Carol Baldwin's Blog, page 6

The River That Wolves Moved: An Outstanding STEM Picture Book Reviewed by Lori Keating. Plus a Giveaway!

REVIEW

The River That Wolves Moved written by Mary Kay Carson and illustrated by David Hohn, (Sleeping Bear Press) is a beautiful story that intertwines nature and adventure, bringing to life an incredible journey of wolves and the changing landscape they traverse. Carson’s fun and educational storytelling, paired with Hohn’s lovely illustrations, transports readers into a world where the wild and the human realms intersect in unexpected and profound ways. This book is not just a journey through the wild, but also an exploration of resilience, adaptation, and the interconnectedness of all living things. 

The narrative follows a pack of wolves as they navigate through forests, rivers, and mountains, facing challenges and discovering new territories. Each page unveils the complex interactions within the pack, the diverse wildlife, and the natural world, emphasizing the essential contributions of each member.

The story emphasizes the importance of preserving natural habitats and understanding the delicate balance that sustains our ecosystems.

The back matter about the wolves of Yellowstone and the river they moved is particularly enlightening. A map and fascinating facts provide a deeper understanding of the ecological impact these magnificent creatures had on their environment.

The River That Wolves Built  reminds us of the importance of preserving our natural world and the profound influence that even a small group of animals can have on an entire ecosystem. Whether you are a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or new to the wonders of the natural world, this book offers a compelling and heartwarming journey that will leave a lasting impression. I also enjoyed the lyrical language that followed the “This is the house that Jack built” format. 

Children and adults will find themselves immersed in the rich tapestry of the story, gaining both an appreciation for wildlife and a newfound respect for the balance of nature. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary story that has the power to inspire change and ignite a passion for protecting the environment in readers of all ages.

Purchase your copy from Amazon, B & N, or BookShop.org and experience the celebration of the interconnectedness of all living beings.

GIVEAWAY

To enter, please leave a comment by October 19. U.S. addresses only. If you are new to my blog or share this on social media, I’ll enter your name twice. I am featuring this book and several other giveaways in the fall issue of Talking Story which focuses on endangered animals. If you aren’t recieving the newsletter that I co-produce with Rebecca Wheeler, please view a recent issue and subscribe here.

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews. Her last review on Carol Baldwin’s blog was Just Flowers.

The post The River That Wolves Moved: An Outstanding STEM Picture Book Reviewed by Lori Keating. Plus a Giveaway! first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

FREE SINGS THE SEA: A YA Book Review by Guest Blogger, Ginger Dennison

Back in June, I posted Stacey Bartlett‘s cover reveal and author interview. Today guest blogger, Ginger Dennison, reviews this contemporary romance that deals with a tough topic: domestic abuse. FREE SINGS THE SEA (Monarch Educational Press, 2024) will make a thought-provoking gift to a special teenager in your life.

REVIEW

Picture a worst-case scenario.  Rural Carolinas, and an isolated single-wide trailer with mom, two daughters, and abusive step-father living frugally in cramped quarters.  The step-father is the sole bread winner, but drinks away much of what he earns.  

The best-case scenario is through the woods behind the trailer where resides a young man, employed and living in a picturesque log cabin with a barn and a corral, a large friendly dog, and a beautiful horse.  The young man is every girl’s dream.

The protagonist from the worst-case scenario is 18-year-old Shanna. This daughter keeps an injury journal as a record of the stepfather’s abuse of her mother.  Her 8-year-old sister and mother both suffer the emotional effects of living in this atmosphere.  Shanna feels responsible for taking them away from this toxic home situation but has no means or ideas for making it happen.  

The two scenarios intersect when Shanna, in her depression, runs deep into in the woods and stumbles into the young man’s yard and then runs way like a startled faun.  

One thing leads to another and Free, the symbolic name of the young man, is poised to become their savior.  

