scholarly journals Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover by M. Motum

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Pasterfield
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Science Fiction ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Outer Space ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Mars Rover ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
True Story ◽  
As If

Motum, Markus. Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover. Candlewick Press, 2018. Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover, written and illustrated by Markus Motum, would be a welcome addition to any classroom’s library. With exceptional pacing and flow, Motum takes us through the true story of one of science’s great achievements: successfully landing a rover on Mars. Many young readers have an inherent interest in outer space and science fiction. In this book, Motum expounds the science of science fiction in detailing the story of how Curiosity ended up on Mars (where it still roves today) in a somewhat narrative form. It would be appropriate for all grade levels, though younger grade students would likely need experienced help in order to read it. The font size and colour vary making them readable to most audiences, and they serve the story well. The story is told from the point of view of the rover itself, named Curiosity. It begins by introducing itself as if it were a sentient creature before it goes back to the beginning, in a very cosmic sense, to plant its story within the wider view of space exploration in general. Motum’s choice in this case allows the reader to gain greater perspective for Curiosity’s story. Curiosity itself is as developed as it needs to be for the purposes of the narrative; that is to say, Motum does not imbue the rover with emotion or opinions within the story. However, the emotions and opinions of the astronauts, scientists and engineers who are namelessly featured throughout the story are indeed explored, which gives a sense of urgency and peril as we travel alongside Curiosity on its adventure. In addition to authoring this picture book, Motum also illustrates it in a mixed media style that is both alien and historic. The solid colours and painted portions evoke the artistic style of old postcards from days gone by, while simultaneously making the Martian landscape seem exotic and alien, as if Mars were a travel destination, welcoming travellers like Curiosity. Though beautiful, the illustrations do not add much information to the story of Curiosity; in some instances, they provide some spatial context like when Curiosity tries to land on Mars. The illustrations lend a hand to create atmosphere, both in the context of the story and for the reader. Some of the text is also placed in unconventional locations on the page, so the text and the illustrations work together to create meaning and story. One finds that the eye is drawn to specific parts of the image on each page, and it is masterfully done. For these and many other reasons, Curiosity: The Story of a Mars Rover is a great example of modern children’s literature. It is suitable for a variety of ages, and it is worthwhile reading in many ways. Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Thomas Pasterfield Thomas Pasterfield is a fourth year undergraduate student in Elementary Education at the University of Alberta. His reading interests include fantasy novels, vegetable gardening manuals, and religious books.

scholarly journals Black Cat Bone: the Life of Blues Legend Robert Johnson by J. P. Lewis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison Sivak
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Historical Context ◽  
The United States ◽  
Older Children ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Library And Information Studies ◽  
Poetic Text ◽  
History Of ◽  
The University

Lewis, J. P. Black Cat Bone: the Life of Blues Legend Robert Johnson. Illus. Gary Kelley. Mankato: Creative Editions, 2006. Print.Although this book is designed as a large-format picture book, Black Cat Bone is more likely to appeal to older children (middle school and adolescents) as a poetic text, with its rich illustrations and unusual narrative flow. The foreword of the book addresses a reader who knows some about blues musicians, as well as has some hint of the history of blues music in the United States. The language of the text is not trying to tell a linear story, but to be more evocative of a time, and of some of the historical context. The book actually has several texts: the address of the historical context that bookends the work, the bluesy poems which make up the majority of the text, excerpts from Johnson's own lyrics, and a footer running throughout the book, which provides aphoristic summaries of Johnson's story: “He was destined for legend not a field hand's work.” Each text tells a part of the interpretation of Johnson's story. With the images, it adds up to a faceted narrative of the man and his musical legacy. The illustrations alternate between impressionistic pastels in deep dark colours, reinforcing the air of mystery around Johnson's life as understood by popular culture. Kelley's other illustrative style is reminiscent of Indonesian shadow-puppets, dramatic and exaggerated in their execution. A particularly lovely example is show in full on the cover, a depiction of Johnson and the devil facing each other, each with a hand on the guitar. This image is reproduced in the text, split by the page turn in a clever design turn. Recommended: 3 stars out of 4Reviewer: Allison SivakAllison Sivak is the Assessment Librarian at the University of Alberta Libraries. She is currently pursuing her PhD in Library and Information Studies and Elementary Education, focusing on how the aesthetics of information design influence young people’s trust in the credibility of information content.

