Travel back in time and turn your face to the moon

Here is an assortment of books that cover time from Jamestown to the 1960's. Some are extremely serious, one is amusing if you pay attention to the illustrations. I hope you enjoy these as much as I did. - Melody


Finding Lincoln by Ann Malaspina

Imagine a time when a black child could not walk into a public library. It really was not that long ago. This story is set in 1951 in Alabama. Louis walked into the public library, wanting a book about Abraham Lincoln. One of the librarians made him leave. The second librarian whispered, "Come back at closing tomorrow." Louis did just that.

I really enjoyed this book. There is extra information in the back of the book about the "separate but equal" services that were never equal, and more historical facts. And that second librarian was not afraid to shake things up a bit. We still do that in the library!

I Want to Be Free by Joseph Slate

This poem is a retelling of a story - you'll be surprised where it came from ... check the author's note in the back of the book.

The poem is beautiful and may certainly move you to tears. Freedom is a universal theme throughout time and place, and that is why this book rings so true today.

E.B. Lewis' fills the pages with illustrations that carry the emotional weight of the story. Be sure to read his note at the back of the book, too.

Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland

by Sally M. Walker

This book is for teens, or tough minded kids who want to read about bones and bodies that have been uncovered in the Jamestown area. It is a fabulously interesting book ... for the right reader. Forensic scientists try to understand what the human remains can tell them - and often they find things they were never expecting. This book tells about a body found in a basement, people who were buried in lead coffins, and more. And did I mention the full color photos? Almost every page has photos - of bones, the process of excavating the bones, and of course, more bones.

Tricking the Tallyman by Jacqueline Davies


It is 1790 and the first census is about to be conducted in the United States. Some people do not want to be counted: they are afraid of taxes, or other government regulations - so they hide. Then someone learns that the purpose of the census is for elected representation in the new government. Now EVERYONE wants to be counted. Pay close attention to the illustrations.

Faces of the Moon by Bob Crelin

I do love this book. It not only explains the phases of the moon, but does so with poetry. There is also very simple text explaining what time of day we will see certain phases. For instance, did you know the Full Moon always rises at sunset?

Dogs, a pig and an eagle - three animal stories

I don't want a posh dog! by Emma Dodd



Brief, rhyming text and big, bold illustrations help us see all the kinds of dogs this little girl can do without: snappy dogs, gruff dogs, speedy dogs, itchy scritchy scratchy dogs. She wants a dog that knows her in a crowd, will play with her and a dog she can call her own.



I like the rhythm and rhyme of the words and the happy ending. Emma Dodd's illustrations are fun and make me smile every time I read this book. Enjoy this with your 4-6 year old.





Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal



Little Oink is such a nice, neat pig, and that is the problem. Pigs are messy and during mess up time, they have to make messes. Little Oink thinks about his friends who are allowed to clean their rooms; he wants to do that, too. But, no. Little pig has to unmake his bed, throw his clothes on the floor - it is almost too much for him.



I love this, the third book by Amy Rosenthal. Make sure you read Little Pea and Little Hoot for two more funny little stories. And these stories are for ALL AGES. The older you are, the funnier the story. Younger children may not immediately sense the irony; older children will want to explain it to you!






Hook by Ed Young

The first thing you need to know is that Ed Young won a Caldecott Medal for Lon Po Po, two Caldecott Honor Medals for The Emperor and Seven Blind Mice. He has been nominated twice for the Hans Christian Anderson Award - the highest international recognition for Children's Literature. This is is newest book and it is a fun read.

An abadonded egg is found by a young boy who puts it under a hen. The hatchling is clearly not a chick. The story is a very visual one, as the reader can easily see that the hen is trying to raise an eagle chick with her brood.

Ed Young is a storyteller who does not need many words to tell a good story. Take your time and share this very short book with your 4-7 year old.

Treats

Finally, a chance to share a few new books!

A is for Airplane: An Aviation Alphabet

by Mary Ann McCabe Riehle

This is no 'easy alphabet' book. Look for history, science, and aerospace between the covers. There is even a 'quiz' at the end of the book. Answers are upside down and on the next page. The illustrations are by David Craid and are perfect for the book - realistic, yet clearly artful paintings. Ages 5-10

Cesar Takes a Break by Susan Collins Thoms


Cesar is left at school during spring break. Poor Cesar! He gets so lonely - iguanas get lonely, too, you know. He grabs his journal and takes his own journey through the school, meets other classroom pets and they all have a fabulous time putting on plays, participating in sporting events and more. Ages 5-8

The Origami Master by Nathaniel Lachenmeyer



High in the mountains, Shima lives alone, with only his origami to keep him company. One day, origami animals begin appearing on the desk. Shima is puzzled and hides to see who is making these. A little warbler is flying in, folding and folding the paper and leaving the creatures. Shima catches the warbler, hoping to learn its secrets. Of course, a warbler in a cage is not happy. Learn to make your own origami bird with the instructions in the back of the book. Ages 6-10

What REALLY Happened to Humpty? by Joe Dumpty, as told to Jeanie Franz Ransom

Joe Dumpty is a hard-boiled detective. Follow him through Mother Gooseland as he looks for clues. Kids who are familiar with nursery rhymes will enjoy this the most. Ages 6-10

The Moon Over Star by Dianna Hutts Aston



Once upon a Summer's morning, in 1969 ... and the rest is the story of the first moon landing, as seen from eyes of a little black girl. I love this book, with its story from recent history. Jerry Pinkney is the illustrator - perfect illustrations! Ages 5-10

Hurry Up and Slow Down by Layn Marlow



I love the illustrations in this tortoise and hare story. I feel like a turtle, creeping through the dandelions and seeing the world just a little bit differently. Rabbit is always in a hurry, and is always telling Tortoise to hurry up. But when Tortoise is reading a story to Rabbit, we finally hear Rabbit telling Tortoise to hurry up and slow down - they need to look at the pictures and take their time! Ages 4-6