Who Is Singing? by Janet Halfmann

 Happy Sunday! I thought a great way to go into this day is by taking a look at God's feathered creations and their beautiful songs. At least, that's what I'm assuming today's read will hold. I'm curious to hear about all the various tweeting, chirping, and other sounds certain birds make. I have looked at works from this author before and, usually, find them to be a refreshing turn in the kidlit realm.

Let's open this one up and see what we discover about birds and their songs, shall we?

WHO IS SINGING?

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Chrissy Chabot

Belle Isle Books

Picture Book

36 pages

ages 3 to 8

Have you ever heard a tune from the treetops and wondered: Who is singing?

Birds are singing and calling all around us, but every bird's song is different. Some even sound like familiar words, such as the cardinal's wheet, wheet, wheet, birdie, birdie, birdie! In this interactive read-aloud book, children (and adults) can learn to identify twelve common birds by sight as well as by sound. Next time you visit your local park, close your eyes and listen closely. Soon you'll be able to tell who is singing

GOODREADS     /     AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Nature lovers and bird fans receive a playful look at several species of birds and their distinct songs.

These pages highlight birds, birds, and more birds. Twelve different feathered friends are presented, each one getting its own time to shine. One by one, they sit and let out their song. On the next page, listeners discover the name and can repeat the song again. Each call is written in a way which will come across familiar enough for listeners to repeat, and many will, probably, have listeners smiling as they wonder if the sound really meets these tones. The author explains at the end of the book that people can hear or understand the calls a bit differently from individual to individual, and invites listeners to head outside, listen to the birds around them, and see if they can catch the variations themselves.

The author keeps the age group nicely in mind with both the illustrations and the text. The illustrations concentrate on each bird, make the bird identifiable, and hold any other details to a minimum. This focuses listeners' attentions on the bird and the call. The text is repetitive and holds a bit of rhyme to stay in the song atmosphere. The calls are short and easy to repeat...and fun. The quick identification of the bird  comes with just a smidgen of description to add a sense of meeting each one, which gives it the feel of a stage presentation and holds attention. It makes a nice read-aloud and works for themes surrounding birds. It also acts as a nice introduction to an outdoor activity.

And here she is...

Janet Halfmann

is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. She writes about animals and nature, family and community, and little-known people of achievement. Janet has written almost fifty fiction and nonfiction books for children. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. Janet grew up in Michigan and now lives in Wisconsin. She and her husband have four children, seven grandchildren, and two great-grands. Find out more at https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com

Today's read... Grandma's Window by Janet Halfmann

GRANDMA'S WINDOW

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Christy Tortland

Brandylane Publishers

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

CELEBRATE KINDNESS AND EMPATHY WITH GRANDMA'S WINDOW

Every day on the bus to school, new student Mateo stares out the window, wishing he had a friend to talk to . . . until one morning, when he spots something surprising in an apartment window—an older woman is smiling and waving to the bus!

For the next few weeks, Mateo and his bus mates wave to the lady they lovingly nickname “Grandma,” and she always waves back. But one day, Grandma is missing from her window, and she’s not there the next day, either. Mateo and his bus mates must work together to find Grandma and make sure she’s safe and happy.

Grandma’s Window is a story of friendship and kindness that shows us that, no matter how young or old you are, the best way to bring joy into your life is to give it to others.

GOODREADS    /    B&N    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Kindness and empathy ring strong in a tale, which shows how friendship can span generations.

Mateo is a little bit lonely. No one talks to him or sits with him on the bus to and from school. One day, he thinks he sees a hand moving in one of the windows of apartments as the bus drives past. The next day, he sees that it's an elderly woman waving and asks the other kids on the bus to wave back at her with him. This not only starts a daily ritual but has others talking to him. That's until the woman suddenly is no longer there. But there may be a way to continue the act of friendliness and have that even grow from there.

