Layla's Happiness -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Title: Layla's Happiness

Author: Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie

Illustrator: Ashleigh Corrin

Publisher: Enchanted Lion, 2019

Themes: Happiness

Opening:

My name is Layla. I am seven years old. 

Layla means "night beauty," and I love the night.

Why I love this book and think you will too:

When I wish my friends happy birthday, I like to wish for them to have joy, laughter, peace, and special moments that become memories to treasure for a lifetime. I have learned that in life, when we look for happiness we are more likely to notice it and when we look for sadness or anger, we will spot that more quickly. Moments are fleeting, but when we move slowly enough to take note and put those memories into a journal or drawing, they stick with us. 

Layla's Happiness is her journal of happiness. Mariahadessa and Ashleigh worked together to share Lay;a's moments of happiness. Each line and illustration is a touchstone for the reader to see that happiness is not some distant thing you must go looking for, it is right there in the purple plum, the poetry, the garden, etc. etc. 

They share their happiness, but also ask, What makes you happy? 

Ashleigh received the Ezra Jack Keats Award for outstanding new illustrator this year.  Mariahadessa received the Writer Honor award. Learn more about it here. You can even watch the award ceremony. 

Ashleigh's illustrations have a beautiful simplicity and show her love for color and graphic shapes. 

I have a book called How to be a Wildflower: a field guide by Katie Daisy. It is like a nature journal and a call to action. The pages Each two page spread is like it's own little universe. As I read Layla's Happiness, I felt like it was designed in that same way. Each two page spread is it's own little world. The element that ties it all together is Layla and her bright yellow dress.

Resources and Activities:

• Make a Happiness journal, scraps of paper and a pencil or pen is all it takes. You can always add paint or crayons, glue in cool stuff. 
• Move slowly through the world. Drink in all the beauty.

• Learn more about Mariahadessa.
• Learn more about Ashleigh
• Learn more about the Ezra Jack Keats Awards.

If We Were Gone -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

World Environment Day

Title: If We Were Gone: Imagining a World Without People

Author: John Coy

Illustrator: Natalie Capannelli 

Publisher: Millbrook Press, 2020

Themes: Environment, Earth Day, Call to Action

For ages:  5 and Up

We are in a time where the list of hard and scary topics feels completely overwhelming.  Yet, we need to talk about them. We need to take action. No, not need. We must have conversations. We must take action. 

I believe that the place to begin any conversation or action is with kindness, empathy, listening, and using our imaginations.

This book imagines a world without us in it. It asks important questions and offers opportunity for thought, discussion, and action. 

It begins: 

People need water to live.

We need air to breathe.

We need plants to survive.

But do they need us?

Maybe not.

Imagine what would happen 

if people were no longer here.

We are all in this world together.  In the natural world, diversity means survival. 

Activities and Resources

Learn more about World Environment Day

Spend time exploring, wondering, asking questions.

Take a walk. Move slowly and see what you notice. Take note. Take that same walk every week for a year. What changes do you see? 

Draw a picture of the world around you. What is important to your survival? What needs you to survive?

Pick up some garbage.

If we are the intelligent life forms on this planet we call home, how can we create a world of caring, community, equality, sustainability, health, and peace? 

Watch Jane Goodall: The Hope

In the documentary about her, Jane Goodall said, "Even if it's no use, I'm going to die trying." Later she said, "Every person makes some sort of impact o the planer every single day. We get to choose what sort of impact that is." 

How we treat our fellow man. How we treat the trees, the insects, the birds, the land that we live upon all have an impact. Your actions or inaction show what you have chosen. How do you want to be seen? 

Support your Local Indie Bookstore when you purchase a book.

Check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog post each week to learn about more cool books to read with your kids and add to your collection.

