A Compelling CARBON Story: From Bam! to Burp!

 For anyone unfamiliar with Melissa Stewart, I urge you to check out some of my past posts HERE, HERE, HERE and click her name to check her website and her other amazing nonfiction books. Among those who read nonfiction picture books, she is an icon of excellence. For those who write (and teach with) nonfiction picture books, she is a generous and highly inspiring guide to the many aspects and uses and purposes of these materials. The back matter in each of her books make for informative and expansive reading, too, including diagrams, definitions, further examples, guides to inquiry, and usually an author note. All of these are rendered with appealing language and with colorful illustrations that serve as kid-magnets for further exploration. 

CHARLESBRIDGE, 2025

That sets a high bar, for Stewart, her various illustrators and publishers, too. She does not disappoint, and that's especially true in the case of FROM BAM! TO BURP! A Carbon Atom's Never-Ending Journey Through Space and Time and YOU! The little Carbon atom with big eyes is the star of a very active and time-spanning story, one that is the result of a student's question during an author visit in 2016. (Reading author notes and  illustrator notes can reveal so MANY rich insights like that one!)

Melissa's career in nonfiction means she has the answers to nearly anything that might be asked. Often, that is. But in this case a third-grader's curiosity about a stated fact left her wondering about the answers. Carbon is, of course, the building block of life on our planet., With its team of two OXYGEN atoms, CO2, is pictured appealingly by illustrator Marta Álvarez Miguéns, and CARBON stars on every page, as it should. 

Stewart's scientific statement was that we are all made of carbon atoms, and those same atoms could have been part of a dinosaur living on the other side of Earth 150 million years ago! The How? Where? When? inquiry from that curious young listener left Melissa wondering, too. That resulted in this action-packed, fast-moving, jaw-dropping story the role of CARBON in life as we know it. 

The end papers hint that CARBON can hide among many molecules, and the first spreads make sure that even quite young readers/learners can picture the variety of ways those carbon molecules move throughout time and space. Without tracing here the amazing arrival and journeys of carbon atoms on our planet step by step, I can't resist mentioning that about 4.5 billion years ago, "Old Earth" was smacked (BAM!) by another planet. That led to CARBON becoming part of our planet while the remnants of that early crashing planet coalesced into what we now know as our moon! That alone is a massive story that is effectively told in two spreads, grounding the story of Earth's layers and eventual evolution. The combination of a CARBON atom with two oxygen atoms makes it possible for CO2 to travel the global wind ways, for plants to develop photosynthesis, for dinosaurs to eat those carbon-filled leaves, and on through page-turning times and places and pancakes. That kids eat! And anyone who has ever burped knows that the next step in a CO2 journey could well be a burp! 

The entire story makes such clear sense that I raced through it to find and absorb the connections and impacts of the never-ending story of CARBON. Then, I immediately went back through the book again, examining the bright and expanding illustrations and digesting the clarity of CARBON's role in life. That has been an abstract nugget of science info for many decades of my life, but this gem of a book truly made that fact come alive. 

Stewart also offers back pages of more "Wonders", such as the ones posed by that curious kiddo during an author talk. That is followed by facing pages with a text descriptor and a scientific drawing of the CARBON CYCLE, and a page of excellent resources to discover more and to confirm that this remarkable story is accurate and verifiable. The author note is accompanied by an illustrator note, indicating that her collaboration with Stewart made her efforts more effective and successful. 

As I said above, each new offering Stewart releases meets and exceeds the standards of the best of the best in nonfiction picture books. This is one whose origin story is a powerhouse to share with kids. Stories, including nonfiction ones, begin with curiosity and questions! What a fine example of taking that inquiry to research and then write. Priceless. 

MEET THE MINI-MAMMALS: And a Masterful Creative Team

 Nonfiction picture books can take many forms, and the quality of creative productions varies widely. Author Melissa Stewart is widely acclaimed for the nonfiction books she writes but also for her support of other writers and teachers and families in finding and celebrating nonfiction offerings. She freely recommends works by others as much or more than her own. Anyone who enjoys reading and learning from nonfiction picture books should become familiar with Melissa Stewart.  I've reviewed some of her other books HERE, and HERE. 

When it comes to illustrations for nonfiction books, the range of styles and approaches is wide and effective in a variety of ways. BRIAN LIES is the illustrator of this and other picture books, many of which are intensely realistic while entirely fiction. Whether fiction or nonfiction, the characters/creatures involved are portrayed in their native habitat or holding a pointer and wearing a jacket and gloves, the actual animal details are accurate and revealing of the animals' natural ways-- posture, movement, behaviors, and more. In addition, each creature conveys an inner awareness and something of a  personality, with no attempt to humanize or anthropomorphize the creature/character. Even in fictional stories, the critters carry out their conversations and adventures within a context that retains a sense of their species identities and patterns. Examples of books I've reviewed are HERE and HERE, and HERE.

