Whose Hands Are These? A Community Helper Guessing Book by Miranda Paul

I have learned that being a Facebook friend is a great way to connect with other authors and illustrators, and be introduced to new books.  Learning about new releases not only helps me improve my own writing but it helps add to my school counseling library with literature for lessons in the classroom or sharing individually with students, teachers, counseling colleagues, librarians, and parents.

Whose Hands Are These? A Community
Helper Guessing Book by Miranda Paul

Recently a new book arrived in my mailbox, I remembered posting a comment on Miranda Paul's timeline mentioning that I would help support her with the release of her book, WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE? I offered for several reasons. First, I am always looking for something fresh on the topic of careers for use with early elementary school children. Second, hands, especially helpful hands, are always a relevant theme used in school.  We constantly communicate with our words and our body language.  Hands express emotion and intention whether we are aware or not. I am excited to say Miranda chose me to help get the word out about her new book!

WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE? A COMMUNITY HELPER GUESSING BOOK by award wining author Miranda Paul, illustrated by Luciana Navarro Powell is a 32 page, rhyming picture book, guessing game. Eleven careers that help other people in a variety of ways leads the reader through page turn after page turn guessing and revealing the community helper by clues found in the snappy rhyming text and the mixed-media illustrations featuring hand-focused spot illustrations and single page answers. Paul's choice of helpers is chocked with variety including some everyday choices of elementary age children sprinkled with less typical jobs making the guessing interesting and fun. The last four pages include information on the specific helpers.

The diversity of race and gender depicted in the book add to the richness depicted giving the reader a broader, real world vision when looking at helpers in our community as well as possible career choices. Diversity, playful rhyme, and dynamic layout engage the reader on a fun, fast paced exploration that is sure to get children excited with possibilities. This book is sure to delight classroom teachers, librarians, parents, and of course elementary school counselors! 

 

 I give WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE? five apples, cream of the crop.  This book is unique, fast paced and fun.  It is clear that careful thought was put into creating a diverse, high interest book that invites the reader to explore.

       This book is a great match for girls and boys, and crosses all cultures. It's appropriate for ages 4-9. 

       WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE? is published by Millbrook Press, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Minneapolis, MN.

Miranda Paul is an award-winning children’s book author. Besides writing, her hands are good at cooking, playing games, and tickling kids. She lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin, with her husband and two children. Find out more at www.mirandapaul.com.  

WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE? can be ordered at your local independent bookseller, and online.