Ellwyn Autumn's Blog, page 10
June 7, 2020
Fairy-Tailed Wish Book Review
Available on Amazon
Author: Megan Pighetti Illustrator: Tamara PiperPublisher: Megan MighettiReleased: March 26, 2020Format: Kindle, paperbackISBN: 978-1734805505Reviewer: Ellwyn AutumnRating: 4 Lemon Drops
A fanciful story full of birthday wishes, fairies, and toilet paper.
Summary:What do birthdays, fairies, and toilet paper have in common? Children asking for a Fairy-Tailed Birthday Wish, of course.
The night before her birthday, young Bri makes a wish to be fairy-tailed and three fairies answer the call. Suzie, Lily, and Dax are the fairy trio assigned to grant Bri’s birthday wish— a unique tradition where fairies string toilet paper all over the birthday child’s bedroom.
As the leader of the mission, Suzie guides Lily and Dax through their very first fairy-tail wish. The covert mission has one aim, to grant the birthday wish without being seen by the child.
After a smooth entry into Bri’s house, the three fairies get to work locating the toilet paper and stringing it around Bri’s bedroom.
There are a few mishaps from the beginners that threaten their exposure, but not to worry, they are easily overcome. The fairies leave a toilet tissue maze of fairy-tails for Bri to work her way through and cherish.
Review:A delightful story! It introduces a whimsical and hopeful tradition comparable to the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus. Youngsters will enjoy Piper’s cute pictures. They add amusement and visually supplement the story.
I enjoyed the movement suggestions on how to get through the fairy-tails at the end of the book. What a marvelous way to get youngsters moving creatively.
One tiny criticism: The author should have introduced Bri’s name earlier in the story for clarity. When her name is introduced, it seems abrupt and adds a slight discordance to the narrative.
Bri’s name could have been mentioned at the very beginning when she’s making her Fairy-Tailed Birthday Wish, and when Suzie is reading her Fairy-Tailed Birthday Wish List. This would have also added a more personal connection between the fairies and the birthday child.
Classroom Connection:Fairy-Tailed Wish is a wonderful addition to a fairytale unit or a discussion on imagination. It would also be a memorable way to celebrate a student’s birthday. After reading the book, children could complete an obstacle course, or better yet, make one of their own to do.
Another cute idea would be to string toilet paper (or streamers) around the classroom for a student’s birthday before they arrive at school and ask them to guess who did it.
May 1, 2020
4 Elements Good Picture Books Need
Photo by Tumisu via PixabaySo, you’re on a quest, excellent! Many fine stories open with the virtuous protagonist embarking on a noble journey that is assured to shape their life forever.
As any keen reader will corroborate, whether you’re a knight in pursuit of the Holy Grail or a parent on the lookout for a memorable children’s tale, it’s the lessons learned along the way that leave an everlasting impact; they help mold our opinions about people and the world in which we live.
If you’re here, you’ve been tasked with unearthing the ultimate bedtime story, the read-aloud of the century, or more simply, you just wish to find the perfect book to read to your kids.
Like any worthy champion—I mean parent, you’ve scouted the local library, the neighborhood bookshop and, of course perused Amazon.
After all this seek-and-maybe-I’ll-find-it, you’re still not certain what qualities make up an exceptional children’s picture book.
Depending on which expert you consult, the list could be long and varied. In this article, we will concentrate on four key elements. As a mother, Early Childhood Teacher, children’s author, and picture book reviewer, I will share with you my criteria.
In my modest opinion, there are four elements every picture book must have: relatable and lovable characters, a solid and consistent plot, playful and enriching language, and appealing illustrations that match the text.
As I define each element, I’ll include the definitions I taught to my students, this way you’ll have the child-friendly explanations to use for your children.
One
First, let’s explore characters. Characters are the people and animals in the story. The main character is who the story is mostly about.
Characters should be genuine, relatable and elicit emotion. They need to make children laugh, empathize, and learn something new without being too preachy about it.
A few wonderful examples of well developed characters in children’s literature are No, David! By David Shannon, Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, and The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.
Through many examples, the characters in each of these books exhibit the wide array of emotions and predicaments children find themselves in with insight on how to solve a problem or learn from a mistake.
Two
Next, let’s move onto plot. The plot is what happens at the beginning, middle and end of a story. The three books we reviewed above have complete plot lines that show each character’s growth throughout the story.
As with all story elements, discuss with children a story’s plot to emphasize the concept and help them comprehend its meaning.
Photo by 990609 via PixabayThree
Alrighty then, let’s talk about the language in a story. Children’s authors have up to 32 pages to fit an entire story, so each word must count.
Young children love to learn language through finger plays, nursery rhymes, action songs and stories. Children who are read to consistently have a broader vocabulary and gain foundational skills like phonemic awareness (the ability to identify and manipulate the smallest sounds in words).
A youngster is exposed to phonemic awareness through rhyme and repetition. Dr. Seuss’ use of rhyme and alliteration in his books accomplishes these literary devices masterfully.
