7 Days of Books for Children, Day 3 Persistence, Resilience, and Inspirational Titles

Welcome back to Day 3 of #7DaysOfBooks with children's books that share stories of persistence and resilience, and can serve as spring boards for inspiration.

With both new titles and older ones, I hope today's list directs you toward some that you weren't yet aware of but are drawn to sharing with the young readers in your life. 

Perhaps what impresses me most with these titles is that the resilience and inspiration in most of them first found roots in the heart of a child. Hearts made strong with hope, courage, and the belief for a better way of living, or a belief for following one's dream, along with a sense of self-worth. Three ideas that I hope are consistently nurtured by society today rather than being squelched or extinguished.

I'll share two quotes that spoke to me for this category of books. Perhaps you'll share one of your own.

"My barn having burned down, I can now see the moon." - Mazuta Masahide

"I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." - Maya Angelou

As for giveaways with Day 3, there are 2 that follow below. Happy reading, shopping, and requesting at your libraries!

When Water Makes Mud, A Story of Refugee Children, written by Janie Reinart, illustrated by Morgan Taylor (Blue Whale Press 2021). 

When two young girls arrive at a refugee camp with nothing but their dreams, how many things can made from nothing? In this lyrical, achingly touching, and inspiring story, an older sister makes gifts from nothing--from a stick, a pebble, a bag, cardboard, and mud--in order to see a smile from her little sister. 

The book is dedicated to the thousands of children at the Bidibidi refugee settlement in Uganda. The publisher's profits from the sale of this book are donated to UNICEF, which is a wonderful cause to become part of!

Up and Adam, written by Debbie Zapata, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang (Kids Can Press 2022). 

A boy who sets out to help his community clean up after a storm not only lifts the hearts of his neighbors, but also will lift the hearts of all those who read it at story time. Because this book focuses on tasks that a young child is able to do, it models how even the youngest members of communities can be helpful--especially when that help is based in a shared smile. 

In addition, the authors note on the real Adam, a boy with Down's syndrome, gives room to further the discussion on abilities, as opposed to limitations that might be perceived in disabilities.  

Survivor Tree written by Marcie Colleen, illustrated by Aaron Becker (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2021). 

Stories that come out of the darkest moments in history have the power to resonate and instill an understanding of resilience and strength in ourselves. A few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the World Trade Center Memorial site, and I believe that this book sensitively captures the events of 9/11 by sharing the story of the tree that survived it all to become a symbol of hope in a beautiful and powerful way. 

I highly recommend this story to share the idea that we as a people can do hard things. That all beings--are capable of doing hard things, with proper attention and care. As we move forward facing the need for social and environmental change, this book can be part of those stories that help lay the foundation for doing what needs to be done.

Be the Change. A Grandfather Ghandi Story written by Arun Ghandi and Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk (Atheneum Books for Young Readers 2016). 

As important now as it was when it was first published, this story's heart pivots on a simple, yet difficult concept--the importance of not being wasteful. Growing up as the grandson of Mahatma Ghandi, a peacemaker known for effecting change without the use of violence, Arun struggled to understand a lesson that his grandfather wanted him to understand--the idea that wastefulness and violence are connected to each other. When Arun throws away the nub of a pencil (a simple example that small children will be able to relate to), eventually after he retrieves it, the connection becomes clear. The difference between passive and physical violence, and how neither can be ignored, is also shown in the story. In a world where conservative use of resources is becoming more important in order to maintain peace and harmony among nations, this book is a must-read and must-share. I'm so grateful for the connection that formed between Arun Ghandi, Bethany Hegedus and Evan Turk in allowing this story to be created. This book is one of many that should be in every elementary classroom and on every family book shelf.

Gibberish written and illustrated by Young Vo (Levine Querido 2022). 

Dat is going to school for the first time in a new country, and everything he hears and reads sounds like gibberish. Feeling alone and embarrassed, he almost gives up, but is lifted to a sense of hope through a patient and caring friend. 

