#Diverse picture books

[eruscreaminginthedistance]

Smeagol is autistic rep here is my proof:

- very picky eater, will choke and die if made to eat lembas and will either eat fish and raw meat or starve

- gets sensory overload from sunlight and moonlight

- hyperfocused on his special interest

- unusual speech patterns and often refers to self in third person

- loves water and swimming

- gets really intense about cheating and injustice

[gabibookworm]

Happy book birthday to this week’s new releases! 📚

[intothestacks]

Adventures in Librarian-ing

Today I read Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino to a class of Grade 2s.

It's a story about a boy who likes to wear dresses and the prejudice he faces about his interest.

An excerpt from storytime:

Me: They're not being very kind, are they?

Grade 2s: Noooo!

Girl: They're being very rude and mean!

Other Girl: Anyone can wear whatever they want! *classmates murmur in agreement*

Boy: And if girls can wear pants then boys can wear dresses! It's only fair! >:(

Me: Plus, in some cultures what we would consider dresses are considered boy clothes. Though is there really such a thing as boy clothes and girl clothes if everyone should be able to wear whatever they want?

Grade 2s: Nooo! They're just clothes!

[thatsleepymermaid]

I don't think there's nearly enough serious new children's literature.

When I was little and learning how to read, I was not interested in books like Junie B. Jones or Dr. Seuss. Honestly, my mom was worried I'd never ever have interest in learning to read beyond the basics (imagine that).

She actually started reading Harry Potter to me. Then moved onto reading large print classics to me in all their glory. My mom would point to every other word and ask me what it said. I have fond memories of her teaching me to read with Little Women, Black Beauty, Pride and Prejudice, and The Secret Garden.

Once I figured that out, I moved onto books I could read myself. My favorites were the older American Girl Books (especially Kirsten, Addy, Kaya, Samantha and Felicity's books), warrior cats, Tamora Pierce's Immortals Quartet and Song of the Lioness.

These books didn't hold back on the darker topics. Characters died, there was a fair amount of gore, and the American Girl novels had historically accurate topics like slavery, disease, immigration, sexism, classism, war, espionage and murder.

I tried finding new books aimed at nine year olds for my little cousin. I couldn't find any newly published books that didn't heavily censor darker topics.

Maybe I wasn't looking hard enough, but it is vitally important to include dark and scary topics taken seriously in children's literature. Not just so a child can critically read and learn empathy, but also for the children going through these horrific events to have something to relate to. Everyone talks about "protecting children" from learning about dark topics in books fearing "loss of innocence ", but what about those children that are living it everyday? What about those children's friends who might be able to help via trusted adult? Don't they deserve stories they can relate to as well?

[majoringinsarcasm]

People hating on a literal child because she doesn’t physically look like a character in a book who we only ever saw in concept art and fanart vs me who was kinda sad when I realized book Percy wasn’t black because the description of a young boy living in New York who’s close with his single mother parent who is constantly seen as stupid troublemaker by both peers and teachers and his moms awful boyfriend and who’s only friend is the only other Outcast (non white) classmate who’s only ally is the literature teacher who then he finds also has doubts about him felt very if not fully black then at least mixed coded.

But then I moved on and enjoyed the story for what it gave me, can some of these people say the same 🤔

[faintingviolet]

The Art and Life of Hilma af Klint (CBR16 #9)

While perusing the Arlington Public Library’s List of Books You May Have Missed Last Year I spotted The Art and Life of Hilma af Klint written by Ylva Hillström and illustrated by Karin Eklund. I vaguely recognized af Klint’s name and popped it onto my list since a YA non-fiction was on my to read and this one struck my fancy, especially once I found out that Hillström is a curator at the Modern…

[memoriallibrarytmc]

Top Ten(ish) Tuesday: TMC Easy #2

The #2 most checked out picture book from TMC Easy last year was... We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom! This book has come up on both the lists (for the TMC in general AND TMC Easy), and it's been popular since it arrived... and with good reason! It's definitely worth sharing in the classroom, for its themes, as well as its award-winning illustrations. There are a lot of great ideas out there for lessons you can teach from it.

[elleventures]

Under My Hijab • {Hena Khan | 2019}

Under My Hijab is a 32-page picture book written by Hena Khan, which was published in 2019 for young children between the ages of 4 - 7 years old.

The story follows the perspective of a young girl who is influenced and inspired by the women around her wearing hijab in various situations and conditions when they do not. The author also touches on how unique each individual is when they are not wearing hijab, as well as different personalized ways on how you can wear a hijab. Overall, the story informs the reader about hijabs, when and why women choose to wear them, and why people choose not to wear them. 

