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PBMentorTexts

Thankful and Thanksgiving Books #PBMentorTexts

It seemed appropriate for November to share my #PBMentorTexts list of thankful and Thanksgiving books. Every-other month or so I put together a list of five picture book mentor texts under a common theme. You can see all my #PBMentorTexts as a monthly feature over on my Instagram account.

Thankful and Thanksgiving Books

Thankful by Elaine Vickers and Samantha Cotterill

This journey through a year of things to be  thankful for is told in lyrical text and amazing illustrations made in miniature. “It’s hard to think about all the things to be thankful for in a whole year, so I start right in my own room.”

We are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell and Frane Lessac 

Another ‘through the year’ book, this one highlights traditional elements of Cherokee culture and introduces a range of Cherokee words as well. “When cool breezes blow and leaves fall, we say ‘otsaliheliga…’”

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

An ode to those with a giving heart – and for how the rest of us recognize and reward that. “‘I was playing with my race car down the hall when I smelled the most delicious smell,’ the little boy replied. ‘What is it?’”

Enough Is… by Jessica Whipple and Nicole Wong

This charming story comes at the idea of thankfulness through appreciating what you have and truly understanding Enough. “Somewhere between a little and a lot there is Enough. It might be hard to spot, but it’s always there.”

Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story
By Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, Alexis Bunten, and Garry Meeches Sr.

This is a unique Native retelling of the First Thanksgiving.

“‘Can you tell us a story?’ Quill asked.
‘How about the time Weeâchumun asked our Wampanoag ancestors to help the Pilgrims?’ N8hkumuhs replied.”

Want more #PBMentorTexts?

You can find more #PBMentorText posts by clicking here, or you can follow along on Instagram. If you subscribe to my quarterly newsletter (below), you’ll receive the most-recent #PBMentorTexts themes in a printable PDF format!

Newsletter Launch + Giveaway

I’m finally launching my quarterly newsletter. You can join in the fun by signing up below – the newsletter means you’ll hear from me 4xs a year or choose the “book news” option if you only want emails when new books are launching (like my piece in the Clio’s Magical Muse anthology!).

Each newsletter will feature one or more #PBMentorTexts sets, 5 amazing picture books on a common theme. This quarter’s newsletter contains Unique Twists on the First Days of School and Celebrating Our Names. I’ll also share some of my favorite archaeology news as well as personal and writing updates.

As a special bonus, I’m offering a giveaway. Two newsletter subscribers will win customized book recommendations! I’ve got a wide background in everything from picture books to chapter books to middle grade. Need comp titles for a new project? Want book suggestions for a kid reader in your life? Love middle grade books for yourself and want new ideas? The possibilities are wide open. Enter by 9/8/24.

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Lyrical Nonfiction #PBMentorTexts

#PBMentorTexts is a monthly feature over on my Instagram account. Each month I share a collection of picture books under a common theme. These would make great mentor texts for picture book writers, as well as great text sets for classrooms or at-home reading!

February’s theme was lyrical nonfiction. Rather than an oxymoron, today’s nonfiction books are increasingly beautiful to read as well as look at. Each of these titles holds a special place in my personal library.

Lyrical Nonfiction Text Set

Pando: a living wonder of trees
By: Kate Allen Fox & Turine Tran

This book draws you in and doesn’t let you go. Luminous illustrations add to the dreamy feel.

“For now, / there are more trees than stars you can see on a clear night / than species of fish in the sea / than miles that stretch around the world.

Woven of the World
By: Katey Howes & Dinara Mirtalipova

Capturing the entire history of weaving in a picture book is no small feat, and the lyrical poetry here is stunning.

“I listen as I’m weaving / to the rhythm of the loom. I imagine skeins of history / unfurled across the room—”

The Stuff of Stars
By: Marion Dane Bauer & Ekua Holmes

Luscious marbled illustrations meet sparse lyrical text covering the creation of the universe, plants, and everything else in between. 

“And the ash of those dying stars, gathering into planets, and the planets circled other stars…”

Giant Squid & Honeybee
By: Candace Fleming & Eric Rohmann

Each story captures the unique feel of its subject: the mystery of the giant squid and the buzzing, moving life of a honeybee.

“One summer morning deep in the nest, / a brand-new honeybee squirms, pushes, chews through the wax cap of her solitary cell…”

Great Carrier Reef
By: Jessica Stremer & Gordy Wright

An aircraft carrier might not be your first thought for a lyrical picture book, but this book captures its transition to an artificial reef.

“Unlike the Mighty O, which survived its battles unscathed, the future of reefs and the animals they serve is bleak.”

What topics would you like to see covered in a future #PBMentorTexts? Leave your ideas below!

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