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In this picture book, a beret-wearing youngster asks about creating art ("...does it have to be perfect?" or "What if I can only make stick figures?"). As her questions are answered by a diverse group of real-life artists from across the globe and throughout history, readers understand that making art is a joyful and boundaryless process. In addition to inspiring creativity, this book can also serve as an introduction to art history; very brief vignettes about the featured artists are presented at book's end, encouraging readers to seek more information. Light-hearted and joyful, this book presents a fresh perspective about what is defined as art and what art means to each of us.
Ages 4 - 9
Art Appreciation; Art History; Creativity
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Pintro, a little robot, wants to paint his cat, but is finding it hard to be creative as his programming allows him to only make perfect copies. But art is not dependent on being perfect! This is a great message for parents and children alike: perfection is not a reasonable goal. As Pintro learns, art is from the heart and the mind, and each individual has something different to express.
Ages 4 - 8
Creativity; Imperfection as Good and Desirable; Try and Try Again |
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After Lulu's Grandpa tells her about ancient Chinese characters, she and her dog, Dumpling, find themselves magically transported to a world where the characters come to life. Lulu will need quick thinking and her painting skills to navigate her way through an action-packed adventure! The book starts with an introduction to ancient Chinese characters and ends with an author's note about her experiences growing up in China. Readers who like adventure paired with problem-solving and drawing skills should also check out Aaron Becker's Journey trilogy. Ages 4 - 9 Calligraphy; Chinese Americans; Creativity; Problem Solving |
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Simple verses and vibrant artwork provide an inviting guide to crafting a poem: it's as easy as beginning with a question, listening to the world around you, and diving "deep into the silent sea of your imagination." Itself a lovely poem to enjoy and mull over and a visual feast of ideas to explore and savor, this book will inspire kids to try their own hands at creating poetry. Ages 7 - 12 Poetry; Creative Writing; Imagination |
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Presented comic book style and arranged by season, these simple poems introduce everyday moments and experiences with words and pictures that kids will relate to. Selections cleverly cover topics ranging from the wonders found in nature to friendship, the power of imagination, facing new challenges, and learning about oneself. The book's inviting tone and four different poems about "How to Write a Poem" will inspire young writers to get started. Ages 8 - 12 Poetry; Creative Writing; Imagination; Self Exploration |
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Written by the winner of the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, this upbeat book celebrates the many joys of words. "Words are magic! Have you heard? Pick a letter. Make a word!" The simple sentences utilize basic vocabulary and rhythmic rhymes. The charming illustrations in cotton-candy hues provide visual clues to support the text. A great choice for those just learning to read. Ages 4 - 7 Learning to Read; Words |
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When Fox (a woodland fox) meets Fox (an arctic fox), the two very-different-looking critters compare their attributes and abilities, ultimately discovering that they actually do have much in common — and forging a friendship. The text features short sentences and lots of repetition and the lively illustrations perfectly complement the story. Both are packed with humor and verve that will reel in newly emergent readers. Be sure to check out the other books in Tabor's wonderful "Fox" series. Ages 4 - 7 Learning to Read; Humor |
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Gigi is looking forward to the Japan Day Festival and is hoping to learn to fold a paper crane with the assistance of her grandfather, Ojiji, who is helping at the origami booth. However, this new task is harder than it looks! Brightly illustrated and geared toward kids who can read on their own but might still need a little help, this book includes Japanese words, a glossary, and directions for folding a paper puppy. Look for other books about this likable girl and her grandfather. Ages 4 - 8 Learning to Read; Japanese Culture; Grandfathers; Persistence |
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by Gary Golio In simple descriptive text, Golio imagines a day in the life of this celebrated photographer as he walks through his 1940s Harlem neighborhood capturing ordinary moments with his camera. E. B. Lewis’s illustrations are soft, vibrant, and full of beauty, conveying both the city scenes and DeCarava’s intent in his photography ("It doesn't have to be pretty to be true, but if it's true it's beautiful. Truth is beautiful"). A brief not about DeCarava is appended, along with a timeline and other resources. Search for his photos online and compare them to Lewis’s illustrations. This book is a great way to introduce photography to kids — art is often in the eyes of the beholder and in one’s own surroundings. Photography; Photographing One's Home; Beauty in the Everyday; Creativity; African Americans |
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by Michelle Markel Have you ever wondered who the Caldecott Medal (for the most distinguished Amercian picture book) was named for? In this lively picture book biography, readers meet Randolph Caldecott, an endearing individual who whose love of drawing helped him to not only sidestep a career in banking (his father's idea), but also reimagine a new way to illustrate books for children — depicting engaging scenes filled with joyful characters and plenty of action rather than fussy, boring, stiff pictures. Barbara McClintock's detailed watercolors convey the action and provide a framework for Caldecott's own artwork (identified at book's end). Read this title, and then do a book study of Caldecott Medal winners. Ages 7 - 10 Children's Literature; Artists; Creativity |
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This well-written picture book biography introduces a Jewish scientist born in London in 1920. Though there were few women in the field of chemistry in the 1950s, she persevered and became an expert at X-ray crystallography (using X-rays to look at microscopic atoms and molecules). One of the images she captured (Photo 51) helped unlock the secret to the structure of DNA: the double helix. Her male colleagues used this photo — without her knowledge — and went on to win the Nobel Prize. Additional information and photographs are appended. This inspiring book brings an unsung scientific hero to light. Ages 7 - 10 Women Scientists; Perseverance |
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There is more up-to-date information in this slim book than in most science curriculum textbooks aimed at middle grade readers. The engaging text dives into the topic of animals and how they think/what are they able to learn (Do they have personalities? Can they solve puzzles? Can they count?). The pages are well laid out, reinforcing information with charts, photos, and text asides. There is also a glossary, index, and a list of print and online resources. Animal Behavior; Animal Cognition; Animal Scientists |
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In the late 1950s, the Space Race between the Soviet Union and the United States was heating up, and NASA needed powerful rockets — as well as "information about how space might affect the people who rode in them." Cusick's well-researched book tells the story of how chimpanzees were brought to New Mexico's Holloman Air Force Base for a top-secret program, put through vigorous training, evaluated and tested (they often performed better than their human counterparts), and eventually selected as being mission ready. The book incorporates archival photographs, interviews with still-living team members, and a sensitive approach to questions about animal rights. A fascinating blend of history and science. Ages 8 - 15 Manned Space Flight; Chimpanzees; American History |
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