PPBF: Lightship

I was so fascinated by Lightships that I purchased a replica on a trip to New England (my favorite spot in the States). Here is Brian's story of their history and use.

Pinterest.com

Author/Illustrator: Brian Floca

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Date: 2007

Genre: Non-Fiction

Themes: Lightships, Ship safety and navigation, Coastal Safety.

Ages: 6-11

Inside Jacket Cover: "You may never have heard of a lightship. Once, lightships anchored on waters across America. On the oceans and in the Great Lakes, floating where lighthouses could not be built. Smaller than most ships, but more steadfast, too, they held their spots, through calm and storm, to guide sailors toward safe waters . . . "

Why I like this book: As I've mentioned, I love the ocean, and the fascinating story of how vessels are kept safe on potentially dangerous waters. A sister to the lighthouse, this ship houses a dedicated crew that sometimes do not see their homes for months, but their commitment to this work has saved many lives. Brian gives extra information in both the acknowledgements at the beginning, as well as the author's note at the end.  The illustrations are simple but engaging, and illustrate the story well.

Find the book on Amazon HERE

Brian Floca's own website with activities and other info HERE

Study Guide for "Lightship" HERE

Since the crew had so much time on their hands, they wove beautiful baskets and decorated them with whalebone or Scrimshaw designs.  Find out more at the Nantucket Lightship Basket Museum link HERE

The Nantucket Basket.com

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 Gift of the Magi

Now that the Christmas season, it's time to focus on books that will bring us joy. This is one of my absolute favorite stories, period. But it so happens that it has a Christmas theme!

Author: O. Henry

Illustrator: Carol Heyer

Publisher: Ideals Children's Books 

Date: 1994

Genre: Christmas-fiction

Ages: 7-77+

Themes: Christmas, gifts, unselfishness

From the Inside Flap: O. Henry, the master of the short story,  captures the essence of giving in this classic Christmas tale. Readers are introduced to Jim and Della Dillingham, a young couple struggling with poverty who sacrifice for each other their most valuable possessions. With his distinctive twist of irony, O. Henry created a story that illustrates the timeless lesson of the Magi - that the most precious of gifts come from the unselfish heart. 

     This classic story is beautifully retold and features richly detailed illustrations by award-winning artist Carol Heyer. The Gift of the Magi is a book children and their parents will treasure.

First page: "One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bullying the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Della counted it three times. Only one dollar and eighty-seven cents-- and the next day would be Christmas.

Why I like this book: I've been fascinated for years by O. Henry's stories, but this one is so touching that I never tire of reading it. And because of that, I believe all children should be exposed to such a poignant tale, especially when it's theme is unselfishness.  At Christmas time, we could do with more examples of this trait, couldn't we?

Here are a few links for teachers, librarians and parents:

• Purchase The Gift of the Magi Here.

• Other gorgeous titles by the talented Carol Heyer HERE

• Carol Heyer's Illustrator Webpage can be found HERE

• More great stories by O. Henry HERE

• A completely comprehensive page with all links relating to The Gift of the Magi HERE

Do you have a favorite Christmas tale?

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.