Librarian’s Corner: Guest Post by Christin Lozano’s Summer Reads

Posted on 06/02/2016

Woohoo, summer is here! As a librarian and newly minted author living and working in Hawaii, I invite you to join me in sampling a few picture books for our youngest readers from the Aloha State. So bring your keiki (children), a cool drink, and find a shady spot where you can enjoy these Hawaiian titles. – Christin

Hush Little Keiki

Hush Little Keiki is a Hawaiian version of the familiar lullaby, Hush Little Baby. Rendered in watercolor and collage on fold-out board pages, this gentle lullaby introduces young readers to Hawaii’s natural world. You won’t find a mockingbird or diamond ring in this version; instead, humpback whales dance, geckos play hide ‘n seek and sweet papayas are served as a special treat. This one is perfect for bedtime, naptime or any quiet time of the day.

Whose Slippers Are Those?

Ok, so I’m a bit biased on this one! When I was preparing themed storytimes every week as a Children’s Librarian, I found there were very few picture books written for our youngest readers (and pre-readers) with a Hawai`i setting. One standout title, Whose Slippers Are Those? by Marilyn Kahalewai, inspired me to write my own story. Her book was all about various types of slippers (flip-flops); every time I read the book to children, they listened with rapt attention, looking for the slippers that matched their own. Similarly, Island Toes, illustrated by Mariko Merritt is simple, rhythmic and relatable. It details the busy lives of toes, through situations and activities Hawaii’s kids know best: swimming, surfing, hula, etc.

Swimming Underwater ToesBut it’s also for kids unfamiliar with Hawai`i or for those preparing a summer trip to the islands. There is an illustrated glossary that explains the Hawaiian words used. At the very end of the book, readers can stamp their own toes onto the pages as a fun, summer activity. I hope you enjoy Island Toes as much as I enjoyed writing it!

There Was an Old Auntie

Speaking of toes and slippers, I also have to recommend a cute Hawaii retelling of “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe”. There Was an Old Auntie (BeachHouse Publishing, 2009), begins with “There was an old auntie who sailed a canoe from Hana to Hilo then Kalamazoo. Far from Hawai`i, what could she do when she saw people living in old leather shoes?” When auntie discovers her new house is a blue suede shoe, all dark and dim, she calls in a local construction crew to help with remodeling. Bringing in ti leaves, palm trees and room for a lanai, she transforms her home into Hawaii’s footwear of choice, a slipper.

Happy summer reading and aloha to you!

CHRISTIN LOZANO has worked with children and books for the past 15 years.  Currently, she works as a reference librarian at Kaimuki Public Library in Honolulu, Hawaii.  When not at the library, she can be found sharing great books with kids at various schools and events around the island.  You can find her on Facebook or Twitter (@ChristinLozano).

All About Clive

Posted on 05/31/2016

 

ALL ABOUT CLIVE by Jessica Spanyol (Child’s Play, 2016)

CLIVE is a creative boy who likes all sorts of things: art and babies, bags and hats. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, each 14-page board book in this 4-book collection written and illustrated by Jessica Spanyol, shows Clive playing with friends as he explores the theme associated with each title.

One of my favorites, Clive and his Bags, follows Clive as he chooses library books for his book bag, as he and friend Mina talk about matching party bags, as he explores the special pencil pocket in his art bag. Each bag or hat, art project or doll suggests a different adventure as Clive and his friends play, care, and share together.

Clive and his Hats by Jessica Spanyol

Check out this student collage work, inspired by the Clive books. So cute!!

 

Inspired by Clive

The description from the back cover says it well: “A gentle, affectionate book, celebrating diversity and challenging gender stereotypes.” A lovely collection.

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

 

Animal Planet’s Animal Atlas

Posted on 05/29/2016

ANIMAL ATLAS

Most kids are familiar with the Discovery Channel’s, Animal Planet, but I, for one, had not known about their collection of books and resources.  ANIMAL ATLAS (Animal Planet, 2016) is one of their newest offerings and an excellent introduction to animals from all around the world.

The book is a good size – 13” long x 11” wide – well organized and perfect for a young reader who wants to stretch out on the floor, with the book wide open, ready to lose him or herself within the book’s pages.

Kids start their journey, in chapters designated for each continent, with a large map of the area divided into the various biomes found there. In each section, kids are introduced to a small group of the many animals from that region. Each animal is brought to life with a stunning photo and short, descriptive paragraph. Kids will be familiar with the some of the featured animals, and others will be less familiar or, even, unknown. There is also a special “tour guide” – an animal from the region – who chimes in on every two-page spread to share “insider tips” and interesting facts about one of the animals living in that particular biome, on that particular continent.

On many pages, a sidebar titled “ROAR” indicates a section that discusses conservation and animal rescue efforts around the globe. Another sidebar titled “Surprisingly Human” describes ways particular animals are similar to humans.

