The winners of the 2017 Children’s Choice Book Awards
were announced on Wednesday, May 31st. Among them, Once Upon an Elephant took the 3rd-4th grade category, being named “Book of the Year”. Of course illustrator Shennen Bersani and I are thrilled! I have been able to take this book into schools and personally share it’s conservation message (the importance of these animals as keystone species) with 20,000 students in the 1+ years it’s been out. What does this award mean in terms for further reach? Frankly, I have no idea. I know this book will find its way into more libraries and schools. Perhaps it will be used in more zoos’ education departments. Right now, one AZA zoo is looking to take 300 copies into elephant range country to give to schools there (more on that coming soon). It will be interesting to see where the next year leads this little book, now with a national award attached to its name. And like a proud mama, I’ll keep you posted!
with photos from John Gomes, took the Children’s Choice Book Award, and it’s no surprise why! Baby polar bear…say no more.
Melvin and the Boy (Henry Holt, 2011) about a boy who finds a turtle and takes it home. But in the end, he realizes that Melvin, his turtle, would be happier in the wild. This much-needed lesson for kids is valuable to all of us in conservation–wild things need to be wild! Lauren’s short text works for all ages. Her smudgy paintings are, as always, charming and engaging. (Did I mention that Lauren won a Caldecott Honor last year?) The final pages in the book provide turtle facts, including the important, “Remember to wash your hands before and after handling a turtle to protect each other for illness.” A winner!
Moon Bear (Henry Holt, 2010) written by Brenda Z. Guiberson and illustrated by Ed Young has a short, simple text, perfect for young listeners. It follows a year in the life of a Moon Bear in the simplest, most basic (and lovely) way. Caldecott award-winning Ed Young is one of the most brilliant illustrators of our time, and while his collage illustrations are gorgeous and creative, some young ones will need help understanding the images on a couple of the pages. Luckily, there is back matter that provides photos of Moon Bears. Also in the back matter is an author’s note which includes a discussion of animal sanctuaries for Moon Bears and a “you can help” section. A nice selection for anyone teaching about animal sanctuaries, bears of any sort, life cycles, hibernation, and Asian animals.
Mary Ann Goodnight, who is credited with creating the first captive buffalo herd in the 1800s when numbers of buffalo had plummeted. Goodnight eventually used her herd to re-populate Yellowstone National Park. Tracey’s story is told in folksy voice, and Lauren’s loose, child-friendly illustrations draw the reader in. An author’s note at the end gives further information about Molly Ann Goodnight, as well as a suggested reading list for more information on the American Bison.
