Who doesn't get enthralled at the sight of a train, rumbling and screeching down the tracks? Who among you doesn't get over-the-moon excited when, as you're rushing off (late, AGAIN) to an important meeting you get stopped for ten minutes at the railroad crossing? Okay, probably not most of you. But if you are a train enthusiast, your answer might be different. When a tiny train enthusiast lives in your house, you might change your tune a bit. Any parent knows that when a toddler or young child becomes interested in a subject, they tend to be...fixated. Really, REALLY fixated. And then you're stuck with the challenge of finding materials to assuage the hunger for more information, more pictures, more shows, more conversations about said subject.
Which brings me to this book: Eyewitness Books: Train. Eyewitness Books are numerous (there are nearly 200 volumes currently in print) and address more topics than I can name. They are available at book stores, libraries, and home book collections, just to name a few. They almost act as volumes of an encyclopedia, with each volume on a different subject. Unlike an encyclopedia, they do have individual authors; Train is written by John Coiley. I was disappointed to find NOTHING about this author. Though the information is exciting and, from what I could tell, accurate, I dislike not being able to find any credentials for the author. The book still has credence, mainly from its association with the Eyewitness series.
This book does not mess around about getting down to business. There is a table of contents, and even that spread has pictures and explanations of each object. It opens by defining what a train is, and then lays out historical information about trains. The topics then narrow to specific types of trains and items associated with them, such as postal cars and signal boxes. The book is loaded with high-quality photographs and images that bring the book alive. There is a small paragraph on each page to anchor the topic, but the rest of each double-page spread is devoted to images and detailed explanations. The type is small, which allows for more information.
The unique thing about Trains and other Eyewitness books is the appeal to all age groups. They are placed in the children's section of nonfiction picturebooks at bookstores and libraries, but they are also useful to any age looking for information on trains. We supply Eyewitness books even at the high school library level. The pictures appeal to young children, and as they gain the ability to read, the information becomes more pertinent. The information is not "dumbed-down" for young readers, though, so it really is the older student who will get more out of the text.
The very end of the book includes a spread on Great Train Journeys, a Train Timeline, and a Find Out More page. On Find Out More, readers have access to useful websites, information on trains in the movies (such as the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter), and even places to visit that will appeal to the train lover. Overall, Eyewitness has books for everyone and every interest, of all ages, which for me was the most surprising discovery of all.
I would use this book for all ages! For young children, I would place this book in the nonfiction section, or display it with other books on trains, both fiction and nonfiction. For older children/young adults I would place it in nonfiction or set up a section of all of the Eyewitness Books I had in my library on top of a lower set of shelving for easy access. With adults, I would disperse them according to topic on the shelves. We have a model train club in my town, so another way to get train enthusiasts reading the books on trains, I would invited the train club to set up their model trains in a section of the library for a day, and then display train books of all ages, allow the club to hand out informational material about their club, and provide snacks to patrons. I think this sort of event would be most popular with families.
One awesome read-alike that I'm in love with right now: Trains: Steaming! Pulling! Huffing! by Patricia Hubbell and illustrated by Megan Halsey and Sean Addy. Usually I just mention the author, but the illustrators (who use collage) are beyond awesome in this book and also Trucks! by the same author.
Eyewitness Books: Train
John Coiley
DK Publishing
Copyright 2009
ISBN 978-0-7566-5032-2
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
I Can Read!: Splat the Cat Sings Flat
I am sure that as a small child I read Easy Reader books, but I certainly don't really remember them as a classification of children's books. With a little help, I discovered the Easy Reader section at my local library branch. Each level of Easy Readers are labeled with a color code and described so parents and other adults can help children to choose appropriate titles for young readers. Splat the Cat is a Level 1 Beginning Reading book which includes "short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts for children eager to read on their own."
Based on a creation by Rob Scotton, Splat is a Cat who is terrified to speak in public, let alone sing. When his teacher announces that all of the cats will be singing in a concert for their parents, Splat wonders, Will he be able to do it? With the unconditional love of his family and his best friend, a mouse named Seymour, he at least has the confidence to try.
