Poetry Friday - Crow Happy

        Hurrah, we're headed across the ocean this Poetry Friday, visiting Bridget Magee at Wee Words for Wee Ones. She's now living in Switzerland with her husband and daughter. In addition to "wee" poems, Bridget has shared numerous things that are different and interesting in Switzerland. Among those are learning to celebrate US holidays there. Be sure to read her post all about Thanksgiving. 

        Hoping that you all enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving with family and friends including embracing those small things, of which I feel grateful. Laughter and a puzzle, pie and small conversations are some. And on a recent morning, my picture through a window (the screen!) of a crow hopping his way down the fence where previously a squirrel had been, eating a few peanuts. When it's very cold, I put them out for them, but NOT on the fence. Could squirrels be messy eaters? That crow stayed, seemingly eating at the rail, for quite a while.

Non-Fiction Picture Books - Stories behind the Art

Visit Alyson Beecher on Wednesdays for Non-Fiction Picture Books at Kidlit Frenzy.  Thanks to her hosting and sharing and those who add their posts, you can discover and celebrate terrific nonfiction picture books!  I always learn from these books, am happy that they are more and more available today for children, for everyone!  

           Biographies seem to be coming out more and more in picture book form. Some introduce artists and their art, enticing everyone to know more and more.  This particular picture book tells about these brothers, from their growing up, choosing (and not choosing) to make art, finally being in the limelight. No matter their poverty, no matter the austere lives they led, they did art!

           Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan tell this true story of the Giacometti brothers, no matter the challenge, they devoted their lives to each other - first! In the story, they showed the importance of beginning at the beginning, showing the closeness of the brothers all of their lives.

            Alberto, the oldest, began drawing and reading about everything at a very early age. Younger brother Diego was the opposite. Early on, he actually did some illegal things, but soon moved to Paris to be with Alberto. Alberto was still doing art, continued to waver in the "kind" of art. He thought he fit in with the surrealists, but was rejected by them or rejected it. 

Monday Reading - Books for Everyone

              Visit Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders and Jen at Teach Mentor Texts to see what they've been reading, along with others who post their favorites.

              I am grateful for you, Kellee, Ricki, and Jen, for keeping this group going. I've found so many wonderful books through reading everyone's posts. Thanks all for sharing so much! Happy Thanksgiving!


         I am grateful for those authors and illustrators who are telling the life stories of some wonderful people we might otherwise never know. Julie Leung's Paper Son does share the special life of Tyrus Wong, who painted the impressionistic background of Bambi, the movie. Though he received only minor credit for it, many believe it was a vital part of the movie's feelings. The meaning of "Paper Sons" occurred during the Chinese Exclusion Act. Passed in 1882, it meant to exclude lowly Chinese laborers from entering the US. Those with family ties to America or of high status were allowed. Thus, most bought (at very high prices) "papers" to show the status. The story tells how nine-year-old Cyrus had to be sure to memorize all the questions his father did, like 'How many windows in your house? or "How far is the village of... ?" His father was admitted, but he had to stay on Angel Island, alone, for months, then was released.
          Tyrus is the name given to this wonderful artist by the immigration authorities. He always loved to draw and his father managed to send him to the Otis Art Institute where he graduated with honors. He started with Disney then worked for Warner Brothers for many years, found a fascination with kites in his retirement. Although not well known, his art lives on with great admiration. The illustrator's note: "He remained honest to his craft and his Eastern heritage, paving the way for more widespread acceptance of Asian America artists.           
         There is an author's note, too, and photographs of Tyrus Wong and his family. Chris. They include his immigration card. Chris Sasaki's illustrations are a lovely tribute to Wong's delicate and beautiful art.

Thanks to Charlesbridge for the following books!

          It's a book that's lots of fun, much beauty, and information that helps one identify butterflies, yikes, moths, in this new alphabet book by Jerry Pallotta. Twenty-six moths in a part of their habitats are painted in beautiful color by Shennen Bersani, belying the thought that most moths are uninteresting in browns, tans, and whites. Small bits of information accompany each letter, facts like what is a "lepidopterist"? (a scientist who studies butterflies and moths) and in Tapestry Moth, called so because their larvae feed on carpets. There is an interesting double page showing examples of some animals with scales, like snakes and fish - and moths! One other double-page explains the life-cycle of a moth, from egg to moth. When a class studies all kinds of insects, often including butterflies, this is a book to introduce, too. The sub-title explains: "It's about time moths had their own book." 

Poetry Friday - Thanksgiving Means FOOD, Doesn't it?

