Last month I featured the two most recent PB released by author NANCY CHURNIN. Today I am thrilled to announce the winners of signed copies of those books.
Danielle Dufayet wins a copy of BEAUTIFUL SHADES OF BROWN: THE ART OF LAURA WHEELER WARING.
Jane Healy is the winner of a copy of FOR SPACIOUS SKIES.
Congratulations! to Danielle and Jane and thanks to all who commented. Please send me your address so I can let Nancy know where to send the books.
Today it is my pleasure to feature another great non-fiction STEM picture book from author Laurie Wallmark. This one was done in collaboration with author Raakhee Mirchandani.
Here’s my review and interview with Laurie.
JOURNEY TO THE STARS IS a story of an Indian-American woman who realized her life-long dream of becoming an astronaut and traveling into space. Kalpana’s courage, perseverance, and determination will inspire girls everywhere to reach for the stars. Excellent STEM biography of a little-known figure who achieved a dream through hard work and never taking NO for an answer. Inspiring and uplifting.
How did you discover Kalpana Chawla’s story?
Although I heard of Kalpana Chawla when she was an active astronaut, I didn’t know anything about her other than that she was the first female Indian American astronaut. Then, my co-author Raakhee Mirchandani asked if I would be interesting in collaborating on a book about her.
Your other STEM biographies were solo efforts. What was it like collaborating with author Raakhee Mirchandani for this book? Tell us how this partnership came about.
I’ve known Raakhee for many years. She and I share the same agent, Liza Fleissig. Raakhee had admired Kalpana and her achievements for a long time, and she thought there should be a picture book biography about this amazing woman. Since Raakhee’s writing experience was in fiction picture books, she asked if I’d be interested in working with her. It truly is a joy working with another author, especially one as accomplished as Raakhee. We are looking into possibly working together again on another women in STEM biography.
What do you hope readers will take away from Kalpana’s life and story?
Like many of the women I write about, Kalpana experienced many obstacles on her way to fulfilling her hopes of going into space. I hope readers will realize that dedication and persistence will go a long way towards helping them achieve their dreams. Also, by reading her story, children will see an example of the diversity of people in science.
Anything else you’d like us to know?
Raakhee wrote a beautiful author’s note that talks about just how important Kalpana’s story is to her, her daughter, and the world.
That sounds wonderful! Thanks for sharing your journey in creating this fascinating book.
Laurie will give away one signed copy of JOURNEY TO THE STARS to one lucky reader chosen at random from those who leave a comment at the end of this post. USA only please.
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM as well as fiction. Her books have earned six starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards such as Outstanding Science Trade Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Her titles include JOURNEY TO THE STARS, GRACE HOPPER: QUEEN OF COMPUTER CODE; RIVKA’S PRESENTS; THE QUEEN OF CHESS; and DINO PAJAMA PARTY. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and is a former software engineer and computer science professor. Find Laurie online at lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.
In this digital age, reading takes many forms besides paper books. Get ready for several awesome resources (FREE & subscription) that can supplement your child’s reading time. I will always recommend books over screens, but these tools are really useful, too.
I am notorious at checking out library books and forgetting to return them. The Libby app keeps me more responsible AND they have a diverse kids’ selection. You can choose between audiobooks and ebooks. *A super helpful feature is some books highlight the words as they are read, so your child can read along.
How to get the Libby app: https://www.overdrive.com/apps/libby?_gl=1*1wgchce*_ga*NTI5NzU4MTM4LjE3MTIxMDExNDU.*_ga_STPWH4M428*MTcxMjEwMTE0NC4xLjEuMTcxMjEwMTY5NS41Ny4wLjA.&_ga=2.192369960.307645449.1712101145-529758138.1712101145
25 awesome read alongs to explore with your kids:
This website has a multitude of options for children and families to read together, especially if you opt in for a paid monthly subscription. I also used this with my 2nd grade students and they loved having so many choices.
Check out Epic! here: https://www.getepic.com/
This is an especially great website if your child favors visual story-telling! If you type “kids” in the search bar, you’ll find a multitude of traditional and self-published comics and graphic novels for kids. https://globalcomix.com/
*Parental advisory strongly recommended—this is not a kid-friendly website, so the covers of mature adult content stories will be seen while navigating to kid-friendly stories.
