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Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Nonfiction Beauties



             I’m linking to Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday, hosted byAlyson at Kid Lit Frenzy and all sharing non-fiction texts. It’s a first time, but wanted to share this wonderful book.
            Be sure to visit Kid Lit Frenzy and see what other nonfiction books are shared this week!

Weeds Find A Waywritten by Cindy Jenson-Elliott, pictures by Carolyn Fisher
          There are certain weeds I love, Queen Anne’s Lace, Showy Milkweed, but when I read this book, not only does Cindy Jenson-Elliott tell about the resilience and grit of weeks, Carolyn Fisher shows their beauty in her illustrations.  Now I love even more! They also share extensive back matter about the weeds included in the book. For anyone who studies nature in their classrooms this will be a wonderful addition. And now, as I link up with Alyson, I find that she is part of a blog tour for this book! Go over to read the interview with Cindy Jenson-Elliott and sign up to see if you can win a copy!


The Noisy Paint Box, The colors and sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art - written by Barb Rosenstock, pictures by Mary Grandpré
          This is called historical fiction, but it still seems to be a great introduction for younger students to learn some beginning information about abstract art Kandinsky in particular. It is a gorgeous book, proper and rather un-colorful pictures showing the beginning and proper beginning of the artist’s life. He actually began knowing he “heard” colors early in his life, but gave them up to go to law school. Kandinsky was a lawyer! What is described reminds me of Wendy Mass’s book, A Mango-Shaped Space. I had a student who was thrilled to find that book because he said it was what he saw too, colors in the words. It will touch some students mightily and teach others that different people see things in different ways, and that’s okay.

Nieve / Snow – by Erin Edison
            This is a gorgeous bi-lingual book explaining the science of snow through short text and photographs.  In clear and simple text, topics like types of snow, snow dangers and melting are explained. There is a brief glossary and an index, simple introductions to these two research tools.

Looking forward to what everyone else will share today!

8 comments:

  1. Now I am even more intrigued to read The Noisy Paint Box - and to get to Mango Shaped Space - my daughter has read this and keeps telling me I should read it. Great books shared, Linda! Nice to see you here celebrating nonfiction titles!

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    1. Both books-wonderful, Carrie. I thought I'd better split up my books between Monday and Wednesday & it's fun to see others' nonfiction too! Hope you find A Mango-Shaped Space. I think it's quite a lovely story.

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  2. I said the same thing about connecting The Noisy Paint Box and A Mango-Shaped Space on my #nf10for10 post! :-) I love both those books. Kids LOVE A Mango-Shaped Space! I definitely need to read Weeds Find a Way. I don't know about Nieve/Snow. Thanks for sharing these titles!

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    1. Obviously I still haven't gotten to all the 10for10 posts, Holly, or I would remember that connection. It is a great pairing, isn't it? Hope you enjoy Weeds, too!

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  3. I was just looking at Noisy Paint Box on Amazon this morning trying to decide if I "need" to purchase. I think yes! Putting together a day on picture book biographies in my Children's Lit class and I really want to include that one. Thanks for highlighting it today!

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    1. There are so many great bios lately, Elisabeth. Don't forget the one about William Carlos Williams or by Allen Say-both also good. Thanks!

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  4. So interesting about Kandinsky, Linda - and I love he connection to A Mango Shaped Space. This is a wonderful meme...another place to share books!

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    1. Hope you'll be able to read that book sometime, Tara. It was special. And yes, thought I'd better start splitting up my reviews! Thanks for noticing!

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