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Reading Log #5
#1 - The Big Bang Book
Format: Physical
Category: Nonfiction
Title: The Big Bang Book
Author: Asa Stahl
Illustrator: Carly Allen-Fletcher
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.75 inches
Publisher: Creston Books
Publication Date: April 7, 2020
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 9-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 9-years-old
My Target Audience: 4 to 9-years-old; I think that this book makes the Big Bang an easier concept for younger readers to understand. It doesn't overexplain the origin of the universe, but provides easy reading and eye-catching imagery to explain it instead while still being effective in teaching the reader.
Awards Won: Outstanding Science Trade Books, Commended in 2021
Qualities of Book: This book discusses the phenomenon of the Big Bang that created the universe as we've come to know it. I quite like how it leads into the theory that there might be others living in the universe. The author discusses that some planets are too hot, some too cold. Then he says that "at the edge of one galaxy, around one star, there's a planet just right. And on that planet is you. And everyone else. The story of the universe is our story." Then he leads into the idea of other life by introducing it in a similar way by saying "And maybe, in some distant galaxy or in our very own Milky Way, on another planet that's just right, it's someone else's story too." The images show this connection as well, as a human and an alien are both seen in their own bedrooms.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This book would be good for a science lesson, likely in more of a school setting. Students can discuss science and its theories, what's known and unknown.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: I would recommend this to kids that love science or aliens. I think that the imagery would grab their attention as well if they were to flip through it.
#2 - Caring for Your Dog
Format: Physical
Category: Nonfiction
Title: Caring for Your Dog
Author & Illustrator: Derek Zobel
Page Count: 24
Dimensions: 6.6 x 0.3 x 9.1 inches
Publisher: Bellwether Media
Publication Date: August 8, 2010
Target Audience: Catalog: 7 to 10-years-old; Amazon: 7 to 10-years-old
My Target Audience: 7 to 10-years-old. This book comes in a series called the "Pet Care Library" and the books included in the series are Level 4 reads. The book classifies this as having an increase of vocabulary difficulty, more punctuations, and more text on the page. I agree, it even consists of a glossary at the end to provide definitions for the words that are new and more difficult.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: The book doesn't overcomplicate a dog's needs. Not only does it discuss basic care of the dog, but it also discusses the importance of getting to know your dog. It does this by discussing the difference between a purebreed and a mixed breed and how it could influence the dog's overall health. Readers will have with a lot of information on how to take care of their dog, which also teaches them about responsibility.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: A good resource for an animal-based project in schools.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers who love dogs, owns a dog, or are interested in animal care would be drawn to reading this book.
#3 - Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls
Format: Physical
Category: Biography
Title: Dragonflies of Glass: The Story of Clara Driscoll and the Tiffany Girls
Author: Susan Goldman Rubin
Illustrator: Susanna Chapman
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 8.45 x 0.55 x 11.4 inches
Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: February 11, 2025
Target Audience: Catalog: N/A; Amazon: 6 to 9-years-old
My Target Audience: 6 to 10-years-old. I was initially considered with the number of words on some of the pages, but I think it is perhaps a good transitional book into the age where readers are encouraged to read more chapter books. The book still consists of beautiful imagery and a picture book format that young readers are used to, but it also consists of an increased amount of text, which would help them read a slightly longer story.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: One of the aspects of this book that I found interesting was the addition of some of what Clara wrote to her family, and on many of these pages her family can be seen in the images at the bottom of the pages receiving those letters. It adds an extra element to the imagery, like the story is taking place in two places.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: While reading this book, I thought it would be good for Women's History Month. Perhaps students/readers could draw their own stained-glass idea.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers that love art and/or nature would be drawn to this book because it appeals to both sides.
#4 - Outdoor Math
Format: Digital
Category: Math Activities
Title: Outdoor Math: Fun Activities for Every Season
Author & Illustrator: Emma AdB氓ge
Page Count: 26
Dimensions: 8.13 x 0.5 x 9.75 inches
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Publication Date: April 1, 2016
Target Audience: Catalog: 5 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 5 to 8-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 8-years-old. There are a few mathematical subjects included in this book, but all of which are geared within the book's target audience.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: This book integrates different types of math (counting, patterns, shapes, addition, subtraction, etc.) into something fun to do outdoors during different seasons. It finds a way to make these aspects of math more active and engaging.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used more in a school setting. It could be used as a fun math activity while still giving students the opportunity to get some fresh air.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers who like math or being outdoors would be drawn to this book.