At the end of each section is a piece called “Where in the World?” which focuses on one well-known animal. Asia, for example, spotlights the Sumatran Tiger. A sidebar includes additional information, in this case, a map showing where in Indonesia these tigers can be found.

If you’re looking for a child-friendly overview of animals from around the world to include in your home, classroom, or school library, choose this book! You won’t be sorry. And… don’t miss this useful GUIDE, aligned to CCSS!

A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

 

Weekends with Max and His Dad

Posted on 05/25/2016

WEEKENDS WITH MAX AND HIS DAD by Linda Urban

Max and his dad are navigating new territory. Dad’s moved to an apartment and Max is spending the weekend there for the very first time.

“It is very clean,” said Max. He thought that sounder nicer than saying it was very white…

“I haven’t had much time to unpack,” said Dad.

He showed Max a white bedroom with white walls and lots of cardboard boxes and a mattress on the floor…

Of course, an apartment is different from the house where Max lives with Mom during the week. The house where Dad used to live… Still, as hard as that reality might be, it’s clear from the very first pages that Max and his dad will find their way through this new turn of events. There will be pineapple pancakes, new friends, and general, all-around silliness at Ace’s Coffee Shop, just down the street from Dad’s new apartment. There will be friendly neighbors like Mrs. Theodosia Tibbet, 302, and her two sturdy basset hounds, Barkis and Peggoty. And there will be sleepovers with Max’s best friend, Warren.

Organized into three sections with multiple chapters, each section corresponding to a weekend Max spends with Dad, WEEKENDS WITH MAX is an illustrated (by Katie Kath) chapter book with a full measure of heart. Sure, Dad is still finding his way through this new chapter of life but, together, Max and Dad are making a decent go of things. When Dad, in the very last pages, asks, “Should we clean up a little?” Max nods, agreeing to put his school things away in his room. “My room, thought Max. My room. In our apartment.”

It’s a turning point. Max had “two places to sleep. Both were safe and both were good. Some days were house days and some days were apartment days. But both were home.”

What a nice way to end.

More books about Max, Dad, and Mom are planned. While you’re waiting, don’t miss THIS ReaderKidZ interview with author, Linda Urban, about MAX and another highly recommended book,  MILO SPECK: Accidental Agent.

Writing Teachers Writing…

Posted on 05/22/2016

TEACHERS WRITE 2016! is a “community of teachers, librarians, and authors who believe that people who teach writing are most effective when they are truly writers themselves.” Started in 2012 by Kate Messner, Jen Vincent, and Gae Polisner, Teachers Write is an opportunity for educators to explore writing in aTWSummer2016-768x768 relaxed, virtual “class,” alongside a growing community of more than 2500 enthusiastic teachers and librarians.

Teachers Write is FREE! All the author/organizers ask is that participants who are able, support the authors by ordering their books: Kate Messner’s THE SEVENTH WISH, Gae Polisner’s THE MEMORY OF THINGS, and Jo Knowles’ STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS.

Summer 2016 dates are June 27th – August 5th! You can learn more and register to participate in this terrific opportunity to explore writing and teaching HERE.**

** Fill out the online registration form by May 26th and you’ll be entered for a chance to win $1250 Scholastic Dollars for your school, to be spent at your book fair or warehouse sale!

A book about a barnacle? Yes!

Posted on 05/18/2016

BARNACLE IS BORED by Jonathan Fenske

Poor Barnacle. He’s bored, bored, bored. The tide goes in… The tide goes out… What’s a bored barnacle to do?A Pig, A Fox, and a Box

This story is perfectly adorable, bringing not only a light touch to the universal problem of boredom, but a gentle reminder that, sometimes things are better than they appear and a little gratitude can go a long way.

Pair BARNACLE with another book by Fenske –  A PIG, A BOX, AND A FOX, a 2016 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor award winner and excellent choice for emerging readers.

 

The Dino Files: A Mysterious Egg

Posted on 05/15/2016

The Dino Files: A Mysterious Egg by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Mike Boldt (Random House, 2016)

Frank’s grandparents own the Dinosaur Education Center of Wyoming and each year he gets to spend the entire summer vacation there, without his parents.  There’s nothing better than helping Gram in the field. Unfortunately for Frank, a bad case of sunburn means the dig site is temporarily off limits. He’s stuck inside the museum helping PopPop. To make matters worse, his cousin Samantha McCarthy is there, being her usual annoying self.

Too Big to Hide by Stacy McAnultyJust when Frank thinks he can’t stand another second, Gram bursts through the museum door with surprising news. She’s found a dinosaur egg! Sam and Frank hop in the back of Gram’s truck and the adventure begins. Frank and Sam soon have a cute little dinosaur – Peanut – on their hands.

This engaging chapter book series will keep kids turning the pages from start to finish. Book 2, Too Big to Hide is currently out, and Book 3, It’s Not A Dinosaur, arrives on shelves in October.

Visit The Dino Files website HERE.

Enjoy 10 Dino Files Fun Facts HERE.