Tuesday, November 5, 2024

Volcanoes for Kids by Samuel John

 Today's read is one from an entire series of nonfiction reads for young readers. I haven't read any of the other books, but they cover a range of topics: dinosaurs, water cycle, solar system, and many more. It's a light book, short and sweet. So, I'm curious to see how it handles the information.

Let's take a look!





VOLCANOES FOR KIDS
Educational Science Book for Learning About Volcanoes
by Samuel John
Picture Book
ages 2 to 6


Is your son/daughter always curious about volcanoes and other related earth movements and you wish to help him/her learn more in a fun and exciting child-friendly way that will make them grasp all the important stuff about volcanoes?

And are you looking for a guide that will make the whole learning experience memorable and exciting – in a way that ensures they want to keep learning?

If you’ve answered YES,

Let this book help your son/daughter understand volcanoes seamlessly, like the back of their hand! Volcanoes can be a bit boring to understand when you read about them from boring text. That’s why most people struggle to remember the different terms used to describe different components of volcanic activity.

This book seeks to ensure your child doesn’t struggle to understand volcanoes, with page after page of perfect illustrations depicting everything you need to know about volcanoes.

I know you might be wondering…

Is this book made for a specific age group?

Not really! If your child loves volcanoes or wants to learn about them at any age, this book is for them.

Stuff to do with magma and molten rocks can be hard to understand. Just how kid-friendly is the book?

Don’t worry; there’s no complex stuff here. We keep it light and the book only includes the essential, basic facts about volcanoes. You can also learn a thing or two from the book!

Indeed, this is a perfect child/beginner friendly book about volcanoes that will leave them feeling confident about their knowledge of volcanoes without having to understand complex concepts!

More precisely, this book Basic facts about volcanoes and accompanying illustrationsThe whole book is written in an easy to understand and engaging toneThe book is colorful and each page has a unique illustration that further explains volcanoesThe book starts from the basics and works its way to the more complicated stuff (not too complicated, I promise)And so much more!🔊Includes Downloadable Audio🎧
Enhance your reading experience! This book comes with downloadable audio. Perfect for engaging young readers and sparking their imagination.

🎁And also INCLUDES 4 BONUS🎁 (By download link)

Bonus #1 - Free ebook "The The Steadfast Tin Soldier"
Bonus #2 - 19 Printable Halloween Coloring Pages
Bonus #3 - 50 Printable Mazes With Solutions
Bonus #4 - Free ebook With Sample Pages

So even if your child really struggles to understand volcanoes or they actually don’t even know they exist, by the end of this book, they will be able to tell you what volcanoes are and how exactly they work!

No, really, make sure you ask them after they are done and watch the magic unfold!


GOODREADS    /     AMAZON


MY TIDBITS

The science behind volcanoes hits without complexity, while making it interesting and fun.

This is one of many books in a series, each one covering a different topic in the science realm. The cover already lures in with bright colors and tons of energy. It's hard not to want to join the little adventures on the front right away and go on exploration with them. 

This book starts at the beginning explaining the origin behind the word volcano, and then dives right into what one is, how it forms, and more. The illustrations hold a sense of simplicity, same style as found on the cover, which gives the entire thing a lighter atmosphere. The text follows this trend with a large, decorative font and only a couple lines or so on each page. This creates, again, a very simple atmosphere. The information and vocabulary, however, aren't quite as basic as the images and text might, at first glance, suggest.

The author dives into the workings of a volcano, sticking to this basic flow while working in the foundational concepts and vocabulary. The reader will not only know the workings of magna, lava, and basic volcanic inner workings but also learns a couple extra details. It's never overly in-depth, since this is all tucked into the short one or two sentences, and still, young readers get a good base knowledge on the subject. 

To add a little more fun, there is a downloadable audio link included as well as a link to several freebie activities. It's a nice addition for classrooms with younger students as well as useful for homeschoolers.

Monday, November 4, 2024

Drawn Onward by Daniel Nayeri

Today's read caught my attention thanks to the cover. Anyone else ready to grab a sword and shield, and head into adventure? This one is a picture book, which I was glad to see, since this high-fantasy usually starts first with slightly older readers. Now, there is a purpose to this read, and that kept my excitement a little more at bay. This book handles the loss of a parent and grief. I'm always very skeptical about these sorts of 'help' books and really, really, really hope it doesn't damper the tale.

So, pack those bags because we're going on a journey!

(Note: This was so well done that I'm adding it to my possible favorites of the year list)



DRAWN ONWARD
by Daniel Nayeri
Illustrated by Matt Rockefeller
HarperAlley
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8


In this enthralling and emotional palindrome picture book by Daniel Nayeri and Matt Rockefeller, a young boy grieving the loss of his mother embarks on a lushly fantastical adventure that illuminates what remains when our loved ones are gone.

All alone

He was not so brave…

His heart needed to know

The answer.


This lyrical, heartfelt story a young boy who’s lost all hope braves the dark forest to ask, “Mom, were you glad you were mom?” Gorgeously illustrated, Drawn Onward gently guides readers through the depths of grief and provides comfort and hope to those who seek answers when it feels like all is lost.


GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /     B&N


MY TIDBITS

These illustrations capture the imagination and lead on a fantastical journey to delight the adventurer and encourage the soul.

A boy feels lost after the death of his mother and wanders into the forest, deeper than he should go. From there a grabbing, graphic adventure begins, which draws into a world of wonder.

This book is an illustrative delight. There is some text but just enough to set the stage and add needed highlights here and there to guide the tale through. The rest is a visual quest, which takes the boy on a rich journey of discovery, surprises, tension, and growth. The details are imaginative and awaken fascination. While the main thread of the boy's journey is clear, there's quite a bit of room for each reader to notice different moments and take everything in on a more personal direction. In other words, each reader will have subtle differences in how they see the boy's journey. Even visiting these images time and again will lead to new discoveries and let dreams fly each time. It flows a bit like a graphic novel with smaller panels overlayed on the main one...like a picture book hugging the graphic novel form. This keeps the tension high the entire way through.

While this book does handle grief, it is subtle. The reader needs to read a little between the lines, but it's still clear what the boy's problem is. While the first scene gives a basic impression of the relationship and worries the boy and his father have, the rest bounds into discovery and danger, keeping uncertainty close. This changes more toward the end into amazement with new-found understanding.  The grief theme slides through as a very gentle side to the rich fantasy, drawing more meaning toward the end to wrap off with a final sense of hope.

These graphics are enjoyable for even adults to gaze through, and the meaning behind them carries enough depth to have this oldest age group thinking. I'm not sure the youngest end of the intended age group will catch much more than the basic message, since there is quite a bit of visual symbolism going on, but the older end of the intended reader level will be able to sink into the moment. It's masterfully woven and glides through the theme with wisdom and never a sense of preachy purpose.



And here they are...

Daniel Nayeri likes to read things backward even when it doesn't make sense to do so. He is the author of Everything Sad Is Untrue (A True Story), winner of the Printz Award, the Christopher Medal, and the Middle Eastern Book Award. He loves letter-unit palindromes, like "toot" and "God's dog," and word-unit palindromes, like "Never say never" and "Fall leaves after leaves fall," and if he didn't say how much he likes and loves his wife and son, he wouldn't be Daniel Nayeri. 

Matt Rockefeller is a visual storyteller inspired by adventuring in the mountains, interpretive dancing with friends, and pondering the many wonders of the universe. In addition to drawing and writing comics, he creates artwork for TV and film animation. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his family including a little dog that may or may not be a fox.

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Bunnies on the Bus by Philip Ardagh

 Today's read should hold tons of energy, chaos, and silliness. In other words, I'm really looking forward to diving into this one. So, without further babbling, let's join in on this adventure.




BUNNIES ON THE BUX
by Philip Ardagh
Illustrated by Ben Mantle
Candlewick Press
Picture Book
32 pages
ages 4 to 8


A romping, riotous read-aloud from best-selling author Philip Ardagh and award-winning illustrator Ben Mantle.

Bunnies on the bus!
Bunnies on the bus!
No wonder there’s a fuss
about the bunnies on the bus!


There are bunnies on the bus, and they’re causing mayhem in Sunny Town! Watch as they whiz past the bus stop, fly by the swings, and zoom over the crosswalk — these bunnies aren’t stopping for anyone. They finally reach the station, but where are they hopping off to now? Uh-oh . . . Acclaimed author Philip Ardagh’s rhyming, high-energy text and “Bunnies on the bus!” refrain is ideal for library or classroom read-alouds, and Ben Mantle’s colorful illustrations are chock-full of zany details perfect for repeat reads.


GOODREADS    /    AMAZON    /     B&N


MY TIDBITS

Chaos and silliness hit with adorable bunnies and tons of energy.

The streets of Sunny Town are definitely not safe, not when the bunnies are on the bus. Each one is a ball of energy, and there are quite a few of them on the journey to the train. The bus zips down the road, swerving, speeding, and causing all sorts of trouble and near mishaps. When the bus finally stops and the bunnies get off, the town can release a sigh of relief. But that was only the first leg of the journey. Next, comes the train, and no one knows what chaos will ensue now.

This is a book with the sole purpose to bring giggles and create smiles. These bunnies are very excited and can't sit still. But they aren't mean in any way. It's the bus driver, racing through the streets and creating all sorts of near misses, which is causing the biggest issue. It's hard not to gasp and giggle with wide eyes at every turn of the page. 

The rhyme flows almost like a children's song, making it a lovely read-aloud, which with a few readings, will have young listeners joining in themselves. The illustrations are what creates the silliness, though. These hold many details, which invites readers to flip through them and search every scene again and again.



And here they are...
Philip Ardagh is a prolific writer who has been published in forty languages. His titles include the best-selling Eddie Dickens trilogy; High in the Clouds, cowritten with Paul McCartney and Geoff Dunbar; and Stinking Rich and Just Plain Stinky, winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize. He lives in Kent, England.