Based on my own experience as a teacher to students from other countries and having discussed their feelings and perceptions about their situation, I love the illustrations, which begin with depictions of Dat's new surroundings as being strangely cartoonish (i.e, different from him). To me, this representation makes sense, because my immigrant students described everything as being strange and weird. Since Young Vo created this story from his own experience, I feel like I've taken first steps on a bridge toward understanding based on his illustrations. With the increasing number of non-English speaking students in schools, this book could help foster empathy, understanding, patience, and acceptance in the school community.

Making a Difference, An Inspirational Book About Kids Changing the World! Young Change Makers Series written by Stacy C. Bauer, illustrated by Emanuela Ntamack (Hop Off the Press 2022). 

In a world where role models are sought to serve as examples for inspiring children, this book is it. Here, the role models are real kids themselves who have worked toward making a difference for causes they believe in. With kid-friendly text, each spotlighted child includes a fun photo of the "change-maker," some fun facts, inspirational quotes, and the story of what each kid has accomplished. 

This book also could serve as an idea-board for community-based classroom projects. I highly recommend it for all ages--for both independent reading and story times, because each spotlight is short, easy to read, and supported with colorful graphics.

I Color Myself Different written by Colin Kaepernick, illustrated by Eric Wilkerson (Scholastic, Inc 2022). 

Told in the first person from Colin's point of view, he shares his experience of having to explain why his hand-drawn family picture shows him as the only one with brown skin. This story does a wonderful way of sharing Colin's story of adoption, while Colin's voice effuses with self-confidence and self-love for how he looks and how he feels as a person, (which is unique and different from everyone else--they way we hope all kids feel). 

This book would be a great introduction to share in the classroom for those days when students are guided through sharing a little of who they are in pictures and/or words. Like the other titles here, I highly recommend it.

Freedom Bird. A Tale of Hope and Courage written by Jerdine Nolan, illustrated by James E Ransome (Simon & Schuster 2020). 

This historical fiction story about two children born into slavery and who find their way to freedom is told through the embedded metaphor of getting help from a large, injured, and mysterious heron-like bird that they help to protect and heal. With roots in the tradition of American black folktales, this lyrical and emotionally powerful story is a good one for sharing insight on the effect of slavery on children, families, community, and a nation.

Float written and illustrated by Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster 2015). 

This wordless picture book is about a boy who builds a paper boat from newspaper. In the rainy day adventure they take, resilience and imagination rise from disappointment and apparent disaster in order to create a new and different adventure to be enjoyed. The use of limited colors of grays, white, yellow, pale red and pale blue bring the reader into a world of belief where anything is possible, even when faced with obstacles.

The Oldest Student. How Mary Walker Learned to Read, written by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, illustrated by Oge Mora (Anne Schwartz Books 2020). 

This book could have been placed in the history or nonfiction categories, but I'm placing it with these other inspiring titles because I am blown away with profound admiration for Mary Walker's achievements. Born into slavery, and having survived it, as well as endured the hardships she faced after emancipation--Mary Walker was the epitome of hard work, selflessness, love, and determination. Author Rita Hubbard's narrative and Oge Mora's illustrations weave together a wonderful tale that I hope all young learners will be motivated and empowered by for whatever personal struggles they face in their own lives.

Exquisite. The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks, written by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Cozbi A. Cabrera (Abrams Books for Young Readers 2020). 

This Robert Sibert Honor Book tells the story of the first black woman to win the Pulitzer prize for poetry. What I love about this book is the powerful message it shares in the importance of following your passion and not giving up on your dreams, made especially impactful since Gwendolyn started writing poetry when she was seven years old and saw her first poems published in a local newspaper when she was eleven. What a wonderful and inspiring story to share with young readers! 

It begs reconsideration of the oft-asked question, What do you want to be when you grow up? Because honestly, why put off going for one's dreams, when really, the roots can start growing deep while young?

Emmanuel's Dream. The true story of Emanuel Ofosu Yeboah written by Laurie Ann Thompson, illustrated by Sean Qualls (Schwartz & Wade 2015). 

There is so much to admire in this true story of a boy who not only was born with one good leg and one deformed one, but who also was raised by a single mother and by age 13 had to start working to support his family after his mother became ill. Overcoming all odds stacked against him, Emmanuel went on to bike around his country--traveling over 400 miles with only one good leg--in order to show that being disabled does not make a person unable. 

