It's Monday - A Variety of Books

     

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow! 

Thanks to Scribner Books for my Advanced Copy

           It's a challenge to share this brief (less than 100 pages), yet oh, so filled with gifts of abundance from Robin Wall Kimmerer, the author of another thought-filled book titled Braiding Sweetgrass. This time, taking the serviceberry as her model, Robin makes her case for "a culture of gratitude", to move to what she terms a gift economy, "wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away." Producers and consumers would not undertake to create scarcity to drive up prices, but realize that a gift given can mean a community that shares, one that values the relationships over profit." It is people caring for others and for their world. 

          The serviceberry offers its wealth to birds, who flourish and, in turn, spread its seeds. Robin is a member of the Potawatomi Nation, one of the Anishinaabe peoples of the Great Lakes region. This berry's name in their language is Bozakmin, and the root "min" means "gift."  She weaves her argument for change to a gift economy from the book's beginnings when she shares that a nearby farmer, a neighbor, has invited a number of people to come to share their bounty and pick their serviceberries at no charge. They are part of a community that cares about each other and while also needing to earn money for their expenses, this sharing also nurtures relationships and a hope that neighbors will reciprocate during the year in other ways. 

         Robin's argument pulls away from our ways of consumer capitalism to a gentler and more sustainable approach where all needs are met, including the environment's. It is filled with good reminders that looking again at our lives can mean we find another way of life that can work better for us all!

Thanks to Second Story Press for my e-copy.
I won it via the ALA Grab-a-Galley

          Sheila Baslaw tells this sweetest story with Karen Levine, a beautiful tale from before World War II when her father was a young boy. He, with his parents and five sisters, lived in Russia in a small Jewish village called a shtetl. Shmuel (not his real name) was one of the youngest in the family. His job was to get water from the town square each morning. One day, when he went, a wagon rolled in with two men and a wagon full of supplies! It was time to bring electric street lights to the town! 

          Though Shmuel kept being shooed away by the older and gruff worker, the other younger worker was patient and answered all his questions, helping him learn how it all worked! There was a big celebration when those lights were finally turned on, and the square became a place for evening fun now that it was lit. The mayor came to this young, ten-year-old and told him that the worker has said Shmuel would be able to do repairs if the lights ever needed them or a bulb went out. If it happened, he would be paid! 

         Shmuel's family was very poor and often had little to eat. Each one got some small jobs, yet still, it seemed never enough. One night, in a storm, wires were loosened, and a bulb was broken. This young, brave boy went to the mill to turn off the generator, then climbed that pole and fixed it! The rest of the story is about saving the family, for the townspeople were so grateful and shared what goods they could with the family, adding a note that said, "for our brave new light keeper". 

         Sheila writes that her family had not known this story for a long time from her father's childhood and wanted to capture it for him and to honor his bravery. The illustrations by Alice Priestley feel just right for the historical feel of the story, in brown, muted tones with touches of color, a picturesque village showing the people's dress, and a community having fun despite hardships. 

          

Many thanks to Candlewick Press for the following books!

            In her third cumulative picture book, Randi Sonenshine manages again, in brief verse, to introduce us to another creature, the amazing octopus. She does say in her author's note that in this book, she has focused on the common octopus, among the 300 other species. When I read the book, I didn't consider the usual definition of "common", for Randi's verses show its incredible resourcefulness. When needs arise, octopuses improvise as shown in this opening verse by Randi: "This is the ledge of sandstone and lime,/layered with shells cemented by time,/that shelters the den that Octopus built." Readers will see how the octopus eats, shelters, escapes its enemies and ends with a most important work, laying anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 eggs, then attaching them to her den roof and endlessly cleaning them with water until she swooshes them off to the sea. I enjoyed the book and the amount of information given so much, I want to tell you all, but you need to find this book, beautifully illustrated by Anne Hunter in softly colored pages, and read to discover more. There is much that is called "Octo-Knowledge" in the back matter, with an author's note and a glossary! (The other cumulative books by Randi and Anne are The Nest That Wren Built and The Lodge That Beaver Built.)