scholarly journals Pathfinder by O. S. Card

2011 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Sulz
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Science Fiction ◽  
Harry Potter ◽  
Theoretical Physics ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
The Galaxy ◽  
Library Studies ◽  
Sense Of Time ◽  
Will Power

Card, Orson S. Pathfinder. New York: Simon Pulse, 2010. Print. Two warnings are in order before you read the first line. It is long (657 pages) and just the first in a series. Warnings are offered because the story is so completely engrossing that your sense of time will be altered. While you are in the story, time will speed up or slow down with the pace of the story and you will want to linger in some passages to figure out what is going on but speed through others to find out what will happen. When you are away from the story, your sole thought will be how to get back to it. Hours will pass in seeming minutes and minutes will linger for hours. And, as you approach the last few pages with the disappointment that comes when a great story ends but the satisfaction that all the loose ends will be tied up, a twist gets thrown in to make you desperate for the story to continue. These are the likely reactions for those who love science-fiction fantasy stories set in a future that is more like the past, with multiple story lines that converge and diverge, and characters who discover they have abilities that seem far-fetched yet somehow possible if only we knew a few secrets and had the will-power to practice them. This is a story about time travel and intrigue where people are not simply good or bad; in fact, each character is both with the ultimate judgment falling on the reader. The typeface splits the novel into two strands. In one, Ram and the expendables control a spaceship filled with sleeping human colonists that “make a daring leap into theoretical physics” to colonize another earth-like planet. The jump into the fold creates nineteen ships moving backward (yet forward) through time. In the other strand, thirteen-year-old Rigg is thrust from his life in the forest with his father’s dying order for him to find his mother and sister using a bag of nineteen jewels and the name of a banker in the city. Along the way, Rigg collects a trusty band of companions to help him. As expected, they have many adventures which are quite unexpected even for readers of similar novels. Fortunately, all that seemingly useless education from his father in the forest turns out to be very useful after all. The writing is fantastic without a word out of place, the characters are believable whether they are youths or adults, and the author is a master of creating new worlds and new words that are readily understandable. I saw hints of many favourite fantasy/science fiction/historic future adventure stories: Harry Potter, the Hobbit, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and of course, Orson Scott Card’s own series starting with Ender’s Game. It would be impossible to put an appropriate age on this book as it can be enjoyed (or not) at many different levels – the writing is probably understandable for some starting in grade 5; the cover says “12 and up.” Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: David SulzDavid is a librarian at the University of Alberta working mostly with scholars in Economics, Religious Studies, and Social Work. His university studies included: Library Studies, History, Elementary Education, Japanese, and Economics. On the education front, he taught various grades and subjects for several years in schools as well as museums. His interest in Japan and things Japanese stands above his other diverse interests. 

scholarly journals News and Announcements

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Sulz
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
American Literature ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Rocky Mountain ◽  
Website Design ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Caldecott Medal ◽  
Summer Reading ◽  
Children's Book ◽  
Library Studies

Welcome to spring for many of our readers - except those of us in northern Alberta where winter, beautiful winter, just won’t let go this year. You can be sure that we will appreciate spring all the more when it finally takes hold.On a sad note, Andrea Deakin (for whom this publication is named), informed us that Jan Ormerod recently passed away.  The Guardian’s obituary of Sunday, February 3, 2013 reminds us that Jan Ormerod “brought a fresh vision to children's picturebooks with her luminous images, storytelling genius and understanding of how children behave” and that she was “admired for her ability to cut away all that was unnecessary in her stories.” (www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/feb/03/jan-ormerod).Although too late for interested groups to participate in the voting this year, the Rocky Mountain Book Award winners will be announced on April 23, 2013. This is a readers’ choice award in its 13th year where groups of students in grades 4-7 read, then vote for, their favourite book from a shortlist of “exemplary Canadian literature” chosen by a committee of teachers, librarians, parents, and students. The award is sponsored in part by the Lethbridge (Alberta) school district and the University of Lethbridge. All the information about participating and pervious winners is at http://rmba.lethsd.ab.ca/index.htm (although the website design is a little challenging to use).As indicated in our last issue, the various 2013 awards from the Association for Library Service to Children division of the American Library Association have been announced. The 2013 Newbery Medal (contribution to American literature for children) winner was The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate. The 2013 Caldecott Medal (picture book artist) winner wasThis Is Not My Hat, written and illustrated by Jon Klassen. For other medal winners as well as “honor book” recognition, see www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia.By the way, if keeping track of book awards is a favourite past-time, have a look at the Canadian Children’s Award Index posted by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre at www.bookcentre.ca/awards/canadian_awards_index. I hope you have lots of free time if you want to keep track of them all.On that note, have a wonderful spring and start setting aside piles of books for your summer reading pleasure.David Sulz, Communications EditorDavid is a Public Services Librarian at University of Alberta and liaison librarian to Economics, Religious Studies, and Social Work. He has university studies in Library Studies, History, Elementary Education, Japanese, and Economics;  he formerly taught in schools and museums. His interests include physical activity, music, home improvements, and above all, things Japanese.

