Tag: Picture book

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Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys

Have you ever picked up a book cold, with no expectations, and find it says, “Wow!” to you on many levels?  Imogen: The Mother of Modernism and Three Boys by Amy Novesky and illustrated by Lisa Congdon is just such a book.

I’m sorry to admit I had no idea who Imogen was. I love photography. I know about Ansel Adams and Alfred Stieglitz. Why had I never heard of Imogen Cunningham, who was clearly a contemporary? The author calls her “…one of the finest photographers of the twentieth century…” and after checking her images on the Internet, I have to say I agree. Even with all the advantages modern photographers have, from point-and-shoot digital to Instagram, Imogen Cunningham’s photographs are by far better than most, lovely paintings more than photographs.

As for the book, what creative female doesn’t relate to the struggle to balance her work and raising children, the central theme of the book? At first I thought this was a case of an adult book masquerading as a children’s book. After all, how many children can relate to the challenges of child rearing, especially of twins? After thinking about it, however, I realized that it can speak to children. Children might be able to better understand why their mother constantly has a camera in her hand, or a pencil and notepad nearby. It will definitely be important reading for children who would like to grow up to be artists someday, even if they don’t fully grasp all that it is saying now. Plus, Imogen’s story really does deserve to be told.

Imogen is an important and inspiring biography that is sure to appeal to aspiring artists. Have you read it? What did it say to you?

Suggested activity:  Photography for kids

For another review, see True Tales & A Cherry on Top

Reading level: Ages 4 and up
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Cameron + Company (December 25, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1937359328
ISBN-13: 978-1937359324

 

 A photograph inspired by Imogen.

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 Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.

Today’s round-up is at LibrariYAn.

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The House That George Built

Told in both rhyme and informational text, The House That George Built by Suzanne Slade and illustrated by Rebecca Bond is a picture book that explains how our first president, George Washington, oversaw the building of the house that every president who has come after him has lived in.

I have to admit my expectations were not high when I first saw this book. After all, many children’s books have “constructed” their text on the old rhyme “This is the House that Jack Built.” I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find that Suzanne Slade has created a dual text account, with informational text on the left page and the building rhyme on the right page. It works well, because it can be used in a number of ways, depending on the age and interest level of the audience.

History buffs are going to enjoy the informational text, as well as the sections in the back matter. The author includes many details about the White House in “The Changing President’s House,” more about George Washington in the “Author’s Note,” and “Sources” and “Resources to Learn More.” I was surprised to learn that the original design was for three stories, but was changed to two when there was a shortage of building materials.

Rebecca Bond’s watercolor illustrations hit the right note, giving a sense of place and time.

With President’s Day coming up February 18, 2013, this would be a great book to have on hand to commemorate our first president. It is both fun and educational.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Charlesbridge (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1580892620
ISBN-13: 978-1580892629

 

 

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 Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.

Today’s round-up is at Hope Is The Word.

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Island: A Story of the Galápagos

Jason Chin has walked the line between fiction and nonfiction in his earlier acclaimed books, Redwoods and Coral Reefs. This time with Island: A Story of the Galápagos, however, he falls definitively on the nonfiction side, with a beautifully illustrated narrative nonfiction relating the events that surround the development of the Galapágos Islands.  

Equating the stages of island building to that of a human, he walks the reader through “Birth,” “Childhood,” “Adulthood,” and “Old Age” of the islands. He prominently features many of the animals that are unique to the Galapágos, their arrival and the consequent changes they went through, like the enchanting Galapágos giant tortoise and the marine iguana.

As in his previous books, the lavish illustrations are often breathtaking. Between more standard full page illustrations, he has developed a series of small illustrations with text underneath that have the intimate feel of a family slide show.

Many older people dream of visiting the unique and fantastic Galapágos Islands someday. This book will be sure to excite children about them as well. Fabulous addition to any library!

Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 36 pages
Publisher: Flash Point (September 18, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1596437162
ISBN-13: 978-1596437166

 

 

 

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 Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.

Today’s round-up is at Jean Little Library.

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Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion

The picture book biography Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion by Heather Lang and illustrated by Floyd Cooper leaves the reader breathless. It is an amazing story of a woman who ran, ran, and ran some more to overcome poverty, racism, and gender barriers, ultimately making her mark on history as the first African American woman to win an Olympic gold medal.

Heather Lang’s passion for her topic shines through beautifully, making a story that is already compelling even more of a page turner. She also did her research homework, as you can see in the back matter and during an interview at Unpacking the Power of Picture Books. Heather’s website also has links, videos and photographs.

Floyd Cooper is a fabulously talented artist. His illustrations have a wonderful texture, as though they were created on fine-grained sandpaper.

Queen of the Track will break some barriers of its own, as it is useful for units on U.S. History, Black History, and will likely entice readers interested in sports, as well.

Don’t take my word for it, check out the trailer. Be sure to hang on for after the first credits for some actual photographs of Alice.

 

 

The Nonfiction Detectives have an earlier review

 

Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (March 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1590788508
ISBN-13: 978-1590788509

 

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 Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.

How exciting, Nonfiction Monday is here at Wrapped in Foil this week.