#5 - A is for Activist
Format: Physical
Category: Picture Book
Title: A is for Activist
Author & Illustrator: Innosanto Nagara
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 9.3 x 0.38 x 9.28 inches
Publisher: Triangle Square
Publication Date: November 10, 2016
Target Audience: Catalog: 3 to 7-years-old; Amazon: 1 to 3-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 8-years old. Parents are likely going to use this book for a much younger audience, like the one Amazon describes. However, I doubt that many (if any) children in that age range are going to understand this book. This isn't a bad book to introduce to kids, but I think that anyone under 5 might be too young.
Awards Won: We Are Kid Lit Collective Reading Lists, 2015 (Selection)
Qualities of Book: The structure is quite simple. There is a cat on each page that readers are encouraged to find, which will help keep them engaged in the book.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: Perhaps for a public library program. This is so it can be advertised, and parents know that their child is going to be experiencing this book during the program.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers that are interested in activism. This may seem odd, but I was interested in activism beginning at around age 7, so I don't deem this impossible for this some in this age range. Especially with the growth of diversity and inclusion in children's books. It depends on what children are exposed to (for instance, I read a lot of nonfiction).
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Reading Log #4
#1 - The Honeybee
Format: Physical
Category: Picture Book
Title: The Honeybee
Author: Kirsten Hall
Illustrator: Isabelle Arsenault
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 8.75 x 0.5 x 11 inches
Publisher: 聽Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 8, 2018
Target Audience: Catalog: 2 to 5-years-old; Amazon: 1 to 4-years-old
My Target Audience: 1 to 5-years-old; I think that this story would be very entertaining for readers to engage with, even if they are really young and may not understand the words themselves.
Awards Won: Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Title, 2019
Qualities of Book: The book includes rhymes, as most poems typically do. What makes this book fun and engaging however is its consistent use of onomatopoeia throughout. They mimic the pace of a bee, which would be fast but exciting at the same time.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used in a nature-themed program, likely around Earth Day, and can be used in both libraries and schools
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The story is bright and colorful, which will likely catch the eye of the reader initially. The way in which the story is told will likely keep them engaged.
#2 - Snow Birds
Format: Physical
Category: Picture Book
Title: Snow Birds
Author: Kirsten Hall
Illustrator: Jenni Desmond
Page Count: 40
Dimensions: 9.35 x 0.65 x 10.85 inches
Publisher: 聽Harry N. Abrams
Publication Date: November 3, 2020
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 8-years-old
My Target Audience: I'm unsure about the target audience. For the most part, I agree with 4 to 8. Though there are instances where I think 4 might be too young. My only concern is that I'm unsure that telling young readers that the owl killed the bunny ("Did the hare escape? Almost.") is appropriate. Will they understand it? Perhaps not. It also shows a polar bear eating a seal. I think this is more up to the parent/teacher/caregiver on whether or not they expose a child to it than the child's age. There are a few kids that I know that I wouldn't read this to because they'd be too sensitive to it, but others at the same age might be okay reading it, as well as those who are older.
Awards Won: Junior Library Guild Selections, 2021; Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2021
Qualities of Book: The book, similar to her book The Honeybee, uses a lot of engaging onomatopoeia to help tell the story.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: If students are learning about different types of birds, their environment, or even about the food chain, this might be a good book to use in a classroom.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers can find their favorite bird and read poems about them.
#3 - National Geographic Book of Nature Poetry
Format: Physical
Category: Nature Poetry Anthology
Title: Book of Nature Poetry
Author: J. Patrick Lewis
Illustrator: N/A
Page Count: 192
Dimensions: 9.5 x 0.75 x 11.13 inches
Publisher: National Geographic Kids
Publication Date: October 13, 2015
Target Audience: Catalog: 3 to 5-years-old; Amazon: 3 to 5-years-old
My Target Audience: 3 and up; I think that there are some poems that may be tougher for a younger audience, but those would be good towards those even older than 5.
Awards Won: ALSC Notable Children's Books, 2016; Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2016
Qualities of Book: The book uses eye-catching pictures that coincide with the poems that are included
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This would be good for a classroom analysis, I think it would be too long of a book to include in a library program.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: One of the biggest appeals that the book includes is its wide array of animals that are sure to grab the attention of those reading it.
