Turns out that a parallel story structure—tracing the birth of a star along with the life of the woman who discovered the heart of their fire—is a perfect narrative metaphor. Wrapped in a blanket of sparkling space, an unformed star waits for its bright future to begin. Text ©Kirsten Larson Illustration ©Katherine Roy So begins … Continue reading The Fire of Stars – Perfect Picture Book Friday
Never judge an actress by her glamor or profession, because there may be something under that camera-ready veneer. In Hedy Lamarr's case, there was an extremely creative brain, one that worked nonstop, even while she was acting. Jacket flap: "Meet savvy scientist and inventor Hedy Lamarr, also known for her career as a glamorous international … Continue reading Hedy Lamarr’s Double Life – Perfect Picture Book Friday
I don't often feature long nonfiction books, but I was smitten and gobsmacked (I love both of those words) by "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies," a new 148-page picture book by the poet, Joyce Sidman. Maria Merian was born in Germany in the mid 1600s. If you haven't heard of her, you're not alone. She's … Continue reading The Girl Who Drew Butterflies – Perfect (Older, Nonfiction) Picture Book Friday
Jilanne Hoffmann 