         I reviewed the first book in this Amazing Animals series, Detector Dogs, Dynamite Dolphins, and more animals with super-sensory powers, by Cara Giaimo and Christina Couch a couple of years ago, and now this one is out. Like the first, this is an extraordinary book, like the extraordinary animals and science explained when author Stephanie Gibeault describes the studies of five animals, like guppies and spotted hyenas, and their number intelligence. Fascinating also is the introduction of the animals that were tested and the testing itself as it became more complex.

The experiments are explained, the what, the how, and the double-checking of results. Jaclyn Sinquett adds to the enticing explanations with colorful illustrations, color-highlighted pages, like one titled "Guppy Gossip" and another, "Frog Love Song". Each section includes a summing-up page and an inviting activity for readers.        Enticing pages with those illustrations and photos invited the reader in so well. I often felt like I wanted to read what was next because of the topic. 

       Finally, there is an extensive list of text notes by chapter, a bibliography, and an index. This book, and the previous one, can make a terrific study for an individual or a group, and also become deeper research into one particular or more. 

          

           It seems that this may be a book for and adult and a young child, an interesting introduction to animals who use tools, too! In double-page spreads with large, colorful, and realistic illustrations by Jane McGuinness, Martin Jenkins writes a brief sentence on the left about the animal in large print. On the right is a more complicated explanation in smaller print with the illustration. There are a few with both on one page. Animals included are bowerbirds, sea otters, and chimpanzees, the one identified as the animal that used tools more than any other. A delightful surprise ends the book, and there is an index. It will be a great beginning learning for young readers. If slightly older, they may want to discover more through added research. 

Next: I am reading the very long and just out All The Colors of The Dark, by Chris Whitaker. Thus far, it's mesmerizing. Now that I've finally started, it's very hard to put down!

Poetry Friday - A Better Choice

           It's Poetry Friday, and Heidi Mordhorst is hosting HERE on her blog My Juicy Little Universe.  Be sure to visit to learn about a new activity she introduced this week to her WHISPERshout writing workshop after-school classes, and the wonderful poem it led them to write!  Thanks for hosting, Heidi!

       

             I am reposting a poem I wrote and shared in December 2016 for Mary Lee's challenge, #haikuforhealing. I assume you know where we were after that election– upset, not exactly knowing what was going to happen. Now, this new election is less than two months away. Today, I am certainly hopeful, but still jittery! 

Wishing you all a special weekend ahead!

Monday Reading - Old and New

    

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow!  I didn't have much reading time this week, but I do have a few books to share! Hope all have had a good start to September! Here comes fall!

        

            And, because you saw the cover, you know that I just finished reading Olivetti by Allie Millington. There is Ernest, the center of this story, a 12-year-old who prefers to read dictionaries instead of talking to his family of three other siblings, a mom and a dad. At least, this is the beginning, yet suddenly, they learn that mom has gone missing. And her beloved typewriter, an Olivetti Lettera 22, is missing, too. They spend the next hours and days putting up missing posters, talking with neighbors, filling up with anxiety. Until they arrive at a neighborhood pawn shop and see that same typewriter that they call Olivetti, they know little. The owner realizes something is very wrong, and his daughter, Quinn, enters into the search later, forcing herself into Ernest's world but only to help. 

            It's an extremely emotional story, despite the fact that a typewriter really is participating by telling its part in what may have happened to the mother. There is an underlying mystery that Ernest refers to as the "Everything that happened" earlier in the family's life. It's intriguing to imagine what an inanimate object that is connected to words, might know, and further, be able to communicate. This story which moves from past to present, alternating with the typewriter's story-telling,  still feels very real, showing a family, alternating falling apart and then holding each other up. Those outside the family, like Quinn, and a few others, add to the story with their compassion and willingness to step in with support. I know it's a cliche, but I must call this book an exceptional roller coaster ride, from the anticipatory rise when one begins to read,  to the breath-holding for many pages before one drops, and then, the satisfying feeling at the end. 

Thanks to Charlesbridge for this copy!

         Traci Sorell shows the delightful ways of gratitude that she so beautifully shared in her picture book, We Are Grateful. This time, she has brought parts from that original book to place in board books for each season. They have few words, centering on family and activities specific to each season, like swimming and  watching animals outside, playing in the snow, and also including festivals like the Great New Moon ceremony in the fall. They're just-right introductions to the seasons with colorful illustrations by Frane Lessac. 