Ben Mantle worked in animation, including on Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride, before turning to children’s illustration. The illustrator of Follow the Track All the Way Back by Timothy Knapman and many other picture books, he is also the author-illustrator of the Dinostars series as well as The Best Birthday Present Ever! and The Best Christmas Present Ever! Ben Mantle lives in Brighton, England.

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Happy Book Birthday, Young Grandmaster Choi II by Shequeta Smith!

I'm going to shout this book birthday out a little early (it hits the shelves on the 5th) and am looking forward to diving into Rayven's second adventure. I did read the first one in the series (amazing, right?).
So, I have a pretty good idea where this might be heading and am looking forward to it. 

Let's see if Rayven is able to overcome whatever this book might hold!


YOUNG GRANDMASTER CHOI II
by Shequeta Smith
Shero Comics
Middle Grade Graphic Novel
ages 7 to 12












After earning her yellow belt in Hapkido, Rayven is chosen to do a short stick solo at the upcoming Cultural Festival in Seoul. Rayven is excited about her good fortune until a jealous classmate bullies her for not being Korean. Rayven loses confidence in herself until she attends the Cultural Festival and finds a bit of Korean history that directly connects to her African American heritage.



 MY TIDBITS

Rayven has earned her yellow belt in Hapkido and has been chosen to do a stick solo at the next event. She's already nervous , but when a girl at school insists that, as an African American, Rayven can never be a true part of the Korean culture, Rayven feels uncertain. This soon affects her practice. Her family and friends insist that the girl is only jealous, but Rayven isn't so sure there isn't some truth to her words.

This is the second book in the series, but it's no problem to dive right into this one. Rayven is trying to find her place in Korean, now that she's moved from the the US. Especially the food is throwing her for a loop, and readers will feel for her as there isn't even pizza available. She has a lovely friend group, which offers support, too. When the bullying comes in, this is only for a few frames twice. It hits with the needed potency but pulls back before overwhelming. Still, it's just enough to leave the needed impression. There's a clever twist to bring everything together, and Rayven grows as a person and character in inspiring ways. She's easy to connect with and root for.

The illustrations offer enough details to make each situation clear and even bring across the Korean culture. They are colorful and work well with the speech bubbles. The text carries the story in the speech bubbles, which are fitting to the age group.

While the main message comes across clearly, and Rayven is obviously a character, who will experience many more small adventures, there is also quite a bit about the Korean culture. Readers learn various aspects about the people, habits, and country, which will have them seeing Korea differently. It will be fun to see what Rayven will deal with next.

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Friday, November 1, 2024

Over in the Meadow by Chandler Strange

Today's read rings in more of a spring feel, when I look at the cover...and I do love the flowers! We are now in November, and Winter should be showing its head. But it's not. Yesterday was finally a little cooler than 80 degrees and the forecast does show upper 60s/low 70s for the next week, but still. Where are my cold temperatures? I haven't even had a reason to stoke the fireplace yet. So sad.

Anyway, I have had thoughts of planting spring bulbs (normally would be too late) and see this cover as inspiration. I'm also hoping that the read is full of energy and warmth. And a little fun. Let's peek inside and see if it's one to grab up!


OVER IN THE MEADOW
by Chandler Strange
Forward by Celestia Loeffler French
Picture Book
57 pages
ages 4 to 8


Over in the Meadow is a popular traditional rhyme that has been loved, celebrated, and sung many times since its original release in 1870.This rendition honors the love and wisdom mothers share with their young in a modern light. It is a celebration of all mothers, children, families, and our collective meadow, our great Mother Earth, and will be loved by all who read it, for generations to come.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON   /    AUTHOR


MY TIDBITS

The wonder of nature comes to life and invites to exploration outdoors.

From the very first page, a calming atmosphere hits while the vibrance of nature flows in bright display. The illustrations are lovely and bring across each scene with detail, while still holding a simple lean and not bogging down with too many extras. It's enjoyable to flip through these and sink into the mix of colors and variety of life as the personality of each animal shines.

Each two-page spread holds a few lines of playful rhyme, which flow extremely well and add a whimsical tone without breaking the spell of the illustrations. They follow a numerical direction, starting with one and heading all the way up to ten. So, there's a little number practice involved as well. The entire thing fits very nicely to the younger age group and puts a smile on the face. 

To add another layer of goodness, each animal is highlighted at the end of the read with a short summary of information and facts. This will especially delight animal fans.

The entire thing is a wholesome read, packed with goodness on many levels.




And here she is...

Chandler Strange studied Fine Art and Photography at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, she finisher her undergraduate degree at Fordham University with a major in Art History and a minor in Theology. She studied old master drawing techniques at the Grand Central Studio. She worked at the Delorenzo Gallery on Madison Avenue, a gallery that specialized in Art Deco and masterpieces of 20th century design, for 10 years. She now has two small children and lives on a trout and flower farm in Durango, Co, where she continues her art career. Her work focuses on flowers, nature, portraits and animal life, mostly in water color and pencil, she also is a children’s book illustrator.

https://www.chandlerstrange.com