Imagine the Possibilities

Today is a twofer! I am participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday and Laura Renaud’s #DebutReviewChallenge.

Title: The Amazing Idea of You

Author: Charlotte Sullivan Wild

Illustrators: Mary Lundquist

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Publication Date: February 5, 2019

Ages: 4-8

Themes: Individuality, creative potential

Opening:       Hidden in this apple

            is the idea of a tree

wrapped tight in this shiny seed.

Take a bite

drop a bit

the idea might take root

sprout

shoot up

into the blue.

Summary (from the inside book cover): Illustrations and simple text reveal that there is potential in every seed to be a tree, in every tadpole to be a frog, and in every child to be a unique and creative adult.

Resources: The author includes an activity guide, resources, and additional activities on her website (www.charlotteswild.com). 

Why I Like This Book: The simplicity of the text and illustrations make this book ideal for young readers. Through her lyrical language, Charlotte Sullivan Wild compares what happens in nature to the potential in all of us. The illustrations complement the text so well and tell an additional story of the growth of a child and the idea within her. This book celebrates possibility!

Today I am participating in Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Book Friday. Be sure to check it out here.

Title: A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal

Author: Carmen Oliver

Illustrator: Katy Dockrill

Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2019   Non-fiction

Intended Audience: Ages 6-9 (and up)

Themes: environmental activism; perseverance; animal habitats

Opening page: Simon peered through a telescope from a lookout post in Yellowstone National Park. Hours ticked by. Rain soaked his clothes. Still, he didn’t budge.

Synopsis: (from the publisher): As a child, Simon Jackson found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. As a teenager, he became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear with creamy white fur. These elusive creatures were losing their habitat to deforestation, and Simon knew he had to do something to protect them. He decided he would become the voice for the spirit bears. But first, he would have to find his own.

Resources: In addition to the wonderful back matter included in the book, you can find a teaching guide on the publisher’s website here. There is also a video on Carmen Oliver’s website here.

For Susanna’s complete list of books with resources, please visit Perfect Picture Books.

Title: Sweety

Author/Illustrator: Andrea Zuill

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2019

Fiction

Age Range: 3-7 years

Theme: Finding the courage to be yourself; fitting in

Opening Lines: Sweety was awkward. Even for a naked mole rat. Her own grandmother called her a little square peg. Sweety didn’t exactly know what that meant. But she did know that she didn’t always fit in.

Synopsis (from Amazon): Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses, and some very unusual hobbies, including interpretive dance and fungus identification. She’s intense and passionate–and her peers don’t always get her. But surely there are other mushroom lovers out there? As Sweety sets out to find them, she comes to realize–with a little help from her cool Aunt Ruth– that being Sweety is actually pretty awesome. With heart and humor and a whole lot of charm, Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you you–and that’s something many kids are going to relate to.

Why I Like This Book: The charming illustrations pair perfectly with the text to remind kids that although it isn’t always easy to fit in, it is important to stay true to yourself. A great book for anyone looking to find their people! Sweety is a very likable character who will steal your heart.