The turning point comes when the angry, inebriated father beats and chokes his wife.  After he leaves, Shannon runs to tell Free, who quickly spirits them away in his truck, with trailer, horse, and dog.  

The author describes the situation realistically and carefully.  There’s no gratuitous violence. The damage done, especially to the younger girl, is severely emotional.  Shanna and Free’s treatment of her trauma is sympathetic.  For example, the dog is allowed to travel with her as a big furry support system. Free teaches her to ride his horse and this soon provides her joy and relaxation.  Shanna, who has always found comfort in sketching, soon gets her sister interested also.  When they become more settled, they find a counselor who provides ways to help her overcome her fears.  As the story unfolds, the reader sees the way healing takes place in all of them.  

The family also has a certain trust in God, turning to him in prayer at points in the story. The author explicitly mentions her love for His Son, Jesus Christ, in her list of acknowledgments.

Shanna is in a likeable character and when her relationship with Free quickly escalates to an unspoken love, you are happy for both.  The love story has no bumps or bruises—that is not the focus of this story. Domestic violence and its effects is.  There are several pages at the back of the book that supply helpful information on domestic abuse and ways to find help. Food allergies are another issue touched on and information is also supplied on this topic.  

Any teenager struggling with abuse in their family would benefit from reading this book. It would give them hope.

Guest Blogger

Ginger Dennison is a retired second-grade teacher, a book and bird lover, a gardener, and my Bible Study leader. She is the proud mother of 4 sons and has 13 grandchildren. She was also my fun traveling companion to western Canada two summers ago. In this picture, we’re goofing it up in Vancouver at the A-Maze-ing Laughter Artwork.

The post FREE SINGS THE SEA: A YA Book Review by Guest Blogger, Ginger Dennison first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

Blog Snafu!

Yesterday you may have received a link to today’s blog. If you clicked on it you would have seen a message that said the page didn’t exist. Unfortunately, the blog was accidentally published before it was ready. You’ll find Elliott Kurta’s excellent article on including emotion in your writing here.

With apologies to Elliott and to my readers! I appreciate each one of you.

The post Blog Snafu! first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

How to Include Emotion in Writing

By Guest Blogger, Elliott Kurta

Introduction

Elliott Kurta has been reviewing books for me for over two years. It’s been a pleasure to watch him develop his writing skills and I was happy to write letters of recommendation for him to attend writing camp this past summer. He attended The Alpha Writers Workshop in Pittsburgh where he heard Kameron Hurley, Mark Oshiro, Meg Ellison, and Roshani Chokshi speak. The workshop is primarily for horror, science fiction, and fantasy writers, but some of the other students also write literary fiction. Elliott said, “In the workshop, I learned about the different forms a plot can take, how to worldbuild by asking targeted questions about a story, how to show emotion, and what makes a bestseller sell.”

I asked Elliott to write a post and share what he learned. Here is his essay. I’m sure you’ll agree with me that Elliott is well on his way to becoming an outstanding writer.

On Emotion

A story is about people—their triumphs, their setbacks, their rich inner worlds that so rarely come to light. At its best, storytelling reminds us what it’s like to be human—or, better still, it pushes us to be better humans.

            Stories are rare in that they’re one of the only ways to inspire empathy in others. As we hear a story, mirror neurons in our brain simulate what the main character is going through. If they’re in pain, so are we; if they’re elated, we’re atop the clouds with them; if they’re confused, we become just as lost. The reason why stories are so powerful is that they evoke emotion in us. We care about the characters because we know what they’re feeling—better yet, we feel what they’re feeling. Characters set the stakes of a story. A girl’s journey to find her younger brother after he doesn’t come home from school one day feels a lot more personal—and impactful—than her journey to save the entire world.

Weaving Emotions is Not Easy!

