Check out some of Candlewick's most acclaimed titles of 2022 that critics recommend! Critics agree – these titles are not to be missed.
Concrete: From the Ground Up by Larissa Theule & illustrated by Steve Light
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| ISBN: 9781536212501 Age 7 - 10 Years |
My thoughts: This is an interesting book about the history of concrete. Frankly, I didn't know the difference between concrete and cement or how it is used or its varied uses. I found the text interesting and educational. The little asides (a bit of chuckle fun) nicely put and placed to break the "educational" aspect of the text a bit.
The evolution of building skills and of the building materials such as concrete are quite interesting. I like how the book ends saying that the concrete of 50 years from now will be different from that which is used today. This is based on how the substance has evolved historically and how man's mind conceives building, engineering, and uses for concrete.
I think this would be a grand book to have on hand for parents involved in construction, engineering, and architecture to share with their children.
About the book: A stylish, eye-opening, utterly engaging, and often wry look at one of the marvels of the material world, from the ground up.
From a lowly mixture of stone, sand, water, and cement have sprung sidewalks, streets, and skyscrapers, sturdy lighthouses and magnificent palaces, long bridges and massive dams. In ancient building practices, in modern engineering, and in the architecture of the future, humble concrete plays a mighty role in the creation of the human-made world. Brimming with facts and spiced with clever running narrative in the form of repartee-filled speech bubbles, Concrete is as intimate and entertaining as it is informative and visually sweeping. Curious readers of all ages—from would-be engineers to science and history buffs to retro-design lovers—will delight in this bold, one-of-a-kind guide to the (literal) bedrock of civilization, amplified by a bibliography in the back matter.
Big Truck, Little Island By Chris Van Dusen
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| ISBN: 9781536203936 Ages 3 to 7 Years |
My thoughts: This is a delightful and beautiful story of cooperation and trust. It is based on a real island, the island's folks, and their trust and sharing with one another. The author has created a sweet, well done bit of storybook prose to tell the tale of the big truck that blocked the island's traffic, and of how the people solved their problem of getting to their destination on time.
It is beautifully illustrated with bright colors and delightfully drawn pictures that visually tell the story and blend just as the text does.
I highly recommend this book and share in agreement with critics who rate it as an acclaimed title for 2022.
About the book: That big truck is stuck! How will the island residents get where they’re gong? A tale of community and ingenuity from the celebrated Chris Van Dusen, inspired by a true story.
When a big truck and its big load get stuck on a narrow road, traffic on the little island comes to a halt. Some cars need to go south and some have to travel north. How will Meg get to her swim meet? What about Barry’s ballet class? Luckily, the kids come up with an ingenious solution: why not just swap cars? Inspired by an incident that happened on Vinalhaven, Maine, Chris Van Dusen tells a fun tale of resourcefulness and community through clever, rhyming wordplay and whimsical illustrations, sprinkled with plenty of cars and trucks for transportation-loving readers.
What are Words, Really? by Alexi Lubomirski & illustrated by Carlos Aponte
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| ISBN: 9781536219807 Ages 4 to 8 Years |
My thoughts: Oh my! This is such a beautiful book! I don't mean beautiful as in lovely, classic illustrations done in soothing colors of pastel shades. No, I mean in it's value, it's worth, it's message. It teaches in a wonderful method that words we use matter so much to everyone, everything in the world.
I love the bold, splashing, dashing bursts of color that deliver the message on each page. I love the adequate yet sparse text that gets the message across so effectively.
I highly recommend this book and agree with critics that say it is a highly valued, acclaimed title for 2022.
About the book: A renowned photographer and a Pura Belpré Honor–winning illustrator join forces for a playful and stylish picture book that’s destined to make the world a better place, one word at a time.
Perfectly pitched to the youngest child, Alexi Lubomirski’s whimsical text is a gentle reminder that words have power—the power to hurt or to heal, to make someone feel small or feel tall. Carlos Aponte’s buoyant illustrations, in dazzling primary colors and bold black line, pair with a dynamic text design to create a visual symphony. An eye-catching appeal to our better natures, this inspired meditation on the purpose and power of words encourages children to choose them well—and use them wisely—to spread kindness, joy, and love.
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DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner by publisher or publicist. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.
We need to model kindness and encouragement to children daily. If children see or hear unkind words, we can ask them how they felt when someone said that. We can discuss what would be a better way to say something.
ReplyDeleteNancy
allibrary (at) aol (dot) com
i always tell any kids i am babysitting like i was told as a child if u havent got anything nice to say dont say anything. i dont allow them to call each other derogatory names or dish out any put downs. they gotta know that it hurts others feelings they have to learn compassion it is not a given
ReplyDeleteWhat is your way of teaching children to use their words to help and not to hurt, to encourage and not to discourage, to show kindness and not to be mean? Don't really do that alot with great niece 6. Some times she will say something and I will look at her and SAY WHAT DID YOU SAY. And she will change the wording.
ReplyDeleteI teach my nieces that using kind words will make others feel good inside, the same feeling they experience when kind words are spoken to them.
ReplyDeleteTransportation and buildings are both subjects which appeal to kids.
ReplyDeleteI help her to understand that her words are powerful by telling her how I feel when she says rude things.
ReplyDeleteWe watch ALOT of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, which teaches kids that having emotions is ok and how to work through them. We also talk a lot about how we are feeling and how to handle it.
ReplyDeleteI always donate the children's books to my friend, who is a doctor, and has a free clinic.
ReplyDeleteChildren learn by example. You should show them through your words and actions how to treat others. They absorb and learn fast.
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