1/1/2022 Picture Book Round-Up: Something Old & Something New

Picture Book 1 (something old & out of print)

Title: Grandma's Jewelry Box

Author: Linda Milstein

Illustrator: Jean Hirashima

Recommended for: Ages 3-6

Basic plot: This is a standard lift-the-flaps book that allows the audience to rummage through the eponymous grandmother's belongings.

Why I love it: You can try on rings & bangles without having to go the The Icing or Claire's, and there's a gorgeous locket with a real mirror in it on the last page that strikes just the right sentimental note. This was my favorite as a toddler.

Where can you find it? Amazon, eBay, AbeBooks, Thriftbooks (cheapest $2.99 & up, used)

Extension activity: This is a perfect time to make a time capsule or go through your own family heirlooms with your child.

Picture Book 2 (something new & good for you)

Title: Journey

Author & Illustrator: Aaron Becker

Recommended for: Grades K-3

Basic plot: A young girl is terribly bored, so she uses a magic red marker to draw herself into new worlds.

Why I love it: This wordless picture book is so simple and lends itself well to discussions, even with middle schoolers! The illustrations are stirring and lush, ranging from magic carpet rides across the sunset to tree-trunk doors and forests strung with Moroccan-style lanterns. Better still, our protagonist makes a like-minded friend by the story's end.

Where can you find it? Amazon, eBay, AbeBooks, Thriftbooks (cheapest $1.92 & up, used) & available on OverDrive for free with a participating library's card. Barnes & Noble would likely have this in stock, new.

Extension activity: Last year during testing, my 8th graders were pretty strung out. So, during filler days, I dared them to write the text to accompany the images. I told them to be as specific as possible, and we went around the room reading the versions aloud. This can be tailored to any grade level, especially if you ask probing questions such as WHY the girl is creating these specific realms, what the antecedent was for her escaping, etc.

Thanks for tuning in! Keep the pages turning until we meet again.

Love,

Sash