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Ray (they/them) - c1997 Children's Books and Materials Blog ------ Images by cottonbro studio on Pexels; 'Scouts' Collection

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Storybird - Educational Website

Storybird  Educational Website

Available through desktop/ personal computer and even mobile devices through app stores, Storybird is a highly rated and recommended application “empowering young writers to create unique stories with amazing illustrations” (Storybird Website). Storybird collaborates and models their programming with educators, artists, and writers to make sure the tools they provide are high quality, understandable and accessible to the range of individuals who are using their service. This application allows users to explore writing picture books, long form stories, comics, flash fiction, and poetry while connecting them with other users of the program. If used in an educational setting or even that of a home setting, while I would understand if there is a screening process for the materials shared, it is best to have some eyes on the process to understand what's happening and to help navigate. In the end, it offers a way for young writers to have their books printed and to have this tangible thing to feel excited about. There are a number of outlets that are providing book making services to families and youth and that is so very exciting.

Growing up I learned how to make stories and the like through physical media through I never got as far as learning book binding techniques and learning how to make picture books using clipart in powerpoint then shooting all the way over to inDesign and making books that way. These are big steps and sometimes access to this information, instruction, and material can be very daunting. It’s a great thing to see a program like this compiling all these resources into one place to allow for this middle ground of experimenting with writing and books and digital to physical media to take place. I would be curious to see in real life how these programs are impacting youth as well as how the applications are being taught and used in educational and recreational settings. No shame to the books and catalogs I have made using inDesign and Blurb, I adore these programs and am proud of the background I have to allow myself ability to utilize these programs- but I would love to see more people and accessible programs coming together and making amazing things.

I would love to see this used in a library/ educational setting where kids/ youth can write out their own stories. I like this idea in my head of using it as a tool to pass down versions of family or cultural stories.

-Ray 02/25/2024

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Seek by iNaturalist - Educational App

Seek by iNaturalist (iNatrualist) Educational Game/ App

Seek by iNaturalist is an Editor’s Choice application made for all users. This application is marketed as an educational app with science themes, it allows the user to identify flora, fauna, fungi, and participate in activities regarding your findings; use the built in camera to find specific organisms in your area; and the app even lists in their data safety: “Choose when to activate location sharing services and what kids under 13 can share with the iNaturalist community”.

While community feedback is very back and forth between what the app is able to offer vs the complications it has with crashing and losing data as well as access to records can be lost between devices which can be frustrating according to some users.

Overall, if the app does work on your device, this is an excellent outlet for the nature-lover in your life. There are many conversations surrounding screen-time but this could be the middleman to spending quality and active time with family members. Not all devices have access to a lens that can analyze information given to it so having this app would be an excellent tool to learn through camping or trail usage.

I love to use applications like this in my area, I am surrounded by trails and there are plenty of parks and trail systems around to allow for great enjoyment and exploration of the natural world and it’s just a fun and informative way to add to this experience. I used it to identify plants my pets should not be getting into, specifically my dog on walks with all the poison ivy in the neighborhood. My friend who forages uses applications like this along with books and previous knowledge to cross-reference and double check identities of mushrooms and the like in the woods- there’s a couple spots in the trees behind my house where Laetiporus grows and this “chicken of the woods” is stunning but can be confused with poisonous types if not careful or unfamiliar with the area.

If an older individual or a parent with a device, I could see this app being useful alongside other applications like “AllTrails” or “Planta”. Of course, remember to do your own research outside of these applications to understand what you are doing with the information you are given cross-platform and be informed when entering into areas or interacting with flora, fauna, and fungi you are unfamiliar with. Some libraries host trail experiences with staff and patrons, this app could be introduced and used during the hike/ walk. I like the idea of maybe making it a scavenger hunt, kids seem to really enjoy that in house so if weather and conditions work out that could be a lot of fun outdoors with families.

Stay safe out there!

-Ray 02/25/2024

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The Golden Hour - eBook

The Golden Hour by Niki Smith - eBook Published 2021 by Little, Brown Ink

I know I've already read a work by Niki Smith this session, but I couldn't help but be pulled in by the story of this comic as well- photography is a weakness for me. The Golden Hour follows main character Manuel as he struggles with his anxiety and dissociation following a traumatic instance of gun violence in the art studio at his school. As an anchor when he experiences these negative feelings, he uses his phone as a camera to take pictures and ground himself. When returning to school following the incident, he finds himself distant and lonely until connecting with a couple other students in his class: Sebastian and Caysha. Manuel discovers ways to confront his fears and trauma while spending time with his friends and coping with the aftermath of an event all too familiar for students across a country who feel that gun laws protect the gun owners more than the civilians who deal with the consequences of poor regulation and mental health resources.

