The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by Uri Shulevitz*

Through Three Continents in the Twelfth Century

Mr. Shulevitz transforms Benjamin of Tudela's book, Book of Travels, into a picture book for children. Any extra information he added, he carefully researched and kept it authentic to the time period. 

Benjamin of Tudela is considered the greatest medieval Jewish traveler. After exploring (enduring drastic weather and circumstances) the "then known world" for  fourteen years, he arrived home to northern Spain to share his experiences and new knowledge. He had set out one hundred years before Marco Polo to view the world!

*Highly recommend for older students. Younger ones may find this account not very interesting.

-Borrowed from the library.

Pish, Posh said Hieronymus Bosch by Nancy Willard illustrated by Diane, Leo, & Lee Dillon

 A poem from Hieronymous Bosch's housekeeper's point of view. She is weary. Bosch's odd creatures create challenging days. She leaves but can't stay away!

A fictional account but based on Hieronymous Bosch's bizarre paintings. Bosch was a Dutch painter during the 1400s & early 1500s.

A fun addition to any medieval history unit. The Dillon family's talent is magnified in this book.

-Borrowed from the library.

Kiyoshi's Walk by Mark Karlins illustrated by Nicole Wong

 After observing his grandfather write a haiku, Kiyoshi asks him where poems come from. His grandfather, Eto, suggests they take a walk. Through the encounters on this walk, Kiyoshi learns how poems are inspired.

I would use this book when introducing poetry to elemenatary-age students and when learning about haiku.

-Borrowed from the library.

Honor Flight-Celebrating America's Veterans by Jeff Gottesfeld illustrated by Mattt Travares*

 Honor Flight Network sponsors veterans with a day in Washington, DC. Their goal is to honor veterans and to ensure them that they will not be forgotten. Readers join a veteran and his escort and experience this special honor.

Both author & illustrator were privileged guardians/escorts, so they are writing and illustrating as an eyewitnesses.

The notes provide a plethora of information.

A perfect book to read & share on Memorial Day or Veterans Day.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Walter Dragun's Town-Crafts & Trade in the Middle Ages by Sheila Sancha*

 Ms. Sancha researches extensively and thoroughly before she writes her books. After four years of research, she wrote and created this book. Actual documents were the foundation for this account of life in Stanford in the summer of 1274. Stanford, a prosperous trading center along the River Weland, prepares for a visit of a Florentine merchant. The town merchants are hoping that he will purchase a large quantity of wool. Readers are taken into various businesses and interact with a wide range of people. This book immerses the reader into a mediveal town-from the businesses to the religious observations to the politics.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Goldfinches by Mary Oliver illustrated by Melissa Sweet*

 Ms. Sweet illustates Mary Oliver's poem "Goldfinches". The way she separates the lines on singular pages causes the reader to reflect on the words and appreciate Ms. Oliver's word play and word choice. 

I love Ms. Sweet's collage art. I own four of her books. I enjoyed reading how she researched for this book. Her correlation between thistles and the timing of goldfinch nesting is interesting (I knew about it prior to reading this book. I am glad she focused on how they mutually benefit each other so a younger audience can be in awe of God.)

Consideration: In the author's note, she mentions Mary's life partner, Molly. Since the book is the poem, their relationship is not highlighted in the main text.

*Highly recommend but see consideration.

-Borrowed from the library.

Just William by Richmal Crompton illustrated by Thomas Henry

 I heard about this author and this series on a podcast interview with a British comedian. He recommended this series.

1st published in 1922.

William, an eleven year old "scamp", uses his creativity and intellect to cause excitment in his life and his family's life. He disrupts his older siblings's love lives, kidnaps a baby, mountain climbs up his stairs with an alpenstock, invites his class of thirty students to his home for a party when his parents and siblings are away and so much more. I laughed out loud numerous times while reading it.

How his childhood differs from the current generation's--They will be amazed at his freedom & how he must problem-solve!

Warning: the word "assified" is used a few times, William is naughty, selfish, & manipulative. The parents are a bit clueless and helpless. 

-Borrowed from the library.