

Soto, G.(1995). Chato's Kitchen. Putnam.

Chato is a "low riding"  cat from the barrio. His new neighbors, a family of mice, are just what he is looking for as a tasty treat.  He decides to invite them over for a dinner party. They accept only if they can bring their friend, Chorizo. Chato thinks this will work out perfectly.  Not only will he have the mice family for dinner, but one more mouse is even better.  Chato and his friend, Novio Boy, make a meal of tortillas,  salsa, beans, rice, guacamole, and other traditional Mexican dishes.  They even make flan for dessert.  When the mice show up with their friend, they discover that Chorizo isn't a mouse, but a dog!  The mice reassure Chato and Novio Boy that Chorizo is a friendly dog.  So, instead of eating the mice, they eat the food with their guests.

This is a great book to introduce some Mexican culture to your reader. Soto introduces a variety of Spanish phrases, as well as a variety of Mexican dishes, such as guacamole, salsa, quesadillas, and flan.  This trickster tale from the barrio will sure to delight the young readers in your life.

Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors

Thong, R. (2014). Green Is a Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors. Chronicle Books.

This concept book on colors introduces Spanish words associated with different colors.  The book also includes many Mexican traditions along the way, such as baile folklorico and pinatas.  It also includes holidays celebrated such as The Day of the Dead.  A variety of foods from Mexico are also represented in this color book.  The illustrator includes colored, detailed pictures to support the text and to illustrate the traditions and holidays.  At the end of the book, the author includes a glossary of the Spanish words for the reader.

This is an informative and fun way to introduce the colors in Spanish to your child.  The illustrations do a great job of visually describing the traditions and holidays celebrated in Mexico.  The glossary at the end is a great way to give more explanation on each Spanish word represented in the book.

Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote: A Migrant's Tale

Tonatiuh, D. (2013). Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Pancho Rabbit's father has to go to El Norte for work when the spring rains do not come to their rancho. When it was time for Papa to come home, Papa did not return.  Worried about his father, Pancho packs up some food in his pack and set off to find Papa.  Along the way, he meets Senor Coyote.  For some of his food, the Coyote tells Pancho he can show him a shortcut to the North.  Pancho agrees and they begin on a journey towards El Norte.  When they reach a river, Pancho doesn't know how to swim, but for the more of his food, Coyote will help him across.  Pancho agrees and they walk on until they come to a fence that is guarded by snakes.  Coyote tells Pancho that if he gives the snakes all of his tortillas, they can use a tunnel that goes under the fence.  Once again, Pancho agrees and they crawl through the tunnel.  They finally arrive at a shack to rest.  Coyote asks Pancho for more food, which he doesn't have.  Coyote then leaps to eat Pancho.  Suddenly, Papa appears with his friends, who chase off Coyote.  Papa tells Pancho that all of the money he made was stolen by a gang of crows. Then they all return back home together to their home on the rancho. 

This is the story of the hundreds of unauthorized immigrants journey to the North, or the United States, to find work.  This book is filled with many symbols that represent the dangers during the journey the immigrants face.  Coyote represents the human smugglers that smuggle people across the border for exorbitant fees. The river represents the Rio Grande that the immigrants cross to reach the United States.  The snakes represents border patrol and the gang of crows represents the gang violence illegal immigrants face.  The issue of illegal immigrants  is currently a hot topic debated by both sides. The author's note at the end of the book says there are more than 5.5 million children of illegal immigrants in the united States.  This is a book that can introduce this sensitive issue to children.

Coretta Scott King Winners and Honor Books

The Coretta Scott King award recognizes outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for youth.  The award is presented annually by the American Library Association.  The first award was presented in 1970.  Here are ten winner and honor books to share with your family.

Trombone Shorty

Andrews, T. ( 2015). Trombone Shorty. Abrams Books For Young Readers.