Graphic novels are an incredible storytelling medium and the more we encourage publishers to support the writers and illustrators with us, the more we will see the love and stories grow. I am so glad that graphics and manga have made their way into the mainstream enough for them to be available through libraries physically and digitally so extensively. I- as I'm sure many manga readers- have been working with what we can on third party sites and our high school libraries as much as we could but now we are eating good with the accessibility of this medium. The only drawback that I have seen consistently come up in regards to the digitization of this medium through applications like Libby is that two-page spreads and instances of flow between pages gets a little lost in translation; only seeing one page at a time. However, all in all, it's a fantastic resource to have and often readers don't mind the shift into a digital space if they really want to read it. Although, I see plenty of manga and comics still get out on hold and I love chatting folks up about the materials.

I like the idea of using these in story time, a way to project the panels and pages for the whole class to see as you read along and act/ animate scenes with the graphics. This could also be a fun addition to perhaps quiet story times or silent book clubs where we spend time all reading together with preferences met for mediums and materials.

-Ray 02/18/2024

Smith, N. (2022). The golden hour. Little, Brown.

Images from Author's Website https://niki-smith.com/

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Thirteens - AudioBook

Thirteens by Kate Alice Marshall - AudioBook Published 2020 by Viking Books for Young Readers

I've been thinking about checking out this series in the middle grade section of my library. When I found the first book was instantly available through my Libby app, I had to grab the audio book for my commuting. I followed along as Eleanor moves in with her Aunt in Eden Eld- right after her mother was killed in a fire and as Halloween and her Thirteenth birthday is on the Horizon. In attending her new school, she meets Pip and Otto, who share the same birthday as her as well as matching birthmarks in the shape of keys. If things couldn't get any stranger, Eleanor starts to have glimpses of otherworldly things in her own world; a grandfather clock suddenly outside her bedroom door, a massive hound with glowing red eyes, and soon a strange man always facing away from her… Something is wrong in Eden Eld and Eleanor and her friends are the target of it. Can they stop and break the curse before it's too late?

As anyone working full time as well as schooling full time, I think it's important to find time for yourself to indulge in what you love. I do that through books and video games and audio books are a great medium for me when I'm in-between spaces or working on something on the side. I've always enjoyed having stories read to me, it's a great way to work on my “to be read” list. I feel this format is also great for getting through books I may struggle with on my own- getting bored or distracted- but I also feel it can be a way to make or break the material for me. My coworkers and I have chatted a lot about our adoration for the audio medium but also how some readers can really just make the experience of the piece for us. For example, if someone isn't that engaging or great with the material, I feel like we're all just dragging our feet- like when the students and teachers don't want to be in school during a test when it's 90+ degrees out. However, the reader can pull you into the world and make it an incredible experience, going or a drive or walk or the like and having the world around you be part of what you are listening to.

Audio books are an incredible resource for any age. While I do think there are advantages and disadvantages to any medium, this doesn't NOT count as reading and it's a great way to keep the habit up. In a classroom setting, it would be nice to have an audio book going during a solo, creative activity. Or in a Library setting, we can take the time as a program or individual reader's advisory to recommend and instruct on programs like Libby that make e-materials like audiobooks available and broaden the way we can experience books from our libraries. I love chatting with patrons about this as a resource. Teenagers I've chatted with like to read their manga or listen to something when they walk home from school. Kids of all ages have shared what they listen to on road trips. Frequent fliers to the library return and tell me what they've been checking out and look for recommendations. It's a great experience and totally counts as reading.

-Ray 02/18/2024

Marshall, K. A. (2020). Thirteens. Viking Books for Young Readers.

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Book Discussion Reflection

I have actually become more of a fan of these group book discussions than I thought as someone who doesn’t often speak up or dig their heels in during conversations; sometimes I have noteworthy quotes in DEI spaces but I’ve gotten good at sharing that on the downlow via email. I think I have gotten a lot better in group discussions and settings since college due to all the critique settings I have been in for different art classes and now I am in a book club with some URI classmates and am getting more used to the environment and types of conversations that occur. I’m unfortunately not the most critical thinker when it comes to materials I am reading and get caught up in the surface level adventure or fictional plot. My mind enjoys just going along for the ride and loathes the very concept or symbol ever being dissected. These have been fruitful I think. We are like-minded folks who are on similar grounds when it comes to education and interest and experience is what makes the conversation diverse. I don’t feel like I’m being talked down to, I feel like I am learning as a group and part of a good conversation. Even if I don’t understand, I am in a setting where that is okay and I will learn. I enjoy it and look forward to future discussions.

