PPBF: Christmas in the Trenches

Since this is the Christmas season, I thought it would be appropriate to feature a book I happened to come across in our local children's library. I was made aware of this historic event years ago, while I was home educating our two children. It reflects the well-known Scripture verse, ”Peace on Earth, and Good Will to Men." This is exactly why Jesus came over 2,000 years ago!

Author/lyricist: John McCutcheon

Illustrator: Henri Sørensen

Publisher: Peachtree

Date: 2006

Genre: Historic Fiction

Ages: 7-12 (and beyond)

Themes: Christmas, World War I, peacemakers

First Lines: ". . .young Thomas Tolliver curled up next to his grandfather and announced, "Grandpa, this was my very favorite Christmas. Do you have a favorite Christmas?" 

"Yes, Thomas, I do," said Grandpa Francis. "I was far away from our home here in Liverpool. It was a Christmas many years ago during the first winter of the Great War."

Jacket Flap: "The only thing separating the two armies on that cold December night in 1914 was a barren stretch of muddy ground called No Man's Land. It was in this setting that the miracle began.

     

     A faint sound of singing cut through the frosty air.

                   Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht. . .

     Then other voices joined in.

                   Silent night, holy night."

Why I Like This Book: This is such a touching account of a brief but meaningful break in an awful war that took so many lives. I love the connection (mine) between Christmas and Jesus the "Prince of Peace" and the peace, even for an hour or two, brought to the German and English troops facing each other on the battlefield. And here is a surprising extra "perk": the author, also a folk singer, has written a song about the account, and it's included in s CD with the book, along with a reading of the story.
     In the back matter, the author's note shares the reason for the story and song, along with a historical note about the actual event. I love the eyewitness accounts in diary/letter form found there as well.

Review of the book, and a video of the author singing the song he wrote about the event, HERE

The author's list of PROGRAMS to promote non-violence, conflict resolution and peacemaking.

Here is a site for CHRISTMAS IN THE TRENCHES with extra info relating to the book and contributors.

BBC version with vintage posters!

Ideas to promote peacemaking for parents and teachers from "Focus on the Family."

Author tells the touching tale of the actual men to whom this happened. . .they came to his concert! Gave me goose-bumps.

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

PPBF: Camping With the President

Here is my second of two historical fiction PBs featuring one of my favorite US presidents: Theodore Roosevelt!

Author: Ginger Wadsworth

Illustrator: Karen Dugan

Publisher: Calkins Creek (imprint of Boyd's Mill Press)

Date: 2009

Ages: 7-12

Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes: National Parks, Teddy Roosevelt, John Muir, camping

First lines: "President Theodore Roosevelt mounted his favorite house and shook the reins. He and Renown shot out the White House stable door. They galloped straight for the woods on their daily ride. As always, hooves pounded behind them. The President made sure that the Secret Service had to ride hard to keep up with him."

Inside Jacket Cover: Imagine a U.S. president on a camping trip. It seems unlikely today, but in May 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt dismissed his Secret Service men and sent away reporters and dignitaries to go camping with John Muir, the world-famous naturalist. For three glorious nights and four days in California's Yosemite National Park, the two men talked about birds, giant sequoia trees, glaciers, as well as the importance of preserving wilderness for future generations. They slept under the stars, built blazing campfires, traveled on horseback, and enjoyed the beauty and the uniqueness of the area.

Why I like this book: Not only is it written in an engaging way with charmingly realistic illustrations, but Wadsworth's author's notes in back are priceless for those who are writing a PB on either of these men, but is a ready and very substantial list of resources for those just wanting more information on the topic. Another perfect example of how a non-fiction picture book should be organized and written. Almost a guide in itself!

RESOURCES:

Everything you've always wanted to know about John Muir HERE

All about Ginger Wadsworth and her books HERE

     Camping With the President BOOK TRAILER

Ten Cool Things about John Muir HERE

John Muir National Historic Site HERE

"Theodore Roosevelt for Kids" is a comprehensive resource for parents and teachers. Find it on Amazon HERE

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

PPBF: What To Do About Alice?

I have been mulling over the idea to write a non-fiction picture book on some aspect of Teddy Roosevelt's life. He was such a fascinating man . . . never a dull moment! So, what should come across my proverbial desk, but this delightful book about his very rambunctious and strong-willed daughter, Alice.  I'm sure you will enjoy this one.

Source

Author: Barbara Kerley

Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: 2008

Ages: 7-11

Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes: Teddy Roosevelt, President's family,  biography

A Sibert Honor Book
An ALA Children's Notable Book

First lines: "Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem. It wasn't herding thousands of cattle across the Dakota badlands. HE'D DONE THAT. It wasn't leading the Rough Riders as they charged up Kettle Hill. HE'D DONE THAT, TOO."