This autobiography by Troy Andrews, or "Trombone Shorty", tells of his love for music, New Orleans, and how he became the musician he is today.  Andrews begins with his childhood in New Orleans, where in his neighborhood he could hear music night and day. He tells of the parades during Mardi Gras where he loved to watch the brass band musicians play in the streets.  He looked up to his big brother, James, who played the trumpet and had his own band.  He tells of playing with his neighborhood friends in the afternoon and pretending they had real instruments.  When he finally did get his own trombone,  he took it everywhere and played all the time.  He soon got the nickname " Trombone Shorty" because the trombone was bigger than he was. Later on, his brother than asked him to join his band. With lots of practice and some good luck, Andrews went on to start his own band, travel the world making music, and even played in the New Orleans Jazz Festival.   He says that even though he has traveled the world, he always comes home to New Orleans, and help out the younger musicians, just like his brother did for him.

Andrews tells his story with love and passion for jazz, music, and his hometown of New Orleans.  The author's note at the end tells of how he got his start in music, how he worked hard, and practiced everyday to become the famous musician he is today.  It includes pictures of his childhood with his  trombone, marching down the street of his neighborhood and on stage with Bo Diddley. This is a great book to teach determination and hard work pay off in the end. 

Beautiful Blackbird

Bryan, Ashley. ( 2003). Beautiful Blackbird. Atheneum Books.

In this African folktale, all the birds were colored in red, yellow, pink, and other colors  of the rainbow. Only Blackbird had any black on him.  At the bird festival, all the colorful birds agree that Blackbird was the most beautiful of all.  All the other birds want to have some black too.  They ask Blackbird if he will paint some black onto them and Blackbird agrees.  He starts with the dove and gives him black rings around his neck. He adds stripes and dots to the other birds too.  Blackbird tells the birds that "color on the outside is not what's on the inside."  In the end, Blackbird has shared some black to each of the other birds.

The message of this book is to appreciate who you are.  Blackbird was happy just the way he was. Though he shared his black,  he shared the message that we can change the outside, but you are the same on the inside.   Bryan's colorful book and rhyming, sing-song type writing is a great read-aloud that will be enjoyed by children.

Just Us Women

Caines, J. ( 1982). Just Us Women.  NY: Harper Trophy.

This picture book is about a little girl and her Aunt Martha's car trip to North Carolina.  It is just the two of them with "no boys and no men", and they can take their time exploring along the way.  They can stop when they please, walk in the rain, and "mosey down the back roads" as much as they want.   They enjoy spending time together doing  just what they please.

This is a story of a special bond between a girl and her favorite aunt.  It shares the importance of taking your time to slow down and enjoy spending time with someone you love.  They aren't worried about time limits, but savor the time for "girl talk" and enjoying the moment.

When I Am Old with You

Johnson, A. ( 1990).When I Am Old with You. NY: Orchard Books.

A story of the special relationship between a grandfather and his grandchild.  The grandchild tells of all the things they enjoy doing together, from fishing, playing cards, to a trip to the ocean together.   He states, "when I am old with you", but in reality, they enjoy good times together now. 

This story shares the special bond that grandparents share with their grandchildren.   It's a special kind of love, where sharing simple experiences together is all that is needed for a good time.  The illustrations are beautiful watercolors that portrays the happiness and joy the grandchild has spending time his grandfather. 

Goin' Someplace Special

McKissack, P. ( 2001). Goin' Someplace Special. Atheneum Books.

Set in the South in the 1950's, 'Tricia Ann, a young African American girl, wants to venture off by herself to her special place without the safety of her grandmother.   Reluctantly, her grandmother says yes.  Along the way,  she encounters all of the reminders of segregation and Jim Crow laws.  She first experiences it on the bus, where she has to sit in the "colored section".   Then at the park, when she wants to sit on a bench, it says "whites only".  At the Southland Hotel, she is told by the manger that " no colored people are allowed".   She runs away to the walled garden where an old lady, Blooming Mary tells her to listen to the voice of her grandmother.   She hears the voice of her grandmother's wise voice telling her she is a person, she is somebody, to keep going and not to quit.  'Tricia Ann finally arrives to her someplace special, the library, a place she knows she is welcomed.

This book is a reminder of the injustices so many African Americans in the South had to face daily.  The author tells at the end how this book was taken from her own childhood in Nashville.  She tells that segregation was all over the city, except for one place, the public library.  McKissack goes on to tell how the  downtown library was her special place, because it was a place where blacks were welcomed and there were no Jim Crow signs separating blacks and whites.  This is a great book to teach children that all people should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter  the color of their skin.

