3rd May Wild Koala Day

 

Wild Koala Day – May 3!

   

  A day to celebrate wild koalas and protect their habitats. 

Koalas are one of the 10 species worldwide most at risk from climate change.  This is due to a ‘perfect storm’ of effects: increasing aridity, increasing frequency of wildfire, increasing length & severity of droughts and heatwaves – all leading to stress and increasing disease.  Add to this the scientifically-recorded damaging effect of increased carbon dioxide on eucalyptus leaves (leads to higher toxins and lower nutritional compounds) and the koala is running out of time.  Only by increasing koala habitat will we improve their chances.

Humans are the biggest problem for koalas, but also the solution. Koalas and humans want to live in the same places in Australia, and though most people love koalas, with people come cars and dogs – both deadly to koalas. Over 4000 koalas are killed by dogs each year and many more are killed by cars.

All Australian children love koalas and are keen to make sure they survive. The students I teach are no exception. Any time we do a koala display the books leave the library quickly.

In a display I would include stories, factual texts and books that tell of the koala's struggle such as 

• Tippy and Jellybean by Sophie Cunningham and Anil Tortop

• Nala the Koala by Penny Min Ferguson

• Koala Hospital by Suzi Eszterhas

• The 99th Koala by Kailas Wild

• Kolah the Koala by Jan Latta

• Jimmy the Joey  by Deborah Lee Rose and Susan Kelly

• Dexter the Courageous Koala by Jesse Blackadder

Koala information:

• Koalas by Laura Marsh

• Koala by Claire Saxby and Julie Vivas

• Koalas by Kate Riggs

• Koalas by Katie Woolley

• Oz Animals Koalas by Charles Hope

Stories:

• Why Koala Has a Stumpy Tail by Martha Hamilton, Mitch Weiss and Tom Wrenn

• Koalas Eat Gum Leaves  by Laura Bunting and Philip Bunting

• The Koala Who Could by Rachel Bright

• Little Koala Lost by Blaze Kwaymullina and Jess Racklyeft

• Koala Bare by Jackie French and Matt Shanks

• Eustace and Clyde by Marina Aizen

• Tim and Ed  by Ursula Dubosarsky and Andrew Joyner

• The Gum Family Finds a Home  by  Tania McCartney and Christina Booth

Chapter books:

• Baby Koala Rescue by Tilda Kelly

• Tufty Needs a New Home by Sara Leman and Steve Parish

• The Cuddly Koala Zoe's Rescue Zoo 8  by Amelia Cobb and Sophy Williams

• Lulu Bell and the Koala Joey 10  by Belinda Murrell

• Dexter the Courageous Koala by Jesse Blackadder

• Mission Fox Koala Round-Up 8  by Justin D'Ath and Heath McKenzie

• Surviving the Wild 2 Rainbow the Koala  by Remy Lai (graphic novel)

April Autism Awareness Month Part 2

                

Here is Part 2 because it would not all fit in one blog!

More picture books:

• Anthony Best by Davene Fahey and Carol Inouye

• Leo and the Octopus by Isabelle Marinov and Chris Nixon

• My Brother Sammy by Becky Edwards and David Armitage

Two books about Temple Grandin

• The Girl Who Thought in Pictures by Julia Finley Mosca and Daniel Rieley

• How to Build a Hug  by Amy Huglielmo, Jacqueline Tourville and Giselle Potter

And some chapter books: 

• a series of three books about a boy nicknamed Bat, starting with A Boy Called Bat by Elana K. Arnold and Charles Santoso

• a series of three books about a girl called Lauren who's in third grade, starting with Slug Days  by Sara Leach and Rebecca Bender.

         

April Autism Awareness Month Part 1

April is a time (but hopefully not the only time) to honour the contribution of people on the autism spectrum and the autism community to the world and to recognise that there is a need for supporting, understanding, accepting, including, and empowering people on the autism spectrum. We need to remind ourselves that autism isn’t linear and that each person with autism has their own unique strengths and needs in different areas. And this is becoming even more evident as more students at school are perceived to be on the autism spectrum.

