Ellwyn Autumn's Blog, page 4
December 29, 2023
Superhero Cowgirl Princess Book Review
Author:Janine Parker
Illustrator:Juliet Parker
Publisher:Marvelous Minds Press
Released:October 9, 2023
Format:Hardcover
ISBN:979-8-9890508-0-2
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 3 1/2 Lemon Drops
Review:
A childbrimming with enthusiasm and creativity supported by a mother who happily encouragesger to explore every facet of her personality.
Ireceived a complimentary copy of the book from Reedsy and agreed to give an honestreview.
BookSummary:As Halloween approaches, Juliet, a little girlwith limitless aspirations to be anything and everything, embraces the power ofher vivid imagination.
Right now, is the perfect time for herto delve into new experiences and uncover more about herself.
Under the intentional questions posedby her mother, Juliet explores the multi-faceted roles she’d like to take on.This ultimately leads to a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume of self-expressionand playfulness.
Opinion:Superhero Cowgirl Princess is a fantastic story for anychild looking to express themselves in a safe environment.
Instep with the thrust of redesigning gender roles, Juliet exemplifies how girlscan embrace masculine roles while still maintaining their feminine identity.
Iliked how Juliet's mother encouraged her with open-ended 'wh' questions.
Childrencan expand their vocabulary, confidence, and critical thinking skills byanswering these types of questions. They also learn social norms for productiveconversations with others.
Juliet'smom embodies the ideal parent who guides their child towards self-awareness withoutbeing intrusive.
Sheenthusiastically supports Juliet’s colorful wardrobe choices that evolves intoan energetic blend of childhood ingenuity and dramatic play.
Thestory was enjoyable, and it sends a positive message that resonates with girlsand children everywhere. That being said, the story would benefit from anotheredit.
Twoinconsistencies exist with the names of the characters. First, the mother isreferred to as Mom and Mommy. I believe the author should use only one of theselabels.
Second,the main character’s name is Juliet, but we don’t learn her name until halfwaythrough the story. Introducing Juliet’s name on page three of the story would betterserve the reader. The author could simply switch sweetheart with Juliet.
Juliet Parker’s watercolor illustrations capture thewarm palette of autumn that complement the fall themed story nicely. Children willenjoy the different scenarios the main character envisions for herself.
I wouldhave liked to give the story four stars but refrained because of the changes Ifeel it needs.
Igive it 3 1/2 Lemon Drops!
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ClassroomConnection:
Superhero Cowgirl Princess is a perfect example for a lessonon self-image and the unique creativity we all possess as well as a HalloweenRead Aloud.
AgeRange: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
TargetedVocabulary:
spiraled, crooked, sparkly, dashing, fluttering, heroic, adventure,galloping, tiara, imagining, imagination
Resources:Click the picture to access the links.
For over 20 years, Janine has providedindividual and family therapy services by creating a therapeutic atmosphere ofwarmth, respect, and acceptance. Her approach is to support the dignity of eachperson while encouraging openness, emotional awareness, and healthyproblem-solving.
Aboutthe Illustrator:WhenJuliet was little, she was notorious for playing dress up and throwing aroundwild ideas. As a young woman, she still likes to think she plays dress-up, onlynow she’s dressing up as herself. Specifically, she gets to wake up every dayand dress up as the “myself’ that her mom helped her become.
December 23, 2023
Snowday at the Zoo Book Review
Author: LaurenMuskovitz Ranalli
Illustrator: MollieOlinyk
Publisher: LaurenRanalli
Released: January1, 2023
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 978-17733143318
Reviewer: EllwynAutumn
Rating: 4 LemonDrops
Prepare fora snow day unlike any other. What makes this one so different from all theother snow days? It’s at the zoo!
Have youever wondered who takes care of all the animals at the zoo when it snows so manyschools and businesses shut down? Snow Day at the Zoo offers readers aunique and playful perspective of how zoo animals spend their snow day.