Eric Carle’s charming books also introduce the concept of repetition through repetitive text (words or phrases that are repeated and predictable). Two of my favorites are The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Very Busy Spider. Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Bill Martin, Jr. and Eric Carle is another perfect example.
Photo by wixin_56K via PixabayFour Last but not least, we come to the pictures in a story. You can’t have a picture book without pictures, am I right?
Picture books make the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” so immediate and relevant. One-way children learn to read is by “reading” the pictures in the book. Often, the illustrations provide clues and additional information the words alone could not achieve.
The author writes the words in the story and the illustrator draws the pictures. For these two separate people to create a single comprehensive story the words and pictures must match. If the words state, the character is eating a cookie there better not be a lollipop in his hand.
Photo by Kidaha via PixabayThe End
And there you have it!
So go on, you fearless paladin of parents, you lover of literacy, get out there and find the finest children’s picture books ever!
Just in case you require a starting point, here are a few links to books I’ve reviewed.
7 Free Library Books About Summer
5 Free Library Books About Back To School
If There Never Was A You
6 Free Library Books About Thanksgiving
April 2, 2020
Book Review: It Is Okay To Cry
Author: Ansaba Gavor
Illustrator: Rice Maria Garcia
Publisher: Pen & Pad Publishing LLC
Released: October 1, 2018
Format: Kindle, Paperback
ISBN: 978-09833134
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
It Is Okay To Cry addresses various emotions and the socially acceptable way to express them through crying. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, young or old, we all cry and feel better afterwards.
Review:A charming story that teaches children it’s okay for anyone and everyone to cry. Told through the main character’s point of view, we learn that people cry for many different reasons to express various emotions: anger, sadness, happiness, fear and pain.
Gavor has written another first-rate story that is instructional for unimpaired social/emotional development and illustrates the positive effects of heartfelt compassion.
One of my favorite parts is the analogy Gavor draws between the character and a rain cloud. “Crying makes me think of the clouds in the sky bursting with rain just like my eyes sometimes burst with tears…” A straightforward image children will relate to and easily understand.
Garcia’s illustrations capture the mood of the characters and the tone of the story. The colors match the characters feelings and the rainbows scattered throughout the book give promise of better days to come.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:It Is Okay To Cry is a must read for any lesson focused on social/emotional learning. The coping skills modeled by the main character can easily translate into meaningful conversations that enable children to problem solve real life situations.
After a reading of the book, children could list reasons why they cry on water drop templates or make a rainbow to cheer them up when they’re sad.
It would make a great addition to the classroom library or the dramatic play area.
Resources:
https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/socialemotional-strategies/
March 22, 2020
March 6, 2020
Children Are Like Cupcakes Book Review
Author: Ansaba Gavor
Illustrator: Rice Maria Garcia
Publisher: Pen & Pad Publishing LLC
Released: January 14, 2014
Format: Kindle, Paperback
ISBN: 978-0983313434
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
A sweet story that addresses an important social issue all children must understand as global citizens.
Children Are Like Cupcakes is a multicultural story that embraces diversity and inclusivity among all people. Told from the point of view of one little girl who is wise beyond her years, readers are shown how, just like cupcakes, children come in a wide variety of colors and flavors.
Review:
First of all, the title is just downright adorable. I love the analogy drawn between children and cupcakes: such a simple, creative and concrete way to introduce the complexities of diversity to youngsters. Through the eyes of a child, we learn that everyone’s similarities and differences should be honored and celebrated. So guileless, yet so very powerful.
Garcia’s illustrations are straightforward, vibrant and eye-catching. If Gavor’s story is the cupcake then Garcia’s pictures are the colorful sprinkles on top. They enhance the story and reinforce the valuable lessons brought forth in the text. I especially love how each child has their very own matching cupcake.
I give it 5 Super Sweet Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
After a reading of the book, I could easily see children decorating their own cupcake and adding edible flourishes that personalize it.
Along with baking props, it would make a great addition to the dramatic play area as well as supplementing the dough materials in the art center.
Resources:
https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/diversity-inclusion-lessons/
February 26, 2020
Review of Prompt Me Novel Workbook and Journal By: Robin Woods
Author: Robin Woods
ISBN: 978-1941077160
Publisher: Epic Books Publishing
Released: February 14, 2019
Format: Paperback
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5 Lemon Drops
Robin Woods has composed another workbook sure to prompt a few excellent novels from writers!
I had the pleasure of reviewing Prompt Me Again! And gladly accepted Robin’s invitation to examine another of her workbooks for writers.
Prompt Me Novel is the sixth installment in her Prompt Me Series. She created the series for beginner and veteran writers serious about improving their technique. Through carefully thought out and scaffolded activities, writers will lay a solid foundation for their manuscript they can be proud of.
Like its predecessors, Robin arranged Prompt me Novel into sections chock full of resources appropriate for an aspiring or experienced writer. In this version, the chapters are laid out by story element: plot, conflict, setting, point of view, character, and emotions.
