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: The Little Yellow Leaf

Since Fall has left us (at least in the Midwest: and what a gorgeous Autumn it was!), I want to sneak in a touching book that features leaves, and a universal theme to which we can all relate. It's not my usual historical fiction offering, but I purchased it as a template text for scientific-themed manuscripts. 

Here goes!

Author/Illustrator: Carin Berger

Publisher: Greenwillow Books (HarperCollinsPublishers)

Date: 2008

Readers: 3-8 (they say) 6 to 66 and beyond! (I say)

Themes: Autumn, Fear of the Unknown

Genre: Fiction

First Page: "It was autumn. In the hush of the forest a lone yellow leaf clung to the branch of a great oak tree."

Jacket Flap: "As all the other leaves float off and fly past, Little Yellow Leaf thinks, I'm not ready yet.

As the seasons change all around, Little Yellow Leaf holds on to the tree. Still not ready. Will Little Yellow Leaf ever be ready?

This is a story for anyone who has ever been afraid of facing the unknown — and a celebration of the friends who help us take the leap."

Why I like this book: It's precious! And the gentle, soothing words flow and fall into our minds and hearts as does the story. The illustrations are unique. It seems Carin uses a cut paper technique that holds a surprise if you look closely! They have a definite "country/colonial" feeling, reminiscent of "The Ox Cart Man."

Extra Goodies:

You can find it on Amazon

More about Carin Berger and her books/art at her WeBSITE

Interview: All about Carin's path to publication and Designs!

Another interview HERE featuring Carin's other books

Youtube visit to her studio . . . wait until you see her artwork!

Here is the Link if you can't see it below: http://youtu.be/NuRxHvNb7Xg

For the Kiddies:

"Why Leaves Change Color": Made Simple for Kids


"Why Leaves Change Color": Science Experiment 

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: You're on Your Way, Teddy Roosevelt

Since I am working on a historical fiction picture book relating to Teddy Roosevelt's life, I have been reading quite a few PBs on the topic. I will highlight two. . . one this week, and the other, next. Here is the first:

Author: Judith St. George

Illustrator: Matt Faulkner 

Publisher: Philomel Books/Penguin Young Readers Group

Date: 2004

Ages: 7-12

Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes: overcoming odds, Theodore Roosevelt, childhood of presidents

Inside Flap: "Before Teddy Roosevelt became famous as a statesman, naturalist, colonel in the Spanish/American War, and as the twenty-sixth president of the United States, he was a young boy named Teedie. Teedie had wonderful adventures with his brother and sister and even started a natural science museum in his attic.

But Teedie also struggled with asthma and other illnesses. Overcoming those illnesses was the major battle of his young life . . ." 

First Lines: "Teddie sat up in bed. He coughed and wheezed. He couldn't breathe. Papa ran into Teedie's room. Papa always knew what to do. He paced back and forth with Teedie in his arms. At last, Teedie could breathe."

Why I like this book: Not only are the illustrations "handsome" as the jacket flap describes them, but the author has found a problem needing a solution in young Teddy's life, thus making a perfect story line to link his life with other boys his (then) age. Another perfect example of a well-planned historic fiction picture book.

A list of six other picture books on President Theodore Roosevelt HERE.

Fun Facts about TR HERE.

Teddy Roosevelt's life in under five minutes HERE

After doing extensive research on this US President, it was clear that he was a family man, even 'tho many of the books do not mention it. He counted the relationship with his family as the best part of his life . . .time well spent!

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 Magic Nesting Doll

It's good to finally get back into the groove with Perfect Picture Book Fridays! I have had a busy summer, involved mostly with graduating our son from the home school environment, and taking him south to college in Texas.

I also had time for two writer's conferences: The WOW! Retreat in Georgia, and Michigan's SCBWI "Somewhere in Time" conference on Mackinac Island, which focused on non-fiction. What a delight to have the (in my book) Queen of Historic Storytelling, Candace Fleming, take us through the steps we needed to write fabulous historic fiction and creative non-fiction.

Incidentally, she has just published The Family Romanov which relates in a way to my PPBF offering.  I think I've found a kindred spirit! And here we are:

Although I normally focus on historic fiction for PPBF (and will continue to do so), today I want to share a gorgeous book I found while researching a story I am writing . . .

Title: The Magic Nesting Doll

Author: Jacqueline K. Ogburn

Illustrator: Laurel Long

Publisher: Dial Books (Penguin Putnam, Inc.)

Date: 2000

Age Range: All 

Genre: Fairytale

First Paragraph: "Once upon a time a girl named Katya lived with her grandmother at the edge of the forest. They worked hard and loved eachother tenderly until one day the old woman fell ill.