A Stone Sat Still -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

I have been watching the birds in my backyard a lot. In the spring, we have many bird species that only stop by the feeders for a short time before moving on to their nesting grounds. There are also birds who stop coming to the feeder in spring as they are migrating to their nesting ground. I have been paying attention to the birds for several years. I noticed that the red-winged black birds come back in early spring. I used to think of them as summer birds because they would and still do sit on tall grasses in the summer sun and heat and trill all day. After paying attention, I realized that they are very early harbinger of spring. The robins come back a little later, and for a short time, flock into yards and open spaces as large groups looking for tasty meals. I suspect they love the rainy days and the worms coming up from the deep soil. And then the dark-eyed juncos who spend the winter foraging for seed under the bird feeders hang out until all chances of snowstorms are over. I begin to pay close attention to the juncos in March and hope each morning that they will be gone. For me they are a sign that the weather is really changing for the better. I love the juncos in the winter. Their little black and white bodies bop around under the feeders remind me that it may be cold out, but I am as resilient as a little bird so I can go outside too. In the spring, I am ready for warmth and the blooming of flowers and trees. 

Today I chose A Stone Sat Still because it is a poem to nature. A poem to paying attention and noticing things that seem simple and uninteresting, but are actually complex and exciting.

Title: A Stone Sat Still

Author/Illustrator: Brendan Wenzel

Publisher: Chronicle Books, 2019

Opening Page:

A stone sat still

with the water, grass and dirt

and it was as it was

where it was in the world.

Why I believe you will love this book:

• It is lyrical and has a lovely repetition. 
• This story is filled with discussion opportunities and doors to learning more about nature topics. 
• The illustrations are made with cut paper, colored pencil, oil pastels, marker and the computer. They are soft and bright, wild and gentle.
• It is a story about using your senses and thinking about size. You can hear the crack of the shell, feel the warmth of the day, and understand that perception of size depends on what is is around. 

I am not doing this book justice. It is best enjoyed by just enjoying it. It is a book to sit with and ponder. It is the kind of book that catches your heart and holds on as a reminder of how special our world is.

Resources and Activities:

Here is a link to the book being read.

Brendan talks about the story behind this story. 

An interview with Brendan Wenzel.

Brendan's Website.

• Spend time in the woods, in your yard, on a nature trail, by a river, lake stream, ocean, or at your window and just sit and watch. What do you see? Make a list, draw pictures.
• What senses are you using as you watch? What senses are the animals, birds, insects using as they interact in the world? 
• Write a poem about what you discover.
• If a rock could talk, what do you think it would say about it's life experience?

• Make a collage animal. 
• Here's a link to loads of collage ideas.
• Use found objects for you art. 
• Play with watercolors and use the pieces to cut up and make a new piece of art.
• Participate in Citizen Science projects. I have been adding my bird data to Ebird. I also participate in the Frog Calling Survey and will be doing a training on a pollinator project. I love it because I get to be in nature and hopefully help the wildlife by keeping track of the things I see.
• Recently I started a little photography project that I call, "Nine things I Noticed."  I take lots of pictures with my phone when I walk my dog. I pull together nine of the cool things I love and put them together in the Instagram Layout App.  Here are two that I have created. 
  

Well, nature and my dog are calling. Off to see what we notice today.

Support your Local Indie Bookstore when you purchase a book.

Check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog post each week to learn about more cool books to read with your kids and add to your collection.

Tiny Creatures -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Earth Day Every Day!

Title: Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes
Author: Nicola Davies
Illustrator: Emily Sutton
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2014 (US)

Themes: Science, Second person, STEAM, Microbes

Opening Lines: You know about big animals, and you know about small animals . . .but do you know that there are creatures so tiny that millions could fit on this ant's antenna?

Why I believe you will LOVE this Book:

As we live through this Pandemic with Covid-19, microbes are taking a front seat in our fear and desire to understand. This picture book provides an understanding of microbes, the good, the bad, the pretty, and the ugly.

This book helps readers grasp the benefits and dangers of microbes. It helps us grasp that they come in many shapes and sizes. There are many more healthy microbes than the bad ones.

Emily Sutton's watercolor illustrations are beautiful and help to make a kind of scary topic less scary.

This is one of those books that you may not pick up on any old average day, but once you do pick it up, I think you will go back to it even when we have any old average days again.

Resources and Activities:

Here is a video of the book being read aloud.

