Spotlight: Odette's Secrets

Wednesday is the middle of the week, which means it's time for a...

 Mid-Week Middle-Grade Spotlight!

featuring:

image from barnesandnoble.com

Odette's Secrets

by Maryann Macdonald

published by Bloomsbury USA
B&N       amazon

Odette's Secrets by Maryann Macdonald is a World War II Holocaust story set in France.  Odette Meyers was a real person and her life was the inspiration for this novel told in free-verse.

Odette, the only child of foreign-born Jews living in Paris, learns to keep secrets - secrets that will save her life.  After her father becomes a prisoner-of-war, her mother joins the Resistance.  Gradually, living in Paris becomes more and more dangerous.  After soldier raid the city in an effort to "remove Jews," she is sent to hide in plain sight in the country.

While living in the country, she keeps her religion a secret, and pretends to be Christian.  At times, the lie seems real and the lines between who she really is and who she pretends to be become unclear.

This book is a quick, but profound and heart-wrenching read.  Its free-verse format and child-like train of thought makes it very accessible for young, but mature readers.  I gave to my nine-year-old as a good introduction to the horrors of WWII.  There are other stories that cover the same time period, but this one does not show the worst of the Holocaust - it has an excellent focus on the healing and recovery of Jewish families in Paris.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the time period.  I'd like to say ENJOY, but I'm not sure it's the right word for this particular title.  Perhaps, APPRECIATE is the better choice.

Nine Pizzas into Nachos?

My Very Elegant Mother Just Served Us......

Nachos?

We all know the order of the planets, but back in second grade when we were learning them, your teacher might have given you a fun saying to help with memorization.  I learned it as My (Mercury) Very (Venus) Elegant (Earth) Mother (Mars) Just (Jupiter) Served (Saturn) Us (Uranus) Nine (Neptune) Pizzas (Pluto).  In 2004, 2005, and 2006, I gave me second grade classes the same saying to help them remember.  (Complete with a pizza worksheet.)  But, my team and I had to do some thinking when we were readying ourselves for The Space Unit in the Spring of 2007.

Pluto's status as a planet had been changed during the International Astronomical Union Meeting in August of 2006.  It was no longer a planet, but had been put into an entirely new group of celestial objects all together - dwarf planets. So, we dropped 'Pizzas' and changed 'Nine' to 'Nachos'.  

Then, we muddled our way through explaining what exactly a dwarf planet is and why Pluto fit the bill.  (Note the verb muddled.)

Well, muddle no longer, teachers and parents. Here's a book that can help.

image from abramsbooks.com

 

                                                           

Pluto's Secret

An Icy World's Tale of Discovery

by Margaret A. Weitekamp with David DeVorkin

ill. by Diane Kidd

Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers in association with

the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
abramsbooks      B&N     amazon

Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930, but it has always held a bit of mystery for astronomers.  Its orbit differs from that of the other planets, it changes places with Neptune at times, and it has other icy worlds near it.

Astronomers took into account these "oddities," which were slowly revealed to them through advances in technology, when they created the Dwarf Planet category.  Many people responded to the change by being upset and offended.

The creators of Pluto's Secret present the change in such a way that the reader feels it was the right thing to do.  The illustrations are whimsy and fun, and Pluto is personified in such a way that his charisma is captivating.

The idea that Pluto is not a traditional planet is Pluto's secret. He knows it all along, he's just patiently waiting for us silly humans to figure it out.  And, to Pluto's delight, we did - he even shouts "BINGO!"

So, what makes this book a great one to have in classrooms and libraries?  Goodness, where to begin?

Pluto's Secret is 35 pages of accessible history, science, and emotion.  This one book has the potential to reach a vast audience and make an impression on each reader in a variety of ways. 

First, it gives us, in simple terms, Pluto's story: how it was discovered, named, and later reclassified.

Second, it helps our very youngest readers, who happen to be tomorrow's question askers and answer seekers, that science is always changing - it's the nature of the field.

Third, it promotes patience and acceptance.  Pluto waits for the scientists on Earth to determine what (or who) he really is, all the while he stays happy even as he looks down on the people picketing his reclassification.  He's proud of what he is and is confidant that he will be accepted.

Weitekamp, DeVorkin, and Kidd's work is complete with historical photographs,  a selective glossary, a suggested reading list, and a note from the museum which states "Scientists will continue to uncover the secrets of Pluto...for years to come."  Isn't that something our children can look forward to? 

It is my hope that this book will find itself in classroom, school, public, and personal libraries everywhere.  It has so much to offer in so many ways.  I can't thank the creators enough for bringing this book to publication.

So, give Pluto's Secret a read, I think it is something you will ENJOY!