Review:Told throughthe little girl’s point of view, we get a firsthand look at how much thislively child enjoys caring for the animals. She turns chores into active gamesthat even her reluctant brother revels in.
Youngsterswill clamor to hear more or to visit their local zoo in the dead of winter,after reading Lauren Ranalli’s interpretation of a snow day at the zoo. Forevery parent’s sake, I hope their children choose the former every time! 😉
Withspirited rhyming, the story takes us though the day of two siblings who helptheir zookeeper father tend to the animals on a snowy day at the zoo. Fromsledding with tigers to ice-skating with penguins, this is a one-of-a-kind snowday full of wintertime fun!
MollieOlinyk’s colorful illustrations are charming and pleasing to the eye. Iespecially enjoyed the picture of the little girl celebrating snow day number two.
I give it 4 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:
AgeRange: 2 years and up
TargetedVocabulary: blanketed, chores, barricades, swarmed, exhausted
Resources& Lesson Ideas:Literacy:
Aftera read-aloud of the book, children and grown-ups can discuss a typical snow daythey’ve experienced. Compare and contrast these experiences to those of the charactersin the book.
Zoo Animals Flashcards | FREEBIE byPrestige English | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Fun Animal Shadow Matching Worksheets- FluffyTots
Art:How to Draw aLion for Kids - How to Draw Easy
Music/Movement:Act out the movements and sounds of each animal in the book.
The BEST Dear ZooActivities for Preschool & Kindergarten (littleslovelearning.com)
Science:AllAbout Zoo Animals-FREEBIE!! by Free Falling in SDC | TPT(teacherspayteachers.com)
FREE!Zoo Animals MATCHING Activity - MONTESSORI Theme - Busy Book Binder(teacherspayteachers.com)
Math:Zoo Activities for PreschoolThey'll Be Wild About in Math Centers - Turner Tots
AboutThe Author:
LaurenRanalli is an award-winning children’s book writer and marketing coach foraspiring and self-published authors.
She is a fully-grown adult who still gets excited about theScholastic book catalogue. She can wander for hours in bookstores andabsolutely loves a freshly sharpened pencil.
She has found so much joy in pursuing her dream of being achildren’s book author. Inspired by her own high-spirited children, she aims tocreate stories that excite curiosity and broaden our sense of community.
December 15, 2023
A Journey Down Under Book Review
Author:R.W. Starr
Illustrator:Marta Maszkiewicz
Publisher:R.W. Starr Publishing
Released:May 22, 2023
Format:Kindle, Paperback
ISBN:978-8218955205
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4Lemon Drops
Acharming non-fiction book for young readers that includes catchy rhymes, warmwatercolor illustrations, and loads of interesting facts!
Ireceived a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarilychose to read and post an honest review.
Review:BookSummary:
A JourneyDown Under is awonderful non-fiction resource for young children and their parents andeducators. For those of us who are not Australian, the book is a terrific introductionto Australia and its unique and diverse animal population.
Opinion:I like that thebook shows a map of Australia inlaid with native type images that are verypretty and easy to discern. It left me wondering, “Is this Indigenous art orjust the illustrator’s creative expression?” Other curious minds may also wantto delve into this and explore it further.
Because of its educational nature, thestory is appropriate for both home and classroom libraries in various ways.
As a bedtimestory, it will introduce children and parents to the many varied animals thatinhabit Australia. The author introduced each animal with a catchy rhyme,followed by an interesting, fun fact that is very informative.
Photo by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay In theclassroom, teachers can use the book to introduce students to the continent ofAustralia, along with its unique and diverse animal population. The author alsoreferences the Aboriginal people of Australia, which is another important topiceducators can include in their lesson plans.
Anotherfeature of the book I enjoyed is the resource page at the end. The authorprovides links and references readers can check out to learn even more aboutthe animals discussed in the book. There is even mention of a YouTube channelwhere you can listen to a lyrebird and a kookaburra.
