One Book at a Time: Children's Literature: 2014

Friday, April 4, 2014

Heart And Soul

Heart and Soul

Written and Illustrated by: Kadir Nelson

Published by: Balzer and Bray, 2013

Pages: 112

Culture: African American

The story carries us through the lives of the African Americans who spent hours and hours in the fields waiting for the day their lives would be different. It is a story about the discrimination of people and the determination to change their fate. It follows these dedicated people through their battle to freedom, and later, to equal rights. Without these stories, America would not be the same. It is a story that shows the true heart and soul of this great nation. It is a story filled with honor and power. It’s sure to leave you feeling proud of what this nation has become since the times of slavery and inequality.

The illustrations in this story are done with oil paints. The colors are very sharp and bold. The images are almost realistic. The faces show all the emotion the story tells. The pictures capture everything from the hard field work, to the victorious moments for African Americans.

I would use this book, or pieces of this book, while learning about pre-Civil War era. The book is educational and informative, but it is easy for children to understand. It is often hard to explain to young children the harshness of slavery, but this story does it in a way that makes the story rewarding because these people were so strong and courageous. I would also use this book to motivate students to push forward with their goals and dreams, because with determination anything could happen. This is an amazing story to share with the students to motivate them to never give up, because who know where it could lead 100 years down the road. I would use this book as a writing activity. I would ask my student to write about the main idea of the story. What was the author trying to teach us or show us in this book?

AWARDS: 2012 Coretta Scott King Author Award

Drumbeat in our Feet

Written by: Patricia A. Keeler and Julio T. Leitao

Published by: Lee & Low Books, 2012

Pages: 32

Culture: Africa

In this book, we will learn about the African cultural and some of their dances and rituals. Passed down from generation to generation, these dances bring history to life. The vibrant costumes and rhythmic beats add to this already beautiful story. This story is sure to have people of all ages clapping, stomping, and dancing along with the African traditions. You will want to join the fun as soon as you open the pages of the book.

Keeler uses watercolors and pencil to create the illustrations for this book. Some of the images have a sepia-toned feel. Other parts of the book for vibrant with colors from the dancer’s costumes. Keeler’s images bring the movements to life. The dancer’s looks like they are moving across the pages. The images show the traditional dances in a modern way.

This would be a perfect book to teacher the students some traditions from other countries. While it will require the teacher dancing, it would be a fun movement activity to engage the students before beginning a lesson on traditions. I would use this as a history-of-yourself lesson. The students would do a little research at home to figure out where they come from. They would then find a tradition of the place to share with the class. I would use this book for a compare and contrast lesson. I would have the students compare the images of the African children doing their traditional dances to the American children learning how to do these dances. How are they the same? How are they different?

The Name Jar

Written and illustrated by: Yangsook Choi

Published by: Dragon Books, 2003

Pages: 40

Culture: Korean

In this story, we meet Unhei, a young Korean girl who just moved to the United States. She is worried that her new classmates will not like her. She is even more afraid that they won’t be able to say her very Korean name. Unhei refuses to tell her new peers her name until she decides on a new American name. Her new friends become intrigued and try to help her decide by placing names in a jar for her to choose from. But does Unhei really want to give up her Korean name? Or, with the help of her friends, will she stick with her roots and tell the class her Korean name?

The illustrations in the story are as soft and beautiful as the story. Choi uses an array for earth tones to paint the pictures in her story with. The illustrations have a cartoon-like feel, but it does not take away from the simplicity of the story. The pictures capture the anxiousness Unhei is feeling on her first day of class, to the relief of getting her name figured out for her new American life.

I would read this story to my class to teach them about living among difference cultural and ethnicities. It is very important for children to understand how to cope with people and ideas that are not the same as their own, especially in the classroom. I would also use this as the bases for a project. I would have to student choose a different cultural and let them research it and find common names in that cultural. The students will chose a name, learn how to pronounce it, and introduce themselves to us and tell us a little about ‘their culture’. Last, I would use this story as a writing exercise about their own name. Where did it come from? What does it mean? What does your name mean to you?

One Thousand Tracings

Written and Illustrated by: Lita Judge

Published by: Disney-Hyperion, 2007

Pages: 40

In this heartwarming story, an American family befriends a German family after World War II. The German family is in serious need of supplies. This compassionate American family defeats that odds and lends a hand to these people by sending them the supplies they need. The family’s kindness is soon known about all over, on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. Based on a true story of pictures and tracings found in her grandmother’s attic, Lita Judge creates a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship and a light of hope during a hard time for the whole world.

