The Secret of the Stone Frog by D. Nytra

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Metthea Maddern
Keyword(s):  
Deep Sea ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Alice In Wonderland ◽  
Fantasy World ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
The University

Nytra, David. The Secret of the Stone Frog. Somerville: TOON Books, 2012. Print. The Secret of the Stone Frog is the first graphic novel for children from newcomer David Nytra. This book seems to be steeped in various traditions from children’s literature, making it at once new, yet familiar. Anthropomorphic animals, delightful and peculiar worlds, and adventure in a dream are just a few of the traditions that Nytra draws from. Siblings Leah and Alan wake up one morning and are surprised to find themselves in the middle of an enchanted forest. As they are wondering how to get home, a stone frog speaks up and offers to be their guide. On their journey home, the brother and sister travel through a strange and spectacular world, not unlike Alice in Wonderland, where they encounter fantastic creatures at every turn. First they come across a garden with giant bees, then an orchard with enormous cherries where they meet some lions that play croquet and keep giant rabbits as pets. The lions, who are dressed as dandies, are both friendly and familiar; you feel like you know them from somewhere but you’re not quite sure where, and you wish you could spend some more time with them. Later in their travels, Leah and Alan encounter walking deep-sea creatures dressed in Victorian hats and suits, oddly proportioned humans, and buildings that seem to be fluid and alive. Upon returning home, Leah announces that their parents have decided she is old enough to have her own room, leaving the reader wondering if this was a final journey into a fantasy world, or a first journey that was meant to prepare Alan to go back on his own. Not surprisingly, readers are drawn into the fantasy world right from the very first panel. Nytra’s black and white pen and ink drawings are stunning. Finely rendered, busy backgrounds contrast with the simple shapes and faces of the children and the frogs. Further contrast is noticeable between things that are depicted realistically and those that are more cartoonish. Nytra masterfully uses black and white to enhance the feeling of the story; some panels are light and whimsical while others are dark and frightening. Simple dialogue makes this book accessible for young readers in grades two and three, although older children that are fond of fantasy are also likely to enjoy this charming book. Some illustrations may frighten young children. Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Metthea Maddern Matthea is a Masters student in the Teacher-Librarianship through Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta.

One Year in Coal Harbour by P. Horvath

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Foster Children ◽  
Comfort Zone ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
South Park ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
One Year ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
The University

Horvath, Polly. One Year in Coal Harbour. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2012. Print. In this sequel to the multiple award winning, Everything on a Waffle, Horvath’s signature quirky humour and insights into human nature emerge once more as we follow 12-year-old Primrose Squarp’s attempts at matchmaking, at finding a best friend, and at generally trying to make life turn out right. The lovable Evie and Bert, who took Primrose in when her parents were lost at sea, sensible Uncle Jack, the entrepreneur who returned to Coal Harbour to look after Primrose, and fiercely independent Miss Bowzer, Primrose’s confidant and owner of The Girl on the Red Swing where everything is served on a waffle, return from the first book to help Primrose navigate life as a ‘tween’ in Coal Harbour.  In one year, Primrose learns about defending what she cares about, letting people make their own choices, and accepting the flaws in herself as well as others.  Primrose faces some hard lessons but readers will be glad to know that everything turns out, if not perfectly, then as it should, in the end. Horvath broaches issues related to foster children, unfit parents, environmental protests, relationships, and grieving, with honesty and empathy, showing real respect for her young readers’ ability to understand the nuances of these situations. Her characters embody the quirkiness and wisdom of small town life, making them even more believable. Each chapter begins with “What Happened...” or “What Didn’t Happen...” leading the reader along through the traumatic events of Primrose’s year in Coal Harbour, and ends with a recipe Primrose collects for the local cookbook she is writing bringing the tale back to the comfort zone of mundane details.  With this marvelous glimpse of the world from the eyes of a 12-year-old girl, peppered with high hopes, frustration, insight and humour, Horvath has done it again. She has left me wanting more. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Kathy Inglis Kathy Inglis is a teacher-librarian and kindergarten teacher at South Park Family School in Victoria, BC and a Masters student in the Teacher-Librarianship through Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta. Her favourite part of the job is seeing the excited look on the faces of students who have found that perfect book.

scholarly journals Let's Find Momo by A. Knapp

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janice Kung
Keyword(s):  
Picture Book ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Left Hand ◽  
New Words ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Young Readers ◽  
Good Book ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