Marta Maszkiewicz’swatercolor illustrations are warm with earthy tones perfect for a book aboutAustralia’s wildlife. Each illustration appears accurate and is very pleasingto the eye. I appreciated the purple and pink color scheme used for thebandicoot’s page.
It’s obviousthe author cares deeply about Australia’s rich history, its animal kingdom, andhis readers.
Igave it 4 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:AgeRange: 3-6 years old
TargetedVocabulary: distinguishing, features, Eucalyptus, snooze, permanent, marsupial,curious, secure, perched, consistent, ventures, majestic, pant, accuracy,mimics, absorb, roosting, echolocation, prehistoric, waddles
LessonIdeas & Resources:
Aresearch project on the continent of Australia, one of its many animals, or theaboriginal people who live there.
Australia| TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Literacy:AustraliaBooklet (A Country Study!) by Emily Bynum | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Art:28Australia Activities for Kids - Taming Little Monsters
24Amazing Australia Day Crafts for Kids - Happy Toddler Playtime
Music/Movement:Movelike the animals that live in Australia. Hop like a kangaroo, swim like aplatypus, climb like a Tasmanian devil, dig like a wombat, squawk like a kookaburra,run like an emu.
GorgeousAnimal Movement Dice for Kids - Mother Natured
(2)songs about australia for kids - YouTube
Australia Song | Song forKids | Countries of the World (youtube.com)
(2) Follow the Animals |Sing and Dance Along | Australian Songs for Kids | Music for Kids - YouTube
SocialStudies:Australia:An Introduction to the Art, Culture, Sights, and Food (teacherspayteachers.com)
Australia(country study) by Thematic Worksheets | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
"Tripto Australia" Power Point & Activities Pack! by Ashley McKenzie(teacherspayteachers.com)
Science:AustralianAnimals preschool theme activities - KIDSPARKZ
Math:AustralianAnimals Free Activity Pack - Taming Little Monsters
AustralianAnimals Graphing Printable - Life Over C's (lifeovercs.com)
AboutThe Author:
I have always had an interest in writingchildren's books, but life always seemed to get in the way. However, afterretiring from professional life, I now can pursue my passion.
I love animals and my fiancée, and I currentlyhave three dogs, two of which we recently adopted from a local shelter. I mustthank my fiancée for her gracious inspiration and support.
She is my editor, sounding board, and constantcompanion. I am a cancer survivor and appreciate the time I have been given andwant to bring some joy into the lives of children.
I remember when my mom and dad read to me whenI was little, and I shared this tradition with my own daughter when she wasgrowing up.
Books have always played an important part ofmy life. I forget who said it, but those who read can live a thousand lives,but those who don't only live one.
About the Illustrator:
You can find Marta Maszkiewicz on Instagram.
December 9, 2023
I'm A Lion On The Prowl
Author:Rebecca Atanassova
Illustrator:N/A
Publisher:Popsicle Publishing
Released:June 19, 2023
Format:Kindle, Paperback
ISBN:978-1960746191
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 4Lemon Drops
An easy-to-read rhyming book chock full of animal sounds, adorable illustrations, and childish imagination. Great for toddlers and babies!
Ireceived a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarilychose to read and post an honest review.
Review:BookSummary:
Aterrific story about a young child’s imaginative play as they pretend to bevarious animals both domestic and wild.
Opinion:I’m a Lion on the Prowl (And Other Things, Too!) hasa lot to offer young children and their parents and educators. The story is appropriatefor both the home and classroom settings in various ways.
Asa read-to-me story at home, it will introduce young readers to different animalsounds, rhyme patterns, and joyful dramatic play. There is tons of fun to behad mimicking the animals’ characteristic sounds and distinctive movements.
Itmay even inspire them to play with their own stuffed animals in a similarfashion. Don’t be surprised if you find your child emptying their toy chest asthey hunt for their favorite friends to join them in a bout of imaginativeplay.
