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.

2013 Summer Reading Suggestions

     People have asked me if I would do a summer reading recommendation post.  Of course, everyone has his or her own thoughts on what it should look like.  I am no different.  I have decided this post needs to have variety, not only in reading material but it should include some helpful tips. 

    I teach reading.  During my most recent encounters with my student’s parental units, I noticed two view points.  View point A wanted to know what they could do over the summer to keep their kids sharp and engaged so that they would not loose any knowledge they gained over the school year. View point B told me to “bug off” my kid needs a break. My students are independent enough to make their own decisions.
     When I handed my students their individual summer packets filled with materials to help them maintain the neuro-pathways and information gained over the school year, I reminded them of how awesome they are and it was up to them to decide if they were worth the effort.  I knew they were but they had to believe it too.  
      All children have to feel valued and also value themselves.  They need success even when it is measured in the smallest increments.  It takes 40 to 100 repetitions of a new concept to anchor the information in the brain.  It doesn't have to be rote memorization. Repetition is best if it’s multi-sensory, experienced through a variety of different sensory experiences.   Keep this in mind as you and your child choose and read your summer books!

Suggestions for your summer child, tween or adolescent:

•Balance activities with rest and relaxation. (electronic games, TV, computers,phones, and other technology emit frequencies that stimulate the brain) Unplug daily.

•Balance exercise, activity, diet with a healthy doses of sleep.  It is when the brain works integrating the experiences of the day.

•Read daily whether children are the readers or they are being read to.  Set a time.  Be a role model.  By the way, there is a high correlation with cognitive growth when children are read to even in upper grades, beyond elementary school

•If you are traveling, research where you are going.  Find local authors to tap into for learning about the area.  Libraries are a great place to start.  Combine fun and entertainment with local history and science/biology/geology.

•If your not traveling, plan a vacation to somewhere you have never visited by bringing it home. Get materials from your local library to help you plan and learn about a new area. 

    The Book Wisdom summer suggestions are listed by age.   What is best for your child, will vary based on their exposure to the world and their reading ability.

I have included a variety of books including Book Wisdom books.
  You can refer to the Book Wisdom post for further information. They're archived.  There are also ratings on Goodreads. * means the author or illustrator is from Colorado.  

    Books are loosely organized by reader ages and one other category including some non fiction picks and activity books.  If you need more, suggestions, there are links at the end of the blog post.                                   HAPPY READING!

Ages 3-5   Readying to Read

• Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown

• Harold and the Purple Crayon, Crockett Johnson

• One Pup’s Up, Marsha Wilson Chall

• Counting Coconuts, Wendi Silvano*
  

• Up All Night Counting, Robin Koontz

• One Duck Stuck, Phyllis Root

• The Thankful Book, Todd Parr 
  

• Manana Iguana,  Ann Whitford Paul

• Good People Everywhere, Lynea Gillen
  

• The Lion and the Mouse, Jerry Pinkney

• My Friend Rabbit, Eric Rohmann

• OH, NO!, Candyce Fleming 
  

• How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?, Jane Yolen

• Cindy Moo, Lori Mortensen
  

• Abuela, Arthur Dorros & Elisa Kleven

• A Ball for Daisy, Chris Raschka
  

• Red, White, and Boom!, Lee Wardlaw
  

Ages 5-9  Reading with Support or Launching on Their Own

• Flotsam, David Wiesner

• I Stink, Kate McMullan

• Stellaluna, Janell Cannon

• Chester’s Way, Kevin Henkes

• I’m Bored!, Michael Ian Black
  

• Princess in Training, Tami Sauer
  

• Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, Eileen Spinelli

• Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty Dawg, Lori Mortensen
  

• Uncle Lester’s Hat, Howie Schneider

• I Want A Pet, Cathy Morrison

• My Family Plays Music, Judy Cox

• The Magic Fish, Freya Littledale

• A Frog Prince, Alix, Berenzy

• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, Jon Scieszka

• Colors of the Day, Ruth Gembicki Bragg

• Frog and Toad Are Friends, Arnold Lobel (series)

• Henry and Mudge, Cynthia Rylant & Sucie Stevenson (series)

• Cork & Fuzz, Dori Chaconas (series)
  

• Front Porch Tales & North Country Whoppers, Tomie DePaola

• Stuart Little, E.B. White (read aloud)

• Charlotte’s Web, E.B.White (read aloud)
  