Inside Jacket: Theodore Roosevelt had a small problem. Her name was Alice. Alice Lee Roosevelt was hungry to go places, meet people, do things! Father called it "running riot." Alice called it "eating up the world."

Why I like this book: It has so much energy and spunk, just like Alice! And it's a perfect example of how a non-fiction PB should be written: great opening, a solid, engaging storyline, lots of fascinating facts, and an index in back with extra info for parents, teachers and librarian. Oh, and of course, charming illustrations. This one has it all!

Here are some helpful links to activities and further info on the topic:

The author's website HERE

Scholastic Books website with helpful links HERE

A librarian's POV with more links/activities HERE

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

PPBF: Leonardo's Horse

What a FABULOUS book I have to review today!  Stellar in every way. . .

Amazon

Author: Jean Fritz

Illustrator: Hudson Talbott

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Date: 2001

Ages: 8-12+

Themes: perseverance, sculptors, Leonardo Da Vinci, horses.

Genre: Historic Fiction/Biography

First Paragraph: "Anyone who watched the young Leonardo wander the countryside around his home in Vinci might have guessed that he would be an artist. He stopped to examine everything. He looked at the landscape as if he were memorizing it. So it was no surprise when his father took him as a young teenager to Florence to study art."

Why I love this book (let me count the ways!): How can I not love a book written by Jean Fritz, who is considered the "top biographer writing for children and young people today"? She makes the event come alive for us. We feel as though we are on location, watching the process ourselves.

Source

And the illustrations. . .oh, my goodness! So beautifully done, and so realistic for the time period. Both author and illustrator have a passion for history, as you can see revealed in their words and images.

But, even above those reasons, the story itself is poignant. Can you believe I cried in parts when I read this to my teens?? Well, I did.  Because it focuses on an artist's passion, and his determination to pursue it. And how two other artists, many years after Leonardo's death, took on the challenge so this Renaissance artist could have his wish fulfilled.  It's about hard work, vision, and selflessness. It reminded me that we as writer's can help one another pursue and realize our dreams.

Source

Okay, enough! I can't enough good things about this book, so you will have to check it out for yourself!

Some Teacher's Resources:

Illustrator Hudson Talbott's site HERE  with pics of his other kid friendly artwork.

Lesson Plans HERE and HERE

Link to information about Jean Fritz HERE  and a fabulous summary of Jean's past and present HERE.
It's a fascinating look into here books and life. . .did you know JEAN FRITZ will be 97 in less than 10 days???  She is my literary hero. . .my passion is to make history come alive for my readers!

YouTube video of the history behind the story:

   

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

PPBF: Unspoken

. . .A Story from the Underground Railroad.

Source

Author/Illustrator: Henry Cole

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Date: 2012

Genre: Historic Fiction

Ages: 4-12

Themes: Slaves, Underground Railroad, Civil War

Book Jacket: In this haunting, wordless story, a young girl discovers a runaway slave hiding in her family's barn.  The stranger's fearful eye weighs upon her conscience, and she must make a difficult choice. Will she have the courage to do what she knows is right?  Unspoken gifts of humanity unite the girl and the runaway as they each face a journey: one following the North Star, and the other following her heart.

Dedication: To a librarian friend, who long ago ignited the spark that lit the lantern. -H.C.

Why I like this book: The black pencil drawings on cream-colored paper are gentle, and reflect perfectly this story which takes place on a farm very close to the author's own childhood home. Although they tell the story well, I was surprised at my disappointment in discovering this was a wordless book, and how I longed for written communication!  This is why I am sharing words from the front and back of Unspoken. The author's note, a portion noted below, fills in the blanks, and fulfills my desire for more information.

Author's note: "When I was very little, I sat at the dining room table during Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, and listened to elderly relatives tell Civil War stories--stories they had heard directly from people who had lived during the war!"

CHILD FRIENDLY LINKS:

Find a copy of Unspoken here.

Teaching activities with "Dear America" series HERE

Slavery and the Making of America activities, videos and more HERE

Underground Railroad/Harriet Tubman videos HERE

Lesson Plans for the Underground Railroad HERE

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

PPBF: "The Bravest Woman in America"

Welcome again to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Source

Author: Marissa Moss

Illustrator: Andrea U'Ren

Publisher: Tricycle Press

Date: 2011

Ages: 6-10

Category: Biographical Fiction

Themes: lighthouses, lighthouse keepers, heroines

First two pages: "Ida loved the sea.  She loved it when it was calm and coppery in the sunlight.  She loved it when it was wild with froth, like a herd of stampeding horses.  She loved the crash of the waves, the screech of gulls wheeling overhead, the bite of salt in her nose as she breathed in the ocean air.  She loved it all."

