Randi’s Comments (group member since Sep 07, 2025)

Randi’s comments from the 5183 Fall 2025 Information Resources and Services for Children group.

1. Brunelle, Lynn. Haiku, Ew! Millbrook Press TM, 2 Apr. 2024.
2. A book with haikus and information about some of the more unsavory facts of nature.
Example: Lush, Sun-gold honey
Brewed from delicate nectar.
It's really bee barf.
3. Children love the gross things in nature. Add in some short and sweet haikus and you have a book that is a hit for most children. I think these poems make a great example about the functionality of a haiku as well as a mix between science and art. I see this book being the inspiration and starting point for children to learn about an animal and write their own haiku-ew to go with it. The mix of creative writing about science and nature is a great way to bridge the brain's midline.

Pla, S. J. (2024). Invisible Isabel. Quill Tree Books.

In her family of 8, Islabel, who is shy and reserved, doesn't quite fit in. Add in a not-so-nice new girl at school, and Isabelle is filled with fears and worry-moths about many new things.

I feel like Invisible Isabel is very relatable for today’s children. This book touches on family and friend dynamics that pull at your heart because they’re probably similar to thoughts you’ve once had about yourself. Though we might not connect to every element of Isabel’s story, we all have had to navigate our own social anxiety and fear. I feel like children's literature should feel real, but some elements should be diffused or lightened. The job of realism in books is to better allow books to be that window, door, and/or mirror we see them to be- especially with children. Children need exposure to other cultures, customs, lifestyles, and backgrounds to better shape their opinions and world-views outside of their personal bubble. However, a realistic book for children shouldn’t be so real that it could cause harm to the mind of a child. It is important to not sugar coat reality at times, but we also must ensure that the details and content are developmentally appropriate for the audience it is intended for.

1. Holm, J. L. (2021). The Lion of Mars. Random House Childrens Books.

2. Bell knows nothing of Earth, having spent all 11 years of his life on a settlement on Mars. When a virus breaks out and all the grown-ups fall ill, it is up to Bell and other children of the settlement to uncover the truth and save his community.

3. The Lion of Mars takes place on Mars' surface in the year 2091. The community of the settlement live under the surface in empty lava tunnels and only venture out above-ground in bulky space suits. Bell is part of the settlement from America, but it is only one of the many other settlements on Mars at this time from various other nations. The setting plays a huge part in the story because not only is Mars isolated from the Earth, with a supply ship only able to visit a few times a year, but also the American settlement is isolated from the other settlements as well. Later in the story, you find out that the American settlement made the choice to exist in isolation. This only emphasises the struggles they were having because they didn’t reach out for help. I believe that this community is an accurate reflection back on contemporary society. When we are isolated, every chore and job weighs more. Humans and healthy communities depend on connection; sustained isolation damages individuals’ wellbeing and a community’s ability to survive and thrive.

Zach Weinersmith. (2023). Bea Wolf. First Second.

Bea Wolf is a new take on the classic alliterative poem Beowulf centered around children. Rather than a man-eating monster, the monster in this story is an adult that ages children through his touch and has taken control of the children’s stronghold- Treeheart.

What I enjoy about fantasy stories is how they can address real-life issues head-on, but so cleverly veiled by myth and magic. This is what I believe the ‘truth lies” in fantasy. For example, in Bea Wolf, the monster of the story is an adult who hates fun and can turn children into teens and adults through his touch alone. Though this is clearly fantasy- there is a truth that to a child, the absence of fun and play is the ultimate crime and there is no fate worse than death- except aging out of childhood. Fantasy encourages our imagination to play with ideas, but at the same time- imagination must grow from truth.

1. Messner, K. (2020). History Smashers: The Mayflower. Random House Books for Young Readers

2. Anlook at the stories and hidden truths surrounding the Mayflower and and its journey- through illustrations, graphic panels, photographs, sidebars, and more.

3.What I knew about the text is primarily what I had learned in Elementary school or what I learned in order to teach it to my students. In other words, I didn’t know much. What I wanted to learn is more general information. I checked this book out from my local library via Sora and I thought that I was getting the one in the series over the Salem Witch Trials. The Mayflower and Salem Witch trials are two very different things. Nevertheless, I pressed on and ended up really enjoying the book even if it wasn’t what I was originally looking for. I learned so much about the truly interesting journey. Like how the Mayflower wasn't the original trip they intended to take to cross the Atlantic- In fact they had to turn around multiple times for various reasons. This book is filled with information about the people aboard, the facts surrounding it, and even information about HOW they know this information. A brilliant book in a great series.

Yoshida, S. (2023). Houses with a Story. Abrams.

