IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE CHILDREN’S BOOK REVIEW AND JEANNE WALKER HARVEY

ABOUT THE BOOK

Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Illustrated by Loveis Wise

Ages 4-8 | 40 Pages

Publisher: HarperCollins | ISBN-13: 9780063021891

Publisher’s Synopsis: Celebrate the life-changing power of art in this inspiring and stunningly illustrated picture book biography of American artist Alma Thomas.

Meet an incredible woman who broke down barriers throughout her whole life and is now known as one of the most preeminent painters of the 20th century. Told from the point of view of young Alma Thomas, readers can follow along as she grows into her discovery of the life-changing power of art.

As a child in Georgia, Alma Thomas loved to spend time outside, soaking up the colors around her. And her parents filled their home with color and creativity despite the racial injustices they faced. After the family moved to Washington DC, Alma shared her passion for art by teaching children. When she was almost seventy years old, she focused on her own artwork, inspired by nature and space travel.

In this celebration of art and the power of imagination, Jeanne Walker Harvey and Loveis Wise tell the incredible true story of Alma Thomas, the first Black woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum in New York City and to have her work chosen for the White House collection. With her bold and vibrant abstract paintings, Alma set the world ablaze with color.

Ablaze with Color includes extensive backmatter with photos, an author’s and illustrator’s note, a timeline, and a list of sources and resources, which will be a great tool for parents, educators, and librarians. Perfect for Women’s History Month and Black History Month units alongside such favorites as Malala’s Magic Pencil, Hidden Figures, and Mae Among the Stars.

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3zCihtO

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/2078/9780063021891

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeanne Walker Harvey has been a longtime docent at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Just like Alma Thomas, Jeanne believes that art brings us joy. Her other picture books include Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines and My Hands Sing the Blues: Romare Bearden’s Childhood Journey. Jeanne studied literature and psychology at Stanford University. She lives in Northern California.

Visit her online at www.jeanneharvey.com.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

Loveis Wise is an illustrator and designer from Washington, DC. They are currently based in Los Angeles and their work often speaks to themes of joy and liberation. Their work can be found through the New Yorker, Google, Adobe, and the New York Times.

You can find them online at www.loveiswise.com.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK

Ablaze in Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey

Illustrated by Loveis Wise

Harvey and Wise share the story of the first black woman to have her work exhibited in a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Art in New York City. Michele Obama chose her Resurrection painting as the first Black woman’s art displayed in the White House.

Alma grew up in segregated Georgia where schools and institutions remained segregated at the time. Her parents countered that by opening their home to books of all sorts and teachers who gave lectures. Alma preferred to be outside absorbing the colors, sights, and sounds of nature.

Alma’s parents moved to Washington, DC as she turned fifteen. Schools and institutions remained closed to black students. As alma matured, she followed in her parents’ footsteps and brought art to students in her home. She organized field trips and encouraged them to display their work.

When Alma retired from teaching, she turned back to creating her own art projects, infusing them with the colors of nature. She grabbed inspiration from the space program of the late sixties. Galleries soon took notice of her brilliant abstract pieces, leading to her solo exhibit and notoriety. The Mayor of Washington, DC proclaimed “Alma Thomas Day,” on September 9, 1972.

The book features stunning illustrations, along with a timeline of Thomas’s life and historical events. Harvey provides references for young readers to satiate their curiosity and expand their knowledge. Highly recommended resource for students and teachers in elementary, middle school, and beyond.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a classroom set of the picture book Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas!

Three (3) winners receive:

A classroom set of Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, autographed and personalized for each student and the teacher by Jeanne Walker Harvey (no more than 30 books per set).

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

https://gleam.io/N6hGR/ablaze-with-color-book-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 15, 2022The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Monday, January 18, 2022Some the WiserA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Tuesday, January 19, 2022Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Wednesday, January 20, 2022Twirling Book PrincessA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Thursday, January 21, 2022Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Friday, January 22, 2022Glass of Wine, Glass of MilkA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Monday, January 25, 2022Heart to HeartA book giveaway ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Tuesday, January 26, 2022Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Wednesday, January 27, 2022Life Is What It’s CalledA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Thursday, January 28, 2022Books Are Magic TooA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Friday, January 29, 2022The Momma SpotA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Monday, February 1, 2022Writer with WanderlustA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Tuesday, February 2, 2022Me Two BooksA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Wednesday, February 3, 2022icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Thursday, February 4, 2022BookShelfMommaA book review ofAblaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas

Once “a pun” a Time: A guide for reading and telling jokes 

Written by Wolf Cub Chloe

The personality of the author shines through every page of this book. Chloe wants to make people smile, and she certainly succeeds. Chloe began writing her books at the age of six when the pandemic started.