BEACH LANE BOOKS, 2025

These two talented creators combined their expertise in a new picture book, MEET THE MINI-MAMMALS: A Night at the Natural History Museum.  With the premise of inviting readers into a guided tour of the natural museum department of mini-mamals, Our well-dressed instructor/docent manages to wrangle the living specimens from page to page, though there are occasional spreads in which  a scattering of tails or other clues indicate the need for redirection to their respective displays. 

The text begins with a review of what makes a mammal a mammal, and a presents a challenge to learn more about some tiny mammals that might be less known and respected. Each double spread presents a species in a shadow-box frame-home, along with a bit of straightforward text content. The facing spread provides an image of the critter in its natural setting, including inset facts and comparison to the weight of the typical adult to something that would be more familiar. From matching to an Asian pear or softballs, the comparison objects become progressively smaller, slipping down to mini-marshmallows. 

We, as readers, follow this "tour" to determine which is actually the smallest mammal of all, then to a map room to find their global territories. The closing pages offer brief scientific fact sheets about each of the ten examples shared. What might have been an informative but solely scientific presentation of these same facts takes on a storytelling, collaborative connection with these unique and appealing little mammals, involving the reader as cohorts in a special "club" of sorts. It made me, as a reader, want to enter into their world, to learn more, and to meet their various animal-kingdom cousins. I think it is likely to do the same for you!

"Speed Round": a Few Picture Books Featured During NCTE 2023

 

HOLIDAY HOUSE, 2023

To make up for several missing weeks of posts, this time I will spotlight several picture books that followed me home from my recent NCTE Conference. To name any single title, author, session, or special event as the best would not do justice to the well-planned array of experiences offered. Even so, I'll admit that joining the Notable Children's Book Awards Luncheon was unforgettable. I was seated at a table hosted by Holiday House, showcasing their informational poetry picture book THE DIRT BOOK: Poems About Animals That Live Beneath Our Feet. Author David L. Harrison was a special guest of the publisher and I was delighted to take part in some lively conversation. Big bonus?  I received a signed copy of his book!

I reviewed this delightful picture book earlier this year, a library copy, and this is what I had to say at that time:

"What's better than a collection of poems in a variety of forms that informs and explores the various lives (from roots to earthworms to mice) that abide mostly underground. Easy, right, to conclude "out of sight out of mind"? Not so in this case. Sharing the common habitat of "dirt", each exploration entertains and amazes in ways both familiar and unexpected. The " What's better?" part is in the trim size and art design that requires readers to turn the book 90 degrees and view the spreads from very long top-to-bottom expanses. The dark-toned illustrations also remind and invite readers to consider things that don't sparkle or flash, but may well, often do, prove to be treasures of nature."

That's all true, and now I happily add that this is a 2023 Notable Picture Book of Poetry!

Random House Studio, 2023 

During those whirlwind four days I also attended a fantastic panel session that included the noted, multi-award-winning, and always inspiring Melissa Stewart. Her presentation did not disappoint, and I later lined up to meet her and receive a signed copy of her latest non-fiction picture book, WHALE FALL: Exploring an Ocean-Floor Ecosystem.

This is both luminous and enlightening in its informative text, the fluid and movement-infused illustrations, and the remarkable facts of this after-life contribution of whales. Their biodegrading processes have served the ocean ecology since whales first existed and yet evidence of a whale fall was  only discovered and study begun in recent decades. This is one astonishingly powerful picture book I urge you to read and share.Everyone should know this powerful portrait of life.

GROUNDWOOD BOOKS, 2023

In a light and lively twist, author Nadia L. Hohn shared her latest release, MALAIKA, CARNIVAL QUEEN. In this title, Malaika continues to splash her warm-hearted and colorful joy of life in CARNIVAL season. As in earlier titles featuring Malaika, a contemporary story is woven with local language, culture, family history, and an innovative, engaging personality that sparkles on the page and leaps into young readers' lives. 

These three varied  titles range across library categories, target ages, and purposes.These are only a first sampling of the exciting books and authors I encountered in a few short days. I promise to return soon with some more special offerings and background stories. Meanwhile, this trio of beauties are available in libraries and for holiday gifting. With such a variety of topics and treatments, there must be someone in your life who would love to find one or more of these in their lives, right?

