Poetry Friday!

Check Out:

Irene at Live Your Poem

Poetry Friday!

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Bridget at wee words for wee ones

and her Storytime Audio – Career Day!

Book Review #51

 What Not To Give Your Mom On Mother's Day

Author: Martha Simpson
Illustrator: Jana Christy
Publisher: Two Lions, 2013
ISBN: 978-1477816479
Reading Level: 3 to 6 years 

Main Characters: A little boy and his Mother

Plot: A little boy discusses what NOT to give your mother for Mother's Day. 

Genre/Theme/Style: Children's Picture Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? This is such a sweet book! The little boy in the story is helping the reader out by making sure you know what not to give your mother for Mother's Day. 

Critical Analysis: The little boy gives the reader great advice on what not to give your mom for presents on her special day. No mud puddles, sticks, worms, or rotting logs! He finds the perfect gift for her: "a big hug and a kiss." It is a funny and very touching story for moms with young sons. 

Illustrations: The illustrations are bright and colorful. 

Connections: This would make the perfect gift for Mother's Day for those moms with young sons. 

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Star Wars Day! - May 4th

May the Fourth be with you!

Happy Star Wars Day! 

Find a great Star Wars book at your local library!

 Support Your Local Libraries! 

Book Review #50

 Among the Red Stars

Author: Gwen C. Katz
ASIN: B01N4M6QTT
Publisher: HarperTeen, 2017
Reading Level: 13 to 17 years

Main Characters: Valka Koroleva, her cousin Iskra, and Valka’s childhood friend Pasha.

Plot: Valka and her cousin Iskra join the 588th Night Bomber Squadron. The female squadron that would become known to the Germans as the “Night Witches.” It was Valka's dream to fly for the Red Army's Air Force as a fighter pilot. Pasha, her male friend, is drafted into the army. Pasha becomes a radio operator. Valka and Pasha send one another letters throughout the war. 

Settings: World War II, Russia, Germany

Genre/Theme/Style: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Topic: Girls and women in military, war, female pilots, female military aviators

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? The characters are an interesting part of the book, but the actual story behind the fiction was captivating. The book is beautifully written, and I found the story interesting. However, I was deeply drawn into the actual historical information. 

I think good historical fiction does that; it points the reader to the most important story of all, the truth.

The history of the real "Night Witches" is absolutely fascinating. They were called night witches, or Nachthexen, because of the sound that the wooden planes they flew made. These women were so impressive! It is hard to believe all that they had to endure to fly for their country. 

Critical Analysis:

The book was based off of the true story of the "Night Witches." There is the narrative and the letters between Pasha and Valka that tell the story. The author's note at the end is a great addition and gives the reader much-needed facts. 

“This beautiful, emotional entry into a key moment in Russian history will appeal to lovers of adventure novels, as well as 

historical fiction fans.” 

~~ Booklist Online

Connections:

Meet the Night Witches

Poetry Friday!

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Catherine at Reading to the Core

Poetry Review #49

 Won't You Be My Neighbor?: A Mister Rogers Poetry Book

Author: Fred Rogers

Illustrator: Luke Flowers 

Publisher: Quirk Books, 2020

ISBN: 978-1683691990

Reading Ages: 2 to 5 years

Genre: Children's Poetry, Board Book

I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁

Why 5 Roars? Because it’s Mr. Rodgers, of course! Who doesn't love Mr. Rodgers? I am knee-deep in nostalgia with this book. I would love to be your neighbor! Can I ride the trolley, too? 😀

Poetic Elements: The book offers the lyrics of Mister Roger's series' theme song as a poem with beautiful artwork accompanying it. It has a bright, happy feel to the rhythms, and it is easy for children to remember it in song form.

“[A] cheerful board book pair.”

~~ Booklist

Appeal: The book teaches the wonderful quality of loving your neighbor. It teaches children to appreciate their community and the people that are part of it. It would be a great addition to any library. 

Overall Quality: Mr. Rodgers was a role model and a visible example of how to live with others for so many children. His legacy continues to teach those same qualities in this lovely poetry book for children. His opening theme song is full of kindness and leaves the reader feeling hopeful and appreciated. 

"I have always wanted to have a neighbor 

just like you

I've always wanted to live in a 

neighborhood with you."

~~Fred Rodgers

Layout: The layout is in simple storybook format. The book reads like a poem and a story. It is easy for younger readers to follow along.

Connections:
Spotlight Poem - 

"Won't You Be My Neighbor?"

"It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood

A beautiful day for a neighbor

Would you be mine? Could you be mine?"

~~Fred Rodgers

Sharing - I would share this poetry book by first listening to the song. I would also mention that songs are a wonderful way to introduce younger children to the love of poetry. The book would be a great addition to a theme of community and neighborhoods for younger students. 

Activity - Mr. Rodgers sings "Won't You Be My Neighbor?"