**Disclaimer: My reviews are my own.  I have not been asked to review the above title by any person, organization, or company.  This review reflects my own opinion(s) of the above mentioned book.  Thank you, Morgan

Valuable Resources

We all want what is best for our children.  We want them to healthy, happy, intelligent, and successful.  Sometimes, it can be overwhelming trying to do all of these things, and we need help.

When it comes to literacy and reading, what are some of the best things we can do?  

Luckily, there are many things we can do to help our kids get off to a great start in reading.  

First, read to them.  

Can reading time be enhanced?  

Absolutely!

Here is a great internet resource filled with basic tips for reading with you child:  Sharing Books

I stumbled on this site, which happens to be The Louisiana State Library's site.  It is full of great tips, ideas, and links for early literacy with a special emphasis on Nursery Rhymes.  (You know how I feel about Mother Goose!)  I particularly like the printable mini-books they provide.

I hope you visit the site and discover a new way to interact with your child during reading time.  Enjoy!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It's been more than a week since I've actually posted an entry to The Nursery Librarian.  I'm sorry if you've been hoping to find another good book or tips to help your favorite little one become a true reader - I've just been busy!

We celebrated Easter with family and lots of simple activities in our household.  Our favorite activity was dying eggs, a tradition for our family.  I have to express my excitement over the memory game that PAAS included in the dye box.  We cut it apart and played.  The pieces are in a sandwich baggie in the kitchen drawer to be used on a whim.  Did anyone else discover that great little game too?  Remember, playing memory has lots of advantages.

During the last week, I started two drafts for future posts here on the site.  One is a book review for a book called Pluto's Secret.  An excellent book that helps explain how Pluto became a dwarf planet.  Look for that post sometime in the next few days.

If you need book suggestions for your third through eighth grade child, you'll be pleased to know that I'll be featuring a different book for this age range on Wednesdays.  Books written for this audience, usually called middle grade books, are some of my absolute favorites.  I enjoy reading them and suggesting them to kids in the library.  Look for the first "Middle Grade Marvel" review this upcoming Wednesday.

I've also been reviewing some webinars in order to renew my librarian certificate.  Two of the webinars have brought some great books to my attention, and needless to say, there are 99 items checked out on my library card right now!  I can't wait to go through the piles and find some real gems to use in story times or with my own kids.  Don't worry...I'll tell you all about them too!

Well, it feels good to get another post done for The Nursery Librarian!  Stop back soon for more BOOK FUN!  In the meantime, keep reading to your little one, and ENJOY!

Load up the SCHEMATA!

Think about the last book you read.

No, not the one you just read with your child.

That one - the one you wouldn't read aloud to your child because it had stuff for grown-ups in it.

What was it?

Me - I just finished a new work of fiction by Andrew Pyper called The Demonologist.

Was your book good?  Mine was excellent.

Did you understand it?  The dialogue, the setting, the themes, the events?

OF COURSE.

How?

Think about it.  How are you able to understand what you read?  Road signs, directions/instructions, blogs and facebook posts, novels and magazines, progress reports, menus ,and the list goes on.....

The odds are good you've been reading for quite some time, and you've had a lot of practice.  You've probably even had the chance to experience many things in the world around you.  You know what it feels like to have sand between your toes, to get ice cream from an ice cream shop, you can remember your first kiss and your first heart break, and surely you've slid your fingers along silk and velvet.  All of these experiences are now a part of you, part of your memory bank, and in turn - part of your schemata.

Reading is a mental act, and while engaged in the act, many things are happening inside your mind.  Mostly, connections are being made between the words you read and the knowledge you already possess, or your schemata (a fancy way of saying background knowledge).

Think of it this way...you are walking around with a giant file cabinet in your head.  It's tall and wide and full of labeled drawers.  Everywhere you go, you pick up a file.  This has been happening to you since birth.

• The first time you saw a cow...BOOM...filed in the animal drawer.  

• Your dad said "moo" as he pointed to the cow...BOOM...filed in the sound drawer. 

• Two weeks later at breakfast, Grandma said "this milk is yummy.  It came from a cow"...POP the animal drawer is opened, a copy of the cow file is made and ...BOOM...copy is filed in the food drawer. 

•  Later that night, Mom says Hey, Diddle, Diddle, POP...many drawers open and you remember that cows say moo and give milk, they don't jump over the moon.  

• Now Hey, Diddle, Diddle is very funny!  BOOM...that nursery rhyme is filed in the silly stuff drawer.

This is a simplified way of explaining one part of the reading process, but it's an important part of the process.  Your interactions, intentional or not, are helping to build your child's schemata.  Everything they touch, smell, eat, see, or hear becomes a part of the networked knowledge that will someday make them excellent readers.

So, go out in the world and experience lots of things with and for your little one.  Make bark rubbings with paper and crayons against tree trunks, show them the president's face on a bill from your wallet, take a letter to the post office and walk inside to mail it, put apples in the hanging scale at the grocery store and point to the needle as it moves to show the weight.  Talk about anything and everything, your vocabulary is the foundation for their vocabulary.

