Happy Friday, everyone! It’s time for the first Perfect Picture Book review and craft activity of 2015.

I’m going to be participating in Kristen Fulton’s 52 Weeks of Charting Non-Fiction Picture Books, so I can guarantee that quite a few of the reviews this year will be non-fiction ones. I discovered the ‘new’ non-fiction picture books when I enrolled in Kristen’s Non-Fiction Archaeology course last June…for those of you who have ever thought about writing in that genre, I urge you to check out her stellar class.

Before I took the class, my idea of a non-fiction book was based on what I had read as a kid. Back in the day, most non-fiction books, even those for kids, were BORING. But not anymore! And there are many different types of non-fiction…kids might not care, but parents, teachers and librarians might want to make the distinction.

For more detailed information, you can go here:
http://nonfictionandthecommoncore.blogspot.com/

RUNNING WITH THE HORSES

Written and illustrated by Alison Lester

Publisher: NorthSouth (2011)

Ages: 5 and up

Themes: Conquering fears, Lipizzaner horses, war

 

Opening Lines:

“A long time ago, a young girl named Nina lived in a palace that stood in the heart of a graceful old city. The palace was home to the Roayl Academy of Dancing Horss, where Nina’s father, Viktor, was the stable master.”

Synopsis:

From Amazon: “Nina and her father live in a beautiful riding school famous for their Lippizaners–precious, rare performing horses.  Nina loves the horses that her father looks after, but she also loves Zelda, one of the old carriage horses who she sneaks out to see.  It’s a perfect world for a little girl, although she has to compete with her father’s work for his attention.  But a war is coming, one that will threaten their lives and the very existence of the school. 

When the city is under attack, Nina and Father are in charge of fleeing with the horses to a safe place across the border, but can they pass enemy soldiers, bombed out bridges and the fearsome cold of the Alps to get there?  And can Nina save her beloved Zelda, too?”

 

 

Why I like this book:

A fictional story that relays what actually happened and shows how important it is to stand up for what you believe in

• Wonderful illustrations that capture the turmoil and fear of those who have to flee a city under siege

How a parent can use this book:

• For younger children, you can summarize each page – reading the illustration…older children will appreciate the tension of the actual text
• Ask your children what they would save if they had to leave quickly

 

 

Related Activity:

MAKE A HORSE OUT OF SHAPES

Photo courtesy: Leanne Guenther http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mshapes-horse.htm

 

This is a great craft for young kids…they will be learning about ovals, rectangles, circles and squares while having lots of fun.

All you need are construction paper, scissors, and a glue stick – for easy-peasy instructions, go to: http://www.dltk-kids.com/animals/mshapes-horse.htm

I hope you enjoyed today’s Perfect Picture Book recommendation and craft…remember – click this link: http://eepurl.com/8pglH and grab the free Anti-Bullying Toolkit Guide for Kids. You’ll also get the first issue of my quarterly newsletter (with picture book recommendations, quick and easy craft projects and simple healthful child-friendly recipes plus tips for parents and teachers)…it is scheduled to be delivered to inboxes tomorrow.