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: 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.

PPBF: Houdini

. . . World's Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King

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.

Author: Kathleen Krull
Illustrator: Eric Velasquez
Publisher: Walker and Company
Date: 2005


Genre: Juvenile Biography
Ages: 6-10

Themes: Houdini, magicians, escape artists, perseverance

Front Flap: "He made himself a living legend and became the most famous name in magic. But Harry Houdini, like his acts, was fascinating and mysterious. As a child, he was often on the edge of homelessness, so he would charge crowds to watch him perform tricks he knew no one else could do. After leaving home to seem his fortune, Houdini mastered every form of magic available--card tricks, juggling, illusions--and traveled the world over to make a name for himself. . ."

First Lines: "Watch Houdini thump and pound at a steel can meant to hold milk. His assistants pour twenty pails of water into the can. They handcuff him, then help him inside. He shrinks, he curls, he takes a big gulp of air. . ."

Why I like this book: I have always been fascinated with Houdini, even as a child. I remember watching a movie back in the 70's about his life and work. Not only does it chronicle his progress, but tells about all his famous tricks and feats. The back of the book holds a bibliography, and a list of films about his life.

Links:

Find the used book here


Interesting website about the Houdini museum here


Fourth grade unit on Houdini found here

Have you, too, been fascinated with Houdini's performances?

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: Not So Very Long Ago

...Life in a small country village

Finally, after over a month's hiatus, I am ready to resume Perfect Picture Book Fridays . . . yeah!  So, here we go:

Source

Author and Illustrator: Philippe Fix
Publisher: Dutton Children's Books
Date: 1987

Ages: 6-10

Themes: European Village, Country living, 19th century

First paragraph: "Not so very long ago, peddlers roamed the countryside for months at a stretch. In summer and winter, rain and snow, they went from town to town, selling their wares throughout their usual districts. They also passed messages from family to family along the route, the way postmen now deliver letters.

Jacket flap: ". . . With loving and accurate attention, Philippe Fix has recreated the setting of a rural European town about a hundred years ago, introducing more than twenty different artisans and tradespeople. He explores the village through text and art by following two children, a brother and a sister, while they attend school, run errands and shop for their mother, and visit their grandparents' farm.

Why I like this book: The illustrations are incredible. What detail! It takes some time to take in all the little scenes on its pages. The story itself is engaging, as it tells the reader all about life in the European countryside, from a boy and girls point of view. Anyone who loves European history and culture will love this book, and children will be fascinated with the different way folks lived in that day.  I liked it so much, that I bought a used copy for myself as a resource as I write historic non-fiction!



Although I could not find anything specific pertaining to Europe, here are some 19th Century Museum websites for photos and more information:


Historic Village

Conner Prairie

Genesee Country Village and Museum

And, for more great book ideas, categorized by subject for use by teachers, librarians, and parents, see Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book list...truly an amazing resource!

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: Annie and Helen

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: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: Raul Colón
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books
Date: 2012

Ages: 7-11

Themes: The Blind, Deaf and blind women, Teaching the blind, Braille, Helen Keller, Perseverance.

Jacket Flap: The remarkable story of Helen Keller and Annie Sullivan has captured the hearts and imaginations of children-and adults-for more than a century. Now comes a gorgeous picture book, with excerpts from Annie's own letters, that provides the perfect introduction to this brilliant student and her extraordinary teacher. Watch as Annie opens Helen's mind and makes the world their classroom. Here's Helen touching a doll while Annie makes the sign-language hand motions for each letter into Helen's palm: d-o-l-l.

First paragraph: March 6, 1887 My first question was, "Where is Helen?"...I had scarcely put my foot on the steps, when she rushed towards me....She is never still a moment. She is here, there and everywhere. Her hands are in everything; but nothing holds her attention for long. Dear child, her restless spirit gropes in the dark.

Helen was not quite seven when Annie Sullivan came into her life. Annie had journeyed more than a thousand miles by train to begin her first job, teaching little Helen.

Why I like this book: Any book that shares Helen's story is a winner with me. I teared up once more as Deborah describes the first time Helen understands the signed word for "water" which unlocked the world of communication in a memorable way. I also discovered that Helen was still alive when I was in Junior High!

This one has photos on the inside cover of Helen at all stages of development, and two author's notes which fill in some important details about Annie's life. She also includes links to online sources, and a short bibliography of related reading.

Online Activities and Links:

Anne Sullivan Macy: Miracle Worker American Foundation for the Blind. Click here.

Helen Keller's Kids Museum online, here.

Pinterest activities for the blind and visually impaired, here.

