scholarly journals I Spy with My Little Eye by E. Gibbs

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Frail
Keyword(s):  
Polar Bear ◽  
Creative Design ◽  
Aesthetic Value ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Colour Palette ◽  
The Face ◽  
Circular Cutout ◽  
The University

Gibbs, Edward. I Spy with My Little Eye. Somerville, Mass: Templar Books/Candlewick Press, 2011. Print. I Spy is a superbly illustrated book that helps young readers learn about animals and colours using the popular game. Each animal is introduced through a cutout that reveals a small section of the creature, along with a clue. For example:  “I spy with my little eye…something that is blue…I am the biggest animal in the whole world,” to which the answer is a whale.  Turning the page reveals a striking two-page image of the animal. Each animal is drawn from a monochromatic colour palette: the polar bear is mostly white with some grey and cool blue tones while the fox is fiery red and orange. Each of these watercolour images is accentuated with wild black slashes and curlicues to define the animal’s features. The last page features the silhouettes of the seven featured animals and a cutout right through the back of the book with the caption: “What can you spy with your little eye?” The large font and images coupled with the “I spy” formula is sure to entice children. Additionally, clever design elements and the overall aesthetic value of the book will encourage parents and teachers to add it to their collections. For example, the back and front cover open to form the face of a frog. When the book is closed, the cutout through the back rests against the page featuring the seven animal silhouettes. The black silhouette of the whale’s tale in front of a yellow moon is framed within the circular cutout thus creating the frog’s eye on the back cover. According to the Candlewick Press website, Edward Gibb has worked in the creative design business for over 25 years, and this is his first effort as a children’s author/illustrator. This book is recommended for children aged 2-5yrs, and I am eagerly awaiting Gibbs’ next publication. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kim FrailKim is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. Children’s literature is a big part of her world at work and at home. She also enjoys gardening, renovating and keeping up with her two-year old.

scholarly journals Not Your Typical Dragon by D. Bar-el

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Primary School ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Normal Reading ◽  
Colour Palette ◽  
The University ◽  
Reading Distance ◽  
Selection Of

Bar-el, Dan.  Not Your Typical Dragon. Illus. Tim Bowers. New York: Viking-Penguin Young Readers Group, 2013. Without didacticism, this picture book explores the plight of those who are not “typical;” along the way, it highlights the value of peacemaking.  Crispin Blaze, the child of a long, proud line of dragons who breathe fire, breathes everything but.  Band-Aids, bubbles and teddy bears are amongst his pacifying emissions.  Finding acceptance in a world of knights and dragons becomes his challenge.Not intended as “beginning-to-read” material, the text is still admirably written for oral presentation by either a proficient reader or a storyteller.  Phrasing and structure promote the build up of suspense.  Sentences are generally short and crisp, allowing, as appropriate, for the dramatic pause.  The vocabulary is well chosen, varied, and unpretentious.  The storyline should prove both amusing and satisfying to kindergarten and primary school children.Tim Bower’s illustrations add to the humour of the tale.  They are large and clearly delineated—a good accompaniment to the text when seen at normal reading distance. Bower’s colour palette, however, is sometimes delicate.  Viewed from the distance at which a story hour audience might see them, some images seem to meld.  Others are perfectly fine for group viewing: good choices would be Crispin’s exhalations of both birthday streamers and teddy bears.All in all, this book provokes spontaneous laughter and subtle reflection.  Parents, teachers and librarians will find many occasions on which to present it.Highly recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Leslie AitkenLeslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship involved selection of children’s literature for school, public, special, and university collections.  She is a former Curriculum Librarian at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Poo in the Zoo by S. Smallman

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Frail
Keyword(s):  
Public Services ◽  
Victorian Era ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Non Fiction ◽  
Colour Palette ◽  
The World ◽  
Rhyme Scheme ◽  
The University ◽  
At Home

