Early Book Review: The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat by Anne Renaud, Milan Pavlovic

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle: The Cool Science Behind Frank Epperson's Famous Frozen Treat, written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Milan Pavlovic, is currently scheduled for release on October 1 2019. Frank William Epperson is a curious boy who wants to be an inventor when he grows up. Since inventing begins with experimenting, Frank spends a lot of time in his “laboratory” (better known as his back porch) trying out his ideas, such as building a double-handled handcar that whizzes past the single-handled cars in his neighborhood. What Frank loves most, though, is experimenting with liquids. When he invents his own yummy flavored soda water drink, his friends love it! And this gets him to thinking: “I wonder what this drink would taste like frozen?” Though he doesn't yet realize it, his curiosity will lead to his best invention ever: the Popsicle!

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a biographical picture book that shows young inventors and dreams that yes they can start experimenting early, but that it does not have to be all they do. I like that the book shows young Frank experimenting and questioning things- but it also shows him playing and doing other things.Too often I see books about great inventors or scientist only showing the person doing things involved in their subject matter- which can be daunting to young people that might want to follow a similar path. I also like that it shows Frank finding success, and having things go wrong. I love that there are experiments, with instructions, woven through the story that will allow readers to try some of Frank's experiments. The illustrations did a good job of capturing the mood and time of the story. I thought that the book was very well researched and love that the back matter includes a bibliography, historical notes, and photographs. 

The Boy Who Invented the Popsicle is a good read for young readers that have inquisitive minds and might want to experiment a bit on their own. This might just inspire some future inventors to keep trying new things.

Early Book Review: A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal by Carmen Oliver

A Voice for the Spirit Bears: How One Boy Inspired Millions to Save a Rare Animal by Carmen Oliver is a children's book currently scheduled for release on May 7 2019. This book is based on the life and work of Simon Jackson, who found navigating the world of the school playground difficult. He felt most at home in the woodlands, learning about and photographing wildlife. As a teenager, he became fascinated with spirit bears, a rare subspecies of black bear with creamy white fur. These elusive creatures were losing their habitat to deforestation, and Simon knew he had to do something to protect them. He decided he would become the voice for the spirit bears. But first, he would have to find his own. Part of the CitizenKid collection, this book demonstrates how one child can be a voice for change. Simon's story is an excellent example of growth mindset at work, highlighting personal growth and overcoming obstacles through activism. This book can also be used to lead discussions about character education as it relates to courage, resilience and perseverance. In addition, it has strong science curriculum links to the environment, animal habitats and the effects of clear-cutting.

A Voice for the Spirit Bears is a biographical picturebook that can show young readers (and their adults) that young people can make a difference. I think that the fact that Simon had to battle a stutter, shyness, and bullying in order to spread the word about the bears and to work toward his goals is as inspiring as his dedication to his cause and fighting for the Spirit Bears. I think his dedication and perseverance might help young people find the courage to stand up and work for things they believe in as well, because if he can deal with all of those obstacles than why can't the rest of us? 

I liked the style of the artwork, and think it captured the feel and intent of the story as much as the text. The emotions of the people and the beauty of the landscapes and animals was very well done. Combined with the emotion and message of the story itself I found the book as a whole to be uplighting and inspiring. I also like that at the end of the book readers get a more detailed biography of Simon and his work, and a little bit of information on what readers might do to help make a difference in their own community or for their own cause. The only thing I was hoping for here was a list or other organizations or groups young readers might want to get involved with. 

A Voice for the Spirit Bears is a beautiful and inspiring read. I think it can be enjoyed and inspire a wide range of readers to step out of their comfort zones and to stand up for a cause of their own. 