Inthe classroom, teachers can introduce onomatopoeia to students through thesounds the various animals make and rhyme through the playful rhythm of thetext.
Thisbook has the potential to be used as an interactive read-aloud and a sharedreading experience as well. I’m sure after hearing the story a few times,students will be reading along with their teachers (or in the case of olderchildren, reading on their own in no time at all).
Ienjoyed the playful tone presented through the text and the adorableillustrations. As soon as I opened the title page, I knew I was going to lovethis book.
Sevenof the cutest little button-eyed animals are lined up as if a child hasintentionally placed them there in a neat row. The perfect audience to watchover the child as he performs his boisterous animal renditions.
Theillustrator’s watercolor illustrations are a cheerful ensemble of sweet imagessure to capture the attention of young readers.
Igive it 4 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:
I chose to focus on zoo animals, but the book has a variety ofdifferent creatures.
AgeRange: Baby to five years old
TargetedVocabulary: rhyme, onomatopoeia
Image by Mihail_fotodeti from Pixabay
Aftera read-aloud of the book, reread the rhyming and sound words and make a list ofthem. Think of other rhyming pairs and words that represent onomatopoeia.
Zoo Animals Flashcards | FREEBIE byPrestige English | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
Fun Animal Shadow Matching Worksheets- FluffyTots
Art:How to Draw aLion for Kids - How to Draw Easy
Music/Movement:Act out the movements and sounds of each animal in the book.
The BEST Dear ZooActivities for Preschool & Kindergarten (littleslovelearning.com)
Science:AllAbout Zoo Animals-FREEBIE!! by Free Falling in SDC | TPT(teacherspayteachers.com)
FREE!Zoo Animals MATCHING Activity - MONTESSORI Theme - Busy Book Binder(teacherspayteachers.com)
Math:Zoo Activities for PreschoolThey'll Be Wild About in Math Centers - Turner Tots
AboutThe Author:
Rebecca Atanassova is a longtime children’s authorand mother of three living in the heartland of America. With a keen eye forcapturing the essence of childhood, she breathes life into simple moments byinfusing them with a touch of magic.
Recently, she has become a wildlife rescuevolunteer. Rebecca draws upon this opportunity to further explore her love fornature. She also is currently an active member of the Society of Children'sBook Writers and Illustrators.
Rebecca enjoys traveling with her husband, a university professor, and their young son. They are as likely to be found hiking in National Parks as they are on adventures inexotic locations.
Her work is often spurred on by the beauty andlessons of the natural world she encounters on her travels. Rebecca and herfamily also support charitable organizations dedicated to nurturing Bulgarianorphans.
December 8, 2023
Gingerbread Fun
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EveryDecember I teach a Gingerbread Unit. It’s a wonderful theme that everyone canparticipate in no matter which holiday they celebrate.
This year I’vecreated some fun Gingerbread resources that I’d like to share with you. Everything is low prep and easy to incorporate into your classroom centers.
Gingerbread Tic Tac Toe
Thisresource is free on Teachers Pay Teachers. This is a quick and fun game thatyour kiddos can play during an indoor recess, in pairs when they’ve completedtheir work, or with you as a reward for good behavior.
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Gingerbread Writing
Thisresource is also free on Teachers Pay Teachers and differentiated based on yourkiddos’ skill levels.
There aretwo different writing activities in this resource: a creative writing piece (IfI Lived In A Gingerbread House) and a How To Piece (How To Make A GingerbreadHouse).
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Gingerbread Hide-And-Seek
TheGingerbread Kids are on the loose! This is a fun seek-n-find game perfect for aGingerbread Man lesson during the holidays or in conjunction with a fairytaletheme.
Invite yourkiddos to work alone, in pairs, or small groups as they hunt down a dozenadorable Gingerbread Kids. The game fosters visual discrimination, cooperation,and patience.