            Weaving emotion into a story is a lot harder than it sounds. Luckily, there are four simple ways to create a character-centered, emotionally resonant story. First, focus on the details. Readers care about the small more than the big. Take the girl mentioned earlier. The fact that she sings to her plants as she waters them tells us a lot more about her than the fact that she wants to be a doctor when she grows up. We know she’s caring, that other things thrive in her presence, that she’s not afraid to share her joy. Use details to outline a relationship, a character, a place—mention that the girl is the only one her brother lets her call “Teddy,” his childhood nickname, while insisting everyone else calls him “Ted.” Clearly, they’re close—he can be vulnerable around her.

            Second, show, don’t tell. Rather than writing, “Sarah felt anxious,” tell us that Sarah tapped her pencil against the desk, gave curt answers to all of her parents’ questions, constantly glanced towards the window. Trust the readers to notice the cues they’re given.

            Third, don’t be afraid to feel things. Writing a story with strong, raw emotions can feel uncomfortably intimate, sappy, even corny. But vulnerability is how we build connections. As the writer, you must be a lightning rod for emotion—let yourself feel, then channel it into your story. If you don’t feel anything while writing your story, your readers won’t feel anything while reading it.

In the End…

            Once a story has emotion, where does it go? The ending. This is where everything comes together—or falls apart. It’s where every moment and emotion you’ve layered throughout your story falls into place to create one final, striking image.

            When leading into the finale, keep in mind that what makes emotion satisfying is resolution. Resolution can look like Sarah finding her younger brother at the bus station after two days of searching, his face streaked with tears and grime. They embrace, and she realizes how much he truly means to her. Or it can be more tense. Her brother is angry because he missed the school bus and was left to wander the streets, unable to find his way home. He feels forgotten and unwanted, like nobody would notice if he was gone. To convince him that she cares about him, Sarah has to chase him through a crowd and reveal how she disobeyed her parents and went out to look for him herself, finally earning back his trust. Notice how in both cases, the ending changes. In an emotionally resonant ending, the physical mirrors the emotional. When the siblings forgive each other immediately, they hug. When the brother feels he has been left behind, his sister must chase after him to prove he hasn’t been forgotten. In both cases, the actions they take reflect their emotions—as they come to new realizations, they react physically, whether it be by hugging it out or her chasing him down a crowded street.

Add Tension

            Finally, to make the ending satisfying, add tension. It’s no fun to read a story where the protagonist needs something and immediately receives it. Instead, throw obstacles in her way—frustrate the protagonist, make her prove how badly she wants something. For instance: have the sister’s parents warn her to stay inside, lest she be kidnapped or get lost as well; have the police warn her that she needs to stay out of their way. Readers naturally relate to adversity. It gives us a reason to root for the character, to stand up for injustice and for what we think of as right. Once you’ve established your protagonist has faced adversity and remained true to herself, she’ll have truly earned her happy ending.

            Ultimately, every writer has their own style. These techniques can help you start including emotion in your stories, but—like anything worth learning—it takes experience and experimentation to add emotional depth to your story. So write, write, write—and this time, do it with feeling.

Elliott holding a few of his 20 pages of notes from the workshop.

Elliott Kurta is a writer, student, and book reviewer. Currently a junior in high school, he enjoys reading and cross-country running in his spare time. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his family and dog. He has won multiple awards for his writing, including a silver key in the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards.

The post How to Include Emotion in Writing first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

SOME DAYS ARE YELLOW: An SEL Book Review by Lori Keating and a Giveaway

REVIEW

Some Days Are Yellow written by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Michelle Lee , (Sleeping Bear Press) is a charming rhyming tale that captures the highs and lows of everyday life. I appreciate Slade’s ability to depict the ups and downs of daily life in a concise manner, portraying the different challenges we face each day. Slade’s approach is not only easy for children to grasp but also resonates with adults.

Each page is filled with colorful depictions of different moods, from the sunny yellows of happy days to the somber blues of more challenging times. 

Lee’s charming illustrations skillfully portray emotions, even when illustrating challenging aspects of life…

or the essence of compassion towards others and nature.