Autism can be a confusing topic to explain to a child, but picture books about autism can explain what being autistic means on a level that children understand. They may help autistic children see characters who are like them and help other children to understand better what an autistic child they know might be feeling. Books about autistic children can also help get rid of negative stereotypes and inaccurate generalisations about people on the autism spectrum. 

While reading picture books with children, stop and ask questions. Ask them how they feel about the situations and the characters. Ask them how they would feel or what they would do if they were the characters in the story.

There's lots of autism picture books, but they are not all worth reading. Many are overly didactic, present misinformation and are not enabling. No book should talk about curing autism. It is not a disease.

Below are books in our library that I feel do empower autistic children to see themselves in literature while also help every student develop appreciation and empathy for various people’s strengths, personality traits, and challenges.

• A Friend for Henry by Jenn Bailey and Mika Song

Henry really wants a friend, but it must be the right fit. He wishes for someone who likes the swings like he does, isn’t too loud, and follows the rules. The sweet ending encourages all kids to keep trying to connect.

• Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers! by Melanie Walsh 

Isaac describes his “superpowers,” such as being highly sensitive to sound and knowing many facts, in positive terms. He also shares the ways that he copes with the intensity of his experiences, such as looking at people’s foreheads when it feels overwhelming to look in their eyes. 

• Looking After Louis by Lesley Ely and Polly Dunbar

There's a new boy at school called Louis. Louis sits next to me and I look after him. He's not quite like the rest of us. Sometimes I wonder what he's thinking about. He often just sits and stares at the wall. If I ask him what he's looking at he says, 'Looking at' and carries on looking." This introduction to the issue of autism shows how - through imagination, kindness, and a special game of football - Louis's classmates find a way to join him in his world. Then they can include Louis in theirs. 

• The Boy With Big, Big Feelings by Britney Winn Lee and Jacob Souva

Relatable for any child -- especially kids experiencing anxiety, extreme emotions, autism, or who have been diagnosed as a Highly Sensitive Person. Beautifully illustrated and written in rhyming verse, children and adults explore the whole spectrum of feelings and readers navigate the emotional challenges they face throughout the day.

• Be A Friend by Salina Yoon

While it does not say that Dennis has autism, he is a boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways. Some children do show-and-tell. Dennis mimes his. Some children climb trees. Dennis is happy to BE a tree . . . But being a mime can be lonely. It isn't until Dennis meets a girl named Joy that he discovers the power of friendship--and how special he truly is! 

• Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchev and Taeeun Yoo

In this bestselling and internationally beloved picture book, the local Pet Club won't admit a boy's tiny pet elephant, so he finds a solution-one that involves all kinds of unusual animals. It does not state that this boy is autistic either, but this story is about inclusion and including everyone.

• Crow Boy by Taro Yashima

I love this book and while I have read it many times I have never thought of Crow Boy being autistic, but he does fit the 'loner with special skills' that are discovered by a very empathic teacher and it was on a list I read.

• Gus the Asparagus by Kaylene Hobson and Ann-Marie Finn

Meet Gus! Gus might be the only asparagus in his family, but he is happy. However, when he goes to school he starts to realise that he doesn't always 'fit in'. Gus is here to help kids understand that it's okay to be different.

• Me and My Sister by Rose Robbins

This appealing brother and sister duo spend a lot of their day together, eating meals, going to school and playing. But life with an autistic sibling is not always easy. Through the eyes of the brother, we find out how they are both very different, but also very similar in other ways, and come what may they have lots of fun together and love each other just the same. 
This is a touching book that will strike a chord with every family with siblings, especially where one is differently abled. 

• Talking is Not My Thing  by Rose Robbins

The autistic sister in this sibling pair is non verbal, but she finds plenty of ways to communicate and have fun with her brother. Although she can't talk, this little girl understands everything, and has plenty to say, and lots of ideas. Through body language, drawing pictures, making gestures or using flash cards, she is able to contribute to their life together. Her brother and granny are able to understand her whether she needs help or is helping them! 