Each segment has insightful tips and resources that will push your storytelling to the next level. The final chapter, Reference, is packed with recommendations to stay on task, frequent writing errors, and alternative word choices to pump up your writing.
The workbook would make a wonderful addition to a writer’s group or as a supplement to any English or Creative Writing classroom. (FYI: Robin Woods is a high school and university English and literature instructor, so she knows how to design a rigorous writing module.)
There are also diagrams to outline detailed story maps, lists of plot and character archetypes, character building worksheets, examples from master writers, and so much more.
As a creative writer and a former teacher, I very much recommend this book for any classroom and aspiring author.
I give it 5 Lemon Drops!
February 18, 2020
January 31, 2020
Book Review: Snack Attack By Marsha Casper Cook
Author: Marsha Casper Cook
Illustrator: Mikey Brooks
Publisher: Fideli Publishing Inc.
Released: November 30, 2018
Format: Kindle, Paperback, Audio
ISBN: 978-1948638609
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
A cautionary tale of a picky eater who learns to trust his gut!
Review:
Addison Apple is frustrated. He doesn’t like oatmeal; he doesn’t like to eat anything his mother makes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. One day, his mother agrees to let him eat whatever he wants. For three days Addison gladly eats as much candy, ice-cream, cake and potato chips as he can. Then, something unexpected happens, he starts to feel sick and learns the valuable lesson that sometimes you can have too much of a good thing.
In Snack Attack, Addison encapsulates the typical picky eater who frowns at anything without an ounce of sugar, saccharine or high-fructose corn syrup. Like all good parents, his mother, hoping to teach her son the value of good nutrition, gives him the leeway he needs to learn from making poor food choices.
Snack Attack is a terrific story to introduce children to the benefits of healthy eating and the consequences of not doing so. I also appreciated the health and safety messages woven into the story. Through Addison, children learn what happens when you eat too much junk food and how the body craves nutritious food to maintain proper health.
Brooks’ illustrations are bright, colorful and add a simple cheerfulness to the story that readers will enjoy. Together, Cook and Brooks, have created a story with meaningful lessons that unfold naturally without sounding too preachy.
Classroom Connection
I could easily see this book used as a supplement to a Nutrition themed lesson and displayed in various Pre-Kindergraten/Kindergarten classroom centers: Science, Library, Art, Writing
After an intentional read aloud and discussion of the book, students could sort healthy/unhealthy foods, write a list of their favorite healthy snacks and sample fruit and vegetables.
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Resources:
https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/nutrition-lessons/
January 26, 2020
January 14, 2020
Deputy Paws And The Puppy Mill Cause Book Review
Author: Peggy Race
Illustrator: Mike Motz
Publisher: Createspace
Released: July 31, 2018
ISBN: 978-17243555522
Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4 Lemon Drops
A “woof” of information packed into one educational and informative read for children, parents and prospective dog owners.
Review:
Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause tells the story of one puppy who starts his life in a puppy mill, is rescued, and finally adopted by a loving family who gives him a forever home.
Told from the main character’s point-of-view, the rhyming story draws inspiration from the true account of Race’s own rescue dog, Deputy. In a non-threatening and age-appropriate way the story brings to light the harsh reality and cruel conditions puppy mill dogs endure: life in wire cages, premature separation from their mothers, proper medical treatment overlooked for breeder profit, and lack of adequate food and water.
Now that Deputy has found the happiness and love he deserves, he advocates for all mistreated dogs and their rights to a clean bed and a safe space where they can romp, run and roll until their heart’s content. He encourages people to help make this happen by adopting a rescue dog instead of buying from a pet store or puppy mill.
The author has also included a responsible breeder checklist, suggestions on how to get involved and break the connection from the breeder to the store, resources, and animal rescue websites.
Mike Motz’s illustrations are colorful, appealing and add a visual aid to the important information presented. One of my favorite things about the pictures is that children are featured alongside Deputy Paws advocating for dogs. This is a subtle and powerful way to include children and let them know they’re an integral part of the solution too.
Overall, a wonderful resource to teach children empathy and respect toward animals while spreading the word about animal cruelty and how to stop it.
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
Classroom Connection:
Deputy Paws and the Puppy Mill Cause would make a great social studies lesson on animal rights, the laws that protect them and the actions still needed to ensure their safety. In order to be responsible global citizens, children need concrete examples of how this is accomplished.
Concurrent with focused questions and activities, an intentional read aloud of the book will foster students’ awareness of their community and show them how to take a proactive role in it.
After the reading, the Dramatic Play center could be transformed into an animal shelter, a shelter worker could be invited to speak to students and the children could donate to a classroom animal shelter fund.
Resources: With a little creativity, these can be modified for the classroom.
http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/animal-shelter-scavenger-hunt-list.htm
https://www.guidedogs.org/?page=corporations-host-a-jeans-day-2
https://organized31.com/what-to-donate-to-an-animal-rescue-shelter/