Smallman, Steve. Poo in the Zoo. Illus. Ada Grey. Wilton, CT : Tiger Tales, 2015. Print.This story is a fun way to introduce kids to the fact that there all sorts of messy but very necessary jobs in the world. “There’s too much poo in the zoo!” for zookeeper Bob McGrew. Children who are at the age when all things scatological are both fascinating and hilarious will revel in watching Bob clean up after all of the animals in the zoo. The creative wordplay, rhyme scheme, as well as the fact that the word “poo” shows up an average of 2 or 3 times a page is sure to delight and amuse young listeners:“There was tiger poo, lion poo, prickly porcupine poo, Plummeting giraffe poo that landed with a splat.Gobs of gnu poo, bouncy kangaroo poo,A dotted line of droppings from a fat wombat!”After consuming some fireflies, an escaped iguana produces a green, glowing, alien-like pile of poop which draws crowds to the zoo. Hector Glue, who owns a travelling side-show of exotic poo, arrives on the scene to acquire it for his collection. With the money from the sale, the zookeeper is able to buy a robot “pooper scooper”. Ada Grey’s illustrations are rendered in a bright colour palette punctuated by lots of interesting textures. For example, in the scene where we meet Hector Glue, there is a myriad of patterns used in the depiction of the animal coats and skin as well as in the clothing of the zoo patrons, particularly in Hector’s Victorian-era showman outfit. Children will enjoy perusing the bottles of exotic poo from Hector’s collection which are also reproduced in the endpapers. There are clever gems such as:  “Squirrel Poo: Warning May Contain Nuts”.  Among the fictional creatures mentioned on the bottles, there are also many lesser-known animals such as an ocelot and a blob fish. This provides an opportunity for teachers or parents to encourage young readers to learn more about these animals. “Poo in the Zoo” could also work as a complement to a lesson or non-fiction book on animals or on caring for pets, provided that the teacher or parent points out the differences between fact and fiction. Recommended for ages 3-7.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Kim FrailKim is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. Children’s literature is a big part of her world at work and at home. She also enjoys gardening, renovating and keeping up with her kids.

scholarly journals The Long, Long Line by T. Ohmura

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Debbie Feisst
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Schools ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Young Adult Fiction ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Long Line ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

Ohmura, Tomoko. The Long, Long Line. Toronto, ON: OwlKids Books, 2013. Print."Thank you for waiting, and welcome aboard! One at a time, please!" mentions the bird, who is the ride guide on this mysterious ride for which 50 different animals have patiently lined up. As they wait, the bird flies amongst them, offering reassuring words as they guess as to what they may be in line for and play word games to pass the time.  The anticipation builds, and finally they start boarding the ride, which turns out to be a very large whale on which the animals ride while the whale performs somersaults, dives and sprays. Children will be delighted by all 50 animals represented on the large gatefold spread in the center of the book, from the smallest frog to the largest elephant.Children will love the small details such as the tail of the next animal in line ‘peeking’ around the corner of the page and the size of the animals increasing as they get closer to the ride giving perspective of size. A list of all 50 animals is included at the back for easy reference when young readers get stumped by a species. While this is indeed a picture book aimed at young children it is no quick read – children will want to hear every word of the animals’ conversations as they wait and will want to count as they go, and likely once all the animals are aboard the whale they will want to confirm there are indeed 50 animals present, perhaps multiple times.The colourful illustrations by the author are cute and engaging and show a wide range of expressions and interplay between the animals.  The language felt slightly unnatural but this may be a result of this edition being a translation of the original Japanese work Nanno Gyoretsu? A fun book for public and elementary schools as well as a nice addition to science or math based storytime in lower elementary grades.The Long, Long Line was selected as one of the best children’s books of 2013 by Kirkus Reviews.Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Debbie FeisstDebbie is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta.  When not renovating, she enjoys travel, fitness and young adult fiction.

scholarly journals I Like Vegetables: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book by L. Siminovich

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Frail
Keyword(s):  
Cross Section ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
The Other ◽  
Learning Method ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Dinner Table ◽  
Wood Grain ◽  
The University

Siminovich, Lorena. I Like Vegetables: A Touch-and-Feel Board Book. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2011. Print.“I Like Vegetables” is a dream come true for any nutritionally conscience parent, children’s librarian or teacher. The brightly hued collage illustrations are intriguingly textured with patterns and “touch & feel” inlays. Silky peas and rough-skinned carrots invite young readers to learn about vegetables. The layout is quite clever as it leverages contrast and comparison as a learning method. On one side of the page vegetables are depicted as they would appear growing in the garden while on the other side they are in the home being prepared for the dinner table. In addition, the nature side of the page illustrates the concept of opposites. For example, there are “tall” and “short” cornstalks. Orange carrot roots are “below” the ground, while the feathery green tops are “above”. The indoor side of the page features close-ups of vegetables against a wood-grain background that evokes a cutting board. Here children get a different perspective on the harvested veggies. We see shelled peas, open cornhusks and a cross-section of a pumpkin. The concluding series of images features an “empty” gardener’s basket next to a basket “full” of colourful vegetables on a blue and white gingham picnic tablecloth inlay.  This is primarily a picture book with only the names of the vegetables and the two opposing concepts appearing on each page. The typeset is Helvetica and is large and easy to read.  It is a sturdy board book and the inlays could not be easily ripped out or damaged. It is therefore a welcome addition to any toddler’s library. Other titles in the “I Like” series by Siminovich include: “I Like Toys “, “I Like Bugs” and “I Like Fruit”. “I Like Vegetables” is sure to engage children from ages 1-3. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Kim FrailKim is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. Children’s literature is a big part of her world at work and at home. She also enjoys gardening, renovating and keeping up with her two-year old. 