On Back Cover: Based on the true story of Ida Lewis, who was dubbed "the Bravest Woman in America" and who was recognized with the Congressional Life Saving Medal and the American Cross of Honor, this inspiring and unforgettable tale of courage and real-life heroism is a tribute to brave women everywhere.

Why I like this book: It's a charming story with illustrations created with watercolors. . .the perfect medium to depict the sea and splashes of the waves. The last page gives a brief bio. . .I discovered that Ida officially saved 18 lives during her lifetime.  Since I love New England, I resonate with this story set in Newport, RI.  Anything having to do with the sea is fascinating to me.  In fact, I was just telling my husband that I would love to sell all my belongings, purchase a used sea-worthy vessel, and travel the world.  Just a dream, of course!

Basic information from Wikipedia here. and more facts here.

 Evidently a film is being made based on Ida's story.  Find information on it here.

Here is further info and a photo taken of Ida in her younger days.

You can find specifics of the lighthouse, and history in general, here.

Activity for kids relating to lighthouse keepers here.

Lighthouse trivia here, and Lighthouse jokes here.

"Neptune's Car: Lighthouse Keeper" song on YouTube:

Video of Paula, a lighthouse keeper in Finland, here.

PPBF: Young Mozart

Now that the A to Z Blogging Challenge is finished, it's now back to PPBF!

Welcome again to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Source

Author/Illustrator: Rachel Isadora
Publisher: Viking (The Penguin Group)
Date: 1997

Ages: 5-9

Themes: musicians, Mozart, gifted children

Front Flap: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart learned to write music before he could write words. By the age of five, he had taught himself to play the violin, and soon he was playing before the crowned heads of Europe. By the time Wolfgang was seven, he could compose music while he played it, and by the age of twenty-one, after touring for many years through Europe, he had completed almost three hundred works. He was the greatest composer of his time, and many believe the greatest who ever lived.

First Lines: Wolfgang climbed up onto the chair in front of the clavier. He was too small to reach the keys, so he had to kneel. Nannerl, Wolfgang's older sister, listened as little three-year-old Wolfgang tried to play the piece she had just finished. When a note sounded right, Wolfgang laughed. But when a note sounded wrong, he burst out crying.

Why I like this book: Isadora has told the story of Mozart's childhood in a simple but engaging way, so that even younger listeners/readers can enjoy it.  Her colorful illustrations reflect European life centuries ago, but the scenes are ones any child can relate to.

Here are some links to complement "Young Mozart":

For younger children here, and here.

For older children here.


Enjoy a bit of "A Little Night Music"  here:

PPBF: Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment

Welcome to Perfect Picture Book Fridays, where we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Author: Wendy Macdonald
Illustrator: Paolo Rui
Publisher: Charlesbridge
Date: 2000

Ages: 7-11

Themes: Galileo, scientists, gravity, experiments

Jacket Flap: The Farm Boy and the Scientist: Every week Massimo the farm boy delivers lunch to his uncle-by dropping it off a bridge onto his uncle's boat. One day, a stranger notices something odd about the way the food falls. The heavier cheese and the lighter bread land at the exact moment. How can this be?
The stranger is the young professor Galileo. Together he and Massimo start to explore the way objects fall. What happens if you drop a feather and a hammer? A rock and a sheet of paper? To test their ideas, they conduct one of the most famous experiments of all time.

First paragraph: Massimo threw a stone off the bridge and watched it fall-plop-into the river. "Hey, Massimo! Why don't you come with me?" called a boy herding a flock of goats across the bridge. Massimo waved. "Thanks, but I have to wait for my uncle's boat."

Why I like this book: We need more picture books that convey a fairly complex concept in simple terms. "Galileo" does that, and retells an important part of history at the same time. The photos are appealing, and the text engaging, as they draw us into the story of another era.

Activities for Kids:

Galileo's Leaning Tower Experiment can be found here.

Fun Activities for the country of Italy here

Leaning Tower activities, here.

Architectural activities here.

Activities for Galileo himself, here.

Enjoy your day!

PPBF: Saint George and the Dragon

After a two week hiatus, welcome back to another Perfect Picture Book Friday, inspired by children's picture book author, Susanna Hill.  Each Friday, we review a children's book of our choice and include links to crafts and other activities. Check out her comprehensive list of books categorized by subject for Teachers, Librarians and Parents here.

This week, I am reviewing a picture book from one of my favorite periods of history:  Medieval Times!  

It is also part of our own personal collection:  Saint George and the Dragon (a retelling of a segment of Spencer's "The Faerie Queene")

Retold by: Margaret Hodges
Illustrated by: Trina Schwartz Hyman
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Date: 1984

Category: Legends, Folklore
Ages: 8-12

Themes: folklore, knights, dragons, patron saint of England, Medieval Times

First lines: In the days when monsters and giants and fairy folk lived in England, a noble knight was riding across a plain. He wore heavy armor and carried an ancient silver shield marked with a Red Cross. It was dented with the blows of many battles fought long ago by other brave knights.