An inspiring video interview with Nicola Davies.

Nicola's Website

Emily Sutton's Website

Learn more about Microbiology

This video is current and puts the health of our earth into relationship with the health of humankind.

Support your Local Indie Bookstore when you purchase a book.

Check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog post each week to learn about more cool books to read with your kids and add to your collection.

Four Otters Toboggan-- Perfect Picture Book Friday

It's EARTH WEEK!

Title: Four Otters Toboggan: An Animal Counting Book

Author: Vivian Kirkfield

Illustrator: Mirka Hokkanen

Publisher: Pomegrante Kids, 2019

Themes: Nature, Counting, Conservation, STEAM, Earth Day

Opening Lines: 

Water waits.

Dawn breaks

in a chorus of bird song.

ONE willow flycatcher whistles

as the night slips silently away.

Text (c) Vivian Kirkfield, Illustration (c) Mirka Hokkanen, 2019

Why I Believe you will love this book:

Counting animals.

Text (c) Vivian Kirkfield, Illustration (c) Mirka Hokkanen, 2019

Poetry and the full circle of the day. A great story to read as you begin and end the day.

Text (c) Vivian Kirkfield, Illustration (c) Mirka Hokkanen, 2019

A theme of conservation with specific animals offers children a deeper look into the natural world allowing them to see the beauty and understand the need to care for the earth.

The art is beautiful. Mirka's printmaking is filled with detail and gentle colors that pull you in like the beauty of a new day. As they say "Earth without Art is just, Eh!" -- Demetri Martin

This is a lovely, simple, yet complex story that can be read to children of all ages. 

Activities and Resources:

• Be sure to read the backmatter and learn more about each animal in the story.

• Check out the activity guide. It is chock full of great things to do.

• Watch Mirka making prints for the book:

• Go on a scavenger hunt to see how many insects, mammals, and birds you see. 

Support your local Indie Bookstore when you purchase a new book.

Check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog post each week to learn about more cool books to read with your kids and add to your collection.

We Are Water Protectors -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

It is Earth Month and April 22nd is Earth Day, the 50th anniversary. Every Day is Earth Day. This is our planet and we need to care for it each and every day. We Are Water Protectors is brand new and it is a poem and prayer for our earth and the water that gives us life.

Title: We Are Water Protectors
Author: Carole Lindstrom
Illustrator: Michaela Goade
Publisher: Roaring Book Press, 2020

For Ages: 4 and Up

Themes: Earth, Water, Native Peoples, Protests

Opening lines: 
Water is the first medicine, Nokomis told me.
We come from water.
It nourished us inside our mother's body.
As it nourishes us here on Mother Earth.
Water is sacred.

Why I LOVE this book and think you will too:

Somehow throughout my life, I have been introduced to many Native People's and learned a little bit about their cultures. Their stories have given me a love of the earth and an appreciation of the people and their connection to the world.

This book is a beautiful connection to the stories, the people, and our need to connect with mother earth. It is a call to arms to protect our planet and the water that gives us life.

It is a prayer for the earth.

Michaela's illustrations are like a dream. They show the beauty and the horror in contrast to each other as poetically as the words written by Carole.

This book makes me want:  To read it over and over again. To linger on each image. To glide my fingers across the colors and the water. To hold it close to my heart to remind me of what is truly important in life. To push me to stand up and fight for what is right.

I hope it does the same for you and your children.

Listen to Carole Lindstrom Read the book

Activities and Resources:

Check out Carole's website.

https://www.michaelagoade.com/about

Go outside, dig in the dirt, play with water. Plants seeds, a tree, and flowers.

Play with watercolor paints.

Learn more about the complaints and concerns regarding the Dakota Access Pipeline

More on the Pipeline

Learn about the Native American cultures where you live.

Take Action.
Pick up garbage left behind.
Attend a rally.
Make signs.
Write to your government officials.
Change one little thing like giving up straws and balloons.

OK, I am off to listen to Matthew Winners Podcast interview with Carole and Michaela. You can too.

Looking for more great books to read with your kids. Be sure to check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog Post.

