Tell us about your favorite books!If you would like to share
your favorite book with Artsology viewers, send us an e-mail with the book title, a little information
about yourself, and why it's your favorite book. We will occasionally post your book reviews here as well! |
Shirley's Book Review Archive |
| Shirley has a tremendous collection of great childrens' books. She's offered her opinion here before. Click HERE to read all of her past book
reviews! |
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Your first question may be: "Who is Shirley?" She's been a teacher for over 20 years, and has one of the largest collections of children's books
in the Midwest, that's who!
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When was the last time you have examined an "ABC" book? If you are thinking that all "ABC" books are alike
(A is for apple, B is for ball), then you have a wonderful surprise in store for you! As a collector of more than 250 alphabet
books, I can assure you that |
"ABC" books have much to offer children of all ages. As a teacher I would often use them for
language enrichment or to introduce new topics of study in the areas of science, math, social studies and the fine arts.
Just enough information is given to entice students to want to learn more.
I would like to recommend three different ABC
books all from the subject area of music. The first is "On Your Toes: A Ballet ABC" by Rachel Isadora. Isadora studied at the
School of American Ballet and danced with the Boston Ballet, and her book shows the author's intimate knowledge of ballet.
While she has written many picture books for children, including a Caldecott Honor Book, I believe this book is one of her best.
It is beautifully illustrated using children from diverse cultures, and there is an excellent glossary in the back for more
information on each of the terms illustrated. Although it is a book recommended for children in preschool through second grade,
I think older children interested in dance would enjoy it too. |
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A second book that I would strongly recommend is Kathy-jo Wargin's book "M is for Melody A Music Alphabet".
The author began her writing career while attending the University of MN in Duluth where she majored in Music Theory and |
| Composition. It was her love of making music with words that led her to writing children's books. And this book is a beautiful
example of her ability to write poetic text to define a wide variety of musical vocabulary. Young children will love the
music of the language as the book is read to them, and older children will be fascinated with the information given about
instruments, composers, history and musical styles which is found in the margins. This book is a wonderful way to introduce
your children to the joy that is music. |
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The third "ABC" book that is one of my favorites is "Jazz ABZ: An A to Z Collection of Jazz Portraits" written
by Wynton Marsalis and illustrated by Paul Rogers. If ever I needed to prove my point that "ABC" books are for all ages, this
book is my proof. While it is |
| suggested for grade 7 through adults, I believe jazz lovers of all ages will enjoy "Jazz ABZ".
Marsalis uses 27 different poetic forms, and his rhythmic language attempts to illustrate the styles of the jazz artists featured
on each page. The artwork by Rogers is exciting and provides much material for discussion. At the end of the book there is
provided additional information on each of the musicians who are featured. What a wonderful way to introduce students to the
creative world of jazz with interesting poetry and modern art as bonuses. |
| Now, as you search for books that provide rich language development, information on a wide variety
of topics and a source of pure enjoyment, I invite you to consider the wonderful world of the "ABC" books. |
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