If your child enjoys fantasy-adventure stories, you might check out my mini-graphic novel, Blue. https://globalcomix.com/c/blue-1/chapters/en/1/1/1
What does your child enjoy reading digitally? Share in the comments below 🙂
The Jesus Storybook, Goldilocks and the Three Bears (Jan Brett), Hive Five magazine, and Blackout (John Rocco).
As April comes to a close, I have the last two giveaways to announce from this month’s blog posts.
KAREN GREENWALD, the author of MUD ANGELS 
IS GIVING AWAY A 30 MINUTE ASK-ME-ANYTHING ZOOM VISIT.
The lucky winner of this zoom visit is:
Elizabeth Suneby
And, Ellis Nelson is the lucky winner of a signed copy of MAC AND THE MILLSTONE OF TIME by Timothy Young. 
Winners, Please send me your contact information so I can get your prize to you. Congratulations to the winners and thanks to all who left comments about these great books.
Who hasn’t gazed up into the night sky, smiled at the Man in the Moon and wondered what it would be like to visit?
It’s likely been a pastime since humans first populated our planet.
Fast forward to recent years and man’s actual flights into outer space. On May 3rd, 1961 Astronaut Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space aboard Freedom 7 Space capsule. This brief suborbital flight lasted 15 minutes and reached a height of 116 miles into the atmosphere.
Arguably, the most renowned astronaut in history was Neil Armstrong. He made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969, an event that was televised around the world.
Other early space travelers, between 1961 and 1962, were Russian cosmonauts Yuri Gagarin and German Tito, and Americans Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
To mark these achievements, Lockheed Martin Corp. designated the first Friday in May National Space Day as a one-day event.
By 2001, due to the popularity of National Space Day, Senator John Glen, a former astronaut, was responsible for it being renamed International Space Day.
The dual goal of the observance is to promote math, science, technology, and engineering education and to inspire student to pursue a career in science, especially a career in space-related jobs.
Looking for a way to celebrate the accomplishments to date and encourage young people to learn more? For starters:
— Build a model rocket and launch it.
— Look for the International Space Station as it orbits the Earth.
— Share your favorite space pictures online using #NationalSpaceDay
Also, consider these recent books for young readers:
—How to Eat in Space, a picture book written by Helen Taylor and illustrated by Steve Lewis for ages 6 to 8. It addresses the challenges of how to eat when food floats. 
— Knowledge Encyclopedia Space! Computer-generated illustrations reveal the wonders of the universe published by The Smithsonian. Recommended for ages 6 to10. 
— The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets of space. Written by Will Gates and Daniel Long for ages five and older. 
Marilyn Ostermiller is a journalist who specializes in writing for children.
MAC AND THE MILLSTONE OF TIME is an illustrated chapter book. An engaging and kid-friendly tale of Mac – a brave mouse who lives at Wye Mill on the eastern shore of Maryland. After falling into a millstone hole, Mac begins a time travel adventure through the history of the mill and the eastern shore area. He experiences all the changes that have occurred since the mill was built in 1682, while trying to find his way back home.
Each chapter includes a sidebar that sums up the history of Maryland’s eastern shore region as well as information on what took place there in history. A clever and entertaining way to tell a true story of the Wye grist mill that is still in operation today. Perfect for early elementary school readers.
I am currently reading a fascinating book that describes the longest living trees found in the USA. These natural wonders are amazing to read about and even more amazing to encounter in the wild.
IN SEARCH OF THE OLD ONES by Anthony D. Fredericks talks about the redwoods, the sequoias, bald cypress, and the quaking aspen trees that have been here since indigenous people roamed the continent. Trees that have survived earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and other disasters both natural and man-made.
The quaking aspen in Fish Lake, Utah is a single tree – PANDO – that spans 106 acres – the equivalent of 60 pro soccer fields – and has been alive for 8-12,000 years!! It was around before the invention of the wheel. Before clay pots were developed. Before the birth of Christ. It is the largest living organism on earth.