Josephine

The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker

Powell, P. ( 2014). Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker. Chronicle Books.

This is a fascinating biography of Josephine Baker's life filled with beautiful artwork throughout. The author begins with her early life in St. Louis as a poor girl who spent much of her childhood working with her mother cleaning, washing laundry, and helping with her younger siblings. Even when she was a young child, she loved to danced and visit the theater.  She started her carrier early, and at the age of thirteen left home to join a dancing troupe.  The book tells of all of her adventures as a performer, until finally, she made it to New York, but she still experienced the pain of racial hatred and injustice to African Americans.  Soon she was discovered by a white lady that took her to Paris, where she became a star.  But through all of her life, she wanted nothing more than to be accepted in America, and finally at the age of sixty-seven, she performed at Carnegie Hall. 

This is a book filled with interesting facts about Josephine Baker's life.  The author writes in a poetic way that is fun and informative.  The book also teaches of the injustices so many African Americans  went through in America.  It is inspiring to see this performer never gave up on her dreams.   Josephine persuaded her love of dancing and performing her entire life.  It will inspire young children to never give up on their dreams.

Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Rappaport, D. ( 2001). Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. NY: Scholastic.

This biography of Dr. King tells of his life's work of peaceful protest and fighting back with love, not violence.  It begins with his life as a child and his dream of using big words like his father and the Bible taught him. The text then goes on to tell of his fight as a minister to help end segregation in the South, from the marches and protests, to the March on Washington.  The author then tells of the tragic ending to his life in Memphis.   Throughout the book, the author uses inspiring quotes from Dr. King, and that his dream and "big words" are still alive today.

This is a beautifully written book about Dr. King's life of service for all Americans.  His words and message of peace and equality are still as relevant today as it was in the fifties and sixties.  The use of his quotes throughout the book are powerful and timeless.  The illustrator, Bryan Collier, uses  powerful images from Dr. King's life.  He also includes multi-colored stain glass panels, which he says symbolizes multi races.  This is a version of Dr. King's life who's message will stay with you.

Tar Beach

Ringgold, Faith. (1991). Tar Beach. NY: Crown Publishers.

A young girl, Cassie Louise Lightfoot, imagines flying in the sky of her neighborhood, Harlem, on warm nights in the 1930's.  Tar Beach, or the  apartment rooftop, is the place of picnics, adults playing cards, and imagination of flying free above the city.  She imagines flying over the George Washington Bridge, the Union building,  and other places in her neighborhood at night.  She dreams of a easier life for her parents, where her daddy is rich, her mommy can sleep late , and they can have ice cream every night for dessert. 

Ringgold's story is part autobiographical and part fictional narrative.  She remembers her own childhood memories of spending hot summer nights on the rooftop of her apartment building.  The book also references the injustices that African Americans faced, such as being unable to join the Union.  Cassie's flying represents freedom from discrimination and the right to be free.  It also includes wonderful illustrations with quilt boarding the pictures.  A great book to share about dreaming of flying and being free!

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

An African Tale

Steptoe, J. ( 1987). Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters. NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Book.

Mufaro has two beautiful daughters, Manyara and Nyasha.  Manyara is ill-tempered,  selfish, and unhappy.  Nyasha is kind and hard-working.  She keeps a small garden in which she sings sweetly to the small garden snake, Nyoka, that lives there.   One day the king announces that he is looking for a wife, so Mufaro and his two daughters begin their journey to the great city to meet the king.  Along the way, the girls are tested by the king in disguise.  Manyara is approached by a hungry boy who begs for food, but Manyara refuses to give him any food.  She is then warned by an old woman not to laugh at the trees, but she did not heed her warnings.  Nyasha is also approached by the boy, and she shares a yam with him.  She gives sunflower seeds to the old woman, and appreciates the beauty of the city.  When they arrive at the king's palace, Manyara is greeted by a monster.  But, Nyasha is greeted by the garden snake, Nyoka.  Nyoka then turns into the king, and tells her that he was in fact the hungry boy and the old woman.  He knows she is worthy to be queen and asks for Nyasha's hand in marriage. 