The inclusion of bilingual greetings and farewells is an adorable extra detail that I thoroughly enjoyed.

In the end, the reader is reassured that tomorrow always offers a new beginning.

RECOMMENDATION

Some Days Are Yellow is a pleasure to read. It’s a wonderful resource for parents and educators to help children articulate and understand their emotions. It’s more than just a story—it’s an invitation to explore the colorful landscape of our feelings and find beauty in each hue. 

By embracing the full spectrum of our feelings, we cultivate empathy, understanding, and resilience in both ourselves and the children around us. It’s a SEL book that can be read and appreciated on multiple levels, making it a perfect addition to any school or family library.

Purchase your copy from Amazon,  B & N, or BookShop.org and share the joy of this lovely story with your loved ones. 

This giveaway ends September 19 so leave me a comment ASAP! Teachers, home school educators, librarians, and new followers all great an extra chance. Just let me know in your comment. U.S. address only.

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Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews. She recently reviewed JUST FLOWERS.

The post SOME DAYS ARE YELLOW: An SEL Book Review by Lori Keating and a Giveaway first appeared on Carol Baldwin - Author, Teacher, Speaker .

Write2Ignite’s Master Class on Lyrical Language

If you write poetry or prose you know how important it is to polish your words so that they shine. I’m happy to share that picture book author Natalee Creech, is Write2Ignite‘s Master Class teacher on Lyrical Language: Poetry in Every Paragraph. I even love her title!

The virtual class is September 28 from 9:30-5:15. Click here for a detailed schedule. The class will be recorded and available for replay for 3 months after the event.

AN OVERVIEW OF THE CLASS

Natalee shared an overview of the class here. She spelled out what participants will learn in the class.

In the first session, we’ll focus on sound devices; in the second session, imagery; and in the third session, word choice. As some writers may be familiar with poetic devices, we will define them but quickly move on to exploring examples, analyzing what makes that particular poetic device work, and practical strategies to keep in mind when using that device. In the final session, we will consider word choice and look at how changing a single word can affect the whole sentence and how even individual letters can affect tone. We’ll end with general strategies for writing more lyrically according to the age of your audience and tips for using mentor texts.

A REVIEW OF NOTHING

In Director Jean Hall’s review of Natalee’s book, NOTHING, she said:

Romans 8:38-39 is a comforting verse to many Christians. Natalee Creech’s picture book,  Nothing! explores the heights and depths of this truth from a kid’s perspective. The illustrations are gorgeous, it’s true. But the writing is an equally beautiful study in lyrical language...Creech chose scenarios that tap into children’s imaginations, too. Scuba diving, airplane travel, a submarine ride, a storm at sea, and a trip to the stars. What fun for young children AND the adults who read this book aloud to them.

HOW TO REVISE A STANZA

Natalee takes readers behind the scenes to see her process of revision in this post. She ended it by saying,

Books with lyrical language are meant to be read aloud and the words should flow effortlessly. Read your manuscripts aloud and examine each word to see if it is pulling its weight. Cut words that are fillers – along for the ride – and replace them with words that will not only mean what you want to communicate, but sound pleasing to the ear. 

No wonder SOMETHING is a book loved by children and adults–it was carefully crafted!

WON’T YOU JOIN US?

No matter what you are writing–fiction, non-fiction, prose, or poetry–this Master Class will sharpen your skills and help make your writing sing. You can find registration information here. I’ll be facilitating one of the small groups and I look forward to seeing some familiar faces on Zoom!

It’ll be a writing day to remember.

GIVEAWAY NEWS

If you register to come to the Master Class, Natalee is giving away all three of these picture books as door prizes.

Congratualtions to Stephanie Ziebarth who won JUST FLOWERS from last week’s blog.