True to its description the sentences in this book are very short- no more than 3-5 words each. This particular books seems to concentrate on the "-at" sound in words as well, and many of the sentences contain and end with a word that contains that sound.
What initially drew me to this book was the illustration of Splat on the front cover. He is so fuzzy! According to the author, he is drawn, but very little information can be found about what medium is used. The level of detail and the collaging makes me suspect digital artistry. The collaged elements add a touch of interest and whimsy, and the ridiculous facial expressions on the cats as they sing (cross-eyed and wide-mouthed) add humor.
I would use this book for a child who was struggling with public shyness, who loved cats (these ones are seriously lovable), or who loved to sing. These simple books would be great for struggling readers who needed to gain confidence in their reading abilities or new readers just starting out on their own.
Read-alikes include Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae; Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner, and I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt.
Splat the Cat Sings Flat
By Rob Scotton
Copyright 2011
Harper Collins Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-06-197854-8
Based on a creation by Rob Scotton, Splat is a Cat who is terrified to speak in public, let alone sing. When his teacher announces that all of the cats will be singing in a concert for their parents, Splat wonders, Will he be able to do it? With the unconditional love of his family and his best friend, a mouse named Seymour, he at least has the confidence to try.
True to its description the sentences in this book are very short- no more than 3-5 words each. This particular books seems to concentrate on the "-at" sound in words as well, and many of the sentences contain and end with a word that contains that sound.
What initially drew me to this book was the illustration of Splat on the front cover. He is so fuzzy! According to the author, he is drawn, but very little information can be found about what medium is used. The level of detail and the collaging makes me suspect digital artistry. The collaged elements add a touch of interest and whimsy, and the ridiculous facial expressions on the cats as they sing (cross-eyed and wide-mouthed) add humor.
I would use this book for a child who was struggling with public shyness, who loved cats (these ones are seriously lovable), or who loved to sing. These simple books would be great for struggling readers who needed to gain confidence in their reading abilities or new readers just starting out on their own.
Read-alikes include Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae; Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner, and I Love You, Stinky Face by Lisa McCourt.
Splat the Cat Sings Flat
By Rob Scotton
Copyright 2011
Harper Collins Publishers
ISBN: 978-0-06-197854-8
Video Review: Dinosaur Train
Buddy, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, discovers himself in a nest of Pteranodons, who adopt him as their own. Along with his parents, Buddy and his Pteranodon brothers and sister Shiny, Tiny and Don make discoveries about other Dinosaurs in the Cretaceous time period as well as learn social and learning skills. The young dinosaurs work together, come up with hypotheses, and test them to find out information about the dinosaurs they are visiting via the Dinosaur Train.
This show, created by Craig Bartlett, is the second created by the Jim Henson Company using CGI technology. The animation is simple but not cheesy, and the characters are detailed enough to be believable. The movements of the characters are natural and fluid, though shapes and colors stay fairly basic, bright, and flat. The show is available on PBS Kids.
In addition to being entertaining for young children (ages 3-6), the show boasts a resident paleontologist, who gives details and clarifies fact and supposition about each dinosaur on each episode. he discusses the relationships between dinosaurs and animals alive currently, and describes their similarities. Dr. Scott Sampson has a PhD in Paleontology from University of Toronto.
The unique combination of dinosaurs and trains is a winner. Young children have often had an obsession with one or the other, if not both, and so the show appeals to a wider audience. Though the train takes somewhat of a backstage to the dinosaur discoveries, The Conductor is an important character, and injects the railroading spirit into the show. In one episode, Buddy and Tiny work through three clues in order to be Junior Conductors. On another episode, an obstruction had to be removed from the track for safe traveling. On each episode, the Conductor announces entrance into the Time Tunnel ("Time Tunnel! Time Tunnel approaching!"), and walks up and down the rows, asking for "tickets, please!"