The illustrations in this story are based off of pictures and tracing found in the attic. Judge uses paintings and colleges to bring her words to life. The pictures truly capture the heartwarming story because they were the actually from the time that the story was taking place. There are no made up ideas, they are what they are. Some of the pictures include actual letters from some of the families all over Europe impacted by these kind people from a small farm in the Midwest.

I would use this story when discussing the aftermath of World War II. It is important to not only learn about America’s trials after the Great War, but also about the other countries affected. This story captures Europe in its time of need. I would also use this lesson when learning how to write a letter and the importance of knowing how to make an appropriate one. While not everyone’s letter could end up in a book, it could impact a life in some way. Writing letters is becoming something of thing of the past, but this book would (hopefully) encourage students to send a letter to say thank you for something. Last, I would use this book for motivation. In this story, the Midwestern family touched so many lives. I would read this story and then have my students discuss and write about how they could change someone’s life!

Dangerous Crossing

Written by: Stephen Krenksy

Illustrated by: Greg Harlin

Published by: Dutton Juvenile, 2004

Pages: 32

In this historical book, we follow the dangerous journey of John Adams and his son, John Quincy Adams. Adams is being sent on a secret mission to France. The British army is beginning to be too much for the small colonies. They are in serious need of help from their friends in France. The story is seen mostly through the eyes of the younger Adams. He finds the hard journey to be more of an exciting adventure. They faced terrible storms and battles with their enemies. Will they make it to France to get help for the Patriot colonies or will they be forced to turn around?

In this story, Greg Harlin used a blue tint to capture the mystery and danger of the voyage of the Adam’s. Harlin uses a mixture of dark blues, light blues, and gray to create the tone for this book. The pictures almost look like sketches in a way; however they are done with paints. The illustrations have almost a blur to them to create the illusion of the fog on coming up from the water. The illustrations of this story bring the words to life.

Naturally, I would use this book during a history lesson about the father and son presidents. This is a great story to read to students so that they can connect with the presidents and help them realize their potential. Letting the students hear this story from the child’s point of view helps bring this serious story down to their level. I would use this for a writing exercise as well. I would have the students write about a journey they have gone on with one of their parents or family members. Last, I would use this story as a cause and effect lesson. I would ask the students about what the effect might have been if these two future presidents had not made this important journey to France. Would we even be a nation today?

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Redwoods

Written and Illustrated by: Jason Chin

Published by: Flash Point

40 Pages

In this fun-filled picture book, a boy imagination takes him on a wild adventure through the redwood forest. The boy is reading a fact book about the monster trees, and some of the facts have him thinking about the giants in their beginning times. This book is filled with endless facts about these beautiful creations. As the information spills out from the pages of his book, his imagination takes him deeper and deeper into the Redwood Forest.

The images in this book make the facts come to life, even prehistoric life. Jason Chin uses cold and vibrant colors to create these paintings. I love how Chin incorporated the different elements from the facts into the pictures. For example, having roman guards sitting with the boy on the subway train while he was reading about the tree’s old age was a sure way to get the young readers to understand how old the trees really are. Upon leaving the subway station, the boy enters into the actual redwood forest. The comparison of the tall trees to the skyscrapers is a wonderful detail that allows the children to understand how large these trees actually are.

I would use this book in a science lesson about the life cycle of a tree. I would use this story as an opener before explaining to the children their assignment to find a tree stump (real or a picture) and determine the number of rings to figure out the tree’s age. The facts in this book are true, however there are some aspects of the story, such as him going from place to place, is not. I would how my students determine which parts of the story to fictional, and which parts a real! Last, I would use this story to compare and contrast the redwoods forests to the large city the boy is actually in. The skyscrapers transform into the huge trees, and vise-versa. I would have the students write about all the difference and find a few comparisons as well.

America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell

Written and Illustrated by: Don Brown

Published by: Flash Point

64 Pages

September 11, 2001 is a day that changed America forever. Most children in Elementary school now in 2014, do not even remember this day because most weren’t even born yet. In this book, Don Brown takes us back to the terrifying and tragic day. He writes in a ‘kid friendly’ manner so that the children can understand what happened on that day. Some of it is very straight forward, but honest and truthful. The story takes us through the events of the day, from the hijackings into the Towers, Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania to the rescues and after thoughts as we all watched the beautiful towers fall to the ground and Patriotism rise to the sky.