Some CYBILS Seaside Science: Two Approaches

We Cybils panelists are coming into the critical, painful stage of winnowing, narrowing the extensive lists of nonfiction nominees to the best of the best for both elementary and middle grade readers. As you read on, be aware that my features here are (and have been) a reflection of books that particularly spoke to me and that I felt would have special appeal to readers. I offer no "hints" about where the decisions are headed because we are still in advance of that stage (and sworn to secrecy!). 
I've been sharing outstanding books on this blog for nearly eight years and I'm not about to stop now. Winning an award is delightful and fun, yet winning over readers with a book that will last the test of generations is the best award of all. This is particularly true of  science nonfiction, since new discoveries and experimental results change rapidly. 
I've been trying to feature a wide range of my own favorites (WAY MORE than will fit on a shortlist) by pairing (or tripling) some titles based on topics or types. So science is a terrific place to start.

Charlesbridge, 2019

Melissa Stewart is one of the most entertaining and engaging authors of nonfiction, one I admit is a favorite. Even though she has a stack of awards to prove it, I strongly resist naming favorites among anything literary.
SEASHELLS: MORE THAN A HOME is a perfect example of the remarkable talent Stewart brings to the research, insights, and writing of science picture books. A nod goes to the illustrators with whom those words and content are paired, as in this case, Sarah S. Brannen.These two creators have been paired for other titles, including FEATHERS: NOT JUST FOR FLYING. 
In both visuals and text, the depth of science research is evident: endpapers, scientific labeling, simulated field notes, back matter sources, and further prompts. The tone of this book makes it a delight for read aloud for even the youngest. The flowing main narrative provides familiar comparisons of various shell adaptations to increase survival, and Stewart's figurative language provides a pattern for early language development. It is framed within a horizontal and watery display that soothes and refreshes. The parallel paragraphs of accessible but more detailed content and the accurate but soft-edged specimens are set in natural habitats that explain and expand the meaning of the lyrical lines that float across the top of each page.

"Seashells can wear disguises like a spy...

or hide in plain sight like a soldier in camo clothing.

Seashells can open like your mouth...

and close quickly like your eyelids."

A wordless visual narrative allows a diverse and curious group of friends to propel the content through illustrations, spanning a day of noticing, examining, and discussing among themselves what they have found and learned at the beach. 

One reason this and its related titles appeal so deeply to my taste is that both text and illustrations also work well with older readers. The similes offer a rich resource as mentor-text for young writers, moving them from simply lifting content and rephrasing it to analyzing, comparing, and expressing science content effectively. 

The related information may engage young readers as they develop skills, but will be embaraced by parents who seek ways to answer questions, and by established learners as a template for creating original works on science subjects of their choice.

Millbrook, 2019

LITTLE MONSTERS OF THE OCEAN: Metamorphosis Under the Waves is another book that stands out as a science offering about the watery wild. Scientist/author Heather l. Montgomery provides complex and intriguing content for older readers. The cover alone guarantees that readers will snatch this one up, and the many astonishing photo images within are fully credited in back pages. 

The main text is loaded with readable informative narration, artfully balanced with gorgeous full page and inset photos that include equally fascinating and accessible captions. This layout also allows older readers with challenges to learn from much of the content even when not as independent as peers.

The book design is ideal for older audiences, utilizing traditional expository formats: a table of contents, author notes, glossary, selected bibliography, suggested further explorations, and an index. The color choices for page background and font color combine with text details to offer excellent accessibility and examples for practice in such text, including boldface vocabulary, sidebars, scientific drawings and diagrams. The central content, the role and process of metamorphosis of a variety of ocean life, flows throughout the main and supplemental text and images. This is a treasure trove of factual content within a strongly framed concept. I can picture readers looking up mid-page to find someone with whom to share images and information, facts that will persist and encourage further inquiry in many minds.

Stay tuned for coming posts about nominees on science topics, biographies, and interactive text.  

"So many books, so little time..."

An Irresistible Nonfiction Winner by Melissa Stewart

Peachtree Books, 2018

Here's a recent picture book that will win fans at any age.  PIPSQUEAKS, SLOWPOKES, and STINKERS: Celebrating Animal Underdogs is written by the superb and prolific nonfiction author, Melissa Stewart. The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis are as appealing and impressive as the sparkling text.