Book Review: Dr. Jo by Monica Kulling

Dr. Jo is a children's nonficton book written by Monica Kulling and illustrated by Julianna Swaney

Sara Josephine Baker was a strong girl who loved adventure. Growing up in New York in the late 1800s was not easy. When she lost her brother and father to typhoid fever, she became determined to pursue her dream of becoming a doctor. In Jo's day, medical schools were closed to women, but times were changing, and Jo was at the forefront. When she graduated in 1898, Dr. Jo still faced prejudice against women in her field. Not many people were willing to be seen by a female doctor, and Dr. Jo's waiting room remained mostly empty. She accepted a job in public health and was sent to Hell's Kitchen, one of New York's poorest neighborhoods where many immigrants lived. There, she was able to treat the most vulnerable patients: babies and children. She realized that the best treatment was to help babies get a stronger start in life. Babies need fresh air, clean and safe environments, and proper food. Dr. Jo's successes, fueled by her determination, compassion and ingenuity, made her famous across the nation for saving the lives of 90,000 inner city infants and children.

Dr. Jo is an important book because too many children (and adults) do not know about the wonderful women that were trailblazers set things into motion that still affect us today. Young readers (of all genders) can get inspired to follow their dreams, face obstacles that seem insurmountable, and deal with prejudice. Baker made great changes and led to poor women and children living much longer, safer lives. While in an ideal world lack of money would not mean lack of access to health care and safety, we all know that even in modern times this is not necessarily the case. Baker was a woman that worked hard to follow her dreams, and to help those that need it most. This is a wonderful example for readers of all ages. The wording of the information is well done, accessible to a wide range or readers and leaving the readers a little curious to find out more without feeling like important information was left out. The illustrations from Swaney are lovely to look at and help remind readers of the times when Baker was alive and adding color to the pages. 

Dr. Jo is an well written and interesting read about a woman the defied convention and helped the people that needed her most. I highly recommend this book for elementary school and public libraries, as well as personal libraries for anyone with children that will face obstacles live Sara Josephine Baker.

Early Book Review: The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Melina Mangal, Luisa Uribe

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a picturebook biography written by Melina Mangal, and illustrated by Luisa Uribe. It is currently Scheduled for release on November 1 2018. Ernest was not like other scientists. He saw the whole, where others saw only parts. And he noticed details others failed to see. Through stunning illustrations and lyrical prose, this picture book presents the life and accomplishments of Ernest Everett Just, an African American biologist who made important discoveries about the cell in the 1930s. Through his careful observations and hard work, Ernest opened up the wonder of the universe to all of us, through a tiny egg cell.

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just is a wonderful picturebook biography about a man that struggled against prejudice and never let anything get in the way of his search to understand the word around him. I like that he is described as an observer, because too many of our budding scientists today are observers as well, and often get hurried along rather than given the time they want to study the details of the world. Just's work and struggles are covered well here in the limits of the picturebook format, and the artwork does a wonderful job of complimenting the text, and the spirit of Just's work. 

I wish I had known more about this scientist and his work before now, and hope that this book will not only inspire young people to study the world around them, but for all readers to take some time and explore his life and work. I know I will be exploring the sources cited and information offered at the end of the book to better understand him, but to take it a step further and look into other scientists that do not get the respect and honor that they deserve. 

Book Review: Ada Lovelace (Little People, Big Dreams) by Isabel Sanchez Vegara, Zafouko Yamamoto

Ada Lovelace, written by Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Zafouko Yamamoto, is part of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Meet Ada Lovelace, the British mathematician and daughter of poet Lord Byron. From her early love of logic, to her plans for the world's first computer program, learn about Ada's life in this mini biography for readers as young as four years. This inspiring story of her life features a facts and photos section at the back.

Ada Lovelace is a biography for young readers, that is well done and charmingly illustrated. I found the combination of facts and cute to be inspiring and informative for readers of all ages that want a quick lesson on the woman behind the technology that changed our world. I like that the book encourages children to combine the things they love with the things they need and learn about. That just might be the encouragement the next game changer needs to follow their dreams and create something that will change the way we think and work all over again. I liked the time line and additional information that is included at the end of the book intended for older readers and those that might be sharing this book with younger readers. I think I am going to need to explore this series a little more, both for myself and the school library.