Overall, this story is beautiful as it touches on the importance of individuality/self-confidence, inspiration from women and role models, cultural diversity, religion, and many more. For example, in the book, the author reinforces the message of individuality by illustrating various important women in the little girl's life they can wear hijabs in various different ways; also, when they are not wearing hijabs, each woman has a distinctive look to their hair which represents their unique personality. Because of the little girl's influences, the girl becomes inspired by the women around her and wears a hijab at the end of the story, representing her being proud of her culture and being able to express her personality through the hijab. 

All in all, the illustrations of this book are illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel. Looking at the illustrations, the art is very bright, rich, and vibrant, which brings the characters to life. The illustrations reinforce the message, such as including small modern details within the background which indicates that Muslims share an American culture as well. 

[sevenswansinatrenchcoat]

It's also worth noting that a lot of people think of "the classics" as all being written by cishet white men, which a lot of them were, but also you can find stuff written by other minority groups, and it's so interesting and meaningful to read work that explores a minority identity in the past. My attempts this year involve trying to read some older queer works which are partially kinda depressing, but also so interesting to read that perspective

"It's okay if you don't want to read the classics" okay but you should try. Books hit different when you're not being forced to read them.

[gabibookworm]

Happy book birthday to this week‘s new releases! 📚

[ginaraemitchell]

Children's Book Review | My Dog Thinks He's A Cat by Craig T. Feigh | 5-Stars | #ChildrensPictureBook #Diversity #BeingDifferent @craigtfeigh @BookBaby

My Dog Thinks He's a Cat is easy to read and perfect for young readers who love animals and humor. It will make you smile, giggle, and maybe even bark or meow! I highly recommend “My Dog Thinks He’s a Cat” to anyone who wants a good laugh and a fun lesson. And don’t forget to check out the other books by Craig T. Feigh. They are all paw-some! #ChildrensPictureBook #Diversity #BeingDifferent #Acceptance @craigtfeigh @BookBaby

Children’s Book Review | My Dog Thinks He’s A Cat by Craig T. Feigh | #ChildrensPictureBook #Diversity #BeingDifferent #Acceptance @craigtfeigh @BookBaby Book Details ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Purchase Links for My Dog Thinks He’s A Cat Paperback   BookShop/IndieBound ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Thoughts on My Dog Thinks He’s A Cat My Dog Thinks He’s a Cat By Craig T. Feigh Illustrated by Patrick…

[themyscirah]

ALYSSA WONG SPIRIT WORLD IS SO GOOD OMG

[lnk-and-lnspiration]

Understanding Your Audience

Writing for children and young adults is a unique and challenging task. These audiences have different needs, interests, and perspectives compared to adult readers, and writers must be able to connect with them in meaningful ways. Here are some tips for understanding your audience when writing for children and young adults: Know the age range: The age range of your target audience is crucial to…

[little-leopard-books]

Are you looking for a thrilling and educational adventure for your little ones? Look no further than 'The Adventures of Leona the Leopard'! Follow Leona and her friends as they journey through the African wilderness, overcoming obstacles and discovering the power of teamwork along the way. This fun and engaging book is perfect for kids who love animals, nature, and exciting stories! #LeonaTheLeopard #PowerOfTeamwork #ChildrensBooks #KidsAdventure

[memoriallibrarytmc]

What’s Here Wednesday: BIPOC Authors

A delicious book by a BIPOC author that you can find in the TMC is Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed! With its themes of friendship and sharing, this book is definitely an uplifting choice for a diverse read-aloud. You can also search online for lesson plan ideas for teaching the book. Additionally, take a closer look around the TMC for even more books by authors of Indian descent: Mina and the Monsoon and Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala are a couple of great picks of many more!

[milkteabinniechan]

♡Dear Lover - Hyunjin

MINORS DNI 18+ ONLY MEMBERSHIP//M.LIST

pairing: fiancè Hyunjin x fem! reader

summary: Your parents have picked a husband for your sister and the two of them have been writing love letters back and forth for years before they meet on their wedding day. There is just one problem: you've been the one sending the letters to her future husband and now you're in love!

warnings: just fluff! some angst, drama, very soft hyunjin, lovesick reader

“Maybe start with why you were the one writing me the letters and not your sister?” Hyunjin’s nostrils flared as he spoke. But his tone wasn’t angry, just confused. You looked exactly how he pictured you from your letters. A softness about you that translated through your words.

“She asked me to. In the beginning, she didn’t want to write to you. So, she asked me to do it instead to make our parents happy.” You pulled at the hem of your shirt, twisting it this way and that while your eyes stayed fixed on the ground. “Please, don't be upset with her.”