scholarly journals We’re All Wonders by R. Palacio

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sean Borle
Keyword(s):  
Science Fiction ◽  
Picture Books ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Small Children ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Right ◽  
Old Friends

Palacio, R.J.  We’re All Wonders. Alfred A. Knopf, 2017This is one of several picture books which R.J. Palacio has spun off her bestselling novel, Wonder, which introduced Auggie, a boy missing his left eye. There are few picture books about children with facial deformities, so this is a welcome addition. In condensing the novel into a picture book, however, much of the positive content has been lost. This is a sad story. Auggie is not accepted by other children. When he feels sad he puts helmets on his dog and himself to isolate himself from people’s stares. However, a child and dog with helmets are likely to attract as many stares. Auggie’s other coping mechanisms include: an imaginary trip to Pluto, where his “old friends” are one-eyed creatures that look a bit like sheep with tentacles, and wishing that “other people can change the way they see”. Given that there is a long science fiction history of scary one-eyed space aliens and monsters, it seems strange that Palacio would associate her character with them.  Wishing that the world was different does not make it different. We do not see the positive things that were in the novel such as people sticking up for Auggie or his intelligence and achievements.Palacio’s artwork is bright and easily accessible to small children. Strangely, though, the final image shows only the right half of Auggie’s face, with the earth replacing his eye, while the left half, that is the focus of the whole story, is missing.This book would be good for classrooms where there are children with physical differences, but it would be important for teachers to add a positive spin to the story. Recommended:  3 stars out of 4Reviewer:  Sean BorleSean Borle is a University of Alberta undergraduate student who is an advocate for child health and safety. 

scholarly journals Night Sky Wheel Ride by S. Fitch

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Frail
Keyword(s):  
Picture Book ◽  
Public Library ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Everyday Objects ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Night Sky ◽  
Cotton Candy ◽  
Children First ◽  
The University

Fitch, Sheree. Night Sky Wheel Ride. Illus. Yayo. Vancouver : Tradewind Books, 2012. Print.Fans of Sheree Fitch will not be disappointed by the magical dream world circus presented in "Night Sky Wheel Ride". Young readers are drawn into the ethereal journey by the main characters as they wonder if they are up to the challenge of riding the big wheel: "Are we big enough this year, Mama? Are we brave enough, Brother? Sister are you ready to fly?"  This book will work well as a bedtime or naptime story as Fitch's rhymes and scenarios are a little softer and less gregarious than some of her other books. For example, the siblings contemplate the night sky as they enjoy the ride: "Swinging, swaying, staying / up top the stopped ferris wheel / Dizzy-dazed we gaze upfeel the moon's breath on our faces/soft as dandelion's fuzz". However, there are certainly bursts of action and energy often accented by onomatopoeic words, such as when the children first take flight: “Hop up to knee knock rockety rock swiggle sway creak squeak rickety ratcheting up! up! up!”Illustrator Yayo's images are bright, whimsical and echo a child's imagination and point of view where everyday objects morph into magic: a roller coaster glides along the curved edges of a laundry basket while the big wheel can be seen inside the spinning drum of a washing machine. There are forests of cotton candy, and the colourful dots of people “waayyy down on the ground” are drawn as "dancing jellybeans".  The back and front covers and inside pages are particularly attractive as they feature phosphorescent images on a dark background.Throughout the story the text is woven in and out of the illustrations to reflect the movements of the main characters and other objects. This helps to engage readers without hindering the storyteller as the text is large and legible. According the publisher's web site it is recommended for ages 3-4.  It would make an excellent addition to a home, school or public library picture book collection.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 kids.

scholarly journals We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by R.T. Higgins

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haley Oliver
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Read Aloud ◽  
Education Student ◽  
Main Character ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
New Students ◽  
Making Friends ◽  
Fitting In ◽  
The University

