We are back in the swing of things with school in session. Elementary teachers have always used picture books in the classroom, but now, more than ever, the nonfiction picture book bios are needed. And today, I’m bringing you what is sure to be one of the most popular books this year and a classic for the future!
MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN
Written by Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by Danny Popovici
Published by Creston Books (September 2017)
Ages: 5-9
Themes: Ingenuity, courage, persistance
Synopsis:
From Midwest Review:
Manjhi Moves a Mountain” is an amazing story of dedication, persistence, vision, and steadfast love. It is a true story about a real man named Dashrath Manjhi, who lived in India from 1934 until 2007. Manjhi lived in a remote, poor mountain village, where a mountain divided his poor village from a sister village with water, fertile land, and access to health care and education. People from Manjhi’s village had to walk over 36 difficult miles to get to the sister village for access to crops, food, health care, and education, because of the difficult mountain obstacle between. Manjhi could see the differences between the two villages clearly, and he pondered the question of inequality between people at the top of the mountain. He came to a decision after throwing a stone against the mountainside in frustration, watching it dissolve into powder. This was his revelation! From then on, Manjhi spent every possible resource and effort to obtain a hammer and chisel and to use his full strength every day to work at pounding the stone of the mountain to make a road for the people from the poor village to travel to the rich village more easily. The work was hard, and had to be done in addition to the work of growing food and sustaining himself. Manjhi and his hammer became a common sight on the mountain, where he labored every day, chanting to himself, “Hold. Aim. Swing!” Though people told him he was crazy, that he should give up and accept inequality, he continued throughout his life, making slow progress in carving a pathway through the mountain. After 15 years, villagers could see real progress. People began to leave offerings of food, and new tools, to help him on his gigantic, self imposed task. Finally one day that was 22 years after Manjhi first had his vision, the last hammer blow was swung and the pathway that would become a road for everyone was open. Manjhi looked from one village to the other and saw not two villages, but one, “sharing water, hopes, dreams… and a man who had moved a mountain!” This true life story of an Indian sage who became revered and known as the Mountain Man is inspiring and moving to young readers age 5 and up. Beautiful earth-toned illustrations depict the mighty work of Manjhi and the awe and respect of his village friends. “Manjhi Moves a Mountain” is a true modern treasure and wisdom life story.
Why I like this book:
- The text engages from the opening lines to the satisfying ending!
- The illustrations are incredible (wait till you see tomorrow’s post when illustrator Danny Popovici shares his process AND his storyboard!
- The story is inspiring.
Related Activities:
Photo Courtesy: Kimberly Klein Sweder
http://www.ehow.com/how_12138304_make-fake-mountain-school-diorama.html
Paper Mache Mountain
Help your kids make their own mountain with paper mache. For detailed instructions: http://www.ehow.com/how_12138304_make-fake-mountain-school-diorama.html
- Visit the author’s website and have your child add his or her own story of the mountain they moved: http://www.nancychurnin.com/move-your-own-mountain/
- Draw a mountain and help children learn about values in color shading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxOjun8pbAw
Please don’t forget to leave a comment to be entered in Nancy’s giveaway of a copy of MANJHI MOVES A MOUNTAIN. And definitely don’t forget to be here tomorrow for a double your pleasure, double your fun Will Write for Cookies post featuring:
Author Nancy Churnin and Illustrator Danny Popovici
For more picture book reviews, check out Susanna Hill’s website, where picture book lovers link up their blog posts for Perfect Picture Book Friday.
To my friends and all those in the path of Hurrican Irma…we all join in praying for your safety!
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WOW! Unless they saw it, could anyone ever imagine what Manijhi did? I don’t think so, until this book, Nancy Churnin! Thanks, Vivian for this review. Can’t wait to double my pleasure with your guests!
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This is such an amazing story! I absolutely love the cover illustration 🙂
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Thanks, Vivian for your time and talent in introducing these wonderful books to us. Nancy has another winner!
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Wow that is incredible. I know I say it a lot but-this is going on my list. (It is getting to be a long list!) Thanks Vivian.
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What amazing perseverance and love Manijhi had for this people! This is a story everyone needs. TY Vivian and Nancy!
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This sounds like a truly inspiring real-life story, Vivian. I can’t wait to find out more about it.
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Congratulations, Nancy, on another gem! Can’t wait to see it!
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I remember my father telling me that with drive and persistence, it’s possible to move mountains. Of course, he was referring to the challenges in life that appear big as mountains. But bless Manjhi’s heart, he really did move a mountain!
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My kind of story — an ordinary man making a difference for his community. Such an extraordinary story for kids about vision and determination.
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Wow! What an incredible story, and that cover illustration is gorgeous. Thank you for sharing!
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This story touched my heart. Thank you for sharing Vivian.
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Love it! I’ll definitely be looking for this book on my next trip to the bookstore.
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I love Nancy’s books. This one looks amazing. i can’t wait to go find it. Thanks, Vivian for featuring it.
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This book does sound inspiring and a must read for everyone. Thanks for sharing!
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Manjhi sounds like an amazing man & I’m so glad that Nancy has written his story. Can’t wait to read the interviews tomorrow.
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The cover illustration by Popovici is really gorgeous!
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Love the topic and themes! Love the craft! Can’t wait to read all about Dashrath Manjhi. Picture books bios introduce readers to such fascinating people.
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I can’t wait to add this book to my daughter’s classroom for her to use to teach her students. I will also add it to my grandsons’ home library.
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