-Ray 02/14/2024

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Drifting Home - Movie/ Film

Drifting Home 2022 - PG - 1h 59m (Movie/ Film)

Released in 2022 and available through streaming service, Drifting Home is an anime style movie following two childhood friends who reunite in their tweens in an abandoned housing complex they used to live in. Accompanied by their friends, each group explores the complex until they all come together and soon find out that the complex they are in is now adrift in a vast ocean. As their summer comes to an end, these friends must confront their emotions and the past to come together and find a way back to their world.

When I first got into this film, I knew it involved an abandoned complex and aesthetics I am a massive fan of while also showing off amazing animation skills by the team behind it. In trying to expand my watching habits and fall in love with anime again, I worked my way through this film and was astonished at its depth. I knew there was going to be some drama given the age of the characters as well as the circumstances they have been dealt but the past/ memories that we confront with them in combination with the events now occurring in this flooded world… I was pleasantly surprised by the adventure I had and look forward to continuing to explore animated films from other countries.

I think this film could make an excellent addition to a collection that features films for middle grade or rising patrons but could also add to the growing popularity of Japanese and Anime film and culture. While this may not be a special release for a popular anime, it is a strong stand alone film and could hold its own with the right audience. However, this film is only available through streaming so we would have to make sure that we talk up and make accessible our services that overlap with streaming platforms; through online vendors or Library of Things items. A way this film or those like it could be integrated into library activities is definitely in the realm of an anime club or watch club. At a library I work at, here and there we do anime afternoons in the teen space with snacks and shows/ movies that are of the genre. This seems like a great way to acknowledge and appreciate the adoration had for the art form and provide hard working students/ individuals with a chance to relax and enjoy themselves and maybe make some new friends along the way.

-Ray 02/11/2024

Yamamoto, K., Mori, H., & Sakamoto, M. (n.d.). Drifting Home. Japan; Netflix. Retrieved 2024,.

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If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist - Nonfiction

If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist by Gavin Grimm, Kyle Lukoff, J Yang (Illustrator) - (Nonfiction) Published 2022 by Katherine Tegen Books

This is one of those books that once I had finished reading and set it to the side, I felt like crying. This is one of those books that I wish I had when I was younger to help me feel seen for who I was and am, and to have it be valid and normal and wonderful.

Gavin Grimm is a trans activist who started his journey in activism in high school in 2015, the same year I graduated high school. He released this children’s non-fiction book about seven years later, sharing his experiences and normalizing trans identities for young- and hopefully all age- readers. While Gavin doesn’t share everything with us about his journey in his trans identity, he doesn’t have to, instead he reaches out to the reader in ways that make this aspect of life feel more natural and normal. For many, this can be a heartwarming moment. A place where we are recognized and acknowledged through someone like us generously sharing a fraction of their story. He walks us through coming into his identity, the issues that arose as he more so entered the world, and the actions he took to rally for rights and change. His story is far from over. In the snippet of it he is sharing, he says in his author’s note, “I hope people come away recognizing that we all have important choices to make in our lives- being kind, leading with love, standing up for yourself and others- whereas living our lives as the people we are is not a choice; it's a right. I hope that this story shows kids their own power and what they can do” (Grimm, 2022).

As someone who identifies with transness- identifying as Non-Binary Trans-Masc Queer- it is important that all versions of transness are expressed as they can be and remind others regardless of where they are in their journey that they are real, valid, true. Like I said, I could have used this when I was younger. I applaud Gavin for finding himself so strongly and standing up for what he knows is right. I am his age and still don’t really know who I am but if I had an ounce of his clarity when I was younger I could have saved some heartache, toxicity, and a few tears. I won't go into it but everyone, regardless of queerness or transness, is important and valuable and amazing and stunning. As someone who is queer and wants to push for social justice, diversity, recognition, safety, human rights… I want to be the librarian that shuts down bigotry and ignorance while creating a safe and free environment for the patrons- especially the YA individuals I want to work with, feel seen and heard and safe. I understand that I am repeating myself but I am passionate about this and that’s what happens with me. I think there are a lot of creative ways we can express ourselves in a smaller environment scale; making name tags with preferred/ correct names and pronouns, making zines of our identities, and experiences, hosting a queer club safe space for media discussion and community work. On a slightly larger scale, I can see myself reaching out and collecting resources for people to use and provide opportunities for parades, peaceful protests, celebrations, safe spaces and community gatherings beyond the library, and more.