scholarly journals Zen Studio Meditation for Kids by P. Bonita & B. Silverman

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cori Sanderson
Keyword(s):  
Graphic Design ◽  
Radio Station ◽  
Design Elements ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Spare Time ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Second Year ◽  
The University ◽  
Age Range

Bonita, P., & B. Silverman. Zen Studio Meditation for Kids. Edoki Academy, 2016. Vers 1.15. Apple App Store, https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/zen-studio-meditation-for-kids/id1051358262?mt=8  Suggested age range: 4+ Cost: Free with in app purchases (complete version $3.99 USD) Edoki Academy has effectively created an app that allows children to appreciate music and art as relaxation aids. Their Zen Studio Meditation for Kids is a painting app that allows children to virtually finger paint by filling in a grid of triangles with colours as music notes simultaneously play. The free version of the app offers two blank canvases and two canvases with tutorials that they can follow. The app is designed well and is intuitive enough that is does not need the clutter of menus or instructional detours. The only instances where guidance is visible are when new spaces on the grid are exposed to guide users to the next colour, or when the congratulatory confetti explodes on the screen to signify that a tutorial is completed. It is important to note that once a tutorial is completed the music continues to play and children can continue painting over the triangles as they please without the pressure to move on to a new tutorial. There is no feedback or time limit given for the tutorials because the point is to relax and enjoy the process. What makes the app unique is the layering of music that happens when the background meditation music blends with the notes that play each time a triangle is filled in with colour. This allows children to relax to the background music and be encouraged to create their own melodies as they are painting. The graphic design elements are simple and clean and there are no words that prompt you to select a canvas or a tutorial. Instead of words, the app uses animation and magnification to show that a selection has been made. It is very clear when a choice has been made because it appears in colour and the universal “play” triangle symbol appears, leading the user to click there to begin the painting.  A handbook for parents and teachers is also included in the app. This additional document provides information on mindfulness and the intentions behind Edoki Academy’s Zen Studio Meditation for Kids. It also offers some learning exercises and questions that parents or teachers can supplement with the app. This app is recommended for creative children who enjoy music and painting, or those who would benefit from learning new ways to reduce stress or anxiety and practice mindfulness. Screenshot of the homepage showing the two blank canvases and two tutorial canvases.   An example of a tutorial of a firetruck almost at completion. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Cori Sanderson Cori is in her second year of the Master of Library and Information Studies program at the University of Alberta. In her spare time, she listens to podcasts and volunteers at her local campus radio station where she participates in a monthly library-centric radio show.  

