Month: May 2017

What Did You Say?

Sophie Rosen

George, Jean Craighead. How to Talk to Your Cat. New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2000.
How do cats speak? How can we speak to them? The well-known novelist explains in this delightful 28-page book illustrated by Paul Meisel. Recommended for all cat lovers.

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More cat books HERE.

Out to Sea

Sophie Rosen , , , ,

Lear, Edward. The Owl and the Pussycat. London: Puffin, 2014.
This lusciously nonsensical poem was first published in 1871. Charlotte Voake beautifully illustrates it in pen and ink and watercolour. The layout of the pages and the size and style of the font enhance the romantic mood. Highly recommended for all ages.

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More memorable poems HERE.

More picture books for artists HERE.

How Do You Know What Happened?

Sophie Rosen ,

Peppas, Lynn. The Displacement of Native Peoples. New York: Crabtree Publishing, 2016.
Numerous primary sources about aboriginal people of Canada and the U.S.A. are used to teach historical research skills. A timeline, bibliography, guide to internet research, glossary, and index complete this 48-page book highly recommended for competent readers 12 years old and up.

  • History is a collection of primary sources.
  • Primary sources provide first-hand information.
  • Secondary sources use primary sources to provide conclusions or offer opinions.
  • Sources created closer in time to historical events are generally considered more reliable.
  • Every source has an opinion or bias.

More books about aboriginal people HERE.

Sophie Rosen

Eboch, M.M. Salish Community. Collingwood, Ont.: Beech Street Books, 2017.
A 24-page large print book describing the life of B.C’s and Washington State’s Salish people in the past and today. A map, glossary, index, and list of suggested books and websites is included. The four short chapters and full-page coloured photographs will appeal to young readers learning how to do research projects or seeking to expand their general knowledge. While the tone of the writing sometimes minimizes controversial issues, this well-designed book is nevertheless recommended for readers 7 to 10 years old. (It could also be used with older students to analyze how style affects the tone of writing.)
Other books in the series include Cree Community, Huron-Wendat Community, Iroquois Community, Metis Community, and Ojibwe Community.

More aboriginal books HERE.

Sophie Rosen

Sierra, Judy and G. Brian Karas. Make Way for Readers. New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016.

A rhyming rhythmic picture book to read aloud. Recommended for children 3 to 7 years old. [Books and reading; Stories in rhyme]

More stories on books and reading HERE.

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Sophie Rosen ,

Demi. The Shady Tree. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2016.
Wealthy Tan Tan lives in a beautiful home with a lovely shady tree which he does not want to share. After poor Ping uses the little money he has to buy that shade, Tan Tan discovers  he’s sold more than he expected.  Kind Ping, though, does share and all turns out well in this Chinese folktale for readers 7 to 14 years old. [China; Folklore; Greed; Sharing]

More philosophical books HERE.

A Wisdom Tale

Sophie Rosen , ,

Stampler, Ann Redisch. The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan. Chicago: Albert Whitman & Company, 2012.
A wise Muslim shah in Kabul disguises himself in order to test a poor Jewish shoemaker’s faith in the goodness of God. Brightly illustrated by Carol Liddiment and recommended for ages 7 to 14. [Afghanistan; Faith; Folklore; Jews; Kings; Muslims]  

More stories of faith HERE.