JUST FLOWERS: A Book Review by Lori Keating and A Giveaway by Sleeping Bear Press

REVIEW

Just Flowers written by Erin Dealey and illustrated by Kate Cosgrove, (Sleeping Bear Press)  portrays the touching story of Izzy, a child who brings joy by sharing flowers with everyone in the neighborhood. Everyone loves Izzy’s gifts except for one grumpy neighbor who is Initially resistant to daily wildflower surprises in his rose beds. Izzy persists in showing him kindness and over time, the neighbor’s demeanor softens as Izzy presents him with a thoughtful gift tailored for his roses.

Dealey’s writing, filled with botanical allusions, encourages readers to further explore the enchanting world of flowers.

Just Flowers is not just about flowers; it’s about the power of compassion, persistence, and the joy that comes from making connections with others.

It’s a touching reminder that sometimes, all it takes to brighten someone’s day is a little bit of effort and a lot of heart.

The whimsical illustrations by Kate Cosgrove bring the story to life, capturing the essence of each character and the neighborhood which blossoms under Izzy’s touch.

The back matter on optimal flowers for butterflies and bees includes a guide showcasing a range of blossoms that attract and sustain these crucial pollinators. Among them, Aster stands out as a top choice for nourishing bees and butterflies. Milkweed was also emphasized as a crucial plant for monarch butterflies, offering both nectar and a place for them to lay their eggs. 

This story is perfect for children and adults who appreciate the beauty of nature and the importance of community. It’s an ideal read for classrooms, libraries, and bedtime stories, fostering discussions about kindness, the environment, and the simple yet profound impact of small gestures.

Each page tells a unique story, capturing the essence of humanity and the impact we can have on one another. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a lover of heartfelt stories, or someone seeking a bit of inspiration, Just Flowers promises to uplift and delight. Allow yourself to be transported into a garden of emotions, where every petal whispers a tale of hope, love, and resilience. Embrace the beauty of connection and let this story remind you that, like flowers, we too can flourish with a little care and compassion.

Pick up a copy from Amazon,  B & N, or BookShop.org and dive into a world where small acts of kindness bloom into extraordinary moments.

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews. She is a frequent contributor to this blog.

GIVEAWAY NEWS

If you want to win a copy of Just Flowers, please leave a comment by September 9. Congratulations to Emily Weitz who won Butterfly Ink from last week’s blog.

BUTTERFLY INK: An UPPER MG/YA Book Review by Guest Blogger, Georgie Bartlett

Today we have a special treat! Lori Keating, who you now know as my picture book reviewer, is also the author of THE MEMORY QUILT and BUTTERFLY INK. Today, teen reader, Georgie Bartlett, provides a review of this clean-read upper MG/YA novel which came out this summer from Monarch.

REVIEW

BUTTERFLY INK is a fun read with important themes of first love, friendship, loyalty, and self-confidence.   

When Calli’s childhood best friend Becca moves away with her father to an island off the coast of Florida, Calli is left missing her from back home in the mountains of Arkansas. When Calli has the opportunity to stay with Becca for the summer, she gleefully accepts the invitation. Calli knows it will be amazing to see Becca again, but what she doesn’t know is that with a little bit of magic, everything will change that summer.   

This book is one that I enjoyed immensely. It is a tale of friendship and self-acceptance, and it has a swoony love story that I adore. Jake, Calli’s friend and love interest, is a sweet character, and I valued how Calli had a support system between him and Becca that she could lean on even when others failed her. They are great friends, and good role models for young readers. Jake and Calli’s love story was wholesome, pure, and altogether refreshing. Becca is a sassy and vibrant character, and her and Calli’s friendship is heartwarming. 

I loved the speculative aspect of the story as well as the magic element. The tattoo was an interesting and unique way for the magic to be presented, and the allure of the tattoo’s promise of beauty was understandable. Calli’s constant struggle with self-image and comparison is something that every teenage girl can relate to. There is also humor, heart, and lots of swoon that perfectly balances out the more serious themes.  

RECOMMENDATION

With the hyper self-awareness that social media produces, this is an important book for young girls to read. If you are interested in an impactful story that proves that a life of purpose is more meaningful than a life of superficial beauty and fame, this is a book that I cannot recommend enough. I am excited to read more by this author.

