🍃 There are links all around us. Links that connect us to nature, readers to books, words to pages stars to galaxies, dust to wind, wind to earth, notes to music. And on and on. These links tend to leave an impression that is powerful enough to draw us back again and again, like a poem or a song. Today's picture books are lyrical and touch on topics related to nature--from the dirt beneath our feet to the stars in the heavens above. 🎵What are lyrical pictures books? Author Dianna Murray says they have a fluid, velvety rhythmic pace, hold emotional quality, and feature vivid descriptions. Author Tina Cho says they use poetic devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and onomatopoeia. For many readers like myself, the combination of illustration and prose renders a satisfying and immersive experience. The three books below each offer a unique approach to delivering a story in a lyrical style. Enjoy! ![]() A River of Dust. The Life-Giving Link Between North Africa and the Amazon written by Jilanne Hoffmann, illustrated by Eugenia Mello (Chronicle Books 2023) This beautifully illustrated story tells of the fascinating and life-sustaining connection between two biomes that are an ocean apart -- the Sahara Desert of North Africa and the tropical rainforest of the Amazon River basin in South America. The lyrical text carries readers on a wondrous journey, full of vivid imagery from the tiniest of details to the most expansive of horizons. This story is bound to spark the curiosity of young readers in exploring other vital connections in our world. To learn more about Jilanne Hoffmann and her other projects, visit her website. ![]() The Fire of Stars. The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of written by Kirsten W. Larson, illustrated by Katherine Roy (Chronicle Books 2023) This dual narrative captures the birth of a star alongside the life of Cecilia Payne, a woman who found her way to studying astronomy and astrophysics and eventually discovered what stars are made of. Payne's interest in science began when she was a young girl with observations of the natural world around her. From gorgeous illustrations to inviting and descriptive prose, this story will inspire readers to be inquisitive and to notice things --just like Cecilia. Her perseverance, despite the the many obstacles, will empower dreamers to go for their own goals. To keep up with Kirsten Larson's other books, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. ![]() A Few Beautiful Minutes. Experiencing a Solar Eclipse written by Kate Allen Fox, illustrated by Khoa Le (Little, Brown and Company 2023) This wonderful picture book is a must-read for any reader. Not only does the text capture the beauty of the world as an eclipse unfolds, it also shows the type of preparations that can be made in order to enjoy one safely. I've had the pleasure of experiencing two eclipses in recent years -- a solar eclipse and an annular eclipse -- and the author and illustrator do a fantastic job of sharing what these amazing events are like. From the details of sun silhouettes on the ground to the twilight-like orange hues that bathe the sky to the camaraderie felt with fellow observers. Given that another solar eclipse will occur in April 2024, along with others to follow, this title will be one to add to home, classroom, and library collections. Visit Kate Allen Fox's website to learn more. Today's giveaways: 1) Winner's choice: a copy of A River of Dust (US address) or an AMA with Jilanne Hoffmann 2) an AMA with author Kirsten W. Larson 3) signed copy of A Few Beautiful Minutes (US address) from Kate Allen Fox 🌸 How do you earn entries? By helping these books find homes and success as we enter the holidays! 1) ✔ Reply to each blog post with a comment = 1 entry 2) ✔ Share this post on social media = 1 entry for each share (let me know where you shared) tag: @SKWenger on X, @skwenger on Blue Sky @SKWenger_books on Instagram @SKWengerChildrensAuthor on FB 3) ✔ Ask your library to order the books = 1 entry for each (let me know you did this!) 4) ✔ Leave a review on Goodreads, Amazon, or BN = 1 entry each (let me know you did this!) Lastly, be sure to follow the authors and myself on social media so that you can be connected if you win! Winners are selected November 2nd, so there is plenty of time to participate.
22 Comments
10/21/2023 10:07:28 am
I love nature-themed and lyrical picture books so much, and so do my students. I'm so glad to see these beautiful titles listed here! Congratulations, all, and Shaunda, thank you so much for sharing!
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:09:37 pm
You're so very welcome, Jolene! I love sharing books like these with my students as well! Kids love them.
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Jilanne Hoffmann
10/21/2023 11:01:59 am
I love seeing A RIVER OF DUST alongside these two beautiful books, and all of the others you're featuring during these 7 days of books! Thank you, Shaunda!
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:08:20 pm
Thank you so much, Jilanne! It's a highlight of my year to celebrate successful and amazing titles like these!
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Michele Ziemke
10/21/2023 12:17:56 pm
Each of these lyrical books look fascinating! What child doesn’t wonder what stars are made of? Learn of another habitat? Or experience a solar eclipse? Thanks for sharing these books. Adding to my library list!
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:07:28 pm
Thank you so much, Michele! I agree that these are fascinating topics for kids.💫
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Thelia Hutchinson
10/21/2023 12:32:00 pm
Thank you for sharing. All these books are so magical. I love lyrical picture books.
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:06:29 pm
Magical, indeed ❤️ Thank you, Thelia!
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:05:31 pm
Thank you so much, Michelle! Your students are so lucky!
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Stephanie Henson
10/21/2023 04:31:54 pm
Great post. I love lyrical writing and would use one of these books as a mentor text for sure.
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:04:55 pm
This books definitely make wonderful mentor texts! And great reads all around! Thank you, Stephanie!
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Ryann Jones
10/21/2023 05:24:54 pm
Great books!! I have read two out of the three as they were guests on Storytime Sprint :) I requested River of Dust from my library, reviewed both A River of Dust and A Few Beautiful Minutes on Amazon, GR, and B&N. Plus shared on Twitter (X). :)
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:03:45 pm
Thank you, Ryann! You are a rock star!💫
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Kari Gonzalez
10/21/2023 10:13:08 pm
I adore lyrical language and these books are fantastic examples of such creative approaches to storytelling!
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Shaunda Wenger
10/21/2023 11:02:30 pm
Thank you, Kari! I'm glad you like the selections today. :)
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10/21/2023 11:40:24 pm
Fabulous post! Lyrical nature writing is one of my most favorite styles! These look spectacular and I need to read them all! Thanks for sharing!!
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Destiny Love Lawyer
10/22/2023 07:19:09 am
What an amazing trio of books. Besides the magic of the words, each is beautifully illustrate and will create so much wonder when read aloud to my students.
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Reed
10/22/2023 07:44:19 pm
can't wait to get my hands on these. they look so lovely, I can tell they are all gems.
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Jessica Milo
10/29/2023 03:12:18 pm
All 3 of these are so gorgeous and fascinating!!
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10/30/2023 04:39:35 am
Since my debut pb is lyrical, these hold a special place in my heart! Lyrical books are so fun to read aloud! They are so beautiful! Thanks for sharing these. I'm sharing on Twitter, too! :-)
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10/30/2023 11:50:21 pm
Great selections! I have A River of Dust and was able to hear both the author and illustrator talk about it a the launch. I’ve reviewed Jilanne’s book on Goodreads and Amazon. I also heard Kate read A Few Beautiful Minutes virtually but had technical difficulties so I got the book from my library to appreciate the beauty of the illustrations. I reviewed it on Barnes and Noble.
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