Why I Like It: Not only is it a beautifully woven story, but the artwork (oil paints on watercolor paper primed with gesso) is stunning and intricate, just like a matryoshka doll. Since taking our two children, now in their late teens, and adopted in Russia, back to the Motherland this spring, I have a new appreciation for this country's art.

Here are a few websites relating to the story:

11 Most Interesting Facts About Matryoshka Dolls:

The Making of Nesting Dolls in 6 minutes. You'll get a good taste of the Russian language!

Nice summary of the Russian culture HERE

Find the book on AMAZON

Good Books for Young Souls website, with more info and products relating to The Magic Nesting Doll 

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: N.C. Wyeth's Pilgrims

 In honor of Thanksgiving, I'm sharing with you today a beautifully illustrated picture book on the quintessential American holiday that Sarah Hale fought so strongly for!

Source

Text by: Robert San Souci
Illustrations by: N.C. Wyeth
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Date: 1945

Themes: Pilgrims, Thanksgiving, New Plymouth Colony
Ages: 7-12
Genre: Historic Non-fiction

Jacket flap: "The adventurous saga of the settling of the Plymouth Colony is strikingly portrayed in this magnificent book. Spectacular paintings by renowned artist N.C. Wyeth gloriously bring to life the carefully researched text by well-known children's book author Robert San Souci.
     The story of the Pilgrims, including the first Thanksgiving, is a central part of American history and, over the course of time, it has taken on an almost mythical quality. Drawing upon a variety of resources, including the author's visit to the Plimouth Plantation, the text dispels some popular misconceptions about the settling of our nation as it broadens our understanding of the bravery and determination of our forebears.
     A beautiful art book as well as an informative history book, N. C. Wyeth's Pilgrims belongs in every home, library and classroom.

Then, an interesting note follows: A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to the Plimouth Plantation in support of their efforts to maintain an ongoing re-creation of the Plimouth Colony."

Opening lines: "The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were a time of religious struggle in England. The rulers wanted their subjects to follow the established church, but some people held different beliefs."

Why I like this book: It's a perfect marriage between a gifted illustrator and children's picture book author!  I am partial to realistic images AND text, which is why I was drawn to this book. Another plus is the fact that the illustrator and author together have donated some of the proceeds to benefit further research of our country's history. Something I would hope to do when I have been successfully published!

Here are some links to use in the classroom:

A simple biography of N.C. Wyeth.  And also HERE

Wikipedia

Some of Wyeth's illustrations you might recognize.

Robert San Souci's Website

Source

The Plimouth Plantation Website with children's activities.

Activities relating to Thanksgiving HERE. from Kids National Geographic

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.

A very Blessed Thanksgiving to you all. . .we have SO MUCH to be grateful for!

PPBF: "Prayer for a Child"

I have a classic Caldecott Award winner for you today, as we look towards Thanksgiving:

Author: Rachel Field ("Hitty, Her First Hundred Years")

Illustrator: Elizabeth Orton Jones

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Date: 1941

Ages: 4-7

Genre: non-fiction/Religious

Themes: prayer, thankfulness

Inside Jacket Flap:  "This is a prayer written for one little girl, but it is a prayer for boys and girls all over the world. It is full of the intimate gentleness for familiar things, the love of friends and family, and the kindly protection of God. It carries universal appeal for all ages and races, and brings to our hearts and minds the deep responsibility of preserving for all times the faith and hopes of little children."

First Lines: "Bless this milk and bless this bread. Bless this soft and waiting bed."

Why I Like This Book: It's no wonder this was given a Caldecott Award! The illustrations are gentle and charming, reminding me of the "Little Golden Books" I read during my childhood. And even more charming is the fact that Rachel Field wrote this prayer for her daughter.  Our everyday experiences CAN influence our writing!




RESOURCES:

Teaching resources for K-3 for Simon and Schuster books HERE.

Fascinating facts about the author HERE.

Comprehensive but well written biography of Rachel Field HERE.

Pinterest "prayer stations" board HERE.

Prayer activities for children 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: Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue

Even though this is not about the Fall season, notice the background color/trees on the cover of today's PB. . .


Author: Anna Harwekk Celenza

Illustrator: JoAnn E. Kitchel

Publisher: Charlesbridge

Date: 2006

Themes: American Composers, Jazz, Music

Ages: 7-12

Inside jacket cover: "It's 1924, and George Gershwin has just read an announcement in the newspaper saying that he's performing a new concerto in Aeolian Hall in a few weeks.  The only problem is, this is news to him!

