PPBF: Shirley Chisholm is a Verb!

Author: Veronica Chambers
Illustrator: Rachelle Baker
Publisher: Dial , 2020
Age: 5-8
Themes: US Congress, African-American women, legislators
Opening: (see opening pages below).

Summary: (from my library catalog) A picture book biography celebrating the life and contributions of Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman in Congress, who sought the Democratic nomination to be the president of the United States.

I like this book because: I admire the way the author was able to combine a straightforward biography with such a strong layer focused on language and education, which ties back to who this courageous woman really was, and leaves the reader so inspired at the same time. I understand that a spread was included to show that others were standing on her shoulders in their efforts to get elected, but in my personal opinion I don’t believe some of those represented on the pages come remotely close in integrity and purpose, so I would rather have seen other voices more in line with Chisholm’s path. I certainly know kids feel inspired to learn more about her work after reading the book!

Resources/activities: explore the Kids in the House website HERE; more about Shirley Chisholm HERE; 10 ways kids too young to vote can get involved in elections HERE

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog  HERE. 

PPBF: Flix

Author/Illustrator: Tomi Ungerer
Publisher: Tomi Ungerer/A Treasury of 8 Books, Phaidon, 2016
Age: 4+
Themes: treasury, story collection, Tomi Ungerer

Opening:  Flix: Mr. Zeno Krall was a happy cat. He was well off, he loved his wife Cola, and they were healthy. He was even happier when she announced, “ Darjeeling, I am expecting!”

Summary: (from my library catalog) Flix, a dog born to cat parents, finds himself able to exist in two cultures, marries a cat, and campaigns for mutual respect between cats and dogs.

I like this book because: I appreciate this collection of 8 of Tomi Ungerer’s stories for all the extras: details about each one as to their origins, early sketches, process, and hidden tidbits! I’ve always admired his work and was happy to find this volume through my library. Flix is one of my favorites for the ability of the characters to adapt to absurdity as well as hardship, and above all getting along with people and family members, not just tolerating differences. But above all the humor in his illustrations!

Resources/activities: read all 8 stories and especially the “Behind the Scenes” details in conversation with Phaidon editor, Maya Gartner.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog  HERE.

PPBF: Over the Moon

Author: James Proimos
Illustrator: Zoey Abbott
Publisher: Chronicle , 2020
Age: 3-7
Themes: families, identity, wolves
Opening: (see opening pages below).

Summary: (from my library catalog) Two wolves find a baby girl floating down the river and take her home to raise her and teach her about good and evil, light and dark, right and wrong (although wolf two thinks of dinner); but when she grows up she is drawn to the human world–although the wolves are waiting to take her home each night.

I like this book because: sometimes I pick up a book I am not sure about, but something intrigues me. And sometimes I am so pleasantly surprised because I find the book has far surpassed my original expectations! This is one and what a delightful discovery! The story feels simple but I am drawn in right away and find empathy with all the characters to the point of wanting to be with them in their story! The humor is subtle, the seemingly soft palette picks up on energy as the pages turn. Enchanting! Do read it!

Resources/activities: learn fascinating facts about wolves – HERE; research stories of children who survived on their own in the wild under “feral children”; learn to draw a wolf – HERE

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog  HERE. 

PPBF: The Goat in the Rug

Author: as told to Charles L. Blood & Martin Link
Illustrator: Nancy Winslow Parker
Publisher: Aladdin , 1990 (orig.1976)
Age: 3-7
Themes: goats,weaving, Navajo stories
Opening: My name is Geraldine and I live near a place called Window Rock with my Navajo friend, Glenmae.

Summary: (from my library catalog) Geraldine, a goat, describes each step as she and her Navajo friend make a rug, from the hair clipping and carding to the dyeing and actual weaving.

I like this book because: of the humor! I love that this is a straightforward description of how a goat’s wool is traditionally woven into a rug – told by the goat herself. The illustrations are also simple and straightforward, lovely and so funny! I hope others can find this through their library systems too!

Resources/activities: watch A Loom With a View HERE; learn about other natural materials and how they are used in textiles; learn to weave on a simple loom for kids, like this HERE.

For more Perfect Picture Book Friday picks with teacher/parent resources, check out the list on Susanna Hill’s blog  HERE.