7 Days of Books, Day 1 Nature and Animals

Welcome! I am so excited to celebrate another #7DaysOfBooks of children's literature with recommendations, prizes, high-fives to wonderfully talented and generous authors and illustrators, and the feeling of joy that comes from sharing books with others. 

So many wonderful books are being published these days, and it is hard to get to them all. I can't think of a better gift at the holidays than a book. Or better yet, books!

Holiday lights in Georgia: https://www.exploregeorgia.org/things-to-do/article/georgias-signature-holiday-events

Yes, there are lots of wonderful things that come with the holidays, like spending time outdoors and indoors. Resting in order to recharge the soul. Connecting with friends and family whom we haven't seen a while. And catching up on a good story. Or a few!

Holiday lights in Oklahoma: https://www.travelok.com/articles/top-holiday-light-displays-in-oklahoma

I love to give and receive books, and I especially love gifting a book on a topic that I know is a perfect match for someone I love. I hope that you'll find that kind of match among the titles I'm sharing over the next seven days. Titles that I was lucky enough to have enjoyed during the last six months. 

I'll bet that you have your own favorites, too, so please go ahead and share those titles in the comments so that I and others can check them out.

Gift wrapping inspirations

Plus! There are some wonderful prize giveaways that you will have a chance to win! 

Just follow the steps in the DAILY rafflecopters in order to earn your chances for each day. Winners will be announced by the evening of December 10. 

And now, here we go! We'll be kicking off the #7DaysOfBooks event with books related to Nature and Animals that will inspire kids to discover and explore all that this beautiful planet--the one place in our universe that we call home--has to offer. 

Be sure to follow and support the wonderful authors who are donating for today's giveaways!

Count on Us! Climate Activists by Gabi Snyder, illustrated by Sarah Walsh (Barefoot Books 2022). 

This counting and ABC book highlights different actions that are being taken and can be taken to help ensure a better planet in the future. Short definitions of concepts on each page are insightful and understandable for young readers. What I love about this book is that its message isn't heavy-handed at all. It's seems like a perfect primer for caring about the world we live in, which kids will understand given their propensity to care about most anything from the get-go in their young and adorable lives. Visit the author at https://gabisnyder.com/

A River's Gifts. The Mighty Elwha River Reborn by Patricia Newman, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (Millbrook Press 2022). 

Readers are treated to the restoration of not only a river that was once blocked by dams, but the restoration of a fish population that can now return all the way to its upstream spawning sites, the restoration of an indigenous people's connection to the land, and the reestablishment of ecological relationships in an entire forest and watershed ecosystem. This story is important on so many levels for helping to show readers what is possible in being caretakers of natural resources and each other. 

It's no surprise that this book was listed as one of the BEST 100 picture books of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews. Find more info about the book and author here: https://www.patriciamnewman.com/books/a-rivers-gifts-the-mighty-elwha-river-reborn/. 

Also, a curriculum guide for teachers is here: https://www.patriciamnewman.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/A-Rivers-Gifts-Curriculum-Guide.pdf

Footprints Across the Planet by Jennifer Swanson (Reycraft Books 2022). 

This nonfiction book for young readers offers a sampling of different types of footprints that can be found on both our world and other places, like the moon and even Mars! From elephants to turtles to familiar animals like chickens, young readers are asked to consider their own impact on the world and the type of footprints they will leave behind. The stunning photographs and lyrical text are sure to engage thinking on deeper levels and insightful conversations. I loved this book and highly recommend it! See a stunning video trailer for the book here: https://youtu.be/RaHb8_M9Dr8. Also, visit the author at https://jenniferswansonbooks.com/

The Boy and the Sea written by Camille Andros, illustrated by Amy Bates (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2021).  

This lyrical picture book tells the story of a boy and his relationship with the sea, along with the boy's changing perspective of the world changes as he grows. At the same time, it seamlessly and quietly weaves in family relationships that span a lifetime. My favorite lines begin on the first illustrated spread and continue from there. I highly recommend this book for children who wonder about the sea and the world around them, and for the discussions that will spring forth.

The Adventures of Dr. Sloth. Rebecca Cliffe and Her Quest to Protect Sloths by Suzi Eszterhas (Millbrook Press 2022). 

This book introduces young reader to sloth biology, ecology, threats to their survival, and scientific research that is striving to save this animal from population decline and habitat loss. Some species of sloth are among the most critically endangered species in the world. What I love most about this book is that it shows two careers in action--that of the biologist Rebecca Cliffe, and that of the author, Suzi Eszterhas who photographed Dr. Cliffe as she worked in the wild. This is a wonderful book will nurture science identities in kids with interests in the natural world.

Tiny Dino by Deborah Freedman (Viking 2022). 

In this informational fiction book, a hummingbird enthusiastically shares her link to dinosaurs with her animal friends. Despite that each friend--from a turtle to a frog to a shrew--challenges the little hummingbird's claims, she carries on, spreading the news of her dinosaur links until she bumps into a cousin, who resembles a dinosaur (alligator), but isn't. Yet, they and all their friends come to recognize and celebrate the "tiny dino." Another great story for young readers that will spark discussions on our feathered, non-extinct dinosaurs that continue to roam our planet.