A powerful and inspirational addition for any book collection  that shows change can start with just one person.

And now for the giveaways! They are awesome!

Follow the Rafflecopter to make your entries. You'll see both giveaways with the side-arrows in the copter.

1) A 20-minute zoom Q&A about writing or 1 classroom visit with author Janie Reinart

2) A 20-minute zoom Q&A about writing or 1 classroom with author Debbie Zapata

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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

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7 Days of Books for Children, Day 1 Books with HUMOR

Hello book lovers! I'm super excited to share another 7 Days of Celebrating Children's Books with you! 

Every day will feature new books for you to gather to your shelves and giveaway opportunities for you to take a chance at winning. Plus, I hope you'll share your own favorite books throughout the week with other readers by noting them in the comments below.

We're beginning the week with books featuring humor, so I'm sharing this quote from writer, editor, and professor Eva Hoffman.

"There is nothing like a gleam of humor to assure you that a fellow human being is being tickled inside a strange face."

Let's focus on one of those words for a moment. Fellow. 

Yes, we are all fellows on this planet, and I hope we are all working toward a harmony that is someday felt world-wide in sharing it. And yet, how fittingly beautiful it is to also know that strangers on this same planet, or in the same community, or in the same new classroom can unite together in laughter over the same idea. Or more often, as in families when they gather over dinner, during playtime, or before bedtime with humorous books. 

The books shared in the list below highlight some that I've found and enjoyed over the last six months. Many are newly published, others newly discovered, and a few revisited like old friends.

Writing and illustrating books for children involves a lot of solo time invested on the part of creators, as well as worries and anticipation of how those books will be received. The writing community I'm a part of is amazing and incredibly supportive. My hopes for this week are that we find both readers and creators coming together to celebrate the joy and empowerment that reading books with young children can bring. I also hope that you all will take time to ask your local library or independent book sellers to order in titles that appeal to you. 

In addition, perhaps you'll find Lady Luck on your side, so to speak, for one of the many giveaways that you can enter. Today's post has a Rafflecopter for 3 prizes. Tomorrow's post will feature another rafflecopter with new giveaways. Winners for all giveaways will be selected on July 5.

Thank you for being here, and Happy Reading!

Humorous Books for Children

Donut. The Unicorn Who Wants to Fly written by Laura Gehl, illustrated by Andrea Zuill (Random House Studio 2022)

Full of heart, humor and told in simple rhymes, this adorable story will soon have young children reading it independently after being shared during story times. I can think of no better way to introduce kids to the joy of reading than with a book that they can soon tackle on their own while building confidence. What I love about this book is the unique way that Donut figures out how to solve his gravity-problem with a little help from his friends. And notably, the STEM components shown in the illustrations immediately won over my science-loving heart. 

Get Ready, Mama! written by Sharon Giltrow, illustrated by Arielle Li (EK Books 2022)

Get ready for giggles, because this how-to book is packed with humor that is sure to please the young and old crowds alike. With reading the first illustrated spread, I was smiling. With the second, I laughed out loud because who hasn't hugged their clothes and fallen back on the bed in tired desperation for a few more winks? I can't give away the surprise ending, but this book will not only be a crowd pleaser at home, but also for elementary classrooms--whether that be the first day of school, last day of school, or any day in between. 

Don't Eat the Bees (Life Lessons from Chip the Dog) written by Dev Petty, illustrated by Mike Boldt (Random House Children's Books 2022)

If you've ever had a dog who likes the outdoors, even just a little bit, then you know what happens if a bee happens to get too close.... Which is what makes the humor start on the cover of this book in its title! (Unless of course, your dog is overly allergic to bees.) Word of warning. We all know how incredibly smart dogs are, so don't read this book aloud to them during story time. Truly! No dogs allowed, because this dog's ideas of Do's and Don't, well, . . . he's got the bees part right. This story is packed with silliness and humor that all dog-lovers will dig into.

