I Just Finished Reading…Top Picks for February 2019
Meet Yasmin by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem Aly. (Ages 5 – 8).
Meet Yasmin is a compilation for four short books. Yasmin Ahmad is a young girl who has to face a problem in each story. By the end of the story Yasmin solves the problem, sometimes by herself and sometimes with a little help. Each story gives us a little glimpse into Yasmin's Pakistani heritage. At the end of the book there is a "Think About It, Talk About It" page that asks questions specific to the stories. There is also a glossary for some of the Urdu words used, a page on facts about Pakistan, and a craft. You will also find a recipe for Mango Lassi, a yummy yogurt drink!
Jane Goodall by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara and illustrated by Beatrice Cerocchi. (Ages 5 – 8).
Jane Goodall is a part of the Little People, Big Dreams series meant to empower our young readers. The series includes books on Josephine Baker, L. M. Montgomery, and Mother Teresa. At the beginning of this book we see Jane as child who loves animals. Her father gives her a stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee who Jane takes everywhere. Jane wants to live in the jungle with wild chimpanzees and eventually got to do just that! The story takes us through Jane's journey and accomplishments. At the end of the book there is an autobiographical timeline from Jane's birth to the present.
Meet Miss Fancy by Irene Latham and illustrated by John Holyfield. (Ages 5 – 8).
Frank loves elephants but had never seen a real one. Frank is excited when he hears that a circus elephant is coming to Birmingham. Her name is Miss Fancy and she will be retiring to the Avondale Park. But the park has a sign that says "No Colored Allowed" and Frank cannot get in to pet Miss Fancy. Instead of going to the park, Frank is able to lure Miss Fancy to his doorstep. Soon Frank realizes that the street is unsafe and is able to get Miss Fancy back to the park. Standing at the gates of the park Frank not only gets his chance to pet Miss Fancy he gets to ride her into the park! This is a fun book that touches on heavy subjects like race and segregation. At the back of the book there is an author note that expands on the factual events in the story.
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