Perfectfor small group instruction and literacy centers. Helps aid in letteridentification, cooperation skills, and sharing.
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Threeof my favorite Gingerbread Books by Jan Brett: She also has FREE resources for all her books.
HappyHolidays!
October 26, 2023
Two Little Raindrops Book Review
Author:Adele Lamothe
Illustrator:Steven Tu
Publisher:Adele Lamothe
Released:October 12, 2023
Format:Kindle, Paperback
ISBN:978-1738943432
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5Lemon Drops
ASplish Splashing-introduction to the water cycle that will spark youngsters’interest in nature.
Ireceived a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarilychose to read and post an honest review.
Review:BookSummary:
Throughhilarious illustrations and lively rhyming, two little raindrops make a hugeSplish and Splash readers young and old will enjoy!
Whentheir cloud becomes dark and heavy during a spring storm, two little raindropsnamed Splish and Splash embark on a lively adventure.
Uponjumping out of the cloud, they find themselves on land and separated from theirfamily. Together, they decide to find their way home and rejoin their family.
Aftera transformative experience, they complete their voyage through the water cycleby evaporating and forming a cloud with their family in the sky.
Opinion:Tobegin with, I absolutely adore the names of the two characters, Splish andSplash. Another thing I appreciated was how Adele introduced them to thereader. “Two little friends, tiny droplets so light. Lived in a cloud which waspuffy and white. One was called Splish, he had eyes like a fish, and one wascalled Splash with a fancy mustache.”
Thecharming characters in this story make it a fun and educational way for childrento learn about the water cycle!
Likewater in the story, the words have a lyrical flow and are pleasant to the ear.The A-B rhyming pattern, deliberately chosen, enhances the fun factor for youngreaders.
Phonologicalawareness, a prerequisite for reading, can also be introduced by pointing outthe rhyming words. When the read-aloud is complete, readers can compose a listof words that rhyme with splish and splash.
Anotherlittle feature I enjoyed was the specific placement of certain words. For example,downhill is written diagonally as if the words were tumbling downward. Thistechnique is sure to grab the readers’ attention and have them searching formore unusually placed words.
Tu'sillustrations are full of life and an absolute riot. Youngsters are sure togiggle at the hilarious expressions of the main characters.
Ireally enjoyed the usage of targeted vocabulary and the simplified diagram ofthe water cycle as well as the tips offered on water conservation.
Igive it 5 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:
Two Little Raindrops is perfect for a lesson on TheWater Cycle and Rhyming.
AgeRange: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
TargetedVocabulary: water cycle, swerved, vapor
Image by Mihail_fotodeti from PixabayResources& Lesson Ideas:Literacy:Aftera read-aloud of the book, students can rhyme words with Rain/Splish/Splash; thenwrite their own rain poem or story with an illustration or watercolor paintingto go with it.
Art:Watercolor painting, medicine dropper painting (add paint to a bowl of waterand stir, children use the droppers to squeeze paint onto a coffee filter orother paper), raindrop stencils
Music/Movement:(9) Water Cycle |Songs For Kids | Sing Along | GoNoodle - YouTube
(9) The Water CycleSong | Science Songs | Scratch Garden - YouTube
(9) The Water Cycle |Jack Hartmann - YouTube
Science:💧FREE Printable Water Cycle Worksheets for Kids (123homeschool4me.com)
Moveto Learn in Science! (lauracandler.com)
AllAbout Rain and The Water Cycle - One Sharp Bunch
Math:Collectrainwater in a bucket and measure how much water there is.
AboutThe Author:
Adele was born in SouthAfrica, an extraordinary country with a rainbow of nations and spectacularscenery. She shared her childhood with her sister, two brothers and Italianparents who showed her how beautiful life is with the unconditional love andsupport of family.
