I’m sure nobody will be surprised that one of my favorite activities is reading picture books. And I’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s even more fun when the book is written by someone I know…someone I’ve met in person. Today’s Perfect Picture Book is one of those! Author Nancy Churnin has DONE IT AGAIN! She is on a roll with her fabulous nonfiction picture book biographies!
Written by Nancy Churnin
Illustrated by James Rey Sanchez
Published by Creston Books (May 2018)
Ages: 6-9
Themes: Music, The American Dream, Believe in yourself
Synopsis: From Amazon:
Irving Berlin came to the United States as a refugee from Tsarist Russia, escaping a pogrom that destroyed his village. Growing up on the streets of the lower East Side, the rhythms of jazz and blues inspired his own song-writing career. Starting with his first big hit, Alexander’s Ragtime Band, Berlin created the soundtrack for American life with his catchy tunes and irresistible lyrics. With “God Bless America,” he sang his thanks to the country which had given him a home and a chance to express his creative vision.
Why I like this book:
- Inspiring story of overcoming the odds
- The text sings, just like the songs Irving Berlin wrote
- Amazing illustrations have rhythm and movement
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Photo courtesy: https://iheartcraftythings.com/12-fabulous-american-flag-crafts-kids.html
With Flag Day and the 4th of July just around the corner, here is a wonderful selection of crafts for kids! Irving Berlin was so proud to be an American…you can help your kids create something to help celebrate these important holidays.
For detailed instructions: https://iheartcraftythings.com/12-fabulous-american-flag-crafts-kids.html
And for a very detailed review of Nancy’s book, there’s a wonderful blog post at Books My Kids Read: https://booksmykidsread.wordpress.com/2018/05/30/irving-berlin-the-immigrant-boy-who-made-america-sing/
For more picture book reviews, please hop over to Susanna Hill’s resource list of over 1000 picture book reviews. And for today’s rainbow array of picture book reviews from some of our favorite kitliters, click here.
Thank you, dear friends, for stopping by. If you are traveling this weekend, please be safe. But wherever you are, if you have children, take time to read them a picture book. And if you don’t have kids, read one anyway!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
I hope this book is a big seller, as it is appropriate anytime, but especially for our patriotic holidays. Congratulations, Nancy! Thanks for this review and corresponding activities, Vivian!
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I had no idea Irving Berlin came to America from Russia. I just checked on my library website to see if they have this book, and they don’t… But, I put a request in and hope I don’t have a long wait to read this book.
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Sounds like Nancy has written another wonderful biography! Thanks for bringing it to my attention – can’t wait to read it!
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Nancy picks the best topics for her books! Thanks for sharing this, Vivian. Looking forward to diving in.
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Thank you, Nancy and Vivian, for sharing a wonderful immigrant story!
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This sounds like a really patriotic PB. I hadn’t even realized he came over from Tzarist Russia!
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An excellent book choice. Congratulations to your author friend!!
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Congratulations, Nancy! So glad you write books that focus on such interesting people!
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What a lovely biography about Irving Berlin, one of my favorite composers. Our philharmonic orchestra did a tribute to him in May. This is a must read. My husband’s uncle was a well-known composer of opera and orchestral music and he studied with so many of the greats. Thank you for sharing this book today, Vivian.
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This looks like another fun bio to read! Ya gotta read fast to keep up with Nancy C.
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Lovely book on a great man. I had heard of Irving Berlin so this will be especially interesting to read. Great choice for PPBF Vivian.
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