Synergy: The Tin Woodman

The Tin Woodman is a character created by L. Frank Baum as part of the fictional Land of Oz. In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy befriends the tin man and together they experience adventures. The character shows up in other Baum books as well as the novel by Gregory Maguire titled Wicked.

Read the recently published graphic novel, then extend the experience with two digital books:

TIN MAN by Justin Madson is a graphic novel featuring the Tin Man made famous in the Oz books by L. Frank Baum. In this story, the tin woodsman is still seeking a heart, but teen Solar and her brother  Fenn are the ones who befriend this man made of metal. They help each other heal and find out where they belong. The limited text, attractive illustrations, and compelling story will engage even reluctant readers in this unusual friendship. ARC courtesy of Amulet Books, an imprint of ABRAMS.

Teachers and librarians may use this title to encourage children to revisit the classic works of L. Frank Baum or the newer novels of Gregory Maguire.

THE WONDERFUL WIZARD OF OZ is available digitally at Internet Archive.

To download, go to https://archive.org/details/wonderfulwizardo00baumiala.

THE TIN WOODMAN OF OZ is available as an audiobook at Librivox.

To download, go to https://librivox.org/the-tin-woodman-of-oz-by-l-frank-baum/

Website Review: Junie B Jones

The JUNIE B JONES website features activities based on this popular book character.

Published by Penguin Random House, this interactive website features books, games, activities, characters, and information about the author and illustrator. Children can join a kid’s club. Sections for teachers and parents explore ways to ideas and suggestions to connecting children with books.

Librarians will find this website useful when introducing Junie B. Jones to children. Use the resources in a book display or establish your own book club.

To visit the website, go to http://juniebjones.com/.

Website Review: Curious Critters Club

CURIOUS CRITTERS CLUB is a set of technology resources focusing on the quest for fictional creatures.

This technology-rich project includes a website, apps, and interactive books. Users participate in a mission to help scientists find new creatures. Participants become members of the Curious Critters Club and explore a world filled with 25 fictional characters. The website is available in both English and French. An app involves users in an augmented reality adventure. Two interactive story apps are also available including CALL OF THE GIANT EAGLE and THE MYSTERY OF THE CADDY.

Librarians will find the website an engaging way to introduce fictional creatures to children. Involve youth in writing about the characters and creating their own. Use the resources to tie storytelling with mythology and cultures from around the world.

To learn more, go to http://curiouscrittersclub.com/en/experience.

Website Review: Mo Willems

The MO WILLEMS website celebrates the books of popular children’s author Mo Willems.

The author’s website is divided into sections that explore the author’s book characters, books, and writing activities.

Visit the Go Mo! to explore a website specifically designed for children that contains book information, fun games, an art gallery, videos, and an adult page. Featuring Willems’ beloved characters, the audio-enhanced games are age-appropriate and engaging for young children.

Visit the Pigeon Presents! website to enjoy information and activities focusing on Willems’ popular pigeon characters. Users can play games, read about books, learn about book characters, and explore teaching materials. This website also links to the new Elephant and Piggie Thank-o-Rama website that provides an introductory video, thank-you spinner, drawing video, and worksheets for printing.

Visit Mo’s Blog for up-to-date information about the author’s recent activities and upcoming books.

Visit Mo’s FAQs! for fascinating insights into the author and his works. These FAQs provide a wealth of ideas for teaching with Willems’ books.

Visit Get Mo’ Stuff! for links to cool books, videos, toys, posters, and other materials that would be useful in creating an author display in the library.

Visit The Pigeon “Tweets” to follow the author’s tweets. Youth will enjoy following the many adventures of this fascinating author.

Librarians will find this website to be an outstanding resource for introducing primary grade children to the idea of author websites. The easy-to-use format and abundant videos and activities will help youth connect the author to his works. It’s also a nice way to provide relevant examples of social media including Twitter and blogs to children.

To visit the website, go to http://www.mowillems.com/.