This is a touching tale which shows how a small act of friendliness can lead to so much more. While the beginning shows Mateo's struggles with connecting with others and how that changes, the book then continues into the deeper theme of elderly individuals moving into retirement homes. Mateo and the other kids get some assistance from their bus driver, adding a nice touch, but of course, this isn't as important as Mateo and the others visiting the woman in the home. It demonstrates how wonderful it can be to make the extra effort and reach out to others. Plus, this takes the unease that often comes with visits to these homes and demonstrates how the personal connection changes everything.

The tale makes a nice read-aloud and is a great way to lead into a trip to a retirement home. The story flows well and connects with readers on a personal level. The illustrations have an original color tone, and this works nicely with the story as well. It's a well-done read with a warming message.

And here she is...

Janet Halfmann is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Recent titles by Janet include How Can We Be Kind?: Wisdom from the Animal Kingdom; Caterpillar's Surprise; Yay for Big Brothers!; Who Is Singing?; The Clothesline Code; A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch!; The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls (Chapter Book for Grades 3-7); Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School; Grandma Is a Slowpoke; Animal Teachers; Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?; Home in the Cave; Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish; Good Night, Little Sea Otter; Fur and Feathers; Little Skink's Tail; and Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story. Janet has written almost fifty fiction and nonfiction books for children.

Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of six. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living-history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI. Find out more about Janet and her books at:

http://www.janethalfmannauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/janethalfmann
https://twitter.com/JanetHalfmann

Today's read... How Can We Be Kind? by Janet Halfmann

Today's read slides into the animal world, while delivering a message of kindness along the way. While I'm not the hugest fan of the cover (I can be picky), I did enjoy this read quite a bit. (Don't always judge a book by its cover, they say!)

Read on to discover the goodness and even take a peek. 

HOW CAN WE BE KIND?

Wisdom From the Animal Kingdom

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Darla Okada

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

This special book asks children a simple question: How Can We Be Kind? The answer is: by learning from the animal kingdom!

Animals demonstrate kindness and empathy towards each other, and care and compassion can be seen all throughout the natural world.

This book shows children the ways they can be kind just like animalsare to each other, while at the same time teaching them about the magic and the beauty of the natural world.

They can learn to be welcoming like capybaras, who let other animals sit on top of them while they wallow in mud.

Or perhaps they might want to be like dolphins, who guide other species to their destinations. Or maybe they would like to work together like ants and bees, share what they have like jackdaws or stick up for their friends like zebras.

With beautiful illustrations from Darla Okada, this beautiful picture book will enchant and entertain children time and time again. There are facts at the back about how each animal lives with and looks after its fellow creatures.

 Amazon /  Barnes & Noble / Frances Lincoln Children's Books / Walmart

MY TIDBITS

Hitting two directions at once, these pages introduce known and lesser known animals while showing how easy it is to simply 'be kind'.

This is a nicely illustrated book, which dives into the realm of animals in a fresh way. Various animals, some well-known and others not so much, are depicted in group settings. A natural habit of each animal group is depicted, which portrays 'kindness' such as sharing, offering support, or care. Each illustration holds a positive atmosphere. The animals are portrayed in an easy-to-recognize fashion while giving off a joyful vibe. The living environment also gains a bit of attention as the background demonstrates a bit of each creature's habitat.

The writing flows smoothly with only a short sentence on each page. It makes a lovely read-aloud and leaves room for discussions and comments along the way.  Plus, there's a 'Meet the Animals' at the end of the book to add more facts and tidbit fun.

The message is simple and clear, but thanks to the animals, doesn't come across as overly preachy, either. I could see some young listeners 'turning' into animals themselves, afterwards, and mimicking the habits...and probably going way beyond.

It's a cute read, which especially animal fans will enjoy. 

A few words from Janet...

Inspiration:

I was inspired to write this story to add positive ways to look at the world. Since nature can be so calming and restoring, I spotlighted the positive ways animals react to one another as examples for all of us to follow

Educational Connections:

Empathy, compassion, caring, kindness, animal interactions, capybaras, European badgers, jackdaws, ants and bees, African elephants, prairie dogs, orangutans, blue manakins, white pelicans, emus, zebras, banded mongooses, dolphins, chimpanzees

​

A "Meet the Animals" section at the back of the book has facts about how each animal lives with and looks after its fellow creatures.