Knapp, Andrew. Let’s Find Momo. Quirk Books, 2017.This hide-and-seek board book is the latest from photographer, Andrew Knapp and his extremely photogenic border collie named Momo. The black and white border collie loves hiding and invites young readers to find itself and other objects. Left-hand pages list three different objects and Momo who are hidden in the corresponding right pages. Each page explores different environments along with objects that are typically found therein, but not always. For instance, in the library, readers are tasked to find a lollipop, a banana, a balloon, and Momo.Similar to Where’s Waldo, this picture book allows readers to find objects and the cute little dog that does his very best at staying hidden. The border collie takes readers on many adventures such as to a merry-go-round, gymnasium, garden, bedroom, and even a farm. With themes carefully selected, they provide a wide range of new words for young readers to learn. Each location is beautifully photographed with vibrant colours and unique angles while, at the same time, teaches new vocabulary to young children, aged 2-4.  Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 starsReviewer: Janice KungJanice Kung is a Public Services Librarian at the University of Alberta, John W. Scott Health Sciences Library. She obtained her undergraduate degree in commerce and completed her MLIS degree in 2013. She believes that the best thing to beat the winter blues is to cuddle up on a couch and lose oneself in a good book.

Cardboard by D. TenNapel

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Metthea Maddern
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Graphic Novel ◽  
Upper Elementary ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
School Students ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Award Winning ◽  
Trade Bill ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
The University

TenNapel, Doug. Cardboard. New York: Scholastic Graphix, 2012. Print. Following award winning Ghostopolis and Bad Island, acclaimed author and illustrator Doug TenNapel delivers another highly enjoyable graphic novel with Cardboard. The story begins with down-and-out dad, Mike, desperately needing a birthday present for his son Cam. With less than a dollar in his pocket, Mike happens upon a strange man who is selling cheap toys. Old Man Gideon is peculiar, but offers Mike a very special present for his son: a cardboard box. Not only does Mr. Gideon rave about what a stupendous present the box is, he explains that there are two rules that come with ownership of the box. Mike agrees to the conditions without paying much attention to them, and takes the box. At home, Cam tries to hide his disappointment with his birthday present, and agrees to work with his dad to turn the box into something better - a boxer. Later that night, Cam is awoken by his cardboard creation, a boxing champion named Bill, who has magically come to life! Rich kid and neighborhood bully, Marcus, can’t believe his eyes when he sees Bill mowing Cam’s lawn the next day, and wants Bill for himself. When Cam refuses to trade Bill for any of the expensive toys that Marcus offers, Marcus steals the remaining scraps of magic cardboard from Cam’s room and begins making cardboard creations of his own – evil ones. Soon Marcus has created so many monsters that he loses control of them, and in desperation turns to Cam for help. What follows is a fast-paced, action-packed adventure through the world of Marcus’ imagination. The boys form a bond as they struggle to escape and save each other from a variety of vicious monsters. Both Marcus and Mike are transformed by these experiences, resulting in an uplifting ending that offers readers hope. TenNapel deftly weaves together themes of friendship, poverty, bullying, and loss in this engaging and beautifully illustrated graphic novel. The cover itself is difficult to pass up, as the intense yellow eyes on the cover can’t help but elicit curiosity. The illustrations are well-suited to the story; they are highly animated and expressive, and the cardboard characters are delightfully cartoonish. The colors used throughout are an effective backdrop for the story and contribute to the overall setting and mood. I would recommend this book for upper elementary and middle school students and reluctant readers in particular. It is sure to capture the imaginations of all readers: What would you make if you had a box made of magic cardboard? ​ Highly Recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Metthea Maddern​ Matthea is a Masters student in the Teacher-Librarianship through Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals My Name is Parvana by D. Ellis

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathy Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Book Club ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
American Military ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
South Park ◽  
The World ◽  
Other Information ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
The University

