Archive for December, 2015

Elephant Journey is a Toronto Public Library Top Pick for December

December 22nd, 2015

“This picture book tells the true story of Toronto Zoo’s three elephants, Toka, Thika and Iringa, who were relocated to the PAWS sanctuary in California in 2013. The gorgeous oil paintings by Brian Deines show the beauty and intelligence of these wonderful animals, but also reflect the hardship they experienced living in captivity and in […]

Posted in Elephant Journey

A Year of Borrowed Men a “valuable and touching read…on the cusp of Christmas”—CanLit for LittleCanadians

December 22nd, 2015

“…Released on Remembrance Day, A Year of Borrowed Men will be a valuable and touching read for years to come in classrooms commemorating those whose lives were touched by war.  But on the cusp of Christmas–also a memorable event in the story–A Year of Borrowed Men will speak to inherent kind-heartedness and be a reminder […]

Posted in A Year of Borrowed Men

Victoria Times Colonist’s favourite picture books of 2015

December 22nd, 2015

“I often don’t like kids’ books that are too obviously tackling a particular social issue… By “issue” books, incidentally, I don’t mean stories with a message. Good stories often have a moral or message, and in the best ones, it never feels forced… Here are a few of my top picks for 2015 out of […]

Posted in Elephant Journey

Resource Links praises Elephant Journey by Rob Laidlaw and Brian Deines

December 22nd, 2015

“A book that combines the true story of transporting three elephants from the Toronto Zoo to a new home in California in 2013, and factual information about elephants. The details about this removal from the zoo to a Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) sanctuary in Calavaras County, California are precise. Details of the death of […]

Posted in Elephant Journey

Resource Links praises “sweet and simple” Kiss, Kiss

December 22nd, 2015

“This very sweet and simple tale describes many types of kisses in a language very young children will understand and appreciate—e.g. ‘You can do it once, or twice. 100 times is very nice.’ Each type of kiss illustrates the different varieties of relationships to parents, grandparents, pets etc., found in a small child’s life. The […]

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“The idea of balance is subtly shown” in Timo’s Garden—CM Magazine

December 22nd, 2015

“…In reading the book aloud, the wordcraft of the author becomes more pronounced; Allenby’s use of consistent alliteration and internal rhyme throughout Timo’s Garden adds to the enjoyment of reading it.… Also noteworthy is that Timo, in his reflection on his garden, lists and describes many different types of plants and flowers. This detail could […]

Posted in Timo's Garden

Timo’s Garden “beautifully illustrated,” “timeless,” and “heartfelt”—Resource Links

December 21st, 2015

“In this beautifully illustrated beginning chapter book, Victoria Allenby has introduced a lovely menagerie of animal friends, a timeless theme of the trials of friendships, and a whimsical and heartfelt text. When Timo hears about the upcoming Toadstool Corners’ Great, Green Garden Tour, he is both excited to enter the fun contest, and concerned about […]

Posted in Timo's Garden

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