Chicks Rule -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Title: Chicks Rule!
Author: Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
Illustrator: Renée Kurilla
Publisher: Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2019

For Ages 3 and Up

Themes: Working together, empowerment, chicks rule

Opening pages: ZOOOOOM!! WHOOOOOSH! Rocket Club The coolest Club in the Galaxy. Meeting Today. No Chicks Allowed!!!

Chick gets mad.

Cool chicks and nerdy chicks
Quiet chicks and wordy chicks

Biker chicks and rocker chicks
Science chicks and soccer chicks . . .

All the chicks (They are young chicken chicks) are told no, they aren't welcome. While they come from different backgrounds, and have different dreams, they all have a common hurdle and together they work to conquer their dreams.

Why I think you will love this book:

This is a story about accomplishing your dreams in the face of adversity. It's about working together with what you have in common to support each other and make dreams come true.

If you have ever felt like you are Not Allowed, this book is for you.

The illustrations are adorable. Renée's work is bright and cheerful. the chicks come from diverse backgrounds. There's tons of fun stuff to look at on each page.

Along the way, you may begin to discover what kind of chick you are and begin your journey to the stars.

Resources and Activities:

Sudipta reads Chicks Rule.

Sudipta talks about her story and why she created it.

Activity pages.

The second book, Chicks Rock! about Rocker Chicks  getting up and singing in front of an audience comes out in 2021.

If you enjoyed this story, you can support the author and illustrator by buying your own copy of the book. You can also support independent bookstores through Bookshop.org. Make sure your library has the book in their collection too.

Susanna Hill had a Perfect Picture Book Blog where writers and teachers share a favorite book every Friday. Check it out to learn about more great picture books.

Counting Birds -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Title: Counting Birds: The Idea that Helped Save Our Feathered Friends
Author: Heidi E.Y. Stemple
Illustrator: Clover Robin
Publisher: Quatro Publishing Group USA, 2018

Opening Lines: Frank Chapman loved birds. He worked at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City creating exhibits about birds.

Themes: Citizen Science, Biography, Ornithology, Birds, Nature, STEAM, Earth Day

Why I Love this Book and Think You Will Too:

I love birds. When I was young, we had a neighbor who put sunflower seeds on the banister of her deck that sat in the middle of the woods. When we would visit, she was always sure to let up put seed out. Then she would call "chick- a dee-dee- dee, Chick-a dee-dee, dee" From the trees we would hear the little black, white and grey birds call back. "dee-dee-dee" That was how I learned about my first bird. They are still one of my favorite birds.

This book may be the first step in helping you love birds too. If you already love birds, you will enjoy this book for the information and beauty.

The author, Heidi Stemple is the child in the much loved and beautiful book Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. She went out on the Christmas Bird Count owling with her father as a child. She continues the tradition with the Owl Moon Gang.

Counting Birds is part call to action, part biography, and part nature exploration.  It shows how taking a small step can lead to big things that protect and preserve our natural world.

The cut paper illustrations are beautiful and deserve special attention.

Right now you can watch and listen as Heidi reads the book.

Activities and Resources:

Be sure to check out all of Heidi's videos related to this book. She will show you how to call down the Owls.

http://heidieystemple.com/books.html

Learn more about Clover's Cut Paper artwork

Check out Clover's Website

Need a laugh? Did you know T-Rex has a connection with birds?
T-Rex visits the Birds at the Field Museum

Make a drawing of a bird. It's one of Heidi's suggested activities.
I made this one in Procreate on my iPad. It started with a random squiggle. I guess I had birds on my mind.

Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

This is important! Saturday March 21st at 11 AM EST (That's 10 am in Chicago or CST), Josh will be reading this book LIVE on Facebook and Instagram. You don't have to miss out on anything. Race over and connect with Josh so you can enjoy this book and all the others he will be reading in the near future. It will be the best, cause it's being read to you by the author! But don't miss it, the video will only be available for a short time.