#4 - A Year of Nature Poems
Format: Physical
Category: Nature Poetry Anthology
Title: A Year of Nature Poems
Author: Joseph Coelho
Illustrator: Kelly Louise Judd
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 9.65 x 0.45 x 11.35 inches
Publisher: Wide Eyed Editions
Publication Date: January 8, 2019
Target Audience: Catalog: N/A; Amazon: 9 to 12-years-old
My Target Audience: 9 to 12-years-old; I wouldn't adjust the target audience. I think that the way that the poems are written are geared more towards an older audience, as would the programs and activities that would follow it.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: Each poem gives the reader an opportunity to learn something new (like the Summer Solstice and hibernation)
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used in a library or classroom setting, though I think it could be used more than once in a classroom setting as classes change every year.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Primarily the bright illustrations, which make the book seem calm and mystical
#5 - My First Book of Haiku Poems: a Picture, a Poem and a Dream
Format: Physical
Category: Haiku Collection
Title: My First Book of Haiku Poems
Author: Esperanza Ramirez-Christensen
Illustrator: Tracy Gallup
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 10.2 x 0.5 x 10.2 inches
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Target Audience: Catalog: 5 to 9-years-old; Amazon: 5 to 9-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 9-years-old; the book is written in both English and Japanese, which might be difficult for young readers younger than 5.
Awards Won: Notable Poetry and Verse Novels, 2020; Skipping Stones Honor Awards, 2019
Qualities of Book: The book exposes children to more than one language. It also provides an explanation of each haiku that allow readers to reflect.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this being used in a library and classroom setting, perhaps with a translator to include the original Japanese text that the haikus are written in. As stated previously, it also includes explanations and opportunities for readers to reflect.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Japanese or Japanese American readers would likely be drawn to this book.
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Reading Log #3
#1 - Aesop's Fables
Format: Print
Category: Fable Anthology
Title: Aesop's Fables
Author: Aesop
Illustrator: Arthur Rackham
Page Count: 224
Dimensions: 5.75 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches
Publisher: Avenel Books
Publication Date: September 8, 1992
Target Audience: Catalog: 2nd to 9th grade; Amazon: 3rd to 4th grade
My Target Audience: 3rd to 9th grade; I think that these would be interesting for students to analyze. I think that from 3rd to 5th grade, the instructor would have to choose individual fables from the book instead of analyzing every fable. I feel as though some may be too difficult in both vocabulary and interpretation.
Awards Won: Notable Children's Books List, 2001
Qualities of Book: I found few good qualities about this book. Some of the fables were good because they were easy to interpret, even for some readers who are on the younger side of the target audience. Others were more difficult, which is why the target audience ends at a much older grade level.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I can see this being used primarily in schools, perhaps students each choose a fable to interpret, or the fables can be interpreted in a class discussion.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book mixes fantasy characters with important lessons. Students may have fun trying to interpret the fables.
#2 - Johnny Appleseed
Format: Print
Category: Tall Tale (Picture Book)
Title: Johnny Appleseed
Author & Illustrator: Steven Kellogg
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.36 x 11 inches
Publisher: 聽HarperCollins
Publication Date: August 22, 1988
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 3 to 9-years-old
My Target Audience: 3 to 9-years-old; I think that the story would be best suited for those in this age group because I think that the pictures would grab the attention of the younger audience, while the story itself would grab the attention of those who are older.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: The illustrations are well done and intriguing. I think that it properly conveys the important message of spreading happiness and helping others in a way that is enjoyable for its audience.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used as a read aloud in class or as a book used in storytime in a library setting.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: This book combines realism with fantasy. I think those interested in nature and animals would also be drawn to this book.
#3 - How the Chipmunk Got Its Stripes
Format: Print
Category: Pourquoi Tale (Picture Book)
Title: How Chipmunk Got His Stripes
Author: Joseph Bruchac & James Bruchac
Illustrator: Jose Aruego & Ariane Dewey
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 8.28 x 0.43 x 10.4 inches
Publisher: Dial
Publication Date: March 1, 2001
Target Audience: Catalog: 5 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 3 to 6-years-old
My Target Audience: 3 to 6-years-old; I think that this book is geared towards a younger audience. Those above the age of 6 might not find it as enjoyable as those younger would.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: The illustrations are the most important quality because it shows readers the relation between Bear's claws and Brown Squirrel's back and how it changed.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This would be good for storytime in both schools and libraries and then have young readers analyze the myth.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Students who explore their curiosity are open to learning origin myths, similar to that of the one used in this book.