• Loud! by Rose Robbins

Three books by Rose Robbins whose books reflect the sibling relationship and the experience of autism firsthand.

• Waiting for Hugo by Amanda Niland and Claire Richards

The central character is a young boy who has an obsessive interest which dominates his life and that of his family. This is a trait often present in children who have an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The story is narrated by Hugo's older sibling, who grapples with acceptance of her brother's eccentricity. Hugo's obsession and consequent skill with numbers brings rewards for him and his sister, so that the story ends positively, celebrating Hugo's unique abilities.

Part 2 tomorrow. It doesn't want me to make this entry longer.

23rd March World Meteorological Day

 

On the 23rd March last year, and then again on the 2nd March this year, ironically I wrote about the flooding here on the East Coast of Australia. Had I known then that that was World Meteorological Day, on the 23rd March,  the heading would have been very different. I did mention it in 2010, but it is so much more relevant now so I am writing about it late, but so as I do remember next year. 

In the library we have two very good picture book biographies about people who had a big role in meteorology.

• The Man Who Named the Clouds  by Julie Hannah and Joan Holub and Paige Billin-Frye

This is the story of Luke Howard, the man who named the clouds and we are still using those names.

• Breaking Through the Clouds by Sandra Nickel and Helena Perez Garcia    

This is the story of Joanne Simpson the first woman to get a doctorate in meteorology and who helped us understand how weather works today.

Of course we also have a considerable number of weather books which also deal with weather forecasting (it is weather forecasters day on 5th February) and meteorology.

• What Will the Weather Be? by Linda Dewitt and Carolyn Croll

• Shapes in the Sky  by Josepha Sherman and Omarr Wesley

• Weather Words by Gail Gibbons

• Weather  by Catriona Clarke and Kuo Kang Chen

• Weather by Kristin Baird Rattini

• Curious Questions and Answers about Weather by Philip Steele

• What's the Weather? by Fraser and Judith Ralston

• Look at the Weather by Britta Teckentrup

• Weather Robots by Christine Zuchora-Walske

Plenty to start working out what meteorology is! And, for something a little different, this book 

Feelings Forecasters: A creative approach to managing emotions  by Maria Merce Conangla and Jaume Soler will give you much food for thought and some fun activities to do with students. It likens emotions to the weather and presents parallels or analogies between the world around us and our inner world.

22nd April World Earth Day

 

Earth Day is celebrated every year as a day of action to raise awareness of environmental challenges and issues that negatively impact our planet. It is celebrated annually on the 22nd of April. But this year, organisers are calling for three days of climate action from the 20th - 22nd April.

The theme of Earth Day 2022 is “Restore Our Earth”. 

This theme is not only about reducing the negative environmental impacts we have on the planet, but also about how we can help restore our earth after the effects of COVID-19, and about ways we can help repair the damage we have done to our planet.

Since its inception in 1970 Earth Day has only grown in popularity and observance, being recognised in over 190 countries by over 1 billion people! Today, Earth Day is widely recognised as the largest secular observance in the world. 

Recently we have added some amazingly good books to the library in support of UN SDG 17 Global Partnerships. These four stand out.

• One World, a new book by Nicola Davies and Jenni Desmond is the book for this event because it is a spectacular tour of Planet Earth with a powerful rallying cry for all children to be informed about and do something for their planet.

Here is the blurb:

Where on Earth are you, right now? It's late where I am and almost everyone's asleep, but I'm awake, looking out into the night. Wondering... As the clock strikes midnight, a little girl and her sister visit animals of every shape and size, all around the world - discovering that, in some places, creatures have just started their day, where in others they're already busy hunting for food. Turning the popular concept of time-zones on its head and combining it with a powerful climate message and delightful illustrations, this book is narrative non-fiction at its most spellbinding. 