Title: Lady Pancake &Sir French Toast
Author: Josh Funk
Illustrator: Brendan Kearney
Publisher: Sterling Books, 2015

For ages 4 and up

Book Description:
A thoroughly delicious picture book about the funniest "food fight!" ever! Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast have a beautiful friendship—until they discover that there's ONLY ONE DROP of maple syrup left. Off they go, racing past the Orange Juice Fountain, skiing through Sauerkraut Peak, and reeling down the linguini. But who will enjoy the sweet taste of victory? And could working together be better than tearing each other apart? The action-packed rhyme makes for an adrenaline-filled breakfast . . . even without a drop of coffee!

Themes: Food, Competition, Friendship, Sharing, Books in Rhyme

Opening Lines: 
"Deep in the fridge and behind the green peas,
way past the tofu and left of the cheese,
Up in the corner, and back by a roast,
sat Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast."

Why I believe you will like this book:

This book takes Food Wars to a whole different place.

Have you ever wanted something so badly and there was only one available? Add to that your best friend said they wanted that something too. Did you give in? Did you let your bestie have it?

No?

I didn't think so. You look like the kind of person who loves a race, some competition, and winning.

Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast are that kind of friends. Join them in the race the the last drop of syrup. You will rhymingly (I just made that word up) travel through the fridge where all the food comes to life.

But wait, there's more! You will discover what word Josh rhymes with linguini, and figure out the meaning of some challenging words.

Who do you think will win? What will the winner do?

Once the race is over, be sure to take some time looking at the fun illustrations.

Activities and Resources:

Follow Josh on Facebook: @Josh.Funk.Books. Again: Saturday 3/21 he will be reading Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast live on Facebook and Instagram.

His full website. There's an activity book.

Listen to the Songs for each book.

I found this bio about Josh on his website:
Bio Written by Josh's Cat:
Meow meow meow. Mew meow. Grrrr! MEOW! Mew mew meow mew meow. Me-oooooow! Mew.

Learn More About the Illustrator

Learn How Maple Syrup is made on a big scale.

Hungry? Is it wrong to share these recipes?

French Toast Recipe

or

Pancakes

I love to slice up an apple sprinkle it with cinnamon and ginger powder and fry it up until the apple slices are soft and browned. You can cook them in coconut oil or in butter. Right before they are done, I sprinkle in some of my favorite nuts and toast them up to add some extra flavor. Maybe even add some dried blueberries, cranberries or cherries to the mix. Makes a great topping especially if you only have a drop of syrup in the fridge. YUM!


Be sure to check out Susanna Hill's weekly PPBF post to see what she is writing about and to discover what other writers and educators are promoting.

Don't Panic and Always Carry a Towel (and cleaning wipes)

One of my favorite books is The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. There are two important things you need to know about Intergalactic travel. Don't Panic and Always Carry a Towel. So grab your towel, don't panic about no school, being stuck at home with family. Instead, find ways to stay busy, have fun, and even learn something while we self-quarantine and let this pandemic fizzle out.

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My friend and critique partner, Shae Pepper is a teacher at Outschool.  Shae teaches history, literature, and photography for 10 -14 year olds in ways that make learning exciting. Shae, her husband, and their little dog Truffles are traveling the 50 states over 5 years. Her classes offer glimpses into her travel experiences, they bring history to life, and a offer fun photo experiences you can do at home. Plus, you will likely meet Truffles.

Here's the link to learn more about Shae. 

The cool thing about Outschool is that there are classes for all ages, and they are temporarily offering them free as a way to make it through these strange times.

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Author and illustrator Ben Clanton is offering a couple virtual meet-ups. If you are a Narwhal and Jellyfish fan, don't miss out. I love his books It Came in the Mail and Rot The Cutest in the World.

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Author Dev Petty has some fun stuff for kids to do. She wrote the I Don't Want to Be A Frog series, Claymates, and her newest is The Bear Must Go On.

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The physical Museums may be closed, but you can still visit many of them virtually.

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STEAM and Poetry get mixed up at Heidi Roemer and Kimberly Hutmacher's STEAM Powered Poetry website.