#4 - The Egyptian Cinderella
Format: Digital
Category: Picture Book
Title: The Egyptian Cinderella
Author: Shirley Climo
Illustrator: Ruth Heller
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 聽8 x 0.33 x 10 inches
Publisher: 鈥嶩arperCollins
Publication Date: September 15, 1989
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 8-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 9-years-old; I don't believe that the story would hold the attention of those under the age of 5. It isn't a bad story, but there's a lot of text and I worry that many of those under 5 may not be able to sit through the whole story. I extended the age group as well because I felt that 9-year-olds would be able to do some sort of project on it.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: This is a modern retelling of one of the oldest versions of Cinderella. There are literary differences that make the book feel new and interesting. It was interesting that Rhodopis (Cinderella) never goes to the Pharoah's court (the ball); instead, one of her rose gold slippers is taken from her by an eagle and dropped onto the Pharoah's lap.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used in school as an introduction to subjects like mythology and folklore, using a story that is rather well-known. I could see students completing a project or analysis for the story.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Cinderella is a popular enough story to make it appeal to young readers, as it opens them to new versions of their favorite character.
#5 - Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella
Format: Print
Category: Picture Book
Title: Cinders: A Chicken Cinderella
Author & Illustrator: Jan Brett
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 10.37 x 0.42 x 11.27 inches
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: November 5, 2013
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 8-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 8-years-old; I don't think that the story would be able to hold the attention of most under the age of 5.
Awards Won: N/A
Qualities of Book: One of the most interesting qualities about the book is the presence of altered material to include chickens into a story that has existed for centuries. The new spin on the story makes it interesting and still feel new.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this story being used in a storytime. Perhaps even a lesson on fairytales and analyzing different versions that students are able to find.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Fans of Cinderella, and those who enjoy humor as they read will be drawn to this book.
#6 - Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx
Format: Print
Category: Graphic Novel/Picture Book
Title: Marcy and the Riddle of the Sphinx
Author & Illustrator: Joe Todd-Stanton
Page Count: 56
Dimensions: 7.81 x 0.44 x 10.56 inches
Publisher: Flying Eye Books
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Target Audience: Catalog: 5 to 9-years-old; Amazon: 5 to 9-years-old
My Target Audience: 5 to 9-years-old; I think that this is a good example of riddles for this story to be experienced by this age group. I also find that it would be easier for those in this age group to understand.
Awards Won: Ringo Award Nomination
Qualities of Book: The story and the illustrations pull readers into a fun adventure that mixes with Egyptian mythology, which is likely something that is new and intriguing.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used to teach young readers about riddles and puzzles. Perhaps students can create their own adventures that require their own riddles to be solved.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The illustrations in this book attracts young readers who engage with graphic novels.
Riddle: "I am bright when it's dark, and dark when it's bright. I am the shepherd of the night. Who am I?"
Answer: The North Star
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Reading Log #2
#1 - Bee & Me
Format: Print
Category: Wordless Picture Book
Title: Bee & Me
Author & Illustrator: Alison Jay
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 10 x 0.37 x 9.95 inches
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Publication Date: Original: 2016; United States Publication: March 17, 2017
Story/Theme: Friendship; a bee flies into the room of a little girl. Startled, the little girl puts a cup over the bee to contain it. After researching bees, she lets the bee out and nurtures it. The bee leaves, but it starts to rain, so the bee returns soaked and unable to fly. She takes care of the bee and then they start hanging out together, the bee grows as they continue to interact with each other. They visit a flower shop, and the bee realizes that there aren't many flowers or plants in town. The little girl rides on the bee to a field where they pick flowers. When they return to town, they fly over and drop the collected flowers onto the town before the bee leaves. Seasons pass and come spring, there are flowers everywhere, even on the roofs of houses.
Target Audience: Catalog: 2 to 5-years-old; Amazon: 2 to 5-years-old
My Recommended Audience: 2 to 7-years-old. This book is not difficult to understand, but I think that some lessons can extend to a slightly older audience. For example, those that are learning about bee pollination or plant growth in class could utilize and enjoy this book.
Awards: N/A
Qualities of Book: As a wordless book, the story relies on the illustrations. The bee isn't made to look scary, even though it grows significantly in size. I think that it conveys the message to make friends with nature and provides a simple way to understand the importance of bees.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used in relation to outdoors, the importance of bees, or plant growth. This would be a good book to include in a program or curriculum surrounding those topics.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers that are interested in nature would be more drawn to this book.