Just look at that title! It speaks for itself about the delightful vocabulary, wordplay, humor, and figurative language that lifts this nonfiction picture book to that special category of books capable of entertaining as thoroughly as they instruct. Stewart's many awards attest to the ways in which she has refined her talent in this arena. It is on full display with this presentation. Stewart presents ways that some less-than-familiar animals use oddities of size, coloration, body parts, aroma, behaviors, and other traits that fall far outside those considered "cute". The illustrations by Stephanie Laberis manage to capture Stewart's lighthearted but accurate descriptions of animal adaptations that have allowed these unusual critters to survive beyond the more-familiar types of "camouflage". 
For example: instead of "small" or "tiny", there's a variety of frog who could "perch on your pinkie", "puny peewees" pursued by predators with huge teeth and razor-sharp claws. These alliterative phrasings and word choices delight on the first read and invite MANY repeated readings, including as mentor text for young writers. 
As is typical of Stewart's books, the back matter offers cameo illustrations of each of the twelve featured creatures with short accessible paragraphs revealing added facts. 
Stewart's dedication is to kids who feel bullied with a reminder that what others may see as weaknesses may actually be a strength. Laberis carries that thought forward to the various critters who have been served in a favorite wildlife hospital. Additional writing insights and teaching resources are available from Stewarts  website, where readers will find an abundance of titles that win hearts to science, and a reassure of resources for teaching and extending learning related to this book and her other titles.

Don't miss this stellar nonfiction picture book for any age. While you're at it, you may want to take a look at some of my previous posts involving amazing science writers, adaptations, predators/prey.

How Things Come to Be: The Chicken or the Egg?

Melissa Stewart recently posted some notes about creating her book, No Monkeys No Chocolate, including a wonderful link to an interactive timeline showing how the book itself came to be. Don't miss it!

Last week I was lucky enough to interview the incredibly talented Molly Idle to learn about how she creates her amazing picture books, including Flora and Flamingo  and Tea Rex, among many others. If you missed it, I urge you to take a look.

Since school has resumed, sharing interviews with authors and illustrators is more relevant than ever. All those books stacked on shelves, filling personal reading packets, and shared on carpets come from somewhere, from someone(s) who worked long and hard to put them into our hands, homes, and classrooms. Reflecting on the time, energy, revision, analysis, and collaboration each book represents is challenging to us all, but especially so for young children. Their sense of time, shaped as it is by the short span of their lives, struggles to grasp how endlessly long it seems to Christmas or to their birthdays. It's nearly inconceivable to them that someone could spend several years writing, then additional years illustrating, manufacturing, and releasing a book of only 32 pages, in this case without a single word of text!

And yet dinosaurs intrigue young minds and seem to make perfect sense to them.

Greenwillow Books, 2006

That's why I'm convinced that even the youngest children will embrace and enjoy AN ISLAND GROWS, by Lola M. Schaefer and illustrated by Cathie Felstead. They'll be captivated by the spare but vivid rhyming text and illustrations.

"Deep, deep, beneath the sea,

Magma glows.

Volcano blows.

Lava flows

and flows

and flows."
The island's development proceeds through the forces of nature and society to become a home to plant and animal life, people, economies, and cultures. Meanwhile, "deep, deep beneath the sea..."
other islands are forming. Simple but precise back matter describes the process further and points curious readers to additional sources.

Charlesbridge, 2013

Even closer to home, and not just for kids, but for chocolate-lovers of any age, is NO MONKEYS, NO CHOCOLATE, by Melissa Stewart and Allen Young, illustrated by Nicole Wong. It, too, encompasses long spans of time and could easily take place on the island created in the previous  title. From the luscious offerings on a birthday table the reader is led, page by page, to the source of the deliciousness of chocolate. 

From beans to pods to flowers, leaves, ants, and maggots (maggots?! Ant-brain-eating maggots?), through stems, down to the roots, enriched by fungi (fungi, too?), and back to the beginning- the sprouting of a cocoa bean. 
What, no monkeys? What's up with that?
The monkeys finally make an appearance as the heroes who open cocoa pods to suck on the citrus-y pulp surrounding the seeds, traveling through treetops and spitting out seeds to grow in the fertile forest floor to eventually become new cocoa plants, ensuring the circle of life.

A delightful feature, one that will draw even the youngest readers through this labyrinth, is the page-turning presence of a pair of chocolate-munching, commentating bookworms in the lower left corner of each spread. They initiate the page turns (allowing peeks at the coming illustrations) and insert comic remarks. These include puns, word play, and repeated reminders of the notable lack of monkeys.

This collaboration of a highly successful science writer (click the link here to Melissa Stewart's Science Clubhouse) with an expert on chocolate is described in the author's note. She also explains how she came up with the bookworms (inspired by Statler and Waldorf, the old guys in the Muppets balcony). Her note also indicates how many years this book simmered and stewed in her thoughts before it was ready to move on to an editor, illustrator, book designer, and finally into our hands.

I'm filled with an impulse to list another dozen related titles, but I'll resist the urge and encourage you to start with these two. If they lead you to more titles, share them in comments. If you want suggestions of other like this, just ask!