The Secret Life of the Sea Otter by Laurence Pringle, illustrated by Kate Garchinsky (Boyds Mills Press 2022).

This beautifully-illustrated, creative nonfiction story shares a world of interesting facts about sea otters through a series of interactions that an otter named Lutris has in her ocean home. The engaging text and energy-filled illustrations will draw readers into wanting to learn more about their watery world.

Caves by Nells Cross Beckerman, illustrated by Kalen Chock (Scholastic 2022). 

This book offers an absolutely fascinating tour of caves and the experiences and wonders that they offer around the world. As another book that was included on the 100 Best picture books of 2022 by Kirkus Reviews, this is definitely one you will want to get.

Luminous by Julia Kuo (Greystone Books 2022). 

As both a science teacher and a person who loves to explore the outdoors, I absolutely love this introduction to the fascinating feature of bioluminescence in surprisingly extraordinary creatures. Perfect sparking wonder and curiosity in young readers.

The Beekeepers by Dana L. Church (Scholastic 2022). Bees and Vikings? Yep! They're connected! This book is for those readers in your life that are ready for middle-grade books and above. Packed with interesting facts, this book is absolutely easy to read and accompanied by illustrations, such as maps that show the journey that bees took by boat in order to reach North America! This was something I never knew, and the learning went on from there. I highly recommend it for all readers.

And now for the giveaways! They are awesome!

1) A signed copy of Count On Us from Gabi Snyder (US address only)

2) A copy of A River's Gifts from Patricia Newman (US address only)

3) A 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything session with Patricia Newman

4) Winner choice of a 20-minute Ask-Me-Anything session with Jennifer Swanson or copy of the book to a US address.

Comment on this blog post to get a double entry (perhaps with your favorite book)

Then follow the Rafflecopter to earn more entries. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

7 Days of Books for Children, Day 2 Books about Nature and Animals

Welcome back to #7DaysOfBooks! 

I grew up in what was once a very rural part of southern New Hampshire, and while it still holds quite a bit of its woods, lakes, wetlands, and hiking trails, much of the "wildness" I grew up running around in is now paved and developed. I'm not saying that's wrong, but what I'm most appreciative of from my youth was my access to nature right out the front door. 

My hopes for children today are that they find ways to connect with the natural world around them--that their curiosity about the wind, the rain, the soil, the plants, the wildlife, our pets, and everything that is beautiful or could be restored to what it once was, is piqued each day. 

For that reason, I'm constantly inspired by the books that allow for this type of connection. Books that provide reminders or introductions to all the various aspects of nature in our world today. Given our planet's changing climate and the peril that many wildlife and plant populations face, fostering connections between nature and today's youth is more important than ever. One surefire way to do that is through children's books. Another way is through pets and their proper care.

I hope you'll find the wide-range of today's books as important and timely as I do. From events that occur only every decade, to service animals that can save lives, to a mama bear tucking her young cub in for a long winter's sleep, each one of these different aspects of nature is profoundly insightful in the appreciation that can be gained. 

Toward that end, I share three quotes.

"If you truly love nature, you find beauty everywhere." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

"To forget how to dig the earth and tend to the soil is to forget ourselves." - Mahatma Ghandi 

"We don't inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." - Native American proverb

With out further ado, here is today's list. I look forward to seeing what you share for your own favorites in this category. 

Remember to support local libraries and request these titles to be added to their collection. 

The Rafflecopter with 4 opportunities for giveaways follows below.

Happy reading!

Wake, Sleepy One written by Lisa Kerr, illustrated by Lisa Powell Braun (West Margin Books 2022).   I absolutely love this book. The lyrical prose and beautiful refrain that changes slightly on each illustrated page spread in order to match each stage of this yellow poppy's life cycle is exquisite. The extra facts about the flowers on each spread expertly deliver information that young readers will be able to understand. Although the super bloom happens with the yellow poppy in California, this story packs a global reach with flowering plants found most everywhere. Young readers might even go on to discover "super bloom events" in their own regions. Be sure to find yourself a copy. It's a wonderful addition to any collection.

I'm a Gluten-Sniffing Service Dog written by Michel Babay, illustrated by Ela Smietanka (Albert Whitman 2021).  

Told from the perspective of a dog that is going through training in order to help his girl, Annie, stay safe from gluten, this story is absolutely engaging and packed full of interesting details. I had no idea that gluten can be found in so many different kinds of foods, and I'm gluten-sensitive, so even as an adult I learned something! Young readers will be opened up to how much work goes into training service animals, especially dogs that can be easily distracted. I imagine that this story will even bring the training of a family pet and how much work it involves into perspective. The illustrations created by Ela's Smietanka are bright, cheerful, and full of playful energy, which makes re-reading this book a joy.

A perfect book for any kid that likes dogs, pets, and has ever been curious about what service animals can do (or what it takes to be one), Babay's and Smietanka's story earns an A+++!

This is the Boat That Ben Built written by Jen Lynn Bailey, illustrated by Maggie Zeng (Pajama Press 2022).  

