Tag: Cameron Kids

Posted in Intermediate, Non-Fiction, picture books

Else B. in the Sea: A Naturalist’s Picture Book Biography

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep, by Jeanne Walker Harvey/Illustrated by Melodie Stacey, (June 2024, Cameron Kids), $19.99, ISBN: 9781949480283

Ages 5-8

Scientific artist Else Bostelmann’s story begins in 1930, when she ventures into the sea off the coast of Bermuda to discover the world underwater. Charged with painting what scientist William Beebe may have seen from his bathysphere, Else discovers an entire world below; fascinated, she dedicated herself to finding ways to accurately depict the colors and sights she encountered. Using a microscope, Beebe’s notes, and her talent as an artist, she brought these creatures to life on the page. Harvey tells Bostelmann’s story in verse, with Stacey’s watercolor, gouache, pastel, and pencil illustrations giving new life and bringing a new audience to Bostelmann’s work. Stacey captures Bostelmann, clothed in her red swimsuit and diving helmet, sitting underwater while Harvey explains the process: “Her weighted palette with dabs of apint / and attached brushes / floated within reach”. Back matter includes an author’s note, photos, and samples of Else’s paintings, with notes on the underwater color spectrum and sources for more reading. An excellent addition to picture book biographies and artist collections. Else B. in the Sea has a starred review from Booklist.

The Smithsonian Magazine has an article on Bostelmann. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey has a variety of free downloadable resources to extend a lesson or reading of Else B. in the Sea available on her website.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads

Manolo and the Unicorn embraces the magic

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

I’m pushing to get my review TBR read and posted by the end of the year. Stay with me! Today, I’ve got a gentle story about magic and our world through a child’s eyes: Manolo and the Unicorn.

Manolo & the Unicorn, by Jackie Azúa Kramer & Jonah Kramer/Illustrated by Zach Manbeck, (Apr. 2023, Cameron Kids), $18.99, ISBN: 9781951836528

Ages 5-7

Manolo is a young boy who dearly loves unicorns. His belief infuses his world with magic and wonder, communicated by Manbeck’s gentle, colorful illustration, using deep and soft color to create soft lighting around Manolo and his world, making unicorn shapes out of nature. A teacher announces a school project, where everyone will dress like their favorite animal in a Wild Animal Parade, and Manolo’s desire to be a unicorn brings laughter and derision, turning his world to sepia. The magic has been leeched from Manolo’s world until he encounters a unicorn after all, bringing deep greens and blues back to life. The unicorn inspires Manolo to share his magic with his friends, bringing color and magic to their worlds. A story that assures readers that there is magic left in our world, Manolo & the Unicorn brings surreal and beautiful illustration, paired with a narrative that reaches in and encourages the spark in each of us to endure. A gorgeous story for readalouds and picture book collections. Pair this with Bethanie Deeney Murguia’s Do You Believe in Unicorns? for a fun, unicorn-centric storytime. Don’t forget to print out unicorn masks for your storytime circle!

Manolo and the Unicorn was an Indie Next pick.

Posted in picture books, Preschool Reads, Uncategorized

Book Blitz & Giveaway: Dear Wild Child

Posted on by Rosemary Kiladitis

Dear Wild Child, by Wallace J. Nichols & Wallace Grayce Nichols/Illustrated by Drew Beckmeyer, (Aug. 2022, Cameron Kids),
$18.99. ISBN: 9781951836467
Ages 4-8

Inspired by a letter from a father to his daughter about life, family, and the wildfire that took their home, Dear Wild Child is a emotional story that chooses to celebrate the idea of home and its presence inside of all of us. Textured artwork shows beautiful detail: a home filled with books, music, and nature, from seashells to plants; family moments as a child grows up in a home filled with love; a life, filled with memories, moving on. An author’s note discusses climate change and its detrimental impact on our homes and our environment.

“The art echoes the text’s emphasis on beauty rather than loss. . .In the event’s aftermath, the affecting story’s tone remains openhearted, concluding with sentiments that encourage resilience and reflect on the nature of home.”
―Publishers Weekly

“It’s a touching sentiment that reminds readers of all ages that our lives are defined not by our material possessions but by the memories we make… Intricate and emotional.”
―Kirkus Reviews

In the shade of ancient redwood trees, by a creek, not far from the ocean, a father builds a house for his newborn daughter, where she grows up wild and strong in their coastal canyon home. When a wildfire takes back their beloved house, a father writes his now-grown daughter a letter telling her it’s gone. Inspired by the real letter the author wrote his daughter, this poignant story—written together by father and daughter—joyfully declares that a home is more than just wood and stone; it is made of love and can never be taken away. You carry home with you wherever you go.

 

Wallace Grayce Nichols is a student of sustainable design, problem solver, and water lover. Her father, Dr. Wallace J. Nichols, is a marine biologist and the author of the bestselling book Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do. Home is the slow coast of California. Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Drew Beckmeyer is a fine artist, illustrator, and elementary school teacher. He lives in Northern California. Website | Instagram

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10 winners will receive a hardcover of Dear Wild Child. US/Can only; no P.O. Boxes, please! Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway here!