Friday, September 9, 2011

The Cataloguer's New Book Picks

Harry Potter and History / edited by Nancy R. Reagin
PR 6068 O93 Z687 2011
This title from the Wiley Pop Culture and History Series provides historical context to Harry Potter’s world. It makes comparisons between real world events and experiences and happenings in J.K. Rowlings books; for example, real British boarding schools compared to Hogwarts. It talks about historical figures, like Nicolas Flamel, who are named in the Harry Potter books.


Picture Books Plus : 100 Extension Activities in Art, Drama, Music, Math, and Science / Sue McCleaf Nespeca & Joan B. Reeve
LB 1044.9 P49 N47 2003 Curriculum
This guide by a teacher and a children’s librarian provides activities to tie themes from picture books to concepts in math, science, music, drama and art as well as to promote a love of books in children. It lists specific children’s books and provides materials lists, tips for success, do’s and don’ts, alternative activities and additional resources. This looks like a valuable resource for bringing books alive in the classroom.

Dave the Potter : Artist, Poet, Slave / by Laban Carrick Hill ; illustrated by Bryan Collier
NK 4210 D247 H55 2010 Curriculum
This Caldecott winning picture book tells the story of Dave, a poet and potter who actually lived in South Carolina in the 1800s. He carved his poems in to his pots, some of which are in American museums today. His poems give us a way to glimpse into his life as a slave.

Phileas’s Fortune : A Story of Self-Expression / Agnès de Lestrade & Valeria Docampo
PZ 7 L573 P45 2010 Curriculum
Phileas lives in an world where words must be bought but he is poor and can’t afford to come out and say how he feels. He catches some stray words and uses them to express his love for Cybele on her birthday. This beautifully illustrated book shows us the value of caring, honesty, modesty and sincerity.

Kakapo Rescue : Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot / text by Sy Montgomery ; photographs by Nic Bishop
QL 696 P7 M79 2010 Curriculum
Kakapo parrots are critically endangered flightless birds that live on Codfish Island off the southern coast of New Zealand. They were pushed to the brink by predators introduced by humans but now a dedicated team is working to restore their population and protect them from anything that might threaten these odd but trusting birds. This book has won the Robert F. Siebert Medal.

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