I recommend this show for parents who are really REALLY tired of watching Thomas and Friends for the hundredth time, as well as for parents who want to nurture their offspring's obsession with dinosaurs. Children can legitimately learn facts and information from the show along with learning and reinforcing behavioral norms. Teachers of young children could easily use clips of the videos as reinforcement in a unit on dinosaurs, though even grade-schoolers would find it below them intellectually.
Though I haven't discovered a show yet that has the merits or production quality of Dinosaur Train, other viewing options include Chuggington and Friends for train enthusiasts, and Dino Dan (available on Nick Jr. and Amazon on Demand) for dinosaur nuts.
Dinosaur Train
By Craig Bartlett
Jim Henson Co.
PBSKids
Copyright 2009
Though I haven't discovered a show yet that has the merits or production quality of Dinosaur Train, other viewing options include Chuggington and Friends for train enthusiasts, and Dino Dan (available on Nick Jr. and Amazon on Demand) for dinosaur nuts.
Dinosaur Train
By Craig Bartlett
Jim Henson Co.
PBSKids
Copyright 2009
PIcturebook Magic: Come Fly with Me
The story of a toy that comes to life when people aren't watching is not new, but it is the unique imaginings of each author that brings each story to life in a different way. Such is the case for Come Fly with Me by Satomi Ichikawa. Cosmos, a toy airplane, and Woggle, a fluffy dog in a posh scarf (he is French, after all), decide to take a trip to Somewhere. For them, Somewhere is Sacre-Coeur, a huge white dome that sits on a hill overlooking Paris. On their adventure, they learn to fly together, even when the going gets rough. Will they make it to Somewhere on their own?
Ichikawa's inspiration for the beautiful artistry is her own apartment window. The view is of the white dome, and she comments that she often looks at it herself. The plane and the dog are not figments of her imagination, but real toys that she owns and brings to life in the pages of this book.
This book is a terrific book for young airplane enthusiasts, who can watch the journey as well as take in the scenery, which includes other airliners streaking through the warm, watercolored sky. Each page is quaint and beautiful, suffused with warmth from Ichikawa's color palette. The panoramic full spreads of Parisian rooftops are an homage to the city of Paris that draws the reader in and invites them to stay. The grey skies signal trouble for the two friends, and the transition to a monochromatic palette of greys and browns contribute to a sense of gloom. However, when the sun bursts out again, Paris is again awash with cool color and even a rainbow. The Eiffel Tower is seen in the distance.
Though I found myself more captivated by the illustrations than the storyline, this is a story about friends, sticking together, and a quest. Though this book would be suitable for children of both genders, I imagine that boys may gravitate more toward this book because of its main characters being a dog and an airplane, an adventure, and calamity. Because of the beautiful illustrations, I would possibly group this book with others of similar watercolor style. Miss Nelson Is Missing springs to mind. I would definitely create a display of picturebooks and Easy Readers all having to do with flight as well. It would also be fun to create a display of other beautifully-illustrated books and shine the spotlight on the illustrators, who sometimes get lost in the shuffle. Some read-alikes in this category include: Cromwell Dixon's Sky Cycle by John Abbott Nez; Captain Arsenio: Inventions and (Mis) Adventures in Flight by Pablo Bernasconi; Mr. Putter and Tabby Fly the Plane by Cynthia Rylant.
Come Fly with Me
Satomi Ichikawa
Copyright 2008
Copyright 2008
New York: Philomel Books
ISBN: 978-0-399-24679-1
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Magazine Review: Click
I remember reading Highlights every month as a small child, and I also remember loving it! While Highlights continues to be a terrific publication for its diverse young audience, there are so many other magazines to choose from. Click is intended for children ages 3-7. The Cricket Magazine Group, which publishes Click also publishes eight other periodicals for ages six months and up through high school.
Click focuses on science and the humanities, with a serious focus on animals and the natural world. In fact, in nearly every copy I perused for this post, animals were showcased prominently.