What may look like a forest of aspen trees to anyone who observes them, is really a forest of vertical roots from the main tree. One tree…rooted in the ground atop a mountain nearly two miles above sea level. Talk about survival! 
Here is a link to a short video that explains the Pando Clone Aspen:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/fishlake/home/?cid=STELPRDB5393641
The second largest living organism on earth also happens to be a tree. In Sequoia National Park in California, the General Sherman weighs in at 1,385 tons – the equivalent weight of 213 African Elephants. At a height of 274.9 feet, it towers over the other trees surrounding it, all giants of their own. It sprouted about the same time Julius Caesar was born and is estimated to be between 2,100 and 2,200 years old.
For more about this amazing specimen of longevity and survival visit:
https://www.bing.com/search?form=MOZLBR&pc=MOZI&q=the+general+sherman+sequoia+tree
Why am I sharing these facts about ancient trees? First of all because they are amazing!! For organisms to live that long despite all the things that have come and gone in the centuries of their existence, they have stayed rooted. Not only standing still, but spreading their roots far and wide. Reaching up. Reaching out. What amazing stories they hold beneath their trunks! Stories of persistence. Stories of perseverance. Stories of triumph over adversity. I’ve featured some amazing books so far in April and we are only half way through the month! Here are the lucky winners for three of the books featured.
A copy of LOUDER THAN HUNGER by John Schu goes to Angie Quantrell
Laura Roettiger is the winner of AND THEN, BOOM by Lisa Fipps
A signed copy of WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY by Robin Newman (illustrated by Deborah Zemke) goes to Ellen Leventhal.
Please send me your addresses so I can get your books to you. Thanks to all who commented about these amazing books. Please show your author appreciation by leaving a review on Amazon and Goodreads. It’s the best way to say thanks and to spread the word about great books for kids.
Today I am thrilled to have a chance to share a wonderful non fiction picture historical book from author Karen Greenwald (illustrated by Olga Lee).
I had a chance to ask Karen about this story centered on the 1966 flood that engulfed the city of Florence and nearly destroyed it’s museum and library treasures.
How did you discover this amazing story?
I wanted a topic featuring a STEAM theme mixed with cultural issues and international
cooperation. I mentioned this to my cp/college roommate. She asked if I had ever heard about the
Arno flood of 1966. Surprisingly, I had not—but after reading a brief amount, it felt like this
story was almost waiting for me.
What was the research process like for a story set in the 1960’s in another country?
Well, unlike in my first book (A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR), I had the opportunity to interview a wide range of people in both the United States and Italy who had experienced it first-hand. This was my personal favorite part of my research process for this book. I formed beautiful friendships with many of the people I reached out to (another aspect I love about doing non-fiction research). Thanks to conversations and content from librarians, conservators, and people who experienced the flood as children, and my extensive interviews and interactions with true Mud Angels—the research almost felt multi-sensory…though, I’m so glad that I did not smell the mud! Everyone said it was unforgettably bad!
The illustrations are wonderful! Did you have any input into how the pictures were going to tell part of the MUD ANGELS story?
Olga Lee is so talented! I am incredibly grateful she was chosen to illustrate this book! I did have some input concerning image content and details. I also submitted 15 “contact sheets” of pictures taken in Florence both during and after the flood. I know illustrators do their own research, but I had additional images not locatable elsewhere.
What surprised you most during the writing?
I chose to write this story lyrically because it just felt thematically correct. It is my favorite way to write and the way in which I formulate content. I don’t know that there was a surprise in the process—more like a comfort. I just felt engaged in “the moment” for the entire duration of writing the manuscript. The editing process felt almost like trimming a topiary!
What do you want readers to know and remember from this remarkable story of kindness and cooperation?
First, thank you so much for your support of it and for the phrasing of your question! I want
children and the adults who read with them to think about the power and promise of youth—how young people can change the world for the better. In the darkness of the basement, on the staircase leading out of the mud pit, in the streets filled with rubble, and in the homes and public spaces that had no running water, heat, or electricity, people found ways to work together peacefully. Again, young people showed heroism, kindness, selflessness, and the ability to unite and work together for a common good.
Any other thoughts or comments?