A cut-away look at fantastical houses and some information about the people who live in them. From a Timid Ogre’s Hideout to a Dreamers Treehouse, Houses with a Story offers a look into the living space appealing for everyone and everything.

This book really feels timeless and locationless. Houses built for dreamed-up characters makes this book really accessible for anyone. When reading this book, you really get swept away in your imagination and pulled into the world that Yoshida created. The cut away houses let you see inside the lives of the characters and put yourself into their home. This is a book you could spend hours looking at a single page- which is something that makes this book appealing to anyone, regardless of a language barrier.

1.Muth J. (2005) Zen shorts. Scholastic Press

2. The story of how three children became friends with a panda named Stillwater. Using short Japanese Buddhist meditation stories, Stillwater helps the children reflect and think about current situations.


3. Evaluate your picture book based on Betsy Hearne’s article “Cite the Source: Reducing Cultural Chaos in Picture Books”.

According to Hearne’s source note countdown, I would rank Zen Shorts at a 3.5. There are no notable sources in the story itself, however the information listed in the author's note provides specific information on the inspiration and source material for the book. Muth begins by informing the reader of the meaning of “Zen” and stating its origin meaning from Japanese Buddhist culture. Muth then goes on to explain where he originated the panda’s name Stillwater as who he pulled inspiration for that character, as well as the Uncle Ry character, from. Muth also notes where the 3 stories told in the stories originated as well as noting the variation across the versions of the stories noting that he selected the story versions he felt would resonate with younger readers more. Seeing as how source material is mentioned and properly states- is is hidden back in the authors note therefore earning the 3.5 ranking.

1. Kügler, T. (2020). The biggest roller coaster. Scholastic Inc

2.Fritz, Franny, and their dog Fred take to the amusement park to ride the tallest, fastest, loudest and most thrilling ride the park has to offer.

3. Fox Tails is part of a series that is branded as an ‘acorn book’, targeted to those learning how to read. I would even say this is a perfect bridge for those wanting a chapter book- as well as a graphic novel. The book is filled with full color pictures on every page as well as color-coded dialogue bubbles for the characters. This is helpful for early readers distinguishing who is saying what, but it also makes for fun a fun partner to read between a parent and child. The text features humorous easy to read words and repeated phrases that build confidence in new readers. I believe that all these features come together to make Fox Tails a great beginning/early reader that is engaging for both parents and children.
( Personally this book, the fox series by Corey Tarbor, and Best Buddies is what got my child reading chapter books- they are still one of her favorites)

Jeffers, O. (2014). Once upon an alphabet: short stories for all the letters. Philomel Books.

An alphabet book where each letter is paired not just with an alliterative phrase, but with a charming short story as well.


Jeffers continues with his traditional illustrative style in this unique picture book that celebrates the alphabet and the magic woven through alliteration. Rather than the expected examples like “D is for dog,” Jeffers uses “Danger Delilah” and tells a short story about the little daredevil who “laughs in the face of death and dances at the doorstep of disaster” (Jeffers, 2014). The illustrations vividly showcase these daring acts, as well as other death-defying stunts like juggling knives and riding a donkey through a ring of fire. Her fearlessness knows no bounds—until we see her dad hollering from the door to come to dinner, threatening to withhold dessert if she’s not prompt. Each story is unique and offers different takeaways for the reader. I believe the quality of the artwork enhances the storytelling and increases the overall entertainment value of the book. Each letter features different color tones, all rendered in Jeffers’ signature style. The only drawback is that Jeffers’ handwriting can sometimes be hard for younger children, who are just beginning to read independently, to decipher.

1. Brunelle, L. (2024). Life After Whale. Holiday House.

2. Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, 2025 (Winner), Flora Stieglitz Straus Award, 2025 (Winner)

3. A journey through how the death of a whale, or Whale Fall, creates an a new ecosystem at the oceans floor. A life-cycle story that begins with death.

4. In my opinion, this book is the Robert F Sibert Informational Book Metal because it is truly a unique book. Lifecycles are a commonly taught skill and that is reflected in children's literature- but rarely do we see those life cycles take place underwater. It is packed full of valuable information, immersive-feeling pictures and a look into a process we would never get to see. I think it is very deserving of the awards that it received as well as the number lists and honors it had accumulated as well. This is definitely one I would recommend to a child, especially one fascinated with oceans, deep ocean animals, and the cycle of life. This is also one I would love to develop a lesson around or even just get to talk through it with students. It is wordy- so I wouldn’t read it to my younger age students, but I think students in second grade and on would enjoy this book and be interested to read more about whales or other things mentioned in the text.