Hyunjin stepped back for a moment. His eyes searched yours as the two of you finally locked onto one another. Eyes that he had pictured late at night. A face he had only seen in his dreams. Everything he had said in the letter was true. He was in love, just not with your sister. But the wedding was planned, the invitations sent out.

It was springtime when the letters first began. You remember the sound of birds chirping outside your bedroom window when your parents made the announcement that your sister was to be wed on the year of her 21st birthday.

“But I don’t want to marry someone I’ve never met!” She screamed. You were only partially paying attention. You were no longer the focus of your parents' attention. You were twenty-four now and practically a spinster. Your sister was going to have her wedding the very next spring. One year. She had one year to comply and accept what was happening.

“We’ve already failed with your older sister, we will not fail with you.” Your father boomed. His fat finger pointed sternly at you.

While your little sister protested for a few weeks, she ultimately agreed upon the marriage if she could at least see who she was to be betrothed to. But letters are all his family would agree to. A stern, traditional family that negotiated the terms of advised letters to be written once a week for one year until the wedding day. Meetings were held in secret by the patriarchs of the two families. Hands were shook and large cigars were smoked in celebration of the upcoming union. Then one cool spring night, your sister came knocking at your door with a favor to ask.

“You’re a writer. Just write the letters for me and make me sound good okay?” She begged, her hands folding together while her eyes pleaded with you.

Reluctantly you agreed. One week after the other, you tried your best to sound like your sister. You wrote about her interests instead of your own. You included her favorite color and her favorite kind of food. But somewhere down the line, you slipped. Hyunjin had written about a favorite book of yours – Little Women. He had written paragraphs discussing the different characters and the depth of their description and diversity from one another. He had gushed about the writing style and the eloquent use of simile and metaphors. And your heart fluttered, fluttered and flipped in a way that was new and exciting. Your next letter was completely you. It was your voice, your thoughts, your ideas. The words just flowed out of you like wine and you would feel almost drunk by the time you signed your sister’s name at the bottom.

Hyunjin would soon write about more personal subjects; his fears and insecurities. Of which you felt a kinship with. You would respond with words of comfort and love, thanking him for being so open and vulnerable with you. You would tell him about a beautiful sunset you saw or the lovely sound that snow made when you take a step early in the morning. Hyunjin would tell you how ready he was to hear that sound. How eager he was to hold you, to hear your laugh and touch your lips at last-

When everything was said and done, you knew the exact moment that things had gone too far. You had said “I love you” in your final letter before the wedding. Hyunjin had responded that he was on his way and that he “loved you more that there were stars in the sky.”

You held that last letter tightly in your hands as the all black town car pulled into the driveway of your family home. You would see him, finally see him, and he would see you. Only you would be a shadow cast behind your sister. Hyunjin could never know that those words were not hers. He would marry her and you would go back to your life before. As Hyunjin slowly stepped out of the car, the sunlight shone through his hair like a beacon. His forearm flexed as he gripped the car door and closed it behind him. He stood still for a moment, his eyes flicking between you and your sister until his gaze finally landed on you. Your sister hastily stepped in front of you and introduced herself. Hyunjin shook his head for a second to break the stare between the two of you before smiling warmly at your sister. He held her tightly, his long arms sweeping around her waist and pulling her close to his chest.

“I am so happy to meet you in person, my love!” He exclaimed, his hand coming up to cradle your sister’s face.

Dinner was a complete blur. The clanking sound of silverware and glasses swirled around your ears while your mind drifted further and further from the dining room. The voices of your family were distant, just an echo of a sound as you attempted to keep your food down. After dinner, Hyunjin and your sister snuck off somewhere in the house to be alone. You made your way up to your room and lied on your bed, willing your brain to erase the last year so the heaviness in your chest would subside.

“Fine! Okay? I didn’t write those stupid letters! But that doesn’t mean anything, right?” your sister shouted from the other side of the wall. You stayed in bed and made your way to the wall that divided your two rooms to see if you could hear anything. “She’s a loser! You don’t want her!” Your sister screamed.

“If she is the one that wrote all those letters, then I do. I do want her.”

Your heart dropped. You moved your head away from the wall and turned to face your bedroom door as you heard footsteps approach.

“Please, don’t be upset with her.”

“I’m not upset with her.” Hyunjin took a step closer, closing the gap between the two of you. “You look just as I imagined.” He whispered, his breath brushing softly against your neck.

Your breath hitched as he moved closer. Your hands move instinctively to his waist. Your hips coming into contact with his as his hands move down your back and come to rest at your sides. He leans into your ear and speaks in a low tone. A secret shared just between the two of you. Something intimate that nothing in this world could penetrate. “You’re the one I want to marry. You’re the bride I have been waiting for.”

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