It is an older book but one needed by many. It is a lesson in finding the good things in life every day! If you don't know it, find this one at your library! By Carol Chapman and illustrated by Arnold Lobel, one to savor!

           This feels as if it will bring great discussions of what "Purple People" are and how one can recognize them. Kristen Bells shares that they ask lots of questions, laugh a lot, use their voice when needed, and work very hard. There is a Step Five, but I'll let those who find the book discover that one! It's fun to read, will be nice to read aloud to a group, to show a way to give respect to ALL kinds of people, and in this book, kids! Daniel Wiseman's illustrations are funny and happy and full of many colors, not only purple! 

Next: A brief book that has started beautifully, The Serviceberry, by Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass. And, I have a few mysteries to choose from!

Happy Reading!

Poetry Friday - Goodbyes Made Sadder

It's Poetry Friday, and Buffy Silverman is hosting HERE on her blog by the same name.  She is giving us a delightful peek at her new book, which is coming out next week! See the cover above! Don't miss it! Congratulations and thanks for hosting, Buffy!

              I wrote this a few days ago, before Wednesday, September 4th. It's not a happy post, but I thought many of you would like to know the poem my husband chose to be read at his funeral. He passed away eleven years ago on September 4th, a day I won't forget, though I will also remember the good memories of our life together for many years. 

          Now, with the grief of missing my husband, I am also filled with sorrow for those whose loved ones died Wednesday. And, I am angry that our country cannot make changes, especially to protect our beautiful children and also adults who have left their loved ones way too soon. You know the arguments, all of them.   

             The poem is The Long Boat by Stanley Kunitz  Here, on his 100th birthday, he is reading it.

      The Long Boat

When his boat snapped loose
from its mooring, under
the screaking of the gulls,
he tried at first to wave
to his dear ones on shore,
but in the rolling fog
they had already lost their faces.
Too tired even to choose
between jumping and calling,
somehow he felt absolved and free
of his burdens, those mottoes
stamped on his name-tag:
conscience, ambition, and all
that caring.

        the rest is HERE

Monday Reading - Much to Share!

       

        Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they and others have been reading! Your TBR lists will grow!     

       I'm not sure I feel able to assess Naomi Shihab Nye's work, yet I want you to know about her new book of poetry. This is for mothers, about hers, but for all of us who are, who have, and who miss, our mothers. It's bittersweet, it's full of love and sad yearnings, and it's extraordinary. Don't miss finding a copy for reading, then re-reading, connecting with her memories in ways you might not have imagined you would.

         Just last week, I shared Harvest House by Cynthia Leitich Smith. Now, I'd like to share William Kent Krueger's newest book in the Cork O'Connor series. It, too, has an underlying theme of the sad truth of so many, many Native women and girls disappearing. Yet, often law enforcement does not take it as seriously as other disappearances of white females. All the usual family members and other friends of Cork are in the story; some have changed - jobs or life circumstances - and it feels both bittersweet and comforting all at the same time. Krueger adds resources to learn more about these tragic disappearances.

           Thanks to Publishers Weekly for this copy, from WaterBrook at Random House! I won it in one of their giveaways!

            A new superhero brings a new adventure for middle graders to read and love. It's written by Meredith Davis,  whose new 'superhero', Noah Minor, shows up on the first pages while being dropped from a building's sixteenth story. A reporter sees it all, though the great-uncle denies he did it. However it happened, all that we know is that it's a "Minor Miracle" and here is dear Noah, now in middle school, reading to have an eye check. Plot twists often happen in stories, but the story by Davis seems to surprise often with ordinary events turning into surprises, not only for Noah but for his friends, Haley and Rodney. Each one appears to have a superpower, yet it's not always the kind that has them flying through the air, but the challenge to think ahead, to make better decisions, to take good care of friends, and family, too! Except for an introduction, Noah tells the story, his dilemmas, his worries, and the decisions that are really hard to make. Sometimes, they're not so good, and Noah has to become a superhero different from how he had ever imagined. Illustrator Billy Yong adds to the action with his graphic illustrations, adding much to the emotional impact of the action. It's a terrific book! 