These simple jokes with adorable illustrations written by a child will put a smile on the face of readers. The best part is that Chloe wants her readers to continue her mission of spreading cheer. In the second part of the book, she teaches how to set up simple funny jokes by using homophones and by telling a story around a keyword.

A perfect choice for elementary school readers who want to put smiles on the faces of those they love and improve their community one person at a time.

If you enjoyed reading this post check out my educational resources for kids at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Celebration Babies: Highlighting Special Events for Babies, Toddlers, and Children, from Around the World 

Written by Stephanie Seidler

Illustrated by Pete Olczyk

This picture book packs a lot into forty pages. The author covers countries from around the globe and their cultural celebrations. These include celebrations connected with religion, holidays, heritage, and environment.

The description mentions that the book is appropriate for babies and toddlers. While the illustrations will enthrall that age group, the vocabulary and length of sentences are too complicated for that audience. Parents and teachers will need to adapt it to make the concepts clear for them. I would suggest making the font of the text a bit larger so that new readers might be able to handle it better.

Nevertheless, this is a beautiful book to place on a parent or teacher’s bookshelf to celebrate the best of all our cultures and remind children of the beauty of diversity and multiculturalism. I especially recommend it for ages five through nine.

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Fatso Runs Away from Home: An easy reading adventure following a cat’s adventure

Written by Garth and Mo Reason

Illustrated by Harriet Kim Anh Rodis

Fatso is a spoiled cat. For many years he has lived a comfortable life in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Reason.

One day a visitor to the home brings a dog named Maria to the home. Fatso wants to become friends but Maria is bossy and unwilling to share. So Fatso ventures out into the outside world he has never seen.

At first, Fatso sees his outing as an adventure. He meets a neighborhood cat, Sebastian. When Fatso gets lost, he becomes frightened until he meets up with Fluffy and her family.

Will Fatso survive in the outside world? Does he ever find his way back home?

This picture book uses a cat world view to teach children how to have courage, resilience, and empathy. The author includes activities to encourage young readers to think about what happened in the story and enhance reading comprehension skills.

I would suggest this book as a picture book for younger children or a beginning reading for older elementary school readers.

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Check out lots more for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

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Check out more fun at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

A Gift from Santa: This is based on a true story

Written and Illustrated by Zuzana Svobodová

It is almost Christmas. Jacob excitedly watches the snowflakes swirling outside his window. He is busy writing his Christmas lists. Jacob wonders if Santa receives gifts. He decides that he will return his appreciation by finding the perfect gift for Santa.

Jacob wants to visit the North Pole but his mother reminds him it is too far and there is not enough time. So Jacob goes to the store with his mom. He cannot find that perfect gift. After thinking hard, Jacob decides that he should give something of his own to Santa. Will he be able to make that sacrifice?

The book is based on a true story. It is a lovely way to teach children about the true spirit of Christmas. Appealing illustrations and a beautiful plot combine to make this picture book a winner for children to listen to each year. Recommended especially for readers ages three through eight but a charmer for any age.

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Find lots more help for your family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

In partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Lindy Nelson

ABOUT THE BOOK

This Is Clare

Written by Lindy Nelson

Illustrated by Ingrid Lefebvre

Ages 4+ | 38 Pages

Publisher: Mascot Kids | ISBN-13: 978-1643073606

Publisher’s Synopsis: Come follow a lady and her hound.

New adventures with new friends will abound.

Learn some English and verse with Lindy and Clare.

We’re in China; we hope to see you there!

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XQA4io

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lindy Nelson is an American who has spent most of her adult life teaching English in China after graduating from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. She enjoys arts and crafts, funny memes, eating candy, and of course, spending time with her greyhound, Clarence.

MY REVIEW OF THIS BOOK:

This is Clare is an adorable picture book about a lady named Lindy and her adventures with her greyhound named Clare. The author uses verbs that end in air and are to teach English vocabulary. The illustrations are adorable and the simple text will expand vocabulary for anyone learning English. It is a book that is fun to read aloud and will enrich the vocabulary of native English speakers as well.

The multicultural illustrations that feature Chinese culture will provide a springboard for discussion and further research. This book will delight all ages from preschool to adult English as a Second Language Learners. I am looking forward to more adventures with Lindy and Clare.

GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a copy of This Is Clare, along with a virtual Questions and Answers session with the author!