Why I like this book: Who doesn't like stories of a brave knight who fights off a dragon and wins his ladylove? It has all the elements of great story which has not been "dumbed down" for the younger crowd. The acrylic illustrations are gorgeously detailed and flow with the text. To top it all off, the tale has some base in history, which is icing on the cake!

Find resources and activities for St. Georges Day (a British holiday), here and here, and again, here.

Les Misérables: A Reaction

 I was speechless.

source

As the credits were rolling, I sat in my chair unable to move, tears streaming down my face.  I felt as if a ton of bricks were resting on me.  I have seen two movies and one stage production of Les Mis, but none of them had the impact of this one.  I predict it will be nominated in every category at the Academy Awards, and win many. 

 If you are looking for beautiful people singing heartwarming songs, this film is not for you.  Watch "The Sound of Music"instead.  If, on the other hand, you desire food for thought and conversation, and wish to ponder the depravity of man vs. God's grace and mercy towards us, you must see "Les Mis."

But, I would not recommend it for teens, unless you have fully prepared them, and are aware of the visually disturbing scenes involving prostitution.  It should be viewed by a mature audience only in my opinion.

My husband commented that he can't remember when he had seen a more intense film.  "The Passion of the Christ" comes close in my estimation.  I'm still trying to unpack all the nuances and symbolism in this production.  And I will...in another post. 

 Are you with me?

PPBF: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela

I'm pleased to be sharing another fabulous picture book: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by author Uri Shulevitz for Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Fridays, which highlights reviews of picture books found to be perfect for librarians, teachers and parents.  Along with review, a few links are included to integrate learning with the theme of the book. How neat is that?  For more info on PPBF click the link here.

Title: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux
Copyright: 2005

Ages: 8 to Adult!
Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes:  Travel, Sailing, Medieval World, Jewish History, autobiographies, diaries

Synopsis (from an Amazon reviewer):

Beautifully written and illustrated, The Travels of Bejamin of Tudela takes us on an incredible journey through the ancient Jewish world into the Diaspora nine hundred years ago. As the story unfolds, we visit one enchanting city after another and experience with our imaginations and amazing illustrations the sights, sounds, and smells of each beautiful and mysterious location. Don't miss this great adventure!

-Janie Grackin

I like this book because:  The Byzantine style illustrations and retelling of this true account in diary form, makes the reader feel he has joined Benjamin in his journey.  Well done...history lovers will lose themselves in the pages!

Unfortunately, this beautiful book is out of print, but, a few used ones are in existence.

I'm always fascinated with the author's life, so here is a link to Uri's Amazon author's page and a list of his other books.

Links to Learning:

About.com Judaism:

http://judaism.about.com/od/passoverforkids/Passover_for_Kids.htm

Jewish Religion and other major religions:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/religion/jewish.htm

Jewish Learning Network:

http://www.akhlah.com/

Jewish Holidays:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Shavuot/At_Home/For_Kids.shtml

Medieval World:

http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/games.html

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson156.shtml

Hope these were helpful...stay tuned for next week's PPBF historic fiction review!

Perfect Picture Book Fridays: The Secret Room

Here we are again, for another Perfect Picture Book Friday, Susanna Hill's brainchild. For information about the series, and how to participate, click here.

As I have mentioned before, my focus will be on Historic Fiction and Non-Fiction picture books, so, next in line is:

Title:  The Secret Room
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Copyright Date: 1993

Ages: 7-12

Themes: Wisdom, Middle East Culture, Honesty, Humility

Synopsis (from book jacket):

While traveling through the desert, a king meets a man.  "Why is your head gray, and your beard black?" the king asks.  This question, and the man's clever answer, begins journey that leads him to a handsome reward and the answer to an even more puzzling question found within a secret room.
This wry, thoughtful story illustrated with jewel-tone tempera painting is sure to be a folktale favorite.

I like it because:

Any picture book with a link to history is fascinating to me!  This one not only tells a clever tale, but the jewel-tone tempera paintings lend to the Middle Eastern feel. The author/illustrator has won a Caldecott Medals for his previous works, and readers have no trouble seeing why.  I will be reviewing more of his books in future posts.

Some helpful links:

Middle East Culture:

http://k12east.mrdonn.org/MiddleEast.html

The Desert:

 http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Deserts/

Wise or Foolish:

 http://www.sermons4kids.com/wise_or_foolish_group_activities.htm

Here's a Bonus:

A "How-to" book by Uri Shulevitz Himself!!

Writing With Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books

I am enjoying this journey through the author/illustrator's world.  Definitely full of illustrations and examples for anyone interested in pursuing children's book writing and illustrating!