Our Guest Blogger

Georgie Bartlett is a high school junior living in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina with her family and two mischievous rescue dogs. She enjoys writing, crocheting, journaling, gardening, playing the drums, and above all, reading. 

GIVEAWAY NEWS

Lori is giving away an autographed copy of BUTTERFLY INK! To enter this giveaway, please request the book from your local library or share this post on SOCIAL MEDIA. If you do both, I’ll enter your name three times! Please let me know what you do in the comments by September 3. This would make a great gift for the middle-school or high school teen on your Christmas list!

Congratulations to Carrie Scmidt, a substiute teacher in Washington who won ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON.

ME and the MISSOURI MOON: A Middle Grade Review and Giveaway

REVIEW

What do you do when your new best friend believes that you’re somebody that you’re not? When your name is Scarlet Burnes and you’re afraid that if you tell the truth about your father’s hit and run accident that injured your new best friend’s brother, then you push away your conscience (as your “lie-o-meter” registers another lie) and you let her believe that lie.

Whoa. What a premise for Nancy Stewart‘s suspenseful middle-grade novel, Me and the Missouri Moon (Monarch Press, 2024). The protagonist wrestles with a theme that is dear to my heart and implicit in Half-Truths – there is risk in telling the truth and there are consequences when you don’t.

If I was using this book as a mentor text in the classroom, I would begin by talking about the inciting incident. The reader can readily identify how Scarlet is thrust into a deep dilemma when she witnesses her father’s car accidentally hitting a person on a bicycle and her father refusing to stop and help him. He swears her to secrecy with the threat that it’ll be her fault if she tells anyone and he goes to jail. He is well-known to the local police for his unruly behavior when he gets drunk, but Scarlet feels bound to keep his secret.

In this compelling book, Nancy Stewart created a cast of believable characters. Scarlet, doesn’t see herself as brave yet she is determined to defend her mother (the sole bread-winner), and protect her younger sister Billie from their father’s abuse. Scarlet’s new friend, Cricket, turns out not to be the snobby rich girl that Scarlet had imagined and the author hints at Cricket’s own run-in’s with bullies. Henry is a bully/misfit who Scarlet gradually understands and respects after finding out about his abusive father.

RECOMMENDATION

I’m copying Greg Pattridge‘s book reviews in highlighting a few parts I loved about this book:

As you might have gathered from the title, the moon is an important secondary character. I enjoyedd how Scarlet confides in the moon and finds comfort in its presence.Scarlet reads Maya D’ANeglou‘s poems and is inspired by her bravery. (I love books with “real” people in them!) Angelou’s words, “Nobody has the right to treat you mean, not even your mama and daddy,” are crucial in Scarlet’s recognizing her father’s threats for what they are.In the same way, I love how Scarlet realizes that even though her daddy is a bully, it’s his problem and not hers. “For the first time in maybe forever, I felt free for worrying about what he’d think, or say, or do.”The setting, a small town in rural Missouri, is an authentic backdrop for the story, and a character too. “You can’t keep a secret in a tiny town like this,” Scarlet observes. The economic impact of it being a poor area and new land development opportunities is also woven into the storyScarlet finds ways to resolve her problems and readers will close the book with empathy for someone they know who might be like Scarlet, and hope for themselves if they’re in an abusive family. MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW

As a fellow Monarch author, I’m excited to share a wonderful review of ME AND THE MISSOURI MOON.  D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, at the Midwest Book Review wrote, “In her thinking, Scarlet represents a good girl whose ideals of the right thing are shaken by adult emotional situations that test her ability to stay good.

…..

Stewart introduces many bigger-picture moments and revelations in the course of presenting Scarlet’s life, creating compelling and thought-provoking events and connections that will prove thoroughly engrossing, covering subjects not usually approached in fiction for young readers ages 8-12.