Learn more about Janet and the Illustrator, Darla Okada, on the following sites:

https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com/howcanwebekind

https://www.quarto.com/books/9780711268777/how-can-we-be-kind.

https://darlaokada.com

Review: Caterpillar's Surprise by Janet Halfmann

 

CATERPILLAR'S SURPRISE

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Emily Krueger

Black Rose Writing

Picture Book

34 pages

ages 4 to 8

A masquerade ball with a blue ribbon! Caterpillar dreams of winning, but wonders how she can since she is just a baby. Tadpole convinces her that her natural baby disguise as bird poo is perfect.

As Caterpillar grows, her look changes, and she worries again. Tadpole tells her she now looks like a scary snake, and is sure to win! Then . . . just weeks before the ball, Caterpillar spins a chrysalis and hangs unmoving from her tree. Now, even Tadpole (who is changing into a frog) is worried.

Will Caterpillar break out of her chrysalis in time? And if she makes it to the ball, will she still think winning is the most important thing of all?

GOODREADS   /   AMAZON   /   B&N   

MY TIDBITS

Friendship weaves right in with the wonders of nature in this cute tale, which is more than a lovely story.

Caterpillar wants to win the masquerade ball but doubts she can until her friend, Tadpole, tells her that her appearance as bird droppings is perfect. Too bad she's growing and changing because before she knows it, she no longer matches that at all. When she finally spins her chrysalis and the ball is still approaching, even Tadpole is getting concerned she might not make it after all. But things might be approaching a surprise.

This is such a cute read, which incorporates a bit of nature and facts right along with a sweet bond of friendship. Caterpillar is easy to understand as she dreams of getting a prize but has no idea how to accomplish it. And as she changes more and more, young readers will wonder right with her, whether she can achieve her goal or not. Even Tadpole is a fun character as he gives his support as a true friend should...and that while he's changing himself. They are a fun pair to follow and root for until the end.

The illustrations are done with love and allow the heart-warming friendship to come across nicely. They also allow the various stages of the caterpillars and tadpole's developments to come across in a way, which is easy to understand and recognize. They accompany the text nicely, which is also well written for the age group.

In other words, this is a read which hits two purposes as once and does it with lots of finesse.

You can learn more about Janet Halfmann at her website:

https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com/caterpillars-surprise

Discover more about the illustrator here:

http://www.emilykruegerillustration.com

And grab up more information about the publisher here!

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/childrensmg/caterpillarssurprise

Review: The Clothesline Code by Janet Halfmann

February's slowly drawing to an end (where did it go?), and that also means Black History Month is coming to a close. But I didn't want to leave off without presenting one more gem, which not only dives into history but holds an interesting, little known event as well. Not only kids will enjoy this one, but I think adults will also find this one inspiring.

THE CLOTHESLINE CODE

The Story of Civil War Spies Ann And Dabney Walker

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Trisha Mason

Brandylane Publishers

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 6 to 10

Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker didn't have to risk their lives to spy for the Union army. The couple had already risked everything to escape slavery themselves. But in early 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, the couple was determined to help defeat slavery for everyone—no matter the risk. Together, they created a secret code disguised as laundry on a clothesline. Their plan was incredibly dangerous: it required Lucy Ann to sneak into Confederate territory to steal military secrets, while Dabney took the vital information she gathered to the Union army. This true story of sacrifice and bravery shows us that when we have courage and compassion for the world around us, even the simplest items can become powerful tools for change.

GOODREADS   /    BOOK DEPOSITORY   /    AMAZON   /     B&N

BOOK BLINK

                                              * beautifully illustrated and true to time frame

                                              * understandable for age group

                                              * offers more facts at end

MY TIDBITS

I'm always excited to find books, which deliver little-known yet very interesting facts from history...and that in a way younger readers can understand. 

Dabney joined the Union forces and learned how they used a flag to communicate over distances. Wanting to help, he and his wife developed a plan to gain even more information on the Confederate army's movements. After developing their own secret code according to how his wife, Ann, hung laundry, she snuck across the river, and found a way to be employed as a wash-women. There, she signaled the movements of the Confederate soldiers at a huge risk to herself.