Have you discovered other cool ways that the community is dealing with this life disruption? Share them in the comments and I will make more posts. Share this post with your friends. You are welcome to follow my blog by adding your email at the top right.

The Box Turtle -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Title: The Box Turtle
Author and Illustrator: Vanessa Roeder
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Readers, 2020.

Themes: Self-esteem, creativity/imagination, determination

Little Terrance the box turtle is born without a shell. His parents gave him a a shell that fit just right. Terrance was happy until one day some other turtles told him his shell was weird. Off he went to find something better. Terrance tries many shells, but each has something not quite right. Tag along with Terrance and his hermit crab friend to see what he discovers.

What I like about this book:

The artwork! Illustrations are created with Prismacolors, acrylics, and a box full of digital tricks. You can see from the cover that the colors are bright and cheerful. There is a lot going in in some of the illustrations, but you always know where to look to find Terrance and discover the problem.

Humor: Many of the box choices are so silly, kids will be laughing and pointing out why the idea was so bad.

Sweetness/Cuteness factor: This is just adorable, but not saccharine sweet, sunny and endearing sweet which make it appealing to so many kids.

Search and Find: Throughout the illustrations, there are little threads you can follow from characters appearing before their scene, to color palettes, and the raccoon.


Activities and resources:

Before you turn and look at the back end pages, see if you can think of other things that Terrance could use as a shell? Did you come up with some that Vanessa didn't illustrate? Did you come up with the ones that she did?

Check out the Teacher's Guide. It is STEAM Powered! and created by Marcie Colleen

If you haven't already read Lucy and the String, be sure to get your hands on that one too.

Learn more about Vanessa and her books on her website. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram too.

Be sure to check out Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Posts. Not only will you find out what she likes, but there's a list of books recommended by authors and illustrators too.

Nine Months -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

Title: Nine Months Before a Baby is Born
Author: Miranda Paul
Illustrator: Jason Chin
Publisher: Neal Porter Books, 2019

I chose this book because I have a friend who is having a baby. I am so excited for the whole family. She announced to the world that her life is changing and they are preparing for another boy to join the family. As scientists and parents, I believe this book will be a great addition to their family discussions about the new baby.

The story is written in simple poetry describing in simple terms what is happening inside mommies belly.

On the left-hand spreads, we see illustrations of the baby from fertilized egg to the moment it's time for mom and dad to head to the hospital. Each illustration of the baby's formation and growth is actual size.

On the right-hand spread, the illustrations take you through the life of a family of three as they prepare for the arrival of the new baby.

The illustrations are created with watercolor and gauche. The family images are bright and show the changes of the seasons to help set up time passing. The illustrations of the baby in the belly are set on a deep blue background and the number of weeks that have past are included.

The book back-matter adds more in depth information about babies and how they grow. There are little snippets about things babies can do before they're born, comparisons of the gestation periods of humans vs. animals, and a section called what if? This section talks about multiple births, premature births, and miscarriage.

Why I like this book:

So often children grow up knowing that babies happen, but they are not shown a more in-depth look.  I feel like this book opens the door to conversations about how babies grow and what to expect about a new baby coming into the family.

I really like the side-by-side between the growth of the baby and the family preparing for that a new life to come home.

The simple text and beautiful illustrations can be read as a family or the child can spend time looking and discovering on his/her own.

Activities and Resources

There is an excellent exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Check out the link for an online experience.

Check out the bibliography at the back of the book for more reading.

How to answer questions as they arise.

Explorers -- A Perfect Picture Book for Friday

I love museums. They are filled with so many wonders. I am also very nervous about museums. They are huge with lots of rooms and loads of people. It can get overwhelming. But everything is so impressive and awe inspiring.

In comes Explorers by Matthew Cordell. This wordless picture book is a whole new way to explore. Each image provides so much to see and think about. You are in the Museum, some iconic views of Chicago museums, and then rooms from . . . Wait. let's start at the beginning. The opening scene is an ode to the cover of The Beatles album Abbey Road. 

Then there's the iconic Chicago hot dog stands, and the people who set up shop selling trinkets and magic.

