Picture Book Review: The Most Important Animal of All

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a digital advance reader’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Title: The Most Important Animal of All

Author: Penny Worms

Publisher: Jolly Fish Press

Publication Date: June 6, 2023

Description:

Seven children champion an animal for the top spot.

Is it the ELEPHANT or the BEAVER, who both create habitats where other creatures can live and thrive?

Is it the TIGER or the SHARK, who are both top predators, or the BAT, who keeps insect populations down?

Is it the tiny KRILL, a food source for many sea creatures, or the BEE, the master pollinator?

Join the children to find out how special these creatures are in this very first introduction to ecosystems.

My Thoughts:

On the first day of school the students discover the classroom has been transformed to reflect nature. The teacher informs them that they will be learning all about animals. Their assignment for the end of the semester is to determine which animal is the most important animal of all. Seven different students make strong arguments for very different animals: elephants, beavers, tigers, sharks, bats, krill and bees. Pages are filled with factual information about how each animal contributes to the ecosystem. In the end, the message is clear that all animals are important and contribute to the world.

This book would be great for a science class, and could generate multiple lessons. I could easily see it sparking a research project where students pick different animals and justify why they are the most important.This book would also appeal to any animal or fact lover outside of the school setting. With an engaging combination of illustrations, photographs and fact captions kids will keep coming back to this book to learn about their favorite animals.

February 28, 2023

Picture Book Review:Spacemanatee

Thank you to netgalley for providing a digital advanced reader copy of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Title: Spacemanatee

Author: Katie Gilstrap

Illustrator: Alice Samuel

Publisher: American Psychological Association, Magination Press

Publication Date: March 7, 2023

Book Description:

Every night, Anna Lee Manatee meets with her friend, The Loon, to stargaze. When Anna Lee shares her belief of a “Manatee on the Moon,” The Loon mocks her seemingly far-fetched idea. Determined to validate her beliefs, Anna Lee constructs a rocket ship out of materials she finds in the sea and blasts off to outer space. Will she find what she is looking for? This is a sweet story that helps kids believe in themselves so they can reach new heights.

My Thoughts:

This adorable picture book has a positive message for kids about believing in themselves. Anna Lee is convinced that there is a manatee on the moon. When her friend doubts her, she sets out to prove it, thus becoming a manatee on the moon. The fun storyline subtly sends a big message. In addition, the end of the book includes practical advice for parents to help build children’s independence and confidence.

February 25, 2023

Book Review: Frankenslime written by Joy Keller and Illustrated by Ashley Belote

Summary:

Victoria Franken is young scientist who loves making slime. Along with her dog, Igor, she uses the scientific method to create different kinds of slime such as Intergalactic space slime and Glow-in-the-dark zombie slime. Then one day, one of her creations comes to life.

This is a delightful story that also teaches kids about the scientific method. Adults will also enjoy the references to the original Frankenstein. The illustrations are filled with details that will keep kids coming back. One of my favorite features is the hidden chameleon on each page. The author even includes slime recipes.

I had the great pleasure of attending a zoom presentation by Joy Keller and Ashley Belote last week. During the presentation a lightbulb went off in my mind that this might be the book I’d been looking for. I have a student who is an extremely reluctant reader and it’s been my mission to find a book he will like. Frankenslime seemed like the kind of kooky story he would love. So, as soon as the meeting ended, I was on Amazon ordering it.

I introduced the book to him on Tuesday with trepidation and prepared myself for disappointment. Who knew all it would take to get him to read was a hidden chameleon? Once he started looking for the chameleon, he was drawn into the pictures and then the story. He even requested that I get the sequel, Valenslime, which will arrive just in time for Valentine’s Day. This book is a miracle.

February 11, 2022

Top Ten Picture Books inspired from other stories

Last week I posted a top ten list of my favorite novels which were inspired by other stories. This week I decided to keep with the theme, but focus on picture books.

10. Cinderella Penguin, or The Little Glass Flipper by Janet Perlman

10. I love any picture book with a cast of penguins.

9. Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella written by Tony Johston Illustrated by James Warhola

This version of Cinderella is about a Bigfoot Prince searching for his princess. It follows the traditional plot closely, but the Bigfoot cast adds many humorous touches.

8. The Frog Prince Continued written by John Scieszka illustrated by Steve Johnson

Every fairy tale ends in “and they lived happily ever after”. But, do they really? This continuation of The Frog Prince suggests that kissing amphibians may not be the best way to pick a husband.

7. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly by Simms Taback

There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly By Simms Taback | Used | 9780670869398 | World of Books

The twist in this book is not in the story, but the illustrations. Holes in each page reveal more animals that have been eaten by the old lady.

6. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe

This Cinderella story set in Africa won a Caldecott Honor and The Coretta Scott King Award. Nyasha and her sister Manyara are both beautiful on the outside, but only Nyasha is beautiful on the inside. When the great king summons eligible girls in the land in order to choose a wife, their actions show their true beauty.

5. The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munch

Prince Ronald is captured by a dragon and Princess Elizabeth sets off to rescue him. Along the way she loses her dress and is forced to use a paper bag. When she outsmarts the dragon to rescue the prince, he is not grateful. This humorous story gives a positive message to young girls.

4. Lon Po Po written by Ed Young

The 1990 Caldecott Medal Winner is a Chinese version of Little Red Riding Hood. While there mother is away visiting their grandmother, three sisters must deal with a wolf disguised as their grandmother.

3. The Rough-Face Girl written by Rafe Martin Illustrated by David Shannon

A touching Native American version of Cinderella. An Algonquin girl is mistreated by her older sisters. When an invisible being seeks a wife, she is the one chosen.

2. The Wolf Who Cried Boy Written by Bob Hartman illustrated by Tim Raglin

Bored by the dinners his mother has been serving, Little Wolf claims to see a boy in the forest. His parents are busy chasing after the nonexistent boy and dinner is ruined, and they are left eating chipmunks and dip. Little Wolf is so excited he tries the stunt again. But, when an entire boy scout troop shows up in the woods, his parents no longer believe him. Great for teaching theme.

1. The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs! written by John Scieszka illustrated by Lane B. Smith

I love using this book for teaching point of view. Alexander T. Wolf is baking a cake for his dear granny when he runs out of sugar. He goes to neighbor’s straw house to ask to borrow a cup, and his sneeze inadvertently blows down the house. The rest is history. I love the details of this story. I’ve read it hundreds of times and still notice new details in the photos and text.

September 27, 2021