This is an African version of the Cinderella story set in the country of Zimbabwe.   The moral of the tale is that kindness is rewarded over greed and unkindness.  The illustrations are beautifully painted with the plants, animals, and people of Zimbabwe.   This is a folktale with a timeless message that should be shared with your child.

Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea

Thomas, J. ( 1993). Brown Honey in Broomwheat Tea. Harper Collins.

This is a collection of poems about an African American girl and her family. She is proud of her heritage, her family, and the challenges they have endured as African Americans.  Many of the poems use the topic of broomwheat  tea as a metaphor for the good and bad times we all experience in life. 

The author uses many poetic devices such as imagery, personification, and metaphors throughout the poems about the lives of African Americans. She uses phrases such as " Children kissed long ago by the sun",  and "I was nourished by father sun" as a reference for the girls skin.  Some of the poems are joyful and full of hope, and others are sad , just like life itself.   A nice collection of poems to share together.

Butterflies and Moths

Bishop, N. ( 2009). Butterflies and Moths. New York, NY: Scholastic.

Photographer and author Nic Bishop has created a beautiful book about  butterflies and moths.  Chocked full of interesting facts and beautiful colored photos that are sure to fascinate any nature lover.  Bishop has captured photos of butterflies such as the glasswing butterfly from the Amazon rainforest to the Monarch butterfly of North America.  The photos of caterpillars are quite unique as well.  He has included a photo of the caterpillar's feet which shows spikey stingers and breathing holes called spiracles.  He has also captured photos of metamorphosis of a Monarch caterpillar.  His captions are full of unique facts that are interesting to read.  Bishop includes facts that are as fascinating as the photos.

This book is a must for any child that enjoys nature, butterflies and moths, or non-fiction text.  Nic Bishop is a master photographer.  His attention to detail and unique facts will transform any child into a butterfly and moth expert.  It is well-written and fascinating.  His message at the end of the book tells of the painstaking patience it took to capture some of the photos in the book, including his photo of the snakelike caterpillar which took years to capture.  His doctorate in biology makes him an expert in the field of animals.  Here is a book that should not be missed! 

Last Stop on Market Street

De la Pena, M. ( 2015). Last Stop on Market Street. New York, NY: Penguin.

CJ and his grandma, Nana, are making their trip to the soup kitchen where they  volunteer every Sunday. Along the way, CJ asks his grandma question after question, like kids often do,  in which she always has a quick and witty response for him.  As they travel on the bus to the soup kitchen,  CJ complains that they have to ride the bus, they have to go to the soup kitchen while his friends get to play, and that the city is dirty.  Nana replies that he is lucky to meet new people, experience the joy of live music , and to look for  beauty all around you.   In the end, CJ is glad he has come once again to see his friends at the soup kitchen.

Here is a story that teaches you to always look at the bright side, find beauty where ever you go, and to celebrate life.  CJ's grandma finds joy in the little things in life, like music, friends, and volunteering in your community.  The characters and illustrations in the book shows the rich diversity found in urban communities, from the blind and disabled, to people of all colors, shapes, and walks of life.   A book that will teach you that in life, you don't need material things to make you happy.  Happiness can be found in the experiences all around you.

Crenshaw

Applegate, K. (2015).Crenshaw. New York, NY:  Feiwel and Friends.

Jackson and his family are facing money problems.  His father has multiple sclerosis and is no longer working.  His mother lost her job as a music teacher and is now waitressing part-time to make ends meet. Jackson and his sister often do not have enough to eat, and now they may be evicted from their apartment. Jackson is a boy that lives his life by facts and wants to be a scientist.  So, when Jackson's imaginary friend, Crenshaw, a giant cat, comes back into his life, he thinks he is going crazy.   Crenshaw has come back to help him through the tough times and come to terms that his family may become homeless once again.  Crenshaw is his friend through thick and thin.  With the help of Crenshaw, Jackson learns that life is messy, but that families stick together and love each other through the hard times.