The story is about visiting a museum and discovering friendship along the way. The boy purchases a magic origami bird and plays with it through the museum. When it is caught by another child, the boy grabs it back and gets into trouble, but as stories go, that is not the end and the boy takes an unexpected tour in the museum.

This story begins before the title page with the scenes from above. Then the family and readers enter the museum.

While it seems that the story is set in the Field Museum, if you have spent time in the museums in Chicago, I believe that Matthew is testing us to see if we know where all these scenes really are located. I believe he added scenes from The Peggy Notebaeret Museum, and The Art Institute.

Take a close up look at the entrance in the Field museum photo above. The pattern of the blocks above the doorway and the blocks on the upper right and left of the building, are mimicked on the benches in the book. I can't remember if the benches really look like that, but you will see this pattern repeated a lot throughout the Field Museum.

This book is about museums, family, magic, Chicago, and friendship. The more you look, the more magic will appear.

What will you discover on your explorations?

Resources and Activities:

Whether you live in Illinois or another state, there are many museums you can visit and become and explorer.

Did you know that Museums and National Parks offer free days? If you live in or around Chicago, here's a list of free days.

https://www.choosechicago.com/articles/museums-art/free-museum-days-in-chicago/

If you don't live in the Chicago area, be sure to check out your community. 

The University in my town has a small museum that is free and open to the public. There are many places you can visit at little or no cost, take some time to see what's in your neighborhood.

You will also find hidden in the images, the Mold-O-Rama machines that are fixtures at several locations in Illinois. You can learn more about them here.

You can make your own flying origami bird.

Learn more about Matthew and follow him on Instagram.

A bit about wordless picture books.

You can also check out his wife, Julie Halpern's books too.

Valentiny Writing Contest -- Meet Al

It's contest time! Valentiny style. (Follow the link for more Valentiny Stories) This year's contest theme is a valentine story where someone who feels curious. The other rules are the story must be 214 words or less. 

I am all about curiosity. One of my favorite quotes comes from Albert Einstein says, “I am enough of the artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

That was my inspiration for this story. 

As I have been working on my drawing skills, I decided to create a character named Al.  I called him Little Al the Curious Boy. My first idea started with Al who's first word was Why?

Somehow it went in a different direction than I expected. But it's fun to follow the story and see where it will take you.  My first typed draft was 338 words. In three days I revised the story about 7 times, clarifying and cutting. 

Here's the final version:

Al Asks Why

By Sarah Tobias

211 words

In a moment of quiet at breakfast Al asked, “Why?”

He had no chance to say anything more.

Though they didn’t know what Al wanted to know, they explained, and answered and talked. They googled and futzed, answered questions unasked without stopping to take a breath.

Al wandered outside with a box. He played house, drove a car, then flew a plane.

When mom noticed Al, she droned on about how boxes are made. Al listened a bit then snuck away. He hunted for bugs and cool stuff.

At dinner Al’s parents explained entomology. Did you know worms have five hearts?

Al ate, washed his dish, and went to his room. He painted and cut out rainbow hearts.

His parents came in and described the ins and outs of human hearts.

Al took a bath, got ready for bed, turned off the light, and slept.

At breakfast, Al’s parents continued. They described, clarified, and expounded.

Finally stopping for a breath.

“WHY?!” Al interjected.

His parents froze and for once remained quiet.

“Why do you always talk and explain? I’d rather play and adventure.” He took their hands and walked out to the garden.

They climbed into his heart covered box. This Valentine’s Day they sailed and floated across a rainbow sea.

Perfect Picture Book Friday-- Silent Days, Silent Dreams

I have been holding on to this PPBF book selection for a while. I didn't realize it was because I wanted to pair it with a movie recommendation, but life has a way of bringing things together.

Title: Silent Days, Silent Dreams
Author and Illustrator: Allen Say
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, An Imprint of Scholastic Inc., 2017

Opening page: James Castle was born on September 25, 1899, on a farm in Garden Valley, Idaho. I think I knew him as well as anyone could know him -- which wasn't very much -- but I want to tell you how I remember him. He was my uncle.