Poetry Friday is hosted today by Rebecca Herzog at SlothReads! She gave us a challenge last week which you can read about here. Thanks, Rebecca!

        

           First, another big thank you to Michelle H. Barnes and the TLD committee for this wonderful new volume of The Best of Today's Little Ditty. I have received my copy and am loving reading all the poems from those I know from Poetry Friday, those I know from other places, all gathered together in this wonderful book. Just look at that fabulous cover! I am grateful to have a poem included.
           Second, wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, however it works for you. My daughter and family and I have worked out various things we cook for this day these recent years, but I've spent Thanksgiving in various ways through the years, all special memories with people, no matter the food. But, it is mostly about food, isn't it? Here's Rebecca's fun challenge!


            Briefly, Rebecca writes: "to write a poem about what food you feel is most deserving of its own National Day. Or perhaps there is a food that you find so disgusting that it should never have its day in the spotlight. Either way, tell us why in a poem."

             I tried to focus on one thing, but couldn't get it out of my head about certain drinks that are beloved each season. I am often tickled by the excitement on social media when some drinks appear celebrated, FINALLY (some say), at Starbucks. Yet, others have been around seemingly forever, and they deserve a National Day on their own, don't they?

Thanks for the challenge, Rebecca! It was fun remembering all kinds of food and drink, choosing what I really like.

A National Day for A Season’s Best

Yes, it’s fall and that’s not all;

‘tis time for apple cider.

Taste the sharp and tangy brew

bottled apples – just for you!

Cold brings winter’s minty twist,

down at Starbucks once a year.

Their brand insists your order be

peppermint mocha delight (not free).

I yearn for spring, escape outdoors

while sipping iced tea, cool delight.

Just brew a teabag, maybe two,

sit and praise green leaves anew.

My childhood memories win in summer –

friends giggling on our porch

with icy lemonade, sitting on a swing,

sipping summer’s tasty fling.

                                       Linda Baie ©

Non-Fiction Picture Books Share Inspiring Lives

Visit Alyson Beecher on Wednesdays for Non-Fiction Picture Books at Kidlit Frenzy.  Thanks to her hosting and sharing and those who add their posts, you can discover and celebrate terrific nonfiction picture books!  I always learn from these books, am happy that they are more and more available today for children, for everyone! This week, Alyson shares all some new award lists and events she's excited about at NCTE this week! 

Thanks to Charlesbridge for this copy!

Elizabeth Rusch tells the inspiring life story of Mario Molino, scientist, the person that is great to have on a "climate change" team.

         When Mario Molino was eight he was given a microscope for his birthday, thus beginning his journey of "what ifs?". His chemist aunt brought more tools for his "lab" and eventually he talked his parents into creating his own laboratory from an extra bathroom. Here's a picture of that "new" room, illustrated whimsically by Teresa Martinez as she shows Mario's swirls of lab equipment. 

         After earning his PhD and beginning work in the US, he continued his earlier questioning about the new "sprays" and their effects in the air. This led to a breakthrough of the deadly ways CFCs were changing the Ozone. He had a partner, F. Sherwood Rowland (Sherry) and they confirmed that the Ozone was being destroyed--by CFCs! Then came shouts from the detractors, of "A load of Rubbish", "It's a Science-Fiction Tale" and "Utter Nonsense". 

          "He never gave up." The text tells us that twenty-eight countries all over the world eventually agreed to stop making CFCs. Now, Nobel prize winner Mario Molino, has taken on a new challenge, to face the current crisis of global warming. As seen in his life's timeline at the back, he was part of the support to join other countries in the Paris Agreement, signed in 2016. Unfortunately, President Trump calls global warming a hoax and has made the US withdraw from that agreement. Teresa Martinez's illustrations set a tone through the books with lights and darks, offering cartoon-like pictures like the one above.

          In speaking before the US Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Molino says, "Climate change is perhaps the most worrisome global environmental problem confronting human society today." This is found in a fine epilogue, sharing all of Molino's amazing accomplishments. 

         In the backmatter, one can also find similarities between the research of "The Ozone Hole" and "Global Warming" in an easy to navigate graphic. Also included is a page of sources (Read More) and a short piece of actions ("Do More"). An author's note explains her research process.

         Most recently, courage and persistence are two traits that have been admired and written about in various ways. This book can be another to be placed on a list of picture book biographies that celebrate those traits. Also, in story fashion, the book offers an admirable role model for children, where those who are fascinated by something as Mario was with his microscope, can find their passions and be proud.