The illustrations in this story are drawn and painted with cool watercolors and pencil. The images hold nothing back. They show the sadness that was on all of our faces that morning, as well as the planes crashing into the side of the towers. The pictures capture some tough rescues as the towers fell. While some may say this book is too graphic, it truly shows the events of the day in a factual way.

First, I would definitely use this book in a history lesson when teaching about September 11, 2001. Of course, I would ask parents beforehand because it is an awful story, but it must be told just like any other war or event in History. I would also use this story to read on the actual anniversary of the event. I would create a KWL chart for the students to fill out before, during, and after the reading. I would allow students time to share their thoughts and any questions with the class. I would use this book for a writing exercise. I would have the student’s interview someone that remembers the day the towers fell, thenthe students would write a story about their interviewees feelings and thoughts.

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Young Reader’s Addition

Written by: William Kamkwamba

Illustrated by: Bryan Mealer and Elizabeth Zunon

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012

32 Pages

This book follows the authors amazing journey in the hard living situations of Africa. William’s family was like much of the other families living all throughout the Malawi in 2002. The families were without running water, electricity, and because of the famine occurring in the country, they were extremely low on food. William was forced to drop out of school because his family could not afford it. But this didn’t stop William from dreaming of a better life. When he discovers a library book, it leads him to amazing discoveries, and ultimately, a life he had always hoped for.

The illustrations of this story are a perfect addition to the words. Using a mixture of collage and paints, she captures an almost realistic portrayal of William. While some images are extremely detailed, others are simple and clean with sharp lines, like the windmill. The colors used are those found in the dirt, with a lot of reds and browns. With every page, you get a small glimpse of what life was and is like in Malawi, Africa.

I would use this story in a history lesson to not only share about the drought in Malawi in 2002, but to also share with the students how different these people’s lives are than ours in the United States. This would be a wonderful motivational book as well. This young boy practically changed the world in the eyes of his family and other natives to the land. It just goes to show that age is not a fault, that no matter how old someone is, they can strive to make a difference. Lastly, I would use this book in a science lesson about environmental technology. The world of ‘green’ technology truly changed these people’s lives by simple windmills.

The Runaway Princess

Written by: Kate Coombs

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008

288 Pages

Meg is not the normal princess. Her parents are trying to marrying her off by hold a competition for the best prince around. But Meg doesn’t want to stay living under her parent’s noses for the rest of her life either. With the help of her best friend, a maid, a witch, a wizard, and other magical friends, she sets out to win the competition herself. Will Princess Meg be able to change her fate? Or will she be forced to marry a prince and live ‘happily ever after’?

There are not very many illustrations in the chapter book. The cover of the book is done with oils and inks. The cover is very whimsical and enchanting. It truly captures the essence of the magical story. The cover illustration is extremely eye catching and draws you to pick up the pick and uncover all the excitement on the inside.

I would use this book for a writing lesson. I would have my student write their own fairytale, but with a twist. Instead of being the princess looking for a prince, write about what they wish they could do in the kingdom! I would have an older grade compare and contrast this story to the story of another princess book or fairytale of their choice. As a history lesson, I would have the student’s research royals from earlier time eras to determine how often the princesses actually had no choice inwhom they were going to marry.

April and Esme Tooth Faires

April and Esme Tooth Faries

Written and Illustrated by: Bob Graham

Candlewick Press, 2010

40 Pages

I chose this book because it is whimsical and fun t read. In this fun-filled book, we meet April and Esme Underhill, two sister fairies that are ready to go on their first tooth collection all by themselves. They begged their parents and finally the two were set free. But will they make it in the human world? Or will the giant roaring cars be too much for the little sassy fairies? Will they wake their sleeping customer and have to get help from their parents!?

The illustrations in this book are filled with wonder. The pictures capture the spunky story with creative and quirky paleinks and watercolor paintings. If the intriguing words don’t capture your attention, the humorous pictures surely will. The festivities of the very first tooth collection are brought to life. Everything from the wild haired fairy dad to the cozy tooth cottage is sure to make you feel like you are a part of this story.

