September 2011

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Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus?

September 30, 2011 in STEM Friday, Science, Science Books For Summer Reading by Roberta | 3 comments

Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? And Other Questions about Inventions by Deborah Kops and illustrated by Colin W. Thompson is part of the growing Is That a Fact? series.

In the books in this series, common ideas or urban legends are put the the test. Did Henry Ford really invent the car as you might have heard? No, Henry Ford’s main contribution was in developing ways to mass produce cars (and some of that he borrowed from other sources as well.) Some questions are common, like this one, but others were new to me. I did not know about Clarence Birdseye was the person who invented a new technique for freezing food. I thought Birdseye was only a brand name.

The research and writing for this book are top notch, and the two-page spreads for each question addresses the main points, but don’t linger to the point of overkill. It’s a really nice format for this age group.

Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus? is a wonderful way to delve into science, technology and history. It is also a perfect way to introduce topics of critical thinking and fact checking. Check one out today!

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Library Binding: 40 pages
Publisher: Lerner Publications (January 2011)
ISBN-10: 0761360980
ISBN-13: 978-0761360988

Stem Friday is at Chapter Book of the Day today. Click through for links to more excellent STEM books.

If you would like to participate in STEM Friday in the future, go to the new STEM Friday blog for more information.

Tags: Science Books for Children, Science Books for Kids, STEM Friday, Were Early Computers Really the Size of a School Bus?

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes

September 26, 2011 in BookTalk, Picture book- fiction by Roberta | 5 comments

The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein, illustrated by Mark Pett is a new picture book that addresses the issue of perfectionism in a gentle and humorous way.

Beatrice Bottomwell is amazingly perfect. She never makes a mistake. She even has a fan club that greets her every morning to make sure she hasn’t made a mistake yet. She hasn’t. The pressure is on, though, and Beatrice begins to wonder if she’s about to make her very first mistake.

The illustrations by cartoonist Mark Pett are nicely textured watercolors. Being author and illustrator has given Pett the opportunity to fine-tune his story. For example, in a bit of foreshadowing Beatrice’s hamster is shown on the first page as Beatrice wakes up next to her ribbons and trophies.

Although treated here in a lighthearted way, perfectionism can be seriously debilitating. I once worked with a boy who was showing much promise as artist in first grade, but who often tore up his work and refused to participate in projects. When I worked with him again in fourth grade, his skills were now far below those of his classmates who were willing to experiment, practice and put less-than-perfect work out there. He had stalled his progress because he wanted perfection. For children who are on this track, this book might be one way to help them see that trying to be perfect can get in the way of having fun and being creative, and that absolutely no one is perfect.

What about the book? Is it perfect? Actually, there will probably be people who have a problem with the portrayal of juggling a live pet. It is meant to be totally absurd because no one would actually do that and it is critical to the plot, but given the suggestibility of some youngsters perhaps there should be a “do not try this at home” disclaimer.

Just as the book is trying to say, less than perfect is how the world is. The bottom line: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes is a fun book with an important message that never gets in the way of the good story. Elementary age children are sure to both enjoy and benefit from this delightful book.

Suggested activity: Get out the watercolors and paper and make some Mark Pett-inspired illustrations.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky (October 1, 2011)
ISBN-10: 1402255446
ISBN-13: 978-1402255441

This book was supplied by the publisher for review purposes.

Be sure to look for more information about children’s books at today’s Book Talk Tuesday.

Tags: The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes book review, The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes by Mark Pett and Gary Rubinstein

Children’s Author Trivia Volume 38 Answers

September 22, 2011 in Children's Author Trivia by Roberta | No comments

Today let’s celebrate poets who write for children.

1. Do you know who was named the Children’s Poet Laureate by the Poetry Foundation in May, 2011?
In May, J. Patrick Lewis was named the new Children’s Poetry Laureate by the Poetry Foundation.

This Economics professor turned children’s poet has written over seventy children’s book since his first was published in 1990, and has done over 450 author visits to schools! That is truly amazing.

A sampling of his books:

2. The website byline of our second poet reads: “Writer, Poet, Tadpole Rancher.” This poet takes along a paper mache frog named Studebaker when visiting schools. Do you know who this frog-obsessed poet is?

Kristine O’Connell George has an explanation of “tadpole ranching“at her website. It is part of the information and activities to go with her book The Great Frog Race. You can see a photograph of Studebaker the frog from on Kristine O’Connell George’s biography page. While you are visiting, be sure to listen to some of her poetry read aloud.

My review of her book Fold Me A Poem

Some of her other books:

Tags: Children's Author Trivia, J. Patrick Lewis, Kristine O'Connell George

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature

September 18, 2011 in Nonfiction, Nonfiction Monday Review by Roberta | 5 comments

Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature by Joyce Sidman and illustrated by Caldecott-winner Beth Krommes is a lovely new book celebrates all the places you can find spirals in nature; some you would expect, others unexpected.

Newbery honor-winning poet Joyce Sidman’s verse gently leads the reader from spiral to spiral in a paper bound nature walk. Adults will recognize this is an introduction to Fibonacci, and there is an explanation of the Fibonacci spiral in the back materials.

Visually, this book is a treat. Beth Krommes’ scratchboard illustrations have darkly-defined lines with colorful watercolor to brighten it up. You can preview the look in this book trailer:

The book will be sure to intrigue both poetry fans and nonfiction fans, as well as art fans.

The buzz has already started for Swirl by Swirl, with starred reviews in all the usual places. Although the official release date is October 4, 2011, I found this one at my local bookstore.

The accompanying Reader’s Guide has excellent discussion questions and activities.

Reading level: Ages 4-8
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (October 4, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 054731583X
ISBN-13: 978-0547315836

Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by the new Nonfiction Monday blog to see who is hosting each week.

This week’s post is at Tales from the Rushmore kid.

Tags: nonfiction for children, Nonfiction Monday Review, Swirl by Swirl Spirals in Nature