Picture Book Review: Let's Meet Taylor

Happy Taylor Swift Day to all who celebrate!

This picture book biography is the story of Taylor Swift.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this picture book biography. I learned something from this story. The illustrations are super cute. I love how friendship bracelets made it into the book. This book is super cute for any young fan. Although I confess, I enjoyed this one too. 

Cover Thoughts: Adorable

Source: My Library

Library Recommendation: A must have picture book for your school or public library

* this book would make the perfect holiday gift

Picture Book Wednesday: Dazzling Zelda

Zelda Wynn Valdes was a pioneer in fashion - this book shares her story.

I was not aware of this fashion designer before reading this book and I'm impressed. I love how she dressed women of all shapes and sizes. The list of women she dressed is amazing. I admire how she inspired and supported young talent. I love how she created fancy dresses and dance costumes (especially love how she dyed the tights for dancers of color). 

I did a little more research:

The fashion designer Zelda Wynn Valdes, who could fit a dress to a body of any size. Dance Theater of Harlem

*book sent for review

Picture Book Review: Niki Nakayama

 

Niki Nakayama had a dream. She loved inventing new dishes to try - a fusion of her Japanese and American cultures. Not everyone thought she could do it. But she proved them wrong. She studied and experimented and learned. And she succeeded.

A fantastic picture book biography about a chef who didn't take no for an answer and who creates dishes her way. I love that the dinners tells a story and that no one ever has the same meal twice. Very inspiring.  A great story with fantastic illustrations.

Library Recommendation: Highly recommended for your school and public libraries. 

* Book sent for review

Picture Book Wednesday: That Girl on TV Could Be Me!

When Lety was young, there wasn't anyone on TV who looked like her. She had big dreams and worked hard to make them happen. It wasn't always magical or exciting or easy, but Lety persisted. 

I loved this story about a woman Latinta news anchor and the important message of believing in yourself. I love how Lety tells students about her job and takes extra care with the shy ones. Great illustrations show the adventures Lety had working her way up the ladder. 

* This book is in English and Spanish

Library Recommendation: A must have picture book for your school and public library.

Picture Book Wednesday: Flying High

A picture book of Simone Biles - from her young days to her star status. 

A great picture book showing the strength and determination it takes to become a star.  I love how it mentioned her younger troubled days and then she found gymnastics. But not everything was easy and it took lots of work. The rhymes in this book flow, making this a fun book to read. And the illustrations are amazing.

Library Recommendation: This is a must have book for your collection. Simone Biles is one of the greatest athletes of all time.* A fantastic picture book biography to showcase all year round.

* She one of my favorite athletes.

Picture Book Review: Dinosaur Lady

A picture book biography of Mary Anning - the first female paleontologist. In fact, her discoveries helped to create the field of paleontology. 

I really loved learning about Mary Anning - a woman I had never heard of prior to this book. Women were not allowed to speak or even attend the scientific lectures. But her discoveries changed the world. She was curious, determined, and very impressive. 

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Saving the Countryside

Beatrix Potter loved the summers she spent in the country during her childhood. She found inspiration in the country and created Peter Rabbit. As Peter Rabbit became a success despite the odds, she saved her beloved countryside.

My Thoughts: I adored this book. The illustrations were gorgeous. I loved learning about a lesser known part of Beatrix Potter's life. I love that she found success in breaking the rules and that she wanted to do something that mattered. I love that she flourished as an author/illustrator but also used science. I loved that deep down she was a business woman and understood how the world worked. And she used that to her advantage. A very informative beautiful book. 

Highly recommended for school and public libraries

Top Ten Tuesday: Feminist Picture Books

This week's topic is a freebie. I'm chatting about some favorite feminist picture books biographies I've read so far this year. I love reading about smart women. Several of these books were my first introduction to these women. And the books made quite an impact.

If You Like Pitch

If you like(d) Pitch.

I loved this TV show and will always mourn it's ending. Especially after that cliff hanger. Every so often my hopes are high that it's going to come back, but so far nothing.

Still, this show left a huge impression on me.

And this picture book reminded me of it.

Mamie Peanut Johnson had a dream. She wanted to play baseball professionally. But the All-American Girls Baseball League rejected her - not because of her talent but because of the color of skin. Mamie didn't give up. Instead she became the first female pticher (at the age of 19) in the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns - a male team. She pitched for the team for three years breaking records and barriers. 

A great story and a must have book for school and public libraries!