I would read this story to children anywhere from 4- 9 years old. For a younger grade (K or 1st), I would use this book in a small group counting math lesson. Because there are so many teeth throughout the book, I would have them count them all, record the amount they find, and then compare their answers with the rest of the children in the group. I would also use this book during a health lesson for older children (2nd or 3rd). It would be a fun book to incorporate into the lesson about keeping your teeth clean. I would have the students look at the teeth in the book and determine if they are well kept or not. Lastly, I would use this book in a writing lesson. There are so many quirky images in this book. I would have the students look through the book for their favorite picture and write a new story based off of it. I would do this with an older grade, such as 3rd or 4th.

The Runaway Princess

Written by: Kate Coombs

Published by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2008

288 Pages

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind: Young Reader’s Addition

Written by: William Kamkwamba

Illustrated by: Bryan Mealer and Elizabeth Zunon

Published by Dial Books for Young Readers, 2012

32 Pages

America Is Under Attack: September 11, 2001: The Day the Towers Fell

Written and Illustrated by: Don Brown

Published by: Flash Point

64 Pages

Redwoods

Written and Illustrated by: Jason Chin

Published by: Flash Point

40 Pages

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Falling For Rapunzel

Falling for Rapunzel

Written by: Leah Wilcox

Illustrated by: Lydia Monks

Puffin, 2005

32 Pages

In this story, Wilcox takes the beloved Rapunzel story and twists it into a brand new outlook. When a nearby prince hears Rapunzel’s cry from afar, he races to save her only to find she had been crying over her un-silky hair. The princes calls for her to throw down her long flowing locks, but she is so far up, she thinks he is in need of a pair of socks! What else will this crazy story lead to?

The illustrations in the book make the story even more hilarious. Monks adds in a few extra things to giggle at, like the modern cities and airplanes in the back ground, and even a familiar story book character or two. The illustrations are very bright, fun, and cartoon like. Some of the images in the pictures are extremely textured, with realistic patterns mixed in with the fantasy-like drawings.

I would use this story for a math game with a small group in a younger grade. I would have them count the number of forest animals they found throughout the story and then document them and compare answers between group members. This story would be a fun science experiment when learning about how far distance travels. I would have the class go outside and get a far distance away, as far as Rapunzel’s tower was up in the air. Once a good distance apart, I would have one student yell a sentence, and see if the other student understands what the first student had said. I would keep a document of the funny answers to share once we returned to the classroom. I would also to a language arts activity and have the students compare and contrast the well know Rapunzel story to this new quirky Rapunzel story!

The Princess and the Pig

Written by: Jonathan Emmett

Illustrated by: Poly Bernatene

Walker Children’s, 2011

32 Pages

Emmett uses a very different approach in this fun and fancy fairytale, a young princess somehow exchanges lives with a little down on the farm piglet. The King and Queen are beyond furious, while the farmer and his wife are thrilled for their new blessing, forgetting the girl was ever a pig. The princess grows up happy and free on the little farm, but the tiny pig does not have the same fate. The King and Queen have a lot on their hands trying to make a miserable pig a lovely princess. How will the little pig ever be happy?

The illustrations in this story are very surreal digital drawings. The colors and lines really set the mood for this whimsical fairytale. Bernatene uses a great deal of detail to make sure the very different lifestyles of the Royals and the farmers are captured. The princess’ carefree life is truly shown, while the little pig’s sadness and chaos is as plain as day in the pictures.

I would use this book for a language arts activity, of course, it’s a fairytale! I give a quick book talk and then have my students write a short essay about what they think caused the princess and the pig to switch places before we read the story. I would let some of them share their ideas to document on the board while we read. I would read this book before doing a science experiment based off of how the pig and princess got switched. I would ask, is it really possible for the pig to fly back up that high from the force of the princess hitting the haystack?

I would also use this book for a Reader’s Theater play. Have the students read the story in small group and give out parts such as; farmer, princess, pig, narrator, queen, etc…. The students could even rewrite the story where the princess and the pig never switch places. What would the pig’s life be like? How would the princess be different?

Poetry: Water Sings Blue

Water Sings Blue: Ocean Poems

Written by: Kate Coombs

Illustrated by: Meilo So

Chronicle Books, 2013

36 Pages

In this collection of poems, Kate Coombs depicts the essence of the beach with such beautiful words. In the 23 poems of this book, you get the full beach experience complete with a little bit of fun and humor. One of most beautiful poems in the story is “Song of the Boat”. In this poem Coombs describes the stillness of the ocean and the calmness away from the shore. In “Sea Urchin” you see Coombs humorous side when a sea urchin falls in love with a fork. No matter the type or length of the poem, the words flow right off the page with ease and grace.

