Welcome to Read, Imagine & Explore where I share great books for young readers! Fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is around the corner. This month’s books feature discovering self-love, a new twist on an old chapter book, and knowledge of the inner makings of stars. I hope you enjoy them, and I wish you and your family a wonderful month and a beautiful Thanksgiving day! May your hearts (and tummies) be full.
(‘Give Thanks’ photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 ) (Lantern Photo by Marko Blažević)
Featured Books:
- Luna Finds Love Everywhere (Picture Book)
- The Adventures of The Bailey School Kids Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots (Graphic Novel)
- The Fire of Stars The Life and Brilliance of the Woman who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of (Nonfiction Narrative picture book)
Luna Finds Love Everywhere (by Dr. Shainna Ali/2021/Ulysses Press)
Five-year-old Luna discovers that love is all around her–and inside her, too. Routine actions like choosing her own clothes or getting excited over her favorite breakfast show love for herself and her family. Dr. Shainna continually engages the reader to share experiences and feelings alongside Luna by asking timely questions throughout the book. This is a lovely (and loving) book for a family to read together.
The Bailey School Kids Vampires Don’t Wear Polka Dots (by Pearl Low–based on the book by MarciaThornton Jones & Debbie Dadey/Scholastic 2021/Graphic Novel Version)
In this graphic novel remake of the original chapter book, kids can see a colorful depiction of the four main characters: Eddie, Liza, Howie and Melody as they take on another adventure. And just like the original book, Eddie takes the lead on showing the new teacher, Mrs. Jeepers, just who’s in charge. Each of the five chapters has just the right amount of words in the speech bubbles and appropriate panels to tell the story for an independent chapter book reader. I love the colorful and supportive illustrations as well. It’s fun to see this story come to life in a whole different format.
The Fire Of Stars and Brilliance of the Woman who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of (STEM NF/Kirsten W. Larson/Chronicle Books/2023)
The Fire of Stars is a celebration of Cecilia Payne, the first person to discover the elements the make up a star. Hooked on science as a child and persevering as she followed her passions, Cecilia eventually found herself studying at the Harvard Observatory. There she posed the question: just what are stars really made of? The beauty of this book is equal parts eloquent language and radiant illustrations; a perfect blend that takes the reader on a side by side journey between the birth of a star and that of a young astronomer. *(P.S. Fans of Katherine Johnson will enjoy Cecilia’s journey as they both depict young women striving in STEM fields in the early to mid 20th century.)
Imagine & Explore: Holiday Fun and Gingerbread
585Kids is a Rochester family magazine loaded with articles, book reviews and places to visit around Rochester and the surrounding counties. A great resource for families. I’ve included a couple of go-to’s for November. (More to come in December!)
~ All Aboard! On weekends in November and December, the Arcade and Attica’s Wonderland Express (in Arcade NY) offers train rides 6 times/day to “Santa’s North Pole” (actually Curriers Station) and back again. This heated, vintage train ride is about 2 hours long and once at the “North Pole” kids can visit an Elf House and get into an Elf sleigh, among other fun things. And on the way back to the station, kids receive a gift from Santa!
~ Gingerbread Displays are in full swing at the George Eastman House in Rochester. Yum! “Sweet Creations Gingerbread Display” runs from Nov. 11-Dec. 31st. In addition, families can see beautiful creative wreaths displayed in the Potter Peristyle hall from Nov. 11-Dec. 3rd. Plus don’t miss the local business made tabletop tree displays, which runs from Nov. 11-Dec. 14th.
Enjoy everyone!
This newsletter is for you…parents, grandparents, caregivers, homeschoolers and teachers! I always appreciate feedback. If you like something, leave a comment! If you think of other books young readers might like or have suggestions for places to explore, please leave a comment about that, too! Thanks for reading.
See you in December!
(Edition 9)