I am always amazed that Helen graduated from university, wrote a book, traveled, taught, and shared her life with others, without hearing a word, or seeing a letter on a page!  It puts me to shame...

PPBF: Julia Morgan Built a Castle

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: Celeste Davidson Mannis
Illustrator: Miles Hyman
Publisher: Viking
Copyright: 2006

Age Range: 7 and up

Themes: Architects, Architecture, Biography of Women, Professions, Realizing one's dreams.

Inside flap: At a time when most girls weren't encouraged to think beyond running homes of their own, Julia Morgan dreamed of building them. But in the late nineteenth century, it was almost unheard of for a woman to become an architect. Julia fought to become one anyway, breaking down countless barriers with quiet strength, determination, and talent.

...During a long and extraordinary career, she designed almost eight hundred buildings, including newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst's magnificent castle, San Simeon. With exquisite illustrations, this is the story of a practical woman who never lost sight of her dreams.

First lines: "Julia Morgan loved to build. Born in 1872, Julia was raised in the small California town of Oakland, on San Francisco Bay. Little Julia preferred jumping on the trampoline in her family's barn and chasing her brothers to playing with dolls and having tea parties."

Why I like this book: While I would never encourage a woman to have a career instead of marriage and a family (the highest calling for a women), I love to hear success stories of women who dreamed a big dream, and realized it. Where would we be without ladies such as Florence Nightingale, Betsy Ross, and Molly Pitcher? I love the detailed account of Julia's life, and the tidbits of information at the end about her and the history of San Simeon which were not included in the text. The author also shares her account of how she came to write this book...a plus for picture book authors!

 Links to activities relating to the book:

Tourist information on Hearst Castle here.

About Julia Morgan, architect, here.

History of Hearst Castle as it relates to Julia Morgan, here.

Lesson plans relating to architecture in general, here.

Quotes by Julia Morgan, here.

Now, go out and build some dreams of your own!

PPBF: Coming Home

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.

Here is a book by favorite author of ours, and one that we own:

Author: Max Lucado
Illustrator: Justin Gerard
Publisher: Crossway Books
Date: 2007

Ages: 8-12

Genre: Allegorical tale based on Biblical doctrine of Heaven, and Christ's second coming to earth.

Themes: Heaven, Christian doctrine, Biblical Allegory, shipwrecks, deserted islands


Synopsis from back cover and jacket flap:

Twin brothers Arion and Argo are scared. They have spent most of their lives shipwrecked on the lonely, gray island of Terrene with their ship's captain, and now he is leaving and they cannot imagine life without him. He is going to Bluestone, a place where the birds always sing and the grass is ever green. He tells them he is going to prepare a place for them in Bluestone. Then he will come back for them, and they will all go to Bluestone together....

In the Bible Jesus Christ tells us that he is preparing a place for us in heaven, and that he will come back for us someday. He tells us that this world is not our home and we must be ready for his return. But sometimes we grow weary of waiting...and get sidetracked by its (the world) fun distractions....

Through this allegorical tale about the second coming of Christ, children will learn powerful lessons about faith, patience, and God's great mercy.

First paragraph: The two boys looked at the captain with astonishment. "You're leaving the island?" they said in one voice, which they often did because they were twins and were always thinking the same thing. "You can't leave the island!" Argo proclaimed. "Without you here we would be so...so..." "Alone!" Arion completed Argo's sentence, as he often did.

Why I like this book: Sometimes it's difficult to imagine as adults what Heaven would be like. And I'm sure, even more so for kids. I love books that bring to life doctrine in an engaging way. "Coming Home" does this masterfully! It gave me a deeper appreciating for Heaven, and a longing for it in a new way.

Here are a couple of activity links to complement the book:

Treasures in Heaven

Preschool Lesson on Heaven

PPBF: Clever Katya

Welcome 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.

Here again is another Russian fairy tale for you to enjoy:

Retold by: Mary Hoffman
Illustrated by: Marie Cameron
Publishers: Barefoot Books
Date: 1998

Appeals to: ages 6-11

Themes: Old Russia, Russian fairy tales, cleverness, "truth-wins-out," riddles.

Jacket flap: "What is the fastest thing in the world, what is the fattest, what is the softest, and what is the most precious? Come to me tomorrow with your answers."

When Katya's father, Ivan, and his wealthy but selfish brother Dmitri disagree about which of them owns a newly born foal, it falls to the Tsar of all Russia to settle the case. The Tsar decides to do so by setting the brothers a riddle. Both Ivan and Dmitri are perplexed. They return home to seek advice, and Ivan turns to seven-year-old Katya for help.

As soon as Katya hears the riddle, she knows exactly what to do. The events that follow change all of their lives, and the wit and courage of this spirited young heroine make her a truly inspiring and memorable character.