With encouragement from his brother and close friends, Gershwin seeks the inspiration to write a piece that will define American music. In his search for a new melody, Gershwin realizes that American music is much like it's people - a great melting pot of sounds, rhythms, and harmonies."

From the middle of the book (I would have begun the story here ;-}): ". . .There was a grand piano in the middle of the room, and as usual, George was drawn to it like a bear to honey.  He sat down and gazed out at the twinkling lights of Manhattan. "Boy, did I miss this city!" he thought to himself. As he began to improvise, a marvelous melody rose from the piano. . ."

Source

Why I like this book: Even though I prefer classical to jazz, I do enjoy his contributions to Broadway musicals.  And any book that reveals the creative process is, of course, a winner in my book! The fact that it was published by Charlesbridge is a plus as well. . .it is a publisher I have in mind for a fact-based picture book I have begun to do research on.  And, there is a bonus: an accompanying CD of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue".

Teacher's links to related resources:

YouTube original recording from 1924. . . You'll love the audience and ambiance!

*Radio Show with quizzes (subscribe to podcasts) HERE:

*Easy to read biography of Gershwin HERE:

*Videos of Gershwin's other works HERE: 

*Links for more information on Jazz HERE:

*Find it HERE on Amazon.

*Review on this book and many others, along with films, music, etc!!!  A gold mine. . .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: Mr. Lincoln's Whiskers

Source

Author/Illustrator: Karen B. Winnick

Publisher: Boyd's Mills Press, Inc.

Date: 1996

Genre: Historic Fiction

Age Range: 6-10

Themes: Abraham Lincoln, U.S. Presidents





Inside cover: Abraham Lincoln was the first president of  the United States to wear a beard.  What gave him the idea to grow whiskers may have been a letter he received from an eleven-year-old girl named Grace Bedell.  Charmingly told by Karen B. Winnick and illustrated with rich oil paintings that capture the look and feel of nineteenth-century America, here is the true story of the girl whose letter helped to make Abraham Lincoln's face one of the most famous in American history.

First sentences: "Grace flew down the porch steps. "Papa, how was the fair?" she asked. "Did you meet Mr. Lincoln?" "No, Grace," Papa said. "Abraham Lincoln didn't come here to New York. He's remaining in Springfield, Illinois during the election."

Why I like this book: My teens and I were just reading the true account of Grace, and the letter which influenced Abraham Lincoln.  I love stories that shed light on little known events that include children.  The author has a reproduction of both Grace's letter and the response from Lincoln at the end of the story. At first, I couldn't appreciate the illustrations until I realized they reflected 19th century American art!

Here are some links to resources appropriate for children:

Teacher's activities, HERE

Author's page, HERE

Other activities and picture books about Abe Lincoln, HERE

Buy it HERE on Amazon.

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: "Look-Alikes Around the World"

Today I have the most intriguing review to share with you.  Those who love mysteries, and are visually oriented, will love this book!  It will keep your kids (and you) entertained over and over again.

Source

Author: Joan Steiner

Photographer: Ogden Gigli

Designer: Stephen Blauweiss

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Date: 2007

Age Range: 4 to 99!

Genre: Non-fiction: Art

Themes: Puzzles, Famous Landmarks

First page: "Welcome to the World of Look-Alikes! No ordinary postcard would show you that the turrets of a French chateau look just like ice cream cones!  That's just one of hundreds of amazing things you'll discover in this album.  Come along on a look-alikes trip around the world and be astonished by what you find!  At the end of the album, you'll find more about each of the places we visited and a list of all the look-alikes in each postcard.  But don't peek till you're done searching.  The more you look, the more you see!"

Back Cover: "Take an eye-opening trip around the world!  Using everyday objects in ingenious ways, artist Joan Steiner has created three-dimensional scenes of more that 40 famous landmarks and familiar vacation locales-from the shores of Cape Cod and chateaux across Europe to the Egyptian pyramids and the majestic Taj Mahal.  Complete with photographs of the actual sites, fascinating facts, and more than 500 look-alikes to search for, this unique postcard album will challenge and captivate puzzlers of all ages."

Why I like this book:  Of course, there's the travel aspect, which I love, and discovering new cultures.  As I mentioned above, I am a visual learner, so this one intrigues me.  And so does the creativity of Blauweiss! When you discover the myriads of items he uses to depict the settings, it will make you giggle.

Here are some child-appropriate links:

-Famous landmarks quiz, here.

-Photos of 100 Famous landmarks, here. 

-World Book Trivia Quiz, 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.