Higgins, Ryan T. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates. Disney-Hyperion, 2018. Ryan T. Higgins writes highly rated children’s books dealing with common elementary school conflicts. The picture book, We Don’t Eat Our Classmates, will capture all readers, no matter the age. The main character, Penelope, is an adorable T-rex who wears pink coveralls. She was designed by the illustrator and a group of children so it has features that will appeal to all and capture your heart immediately. Penelope is a having a rough first day of school because she keeps eating all her classmates; she struggles with fitting in but learns that it is not fun when you get bit. The story uses humorous hyperboles and the element of surprise that will keep the reader engaged until the end of the story. The humour is exemplified through the beautifully illustrated representations of the story. The illustrations capture the situations through simple images that show the character’s expressions and intentionally incorporate colours to emphasize the characters or the problem at hand. This picture book would make a fantastic addition to any early elementary classroom and would make a great read aloud because it uses humour to address the themes of new students, making friends, and learning to treat others the way you want to be treated. Its huge font will allow younger readers to follow along. The humour and overemphasis in the story is what makes it a truly engaging and fun read while hitting on the feelings of being different and excluded that many students face. Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Haley Oliver Haley Oliver is a fourth year Bachelor of Elementary Education student at the University of Alberta. She is interested in encouraging young child to love reading through entertaining and meaningful literature.

scholarly journals Elmore by H. Hobbie

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Valerie Mayzel
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Elementary Education ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Opportunity To Learn ◽  
The Other ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
History Of ◽  
Worth Reading ◽  
Making Friends ◽  
The University

Hobbie, Holly. Elmore. Random House Children’s Books, New York, 2018. Holly Hobbie’s Elmore is a heartwarming story about a lonely porcupine determined to make friends. His prickly exterior makes the other animals scared of him at first, but through his creativity and inventiveness, he finds a way to help others embrace what makes him unique, all while staying true to himself. The invaluable lessons that this picture book teaches are remarkable. Readers learn that what makes us different, makes us special; once we accept and appreciate our differences and share what we have to offer, others will get to know, accept, and appreciate us for who we are. This book also teaches its readers to not ‘judge a book by its cover’. Elmore was judged by the other animals because of his prickly quills, but once he celebrated his differences and the other animals learned what made him special, they felt lucky to be his friend. Hobbie’s use of language is powerful and provides young readers with the opportunity to learn and have discussions about new vocabulary, such as solitude, emphatically, and tuckered out. Hobbie’s whimsical illustrations are adorable and charming, and her realistic portrayal of Elmore’s facial expressions are endearing; readers empathize and grow to love Elmore. This book is highly recommended as a real-aloud for elementary school educators and parents alike, because it creates opportunities to discuss the hidden messages within the story. Children will be able to make their own connections with Elmore and feel comforted by the fact that making friends isn’t always easy, but others will learn to accept them for who they are, once they accept themselves. Editor’s note: It is worth reading more about the author and the history of her namesake character. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holly_Hobbie Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Valerie Mayzel Valerie Mayzel is a fourth-year student in the Elementary Education program at the University of Alberta. She is very excited to begin her career as a teacher and is looking forward to incorporating a variety of literature in her lessons to support student learning.

scholarly journals Drawn Together by M. Le

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Darcy Courtland
Keyword(s):  
Elementary Education ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Indigenous Education ◽  
Language And Literacy ◽  
Good Picture ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
Linguistic Barriers ◽  
Two Generations ◽  
Linguistic Divide

Le, Minh. Drawn Together. Illustrated by Dan Santat, Disney Hyperion, 2018. Drawn Together is a work of art created by Minh Le, author of award winning, Let Me Finish!, and illustrated by Caldecott Medalist, Dan Santat. This beautiful story depicts the cultural and linguistic divide between a young boy and his grandfather. The book invites the reader to walk alongside these two characters as they struggle with their differences only to stumble upon their similarities. Bringing together two generations of artists, the story revels in the characters’ imaginations as they create a vivid world of artistic adventures and compassion. Inhibited by the linguistic barriers that once isolated the characters, Minh Le’s limited, yet well crafted, text serves to support Dan Santat’s captivating illustrations that “draw” the grandfather and young boy closer. Detailed facial expressions and rich illustrations heighten the reading experience and weave together a story that both literally and metaphorically bridges the space between a grandfather and his grandson. Whether you are curling up with young ones at home or searching for a beautiful book for your classroom library, look no further. This one is guaranteed to draw you in! Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 StarsReviewer: Darcy Courtland Darcy Courtland loves a good picture book! After seven years in the classroom, Darcy has returned to the University of Alberta to pursue a PhD in Elementary Education. Always up for a new adventure, Darcy is excited to be furthering her education in language and literacy and Indigenous education.