#2 - Bluebird
Format: Print
Category: Wordless Picture Book
Title: Blue Bird
Author & Illustrator: Bob Staake
Page Count: 40 pages
Dimensions: 9.8 x 0.39 x 11.38 inches
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
Publication Date: April 9, 2013
Story/Theme: Friendship, Grief. A lonely boy is followed around by a bluebird. He notices the bluebird and they become friends. The bluebird encourages the boy to make other friends, and he becomes happier. They come across bullies, who throw a stick at the boy. The bird tries to defend the boy but gets hit with the stick and is fatally injured. The boy is now sad as he holds his friend, until birds of many different colors come to fly him to the sky so that he is able to let go of his friend, who flies into the clouds and disappears.
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 8-years-old
My Recommended Audience: 4 and up; I think that those younger than four may not fully understand the theme of grief and loss. If they have experienced any at that point, they likely don't remember it. I think that grief is hard for any child to navigate through, which is why I think that the audience should have the ability to go beyond 8 if need be.
Awards: N/A
Qualities of Book: Due to the lack of words, the illustrations tell the story. The birds in the story are the primary source of color in the book, as they are meant to provide comfort and happiness throughout the story.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This book would be good to teach young readers about loss. I think that this book would be better used by individuals. If a child is experiencing loss, this book would be a good source for them to learn more about it.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers:
#3 - Mother Goose Goes to India
Format: Print
Category: Picture Book
Title: Mother Goose Goes to India
Authors: 聽Kabir Sehgal聽and聽Surishtha Sehgal
Illustrator: Wazza Pink聽
Page Count: 32 pages
Dimensions: 9.75 x 0.4 x 9.75 inches
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
Publication Date: 2021
Story/Theme: A retelling of Mother Goose nursery rhymes through Indian heritage and Hindi language.
Target Audience: Catalog: 4 to 8-years-old; Amazon: 4 to 8-years-old
My Recommended Audience: 4 to 8-years-old; this book is not suitable for those under the age of 4, as children are typically learning to read from age 4. Overall, I think that the audience depends on level of exposure. Children whose parents are already teaching them Hindi, this is a good book to start at age 4. For those who are new to the language of Hindi, the older part of this audience spectrum would likely be more suitable.
Awards: NCTE Notable Book in Poetry, 2023
Qualities of Book: The book includes words in Hindi that readers can learn. Each word includes a translation to help readers understand what each word means and how to pronounce it.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This would be a good book to use in any library/school program that revolves around the topic of Indian heritage. If students/readers are learning about different cultures, this book would be good to include.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: Readers with Indian heritage or are interested in Indian heritage.
#4 - Dr. Seuss's ABC
Format: Digital
Category: Alphabet Book for Early Readers
Title: Dr. Seuss's ABC
Author & Illustrator: Dr. Seuss
Page Count: 63 pages
Dimensions: 6.81 x 0.42 x 9.31 inches
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: Original: 1963; Digital Version Release: 2014
Story/Theme: Each letter includes examples of words that start with each letter, incorporating elements like capital/lowercase letters and the same letters with different pronunciations
Target Audience: Catalog: N/A; Amazon: 1 to 3-year-olds
My Recommended Audience: 7 and under; this book is for those learning how to read, which also applies to those older than 3.
Awards: N/A
Qualities of Book: Some letters include more than one way to pronounce a letter. For example, the letter 'C' uses both "camel" and "ceiling." Neither word uses the letter in the same way. It also shows the difference between a capital letter and a lowercase letter.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this being used more in a classroom as children are being taught how to read. If a library were to have a program to teach children how to start reading independently, I think that it could be used in that circumstance as well.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The popularity of the author is likely to interest readers who are just learning how to read. It also presents a fun way to learn how to read.
Digital Effectiveness: Digital version was pretty effective. I think that this format would be good when addressing an entire class for a reading lesson.
#5 - The ABCs of Calm
Format: Digital
Category: Alphabet Board Book
Title: The ABCs of Calm
Authors: Rose Rossner and Brooke Backsen
Illustrator: Nicola Anderson (AndoTwin)
Page Count: 32
Dimensions: 7.25 x 1 x 7.25 inches
Publisher: 聽Sourcebooks Wonderland
Publication Date: July 5, 2022
Story/Theme: Mindfulness, kindness; each letter is a strategy to practice mindfulness and kindness to oneself.