She met her husband in Johannesburg, and they have two children who teach her somuch and constantly surprise her! Among the treasures she holds closest to herheart are the cherished moments reading stories to her children and sharingquiet moments at the end of a busy day.
In 2022 they moved to Canada and embraced their new home, with its exquisitelandscapes, remarkable seasons, and friendly people. They live in a quietneighborhood surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and an abundance ofever-changing beauty.
Adele loves reading, cooking, paddle boarding and taking long walks in nature.Through her books, she wishes to encourage children to connect with the worldand develop a deep appreciation of our environment.
October 18, 2023
Best Dinosaur Ever Book Review
Author:Lori Rotter
Illustrator:Vaughan Duck
Publisher:LFR Creative, LLC
Released:August 11, 2023
Format:Kindle, Paperback
ISBN:979-8988752905
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5Lemon Drops
Milois an imaginationasaurus on a mission to become the best dinosaur ever!
Ireceived a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarilychose to read and post an honest review.
Review:BookSummary:
Milois a big fan of dinosaurs, as demonstrated by his favorite stuffed dino andgrinning dino slippers! Following a bedtime read-aloud of Best Dino Ever, Miloasks his father, “If I were a dino, what kind I would be if?”
Dadgives the typical grownup response. The kind the spurs childish imaginations todefy the odds at all costs! “Milo, not to steal all your joy, but you can’t bea dinosaur, you’re just a boy.”
Histeeth are not sharp, and he has toes instead of claws. Perhaps with a little creativityand practice, that could all change. And so, it begins…
Opinion:Childhoodingenuity and determination are captured in this book. Milo is an enthusiastic littleboy bursting with BIG energy and an active mind that craves stimulation. Hisfamily is supportive of his inquisitive nature and motivates his occasionalunconventional creativity.
Thestory starts with a scene that is all too familiar to parents; a bedroom floorfilled with toys after an enjoyable session of make-believe.
It’sclear Milo has a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math)mindset. Across the room, there's a homemade train track on the floor, dinosaurbooks scattered around, and a T-Rex illustration roars on an easel in thebackground.
Fatherand son are front and center sitting together reading a book about, you guessedit—dinosaurs. The pair were clearly excited about reading the book. Wide-eyedand smiling, both Dad and Milo are relaxing on the chair. Dad has one slipperon his foot, and the other one is lying forgotten on the carpet.
Whilethe story is being read, we learn that Milo yearns to be the best dinosaur. Heawakens the next morning as a young man on a mission. A common mission amongyoung dinosaur enthusiasts.
Milostarts by frightening his sister Lulu with a loud roar, and then pauses tocapture the moment in a painting of a green T-Rex frightening a little girlsimilar to Lulu.
Afterthat, he charges to the kitchen where he eats breakfast in true carnivorefashion. A bit of self-reflection leads Milo to understand that becoming thebest dinosaur ever requires having sharp claws and mighty big jaws. Putting hisart skills to use, he gets busy crafting a dinosaur costume that helps himbecome Milo-a-saurus.
Iappreciated Duck’s attention to detail in the illustrations. We really get toknow Milo and feel his enthusiasm for dinosaurs from the intentional items scatteredthroughout the book. The pictures are colorful, eye-catching, and fun!
Igive it 5 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:Best Dinosaur Ever would be a great addition to several themes of study: dinosaurs,imagination, and STEAM projects.
ForSTEAM projects, students could recreate Milo’s train track, paint a picture ofa dinosaur, design their own dinosaur costume, or use pipe cleaners to create adinosaur skeleton.
AgeRange: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
TargetedVocabulary: amused, beamed, claws, clever, practiced, signaled
Resources:DinosaurSkeleton STEM Challenge by STEMsational STEM | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
DinosaurPreschool Theme - Literacy, Math, STEM, & Art Centers | TPT(teacherspayteachers.com)
HowTo Catch A Dinosaur | Book Companion & Procedural Writing | STEM(teacherspayteachers.com)
Dinosaurstem | TPT (teacherspayteachers.com)
AboutThe Author:
LoriRotter is an award-winning toy designer and debut picture book author.