Why I love this book:

This book reads like a picture book biography, but it is fiction. It is the story of an artist who was "deaf, mute, autistic, and probably dyslexic, yet he managed to teach himself to draw." Allen Say took all that he could learn about James' life and created a story that is told by James' nephew. 

There is a beautiful Author's note about how the story came to be at the back of the book.

The illustrations are beautiful. They tell the story, show James' art work, and are enhanced by the short blurbs of text between and next to images.

This is a book that takes time and relooking to get the full impact.

I love this book because it is beautiful. You can feel the authors love and appreciation of another artist. You can see that the Illustrator immersed himself in James' life and art, and gave him a second life in the pages of this book.

Activities and Resources:
My sister and I watched the movie The Peanut Butter Falcon.  My sister is developmentally disabled. Because she processes the world around her more slowly than others, she enjoys movies, but tends to lose interest. Not with this movie. The morning after we watched Zack as The Peanut Butter Falcon, she said that she really liked the movie. I asked what she liked about it and she went on to talk about many parts of the movie.

It dawned on me how important it is for all people to see themselves in books and movies. I knew it from personal experience,  but watching my sister watch a young man with disabilities acting in a story about living his dreams really brought it home. My sister could see herself and her abilities through the eyes of a movie character.  It also reminded me of how capable and strong my sister and everyone who has disabilities really is.

We recommend this movie: check out the interview below.

Here's the movie trailer:

• Learn more about Allen Say
• Make art using found paper and utensils.
• Make puppets with cardboard and material.

Flamingo Hugs -- Perfect Picture Book Friday

This Perfect Picture Book Friday, I am thankful for Ciara O'Neal, Alicia Young, Kaitlyn Sanchez, and Flamingos.

I won this wonderful book with my Fall Frenzy writing contest submission. 

What?! Flamingo hugs aren't for everyone? No way! Who wouldn't want a hug from a flamingo?

Title: Flamingo Hugs Aren't For Everyone
Author: Ciara O'Neal
Illustrated by: Alicia Young
Publisher: (Ciara did it herself. Yes, that right, this is a self-published picture book), 2019. You can find it on Amazon.

Opening Lines: While most flamingos dreamed of dancing and dining on delicacies, Flaminga hoped for a hug. Day after day, she watched as the zoo's ponies were petted. The calves were cuddled. Even llamas were loved. Have you ever met a llama? They're grumps! But no one EVER wanted Flaminga's hugs.

Themes:
Hugs, Flamingos, clumsiness

Why I like this book:
1. Flaminga is sooooo cute.
2. Hugs are wonderful.
3. Pair Flaminga and hugs, and it's just downright cuterful. Yep. I made that word up. This book is cuterful. Maybe it's wondercute. Either way, it's a fun and funny story with bright and cheerful illustrations.

Flaminga is a bit clumsy and in her attempts to give and receive hugs, things don't always go well. We've all been there. In our excitement, we move too fast, miss a step or two and Splash, Crash, we go tumbling. But that doesn't stop Flaminga from getting up and trying again and again to find somebody to hug. Join her as she attempts to wrap her bright pick wings around all the zoo visitors.

This would make a great gift book for Valentine's Day.

Activities and Resources:

At the back of the book you will discover some fun flaming facts and a coloring page.

Here's and adorable handprint flamingo craft.

Two things I have learned about flamingos over the years.
1. Flamingos need to get a running start to take flight.
2. Most flamingos in the US are domesticated. The wild flamingos were hunted out of existence. But, they are making a comeback.

More flamingo facts.

Don't miss Ciara's interview with Susanna Hill.

Can't get enough of these incredible pink birds? Here are more crafts and baking ideas.

Here are a few bonus photos of flamingos. The first two were taken in the Camargue in the South of France. The last one has become one of my Halloween decorations.

I see one ready for a hug.

Did you know they run?

Yep, a skeleton riding a skeleton flamingo. That's the way I roll.

Looking for more Perfect Picture Books? Follow Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Friday Blog. She write great posts and she has made it a place for others to share their perfect picture books.