Meilo So uses lovely blues and pastels to illustrate the story. The pictures of this book were the first thing that caught my eye. Every page is filled is gorgeous watercolor paintings from the shores of the beach to the bottom of the ocean. So captures the beautiful words Coombs wrote with her paintings. The words of the poems are placed thoughtfully so that they do not take away from the illustrations. After closing the book, the whimsical images of the ocean are still with you, leaving you with a feeling of calmness and an urge to take a trip to the beach.

I would use this book throughout a science class when learning about sea creatures because this book contains several different types. The illustrations would give the students an idea of the size of the creatures, like the whale from “Blue Whale” hovering above a shipwreck. I would use this book for a language arts lesson and have students write their own poem about their favorite part of the beach. I would encourage them to use whimsical words and throw in some nonsense words too. I would use this for a math lesson as well by having the students find how many different animals there are throughout the book and how many of each one.

This book won the 2013 Hopkins Poetry Award.

Poetry: Sticks n' Stones n' Dinosaur Bones

Sticks n’ Stones n’ Dinosaur Bones

Written by Ted Enik

Illustrated by G.F. Newland

Pixel Mouse House, 2013

42 Pages

Edward Drinker Cope and Othniel Charles Marsh are two paleontologists from the late 1800’s that are competing to find the very best dinosaur bones in an era known as “The Bone Wars”. In this very whimsical book, you follow these “instant enemies” while they do the unthinkable to each other just to get ahead in the paleontology world. To what ends will they go to just to find the biggest bones of these prehistoric creatures? Using clever rhymes, Ted Enik captures the revenge seeking bone diggers true selves and uncovers the world of paleontology.This is the first book of Enik’s Unhinged History Book series, so keep your eye out for more coming soon!

G.F. Newland captures the rivalry of Cope and Marsh perfectly in his beautiful and fun illustrations of the prehistoric story. He goes back and forth between soft colors and bold colors. Some pages are light, like they were colored softly with colored pencils. The rest of the pages are brighter and the lines are thicker. These images look like they were drawn with acrylics. Newland does an amazing job at putting the story into action. No two pages are ever the same in this book. Every page is drawn out specifically to what is happening in the text. Some pages are very detailed with newspaper articles and creative backgrounds, while others are simple and straight to the point. G.F. Newland never disappoints in his illustrations, and this book is no different. You are sure to be entranced in the fantasy-like pictures of the book!

This book would be a wonderful book to use during a science or history lesson when learning about the dinosaurs. I would use this book to explain the time era that dinosaur bones were really starting to be studied more deeply. Not only is it informational, but it is a different take on just an everyday story about a historical event. This book would also be beneficial when talking about paleontologist and what they do. I would also use this book to familiarize the students with a poetic writing and rhyming, since this is not just a typical book of poetry and has an actual plot. I would use this book as a writing activity as well. I would use it as a prompt and example before having the students create a poetic story about their favorite time of history.

Poetry: It's Weird to Grow a Beard

It’s Weird To Grow A Beard

Written and Illustrated by Neal Fox

CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 2013

60 pages

Children’s Poetry

If you are in the need of a good laugh or a silly story, It’s Weird To Grow a Beard is sure to do the trick. In this book there are 17 different poems that are sure to make you fall in love with their goofy characters. The poems range from a cat trying to sing with a frog stuck in its throat to a sandwich so tall that an astronut could take a nap on it! This book teaches children about friendships, rhyme, and good deeds all while teaching them how to grow the most bizarre beard ever seen!

The illustrations in this book are very simple. They are done mostly on a computer based program, and with ink. The pictures are very bright and bold, with colors like fire engine red and granny smith apple green pouring throughout the book. Neal Fox is the illustrator of all 39 images throughout the book. The illustrations are the focal point on most of the pages with the text wrapping around them. The fun images go right along with his whimsical poems.

I would use the peom about the mile high sandwich in an upper grade math or science measurement lesson. I would have the students figure out the actual distance from earth to the moon then convert it into miles, or simply find it in miles. Then we could figure out how many feet it would be, then inches and so on and so on. I would also use these these poems in a Kindergarten or 1st grade lesson about rhyming words. I would print the peoms off onto separate pieces of paper and have the students highlight the rhyming words. Lastly, I woud use the “It’s Weird To Grow A Beard” peom for a writing activity in a third or fourth grade classroom. I would have the students create a new stanza of the peom with new things coming out from this mans whacky beard, then let them illustrate and share with the class!