Based on the classic nursery rhyme, this delightful story is a perfect introduction to animals that can be found in river systems of northern biomes. As a science teacher I especially love the back matter that dips into details of ecosystems, touching on both living and nonliving components. The illustrations are downright colorful and fun and will most certainly please kids during story time. This book is a great one to check out.

Out of the Blue written by Elizabeth Shreeve, illustrated by Fran Preston-Gannon (Candlewick Press 2021).

As a teacher of earth science, one of the things (among many) that I am most impressed with in this book is Shreeve's ability to tell the complex story of how life began on earth in a clear and engaging way that young readers will understand and enjoy listening to.

I grew up loving the both the ocean and the land for all the wonderous life forms that are found among the different habitats, and this book bridges the amazing connections between both worlds. With bright and colorful illustrations that complement the text, this book is perfect for all ages. I highly recommend it.

The Crab Ballet written by Rene LaTulippe, illustrated by Cecile Metzger (Cameron Kids 2022). 

This rhyming story introduces children to the rhythm and movements of ballet terms, along with some French ones, within a beautifully illustrated and almost surreal inter-tidal performance of a crustacean community. The soft colors of Metzger's illustrations are a perfect match for the "quiet" world that can be seen along the shoreline at low tide. Yet, although quiet, I know from experience that the tide pool ecosystems that can be explored at low tide are full of activity and life, just like this book! It's a wonderful way to bring arts into the exploration and enjoyment of the natural world.

Before the World Wakes written by Estelle Laure, illustrated by Paola Zakimi (Two Lions 2022).

This story about a special time shared between brother and sister who discover gentle moments of nature and themselves in the moments just before dawn will pull readers in with its gentle text, especially with metaphors like: Then the sky goes the color of a wish. It's just for us. 

What I love most about this book is the message of a special moment that shared between siblings. Reading this book is perfect way to spark conversation about what might be happening outdoors while the world is sleeping or what is going on in the moments just before waking up. 

Slow Down, Tumbleweed! written by Haven Iverson, illustrated by Rob Sayegh Jr. (Sounds True 2021).

What I love in this story about a tumbleweed who bounces from place to place on the wind is its many layers. Not only does it introduce young readers to different habitats and animals found within them, but it ultimately holds a message about the importance of slowing down to enjoy the quiet moments of nature around oneself. For that, this book seems like a perfect companion for Before the World Wakes. Set on the wide expanses of the western or southwestern United States, Slow Down Tumbleweed will draw readers in to gain an inherent appreciation of nature. 

Wildfire! written and illustrated by Ashley Wolff (Beach Lane Books 2021). 

When wildfire ignites in the forest, how do animals and humans respond? This story shows a forest and fire team's response to combatting wildfire, as well as the actions that different types of wildlife take to avoid harm. 

As alarming as the wildfires have been in the western United States from long-term drought, and also personally knowing a young woman who is a part of one of those fire-fighting forest crews, I found this book to be both informative and reassuring. It's a great introduction for discussion about forest ecology and management with young readers.

Over and Under the Canyon, written by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal (Chronicle Books 2021). 

Inspired by a trip taken by the author to Anza-Brego Desert State Park in Southern California, I found that the landscape, animals, and experiences shared for the young reader reflect my own memories of Southern Utah. Kids will delight in seeing the different types of animals that are highlighted in the illustrations and some of their interactions that can be found in the desert, both during that day and at night. 

Overall, this book is a beautiful addition to the Over/Under series, which provides a peek into different types of habitats.

Winter Lullaby written by Dianne White, illustrated by Ramona Kaulitski (Candlewick 2021). 

A baby bear questions why he must go to bed as he observes a series of animals in the forest around him, while mama bear explains how each of those animals is prepping to sleep through winter. Before long, both mama and baby are tucked in their own den. This seamlessly rhyming and lyrical text will soothe any young reader into the sweetest of dreams, while introducing them to woodland animals in winter.

One Tomato. A Garden Counting Book, written by Rebecca Mullin, illustrated by Anne Mullin (Rubber Ducky Press 2021). 

The colors and wonders of nature can capture even the youngest readers, which makes this board book a perfect introduction for what can be see in a backyard or patio garden, as well as what they might find on their plate at snack time or meal time. The bright illustrations and clear, rhyming text will captivate the youngest future readers. 

Snail Crossing written and illustrated by Corey R. Tabor (Balzar & Bray 2020). 

All that stands between snail and a yummy patch of cabbage is a road. How hard can it be for one snail to get to the other side? This endearing story about goals and new friends who find unexpected ways to arrive at new destinations--all told from the perspective of a snail's eye view--makes it quite unique and fun for young readers.

Enter the Rafflecopter below for a chance at one of 4 giveaways! All 4 giveaways are included in the Rafflecopter if you use the arrow at the top to scroll through.

1) A signed copy of WAKE, SLEEPY ONE from author Lisa Kerr

2) A free critique of a picture book manuscript (non-rhyming) from author Michal Babay

3) A free critique of a picture book manuscript from author Jen Lynn Bailey 

4) A signed copy of OUT OF THE BLUE from author Elizabeth Shreeve

a Rafflecopter giveaway