She won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction at 28. She died last week at 81. Ten years ago, Sam Anderson gave a compelling description of Annie Dillard’s prize-winning book, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, in The New York Times Magazine: “’Pilgrim’” unleashed upon the world Dillard’s radical style: prose right on the border of poetry, dense… Read more »
Nonfiction
A Shell Is Cozy by Dianna Hutts Aston
A Shell Is Cozy Today on “Take Five,” I’m recommending a nonfiction book for grades K – 4 called A Shell is Cozy, written by Dianna Hutts Aston, illustrated by Sylvia Long, published by Chronicle Books, 2023. Growing up, I enjoyed many summer vacations on Carolina beaches. I spent hours strolling the shore, toes in… Read more »
Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm
Today I’m recommending Zap! Clap! Boom! The Story of a Thunderstorm by Laura Purdie Salas, illustrated by Elly MacKay (Bloomsbury, 2023). Like Laura, I grew up in the southeastern United States, where, in late summer, thunderstorms brewed almost every afternoon. I welcomed their drama and the brief cool they ushered in. Sample page: Rustling, murmuring,… Read more »
How to Help Kids Pay Attention to Nature
This post first appeared on Patricia Newman‘s LitLinks blog on Sept. 25, 2024. LitLinks, LitLinks-Grade 3-5, LitLinks-Grade K-2 GUEST BLOGGER CYNTHIA ARGENTINE In a fascinating study, scientists discovered that “nature connectedness” helps people feel life is worthwhile. Those who felt more connected to nature also felt happier and healthier.[i] Wonderful! But before we drop everything and head outdoors, consider… Read more »
“Take Five” with Before We Stood Tall
Today on “Take Five” I’m recommending Before We Stood Tall: From Small Seed to Mighty Tree. This picture book was written by Jessica Kulekjian and illustrated by Madeline Kloepper (Kids Can Press, 2021). From the front flap: “Discover the extraordinary life cycle of trees—in reverse! From mature tree to young tree to sapling to sprout… Read more »
Tea of the Week
Cha Preto Pekoe Black Tea by Gorreana
My son and his fiancée brought me a box of this organic Portuguese tea from the Azores. It’s a lovely, smooth, refreshing breakfast tea!