One (1) grand prize winner receives:

A copy of This Is Clare

A virtual Questions and Answers session with the author via Skype

Nine (9) winners receive:

A copy of This Is Clare

The giveaway ends December 2, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

https://gleam.io/BSTcn/this-is-clare-giveaway

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, November 2, 2021The Children’s Book ReviewA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 3, 2021Barbara Ann Mojica’s BlogA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 4, 2021Life Is What It’s CalledAn interview withLindy Nelson

Friday, November 5, 2021Tales of a Wanna-be Superhero MomA beyond-the-book activity forThis Is Clare

Monday, November 8, 2021Lisa’s ReadingA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 9, 2020Confessions of a Book AddictA book giveaway ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 10, 2021Book Bug CAA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 11, 2021icefairy’s Treasure ChestA book review ofThis Is Clare

Friday, November 12, 2021A Dream Within a DreamA book review ofThis Is Clare

Monday, November 15, 2021Me Two BooksA book review ofThis Is Clare

Tuesday, November 16, 2021Crafty Moms ShareA book review ofThis Is Clare

Wednesday, November 17, 2021Satisfaction for Insatiable ReadersA book review ofThis Is Clare

Thursday, November 18, 2021The Momma SpotA book review ofThis Is Clare

Spectacular Stories for Creative Kids

Written by Jesse Sullivan

The author has a way with words. Sullivan has succeeded in telling 100 stories about history, science, art, and culture and with wit and charm. Young readers will be intrigued by topics like ghosts, curses, snakes, space, and vampires. Each story reveals an adventure and interesting facts. Black and white illustrations accompany many of the chapters. Young readers unwittingly learn a lot while they are laughing and having a great time reading.

This is a book they will want to share with friends and family. Targeting the middle-grade audience ages nine through fourteen, but any age reader will enjoy and appreciate these gems.

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Check out lots more for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

The Secret of the Snallygaster: Washington, DC., USA (Cities of Adventure)

Written by Rishi Piparaiya

This book is part of a series. In this adventure, the author presents a travel guide to Washington D.C, while presenting a family mystery for the protagonists to solve.

Tara is an insatiable reader, while her younger brother is more interested in sports. They are on a family trip to the US capitol, when they uncover a family mystery. As they wind themselves through the historical monuments and museums of the city, they follow the clues to solve the mystery contained in the yellow envelope they find in Arlington Cemetery.

Readers learn about the museums of the Smithsonian, the National Zoo, the White House and the National Mall as they follow clues. There are a lot of bonus features like a short American history summary, a description of American versus British English, interesting facts about the US, and some of its famous people.

The book is perfect for middle-grade readers who shy away from nonfiction. It is an easy read with short chapters for reluctant readers. Recommended to teachers and parents looking for a good children’s travel guide or American history introduction.

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Check out my learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Annual Toy Drive: The Underground Toy Society

Written and illustrated by Jessica D. Adams

This book is a delightful new version of The Underground Toy Society. This society is a group of toys that are no longer being used by their former owners. Together they work as one to find new homes to love them.

Children will love these adorable toys that act like human characters. When the toys find their way to a toy store, they are excited to find a donation box for Christmas toys. Their hopes are dashed when they discover the toys must be new.

I love the section that describes how these toys make themselves new again. Will these toys find a way into the hearts of new children owners?

Adorable illustrations and characters will make this book a new holiday favorite. Recommended for a Christmas story or any time of the year.

Check out all my family resources at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com

Book reviews, teaching videos, parent tips, and much more.

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JULIA JONES – My Worst Day Ever! – Book 1: Diary Book for Girls aged 9 – 12 (Julia Jones’ Diary)

Written by Katrina Kahler

Julia and Millie are best friends in seventh grade. Their very cool teacher, Mrs. Sheldon, is supervising the school musical. Millie and Julia have landed lead roles and Julia’s dancing experience gives her a prominent role in the choreography.

Enter Sara, a brand new classmate. While pretending to be friendly to everyone, including Julia, she is soon bullying her way into control. Whether it’s wearing the best clothes, buying the most expensive gifts, or flirting with Blake, Julia’s secret crush, Sara appears determined to show Julia in a bad light. Things go from bad to worse as a series of “coincidences” lead up to embarrassment and failure for Julia.

This book contains little more than 100 pages and moves quickly. It will appeal to reluctant readers and middle-school students as well as early teens. It’s the first book of the series and ends in a cliff-hanger.

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Check out a zillion learning opportunities for the whole family at http://www.LittleMissHISTORY.com