Not only does this book present a historic occurrence in a way young readers will understand but does so in an interesting way. The text is a little long for younger listeners, but those ages 6 and up will enjoy the tale, either as a read-aloud or on their own (when they are more sure of their words). The author keeps the tale flowing, allowing the facts to slide in without ever letting the tale slow down. But then, this is an interesting tale, anyway. Plus, it's easy to understand the threat and cheer for the couple even when the tension mounts.

One of my favorite things about this book are the illustrations. These are very well done and do a great job at bringing the time period across. The illustrations go hand-in-hand with the text and bring the tale to life. At the end, there is more information for anyone wanting to dive a little deeper into the historical moment.                    

And here she is...

 

Janet Halfmann is an award-winning children's author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. 

Recent titles by Janet include The Clothesline Code: The Story of Civil War Spies Lucy Ann and Dabney Walker; A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch!; The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls (Chapter Book for Grades 3-7); Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School; Grandma Is a Slowpoke; Animal Teachers; Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?; Home in the Cave; Star of the Sea; Good Night, Little Sea Otter; Fur and Feathers; Little Skink's Tail; and Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story. Janet has written more than forty fiction and nonfiction books for children.

Before becoming a children's author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children's magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of six. When Janet isn't writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in  Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI.

 

You can find more info about the book on my website: https://www.janethalfmannauthor.com/the-clothesline-code. 

Review: A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch by Janet Halfmann

Learning facts while enjoying a fun story is always a plus for young (and old) listeners/readers. The author I have here today has taken this to heart and has written several books that hit this balance just right. I've got her latest release today (June 2020), but highly encourage you to check out her other works as well if you're looking for exactly this type of combination.

A BOBBY-DAZZLER OF A POUCH!

by Janet Halfmann

Illustrated by Abira Das

Pen-It! Publications

Picture Book

38 pages

ages 4 to 8

Will Joey, a little gray kangaroo, ever find his mum's pouch in a mob? Find out in this fun story of creativity and friendship—sprinkled with Australian words.

      

BOOK DEPOSITORY

MY TIDBITS

Packed with a cuteness, information about Australia, life-important messages and fun, this is definitely an entertaining read.

Joey, the kangaroo baby, has gotten separated from his mother and her pouch...and that right in the middle of a mob! Try as he may, he can't make it back to his mother and starts to feel more than a little desperate. Luckily, the other animals are there to help.

This is simply a cute, heartwarming tale, which will draw listeners/readers in. Little Joey is a super sweet kangaroo, and when he looses his mom in the crowd, it stabs the heart. Young listeners will be able to immediately empathize with his plight and maybe even remember a time where they couldn't find their own parent for a minute or two. It is a situation which rings true with the age group very well.

But this isn't only a story with a message. It's so much more. The author has packed a wonderful cast of Australian creatures together, each with their own personality and wit. Readers not only get to follow the tale as they help Joey, but also learns about animals in Australia. The facts weave smoothly right into the tale...one that includes not only the animals, too. Plants and Australian phrases/words are sprinkled in right along as well. 

The illustrations round this one off. They are playful and bring across the characters and scenes with gentle feel while still holding details to make everything very recognizable. The characters are portrayed in a positive light, just right for the intended age group.

And here she is...

Janet Halfmann is a multi-award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. Many of her picture books are about animals and nature. She also writes picture book biographies about little-known people of achievement. Recent titles by Janet include A Bobby-Dazzler of a Pouch!; The Story of Civil War Hero Robert Smalls (Chapter Book for Grades 3-7); Midnight Teacher: Lilly Ann Granderson and Her Secret School; Grandma Is a Slowpoke; Animal Teachers; A Rainbow of Birds; Eggs 1, 2, 3: Who Will the Babies Be?; Home in the Cave; Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish; Good Night, Little Sea Otter; Fur and Feathers; Little Skink's Tail; and Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story. Janet has written more than forty fiction and nonfiction books for children.  (taken from Goodreads)