Ages 9-12  Middle Grade Readers

• The Slate Stephen's Mystery Series, Sneed B Collard III
  

• Earthling, Mark Fearing, graphic novel
  

• A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle

• Destiny Rewritten, Kathryn Fitzmaurice
  

• Matilda, Roald Dahl

• Inside Out & Back Again, Thanha Lai
  

• Secret Keeper, Matali Perkins

• Wind in the Willows, Kenneth Grahame

• The Voice of Thunder, Mirka M.G. Breen
  

• The Tale of Despereaux, Kate DiCamillo

• Chicken Feathers, Joy Cowley 
  

• Calling Him Dad, Virginia Kamhi
  

• The Invention do Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick

• Holes, Louis Sachar

• The Golden Compass, Philip Pullman

• Herby's Secret Formula, Sue C Hughey *
  

• Letters to Juniper, Peggy Tibbits *
  

• The Lunch Thief, Anne C Bromley
  

Ages 13 & Beyond

• Because of Winn Dixie, Kate DiCamillo

• Dead End in Norvett, Jack Gantos

• White Fang, Jack London

• Looking For Alaska, John Green

• The Queen of Water, Laura Reseau *
  

• Island of the Blue Dolphin, Scott O'Dell

• Artemis Fowl Series, Eoin Colfer

• The Book Thief, Markus Zusak

• The Hobbit, J.R.R.Tolkien

• The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R.Tolkien

• The Princess Bride, William Golding

• Flowers For Algernon, Daniel Keyes

• Disc world, Terry Pratchett

• Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli

Non Fiction

• Me ....Jane, Patrick McDonnell, The story of Jane Goodall,
  

•  Camping with the President, Ginger Wadsworth

• Cowboy Up! Ride the Navajo Rodeo, Nancy Bo Flood *
  

• It's Big Sky, Pat Mora

• Animalology, Marianne Bates

• Animal Dads, Sneed B Collard III

• Frogs, Nic Bishop

• Eleanor, Quiet No More, Doreen Rappaport (Eleanor Roosevelt)

• For The Birds, Peggy Thomas (Roger Tory Peterson)

• John Muir, My Life with Nature, Joseph Cornell

• Stickeen, John Muir and the Brave Little Dog, Donneell Rubay

• What to Do About Alice?, Barbara Kerley (Alice Roosevelt)

  

  Activity Books Kindergarten through Third Grade

• Animology, Marianne Berkes

• Coin Clues, Evelyn Christensen
  

• Lizard Lunch, Alina Niemi

• The Hawaii Doodle Book, Alina Niemi

• Bit, Bat, Bee:Rime with Me! and ABC Follow Me! Phonic Rhymes and Crafts, Linda Armstrong*
  

LINKS FOR MORE SUGGESTIONS

Scholastic Summer Recommendations

The Horn Book Summer Recommendations

Book Wisdom, February 4th 2013, Book of the Month, New Voices Award, Honor

IT JES' HAPPENED, When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate

      Black History month is upon us.  This month I am sharing with you a piece of Black history and American folk-art history through a children’s book.  IT JES’ HAPPENED, When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by award winning, debut author, Don Tate, illustrated by award winning illustrator, R. Gregory Christie is a new gem that recently was awarded the New Voices Award, Honor by Lee & Low Books.   Lee and Low is an independent children’s publisher that focuses on diversity while meeting the needs of all children providing stories children will enjoy and relate to.

     IT JES’ HAPPENED tells the story of American folk artist Bill Traylor through the hearts, minds, words, and pictures of Tate and Christie who are creating a history of their own as Black American artists.  Trifecta!  IT JES’ HAPPENED is an achievement that involves three successful outcomes.  It brings to life a piece of important folk art and Black history in a manner that gives hope and inspires creativity through the work and story of Bill Traylor.  Second, Don Tate tells the journey of Traylor, a child born into slavery moving through his life saving up memories, deep down inside, with honesty and reverence through language that engages the reader and holds their attention making you want to know more.  In the third outcome Christie brings the perfect matches of illustration style and palette that takes Traylor’s life and drawings and spreads them across the pages echoing back the author’s voice and Traylor’s work and memories. 

    IT JES’ HAPPENED is a 32 page, non-fiction picture book biography for children. What else makes this story stand out beyond the fine craftsmanship and interesting history?  IT JES’ HAPPENED captures how stories are created, held deep within, and through creativity can be released no matter roots, journey, or age.  It captures creativity's timelessness showing children your never to old, and it's never to late to learn and start something new. 

 I give this book 5 apples, cream of the crop. Craftsmanship and themes of creativity and timelessness in a non-fiction biography for children is hard to come by at this level of execution.  It makes a great addition for art educators, librarians, teachers, and children and adults who appreciate other's life stories and creative outcomes.  IT JES' HAPPENED is not to be just taken off the shelve in February to celebrate Black History month.  

This book is a biography picture book which has large word count and more complicated words and sentence structure than general picture books. It is for children 8 and up.  It is a fun way to learn history.  The themes in this book are Black history, American folk art history, life, drawing, your never to old, not worrying about what others think, and expressing your self. A teachers guide is available on the author's website.