-Ray 02/11/2024

Grimm, G., Lukoff, K., & Yang, J. (2022). If you’re A Kid Like Gavin. Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers.

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The Deep & Dark Blue - Graphic Novel

The Deep & Dark Blue by Niki Smith (Graphic Novel) Published 2020 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Published in 2020, Niki Smith has crafted a middle grade graphic novel that excellently blends a fantasy adventure with queer character development with great balance. Our trans character isn’t just trans for the sake of it and neither is it their entire being. Nor does the fantasy and magic of it all kick it to the side. Smith makes the two intertwined and emotionally portrays to the reader the struggles on all sides of these two journeys. 

The Deep & Dark Blue follows twin princes after a political coup usurps their noble home and they are forced to flee to the Communion of Blue to hide and plan their return and retaking of their home. While one of our protagonists, Hawke, strives to return to his old life and save his kingdom, his sister Grayce finally is able to lean into her true self as a girl and while she wants her home and country free, she wishes to remain in a place and space that lets her exist as the girl she is. Readers watch as Grayce slowly but surely comes into her identity and loves the version of herself she is becoming and presenting. Her and her brother’s emotions through this transition as well as that of fighting for their home is expertly portrayed with fantastic use of hues and characters’ facial expressions and actions. Character is everywhere in this world we are discovering and exploring with Hawke and Grayce. 

Gracye’s transness in this story is handled beautifully, especially for young readers and trans individuals alike who are looking for warm and positive representation. Characters around her are quick to change their habits to fit her identity by using her correct name and pronouns as well as hold others accountable for messing it up. The tone in which her character and the characters around her react to this transformation is heartwarming and excellent to have in representation of something individuals can be fearful of sharing. Even if someone reading it is still hesitant or not able/ willing to share their change like Grayce, that can at least find some comfort in a world and characters that do- and to those readers, I hope you are safe and well loved by the people around you who matter the most to you.

A graphic novel like this can hold great space and significance in a library collection regardless of the place this library exists. I like the idea of maybe encouraging people to experiment with their own graphic novels or comics to express themselves in any way they feel true and comfortable. I also like the idea of maybe posing this to those who are further in their trans awareness in identity and maybe it could be an exercise in representing one’s self as they truly want to be. Not sure who that could be approached but little comic zines would be a stellar creative project to explore the world of creating comics/ the like.

-Ray 02/04/2024 Smith, N. (2020). The Deep & Dark Blue. Little, Brown and Company.

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A Single Shard - Historical Fiction

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park (Historical Fiction) Published 2001 by Clarion Books

A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park is a historical fiction piece that puts us in historical Korea during a major moment in art history when ceramics in the country change forever. We follow Tree-ear, a young orphan, who after spying on the local potter for a while before becoming his apprentice in hopes of one day becoming a potter himself. However, he is only tasked with the back-breaking labor of hauling materials like wood and clay for his master while dealing with his terrible temper and ignorance- with some solace in the kindness of the potter’s wife to help push him along. To prove himself and earn his master a royal commission, Tree-ear tirelessly provides and strives for a chance at greatness. 

It isn’t often I find historical fiction that takes place in Korea though I have no doubt there is a good chunk of it out there, but also finding one whose focus is on art like ceramics rather than a cultural/ historical tragedy feels refreshing. Tree-ear’s story focuses on self growth and art rather than a war or genocide which is nice to see in historical fiction while also still being invested in the goings on. Park helps in this by keeping the tempo of the pacing solid and not slowing down with inbetweens but pushing the significant moments that compile Tree-ear’s journey within just under 200 pages. Whether read or listened to, the tale is quite nice and not that laborious for a reader to get through.

I feel that unless fantasy or tragedy is involved, I don't see enough asian or even minority representation as a whole. I know there is quite a bit but there could always be more, especially with the growing diversity of communities and the work presented to publishers. I like the idea of realistic fiction depicting victories of all forms for individuals but especially those who are under-represented to remind readers that look like them that they can’t only be great by winning a battle or doing something other-worldly. This piece could proudly hold a place in Korean representation while celebrating its own heritage or Asian heritage as a whole. I also like the idea of more children/ readers in general reading stories about artistic pursuit in individuals their age. I wonder if someone were to do a unit with this if there could be a ceramics adjacent project to follow- I don’t expect kilns but maybe oven set or air dry. 

-Ray 02/04/2024

Park, L. S. (2003). A single shard. Dell Yearling.