Herlarge extended family keeps her laughing and inspires her story and toy ideas.Like in her toys, Lori enjoys sparking the imagination and adding small detailsfor kids to discover.
Lorilives in New York with her husband, lots of fish, and two silly French bulldogs.
Aboutthe Illustrator:
Vaughanloves drawing pictures that make kids giggle. He lives downunder in Australia whereit’s always sunny.
You canvisit Vaughan at vaughanduck.com.
Benefits of Author Classroom Visits Episode 5
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Episode-5-School Visits: Offering teaching materials for your book to help busy educators and librarians prepare for your visit.
bit.ly/schlvis5October 4, 2023
Why Were These Ten Picture Books Banned?
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It saddens me when I read the ever-growing list of booksadded to the Book Banned and Challenged List. Sadly, a large portion of these bans are directed at the LGBTQIA community and people of color.
Some of these books may have lost their charm, relevance totoday’s society, offend people’s political ideology, or their opinion of marginalizedgroups but they’re part of our history and shouldn’t be erased or forgotten.How else will future generations learn from our past mistakes and triumphs?
Image by Magda Ehlers from PexelsAs a writer for young readers, I'd like to focus on tenbooks for the youngest audience that have been banned, challenged, orrestricted.
Some I read as a child, the rest I read to my own childrenand students. Almost all the books were classroom and bedtime favoritesthat we read repeatedly.
These same books stimulated budding readers in the library, where many a giggleand prereading skills took place.
Image by ParentiPacek from PixabayAs I read through the various lists of banned andchallenged books, I wanted to know why they had been banned, so I did a littledigging.
My reactions to the reasons behind the bans ranged fromoutrage to secondhand embarrassment.
It didn’t take long to understand the reasons for the bansvaried from preference to downright lack of due diligence.
Banned Picture Books:
Awards: International Reading Association, Children’s BookCouncil (IRA/CBC) Children’s Choice 1984, Parent’s Magazine: Favorite BabyBooks of All Time August 2006
Awards: New York TimesOutstanding Book Award 1974
Awards: Caldecott Award
6-Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Awards: Caldecott HonorBook Award
Awards: Caldecott Medal
Awards: Caldecott Medal
10-Little Red Riding Hood Retold and Illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
Awards: Caldecott HonorAward
Image by Катерина Кучеренко from PixabayWhy were these books banned?
In 2010, the Texas Board of Education banned BrownBear, Brown Bear because they confused Bill Martin, Jr. (author of over 300 children’sbooks) with Bill Martin who wrote Ethical Marxism: The Categorial Imperativeof Liberation. Embarrassing!
A Colorado public library banned The Giving Tree in 1988because it was perceived as being too sexist.
A California school banned The Lorax in 1989 becausethey feared it portrayed logging in a poor light and would turn childrenagainst the foresting industry.
Where The Wild Things Are suffered opposition after its release in 1963. Readers and psychologistsargued that it was “too dark” and psychologically damaging and traumatizing foryoung children. It’s also faced scrutiny for its images of witchcraft.
Parents in Erie, Illinoisbanned The Family Book because it references same sex marriage.
In 1977, images of police officers represented as pigscaused Sylvester and the Magic Pebble to be banned in many cities acrossthe United States. (Other characters are depicted as pigs in the book too.) Manyalso criticized it for having a magic wising pebble. Some believed this wouldpromote occult practices.
Image by Ray Shrewsberry • from PixabayIn 2022, one state attempted to ban or restrict 2,349titles. This school year No, David! was among those that got the bootfrom Katy ISD. Are you wondering which of the fifty states deemed so many booksunworthy?
According to the American Library Association, the state with themost attempts at book bans is—Texas. (Katy ISD didn’t comment on why it banned No,David!) Butt why? (If you’ve read the book, you’ll get the reference.)