The magazine is a very slim volume, and is only published monthly nine times per year. For the $34.00 price tag on the subscription, I would expect more content in each issue. The magazine follows a theme for each issue, and makes it feel somewhat one-dimensional. However, there are no advertisements, so if a parent is looking for an educational periodical for a child interested in animals, it is a quality publication. The benefit, of course, is that the magazine is not trying to sell anything to the kids, and therefore the parents don't have to hear about it.
Clickmagkids.com launched in 2008, and enhances the experiences of kids who subscribe to Click. The site includes recommendations for books related to each issue's theme, fun and educational games, projects, and additional enrichment for children. Just like the magazine, the website is ad-free, and provides a safe environment that parents can trust for their children to explore and learn.
Click has won numerous awards, including the Parents' Choice Silver and Gold Awards, the Teacher's Choice Awards for the Family, and the Paul A. Witty Short Story Award.
Uses: Depending on the theme of each issue of the magazine, the issues could be assembled together thematically with books on the same subjects to celebrate holidays, countries, animals, or general interests. For example, one issue I read was all about birds. As an elementary librarian, I could assemble a seasonal display for fall or spring, when the majority of migratory birds are traveling for the season. I could include other books about a particular season or publications that have a seasonal theme. Click has also been used as class sets to supplement curriculum in science and the humanities. Per teacher or department request, I could order and assemble class sets for students to use in the classroom environment to enhance curricular material. Click could also be used for students or children looking for information on a particular subject or interest. The thematic issues could be helpful in enticing a struggling reader to explore a topic in shorter articles rather than a larger, more daunting book as well.
Though I am turned off to some degree by the price point of this publication, Click proves itself to be a phenomenal magazine for families and schools. There is no doubt that it is a quality magazine that continues to stand the test of time along with its sister publications at Cricket Magazine Group.
Click: opening windows for young minds
Copyright: January 2012
Read-alikes:
National Geographic Kids
Ask: Art and Science for kids (also a Cricket publication)
Appleseeds
Click focuses on science and the humanities, with a serious focus on animals and the natural world. In fact, in nearly every copy I perused for this post, animals were showcased prominently.
The magazine is a very slim volume, and is only published monthly nine times per year. For the $34.00 price tag on the subscription, I would expect more content in each issue. The magazine follows a theme for each issue, and makes it feel somewhat one-dimensional. However, there are no advertisements, so if a parent is looking for an educational periodical for a child interested in animals, it is a quality publication. The benefit, of course, is that the magazine is not trying to sell anything to the kids, and therefore the parents don't have to hear about it.
Clickmagkids.com launched in 2008, and enhances the experiences of kids who subscribe to Click. The site includes recommendations for books related to each issue's theme, fun and educational games, projects, and additional enrichment for children. Just like the magazine, the website is ad-free, and provides a safe environment that parents can trust for their children to explore and learn.
Click has won numerous awards, including the Parents' Choice Silver and Gold Awards, the Teacher's Choice Awards for the Family, and the Paul A. Witty Short Story Award.
Uses: Depending on the theme of each issue of the magazine, the issues could be assembled together thematically with books on the same subjects to celebrate holidays, countries, animals, or general interests. For example, one issue I read was all about birds. As an elementary librarian, I could assemble a seasonal display for fall or spring, when the majority of migratory birds are traveling for the season. I could include other books about a particular season or publications that have a seasonal theme. Click has also been used as class sets to supplement curriculum in science and the humanities. Per teacher or department request, I could order and assemble class sets for students to use in the classroom environment to enhance curricular material. Click could also be used for students or children looking for information on a particular subject or interest. The thematic issues could be helpful in enticing a struggling reader to explore a topic in shorter articles rather than a larger, more daunting book as well.
Though I am turned off to some degree by the price point of this publication, Click proves itself to be a phenomenal magazine for families and schools. There is no doubt that it is a quality magazine that continues to stand the test of time along with its sister publications at Cricket Magazine Group.
Click: opening windows for young minds
Copyright: January 2012
Read-alikes:
National Geographic Kids
Ask: Art and Science for kids (also a Cricket publication)
Appleseeds
What rules do you live by?