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Inkheart - Fantasy

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke (Fantasy) Published 2003 by Scholastic Chicken House

Originally published in 2003 in Germany, once translated for the world, critically acclaimed storyteller Cornelia Funke released Inkheart and its magical adventure took the world and its readers by storm. Inkheart follows Meggie, a young girl living with her father Mo, as their world gets turned upside down by a mysterious man named Dustfinger and the threat of the devious Capricorn as Mo is hunted down for his fantastical ability to read objects and beings from stories. Meggie knew her father never liked to read aloud and now she is seeing the power of this gift and the horrors it can cause when in the wrong hands. 

I absolutely devoured this story when I first read it growing up and continue to hold a very kind place for it in my heart and memories. I bought my first copy at a scholastic book fair in my elementary school and plowed through the trilogy once it was finished being released when I was in middle school. I ran to the theater when I saw it was becoming a movie with one of my favorite actors as Mo and adored it though it didn’t do too well. I bought the video game that was released in celebration of the movie. I revisited it this year for this class and the magic and wonder and fondness of it still lives within me. I listened to the audio book this time around- and followed along with my physical copy- and loved having the enchantment of it all follow me through my walks, the world morphing around me as Dustfinger fire danced in my town’s streets and Meggie and Mo drove through my backroads in the woods. 

I’m thankful that literature like this continues to find its way into the hearts of young readers and helps fuel the love they have for the fantastical and magical that exists in the world. It could make a fantastic collection to any library’s collection regardless of the size or location and, given the nature of the book and considering the braveness of our reader, I think it could also make for a fantastical read-aloud experience. I enjoyed listening to the audio book and there are audios for the rest of the trilogy but there was always something special about your teacher growing up that set aside time to have you all gather on the classroom carpet for another chapter of something everyone was so invested and drawn into. While there are no particular cultural or historical markers for this book, it could still be a welcome addition to displays regarding fantasy and family.

-Ray 02/04/2024

Funke, C. (2005). Inkheart. Scholastic. 

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Front Desk - Realistic Fiction

Front Desk by Kelly Yang (Realistic Fiction) Published 2018 by Arthur A. Levine Books

Front Desk by Kelly Yang follows a Chinese family recently immigrated to California in the United States and finds themselves running a motel for a much less than trustworthy owner in the early 1990s. We follow the daughter, Mia, as she navigates this new and often cruel and discriminatory life in her new home. One of her family members always has to be working the desk at the motel, the owner of the motel and some of the students at her school are racist and discriminatory, and Mia struggles to fit in. She finds a friend in Lupe, a Mexican girl in her class, and the regulars at the motel as they work together to keep each other safe and encourage Mia to enter a contest for a motel to save her family.

Being realistic fiction, I can imagine that there are elements of this that can be frustrating to read in regards to how the majority treat minority populations consciously or not as well as I can see there being issues with communities in general finding issues with the consistent discriminatory behavior. I have been working in town governments and public buildings for a while now and no matter how many conversations and situations pop up that display problematic behavior in public and directed at “others”, you will still hear folks mention that they are friends with [insert identity in the minority here] and that they don’t believe racism is a problem in the community anymore. There is so much wrong with that mode of thinking and there is a lot that needs to be done to combat that. I can see similar arguments coming up against realistic fiction like this, including that it was a “different time” or “it’s not like that anymore.” … Suuuuuuure. Okay. This is why I will always speak up and advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Training.

This book, back to it, I think shows the great dynamics that young children of hard working families have to navigate daily- overworking for underpayment, discrimination no matter where they are or what they do, learning a new culture and trying to find ways to fit in but also be proud of oneself, and more including the intersectionality of these behaviors. This book could host a number of discussions of DEI both at the reader level of the intended audience of readers as well as anyone else who engages in it. There could be discussion of treatment, immigration, prejudice, racism, diversity, etc. There is a lot that this text tackles brilliantly. Mia and her loved ones are not without flaw and just because she is the main character doesn’t mean everything goes her way. 

On a lighter note, simply that of having presence in displays, Front Desk, can hold a place in discussion of Immigration, Chinese Identity, and many of the other topics of discussion brought up throughout this post. Just because a text is written for a young audience doesn’t mean that the author is going to gloss over important topics and that needs to be acknowledged, appreciated, and discussed.

-Ray 01/28/2024 Yang, K. (2018). Front desk. Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic Inc.