This story explores some dark topics: homelessness, hunger, a sick parent, and what life is like for children when a family is struggling financially.   Along with that, Applegate also explores the topic of imaginary friends.  Jackson learns that a little magic in your life is sometimes needed.  This story teaches kids that all families have their struggles, life is difficult, but love, friendship, and family can see you through those difficult times.   

New York Times Bestseller List: Children's Picture Books

January-August  2016

Here is a list of picture books your child and you won't want to miss! These are great read-aloud stories to share together.

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Beaty, A. ( 2013). Rosie Revere, Engineer. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Rosie Revere is a shy girl that dreams of being a great engineer.  She secretly creates all sorts of inventions late at night in her attic.  One day her great-great-aunt Rose comes for a visit. She shares with Rosie that her dream is to fly. Rosie then sets off to create a flying machine for her aunt.  When she tests her invention, it flies briefly, but then crashes to the ground. Her aunt Rose inspires her to not give up, but to keep on trying.  Together they work until at last they are successful.

Here is a book that tells children to never give up on their dreams.  The wisdom that great-great-aunt Rose gives to Rosie to keep trying and "at first you don't succeed, but try and try again" is a message all children need to hear. It also references Rosie the Riveter and includes an illustration and facts of great women aviators from the past.  Here is a book that teaches to never give up, but to keep trying in life.

Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Carle, E. (2015). Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar. New York,  NY: Grosset & Dunlap

The Very Hungry Caterpillar is back again! This time, as he eats and creeps his way through the book, he tells his feelings for the object of his affection with common sayings such as "the bee's knees" and "the apple of my eye". The illustrations are classic Eric Carle collage pictures and simple text.  

This is a great book to share with a child to tell them just how special and loved they are.   His art work of bright colors and simple words will have your child asking for this book to be read again and again. I would recommend it to any Eric Carle fan from 1-100!

The Day the Crayons Quit

Daywalt, Drew. ( 2013). The Day the Crayons Quit. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Duncan's crayons decide they have had it and write him letters describing what has made them quit!  Red is worn out, black has had it with being an outline for other colors, yellow and orange disagree on who the true color of the sun is, and peach is naked!    Each color writes their own letter of woe to Duncan.  The crayons have spoken and each has a request for poor old Duncan.  Duncan reads their letters and comes up with a solution at the end to appease each crayon. 

Here is a great book to highlight point of view.  Readers will enjoy hearing each crayon's letter and request to Duncan.  The illustrations look like a real child colored them and adds to the  humor of the story.  Kids will love the human emotions and expressions of each crayon as they share their struggle.  Creative and fun-loving for the entire family!

Waiting

Henkes, K.(2015).Waiting. New York,  NY: Greenwillow Books.

Five friends are waiting on a windowsill looking out the window for something to happen.  The owl was waiting for the moon, the pig was waiting for the rain, the bear was waiting for the wind, the puppy was waiting for the snow, and the rabbit just liked to wait.  As they waited, they saw many things through the window that made them happy. The seasons came and went as they waited together. Then one day, a new friend comes to join them and brings her own set of friends. 

This is a Caldecott and Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book with beautiful illustrations by beloved children's author Kevin Henkes.    The story line is the simple message of waiting patiently as the time, weather, and seasons change.  Children can relate to the concept of anticipating something new to happen day after day.  The illustrations are soft,  muted colors with wonderful details.  This would be a great bedtime story to read with your child.

The Wonderful Things You Will Be

Martin, E. ( 2015). The Wonderful Things You Will Be. New York, NY: Random House.

This beautifully illustrated story shares the love that parents have for their children.  Parents hope and wonder what their child will be as they grow from infant into childhood and beyond.  The rhyming words and simple text shares  a message with young children that you can be anything you want to be.

This is a read aloud that will appeal to parents with it's simple message of love. Young children will enjoy the rhyming text and beautiful pictures.  This is a wonderful bedtime story for young children and parents to share together.

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear

Mattick, L. ( 2015). Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear. New York,  NY: Little, Brown and Company.