Chicken Break. A Counting Book written by Cate Berry, illustrated by Charlotte Alder (Feiwel & Friends 2019)

Cate Berry, master wordsmith and humorist, hits it out of the park in this story about chickens making plans and then following through on breaking out of the coop. However, what I love most is the double meaning of the title, which comes full circle at the end in a way to wrap up the story for any nap time or bedtime. Young readers will love counting (and finding) all of the funky chickens on each page, while learning to read simple words on sight recognition after hearing them aloud for the first few times. Paired with Alder's illustrations, this book is a real winner.

My School Stinks! written by Becky Scharnhorst illustrated by Julia Patton (Flamingo Books 2021)

The first day at a new school packs more surprises than a boy could have ever imagined. Namely, that the classmates are all wild animals. Will this boy ever find a way to get settled in? The clever humor in this book and fun twist at the end makes this book a delightful read, no doubt to be enjoyed again and again.

Cold Turkey written by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Kirsti Call, illustrated by Chad Otis (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers 2021)

It's a cold day when Turkey sets out for a walk in the snow, but as he meets chilly friends along they way, this kind turkey is more than willing to give his body-warming bundles away. When he finds nothing left to hold the heat in, how will Turkey's kindness come full circle? What I love about this story is that at the core of its outrageously fun heart, it's all about helping others and giving back. Truly wonderful!

Hardly Haunted written and illustrated by Jessie Sima (Simon & Schuster 2021)

House worries that the reason she doesn't have a family living inside her is because she is haunted. If she stops her creaking, and rattling, and groaning, will she finally find the company she desires? 

Tongue in cheek humor with the longing for companionship lands this book in a place that all kids can relate to. This is one of those books that can fall into a lot of categories, not just humor and not just the holiday of Halloween. It also speaks to friendship and perhaps empathy.

Chez Bob written and illustrated by Bob Shea (Little, Brown and Company 2021) 

Bob, a lazy crocodile devises a way to attract birds to his mouth in order to eat them without having to move a muscle himself in going after them. How? you might wonder? With a birdseed restaurant, of course, and the fun and twisty surprises continue from there. This humorous book will tickle funny bones in young and old readers alike.

Counting to Bananas. A Mostly Rhyming Fruit Book written by Carrie Tillotson, illustrated by Estrela Lourenco (Flamingo Books 2022)

There is so much fun to love about this atypical counting book. Kids will be in on the joke as soon as the 4 pigs are introduced to the fruit line-up (because no fruit rhymes with fig). Meanwhile, an impatient banana is assured that his turn will come, but at what cost? 

Funny all the way to the last page, I suggest following up this treat of a book with a banana split sundae. 

Pineapple Princess written and illustrated by Sabina Hahn (Roaring Brook Press 2022)

This book is a delight in the contrast between the humor that is shared in the text and compared to what is shown in the illustrations. Will this misunderstood princess find a kingdom and subjects whom she can smoothly reign? Or will she land her sights on other goals? Kids will have fun connecting with the silliness and antics of this endearing Pineapple Princess. 

And yes, that is a pineapple on her head.

Arnold, the Super-ish Hero written by Heather Tekavec, illustrated by Guillamume Perreault (Kids Can Press 2021)

Can Arnold lift a fire truck like other super strong heroes? No. Can he fly at lightning speed? No. Can he leap off buildings and land without a scratch? No. But he's good at answering the phone and taking down messages in clear penmanship. 

So what is this Super-ish hero all about? I hate to say it, but you'll have to read the book to find out. And you won't be disappointed. 

Full of humor and heart, this comic-style picture book will please all ages.

Today's giveaways feature a chance to win a: 

1) A signed copy of DONUT. THE UNICORN WHO WANTS TO FLY from author Laura Gehl

2) A copy of GET READY, MAMA! or A critique of a PB manuscript from author Sharon Giltrow

3) A copy of CHICKEN BREAK. A COUNTING BOOK from author Cate Berry

Follow the Rafflecopter below to enter.  All 3 giveaways are at this link. Be sure to follow through on the requirements for entry. Winners will be announced on July 6.

More tomorrow! Happy reading and book requesting at your local libraries!

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