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I Am Kavi - Poetry/ Novel in Verse

I Am Kavi by Thushanthi Ponweera (Poetry/ Novel in Verse) Published 2023 by Holiday House

This coming-of-age novel in verse by author Thushanthi Ponweera focuses on a young girl named Kavi in Sri Lanka during the turmoil of the civil war of the 1990s coupled with the struggles of a young girl figuring out who she is in her family as her mother remarries; at school where her class becomes the latest hurdle; and in the world where her nation is at war with itself and leaves so many in fear and heartache. Kavi reminds readers that nobody is perfect as she navigates through some very difficult challenges in her life. Even our author, Thushanthi Ponweera, leaves a lot for the readers to consider and understand the circumstances of Kavi and the author and the global events that have affected them and now you, the reader, while growing up. She ends her note with a lovely message:

“It goes to show that human beings have the ability to adapt and overcome anything. To create our own sense of “normal.” I hope you remember that. And like Kavi, should you get lost, I hope you find the strength inside you to find your way back. To know that your experience, even if different, is still valid; is still “normal.” “ (Ponweera, 2023).

A novel in verse like this would make an excellent addition to any unit regarding the range that poetry has and to act as a piece of transitional space between narrative in one form to that of poetry. We have a lot of preconceived notions on what poetry is and isn’t growing up and it’s important that we allow ourselves and our students to learn, experience, and experiment with the full range. It’s important to remember that we aren’t here to force anyone to like anything that they won't like but it’s important to lay the groundwork that information and range is available to explore. This could be a great piece to have in a diversity display or discussion as well as one that focuses explicitly on this identity or the theme of Poetry or Novel in Verse. 

-Ray 01/28/2024

Ponweera, T. (2023). I am kavi. Holiday House. 

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The Legend of the First Unicorn - Traditional Tale

The Legend of the First Unicorn Lari Don, Nataša Ilinčić (Illustrator) Published 2020 by Kelpies - Floris Books

Published in 2020, The Legend of the First Unicorn follows the Scottish origin story of one of the most well-known mythical creatures in media and folklore/ mythology- the Unicorn. Don and Ilinčić introduce readers to a kingdom in which the young Prince- Donald- has not been able to smile in quite a long time. It’s up to the court magician to create something using magic to bring a smile to his face. Where the magician fails to create something worthy of the Prince, his child Hana actually manages to combine the right pieces to create the first unicorn. That evening and the following day, Hana and Prince Donald follow the Unicorn into the forest where they eventually find it coming face-to-face with a lion-headed beast. Prince Donald and the Unicorn protect each other until Hana can defeat the beast with a little magic and Prince Donald finds himself smiling once again.

In Vardell’s 2019 text- Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide (3rd ed.)- we are given evaluation criteria regarding children’s picture books such as characters, plot, setting, theme, style, illustrations, and cultural markers- let’s take a look(2019). As I mentioned previously, this is the Scottish origin story for the mythical Unicorn so we can mark the criteria of Cultural Markers because of this distinction and in knowing that different cultures have different stories to tell. Currently, the most mainstream interpretation of what a Unicorn looks like and symbolizes can be considered more Eurocentric given the traditional tales that shape a lot of Western perceptions of myths and legends and the like- with this in mind we can assume that similar entities should look and behave differently in Eastern/ Other cultures. Take a look at this article from the American Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/mythic-creatures/land/unicorns-west-and-east . We can also consider the criteria of Setting and Plot regarding the previously mentioned Cultural Markers. Each of these points ties into the Scottage heritage of this story. 

This could be a fantastic piece to tie into any classroom/ educational discussion on myths and legends- especially if there is going to be a focus on mythical creatures across different cultures. We could see this easily be displayed and discussed alongside dragons in talk of Western perspectives of these creatures and transition over to how they differ culturally and regionally from the East/ Other. I like the idea of making patrons interested and willing to learn and see how mythical creatures and tales and origin stories differ across time, space, and culture. Also, specifically with children, we love an art project- maybe coloring pages or drawing our own unicorns.

-Ray 11/20/2024

Don, L., & Ilinčić, N. (2020). Legend of the first unicorn. Kelpie - Floris Books.

Unicorns, West and East: AMNH. American Museum of Natural History. (n.d.). https://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/mythic-creatures/land/unicorns-west-and-east 

Vardell, S.M. (2019). Children’s literature in action: A librarians’s guide (3rd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio.

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Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps - Picture Book

Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps by Charlotte Watson Sherman, Geneva Bowers (Illustrator) Published 2021 by Penguin Random House

Written by author Charlotte Watson Sherman and Illustrated by Geneva Bowers, Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps follows a young black girl and her love for the ocean and its inhabitants as she raises awareness to the impact humans have on them. As Kenzie cleans her room, she reflects on wonderful memories of the ocean that she has with her mother before taking a visit to it after cleanup. When she gets to go, she studies the water with her microscope and goes for a swim with her mother when she starts to notice the presence of trash in the ocean. Despite the sorrow the littering brings her, Kenzie vows that as a mermaid she will clean up the ocean for her underwater pals, even recruiting new friends to the cause. We end this lovely story with an author's note about the plastic in our oceans and a question for the reader: “What will you do?” (2021).

