Hello, Harvest Moon

Hello, Harvest Moon

by Ralph Fletcher and Kate Kiesler

Review:

This is a great little picture book that is perfect for the Fall season. The illustrations are alluring and magical. If you are a teacher, this book is great for teaching a lesson on "mood". I actually used it for a K-1 grade craft class as a starting point for a conversation about a scarecrow. If you enjoyed Ralph Fletcher's Twilight Comes Twice, you will love love this companion.

Tongass

The Last American Rainforest: Tongass

by Shelley Gill and Shannon Cartwright

Review:
If you are teaching recycling, the ecosystem and want to explore "one of the best places on the planet", then this book is for you. I do not teach any of these topics, but I loved the science lesson and the illustrations were very engaging. I especially enjoyed the labelling of each cultural symbol. This is a must read for folk tale lovers alike.



sites to check out:
The Last American Rainforest
South & Central American Rainforest Conservation News ...
EcologyFund.com, Amazon Info - Save, preserve and protect Amazon ...

Alaska's Three Pigs

Alaska's Three Pigs

by Arlene Laverde and Mindy Dwyer

Review:

This is a funny children's classic retold in the setting of an Alaska homestead. The illustrations are incredibly clever. A must read for the child in all of us.

sites to check out:

Variants of "The Three Little Pigs"

Three Little Pigs

Alaska's Three Bears

Alaska's Three Bears

(Last Wilderness Adventure)

by Shelley Gill and Shannon Cartwright

Review:

I borrowed a handful of picture books from a colleague (Robin) who went to Alaska this summer and decided to post the ones that were worth mentioning. This story is especially interesting if you are fascinated with "bear facts". It is told as a "once upon a time" storybook, but with a scientific flare. I enjoyed the illustrations and think it would be good for an elementary classroom.

Adventure of the Hero

Frog Girl

by Paul Owen Lewis

Review:

This was one of the oddest folklore's I have read. The setting is the Northwest Coast, near a volcano in a dangerous area by a village lake. The artwork reminded me of Paul Gauguin's world of natives. I found myself thinking about this story into the evening and highly recommend it to anyone.

John Muir

Stickeen: John Muir and the Brave Little Dog

by John Muir and Donnell Rubay

Review:

I loved that this story was true. John Muir really lived a pretty amazing life, from explorer to environmentalist to writer. This is a beautiful biographical piece with a heartfelt message about friendship. The illustrations of the dog are probably the best I have seen in a long time.