These elements of discovery and contemplation not only give Me and the Missouri Moon a sense of realism missing from many stories for this age group, but invite book club and classroom discussions on all kinds of topics, from flawed family relationships to bigger realizations about parental choices and actions in the world outside the family home.

GIVEAWAY NEWS

If you want to win an autographed copy of this book, please leave a comment by August 27. If you are a teacher, librarian, or home school educator OR start following my blog OR share on social media, I’ll give you extra chances. U.S. addresses only for the physical copy. If you are overseas or in Canada, I can send you the ebook.

Congratulations to Marci Whitehurst who is growing her picturebook collection with the addition of Mushroom Rain.

Make sure you check out Greg’s wonderful MMGM blog with new middle-grade reviews every Monday.

MUSHROOM RAIN: A Picturebook Review by Lori Keating and a Giveaway

Mushroom Rain written by Laura K. Zimmermann and illustrated by Jamie Green, (Sleeping Bear Press, 2022)  is an award-winning picture book that delves into the world of fungi. Explore their lifecycle, from growth to harvest, and even discover their significant role in the rain cycle.

REVIEW

I’ve always loved mushrooms, so when I came across this title, I felt compelled to read it. Back when we resided in Arkansas, we would search for the sought-after Morel mushroom, a delicacy that would only emerge for a few weeks each spring. These elusive fungi were a true treasure to find, hiding among the leaves and underbrush. My family and I would venture into the woods, baskets in hand, our eyes peeled for the distinctive honeycomb-like caps that signaled a successful hunt.

The excitement of spotting the first Morel of the season was unmatched. We’d carefully collect them, knowing that once we got home, they’d be the star of a delicious meal. I’d cook them with butter and garlic, and then we’d gather around the table to savor our harvest. Each bite was a reminder of the joys of foraging and the simple pleasures nature provides.

Some other mushrooms I enjoy cooking with include reishi, lion’s mane, shiitake, and portobello. Mushrooms provide a wealth of benefits just waiting to be explored.

Mushrooms, it turns out, are not just culinary delights but also ecological powerhouses. They play a crucial role in decomposing organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and maintaining the balance of ecosystems.

As I turned the pages, I was fascinated by the intricate details of their aroma and growth stages, each more captivating than the last. 

The book illuminated the symbiotic connections mushrooms create with trees, and plants, sharing nutrients and nurturing a flourishing underground network. 

Detailed illustrations bring to life the intricate beauty of these organisms, showcasing their diverse forms and vibrant colors. Each page invites readers to explore deeper into the fascinating world of mycology, revealing the crucial roles mushrooms play in nutrient cycling, soil formation, and even climate regulation.

BACK MATTER

The back matter contains a wealth of information that dives deeper into mushrooms, exploring their different species and ecological importance. It even includes an engaging project to try out!

As I closed the book, I couldn’t help but feel a newfound respect for these humble fungi. They are, indeed, nature’s unsung heroes, working silently beneath the surface, ensuring the health and vitality of our planet. 

Mushroom Rain is a must-have for every household and school library, offering a wealth of information for readers to enjoy over and over again. Each time this book is opened, readers are bound to uncover something fresh. 

Get your hands on a copy from Amazon,  B & N, or BookShop.org and embark on a magical mushroom-filled journey!

Lori Keating is an award-winning, multi-genre author with a unique talent for weaving tales that resonate with readers of all ages, blending humor, heart, and a touch of magic. Whether she’s penning a heartwarming children’s story, or an inspiring romance, her passion for storytelling shines through. She enjoys actively participating in the literary community by providing insightful reviews.

GIVEAWAY NEWS

If you’re interested in winning Mushroom Rain, please leave a comment by August 19. Share this on social media or follow my blog, and I’ll add your name for another chance. US addresses only.

Congratulations to Hewi Mason who won A Little Bit of Everything and to Stephanie Peterson who won Meatball Man Head Detective.