In Vardell’s 2019 text- Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide (3rd ed.)- we are given evaluation criteria regarding children’s picture books such as characters, plot, setting, theme, style, illustrations, and cultural markers- let’s take a look at a couple (2019). The Theme of Kenzie’s story is that of caring about the environment and taking action to make a difference. The reader gets a great sense of the range of things one in Kenzie’s shoes enjoys about the ocean, the activities, the memories it holds, and the potential it has. When she discovers that there is human waste like plastic affecting the homes of her ocean friends, she resolves to be the mermaid for the job and works to clean up and do her part- as I mentioned before, even recruiting new friends to help the cause. We even have the author’s note at the end of this story discussing the issue of plastic in the Earth’s oceans. Kenzie’s Character is a fantastic one concerning the story she is a part of and the reflection she can be to young readers. She is a young girl with a fantastic love for the ocean and she expresses this and her great imagination through playing mermaid and learning about the ocean- she even doesn’t like to clean her room which I am sure many of us can relate to regardless of age. She is also not just a young girl, but a young black girl- giving readers like her a chance to see themselves reflected in the stories they are reading in a fun and positive way.

I think this book would make an excellent addition to any display or discussion regarding environmentalism, especially that of the impact humans have had on the ocean and what we can do to combat what has been done and what can be done to do better in the future. I can see it taking a place next to Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez and Devin Elle Kurtz- this wasn’t my intention with reading either of these but I am glad there is a connection that can be made between them in this way. Selfishly, I thought the Ocean and Sharks were cool and the art of both these fictions were beautiful so I picked them up but it is important for readers to have this but also be challenged by prompts like “what will you do?” Maybe in a public library- or a range of library entities- not only can displays be made and discussions had but I wonder if there could be a way to organize an environmental cleanup locally. Encourage individuals to be conscious of the impact we have both positive and negative on the spaces we occupy.

-Ray 01/20/2024

Sherman, C. W., & Bowers, G. (2022). Mermaid Kenzie: Protector of the Deeps. Boyds Mills Press. 

Vardell, S.M. (2019). Children’s literature in action: A librarians’s guide (3rd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio.

[raybeanschildrenslit]

Tokyo Night Parade - Picture Book

Tokyo Night Parade by J.P. Takahashi, Minako Tomigahara (Illustrations) Published 2023 by Harper Collins

Written by J.P. Takahashi and Illustrated by Minako Tomigahara, 2023’s Tokyo Night Parade is about the “hyakkiyagyō, or the Night Parade of One Hundred Demons … said to walk the streets of Japan on evenings when the human world and the yōkai world overlap” (Takahashi, 2023). Eka is our main character- and a stand-in or representative of the author- and we follow her as she returns to Japan from New York for her favorite time of the year, the Night Parade. We watch as she wears her kitsune onesie and joins her friend Kappa as the festivities begin and she joins the demons for their parade. They chat about how life has changed for Eka and how she struggles to have people understand her, the demons relating. However, they also celebrate their togetherness and their parade with singing and dancing and with the hope of coming together again.

In Vardell’s 2019 text- Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide (3rd ed.)- we are given evaluation criteria regarding children’s picture books such as characters, plot, setting, theme, style, illustrations, and cultural markers- let’s take a look at a couple (2019). In this beautifully hued, illustrated, and written tale, we can evaluate the criteria of Cultural Markers. Takahashi and Tomigahara highlight the Japanese fables of yōkai through their joining in the Japanese tradition of the night parade- we highlight this culture through these elements written and illustrated. Speaking of Illustration, Illustrator Minako Tomigahara does a stunning job showing off her technical skill through design and hue, enveloping the reader in expressive colors and characters as the story progresses. Tomigahara also pays close mind and attention to the diversity of Japanese yōkai present between these pages, showing off their diversity in appearance and range of character- from sinister to playful.

In discussing its place in a library setting and the role it can play, this could be an excellent piece in discussing Japanese culture, tradition, and the fables of yōkai. I could see this picture book taking a great place in a display regarding Japanese culture and experience and a place in discussion regarding fables/ demons/ creatures of different cultures. In my mind, with the creative interest I have seen in children at my workplaces,  I can see children doing drawings and colorings of creatures like yōkai- from tradition or their own minds- and making a show of displaying them and discussing them- what they stand for or do.