Author Lindsay Mattick shares her great-grandfather's true story of the famous bear that became the inspiration for the beloved stories of Winnie-the-Pooh.  Harry Colebourne, a veterinarian from Winnipeg, Canada, is on his way to help the war efforts.   When his train stops at a train station, he spots a trapper with a baby bear.  He purchases the bear, names her Winnipeg, or Winnie for short, which soon becomes the soldier's mascot.  When it was time to fight, Harry knows that he can no longer keep Winnie safe.  He donates her to the London Zoo, where Christopher Robin Milne soon befriends her.  Christopher's father, Alan Alexander Milne, then writes books about the two, which becomes the famous stories of Winnie-the-Pooh.

This is a story that will soon become a family favorite!  Ms. Mattick not only shares this wonderful story about her great-grandfather and his famous bear Winnie, but also includes a family tree at the end of the story, historical photos of her great-grandfather, his diary, photos of Winnie, and other historical memorabilia surrounding this famous bear. Children and adults will enjoy learning the inspiration for the beloved children's stories of Winnie-the-Pooh and the history surrounding the stories.

The Book With No Pictures

Novak, B.J. (2014). The Book With No Pictures. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

A picture book with no pictures?  Yes, that is exactly what this book is.  But the author, B.J. Novak makes up for it with genius writing.  At the beginning of the story, the reader has to promise to read every word aloud, no matter how zany or silly.  The reader will be reading words and phrases such as  "Blork", "Bluurf", and "Boo Boo Butt".  Kids are in control of the reader, and that is what makes it even funnier. There are a variety of fonts and colors that add to the playfulness of the story line as well. 

Young children will love the whimsical silliness of this book.  They will ask for it to be read again and again. Novak's use of word play in this book is genius.  He gets to the heart of young children's desire to be silly and playful with words.  Get ready for laughter and fun with this book!

I Wish You More

Rosenthal, A. ( 2015). I Wish You More. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.

Here is a book that wishes the reader the very best that life has to offer.  A life full of hugs, treasures, adventure, and more.  It is written like a letter to the reader that inspires hopes and dreams for a wonderful future.  The authors words are simple, yet poetic.  The illustrations are  colorful, playful, and animated.   Here is a read-aloud that expresses the love of a parent to their child.

This is a read-aloud to share with you child to let them just how special they are.  This would also make a great present to any aged child from a parent.  It is filled with all of the hopes and aspirations parents long for as their child grows older.  It would make a wonderful graduation present.   

Dragons Love Tacos

Rubin, A. ( 2012). Dragons Love Tacos. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers.

Did you know that dragons love tacos?  Who knew!  But, they do! They love tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.  They love parties with music, dancing, and charades. This hilarious picture book tells everything you need to know to have a successful taco party for dragons.  But beware, don't serve spicy salsa! Because if you do, be prepared for a dragon disaster.  

This zany book will become one of your child's favorites. Kids will love the hilarious pictures of various dragons eating tacos by the boatload, having parties, and  breathing fire.  If you child is a fan of dragons or tacos, they will soon become a fan of Dragons Love Tacos.

Press Here

Tullet, H. ( 2010). Press Here.  San Francisco, CA: Handprint Books.

This simple book is composed of circles of colors and directions for children to follow and interact with.  It starts with one yellow dot with the simple instruction of "press here and turn the page".   Then more dots appear, more instructions, and so on as the book unfolds.  The interactive book will hold your child's interest, as the dots change, multiply, and new colors appear.  The author's use of simple primary colors is appealing to the eye as well. 

Children and adults will enjoy interacting with this book.  It's a great book for toddlers to interact with, but don't be surprised if your school-aged child loves it too!  The author's simple directions and colorful illustrations make it a fun book to read.  This is also a great book to teach directions to younger children.

Why do we share literature? 

Here are a few things I know, am learning, and still wonder as I make this journey towards becoming a librarian.

Watch my Prezi to find out more :
canlearn

http://prezi.com/1laeisqxyiw1/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Children's Literature Awards

Every year a number of great books for children are published.  Yet only a few become award winning.  There are a number of different awards that children's literature can received.  I've included a couple well-known awards that can be given to author's and illustrators.

http://www.emaze.com/@ATICZIIW/childrens-literature-
awards


Literary Devices:
Here are a few literary devices that readers can learn to help them understand the text.https://www.emaze.com/@ATITWCOQ/literary-devices