Target Audience: Catalog: Under 3-years-old; Amazon: Baby to 3-years-olds
My Recommended Audience: Baby to 4-years-old; it is a board book; they typically target a much younger audience. However, I could see it being used in something like storytime or school activities and I think that that level of engagement would be enjoyed by those aged 4.
Awards: None
Qualities of Book: The book offers mindfulness strategies to younger children in a way that could be understood. It also uses animals for each letter (Bee for B, Cat for C, Dog for D, etc.,).
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used for either a library program, like storytime, or as a part of a certain curriculum, like teaching young children how to care for themselves.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book introduces mindfulness in a fun and easy way. It is also an interactive book, which entertains the younger audience and promotes engagement.
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Reading Log #1
Here is a list of books read for the first reading log:
#1 - Outside In
Format: Digital
URL: Libby - Outside In
Title: Outside In
Author: Deborah Underwood
Illustrator: Cindy Derby
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 10 x 0.38 x 8.5 inches
Publisher: Clarion Books
Publication Date: April 14, 2020
Story/Theme: When a little girl starts spending most of her time indoors, Outside finds different ways to remind her of that it is always around, even when inside. The story's theme is that our lives are interconnected with nature, even if we aren't actively engaging with it.
Target Audience: Catalog - 4 to 7-year-olds; Amazon - 3 to 6-year-olds
My Recommended Audience: 3 to 7-year-olds; I think that this is a good book for younger audiences. It has concepts that can be understood by those within this age range.
Awards Won: Caldecott Honoree, 2021
Narrative Plot: A girl gets in the car and arrives at her house, where she spends most of her time indoors. The girl seems to have forgotten Outside, but there are many ways that Outside reminds us that they are still there, even when inside.
Text/Picture Relation: The illustration, in my opinion, enhances the story. The story is told from the point of view of Outside. Each picture, the environment is the main focus, as it tries to get the attention of the little girl in the story.
Storytelling Techniques: Personification; the narrator personifies Outside. There are many references to Outside sending the sunsets and the shadows inside so they can play and how it sings through the birds and winds. Outside reminds us that they are there when we forget about them.
Physical Structure: 10 x 0.38 x 8.5 inches; 40 pages; 13 spreads
Qualities of Book: I think that the storytelling and illustrations are positive qualities of the book. The story connects Outside with what children will be familiar with; the pets they have, the clothes they wear, the food they eat, their morning and night routines, the chairs they sit in. The illustrations enhance those notions by showing each connection, like when the shadows of the chair that the girl is sitting in are reflecting the trees that were used to make the chair.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I think this would be a good story time book. It could also be used to build a program or an activity around nature in library and school settings.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: I think that the book encourages young readers to find how nature influences their lives, and to also see nature as a friend. I think that the book would promote engagement and curiosity.
Digital Effectiveness: I found the digital version to be rather effective while I was reading, but I think having the book in my hands instead of on my screen would have been more effective.
#2 - Big
Format: Print
Title: Big
Author & Illustrator: Vashti Harrison
Page Count: 58 pages
Dimensions: 9.4 x 0.7 x 10.85 inches
Publisher: 聽Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication Date: May 2nd, 2023
Story/Theme: A little girl experiences low self-esteem after being treated differently due to her weight.
Target Audience: Catalog - 4 to 8-year-olds; Amazon - 5-years-old and up
My Target Audience: 4 to 8-years-old. I looked into why it is that this book is geared more toward elementary, and even middle school grade levels. It seems as though some think that the book's topic and message are intended for a slightly older audience, which increases the target audience demographic, starting at 5 or 6-years-old at least. I think that defeats the purpose of the book. The point of the book is to provide an age-appropriate way for younger children to understand this topic, especially if they or someone they know is experiencing it. I'd argue that it is suited for such a demographic.
Awards Won: Caldecott Award Winner, 2024; Coretta Scott King Honor Title
Narrative Plot: The narrator explains that the little girl has a big laugh, a big heart, and big dreams. As she grew, she felt good about herself as her dreams grew with her. As she got a bit older, it was brought to her attention that she was bigger than the other kids. One day, her and her friends were talking about their ballet recital at the playground, and she gets stuck in the swing. After that, she started to feel small, judged, and invisible. Instead of being a flower at the recital, her pink outfit is painted gray, and she is made into a mountain. She runs off and hides. Then she breaks down, and she starts to feel better. She returns the hurtful words to those that gave them to her. She feels comfortable in her own skin, realizing that she was just a girl.
