July 18, 2018 would have been Nelson Mandela's 100th birthday. In honor of that date, his youngest daughter, Zindzi, and two of her grandchildren put together a book about Mandela in the format of questions that a child might ask about the man and his years in prison. Grandad Mandela is a very important story … Continue reading Grandad Mandela
Wild for the World Cup
It is World Cup season and there are many people glued to their televisions to cheer on their team. Football, or soccer as we call it here in the US, is a world-wide phenomenon that has helped bridge divides and that most countries participate in. While it isn't huge where we are living at the … Continue reading Wild for the World Cup
Folktales with Lessons for Life
Folktales are such a wonderful part of children's literature. There are so many tales that have been passed down through the generations and we have learned so many valuable lessons from them. One of the things that I find especially fascinating is reading folktales from a wide variety of cultures to see how similar situations … Continue reading Folktales with Lessons for Life
Thirsty, Thirsty Elephant
All animals are pretty amazing, but what child hasn't been fascinated by elephants? In North Carolina we are fortunate to have one of the largest natural habitat zoos, so watching the elephants roam and frolic is pretty special. The huge animals are pretty awesome to watch, especially if they are coating themselves in dirt or … Continue reading Thirsty, Thirsty Elephant
Under the Same Sun
Sharon Robinson invites us to travel with her to Tanzania in her book Under the Same Sun published by Scholastic Press. This lushly illustrated book is based on a family trip that Robinson and her mother took to Africa to visit her brother and his family and to celebrate her mother's 85th birthday. Robinson is … Continue reading Under the Same Sun
A Learning Lesson in A Long Walk to Water
Every year schools across the state of North Carolina compete in the Battle of the Books. There is an elementary level and a middle school level. The elementary Battle of the Books is only open to kids in the 4th and 5th grade. J has been waiting to be able to be a part of … Continue reading A Learning Lesson in A Long Walk to Water
Navigating Life with Anna Hibiscus
"Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa." So starts every Anna Hibiscus book. These books, written by Atinuke and illustrated by Lauren Tobia, tell the story of young Anna Hibiscus as she tries to maneuver through some of life's challenges. They take place in Africa, but really they could be anywhere. They are a … Continue reading Navigating Life with Anna Hibiscus