Image by Michaela, at home in Germany • Thank you very much for a like from PixabayThey bannedStrega Nona in libraries across the United Statesfor painting a positive picture of witchcraft and magic. Two of my favoritethings!
A New York children’s public librarian banned GoodnightMoon because she hated the book and thought it was too sentimental. The ban lasted25 years (1947-1972). WHAT!!!!!!??
A winebottle in a basket led to Trina Schart Hyman's version of Little Red Riding being banned in 1990 becausemany believed the wine condoned the use of alcohol. But what if it wassparkling cider?
Image courtesy of Commons.wikimedia.orgAs of September 22,2023, PensacolaNews Journal reported that Florida surpassed Texas as the leader of bookbans.
For more information onbanned books visit americanlibrariesmagazine.org.
What banned books haveyou read?
Note: The books listedabove may have won awards that I was unable to find.
September 29, 2023
We're The Same, We're Different And We All Belong Book Review
Available on Amazon
Author:KayJay Miller
Illustrator:Unknown
Publisher:Force For Good Media LLC
Released:2023
Format:Hardcover, Paperback, ePub, Kindle, Audio
ISBN: 978-1-961930-02-5
Reviewer:Ellwyn Autumn
Rating: 5Lemon Drops
Spunky, multi-racial, Marnierecognizes that despite our differences we all share similarities and have ourown unique story. What is yours?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. Ivoluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.
Review:BookSummary:
Marnie,who is now six years old, is proud to be considered a big girl. She wants youto realize that you are as unique as she is.
Our unique stories are shaped bymany factors including our skin color, our abilities, our preferred foods.
Unfortunately, there are individuals who fail to appreciate diversity. Marniehas a mixed racial background.
Her mother is an immigrant from Jamaica. Her father hails from America and hasa mixed heritage of Polish and Irish.
At school, Marnie learns an importantlife lesson like many other children. Others may treat her rudely because ofher appearance. Marnie feels sad because of this.
With her mother's aid, Marnie is able to make sense of the struggle. We’re thesame, we’re different, and we all belong.
Showing kindness to people who lookdifferent from you is essential. Don't overlook the fact that they also see youin a different light.
In her own charming way, Marnie demonstrates howyoungsters can socialize and problem solve appropriately. Asking questions tomake new friends is a valuable interpersonal skill she teaches.
It helps us tounderstand people better and learn that looks are only skin deep. Alwaysremember that when you meet someone for the first time, they are a uniqueindividual with their own thoughts and emotions, and they could be very similarto you.
Opinion:We'reThe Same, We're Different And We All Belong is an amazing fiction story thatcovers various important topics such as individual differences, disabilityawareness, life skills and much more, making it perfect for kids of all ages tolearn from.
Miller'sspirited story is a reminder that our differences are what make the world abetter place, even in times when skin color and religion can cause divisions.
I love the illustrations! You can't ignore how remarkable they are - crisp,clear, and vibrant. The illustrations are so detailed that the characters seemto jump off the pages.
Marnie's banana bread skin tone and thick, curly hairmake her relatable and adorable to all children, especially those with diversebackgrounds.
Igive it 5 Lemon Drops!
ClassroomConnection:
We’reThe Same, We’re Different And We All Belong is a perfect story for social/emotionallessons on diversity, self-esteem, disability awareness, and making friends.
AgeRange: Pre-K to 3rd Grade
TargetedVocabulary: unique, beautiful, different, weird, realized, favorite, fashion,mistakes, grateful
Resources:
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PinterestAboutThe Author:
Image courtesy of Reedsy.comKayJayMiller has been… a Caribbean child dancing in full carnival costume, an Oxfordstudent cycling everywhere, and an award-winning writer (theater, film, andchildren’s TV).
She is now Mom to an amazing, cheeky 5-year-old and an author ofKid’s books that are a force for good.
