In this post, I examine My name is Yoon (2003), written by Helen Recorvits and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska, and look at it through a diversity lens. This book tells the story of an elementary school girl who has emigrated from Korea and does not like the way her name looks written in English, Y-O-O-N, all the letters “standing alone.” In Korean, “the symbols dance together.” So instead of signing her name Y-O-O-N, she tries out words that she hears the teacher use, or that she sees on the playground. One day she signs her name C-A-T, another day C-U-P-C-A-K-E. On a double page spread, Yoon imagines that everyone will like her if her name is CUPCAKE.
Tag: Children’s picture book
Ablaze with Artists: Mack, Haring, and Thomas
Picture book biographies about artists are a-plenty. And so far I haven’t come across a bad one. Generally, when people choose to write about art for kids, it is because they care deeply about art and kids. (Isn’t that one of the reasons we work in libraries under the auspices of “children’s services”?) You can’t get around the fact that kids want paper and more paper or boxes and more boxes, to make things, to draw things, to color in or outside the lines.
Picture Books: the life blood of our vocation
Like most Children’s Librarians, I love picture books. You might know by now, that if it’s a post from Suzi, chances are, it’s about picture books. Let me give you a quick view into my day as a Children’s librarian. One of my daily jobs is to pick books off the shelves that have been put on hold by patrons the prior day. It’s a great way to see what books are being requested all around the city. Every once in a while, I get to do the pick list downstairs, THE GROWNUP BOOKS.
Interview with Author Michelle Edwards
In Max Makes a Cake, Max creates his own special Passover birthday cake for his mom. Author Michelle Edwards shares about her latest picture book and her experience with public libraries during her author blog tour. What a treat! 1) What type of stories did you most relate to as a child? How have your favorite books as a child shaped your work as a writer? Even as a child, I loved all sorts of stories; ghost stories, family stories, fairy tales, folk tales, realistic stories, and holiday stories. I treasured my copy of The Cat in the Hat, and to this day, I often reread it to remember to use playful language and innovative illustrations. I also loved Lois Lenski’s books; Strawberry Girl, Cotton in my Sack, Mama Hattie’s Girl. Her stories, unlike the linguistic romps of Doctor Seuss, were quieter. Lois Lenski helped me to see that story is wherever I…