• It 's Up to Us: A Children's Terra Carta for Nature, People and Planet by Christopher Lloyd

Here is the blurb:

We live our lives surrounded by people and other living things. Together, we are Nature. As far as we know, this extraordinary web of life exists in just one precious layer of a single planet - Earth. But today Nature is under threat, and we must demand change to save it - and ourselves. Join His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, author Christopher Lloyd, and 33 diverse, award-winning artists from around the world on a beautiful, lyrical and thought-provoking voyage through Nature, the threats we face, and an action plan for the future. It’s Up to Us is based on the Terra Carta, a roadmap to sustainability issued by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales and his Sustainable Markets Initiative. More than 400 corporations have already signed on, agreeing to put the health of Nature, People and the Planet at the heart of their activities. Now it’s up to all of us to make sure our leaders keep their promises.

You can find out about the origins of this book here.

• I Have the Right to Save My Planet by Alain Serres and Aurelia Fronty

Here is the blurb:

All children have the right to learn about the world, to celebrate the water, air and sunshine, and to be curious about the animals and plants that live on our planet. All children also have the right to learn about endangered species, to be concerned about plastic in the ocean, and to understand what a changing climate means for our Earth.

Scientists tell us that every living thing is connected. When we cut down forests, we destroy animal habitats. When we throw plastic in the garbage, it never really goes away. When we spray pesticides on our fruit and vegetables, we poison the earth, animals and ourselves.

What can children do to help? Told from the perspective of a child, this colourful and vibrant book explores what it means to be a child who dreams of a beautiful future for their planet.

• Do Something for Someone Else  by Loll Kirby and Yas Imamura

Here is the blurb:

Meet kids - just like you - whose small acts of kindness are changing the lives of others. Learn about the work they do and discover how the future of our world starts here - with you.

Features a how-to-help section, with simple steps to inspire young readers to take action at home and at school. 

15th April Titanic Remembrance Day

Over one hundred years on, the captivating story of the Titanic has lost none of its appeal. 

On April 14, 1912, the largest and finest ocean liner of the age struck an iceberg and sank to the icy depths.  One hundred and ten years ago, and yet children are still fascinated by this disaster and the twenty books in our library that feature the Titanic are still popular. Many of the books are in 'reader' format which helps appeal to the under eights who are early in their reading adventure and love finding books that they can read for themselves. The books shown below the readers are ones in the library that have a lot more text, but photos that keep students occupied and interested. 

While visiting Belfast a few years ago I even found myself in the Titanic Museum  and surprisingly interested in something that I hadn't read much about beforehand. 

2nd April International Children's Book Day

Today is International Children's Book Day in honour of Hans Christian Andersen's birthday and as is usual IBBY has produced a poster. This year's theme is Stories are wings that help you soar everyday. The quote is from Canadian author Richard Van Camp and the artwork by Canadian  illustrator Julie Flett. They are Canadian because the event this year is sponsored by IBBY Canada.

Julie Flett's book illustrations are distinctive, recognisable and always a joy to behold.  Her books often feature Cree language or are bilingual because she is a Cree-Metis author who promotes her indigenous Canadian heritage and culture. Her books We All Play  and Birdsong  are both available here and worth seeking out.

        

I am not a huge fan of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytales. Many are sad, too long and obscure, but like all fairytales many have been romanticised, toned down, rewritten and presented in a more child-like way. Some of these have become very popular with a young audience. 

My students like:

The Little Mermaid

The Princess and the Pea

Renowned illustrators such as Jerry Pinkney, P.J.Lynch, Susan Jeffers and Jane Ray have ventured in with titles such as:

The Ugly Duckling  and  The Snow Queen

and The Wild Swans

Even The Emperor's New Clothes has had a resurgence in popularity.

I have yet to find copies of The Little Match Girl, The Fir Tree, The Nightingale  or The Steadfast Tin Soldier that I would recommend to a very young audience.

Learning more about Hans Christian Anderson's life has become much easier for young audiences though with the publication of very accessible biographies.

To celebrate International Children's Day you do not need to read Andersen or Flett's books, you are just being encouraged to read children's books and revel in the quality of them all over the world.