December 22, 2014

A Christmas Poem


Amazing Peace
by Maya Angelou


In troubled times, communities must come together in a harmony of spirit. This message of peace is delivered in the resonant voice of Maya Angelou, reminding us all of the true meaning of Christmas.



December 19, 2014

It's almost Christmas!


'Twas the Day Before Christmas
by Brenda Seabrooke
illustrated by Delana Bettoli


On Christmas Eve 1822, Clement Clarke Moore penned what would become a beloved holiday classic. This book relates the inspiration behind the poem. It's supposedly based on research, but since the author includes no notes about that research, I'm unsure about the story's accuracy. The story itself is fairly well told, if a bit long, and the pictures are colourful, but bland. 





 'Twas the Night B'Fore Christmas
retold and illustrated by Melodye Rosales


The Night Before Christmas has been illustrated in a wide variety of ways, from plasticene (Barbara Reid), collage (Rachel Isadora), and pop-up (Robert Sabuda). But for a truly original take, why not try Rosales' African-American version? She retells the poem using the language of the south, turning it into a lively, expressive chant that begs to be performed out loud. Her paintings are equally energetic and joyful. 

Highly recommended.



December 17, 2014

Happy Hanukkah


Menorah Under the Sea
by Esther Susan Heller


David Ginsburg, a marine biologist, is spending the summer in Antarctica, where the sun never sets. It is also the first night of Hanukkah and he wonders how he will celebrate the occasion. While diving under the frigid ice, he gets an amazing idea.

An unusual Hanukkah book that is sure to fascinate. It's also a good introduction to sea urchins!



December 15, 2014

African Twelve Days of Christmas

There are so many versions of the Twelve Days of Christmas that it's nearly impossible to choose. I like ones that are very funny: A Porcupine in a Pine Tree, spectacular: The 12 Days of Christmas: A Pop-up Celebration, or unique to a place or region: Bluenose Twelve Days of Christmas.  So I was happy to find these two books, which celebrate the people and customs of Africa.




The 12 Days of Christmas
by Rachel Isadora


The lively, colourful collage illustrations make this book a joy.





A Stork in a Baobab Tree: An African 12 Days of Christmas 
by Catherine House and Polly Alakija


The unique verse is supplemented by descriptions of African customs, artwork, food, and clothing.



December 12, 2014

Adorable baby porcupine


Baby Porcupine
by Aubrey Lang & Wayne Lynch


A baby porcupine is called a porcupette. Young readers will delight in watching the porcupette grow up. The many cute pictures and easy-to-read text are presented in a small volume that little hands can easily grasp.

A good addition to any child's library.




December 10, 2014

A porcupine's life


Porcupines
by Sandra Markle


Porcupines are actually pretty cute as the pictures in this book will attest. Just don't get too close to one. It can defend itself very well! Readers will learn a bit about porcupine anatomy, the food it eats, and how it raises its young.

A very good book.


December 8, 2014

Prickly porcupines


Do You Know Porcupines?
by Alain M. Bergeron, Michel Quintin & Sampar


Brief facts about porcupines are enlivened by Sampar's comical illustrations and witty quips. The graphic novel format should ensure that kids will want to read it again and again. With a short glossary and index.




December 5, 2014

Sloth facts


Sloths
by Sara Swan Miller


Nice simple book about sloths that reveal facts you may not know about them. For example, they have no front teeth and two-toed sloths do not have a tail. 

The large photographs are very appealing.


December 3, 2014

Baby sloth


Baby Sloth
by Aubrey Lang & Wayne Lynch


Using simple words, Lang describes a baby sloth's development as it learns to fend for itself in a Central American forest. The story is accompanied by many photographs of the sloth and its mother hanging in the trees. Some of the photos are a bit on the small size, and they lack variability, but the book is a fine introduction to a very sleepy animal.




December 1, 2014

Cutest animal ever!


A Little Book of Sloth
by Lucy Cooke


If you are not a sloth lover, you will be after reading this adorable book. Every page is filled with so much huggy cuteness that you'll just melt. Perfect.