Touched by Fire by I. N. Watts

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanne Pearce
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Minor Characters ◽  
Her Family ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Anti Semitism ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The Family ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Watts, Irene N., Touched by Fire. Toronto: Tundra Books, 2013. Print.In the first decade of the 20th century, Miriam Markovitz and her family have fled their small town in the country to live in Kiev. She and her family are Jewish and the Tsar does not favor Jews. After narrowly escaping the pogroms, Miriam’s father Sam dreams of taking the whole family to America. Known as the “Golden Land”, in America Jews are free of persecution.     Over the next few years the family relocates to Berlin where Miriam’s parents and grandparents work hard to save enough money. The plan is for Sam to travel to New York ahead of the family. Miriam is fourteen years old when the first set of tickets to America arrives in the mail from her father. Leaving on the adventure of their lives, the Markovitz family must endure illnesses, family quarrels, and filth. For Miriam it seems crossing the ocean is the hardest thing she has very done, but she is destined to witness an even worse tragedy in her new country.     Touched By Fire is an enlightening story that brings to light many of the injustices Jews were forced to face, long before the anti-Semitism of the Nazis’ era. It is easy to form an attachment to the characters, and I found myself hoping and worrying for the Markovitz family. Miriam is especially vivid and comes out clearly as a strong and self-sacrificing heroine.These positive points aside, there were some peculiarities about this book that stood out in my mind. Firstly, Miriam’s journey is relatively tame, especially when you consider how graphic young adult literature has become. While there is a fair share of danger and hardship in the journey, Watts has left the harsher struggles to be faced by minor characters, leaving Miriam as merely a witness. I would also have liked more development of the characters Miriam met along the way. Leaving these characters underdeveloped reduced the impact of their struggles and made Miriam’s feelings about them somewhat flat. Finally, I must admit to some puzzlement as to why Watts chose to give the book the title Touched By Fire, as it refers strictly to the tragedy detailed in the conclusion, when most of the book’s focus is on Miriam’s journey and her maturation.In considering these criticisms alongside the overall story, I found myself divided as to how I felt about the book. I have to conclude that younger readers may not be drawn to these inconsistences and nuances, but would rather enjoy the story for the picture it paints of the time period. I have therefore given the book three out four stars. Touched by Fire is most suitable for children ages 9-13 and would be enjoyed by young readers that enjoy historical fiction.Recommended: 3 out of 4 starsReviewer: Hanne PearceHanne Pearce has worked at the University of Alberta Libraries in various support staff positions since 2004 and is currently a Public Service Assistant at the Rutherford Humanities and Social Sciences Library. In 2010 she completed her MLIS at the University of Alberta. Aside from being an avid reader she has continuing interests in writing, photography, graphic design and knitting.

Polar Bear Morning by L. Thompson

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Desmarais
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Book History ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
English Literature ◽  
New York Times ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
The University

Thompson, Lauren. Polar Bear Morning. Illus. Stephen Savage. New York: Scholastic Press, 2013. Print.Ten years ago, Lauren Thompson and Stephen Savage collaborated on “Polar Bear Night”, which was a splendid picture book that swiftly became a New York Times best seller. “Polar Bear Morning” follows up on the simple story of a polar bear cub that ventures out onto the arctic tundra for an adventure, but this time our favourite cub meets a new friend. The story begins when the cub emerges from her dark den, peeks out at the clear blue sky, and follows the sound of seagulls. Soon after heading out into the snow and ice, she notices something tumbling down a snow hill. It’s a snow cub! The moment when the cubs first meet is beautifully portrayed in a two-page spread that shows two furry faces in profile looking at each other without words on the pages, which perfectly captures a child’s speechless, wide-eyed bliss upon meeting a new friend.The story continues with several charming scenes that show how the friendship develops: they climb the snow hill and tumble down together; they sprint beside the sea; they race past seals, walruses and whales; they pause at the ice’s edge; and finally, they jump into the sea together. It’s a delightful portrayal of a budding friendship, with simple, yet charming illustrations rendered in a gentle palette of soft blues, greys, pinks, and browns. This picture book is a joy to read and has all the makings of a beloved classic, including frolicsome illustrations, thoughtful design, and a captivating story. It’s a wholly satisfying picture book that will be a pleasure to read again and again.Recommendation: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Robert DesmaraisRobert Desmarais is Head of Special Collections at the University of Alberta and Managing Editor of The Deakin Review of Children’s Literature. A graduate of the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Information Studies, with a Book History and Print Culture designation, he also has university degrees in English literature and publishing. He has been collecting and enjoying children’s books for as long as he can remember.

scholarly journals A New Season for Reading Great Books!

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Desmarais
Keyword(s):  
Historical Fiction ◽  
Team Sports ◽  
Assistant Professor ◽  
Video Content ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
Author Interview ◽  
Living Dead ◽  
The University

Spring is upon us, and the new season has ushered in a splendid assortment of books to captivate children of all ages. In this issue, we are delighted to provide our first video-recorded author interview, which can be accessed by clicking on the hyperlink in the review of Thomas Wharton’s The Fathomless Fire. Wharton is a highly accomplished author and assistant professor of English at the University of Alberta who is currently working on a fantasy trilogy for young readers. We are thrilled that he granted us an interview in December 2012 to discuss his latest book and love of storytelling. We plan to offer additional video content in future issues whenever opportunities arise for our reviewers and editors to speak with storytellers, illustrators or publishers. If you believe, like I do, that young readers reap significant benefits by having access to a wide variety of books, then you’ll certainly be pleased to see the range of titles in this issue. If you’re looking for stories from the steampunk genre, do have a look at the highly recommended stories in Steampunk! (Our reviewer awarded it four stars!). If a dystopian novel is more to your taste, you may find enjoyment in reading Carrie Ryan’s The Dark and Hollow Places if you don’t mind that a legion of terrorizing zombies features prominently in the plot. Granted, reading about the living dead is not for everyone, so you might also consider Maile Meloy’s The Apothecary, a prize-winning work of historical fiction, or Kelly Armstrong’s The Calling, the second installment of her Darkness Rising trilogy. Of course, there are numerous picture books in this issue that deserve your consideration, such as Dream Away and The Great Sheep Shenanigans; both were awarded the highest rating by our reviewers. There are many more excellent books that explore a range of themes like health and nutrition, team sports, fun facts, and historical events, but for more topics you’ll have to check out the issue yourself. Enjoy! Best wishes, Robert DesmaraisManaging Editor