Why I like this book: Again, I am a sucker for fairy tales; Russian ones in particular. This one has a main character who reminds me of my Russian born daughter. She, too, is full of spunk and spirit!
In the back of the book, the author shares how she came to re-write the story, and also reveals what influences the creation of such tales.

I just love the clear, bright illustrations that reflect the art and culture of Russia...well done!

It seems to be no longer in print, but you can check it out in a library, or, purchase it for as little as one penny on Amazon, here!

Links to activities:

Lesson plans, other tales and fractured fairy tale ideas here.


Everything you've ever wanted to know about fairy tales here.

PPBF: The True Tale of Johnny Appleseed

Today for Picture Book Fridays, I bring you another retelling by master storyteller Margaret Hodges...

Written by: Margaret Hodges
Illustrated by: Kimberly Bulcken Root
Published by: Holiday House/New York
Copyright: 1997

Ages: 6 to 10

Themes: American legends, American biography, frontier and pioneer life: Midwest, apple growers, adventurers.




First paragraph: Johnny Chapman was born in Leominster, Massachusetts, in 1774. When he was a baby, his mother made him a little hammock and hung it on the bough of an apple tree. He could hear his mother singing as she helped his father harvest their crop of apples:

Rock-a-bye baby, in the treetop;
When the wind blows, the cradle will rock...

Front flap: Some folks say that when the apple trees bloom white in the Spring, you just might catch a glimpse of someone moving among the trees at the far end of the orchard. And, if you do, you can make a pretty good guess that it's Johnny Appleseed come back go tend his beloved trees.
Johnny Appleseed was consumed by a single desire- to spread the beauty and bounty of the apple throughout our country-and he devoted his entire life to this mission. Barefoot, wearing a stewpot as a hat, he traveled across the untamed West, tirelessly planting apple trees. Johnny Appleseed was considered crazy by some, and a hero by others, but his story has captivated generations of Americans.

Why I like this book:

It portrayed Johnny as a warmhearted, relational person, with a desire to help others. I was amazed he took one book with him...the Bible, and read it to others along the way. At one point (he would purchase books on his journey), he tore out pages (horrors!) from a book and left them with homesteaders who had nothing to read. It became the first "mobile" library. Isn't that a hoot?
I also like the gentle illustrations which capture the character and spirit of this adventurer.

There were so many links to this topic, but here are three I chose:

Apple Activities for Kids

Johnny Appleseed Teacher Resources

Johnny Appleseed on PINTEREST

And, for more great book ideas, categorized by subject for use by teachers, librarians, and parents, see Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book list...truly an amazing resource!

PPBF: The Little Humpbacked Horse

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.

Today I am reviewing another of Margaret Hodges picture books.  She is an expert at retelling fables and fairy tales!

A Russian tale retold by: Margaret Hodges
Pictures by: Chris Conover
Publisher: Farrar• Straus• Giroux
Date: 1980

Genre: Russian Fairy Tale

Ages: 7 to 10

Themes: fairy tales, Russia, horses, Tsars

Opening Lines: Long ago, when the Tsar ruled Russia and peasants worked their small farms, there lived an old man who has three sons. The oldest son, Danilo, was said to be the likeliest of the lot. The second son, Gavrilo, could pass in a crowd without being noticed one way or the other. But the youngest so , Ivan, was thought to be stupid because, when his day's work was done, he seldom rode into town but simply went home, lay down on the stove, and fell asleep at once. He was called Ivan the Fool.

Jacket Flap: When Ivan the Fool receives the little humpbacked horse in return for freeing the magnificent white mare with the golden mane, his fortunes change for the better. Against his faithful mount's advice, however, he steals the feather of a firebird, which brings him all sorts of bad luck. Fortunately, the humpbacked horse, armed with the wisdom that the morning always brings, is able to help Ivan accomplish impossible tasks, triumph over his enemies, and, as all heroes must, win a beautiful Tsarevna for his bride.
With simplicity and grace, Margaret Hodges retells this Russian tale of a man who was considered a fool and his little horse who "frisked up his heels and clapped his ears for joy."

Why I like this book: I love quests, fairy tales and the Russian culture, so, this is a three-in-one keeper! The illustrations, which seem to be pale watercolors, are delicate, and reflect the Russian culture well.


Here are some activities to complement the book:

Russian fairy tales here and here

About the country and culture of Russia here and here and here.

Our two children are adopted from Russia, so this subject is near and dear to my heart.  It is sad to think of all the children identified by their families, and ready to be adopted, but are unable, because of the change in the Russian adoption laws.  I feel for them!

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.