Today's read... Build Your Own Space Museum by Claudia Martin

I was excited to discover to today's read! Not only is space a happily seen theme in our household but activities are a definite treat. Even my husband went giddy when he saw this book on the kitchen counter. So, I'll just dive in and let you know how...and if...it works.

BUILD YOUR OWN SPACE MUSEUM

by Claudia Martin

Illustrated by Mike Love

Lonely Planet Kids

Children's Nonfiction  /   Activity

23 pages

ages 6 to 8

You have received a crate of rare space objects from around the world, and it's up to you to place them in the correct rooms! Follow the instructions to create five amazing pop-ups and assemble the objects in exhibitions throughout the museum. From Mars rovers to Moon rockets, this hand-on book combines STEAM and creativity in a fun-packed package.

LONELY PLANET KIDS  /   AMAZON  /   BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Not only space fans will enjoy the goodness packed into these pages as it lures in with facts, interesting illustrations, and constructions on every other page.

It's off to space and beyond in this colorful, fact-packed read, which allows readers to pretend that they're in a museum...and build their own displays in the process. When opening the cover, the reader immediately discovers a giant flap with a note on it, which explains that the exhibits are inside. These are various space objects (from planets to ships and more), which are to be punched out and used to construct the displays on the correct pages. There is a detailed and illustrated two-page description on how this is done to make sure everything is clearly understood. It's straight-forward and really not overly difficult.

Each two-page spread symbolizes a museum room and rotates around a certain theme. This is broken down into boxes with titles and facts. Everything from themes such as 'Where is Space?' to planet facts to space capsules is explored, each with interesting tidbits, which aren't found in the usual science classes at school. The breakdown invites the reader to return time and again, and visit the sections however they'd like. At the end, there is a page with questions so readers can see if they remember some of the details. 

Everything about this book screams space fun. The self-construction of pop-ups works very well, and while taking a little finger finesse, isn't overly difficult. The pop-ups do need to be handled with a little care when reading the book after they've been constructed. But then, a drop of glue in the slots goes a long way to make sure they don't slide out with use. Each page radiates excitement for the topic with clear illustrations. The text is kept short for each topic (although it is quite a bit for each room), sliding in a couple of facts and fun. The vocabulary does hit the lower end of the  middle grade level. So readers need to be sure of their words.

This one makes a great present, for homeschooling, or for space and construction fans.

Today's read...Epic Myths for Fearless Girls by Claudia Martin

I've been looking forward to finally have a chance to take a look at today's read. It's a collection of fifteen myths from around the world, spreading over a very wide variety of cultures and beliefs. The publisher insisted I see a true copy, since the artwork in this one is very well done. And they aren't wrong. 

Oh, and each myth centers around a heroine, so we're talking girl-power pure.

Ready to visit gods, myth, and lore?

EPIC MYTHS FOR FEARLESS GIRLS

by Claudia Martin

Illustrated by Khoa Le

Arcturus Editions

Middle Grade Myth

128 pages

ages 7 to 12

COMING...

OCTOBER 1st!!!

This beautifully illustrated, full-colour hardback gift edition presents a thrilling collection of 15 myths from around the world, reinterpreted by master storyteller Claudia Martin and celebrated children's illustrator Khoa Le.

Discover mighty goddesses and magical heroines from around the world in this inspirational collection-and unleash your own inner strength!

This collection showcases narratives that celebrate strong, independent women. They run free and possess the qualities we would hope for in our daughters and friends: self-confidence, strength, wits, courage, fearlessness, and independence.

Myths include:
- Mami Wata's Golden Comb (Liberia)
- Freyja's Necklace (Norse)
- Durga and the Buffalo Demon (India)
- Amaterasu and the Cave (Japan)
- Isis Discovers the Name of Ra (Egypt)
- Sedna of the Sea (Inuit)
- Pandora and the Jar (Greece)
- Nu Wa and the Pillars of Heaven (China)
- Hina Journeys to the Moon (Polynesia)
- The Girl and the Windigo (Ojibwe)
- Oochigeas and the Invisible One (Mi'kmaq)
- Pele Fights with her Sister (Hawai'i)
- Oshun Brings Water (Yorusha)
- The Trials of �tain (Ireland)
- Xquic and the Empty Net (Maya)

Ideal for children aged 8+.

ABOUT THE SERIES: Arcturus Publishing's Inspiring Heroines series retells classic children's stories, showcasing strong female protagonists who strike out against adversity and smash stereotypes. Featuring enchanting full-colour illustrations by Khoa Le, these empowering tales will inspire young readers to dream big. 

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON    /    B&N

MY TIDBITS

Gorgeous illustrations accompany ancient myths and tales to show that heroines come from all types of situations and show bravery in very different ways.

This is a collection of fifteen myths from around the world. They spread over beliefs, cultures, and time to include a wide variety of heroines and plots. In an introduction, the author explains that each tale centers on a heroine. While some are more classic ideas of what a true heroine should be, others show that heroines can come from various backgrounds and may have been heroic in surprising ways. Plus, the idea of what heroic is also includes a wide range of possibilities. Two of the myths have changed endings so as to allow the initial 'heroines' to do more than stay at home...but it's pointed out which two these are. The rest settle close to the original tales, or at least, how they are told today.

This is a gorgeous book, whose illustrations live up to the myths. The cultures and time frames shine through, allowing the reader to sink into the various 'worlds' and get a glimpse at the different cultures and themes. Each page includes a small design, which correlates to the tale, while each 2-page spread holds one full illustration. It is a treat to simply flip through and gaze at these, and let the various settings and situation sink in.

I was surprised at the variety of myths and even as a myth-lover, stumbled on several I hadn't heard before. From the well-known Greek gods to Eskimo legends and tales from Asia and beyond, the entire world seems to find a place. This allows for a vast assortment on heroines and plots, making sure that none are like the others. There were a few things mentioned in the myths, which weren't really explained or shown (like a kora), but these were far and few between. The tales are easy to understand and sink into, and open up history as well as the various views of different cultures nicely. 

While this does make a nice addition for group settings and those, who are wanting to dive into the theme of myths and legends, it also makes a very lovely read on its own. It's one of those books, which can easily be added to the shelf and enjoyed for many years to come.