Friday, January 31, 2014

A Kiss Goodbye

Written by: Audrey Penn

Illustrated by: Barbara L. Gibson

Scholastic Inc., 2007

30 pages

Audrey Penn brings Chester, the little raccoon from The Kissing Hand, back again! He's a lover of adventure and enjoys hanging out with his friends, just like so many of us. But one day thick red lines appear on his home tree and suddenly he's being faced with his biggest adventure of all. He, his mom, and his little brother are forced to move to a new part of the woods, leaving behind his home and all of his friends. Will he like his new home? Will he make new friends? Find out how the little raccoon deals with this really big goodbye.

       Barbara L. Gibson uses bold acrylic's to put Penn's words into action. Every page is filled with elaborately painted scenes. Gibson's images grasp the craziness of the animal's move and Chester's sadness with dark, deep colors. When Chester arrives at his new home, the colors brighten up with his new found mood. This rich pictures are sure to catch your eye and make this sweet story even sweeter.

       Audrey Penn wrote this book specifically for children who are transitioning into a new situation. I would read this story to my students at the end of the year before they leave to move up to a new grade to help ease any fears. After I completed the story, I would let the children write about something they are afraid of about the transition. This story could also be used in a Social Studies lesson because the animals are having to move because their home tree's are being cut down. This would be a good time to discuss why tree must be cut down and what they are used for. I would also use this book during a science lesson when learning about the forest, because it will be an easy way to make the children aware of what type of animals live in the forest and there different places they find shelter at!

This book is apart of Audrey Penn's The Kissing Hand Collection, a NY Times bestseller.

Silly Tilly

Written by: Eileen Spinelli

Illustrated by: David Slomin

Scholastic Inc., 2009

29 pages

Have you ever had that friend that was just a little over the top when it came to being silly? If so, then you can relate to the barnyard animals in this book. Tilly is goose with a very silly attitude. A day doesn't go by that Tilly isn't getting into something and her barnyard friends have had enough! But what will happen when silly becomes serious? Will the barnyard be any fun anymore?

David Slonim capture's all of Tilly's crazy shenanigans perfectly. He uses pencil and pen to sketch out the illustrations. Using bright and fun colors, Slonim uses acrylic paint to fill in the drawings to create the images for Silly Tilly. Each page follow's the words of Spinelli with funny pictures that are sure to make you and any child laugh!

I would use this book for a character building lesson. A lot of children are put down for being different, but without some of our differences, that world would certainly be a boring place. This book is a perfect example of how boring life could be without all of our funny friends. I would also use this book in a small group math counting lesson with Kindergarten or 1st grade. There are so many barnyard friends on each page that can be counted and documented. This book would also be a great book to use for a language or reading lesson about rhyming words. While reading, have the children write down the rhyming words they hear throughout the story.

Thursday, January 30, 2014

Just One More Swim

Written and illustrated by: Caroline Pitcher and Jenny Jones

Parragon Books Ltd, 2008

24 Pages

Trying something new can be incredibly daunting. Whether it be trying a new food, going to a new place, or like the young cubs in this story, taking that leap of faith and diving straight into the water. The mother of these two cubs is an excellent swimmer and they watch her gracefully make her way around the ocean with ease. But when the mother bear asks her cubs to join, neither of them want to budge. With a little encouragement from some other friendly artic animals and some motherly love, will the cubs finally take their first swim?

Jones uses calm strokes for this book that make Pitcher's words float delicately off the page. I love that the paint used overlaps each other with dots and swirls instead of straight flat lines. The cool colors capture the artic chills perfectly. Every animal in the story is unique, even the polar bears have their own personalities. These illustrations are exactly what I would imagine if I heard the story out loud.

I would use this story to encourage students of any age to try new things. I would have them write about something daring they would like to try and what it would take to achieve this adventure. This would be an excellent book to use when teaching a science lesson about the polar bears. This book illustrates some different behaviors of the bears and shows some foods the bears like to eat, like blueberries! This book would also be a good book to use when teaching a geography lesson about the arctic. Not only does this book tell of the polar bears lives, but it also shows several other types of animals that can be found in and around the icy arctic. Several of the words in this book are not words that children would typically use or even hear, such as thrashed and aquamarine. This would be a good opportunity for a language lesson. Using dictionaries, the students could figure out the meanings of the words they haven't heard before.