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.

Book of the Month, Book Wisdom, January 7, 2013 - ALA 2012 Notable Picture Book, E.B. White Read-Aloud Picture Book Honor Award

OH,NO! by C. Fleming & E. Rohmann

     When it comes to picture books, award winning author, Candace Fleming and Caldecott medalist, Eric Rohmann are no strangers.  A few years back, I was incredibly lucky to attend The Highlights Foundation, Chautauqua Workshop in New York where Candace mentored me, and I attended multiple workshops with both her and Eric.  The workshop that comes to mind was a picture book workshop where this duo of spouses  presented together, bringing the author and illustrator points of view.
     Looking back over my notes, what jumps out are the words "page turns".  Successful picture books are about page turns created by raising the emotional level of the scene, using a funny moment, changing the scene, adding to what the character wants or needs.  The most important and last page turn ends with an  "Ah Ha" moment, or a twist, something satisfying, or a surprise.  I thought it would be the opportune time to look at the page turns in their recent book, OH, NO! by Random House Publishing.

    OH, NO! is a 32 page picture book for ages 3 - 7. A fast paced story that builds suspense and uses words that are fun to say that children and the reader will enjoy, this picture book has the feel of an upgraded, traditional folk tale or a Rudyard Kippling, Just So Story.  Set in the jungle, OH, NO! takes the reader on a page turning, wild ride that ends with a twist and satisfying moment.  In this book, Candace and Eric bring to life what they teach to other writers and illustrators.

      
The combination of Candace's popping text with Eric's dynamic illustration bring together the strengths of author and illustrator in a finely balanced act. Age appropriate, OH,NO! shares the message of "working together in community" at a time we most need. It is a very subtle, as it should be. The role of the tiger emerges slowly and moves the book along with glimpses of his presence. The ending is very satisfying.  Picture books are an art form.  OH,NO!, a very strong contender for numerous awards will sure to be in the front of the pack.

I give this book 5 apples.  It is an outstanding example of children's writing and illustration that both the child and the reader will enjoy, time and time again. It will appeal to both boys and girls and make a great addition to a child's book shelf, library or classroom.

The themes in this book are community, helping others, friendship, perseverance, and walking away from trouble. 

If you would like more information about Candace Fleming and the books she writes, you can visit her author website at: Candace's website.  You can also learn about Eric Rohmann and his art at: Eric's website.

You can find or order OH,NO! at your independent book store, Grand Valley Books is our local store in Grand Junction.  It is also available at Barnes and Noble and online at Amazon.

Thank you for tuning in this morning or visiting this blog.  Leave a comment on this blog and/or like the Book Wisdom By Diane page on Facebook and you will be entered to win a copy of this book. If you sign up for the once or twice monthly post, you will automatically be entered monthly!  Just let me know by email as your privacy is always respected.  I do not know who subscribes. 

August 24th, KKCO News 11, Today, Book Talk, Back to School

     
      As the new school year arrives, educators and parents often wonder about what books there are that help remind kids about building relationships or friendships, community, empathy and working together. Our complicated fast paced lives are easily filled with negative news and over reaction. Good people and their actions are easily forgotten unless we are in the middle of a crisis.  On KKCO, News11, Today with Terri Chappell, I shared two picture books that remind us that we and our children have choices on how we look at and interact with our world.

GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE by Lynea Gillen

     Author, Lynea Gillen knows that young children are very impressionable. Lynea's thirty years as an educator and counselor are the spine of her first children's book, GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE.  Simply and perfectly stated, Lynea uses her masterful writing skills to touch the readers hearts reminding them "goodness" exists everywhere in our daily lives.  Kristina Swarner's soft and colorful illustrations sew the author's voice and text to them creating a satisfying child-friendly book that is sure to become a favorite read aloud at home or in a classroom. Written for children 3 and up, GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE is a much needed and subtle reminder to be mindful on how to look at the world and sharing that message with our children.

I rate this book a four apple book, great read. Easy to read aloud, the wonderful text and illustrations will touch the child and adult, alike.

    GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE is for children of both genders, ages three and up. 

    The themes in this book are goodness, working together to make the world a better place, and empowerment.

    You can learn more about Lynea,this children's book and her other award winning materials at: Lynea's Website.

     You can find GOOD PEOPLE EVERYWHERE through the publisher, THREE PEBBLE PRESS or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

THE LUNCH THIEF by Anne C. Bromley

     Observing real life situations with children, author, Anne C. Bromley utilizes her teaching experience to successfully write THE LUNCH THIEF, a book with multiple themes. With first rate observation and delivery, Anne focuses on the tricky subjects of responding instead of reacting, and hunger.  Believable characters carry this story portraying how easy it can be misunderstand others and situations. Illustrator, ROBERT CASILLA delivers the message in his strong use of point of view, line, and color that create additional emotional impact. For late elementary and middle grade readers and teachers, THE LUNCH THIEF shares difficult themes without being preachy.

I rate this book a four apple book, good - great read. I like how the author and illustrator were able to handle difficult subjects and making the story feel real.


THE LUNCH THIEF is for children of both genders, ages eight through middle school.

The themes in this book are responding appropriately, doing what is right, judgement, hunger, and kindness.

    You can learn more about Anne and her book at: Anne's Website.

     You can find THE LUNCH THIEF through the publisher, TILBURY HOUSE PUBLISHERS or your local book store can order this book for you.  On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER.  SEPTEMBER 11TH IS THE DATE FOR THE NEXT DRAWING.  GOOD LUCK!