Conflict on the World Stage

One of the titles from the Owlkids Books fall 2013 list is still making waves in the media! Niki Walker, author of Why Do We Fight? Conflict, War, and Peace, was a panelist at the PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature in New York City this past weekend. There, she was part of a discussion about where the boundaries lie for children’s book content. Watch a video of Niki’s panel discussion here.

Niki’s book breaks down conflict in an accessible way for middle-grade readers. It provides a framework for understanding how different perspectives can escalate into conflict, and how conflict can be peacefully resolved – whether on a global or personal scale.

Reviews have been quick to praise the book for its clear, systematic approach to a complex topic. It’s gotten some awards attention, too! Why Do We Fight? is on the International Reading Association’s 2014 Notable Books for a Global Society list, and is a juvenile nonfiction category finalist for the ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year Award.

Niki also did a fall media tour in Toronto: for even more footage of Niki talking about her book, you can check out her appearance on Global TV’s The Morning Show. 

Books mentioned in this post:

Why Do We Fight?

Is Bigger Better?

Do you ever wish you were just a little bit bigger? So does this flea! In the new picture book The Flea, a tiny insect climbs higher and higher in an attempt to grow larger. Little does he know, however, that there are other ways to be big!

 The Flea uses a simple story and stylized illustrations to demonstrate to kids ages 2 – 4 the subtle differences between words and the importance of perspective. These concepts may sound daunting, but this text uses repetitive phrases and patterns to aid in early reading and understanding.  A quick pace and a funny surprise ending only add to the fun.

The Flea is an ideal picture book for little minds that long to be big.

Books Mentioned In This Post:

The Flea

What Time Is It?

You probably ask or answer the question “What time is it?” every single day. But for little minds, the whole concept can be daunting. It’s About Time: Untangling Everything You Need to Know About Time is a non-fiction book for 5- to 8-year-olds that invites readers to unravel and explore everything related to time, from the second all the way to the century.

The tricky topic is made fun and engaging through activities, anecdotes, speech bubbles, rhymes, and illustrations. It’s About Time covers everything from the difference between a.m. and p.m. and the length of time required to bake a cake (test out our recipe!) to tricks and tips that help kids remember the days of the week and the number of days in each month.

It’s About Time proves that just because the concept of time is abstract doesn’t mean that it has to be difficult! So, what time is it? Time to check out this great new resource!

Books Mentioned In This Post: 

It’s About Time

Math is All Around Us!

Math can be tricky, so why not use nature to help understand it? In Shaping Up Summer, kids can journey into a lively and colourful natural world – and discover that numbers, patterns, and shapes are hidden within!

Shaping Up Summer is the final book in the Math in Nature series, in which each book addresses topics such as geometry, symmetry, patterning, and spatial sense in a fun and engaging way. Featuring beautiful paper collage artwork and poetic rhymes, as well as thought-provoking facts and interactive questions, Shaping Up Summer allows primary school children the opportunity to actually enjoy learning about math.  

The first three books in the Math in Nature series have met with great feedback:  They “offer a realistic connection between math concepts and the world we live in,” (Resource Links Magazine) and “the strikingly beautiful layers of paper art truly draw the reader into the educational storyline.” (CM Magazine)

A picture book full of whimsy as well as facts, Shaping Up Summer succeeds in making math fun.

Books Mentioned In This Post:

Shaping Up Summer

Sharing is Caring

Sharing isn’t always easy. Sometimes, we just want something all to ourselves! Join Bunny as she learns the importance of sharing in the lively new picture book Share.

When Bunny’s little cousin visits, he wants to do everything she does. He wants to join her playing dress-up, but he breaks her bead necklace. He wants to read with her, but he jiggles around too much. Bunny even tries watching television and taking a lunch break, but her cousin still manages to get in the way! It is not until after he leaves that Bunny realizes she actually misses her cousin’s constant attention, and learns the real value of sharing.

Sweet and gentle, Share demonstrates an important and universal message through an engaging story and humourous artwork. In addition, repetition, rhyme, and rhythm create easy accessibility for readers ages 3 – 7. Here is a story that young ones will want to share, time and time again.

Books Mentioned In This Post:

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