scholarly journals Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me by D. Gutnick

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leslie Aitken
Keyword(s):  
Ludwig Van Beethoven ◽  
Classical Music ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
Music Teacher ◽  
Elementary Grades ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
True Story ◽  
Canadian Music ◽  
The University ◽  
Selection Of

Gutnick, David. Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me.  Illustrated by Mathilde Cinq-Mar. Toronto: Second Story Press, 2018. In this lovely picture book, David Gutnick explores an episode in the life of Canadian music teacher, Daniel Mergler. The first person narrator of the story is a musically gifted young girl whose family has emigrated from China. Like many immigrant families, hers is struggling financially; there is no money for music lessons. By chance, the girl and her father meet Mr. Mergler during a pleasant outing in a park. The encounter leads to the child’s musical instruction and, as well, her enduring affection for Beethoven. Gutnick concludes his book with end notes: the first leaves no doubt as to the giftedness, kindness, and generosity of Daniel Mergler; the second, a brief biography of Ludwig van Beethoven, will be helpful to young readers unacquainted with classical music. Because the author claims to be only “inspired by” a true story, we must assume that at least some of the specific details of the plot are fictionalized. Still, the book is based on a CBC documentary, “Beethoven’s Bust,” which Gutnick prepared for broadcast (it was aired as a segment of the CBC radio program, “The Sunday Edition” in 2014). However fictionalized, the story seems real. Interestingly, the child narrator is never named—perhaps because she is a composite figure, perhaps because Gutnick wishes to protect the privacy of his “sources.” Nonetheless, through the delicate drawings of Mathilde Cinq-Mar, we, the readers, come to know this child: we feel her sense of bliss as she flies through the air on a swing in the park; we admire her determination and certainty as she carols “Oh Susanna…” in her “audition” for Mr. Megler; we understand her rapt delight as she begins to master the piano keyboard, producing sounds that “…make everything else disappear.” An inspired touch is Cinq-Mar’s use of musical staves to create curved and sweeping pathways into the illustrated pages. The technique results in a perfect marriage of artwork and text. In sum, Mr. Mergler, Beethoven, and Me  is a well-crafted, captivating, and heart-warming book that would be very suitable for independent readers in the upper primary and elementary grades. Reviewer: Leslie AitkenHighly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Leslie Aitken’s long career in librarianship included selection of children’s literature for school, special and academic libraries. She is a former Curriculum Librarian of the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race by M.L. Shetterly and W. Conkling

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Kim
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Black Women ◽  
Picture Book ◽  
New York Times ◽  
Difficult Situation ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
True Story ◽  
Space Race ◽  
Arts And Health ◽  
Bachelor Of Education

Shetterly, Margot L and Winifred Conkling. Hidden Figures: The True Story of Four Black Women and the Space Race. Illustrated by Laura Freeman, Harper, 2018. Based on The New York Times bestselling book and Academy Award-nominated movie, this historical picture book was inspired from the true story of the first four black women who worked at NASA. Author Margot Lee Shetterly follows the careers of these women who were really good at math, and their achievements as black women. Hidden Figures is illustrated by Laura Freeman, who has illustrated over twenty children’s books. To illustrate this book, she read the original book, watched the movie, and did research on NASA’s website to view archival photos. Freeman’s in-depth research has resulted in powerful images that enable the reader to feel the racial discrimination of the time. In addition, through the illustrations, the reader is able to see what the machine computers looked like at the time. An illustrated timeline and glossary page are provided at the end of the book; these pages will help readers to visualize the story. These illustrations will provide interest for all ages. The text is written in simple English. However, there are some scientific terms. Therefore, for younger children, reading this book with adults or reading buddies is recommended. Moreover, going over the glossary pages with children before they read the book will help children to understand the story better. Overall, this book will help children to be aware of sexism and racism and the achievements of black women in the past. Hidden figures is highly recommended for school libraries. Teachers can use this book as a cross-curricular resource for social studies, language arts, and health classes. The message from this book is for readers not to give up on achieving their goals. When children read this book, they can substitute their own difficult situation and get the courage to overcome obstacles. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Melanie Kim Melanie Kim is a University of Alberta Bachelor of Education undergraduate student, who encourages children to learn about children’s literature. Melanie thinks the best way to learn requires reading. 

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