-Ray  11/19/2024

Takahashi, J. P., & Tomigahara, M. (2023). Tokyo night parade. Katherine Tegen Books. 

Vardell, S.M. (2019). Children’s literature in action: A librarians’s guide (3rd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio.

[raybeanschildrenslit]

My Grandfather’s Song - Picture Book

My Grandfather’s Song by Phùng Nguyên Quang, Huỳnh Kim Liên Published 2023 by Penguin Random House

Published in 2023, Quang and Liên released My Grandfather’s Song, a “tribute to the very first pioneers to the south of Vietnam” and the respect paid to ancestors and the land. This story follows a young boy as he travels with his grandfather in a tiny boat over water to a jungled land that would become their new home. We watch as grandfather prompts his grandson to listen and learn the new song of this new land as they build up their home and rice fields and become more familiar with this new and oftentimes scary new place. Larger than life animals take up large spaces in the landscapes they traverse as they find rhythm and harmony with the land, animals, and weather. As they join the choir of their new home, others join them to create a safe and wonderful community and pass the song on.

In Vardell’s 2019 text- Children’s Literature in Action: A Librarian’s Guide (3rd ed.)- we are introduced to evaluation criteria in regard to children’s picture books. Vardell lists criteria such as characters, plot, setting, theme, style, illustrations, and cultural markers, let’s take a look at a couple (2019). In regards to Cultural Markers, Quang and Liên have had a number of Vardell’s evaluation criteria intertwine their fingers. In this story of the first pioneers to the south of Vietnam, a cultural marker is its overall story and existence in tribute to these first peoples and the Vietnamese culture. We are reading- the plot- of the origin story of their arrival to this new place and the dangers of settlement. A Theme present throughout the narrative as well as highlighted in the back of the book through a letter from the authors is the discussion of the relationship between humans and their environment. We watch as our two main characters learn to respect and work with the nature of the animals and elements of their new environment by learning its rhythm and song and keeping harmony with it. 

In a library setting, I think this story would work great in a range of areas of discussion/ activity/ reading/ display etc.: Origin Stories/ Traditional Tales, Vietnamese Heritage, and Environmentalism off the top of my head. There is a range in which this piece of literature can exist in an educational and representational setting with what I would like to think would be great presence and range. There is an opportunity to learn and appreciate history and culture as well as discuss the importance of respecting and caring for our environment.

-Ray 11/19/2024

Quang, P. N., & Liên, H. K. (2023). My grandfather’s song. MAKE ME A WORLD. 

Vardell, S.M. (2019). Children’s literature in action: A librarians’s guide (3rd ed.). Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-Clio. 

[raybeanschildrenslit]

Childhood Reading Memoir

Growing up, I remember enjoying reading a heck of a lot more than I did once I was in highschool and before rediscovery in recent years when getting my jobs at public libraries. I remember being particularly interested in animals regardless of their magic status but with particular interest in all things dragons and the more ferocious the better; I remember studying the Dragonology series intensely. I always tried to get my parents to read the most cumbersome picture books as well as spending a lot of time in my school libraries growing up; my elementary school Librarian resembled Miss Frizzle too much for me and my classmates to not be interested in hanging out with her. 

I remember outside of picture books that I enjoyed reading and working my way through more advanced magical tales such as InkHeart- which will always hold a special place in my heart- as well as Howl’s Moving Castle. Eventually, while in Middle School I believe, the Percy Jackson Series, The Hunger Games, and the Twilight Saga all came out and regardless of the issues we can see in especially the latter as more critical readers and thinkers as adults we were well fed with literature. I remember making a statement of reading the Inkheart trilogy before Twilight like my classmates and dressing up as Camp Halfblood teens- I had the biggest crush on Thalia and my friends and I dressed up for the movie that came out.

As I grew older, I still continued to love reading and books enough to spend time with the Librarians in my schools and to help them with things including making a life-size TARDIS with my best friend for a display but my reading dipped from fantasy tomes to manga and fan-fiction- which is totally fine but the interest even faded from there. But the magic of those people and spaces still hold a special place in my heart and memories and I am grateful for them. Young me is thankful for the badass tomboys and magic girls and dragons I was given in my youth and I am rediscovering them now as an adult but with more trans and queer people that are out and explicit in their identity than just being tomboys. I remember the libraries in my schools growing up very vividly, remembering the spaces and colors and vibes. I can feel myself keeping that locked and cataloged away fondly as I memorize new libraries and faces.

-Ray 01/17/2024