I picked up Rules mainly because it was a Newbery Honor medal winner, which often means a fantastic read is on the way. I was not disappointed, and even as an adult I learned much about autism, and the struggles of families coping with autism in children. I sympathized with the main character's desire to fit in, in spite of her brother being "different" and I applauded her thoughtfulness toward others, which never felt forced. I learned along with her as she met and befriended Jacob, a boy with cerebral palsy who plays piano and desperately wants to run and play guitar.
Twelve-year-old Catherine lives with her family, including her autistic younger brother. When Catherine is faced with a potential new best friend and a unique friendship at the same time, Catherine must choose. Should she try to have a "normal" life with "normal" friends-- or redefine normal and accept those around her as they are?
Rules is a Newbery Honor Medal winner and has won at least five other awards, including the ALA Notable Children's Book, the NCTE Notable Children's book in the Language Arts, and a Schneider Book Award.
Unlike many young adult and childrens' novels, Rules addresses the struggles of children who live with different abilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. It also illustrates the struggle of the family members who live with and care for the differently-abled. To see the main character Catherine work through her own biases and concerns, a reader can sympathize with her and realize that they may have felt the same way she does around special populations. More than that, it may take a young reader to a place of understanding and realization of not only the limitations but also the tremendous depth and breadth of living that all kids of all abilities can participate in.
The book is recommended for ages nine and up, though enthusiastic readers of younger ages may be up to tackling this slim volume, or a parent could read it to them. Considering the topics covered, this would be a great family or curricular read-aloud for post-reading discussion about biases and what the children knew, didn't know, and found out about the differently-abled. April is National Autism Awareness month and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, the perfect time for a display of this and similar titles such as Al Capone Does My Shirts, Al Capone Shines My Shoes, The Truth Out There, Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap, Looking After Lewis and A Wizard Alone: Book Six in the Young Wizards Series.
Though I won't mention specific titles here, there are also both fiction and nonfiction books for adults on the subject of autism as well, and would be appropriate for display in the adult books section of a public library. I will be pursuing the high school library setting, so I would be most likely to display books such as the Al Capone books that is already on the shelves in the high school in which I work. I appreciate there also being a sci-fi fantasy book that addresses the autism spectrum in a unique setting.
Since there truly are kids from all different backgrounds and experiences, I appreciate Lord for addressing these differences in such a touching way. In addition to read-alikes by other authors listed above, I would also recommend Touch Blue, another novel by Lord about family taking in a foster child and the struggles of doing so, both for the child and for the family that opens their doors and arms.
Twelve-year-old Catherine lives with her family, including her autistic younger brother. When Catherine is faced with a potential new best friend and a unique friendship at the same time, Catherine must choose. Should she try to have a "normal" life with "normal" friends-- or redefine normal and accept those around her as they are?
Rules is a Newbery Honor Medal winner and has won at least five other awards, including the ALA Notable Children's Book, the NCTE Notable Children's book in the Language Arts, and a Schneider Book Award.
Unlike many young adult and childrens' novels, Rules addresses the struggles of children who live with different abilities such as autism and cerebral palsy. It also illustrates the struggle of the family members who live with and care for the differently-abled. To see the main character Catherine work through her own biases and concerns, a reader can sympathize with her and realize that they may have felt the same way she does around special populations. More than that, it may take a young reader to a place of understanding and realization of not only the limitations but also the tremendous depth and breadth of living that all kids of all abilities can participate in.
The book is recommended for ages nine and up, though enthusiastic readers of younger ages may be up to tackling this slim volume, or a parent could read it to them. Considering the topics covered, this would be a great family or curricular read-aloud for post-reading discussion about biases and what the children knew, didn't know, and found out about the differently-abled. April is National Autism Awareness month and April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day, the perfect time for a display of this and similar titles such as Al Capone Does My Shirts, Al Capone Shines My Shoes, The Truth Out There, Eddie and Me on the Scrap Heap, Looking After Lewis and A Wizard Alone: Book Six in the Young Wizards Series.