scholarly journals Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story by A. Weiner

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandy Campbell
Keyword(s):  
Public Libraries ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Reading Level ◽  
Fishing Trip ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Fly Fishing ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
The University ◽  
Riverine Landscapes

Weiner, Andrew.  Down by the River: A Family Fly Fishing Story. Harry N. Abrams, 2018.  This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells a simple story about a boy, Art, who goes on a fly-fishing trip with his mother and grandfather. The story recalls a time when Art’s grandfather taught his mother to fish.  April Chu has used a subdued palette for her two-page riverine landscapes, with lots of green and rich autumn colours in the environment. The book has a calm and peaceful feel about it that mirrors the contemplative nature of fly-fishing.  The text is simple and descriptive of a day spent on the river. The reading level is too difficult for the intended Kindergarten to Grade 2 audience, so an adult will need to read the book aloud, especially those sentences that could confuse young readers with difficult concepts or complicated jargon: “The line arced forward and the fly landed softly a few feet above the rock. It drifted with the current past the rock. There was a splash and the line went tight.”  The last three pages contain information about fly fishing, the clothing worn by fly fishers and where to get more information about the sport. The end pages are decorated with images of intricate flys with such fun and mysterious names as: “Ian’s Crunch Caddis,” “Black Fur Ant,” and “Purple Parachute Adams.” This book is a good introduction to fly fishing for younger children that also tells a charming story. Highly recommended for school and public libraries. Highly Recommended: 4 stars out of 4 Reviewer:  Sandy Campbell Sandy is a Health Sciences Librarian at the University of Alberta, who has written hundreds of book reviews across many disciplines. Sandy thinks that sharing books with children is one of the greatest gifts anyone can give. 

scholarly journals Noni is Nervous by H. Hartt-Sussman (2nd review)

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lori Walter
Keyword(s):  
Global Warming ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Polar Bear ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Nursing Research ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Nail Biting ◽  
Scholarly Communications ◽  
The University ◽  
Research Office

Hartt-Sussman, Heather. Noni is Nervous. Illus. Geneviève Côté. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books, 2013. Print.This picture book gently, but also deftly, captures what anxiety feels like for a child. Noni is Nervous opens with a humorous depiction of Noni’s anxiety about universal problems such as bossy friends and global warming--an overenthusiastic playmate has lassooed Noni and a polar bear sweats next to a penguin in a kiddie pool. But this gentle humour and lightness is also interspersed with images that show Noni as a lone, isolated figure on the page, worrying about her first day of school and all that could go wrong. In addition to capturing this sense of isolation that is a symptom of anxiety, Heather Hartt-Sussman’s book also explores other symptoms such as nail biting, hair twirling, non-stop talking, and catastrophizing, which all add up to form a compelling portrait of a nervous child. Geneviève Côté’s cartoonish, crayon and watercolour illustration that conveys Noni’s isolation also becomes a wash of colour and excitement as Noni’s anxiety lessens when she befriends an outgoing girl and begins to form friendships.Easy to read with simple, repetitive sentences and filled with visual jokes--Noni imagines she has ended up at school in her pyjamas and that her teacher is a mean monster with fangs and a lizard tail, this book will appeal to young children as it gently explores what it is like to have problems with anxiety. Parents could also use the book to raise anxiety issues with their children and children may be able to use the book to give voice to their emotions and fears.Noni is Nervous is an engaging, informative, and durable hardcover picture book for its target audience of two to five year olds.Highly recommended: 4 stars out of 4Reviewer: Lori WalterFor over two years, Lori Walter worked as an assistant to the Research Librarian in the Faculty of Nursing Research Office at the University of Alberta.  She has recently graduated with her MLIS from the University of Alberta, and she is the new Scholarly Communications Librarian at the UBC Okanagan Library. 

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