From cave drawings to the invention of the printing press to our digital age, discover how a story has been told in many different ways from the past to today. It’s always been around, making us happy, sad, excited, or scared and bringing people together. With simple text and delightful illustrations, Dan Yaccarino reminds us of the power of story.
Primary (ages 6-9)
Material appropriate for primary age groups
The Knot Impossible
Rufkin meets Nissy in a murky salvage yard, and a small boy who can only say “Help!,” and starts with them on a magical adventure.
I Am Pan
“A picture book about the Greek god of the wild, shepherds, music, hunting and misrule, Pan.”
Birdsong
“The wordless adventure of two children whose misdeeds are punished when they’re transformed into monkeys. In the tradition of kamishibai, or Japanese paper theater, the wordless format gives freedom to the readers to tell the story as they see it.”
The King And The Sea
“Buzz off,” said the king, shooing the bee from his flower. “Don’t you know I’m the king?” “And I’m the queen,” said the bee, stinging the king’s nose. These stunningly illustrated, ultra-short stories are seemingly simple but ultimately profound tales. In each story, the king has an encounter which he tries to rule over. But of course the rain doesn’t stop just because a king orders it, and tired eyelids can be much stronger than a king’s will. The king sees that his power has limits; the world is diverse and much of it operates under its own rules.
Beatrix Potter and the Unfortunate Tale of a Borrowed Guinea Pig
Master of the historical fiction picture book, Hopkinson takes readers back to Victorian England and the home of budding young artist and animal lover Beatrix Potter. When Beatrix brings home her neighbor’s pet guinea pig so that she can practice painting it.
A Year Of Borrowed Men
When World War II “borrows” the men in seven-year-old Gerda’s family, the German government sends them three new men in return: Gabriel, Fermaine, and Albert, French prisoners of war who must sleep in an outbuilding and work the farm until the war is over. Gerda knows they are supposed to treat the men as enemies, but it doesn’t seem fair.
Life Without Nico
Maia and Nico are best friends. They never get tired of playing together. Unexpectedly, though, Nico and his family have to move far away for a while. Maia is devastated.
My Baby Crocodile
When a crocodile rescues what he believes to be a “baby crocodile” and decides to raise it, a loving bond grows despite their differences.
The Water Princess
“The story of one young girl’s quest to bring clean drinking water to her African village.”
Featured in WOW Review Volume XIV, Issue 2.