Inventions to Count On by Dana Marie Miroballi

Today's read caught my attention thanks to the mix of counting and inventions...I don't think I've ever run across anything with this type of mix. I'm looking forward to see how the author handles the information and whether it stays entertaining or not.

So off we go!

INVENTIONS TO COUNT ON

A Celebration of Black Inventors

by Dana Marie Miroballi

Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

Harry N. Abrams

Picture Book

40 pages

ages 3 to 5

From forgotten innovators like Anna M. Mangin to well-known inventors like James West, this picture book is a celebration of Black history and inventors with a unique counting rhyme

One heater keeps a family warm / Sheltered from the winter storm.
Two phones bridge a thousand miles / Bringing laughter, joy, and smiles.

From traffic lights to ice cream scoopers to fire trucks, there are so many different ways that Black inventors changed history. Follow a bustling modern-day family as they get ready for a beloved family member’s 100th birthday. Woven into their activities are ten inventions that positively impact their daily lives as they prepare for the celebration.

With simple, rhyming text and charming art, Inventions to Count On: A Celebration of Black Inventors shines a light on forgotten pioneers, including Alice H. Parker, Garrett Morgan, Anna M. Mangin, Joseph Winters, Alfred L. Cralle, Sarah Boone, Jan Ernst Matzeliger, and Alexander Miles, as well as honoring celebrated inventors like James West, who developed the tiny microphone still used in cell phones today, and Granville T. Woods, who invented third rail technology for trains.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON    /    PUBLISHER

MY TIDBITS

With a mix of layers, rhyme, and facts, this is an ingenious way to bring across a little historical knowledge and counting, too.

This book highlights Black inventors and their inventions, and celebrates their accomplishments while raising awareness, too. But it doesn't stop there. It's also a counting book to help young listeners practice their numbers along the way. While this might sound like a lot, especially for the intended age group, it flows smoothly and stays very age appropriate.

From heaters to ice cream scoops and much more, these pages take a look at a wide variety of inventors and their inventions. Each inventor gains a two-page spread with their name along one side. The invention is introduced visually and clearly, while the text sticks to a slightly more poetic direction as it introduces not only the invention but what it accomplishes. This keeps the material simple and understandable for the younger age group, and breezes across the history without feeling heavy. 

It's a clever way to wrap in knowledge goodness in several directions and stay entertaining at the same time.

Happy Book Birthday, The Sky Is Not Blue by Joy Jones!

THE SKY IS NOT BLUE

by Joy Jones

Illustrated by Sawyer Cloud

Free Spirit Publishing

36 pages

ages 4 to 8

A boy's creativity and self-confidence challenge and inspire his teacher.

What do you see outside your window? If you're like Robert, you'll see that the sky isn't always blue. Robert has an artist's eye and an independent mind who knows what he knows, even when his teacher, Mrs. Murphy, disagrees. She wants Robert to use blue crayon to represent the sky, but Robert knows that the sky is more varied, more vivid, much more beautiful than that.

Children learn many things from their teachers, yet sometimes teachers can learn from students! Robert holds fast to what he knows and believes. And Mrs. Murphy comes to agree that the sky is not just blue. It's a spectrum of rich and changing colors that remind her of children full of joy and imagination.

The Sky Is Not Blue invites a conversation about individual perspectives and encourages children to trust and express their beliefs.

GOODREADS    /     AMAZON   /    B&N   /    CBC BOOKS

MY TIDBITS

The wonder of the sky and all the colors it holds inspires and invites to gazing.

Robert enjoys coloring. There are so many colors everywhere, especially in the sky. When he colors a picture at school on a yucky day, his teacher is a little confused that his sky holds anything but blue. Even when he colors a picture of the sunset, blue is nowhere to be found. When she asks, Robert explains that there isn't just blue...and sometimes, no blue at all. And while the teacher lets this slide, her thoughts come out in the end.

This is a read, which inspires to gaze around and discover the many colors in all their various shades, combinations and depths. It shows that while there are some basic assumptions about the color of things, these assumptions aren't necessarily true if closely looked at. There's also a lovely message about standing to what you know to be true and the wonder of creativity. The teacher is, actually, gentle and not demanding, and while she might wonder, she allows Robert space. It creates a wholesome atmosphere and demonstrates how views can be different and change over time.

The text is fitting for first readers, who are very sure of their words, or for listeners, who are a little older (six and up). There are a few vocabularies to encourage word growth, and it gives a good introduction to the use of literary devices. The illustrations are bright and bold, allowing the colors to beam and meld right along with the tale. There are also questions at the end to open up to discussions, comprehension, and further thought. This makes it a nice addition to classroom or homeschooling settings.

And here she is...

Joy Jones is an author, educator, speaker and author of books for both adults and children. Her book, Fearless Public Speaking, was listed as one of the best books for middle school students and Jayla Jumps In, was chosen as one of the best sports books for youth by the American Library Association.