Text/Picture Relation: As the text described how it worsened for the little girl, she was drawn to continuously look bigger and her insecurity got bigger. The illustrations also echo words of confidence, but also words of insecurity. For this reason, I think that the illustrations enhance the story.
Storytelling Techniques: The story is told through emotion as the reader experiences the first few years of the little girl's life and her struggles.
Physical Structure: 9.4 x 0.7 x 10.85 inches; 60 pages; 18 two-page spreads, 1 4-page spread
Qualities of Book: I enjoyed the artwork. In a short amount of time, the reader is given the opportunity to get to know this little girl, possibly even seeing themselves in her.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: When discussing bullying, whether it be a theme at school or in a library, this would be a necessity to include in the lineup. This book would do best as an example of finding confidence in yourself, but also that words can hurt and scar people.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book appeals most to those who can relate to it. The little girl gives many readers the opportunity to relate to her and find comfort and confidence in themselves.
#3 - We Are Water Protectors
Format: Print
Title: We Are Water Protectors
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Page Count: 34
Dimensions: 10.4 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: March 17th, 2020
Story/Theme: A young girl, along with her tribe, stand against the black snake that is said to harm their water, and thus their land and its inhabitants.
Target Audience: Catalog - 3 to 6-year-olds; Amazon - 3 to 7-year-olds
My Target Audience: 3 to 7-year-olds; I think that younger children would enjoy the overall emotion and inspiration of the story. I think that kids that are a little older could enjoy it as well. I think that this demographic is old enough to understand the importance of caring for nature and its inhabitants. While I think that the metaphor of the oil pipes being a black snake is a strong one, I think that it can be explained rather simply to the youngest readers of this demographic.
Awards Won: Caldecott Award Winner, 2021; Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner
Narrative Plot: The narrator explains that her grandmother told her that water is medicine, it is what we come from. Her tribe speaks of a black snake that will eventually destroy the land by poisoning the water, and thus any living thing that consumes it. The narrator rallies her people together against the black snake, especially for those who are unable to do it themselves. The narrator states that her grandmother had told her that water has its own spirit, it remembers those that came before. She states that the black snake is in for the fight of its life.
Text/Picture Relation: I think that the illustration complements the story and makes the message easy to understand. They are fascinating and pull you further into the story.
Storytelling Techniques: This story uses metaphors, especially regarding the black snake. The black snake is actually black pipes, and its venom is actually the oil that spreads and poisons the water and the land. It also has a hint of simile when discussing that their tears stream down like waterfalls. It also uses repetition; there is one page that repeats every few pages.
Physical Struture: 10.4 x 0.5 x 10.3 inches; 40 pages; 14 spreads
Qualities of Book: The illustrations are a strength of the book. They add emotion, curiosity, and understanding.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This would be a good book around the theme of Earth Day, whether it be in celebration in the library or school setting. I could also see this being used a book read for homework when discussing different topics at school, such as the importance of water.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book follows an Indigenous-led movement that would appeal to those interested or involved in the culture, or young readers that are interested in the movement, itself. Similar books have inspired young readers to become active voices for causes such as these, and I think it would appeal to them most.
#4 - Have You Ever Seen a Flower?
Format: Digital
URL: Libby - Have You Ever Seen a聽Flower?
Title: Have You Ever Seen a Flower?
Author & Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Page Count: 48
Dimensions: 11.4 x 0.55 x 9.9 inches
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Publication Date: May 4th, 2021
Story/Theme: A little girl experiences flowers beyond just seeing them. She learns the similarities between herself and the flowers.
Target Audience: Catalog - 3 to 5-year-olds; Amazon - 1 to 5-year-olds
My Recommended Audience: 2 to 5-year-olds; I think that there are some aspects that could be enjoyed by a much younger audience. It has aspects that kids can interact with, like when it says, "Now put your hands on your belly and say, 'This is my stem'". I think that 1-year-olds might only understand that part of the book.
Awards Won: Caldecott Honoree, 2022
Narrative Plot: A little girl experiences flowers in different ways. She closes her eyes and smells the flower's fragrance, what does she see? She imagines who she could see in the flowers. Then the narrator begins to compare flowers to humans, comparing our veins and the flower's. We, like flowers, bloom and change; especially when we care for ourselves.
