Allison’s Comments (group member since Sep 04, 2024)

Allison’s comments from the 5183 Fall 2024 Information Resources and Services for Children group.

1. Lai, T. (2023). When clouds touch us. HarperCollins.

2. This poem reflects the experience of a young Vietnamese girl navigating life in a new country, as she reconciles her memories of home with the challenges of adapting to an unfamiliar culture and language.

3. I would recommend this poem for children because it sensitively addresses themes of displacement, resilience, and cultural identity, offering young readers insight into the immigrant experience. This poem can foster empathy and understanding among children, helping them appreciate diversity and the importance of inclusivity. In a classroom setting, I would encourage students to discuss how the character feels about her two worlds and invite them to share or write about their own experiences with change or transition. This activity could help build a sense of community and respect for each other's backgrounds.

Fipps, L. (2021). Starfish. Nancy Paulsen Books.

Starfish by Lisa Fipps tells the story of Ellie, a young girl who faces bullying and struggles with self-acceptance due to her weight. Through poetry, she finds her voice and begins to stand up for herself.

Starfish offers an honest portrayal of the challenges children face, particularly around body image, bullying, and self-acceptance. Such realistic depictions in children’s literature can validate their experiences and foster empathy among peers. Children benefit from books that reflect real-life issues, as they can provide both understanding and coping strategies. While some might argue that shielding children from harsh realities is protective, I believe realistic portrayals are more helpful than harmful when approached thoughtfully. Stories like Starfish encourage resilience and empower young readers to embrace their individuality and seek support when needed.

Pfeffer, S. B. (2006). Life as we knew it. Harcourt.

When an asteroid strikes the moon, disrupting life on Earth, Miranda and her family struggle to survive in a drastically changed world where resources are scarce and society begins to crumble.

The story is set in a small Pennsylvania town in contemporary times, though the narrative unfolds in an altered reality where a natural disaster brings society to the brink of collapse. The town, normally mundane, becomes a place of isolation, fear, and survival as Miranda's family faces dwindling resources, extreme weather, and a failing social infrastructure. This setting is integral to the plot, emphasizing the drastic and personal impact of global disaster on everyday life. The community mirrors contemporary society in its reliance on technology, but as resources disappear, it reveals vulnerabilities and challenges often ignored, highlighting societal dependence and the fragility of modern life.

1. Soloy, L. (2023). The Hidden World of Gnomes. Tundra.

2. In "The Hidden World of Gnomes," Lauren Soloy invites readers into the enchanting realm of gnomes, exploring their whimsical lives and secretive nature through vibrant illustrations and engaging storytelling. This charming book blends fantasy with nature, capturing the curiosity and wonder of young adventurers.

3. Yes, "The Hidden World of Gnomes" embodies a deeper truth despite its fantastical elements. Through its portrayal of gnomes and their hidden lives, the book reflects themes of connection to nature, imagination, and the importance of wonder in our everyday lives. While gnomes may not exist, the essence of their world encourages readers to appreciate the mysteries around them and to nurture their creativity. This blend of fantasy and relatable themes resonates with the human experience, illustrating how stories can convey profound truths about our relationships with nature and the magic we can find in our surroundings.

1. Hopkinson, D., & Groenink, C. (2022). Only One. Anne Schwartz Books.

2. Join one girl as she leads her friends to a tree-planting ceremony. Along the way, she explains the value of the universe and Planet Earth in simple language.

3. In "Only One" by Deborah Hopkinson, I knew climate change was impacting our planet, but I wanted to understand its specific effects on individual species and ecosystems. I was inquisitive about how personal stories could highlight these larger environmental issues. The book taught me about the interconnectedness of life and how small actions can significantly impact the environment. Through vivid illustrations and poignant narratives, I learned how crucial it is to take action to protect our planet for future generations, emphasizing that every species has a role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems.

1.Love, J. (2018). Julián is a mermaid. Candlewick Press.

2. Julián is a Mermaid is a story about a boy and his Abuela. It is a story about being seen for who we are by someone who loves us.

3B. "Julian is a Mermaid" offers a vibrant celebration of identity, showcasing Julian's journey of self-discovery and acceptance in a world that embraces diversity. The illustrations are colorful and whimsical, reflecting a positive, affirming narrative. By depicting Julian's desire to express himself through mermaid culture, the book encourages readers to embrace their unique identities. However, it may oversimplify the complexities of gender identity by presenting a singular experience. Overall, the book fosters a positive attitude toward diversity, promoting acceptance and individuality, while also reminding us that everyone's journey is different.

Gold
1.Alexander, J. (2022). Gold. Creston Books.

2. This story follows a little girl walking down the street before entering a yellow home and cooking a meal. Is this her home we wonder?

3.The book I chose has no source note to be seen. Given that this book is a one-word title and no other language throughout it is up to the reader to determine for themselves. So to me, this book would fall under the fourth category of source note, 'the background as source note'. The reader has to infer from the images on the cover where this book may be taking place and even the back of the book does not provide much more information.

1. Sims, L. (2018). Crow in the snow. Usborne.

2. A crow goes on an adventure through the snow and ends up helping a stranger in need.

3. After reading "Crow in the Snow" I believe it is a fantastic early reading book. The book is all based on phonics and rhyming and is easy to follow with not too many words on each page and large print. The author of the book has also added a portion at the back focused on phonics for parents. This portion of the books talks about learning to read and provides some helpful tips as parents read with their children.

Vashti HarrisonBig

1. Harrison, V. (2022). Big. First edition. New York, Little, Brown and Company.

2. The book Big by Vashti Harrison is one of the Caldecott Honor picture books I chose to read this week. This book follows a young girl as she navigates hurtful words and grows to feel confident in her own body.  

3. I believe this book clearly illustrates the emotions and feelings described by the young girl. The artwork in the book is not only beautiful in its simplicity, but also very emotive and clear. For example... as the book progresses and other words begin to harm the girl more and more you notice that she becomes 'bigger' on the page to an unrealistic extent. This continues until she eventually "sees a way out" and the pages fold open appearing as if she will come out of the book. Once this happens we notice that she goes back to her regular self and she hands back the words that hurt her to the people who said them. Overall, this book is fantastic and I would highly recommend it.

The Tree and the River

BECKER, A. (2024). Tree and the river. WALKER BOOKS LTD.

Awards: Carnegie Medal for Illustration 2024

A tree is growing alongside a river. They continue to grow and evolve together throughout time experiencing humanity and its connection to nature.

To me, this book won the Carnegie Illustration Medal due to its moving nature. Aaron Becker without a single word was able to portray the connection between humanity and nature as they grow and change over time. The book itself is only illustrations and yet you can't help but be moved as you turn each page and experience the changes that happen to the tree and river over time. I do think this book deserves the Carnegie Medal, its images are stunning in their detail and style while still maintaining a charming hand-drawn quality to them. I could see myself recommending this to a child who maybe didn't talk much, one who is interested in only looking at photos. I think this book could prompt them to ask questions and point out new ideas we may not have thought of otherwise.