I think this book also points out something important but scary. We are living in an era where the number of floods is greatly increasing each year. I hope people will learn more about ways to protect our environment.
Karen is giving away a 20 min AMA Zoom visit to one lucky reader of this post. Just leave a comment below and one person’s name will be drawn at random and announced later this month.
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PB: A VOTE FOR SUSANNA, THE FIRST WOMAN MAYOR (Albert Whitman)Library of Congress: Great Reads from Great Places 2022Library of Congress: National Book Festival 20222022 Kansas Notable BookA Mighty Girl: 2021 BOOKS OF THE YEARWe Have Kids: The 20 Best Children’s Narrative Nonfiction Books About Women (2023)PB: THE MUD ANGELS: HOW STUDENTS SAVED THE CITY OF FLORENCE (2024)Winner, Gold international SCA Award Winner, Platinum international MEA Award 2023YouTube Channel: www.youtube.com/@karenmgreenwald
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What would you do if you caught a fish that actually granted wishes? Would you wish for wealth? Fame? Power?
Or, would your wish be something more urgent? Something that might change life in unseen ways?
Jack, the hero of WISHES DARES, AND HOW TO STAND UP TO A BULLY (Creston) wants to make a wish to bring his POW dad home from war. But, after making a practice wish with his friend Jill – a wish that went terribly wrong – he’s afraid of what might happen if the wish is not worded exactly right. Here are his thoughts: 
FLAG
After supper Pops watches the
evening news with Walter Cronkite.
Mostly I tune it out. Who wants to
listen to bad things happening
everywhere?
Tonight he tells about some soldiers
who have come home from
the war. I look up at the TV,
hoping to see Dad
or maybe other kids’ dads,
hugging their families.
What I see instead are
coffins,
each one draped in a
flag, the US flag.
Just like when President Kennedy
died. His coffin was
in a parade
up and down the
streets of Washington, wrapped in a flag.
People saluting
staring
crying.
Dead soldiers coming home
is the worst thing you can see
on TV when your own Dad
might
could
maybe come home in a box wearing a flag.
The worst outcome for a wish to
bring him home.
I wish — far away from a listening fish —
I wish I knew
what to do.
When my twin sister and I were in grade school, my twin was always (and I mean ALWAYS) cast in the better roles. One year she played Snow White. I was the wicked queen. The next year, she played Cinderella. Wanna guess who I played? Yup! The wicked step-mother. I suppose some might see a theme emerging from all of this. One might even get a complex. Or, one might see opportunity. Opportunity to be the best wicked queen and step-mother there is. Playing the antagonist gave me the opportunity to reflect on a character’s range. After all, no character is all good or bad.
So dear readers, you won’t be surprised to learn that I’ve always had a soft spot for meta stories and fractured fairy tales. I love turning stories inside and out. And in my latest book, WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY?!, illustrated by the incredible Deborah Zemke (Creston Books), the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf are unhappy with a writer’s retelling of their story. After all, who knows the story best? The characters or the writer? And of course, if the characters are going to tell the writer where the story is going, they’re naturally going to share their thoughts on everything—from the setting and plot, to the conflict and story’s resolution. Would you expect anything less?
WHO’S WRITING THIS STORY?! hits bookshelves on May 7th and is currently available for pre-order from Books of Wonder. If you order from Books of Wonder, you will receive a lovely personalized copy and some super cool swag.
https://booksofwonder.com/products/9781954354296
Robin is giving away a signed copy of this fun fractured tale to one lucky reader of this blog. To enter, leave a comment. One name will be drawn at random and announced later this month. USA only please.
About Robin:
Raised in New York and Paris, Robin Newman was a practicing attorney and legal editor, but she now prefers to write about witches, mice, pigs, bears, and peacocks. Author of the award-winning Wilcox & Griswold Mystery Series, she’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, National Writing Project’s Writers Council, Bank Street Writers Lab, and PEN America, CYAB. Robin lives in New York, with her husband, son, and two spoiled spaniels. To learn more, please visit www.robinnewmanbooks.com.
You can also find Robin on:
X: @robinnewmanbook
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RobinNewmanBooks/339179099505049
Instagram: @robinnewmanbooks
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