Text/Picture Relation: In my opinion, the illustrations complement the text. It helps describe the text, especially in relation to comparing ourselves and flowers.
Storytelling Techniques: This story is told using questions and sensory immersion. Throughout the story, the narrator is asking the reader questions, which invites them to find the answers. It also encourages the readers to use their senses to find those answers.
Physical Structure: 11.4 x 0.55 x 9.9 inches; 48 pages; 20 spreads
Qualities of Book: The book has intellectual weight, especially when comparing ourselves to flowers. It also encourages imagination and inquiry when it asks the reader to say what they see when they smell the flower.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: I could see this book being used for storytime programs, taking place outdoors so that the kids can interact as well. I could also see this book being used as a resource for a subject related to science or health.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book encourages engagement that young readers, in my opinion, would have fun interacting with.
Digital Effectiveness: Overall, the digital version was fine. During my first read, I was seeing the individual pages, which meant that every spread (which was every page turn) was broken up. I didn't feel as though it was effective. I did get to alter my settings on Libby during my second read to show both sides so that I could see all spreads entirely, which was much better and more effective.
#5 - The Truth About Dragons
Format: Digital
URL: Libby - The Truth About聽Dragons
Title: The Truth About Dragons
Author: Julie Leung
Illustrator: Hanna Cha
Page Count: 25
Dimensions: 11.35 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Publication Date: August 15th, 2023
Story/Theme: A mother tells her son the truth about two dragons from different cultures. The theme is having a multicultural background.
Target Audience: Catalog - 4 to 8-year-olds; Amazon - 4 to 8-year-olds
My Recommended Audience: 4 to 8-years-old; I think that this book wouldn't be greatly understood by those younger than 4, but it can be understood and enjoyed by an older group. I would not use this book for any programs that are primarily aimed at those under the age of 4.
Awards Won: Caldecott Honor Book, 2024; Winner of the Asian Pacific American Award for Literature
Narrative Plot: Before bed, a mother tells her son that there is a special magic that lives within him, but first he must find out the truth about dragons. She sends him on an adventure to the witch's cottage, where he must ask her the truth about dragons. The witch tells him of dragons that hoard treasure in caves and have wings like a bat. His mother tells him that there is another path, where he should find a white rabbit who keeps the Moon Goddess company. The rabbit puts him on the path towards another wise woman, where he is told to ask her for more truth about dragons. The wise woman tells him of a dragon who is like a serpent, who has a pearl in its chin and lives in the clouds. His mother tells him that many people have only one dragon and they may attempt to force him to choose one path. She tells him that both dragons are in his heart, and they are his to discover; and he has two grandmothers who would love to share their truths about dragons with him.
Text/Picture Relation: The pictures enhance the text, as they accurately describe what goes on in the text. One does not overcome the other. For example, when the witch is describing the dragon, it gives the reader an entire dragon to look at, and that dragon is displayed as being the main focus of those pages.
Storytelling Techniques: One of the techniques in the storytelling is the use of sensory words; like crunch, whispers, and glowing. It also alludes to the sense of smell when describing that the witch's house smells of apple cider and sugar cookies. The story also uses simile to describe the similarities between the dragons and other animals.
Physical Structure: 11.35 x 0.4 x 9.3 inches; 25 pages; 14 spreads
Qualities of Book: I think that the story is very engaging, and the illustrations complement the text as readers imagine that they, too, are going on adventure to discover the truth about dragons. There are more words on some of the pages, which would be a good quality for young readers who are old enough to understand and remain engaged in the story, but it would not be suitable for the much younger demographic.
Potential Usage for Young Readers: This would be a good book for Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage during the month of May, and any programs that could be incorporated to celebrate.
Book's Appeal to Young Readers: The book talks about two different types of dragons, one from Western culture and one from Eastern Culture. I think that the adventure, along with the dragons, would pull young readers in. I also think that this would be a good book that can connect young readers to their families and heritage.
Digital Effectiveness: I was able to access this book on my phone and my laptop, as with the other digital books on this list. The version on my phone was really small, and so I would have to zoom in and swipe on the screen in order to read and see everything. The version on my laptop, with a few adjustments, was rather effective. Additionally, the pages of the book that are not spreads have a border that goes down at the spine of the book that is much easier to see in the digital version because the pages don't curve towards the spine like they would in a physical copy.
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