Ellis, Deborah. My Name is Parvana. Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2012. Print. In this final book in the The Breadwinner series, we meet the indomitable Afghani protagonist, Parvana, again, at the age of 15. The story begins with Parvana being interrogated in an American military base after she is discovered in a bombed out school.  She refuses to acknowledge her captors and remains silent. The story unfolds through Parvana’s flashbacks as she endures the various methods employed to make her talk, including food and sleep deprivation.. We learn that Parvana’s family has left the refugee camp and started a school for girls. It seems their dreams have come true, but there is danger everywhere. New laws are in place to protect women’s rights, but old habits and beliefs, die hard. Threatening notes begin to arrive. Parvana is accosted in the streets.  Students and teachers are driven away by the threats, and without students the school will lose its funding.  The setbacks continue to pile up until at last we realize why Parvana is alone and imprisoned. Through careful crafting, Ellis creates a story that is heartrending without being horrific. Skillful use of flashbacks and foreshadowing soften the shock of atrocities by giving us clues before they occur. She shows respect for her young readers by giving enough detail for them to understand what is happening without becoming gory. Despite the incredible challenges she faces, Parvana finds hope, and new dream, in the end. This novel also provides a wonderful opportunity to discuss the use of voice in writing.  Some people would say Ellis, a white, Canadian woman, has no right to use an Afghani voice. Yet Ellis’ is an educated voice. She has spent time travelling in Afghanistan and interviewing Afghani children.  In an interview for Page Turners Book Club, Ellis asserts that she is giving voices to people who do not usually appear in books and providing information for children and teens who are “hungry to find out about how the world works and how they can create their own place in the world”. My Name is Parvana is an appropriate companion for Ellis’ non-fiction book Kids of Kabul: Living Bravely Through a Never-ending War and other information texts about children’s lives in Afghanistan.  While Ellis should not be the only voice for Afghani women and children, hers is certainly a powerful and effective one.  Her goal of building connections for young Canadians and creating a climate for understanding is laudable. Highly recommended: 4 out of 4 stars Reviewer:  Kathy Inglis Kathy Inglis is a teacher-librarian and kindergarten teacher at South Park Family School in Victoria, BC and a Masters student in the Teacher-Librarianship through Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta. Her favourite part of the job is seeing the excited look on the faces of students who have found that perfect book.

scholarly journals Wildlings Book 1: Under My Skin by C. de Lint

2012 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alanna King
Keyword(s):  
Popular Culture ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Mountain Lion ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Best Friends ◽  
School Year ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
The University

de Lint, Charles. Wildlings Book 1: Under My Skin. Toronto: Razorbill Canada, 2012. Print. This Young Adult fantasy begins in present day Santa Feliz, California.  The story unfolds through two voices, Josh and Marina, who are best friends.  This school year, each character has become a Wildling, someone who shape shifts from human to animal form. As more and more local teens are becoming Wildlings overnight, government and corporate organizations move in to lock down the situation.  Josh’s quest is to make sure any external interest has good intentions, and Marina’s journey is more about acceptance and making sure that Wildlings are treated with respect. Both Josh and Marina are caught up in the movement as different factions of Wildlings compete for their attention.  Some come across as eco-warriors, while others explore the spiritual blessing nature of shape shifting and other natural gifts. Every single adult and teen group involved in the Wilding phenomenon has a different agenda, and neither Josh nor Marina can identify where they belong.  Instead, Josh is singled out as a natural leader, as his animal self, the mountain lion, is one of the oldest animal clans known.  Marina’s intentions of aiding the Wildling cause confuse her as she has to choose between the cause and her own dreams. The alternating voices in each chapter allow the reader to understand the perspectives more deeply. This novel is a familiar story of teens being misunderstood as they go through their quest for identity.  The shape shifter motif allows the author a way to explore questions of identity in sexuality, race and belief. As the shape shifter story is now a popular culture meme, this puts Under My Skin clearly in a fantasy category for beginners.  The book ends as Josh and Marina escape their first test of Wildling experimentation leaving room for the proposed sequel to take place. The story hints briefly at stirrings of sexuality and the violence is dramatic but not overdone. This novel’s realistic and modern setting will appeal to most any reader who is ready to dabble in the fantastic. Readers who are more experienced with the genre may find de Lint’s explanations of fantastical elements to be juvenile.   Recommended: 3 out of 4 stars Reviewer: Alanna King Alanna King is a Masters student in the Teacher-Librarianship through Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta.

scholarly journals Developing Online Master's Programs for Teacher-Librarians

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Branch-Mueller ◽  
Joanne De Groot
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning Program ◽  
Master's Programs ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Distance Learning Program ◽  
Teacher Librarians ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

This paper explores the development of the Teacher-Librarianship by Distance Learning Program at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It explores the development of the program from 1997 onwards, discusses the challenges and opportunities of Learning Management Systems, and explores key changes in the program over time. One key change has been the impact of technological changes and advances on teaching and learning. Participatory Culture and Connectivism are explained and the implications for this program are discussed. The authors understandings of teaching and learning in online environments have changed over the past 15 years. Key lessons learned and future plans are also highlighted.

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 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.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document