It's also a wonderful book for Black History Month and Women's History Month

Picture Book Review: Roundup of Women's History Month Books

Here are several amazing picture book biographies that are perfect for Black History Month and Women's History Month. They are must have books for school and public libraries. 

Mabel Fairbanks wasn't allowed to skate because of her skin color - but she was determined and talented. She never made it to competitions but she did dance in ice shows. And she coached other talented skaters. She's the first Black person inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She broke down barriers and became a star in her own right.

Mary Walker was born a slave and freed by the Emancipation Proclamation. She worked hard to support her family. She didn't know how to read until one day when she was the only person left in her family, she decided it was time. So she did at the young age of 116  - showing that you're never too old to learn. This book sends a great message to all readers. Plus the collage art work illustrations were fun.

Althea Gibson was great at sports, but especially great at playing tennis. She knew how to compete and had a big personality. She always wanted to win. But even though she was talented, strong, and athletic, she had a hard time because she wasn't allowed to play the best athletes. Her determination and skill helped her break down barriers. She because the first Black person to win Wimbledon. 

Before Rosa Parks, there was Lizzie Jennings. In 1854, she was late and waned to sit on the streetcar. After a conductor blocker her way and forced her off, she sued the company. With the help of a witness, she won the case. It was one victory, but it made a difference and things slowly started to change for streetcar segregation. Lizzie was strong, determined, and she wanted justice. She didn't deserve to be treated so poorly. Her case was the first recorded court case for equal rights on transportation and many more cases would follow. 

Aretha Franklin was a shy young girl, but she sang at church. When she was 10 years old, people knew she'd be going places because of her voice. And she did. She signed with a record company. She refused to sing for white only crowds. She sang the music that spoke to her and as a savvy business woman, she because a huge success.  Her music inspired people and she became the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Picture Book Review: The Only Woman in the Photo

Frances Perkins was once a shy girl who challenged herself and ended up changing the world. 

A fantastic book about a rarely talked about woman who helped create several safety regulations, social security, and the New Deal. She was an invaluable member of FDR's cabinet. She didn't like the spotlight. She was influenced by her grandmother. She believed in helping everyone - an inspiriting woman.

Library recommendation: This amazing picture book is a must have book for school and public libraries. And the perfect book to share during Women's History Month.

Picture Book Wednesday: Just Like Beverly

A biography about the amazing children's author Beverly Cleary. This was a short biography (48 pages) but it was full of information. I loved learning more about her childhood and how that influenced her writing. I love learning about her childhood experiences with books and how that led her to become and librarian. Her time as a librarian also influenced her writings. I loved learning how her first book became a book.

An inspiring read about the importance of books!

Library Recommendation: A must have book for school and public libraries.

Pride Picture Book: Sewing the Rainbow

Gilbert Baker was born to sparkle, but his parents didn't understand him. He wanted to surround himself with a world filled with color and joy. As an adult, he created the world he imagined. And he spread that job - especially with the rainbow flag he and his friends created together. 

A really great introduction to Pride Month for several reasons. I love how happy he was when he could become himself and how he worked to spread that joy. A reader's note follows the story that gives a little bit more explanation. 

Picture Book Review: Planting Stories

A picture book biography of librarian and storyteller Pura Belpre.

Of course I loved reading this book, it's about a fellow librarian!

I loved learning about her storytelling - the puppets, the sharing of the cultures, and connecting with her patrons. I loved how she realized there were no books sharing her culture, so she wrote them herself. I loved the illustrations. A wonderful book to share.

Library Recommendation: A must have biography for schools and public libraries.

Picture Book Review: Before She was Harriet

A picture book biography of Harriet Tubman

A beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations highlighting so many amazing moments in her life with her free and beautiful spirit. She was so inspiring.

A must have book for both schools and libraries.  

Picture Book Review: So Tall Within

This is a picture book biography of Sojourner Truth.

It doesn't gloss over slavery - it mentions the horror of it. Of course it packs a punch but it's also very inspiring. It shows the strength of Sojourner Truth and her determination.

The illustrations are also powerful.

A must have for both schools and public libraries.

* This comes out in two weeks - make sure it's on your list.

Picture Book Review: Rescue & Jessica

Rescue was being trained - he thought he would help people who couldn't see. But he met Jessica, a woman who lost her legs during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Together they make quite the pair.

This picture book was adorable with the dual perspectives from Rescue and Jessica. This picture book biography tugs at the heartstrings while inspiring the reader. The pair learns to work together for the best outcome. The soft illustrations give this book a cozy feel while reading about a tough subject matter and heartwarming story. 

Library Recommendation: This is a must have book for schools and public libraries.