Now, go, be brave, say a lot and make lots of connections on behalf of your child's schemata...load it up!  And while you're at it...ENJOY!

Preschool Fun Time!

Your preschooler needs to PLAY with YOU!

Recently, I highlighted play as a significant part of a child's learning and literacy.  Consider this a follow up with playtime suggestions for children ages three and four.

Preschoolers, like toddlers, will still enjoy emulating the adults around them.  They'll want to "cook," have a tea party, drive a car, grocery shop, write and draw, and even use a smart phone or computer. Be sure to have pots and pans at the ready along with other objects that will promote dramatic play.

They'll also enjoy constructing hide-outs or forts.  Encourage them to drape blankets over chair backs and coffee tables, then get in the fort with them.  (It might be cramped, so don't feel like you have to stay long.)

At this point in your child's development he/she will enjoy board games.  Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders are some classics.  Memory is another great choice to play with preschoolers for several reasons.

Memory

This is a classic and simple game. The object of the game is to lift cards (or objects) in hopes that a pair is found.  The trick to the game is remembering where each item is located after they've been revealed, which happens to be this activity's greatest benefit.

For very young players, you can limit the number of pairs you are playing with.  Start with only 10 cards (5 pairs) in order to have some success early on, and to let your child comprehend the concept of the game.  As he/she becomes more confidant, add more cards.  You'll find you might be stumped too!

Memory games can be purchased.  Hasbro makes a classic one with bright colors and fun objects on each card.  Not only do they carry the "classic" version, they also sell versions with character favorites like My Little Pony or Lightning McQueen.  At some point, my mother purchased a version, not produced by Hasbro, that is tied to the Pigeon book series by Mo Willems.  A great literary tie-in!

You can also make your own memory games with a variety of supplies: index cards, magazine clippings, and other objects.  Making your own sets allows you to tailor the game to your child's needs.  Here are just a few examples:

1. Sight Word Memory  - As your child learns new sight words add them to your game.
2. Letter Matching -  Make matching capital and lower case letters your goal.
3. Number Recognition - A "matching set" of cards does not have to be identical.  One card in a set could have a numeral while the other card shows a representation of that numeral. For example:

                                                  

Get creative with the game of Memory.  It's a game that requires only a few basic skills, a small amount of time, and meager materials, but has tremendous benefits.  Few games are as adaptable as this one.

Just in case you need some ideas for creating your own versions I've pulled together some internet resources.

Martha Stewart 

Country Living 

and

Here is a neat tactile version using recycled bottle caps.  The blog is in French, but I think the pictures explain the process.  Bottle Caps 

Remember, the game of Memory holds many benefits for young players and their care givers. It's enjoyable, thought provoking, and helps introduce or reinforce different skills.  Whether you make a game or purchase one, the advantages to playing it are endless.  Enjoy!  

Book Review - Easy Reader

Finding books for children who are just learning to read can be a challenge.  You want a book with the sight words they've already mastered, words they can easily sound out independently, and some depth when it comes to the actually story.  To be honest, this is a tall order!  Luckily, I've found a title that may be of help.

In January, my daughter and I discovered an Early Reader book, and we both fell in love with it.  To be honest, it was the very first book she read on her very own from cover to cover.

You Can Do It!

by Betsy Lewin

  Holiday House, 2013

An alligator wants to participate in a big race.  He thinks he can win, but a bigger alligator tells him he can't.  His friend, a sweet girl with a pink bow dangling down her scales, encourages him to try.  

The entire tale is told through the use of speech bubbles, and more importantly, with very few words.  Most of the words are basic sight words: can, you, I, do, so, one, two.  Those that are not sight words can be easily sounded out: win, puff.

Betsy Lewin matched simple illustrations with simple text to create a masterpiece for new readers.  It can be read from cover to cover without assistance by a child with limited sight word knowledge.  Plus, it helps young readers understand that the pictures can serve as clues to what the story is telling, developing an important reading skill.  Illustrations are not just enhancements - they do serve a purpose, but that is another blog post. 

The greatest benefit this book has to offer is the message.  You Can Do It!  Of Course - You Can Read! This is an empowering book for our youngest readers, need I say more?

This book is part of series for early readers called I LIKE TO READ, published by Holiday House.  Find a complete list of titles and descriptions here.

Here are some other titles from the series I want to highlight:

Boy, Bird, and Dog by David McPhail - a cute story

Look! by Ted Lewin - simple text, lovely illustrations

See Me Dig by Paul Meisel - a fun story

Pig Has a Plan by Ethan Long - a funny story

I Will Try by Marilyn Janovitz - a positive message

Visit your local library and give some of these titles a try.  

Or, find them at a bookseller: amazon and Barnes & Noble.  

I hope you and you child enjoy them as much as we have in my household.