Wordless Picture Books For All Ages!
Wordless Picture Books – for All Ages!
Wordless picture books (literally stories told completely through the use of pictures), have gained popularity in the last decade. There are a few reasons for this. These books can be great as introductions to books and reading for little readers. They can begin working on comprehension skills and book etiquette, even if they cannot decode or recognize words yet. But wordless books have benefits beyond the surface level idea of using them with toddlers and preschoolers. I was a middle school teacher for several years, and I found these types of books to be so beneficial even at the higher level. They allow children to exercise so many different skills including creative writing, predicting, analysis, and reframing.
Here are some wordless picture books at our library to get you started on this creative journey with stories:
Chalk by Bill Thompson
Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole
Have You Seen My Duckling? by Nancy Tafuri
Journey by Aaron Becker
Sector 7 by David Wiesner
–Chelsea Bunton, Youth Services Assistant
FDL Reads: The Longest Race
The Longest Race: Inside the Secret World of Abuse, Doping and Deception on Nike’s Elite Running Team by Kara Goucher
Reviewed By: Rebecca Cox, Business Manager
Genre: Non-Fiction
Suggested Age: Adults
What is This Book About? Kara Goucher, an elite professional runner and Olympian, opens up about her experience on Nike’s special running team the Nike Oregon Project. The Nike Oregon Project was a “secret” and extremely well-funded group of Nike sponsored athletes that was disbanded in 2019 after coach Alberto Salazar was banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for violations. Later Salazar was given a lifetime ban after being found guilty of sexually assaulting one of his athletes. This book is the first time that Kara Goucher came forward publicly as the woman behind the sexual assault allegations and fully told her side of the story from the beginning.
My Review: While initially this book doesn’t exactly sound like a feel-good type of memoir, I think it is such an important book to read. I am a runner but I related to what Kara was going through as a woman more than I did as a runner. The types of discrimination that women are subject to and the pressure to “keep their mouths shut” is something that we have seen as commonplace until the last several years. Kara’s story, while at times uncomfortable to read about, ultimately is one of her owning her own story and finding the courage to do something about it. I think everybody can learn from her example and find inspiration in her story.
It is also an interesting behind the scenes look at what it is like to work with a huge company such as Nike. Their ability to turn a blind eye to illegal practices since they are getting the results on the podium that they want is frankly sickening. The last several years of following this story and now especially after reading this book has made me sure that I don’t want any Nike clothing in my running wardrobe.
Three Words that Describe this Book: Inspiring, Informative, Eye-Opening
Give this a try if you like… Choosing to Run by Des Linden, Bravey by Alexi Pappas, Good For A Girl by Lauren Fleshman
Rating: 5/5
Introducing the Library’s Strategic Plan
FDL is excited to have developed its latest strategic plan with community input in order to move the library forward. This Thanksgiving and always, we’re appreciative of those who shared their time and unique perspectives to better the library and East Peoria. Our board and staff are committed to using this plan to continue providing vital services. Learn more at https://fondulaclibrary.org/plan/.
#FDL: Native Voices for Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month. We pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. Check out this list of Native authors who write fiction and nonfiction works.
Fiction
Nonfiction
–Post by Susie Rivera, Adult Services Specialist
#FDL is an update on all things Fondulac District Library and books.
Multicultural Holidays
Multicultural Holidays
It’s that time of year again, where we gather around the table, eat delicious home cooked meals, and celebrate the time honored family traditions we have passed down from generation to generation. For some families this is by celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve. However, there are so many families that celebrate holidays around this time of year that you may not think of as well. Here is a list of some books that can help you appreciate not just these popular American holidays, but also the holidays that often go overlooked this time of year!
Diwali (Nov. 12, 2023)
Diwali by Lori Dittmer by Lori Dittmer
It’s Diwali! by Surishtha Sehgal
Binny’s Diwali by Thrity Umrigar
Hanukkah (Dec. 7-15, 2023)
Hanukkah by Lori Dittmer by Lori Dittmer
Is it Hanukkah Yet? by Nancy E. Krulik Nancy E. Krulik
Light the Menorah! by Jacqueline Jules
Kwanzaa (Dec. 26, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024)
Kwanzaa by Betsy Rathburn by Betsy Rathburn
Kwanzaa by Lori Dittmerby Lori Dittmer
The People Remember by Ibi Aanu Zoboi
Lunar New Year (Feb. 10, 2024)
Lunar New Year by Susan Hamenby Susan Hamen
Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMottey Lily LaMotte
D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine
– Jacob Roberts, Youth Services Speicalist
FDL Reads: Super Pancake
Super Pancake by Megan Wagner Lloyd
Reviewed By: Alice Mitchell, Youth Services Manager
Genre: Superhero fantasy (graphic novel)
Suggested Age: Kids (Ages 7-12)
What is This Book About? Peggy Pancake’s parents think she’s completely irresponsible and unreliable. She can’t wake up with her alarm, misses the bus, gets detention, and is so late after school that her parents have to keep rescheduling their family pictures. At Career Day, the Bacon Bullies put a mysterious serum from Dr. Egglentine Egg in Peggy’s lunch that gives her superpowers! Unfortunately, this gets the attention of the evil Dr. Breakfast Sandwich and his henchtoasts.
My Review: Peggy is a character that is easy to sympathize with, from being constantly compared to her brother, getting in trouble at school, and wanting to make friends. The art in this book is really cute! I loved the syrup used to style Peggy’s hair. The world of Breakfast Town is delightful, from the waffle-shaped Winifred Waffle Elementary School to the Bacon Bullies that need to rhyme all of their sentences. I had a fun time reading this book and watching Peggy grow as a person, getting brave enough to stand up for herself and her new friend.
Three Words that Describe this Book: breakfast, self-confidence, friendship
Give This A Try if You Like… Captain Underpants and Dog Man by Dav Pilkey, Investigators by John Green, Donut Feed the Squirrels by Mika Song
Rating: 4/5