Flotsam

by David Wiesner

2007 Caldecott Medal Winner

In nautical terms, the word flotsam refers to a floating accumulation of miscellaneous stuff. Wiesner's picture book Flotsam is the colorful portrayal of a young beachcomber's discovery. He goes to the beach to study the various things the tide brings ashore, but finds more than he could have ever imagined when he finds an old, underwater camera washed up in the sand. Illustrations guide readers through the action as the boy takes the film to be developed, anxiously awaits to see the photos, reacts to the surprising images, contemplates what he has found, and decides to cast the camera back into the ocean so another child can witness the magical life that lives below the surface.

Flotsam encompasses numerous elements characteristic of a great picture book. The story promotes diversity through the portrayal of various races and characters of both genders. The illustrations are highly original and detailed in a way that promotes interactive discussion between readers. In addition, the size and layout of images is perfect for not only individual reading but group storytelling as well. The vivid colors captivate readers, while the thin lines and smooth texture are easy on the eye. 

Even though I marveled at the author's artistic ability, I enjoyed his creativity most of all. Who would have ever imagined a mechanical fish swimming in the sea, aliens on the ocean floor, an octopus reading a book, a blow fish air balloon, underwater cities, or a team of pulling seahorses? Wiesner possess an imagination that readers of all ages will appreciate.

Kitten's First Full Moon

by Kevin Henkes

2005 Caldecott Medal Winner

Kitten's First Full Moon is a delightful story about a young kitten's quest for a bowl of milk. After mistaking the round, white-colored moon as milk, the kitten experiences a series of pitfalls, which leave her feeling tired and still hungry. Kitten accidentally eats a bug while trying to lick the moon, falls off a porch, goes on a never-ending chase through a garden, pointlessly climbs a tree, and jumps into a pond all in an effort to reach the desirable bowl of milk. Feeling defeated, Kitten returns home and, to her surprise, finds a bowl of milk on the porch waiting for her. In the end, Kitten goes to sleep feeling satisfied, because she finally got to enjoy her bowl of milk.

Kitten's story combines suspense and humor in a way that young children will appreciate. The beautiful black and white illustrations, although simple in color, perfectly present Kitten's actions and emotions. The images seem to bring Kitten's journey to life and are perfect for helping preschoolers and kindergartners follow along. In addition, the rhythmic text makes the story perfect for reading aloud.

Kitten's First Full Moon is a new favorite of mine, because it brings back the secure feeling I had as a child, knowing that someone would take care of me, even if I couldn't do it myself. Every child should get to go to sleep at night feeling safe, satisfied, and peaceful, just as Kitten did.

Turtle in Paradise

by Jennifer L. Holm

2011 Newbery Honor Book

Holm presents the entertaining story of Turtle, the young daughter of a live-in housekeeper. When her mother takes a job working for a woman who despises children, Turtle is sent to live with her Aunt Minerva (Minnie) in Key West. Turtle's realist attitude and tough exterior come in handy as she settles into her new surroundings and adjusts to life with three rowdy male cousins: Beans, Kermit and Buddy. At first, she isn't allowed membership in her cousins' Diaper Gang, which cares for fussy babies and holds a secret formula for diaper rash. However, with her wit and accidental discovery of a treasure map, she ultimately gains their respect. Turtle and the Diaper Gang go on a nerve-racking adventure that keeps readers guessing. In the end, Turtle learns a great deal about the relatives she never knew, and most importantly, a valuable lesson about herself and the importance of family.


Turtle in Paradise is the perfect combination of history and fiction! The story is sprinkled with bits of historical information about Key West life during the Depression era. References to events, publications, and entertainers of the 1930s add educational value to the story itself, while photos and an author's note provide a more complete look at the period that inspired Turtle in Paradise. 


Although the plot of Turtle in Paradise is wildly creative, the book's strength is in its details. Holm's descriptions are so vivid that readers can easily visualize every aspect of the story. As an adult, reading about how the youngsters spent their summer brought back memories of my own childhood and the imaginative ways I tried to entertain myself during summer months. The book is truly a work that can be appreciated by a wide range of ages and abilities.

Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice

by Phillip Hoose

2010 Newbery Honor Book

This partial biography is a must-have for any school library!  The book presents the captivating story of how a young, African American teenager helped spark the U.S. Civil Rights Movement by refusing to give up her seat on a public bus.  Claudette Colvin took her stand long before Rosa Parks, but her story is often overlooked in history books.  In Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice, Phillip Hoose gives Colvin the recognition she deserves by sharing her brave tale and highlighting her significant involvement in the landmark case Browder v. Gayle, which permanently ended segregation on Alabama's buses.

The chapter book presents readers with a thorough account of Colvin's impressive story, but the somewhat magazine-like layout of images and supporting information makes the book engaging for everyone.  The book is packed, cover to cover, with useful information regarding segregation in the South, the Civil Rights Movement, bus boycotts, and Browder v. Gayle.  Numerous photographs, quotes from famous Civil Rights leaders, and sidebars containing interesting facts make Claudette Colvin: Twice Toward Justice a fascinating read for youngsters.  


Although the book holds value as an educational tool, it possess the ability to move readers on a more personal level.  The inclusion of Claudette's personal accounts makes reading the book an emotional experience.  For someone born after the Civil Rights Movement, it is difficult to imagine living in a truly segregated environment, and the thought of treating a person unfairly simply because of his or her skin color seems cruel.  Author Phillip Hoose successfully conveys the pain and fear felt by the African American community and the enormous amount of courage it took for a teenage girl to stand up to a system she knew was wrong.  Claudette Colvin's story sends the message that sometimes you have to take a stand and fight for what you believe, even when you feel like no one has your back.  Hopefully, that message reaches every young person who reads the book.