If you want to find out more about author/illustrator Don Tate, check out his website
 at:  Don's Website   If you want to find more talented children's authors and illustrators of color, check out : THE BROWN BOOKSHELF

This book can be found through your local independent bookseller and online at major chain websites.  In Grand Junction, our local independent book seller is Grand Valley Books.

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. 

September 12th, Book Talk

"Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

A.A. Miline,  Christopher Robin speaking to his friend Pooh.

I was interviewed last month on KKCO as a former school counselor. One of the questions asked was  what do kids talk to school counselors about.  Over my fifteen years as a school counselor, friendship was one of the top topics for kids.  The sense of belonging or connectedness is part of who we are as human beings.  

My September's selection of books is a wide variety of books,  and friendship is the common denominator.  It takes two individuals to make a friendship.  To name a few, friends can be neighbors, classmates, sisters, brothers, siblings of the opposite gender, or cousins.  These individuals may be similar or different.  They may be helpful, self-centered, quiet and sensible, adventurous, or even mischievous.

Award winning author, Dori Chaconas delights her readers with the endearing friendship of CORK & FUZZ.  Dori has been telling stories her whole life and the ability to entertain others through her creation of memorable characters left me snickering and laughing as I read her book, CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS.  Fully developed characters and fun, strong dialogue drives the reader page after page. Dori's words are matched perfectly with the lovable, and lively illustration of Lisa McCue. This book won The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Award 2011 for The Best Children's Book of the Year by the Wisconsin Library Association. 

I rate this book a five apple book, cream of the crop, crisp and delicious. I smiled and giggled and laughed and longed for more.

CORK & FUZZ, THE BABYSITTERS is a chapter book for children of both genders, gages 6-9 who can read alone.

    The themes in this book are friendship, babysitting, and helping others.

    You can learn more about Dori,this children's book and her many other books at: Dori's Website.

     You can find CORK & FUZZ through the publisher, Viking Children's Books 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. 

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Award winning author, Shirley Raye Redmond's book FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is a non-fiction reader that brings to life the loyalty of friendship through the story of English cousins, Frances Griffiths and Elsie Wright.  These friends stood by their fairy prank for sixty-four years when they finally shared the truth.  Shirley has taken the high appeal subject of fairies and transformed it into a early reader non-fiction book.  In 1981, Frances said, "It was just Elsie and I having a bit of fun."  Isn't that what all friends say?  

I rate this book a four apple book, a good non-fiction book.  Shirley takes high appeal subject matter and keeps it engaging as non-fiction. 

    FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY is for children of both genders, grades first through third who can read on their own and who no longer believe in fairies.

    The themes in this book are history of fairies, friendship and pranks.

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

     You can find FAIRIES! A TRUE STORY through the publisher, Step Into Reading, Random House 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. 

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    Colorado author, Marty Mokler Banks engages her readers with sisterly friendship in THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA.  The two sisters battle bullies, disasters, and loneliness when when one chooses to avoid returning to school by having one last summer adventure.  Marty accomplishes showing how different personalities whether in the realm of sibling or friend can be true to one's self and the other.  

I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read. Marty has created a win-win with Tempest & Serena.

THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA is a chapter book for ages 7 and up of high girl appeal. It would make a good classroom read aloud combined with discussion.

The themes in this book are siblings, friends, adventures, and differences.

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

     You can find THE ADVENTURES OF TEMPEST AND SERENA  through the author or your local book store can order this book for you.  It is available in paperback and ebook. On the West Slope of Colorado, our local independent seller is Grand Valley Books. In addition it can be found online. 

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Award winning author, Nicole Weaver's love of language, culture, and sisterhood inspired her book MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND,  a trilingual story in English, French, and Spanish.  Keeping the story structure simple and clear, Nichole creates a story that translates well into multiple languages.  Illustrator, Clara Batton Smith uses mirror images in her illustration to add a fourth level of understanding for the reader.

 I rate this book a three plus apple book, an enjoyable read,un agradabe leido,un agreable lu.  

            MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND is a story book for ages 4-8 with high girl appeal. The multilingual writing in the book will require fluent readers of the three languages.

The themes in this book are sisters and best friends.

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

You can find MY SISTER IS MY BEST FRIEND through the author, Guardian Angel Publishing.  It is available in paperback, PDF Ebook, Flip book on CD. 

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TO ENTER MY BOOK GIVE AWAY, PLEASE CHECK THE BOX ON THE RIGHT SIDE FOR INFORMATION ON HOW TO ENTER.  OCTOBER 16TH IS THE DATE FOR THE NEXT DRAWING.  GOOD LUCK!