School Library Journal» Charlesbridge

On the Radar: Top Picks from the Editors at Junior Library Guild: New Releases for Your Nonfiction Shelves

Deborah B. Ford — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:41:23 +0000

Good nonfiction titles rise to the top as librarians focus their content needs to meet the Common Core State Standards. New releases by our favorite authors and illustrators include an environmental bilingual poem, a picture-book biography, a fact-filled science title, and a narrative account of a bird’s 7,200 mile migration.

ARNOLD, Caroline. Too Hot? Too Cold?: Keeping Body Temperature Just Right. illus. by Annie Patterson. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580892766. JLG Level: SCE : Science Nonfiction Elementary (Grades 2-6).

Written in a voice that speaks directly to the reader, Arnold’s text presents facts about body temperature. “You have a layer of fat under your skin. It is like a built-in blanket that helps protect your body and keep it warm.” The author introduces various behaviors that influence natural temperature, such as weather, clothing, and location. Glossary and author’s note provide supplemental nonfiction text features.

MARKLE, Sandra. The Long, Long Journey: The Godwit’s Amazing Migration.

illus. by Mia Posada. Millbrook. 2013. ISBN 9780761356233. JLG Level: NEK : Nonfiction Early Elementary (Grades K-2).

In picture book format, Markle and Posada tell a story about the 7,200 mile migration of a godwit. Hatching in an Alaskan summer, the bird learns to fly, catch its food, and develop its defenses. In October, it will make a long, nonstop journey to New Zealand. Young readers will enjoy the narrative lilt of the text, while older children will appreciate the numerous facts. Appended information, including an author’s note, round out the nonfiction features. Beautiful collage and watercolor illustrations communicate one bird’s lifecycle in migration.

MARTIN JR., Bill. I Love Our Earth / Amo nuestra tierra. illus. by Dan Lipow. Charlesbridge. 2013. ISBN 9781580895569. JLG Level: PS : Primary Spanish (Grades K-3).

Full-color photographs illustrate a poetic tribute to the seasons of the earth and times of the day. This bilingual picture book uses simple language to convey an introduction to nature. Panoramic views depict mountains and seas. Kids of all ages and cultures illustrate the meaning of each line. This simple overview of a child’s world makes it a good selection for even preschool storytimes.

NELSON, Kadir. Nelson Mandela. HarperCollins/Katherine Tegan. 2013. ISBN 9780061783760. JLG Level: BE : Biography Elementary (Grades 2-6).

Much-loved and respected author/illustrator Kadir Nelson gives children an up-close-and-personal look at Nelson Mandela. From the tight shot of Mandela on the cover to the final shot of the world leader’s fist in the air, powerful images punctuate this introduction to the life of the first black president of South Africa. Expressive verse allows the author to convey a young boy who saw injustice and vowed to make a difference. A must-have for your picture book biography collection.

For ideas about how to use these books and links to supportive sites, check out the Junior Library Guild blog, Shelf Life.

Junior Library Guild is a collection development service that helps school and public libraries acquire the best new children’s and young adult books. Season after season, year after year, Junior Library Guild book selections go on to win awards, collect starred or favorable reviews, and earn industry honors. Visit us at www.JuniorLibraryGuild.com.

Pick of the Day: Little Pig Joins the Band (CD)

SLJ — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 13:00:39 +0000

Little Pig Joins the Band. By David Hyde Costello. CD. 6:37 min. with hardcover book. Live Oak Media. 2012. ISBN 978-1-4301-1139-9. $29.95.
Pre-S-Gr 2–David Hyde Costello’s humorous story (Charlesbridge, 2011) about Little Pig who is too small to play any of the marching band instruments stored in a box at Grandpa’s house. Whenever Little Pig asks his siblings a question, it is comically misheard. For example, when he asks if there are any piccolos, the response is “There’s a jar in the fridge behind the olives.” Finally, Little Pig realizes that the rag-tag group needs a little organization, so he finds a whistle and gets them lined up and marching in step. Costello’s clever asides come to life via Emily Eiden’s terrific narration. The “Little Pig March,” composed by Rory Young and Arnie Cardillo, is wonderful and all the music and sound effects add to the meaning and enjoyment of the text. Costello’s illustrations are spot-on! Pair this with Mary Raynor’s Garth Pig Steals the Show (Dutton, 1993), A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea (S & S, 2010) by Michael Ian Black, and the DVD version of the tale (SLJ, Sept. 2012) from Nutmeg Media. This delightful production will be enjoyed by students and teachers and might even inspire them to organize a class parade.–Lonna Pierce, MacArthur Elementary School, Binghamton, NY

Pick of the Day: Pig Tales: Pig Pig Returns and Little Pig Joins the Band (DVD)

SLJ — Thu, 06 Sep 2012 13:05:14 +0000

Pig Tales: Pig Pig Returns and Little Pig Joins the Band. DVD. 14 min. with tchr’s. guide. Nutmeg Media. 2012. ISBN 1-933938-87-0. $69.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These two charming tales (2011, both Charlesbridge) by author/illustrators David McPhail and David Hyde Costello each feature piglets who, though they are young, learn very mature lessons. McPhail’s Pig Pig doesn’t want to leave his mother and cat to vacation across the country with his aunt and uncle, but as he becomes interested in the unusual places that he visits, he soon discovers that he’s having a great time. Although he worries that his mother and cat may have forgotten about him, he soon learns that they are eager to welcome him home, and he regales them with stories of his exploits. Costello’s Little Pig is too small to play any of the musical instruments in the family band, and he starts to feel left out. He soon learns that he has one talent that the chaotic and disorganized family band needs more than they know! As the band leader, Little Pig earns the family’s respect and learns that even the smallest member can do great things. With charming illustrations, music, and fun sound effects, both stories are narrated by their author. Each tale is followed by an interview with the author-illustrator, who explains the story’s’ motivation and the technique used to create the illustrations. These stories work well together and the guide offers excellent suggestions for discussions about problem-solving, overcoming fears, and dealing with siblings.–MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson Elementary Schools, Binghamton, NY