Though I won't mention specific titles here, there are also both fiction and nonfiction books for adults on the subject of autism as well, and would be appropriate for display in the adult books section of a public library. I will be pursuing the high school library setting, so I would be most likely to display books such as the Al Capone books that is already on the shelves in the high school in which I work. I appreciate there also being a sci-fi fantasy book that addresses the autism spectrum in a unique setting.
Since there truly are kids from all different backgrounds and experiences, I appreciate Lord for addressing these differences in such a touching way. In addition to read-alikes by other authors listed above, I would also recommend Touch Blue, another novel by Lord about family taking in a foster child and the struggles of doing so, both for the child and for the family that opens their doors and arms.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Scholastic, Inc. Copyright 2006
ISBN: 978-0-439-44383-8
Available in Hardcover and Paperback
Monday, April 16, 2012
It's Audiobook Time! A Review of The Island by Gordon Korman
I don't listen to enough audiobooks. I guess it's partly because I've always enjoyed reading books, and listening to podcasts or NPR (because I'm cool like that). However, I'm discovering that I actually get more detail out of an audio book because I tend to skim "boring" parts when I read. One book I've listened to recently is a book I've read and even taught, though it has been years since I've even looked at it: Gordon Korman's The Island. There are three very slim volumes in the paperback set; very approachable for struggling readers. The audio book is just as slim; the whole Book One only takes up two compact discs.
In this story, six young teens are sent by their parents on an outing on board a ship. Some are there as punishment. Some are there as a character-building experience. Some are there to recover from their distressing lives back home. There is a storm, and the captain is killed, the first mate abandons them aboard the sinking vessel, and it's up to the kids to survive.
One great benefit of audio books is that they can be enjoyed by a larger range of ages, including pre-literate toddlers and young children. Though The Island as a book is recommended for grades 5-7, the audio book can be enjoyed by children much younger than that. Content is the only barrier. There is some content where people are thrown overboard off of a ship and die, which very young readers may find distressing.
The reader, Halter Graham, does subtle justice to all of the characters. The differences between the characters' voices are small but effective. The dialogue is sufficient to differentiate the characters further, because each character is distinct and necessary to the story. The quality of the audio is crisp and clear without any distortions, and there are no additional sound effects or music during the narrative. Graham is a very effective speaker because he balances character and situation very well. The characters never become melodramatic or unbelievable. The narrative is unabridged, and split into very short tracks for easy excerpts. Each chapter claims several tracks, so it is easy to be specific in resuming the audio experience.
Overall, Korman's work is stellar already; the choice of reader was excellent, and very enjoyable to listen to. I look forward to continue listening to this short but very exciting trilogy.
In this story, six young teens are sent by their parents on an outing on board a ship. Some are there as punishment. Some are there as a character-building experience. Some are there to recover from their distressing lives back home. There is a storm, and the captain is killed, the first mate abandons them aboard the sinking vessel, and it's up to the kids to survive.
One great benefit of audio books is that they can be enjoyed by a larger range of ages, including pre-literate toddlers and young children. Though The Island as a book is recommended for grades 5-7, the audio book can be enjoyed by children much younger than that. Content is the only barrier. There is some content where people are thrown overboard off of a ship and die, which very young readers may find distressing.
The reader, Halter Graham, does subtle justice to all of the characters. The differences between the characters' voices are small but effective. The dialogue is sufficient to differentiate the characters further, because each character is distinct and necessary to the story. The quality of the audio is crisp and clear without any distortions, and there are no additional sound effects or music during the narrative. Graham is a very effective speaker because he balances character and situation very well. The characters never become melodramatic or unbelievable. The narrative is unabridged, and split into very short tracks for easy excerpts. Each chapter claims several tracks, so it is easy to be specific in resuming the audio experience.
Overall, Korman's work is stellar already; the choice of reader was excellent, and very enjoyable to listen to. I look forward to continue listening to this short but very exciting trilogy.
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