Website Review: Shel Silverstein

SHEL SILVERSTEIN’s website contains resources and information about this well-known children’s author.

In addition to information about the author and his books, the website includes a section on fun resources including engaging, animated videos of his poems. Of particular note are the learning resources areas containing downloadable lesson plans, event kits, and drawing booklets.

Librarians will find the videos to be a useful way to introduce this poet. These narrated animations bring the poems alive and help children understand the rhythm of poetry reading.

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

Website Review: Steve Jenkins

STEVE JENKINS’ website explores the works of this popular author and illustrator of children’s books.

The website is divided into sections focusing on books and making books, science, and the author. A gallery and links are also provided. Of particular note are the video and pages that discuss the process of making books.

Librarians will find Jenkins’ essay about science useful for talking with children about his nonfiction books and why these types of books are important. Use the galley to inspire children to connect science with nonfiction writing and illustration.

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

Website Review: Kevin Henkes

KEVIN HENKES’ website contains information and resources about this popular children’s author and illustrator.

The website includes author and book information, along with resources for adults and short videos. Children will enjoy the questions and answers section along with the book pages featuring his popular characters including Chrysanthemum and Lilly.

Librarians will find dozens of downloadable teaching guides and student activities to accompany many of Henkes’ books. Of particular note are four videos featuring the author discussing his books.

To visit the website, go to https://kevinhenkes.com/.

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/.

Website Review: Author Jan Brett

JAN BRETT’s author website has been providing quality activities related to her books for nearly 20 years.

The Books section contains a complete booklist with high quality cover art. It also links to activities associated with each book.

The Activities area contains dozens of fun projects including bulletin board materials, bookmarks, certificates, alphabet resources, recipes, flashcards, and links to interactive games.

The Games pages including both computer games that can be played online and board games that can be created on paper.

The Coloring Pages provide thematic links to coloring pages that can be printed online or downloaded as PDF files.

The Murals section provides ideas and images that can be used to create murals for the library or classroom.

The videos page contains videos of Jan Brett drawing as well as her appearances and visits.

Users can use the email and printable cards pages to create communications. Or, listen to Jan Brett’s Hedge-a-Gram to hear directly from the author.

Keep up-to-date on what’s happening with Jan Brett on her blog. Participate in contests to win books and author visits. The Media and About pages provide information about the author.

This website contains endless ideas for library and classroom author and picture book activities.

Go to the website at http://www.janbrett.com/.

Book Review: The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life

THE SCRAPS BOOK: NOTES FROM A COLORFUL LIFE by Lois Ehlert is a charming picture-book and a perfect way to introduce the concept of autobiography to young children.

In her beautiful book, the beloved author-illustrator opens her studio and archives allowing readers to learn how she creates her popular picture books. Combining historical photographs, scans of book plans and drafts, along with artwork from her books, Ehlert uses a visually stunning approach to describe her life and creative process.

THE SCRAPS BOOK would be a wonderful way to introduce the concept of autobiography to young children. Begin by sharing and discussing her picture books. Then, read her autobiography pointing out familiar images from her work. Talk with children about the creative process and Ehlert as an author-illustrator.

Although Color Zoo was a Caldecott Honor Book, she hasn’t won the ultimate Caldecott medal. Could this be her year?

To extend the experience, what a video interview with Lois Ehlert from Reading Rockets at http://www.readingrockets.org/books/interviews/ehlert.