         Here's a peek at the cast, showing off Billy Yong's style, too! 

          The scenario: "When a pilot suffers a heart attack at 35,000 feet, a commercial airliner filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in the small town of Waketa, Minnesota, which becomes ground zero for a catastrophic national crisis with global implications." I enjoyed reading the scientific background of what does happen, what can happen, if such a catastrophe occurs, but more than that, reading (watching?) the people, who they are, and what they do no matter the danger and/or sacrifice, they stepped up, they did not give up to help and to rescue. I enjoyed it, though kept thinking of the two times it has happened in our history, Fukushima and Chernobyl when the endings were not so favorable. It may only be fiction this time brought to readers by T.J. Newman.

Thanks to Charlesbridge for the following picture books!

         It's a wonderful thing that, according to Cindy Neuschwander, author, a young man named Volomo ran into Sir Cumference right before a huge snowstorm was about to hit! He explained how he'd built just the correctly-sized boxes so that each held a bushel of grain, to keep the varmints from getting into them, to know what's there or gone, too! The knight races back to the castle, and he and Lady Di return to ask for help if they're going to feed all the people in the countryside, 150! The story fills with tension as they estimate how much food is needed, what a snow sledge will hold (not enough) and the simple, but clear ways they solve all the problems, including the VOLUME that's enough and that they must carry back to the castle! This is the thirteenth Sir Cumference book, all written by Cindy Neuschwander and illustrated by Wayne Meehan in beautifully colorful pages, historical scenes of people working outside and inside, to solve problems! This, and others, are entertaining and educational, just perfect for those at home helping children understand some math concepts, or for a teacher in the classroom! (Do you see the connection with Volomo?) 

         If you'd like to know about the birth of these "Sir Cumference" stories, go HERE to read from Cindy, the author, about how they started!

            From the cover, this poignant book seems to be about a little girl who loves unicorns. First published in Spain, written and illustrated by Dani Gómez, and translated by Luisana Duarte Armendáriz, it is about loving unicorns, as young Emma did. She collects them, puts their pictures on her bedroom walls, and dresses up on Halloween with her dad as unicorns. "Giddy up, Unicorn!" happens often. But Emma grows up, year by year, and things do not remain the same. Gómez lets her illustrations tell the story, change by change. It isn't only a story for young readers about unicorns. It's a story that might bring a few tears to parents and show life in all its wonder, young, then older, then older still! It's a wonderful book!

 

          From Charlesbridge, first published in Spain and translated by Luisana Duarte  Armendariz, illustrations by Veronica Aranda beautifully bring Irene Verdu's sweet story to life. It's a treasure of a story all about finding kindness! A letter has fallen from the postman's mailbag and been whisked away without him noticing. It was raining and the letter landed on the wet street, losing the person's name to which it belonged. The wind thought it was a lovely letter. All it said was "I Love You". So, the wind sailed it into the air, onto Mr. Cat's roof and down the chimney. Mr. Cat found it, yes, grumpy Mr. Cat, and wondered who in the world could have sent it. He began walking through the neighborhood, asking away, with everyone saying "No, not I!" The rest of the story and the sweetest surprise ending shows you what a little act of kindness can do! Mr. Cat learns right along with all his neighbors!

           I cannot possibly tell all that one can discover about space telescopes, the history and the journey to the recent fabulous Webb Telescope. This, by Suzanne Slade, tells in the clearest language how it all began for us to know more than what our naked eyes can see or imagine. The journey she shares is filled with examples of pictures, diagrams, and photos, all the way to what we're seeing recently, that Webb image of the Tarantula Nebula, which holds thousands of young stars! Previously, they couldn't be seen because of space dust.

          There is an added bibliography, a link to building one's own scale model of the Webb telescope, and more! 

          Also, at the very end: “The promise of Webb is not what we know we will discover; it’s what we don’t yet understand or can’t yet fathom about our universe.” —NASA Administrator Bill Nelson

Next! I've had Olivetti by Allie Millington for a long while! Time to read it!