Meet Desmond Cole, the lead character in a series titled Desmond Cole Ghost Patrol. He’s a charming, resourceful, and friendly boy who just happens to be a ghost hunter! In the initial book of the series, Andre Miedoso has moved
Diane Alber wrote and illustrated Snippets: A Story about Paper Shapes. It is a clever, charming book which at first glance appears to be about having fun with arts and crafts materials. If one pauses to read the Dedication, however, the
Humans, like all animals, experience a level of comfort and security when they feel included in a group that reflects who they are, how they behave and what beliefs they share. While such tribalism can engender a certain level of security, all
Mary Hoffman, author of the highly acclaimed Amazing Grace picture book series, has written a powerful book about families: The Great Big Book of Families. This book is big both in physical size and in scope. It depicts a comprehensive
Highlights the adventures of Marisol. Her rich ethnic ancestry (Peruvian-Scottish-American) & penchant for quirkiness make an interesting, colorful & fun perspective. Most of us–whether we’re a child or an adult–admire spunk and the ability to be comfy in our own skin. Still, the struggle to find acceptance and to fit in is real, especially for kids.
I’m a fan of haiku a traditional form of Japanese poetry. Its compact format distills thoughts to their essence and focuses our lens with unique precision. Sounds stiff and confining. Actually, haiku need not be aloof and formal as these
One Family by George Shannon and Blanca Gomez presents a fascinating introduction into counting with a twist. The reader meets many types of family; each is one example of one kind of family.
We discover that a family can include a range of individuals, colors, ethnicities, and even species and still be one family! This offers a delightful riff on inclusion when it comes to recognizing the many types of families that are common today–and a few more unusual ones. The concept is clear: each is one example of a family.
Inside of each of us lives an Inner Lion. Sometimes he is dormant but he is always there waiting for us to tap into our powerful potential. Even adults often struggle to remember this “hero within.” It’s vital to help children discover their Inner Hero.which exists in all of us regardless of our stature or age. These books highlight the power children have to efect change, sstand up for themselves and appreciate their unique abilities.
Everybody needs friends, even dragons. Readers learn what amazing friends dragons can be and in the process can discover the route to friendship with others.
Recently diversity has been under siege in our country. More than ever, we must learn about other people, other cultures, other family constellations. Understanding yields acceptance and respect. #DiverseKidLit shines a much needed light on difference. The books reviewed today all focus on what it means to be part of a family, whether in our intimate nuclear families or as part of the family of man. Family is a way of being, of loving, caring, and not just genetics.