Author Archives: Candy Ranney

About Candy Ranney

Candy is an elementary school librarian in Shelton, WA at the school where she was a student (so many years ago!). Her library is unique in that she brings her background and love of biology to her students in many ways. Not only does she have an awesome selection of science books; she also has a beaver, bobcat and mink sitting on her shelves and a variety of jarred specimens for her students to study. When she's not in the library, she is taking care of her baby trees on her tree farm and hanging out with her family and many pets.

A Maleta Full of Treasures

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written by Natalia Sylvester and illustrated by Juana Medina

Dulce can’t wait for Abuela’s visit from Peru. When her grandmother asks what she would like her to bring in their video chat, Dulce replies “Just you”. But, Abuela brings so much in her maletas – candies, baked goods, books, a cozy blanket and more. Dulce and Abuela make memories together – making food, listening to cousins’ messages and her grandmother’s stories. The time comes for Abuela to return home and Dulce wants to send her off with mementos of the visit like photos, favorite soaps and a journal she kept during the visit. At the airport, Dulce feels the sadness of Abuela’s impending departure. Her grandmother tells her to look for a surprise under her bed. It was a maleta with Dulce’s name on the tag and full of wonderful things to remind her of her Abuela and her homeland. The accompanying note says that the suitcase will never run out of the love and beauty they share.

This wonderfully sweet story about a grandparent’s visit is a reminder that many children have grandparents that are far away and time together is a precious time. The text is simple yet conveys the connection between the two and their love for each other. Accompanying illustrations add gentle depth to the already lovely story. The only criticism that I have is the font choice, which is quite small and, therefore, will make the book difficult to use as a read aloud. That’s a shame, because this story needs to be shared. Otherwise, it’s a wise choice for your library.

One Day This Tree Will Fall

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written by Leslie Barnard Booth and illustrated by Stephanie Fizer Coleman

I LOVE THIS BOOK! I don’t usually start a book review this way. But, extraordinary books deserve to be acknowledged at the very beginning.The story opens with an old snag of a tree, ready to die as the end is near. But, is it? That is the premise for the this absolutely stunning picture book about the life cycle of trees; in this case, a Douglas fir in the Pacific Northwest. After we are introduced to the old tree, we go back to the beginning when it was a mere seed. settling into the perfect spot to grow and thrive. It is lucky, because we see that many other seeds end up in the wrong place or are eaten and don’t get a chance to grow. This particular seed sprouts and grows despite all the obstacles it faces – wind, ice, drought, and fire to name a few. It survives despite being clawed, clipped and nibbled while others were cut by humans. This tree becomes home to many other flora and fauna that thrive. The tree eventually dies and falls to the ground to be home to others as a log. Finally, it decays (with a little help from insects, bacteria and fungi) and adds to the nutrients of the forest floor, creating the perfect environment for the next tiny seed to grow. And, the cycle continues…

I can’t say enough about this beautiful book. The text is lyrical and conveys the essence of the long life of a Douglas fir. The font and spacing are perfect for a read aloud, allowing the reader to easily share with a group. The accompanying illustrations are perfect. They bring even more life to the story with the animals, flora and changes of the forest.

Back matter includes a thorough explanation of the life cycle of a tree, the connection between trees and people, a glossary and a list of the sources used. The author acknowledges many others in the writing of the book, including scientists, educators, scholars and Tribal representatives.

Run out and buy this book right now! You will be glad that you did.

The Mochi Makers

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by Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson

Emi and her grandma (Obaachan) spend time together making a family recipe of mochi. As they work, Obaachan shares the history of the recipe back to her own grandmother. Obaachan brought that recipe with her to America, along with her wedding kimono and some cherished red lacquer dishes. The two also reminisce about Ojiichan (grandpa), who the reader assumes is deceased. They finish the mochi, package some together to gift to family and friends, and then enjoy their mochi – some wrapped in seaweed and dipped in soy sauce just like Ojiichan like to eat it. In this story, mochi is love, family tradition and a thank you.

The soft colors of the mochi and surroundings add to the gentle approach of this book. The love between Emi and Obaachan is evident in the text and the illustrations. This small window into their time together is sweet and filled with memories and promise. The additional back matter – author’s autobiographical note, mochi history and family mochi recipe adds to the richness of this book. Words and illustrations make you feel like you can almost taste the mochi along with Emi and Obaachan. Purchase this one – it’s wonderful!

Bilingüe, superhéroe: Bilingual, Superhero

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written by Jorge Argument and illustrated by Elizabeth Gómez

Gerónimo Pérez, aka “Bilingual”, embraces his effortless ability to switch back and forth between English and Spanish. He says “…I can change from English to Spanish, easy as pie, so smooth, so cool, so beautiful, suuuuper sweet.” This is his superpower and he uses it for good, as a superhero should. When his grandma or mother need help with translation of a doctor’s instructions or the bus driver’s announcement of a route, Bilingual is there to help. At school, this superhero acts as the intermediary between his English speaking teacher and Spanish speaking classmates, which helps everyone immensely. He is happy with his ability to speak, sing and dream in both languages. What a wonderful superpower to have!

Gerónimo, like many children of non-English speakers, is often called upon to translate for the adults around him. This is such a valuable ability and one that should be celebrated. Students like Gerónimo are often summoned and are willing to translate for their classmates and teachers, which is so appreciated (I speak from experience). This book celebrates this gift and superpower in a way that shows Gerónimo’s intuitive use of both languages at times when it is most needed. His pride in his “bilingual-ness” is well-deserved and all students with this ability should see this book and recognize those unique gifts.

Text is written in both English and Spanish with accompanying illustrations, vibrantly painted and filling the pages with exhilaration, while conveying the impact of the words. The parrots in each illustration appear to denote the English and Spanish parts of Gerónimo in a playful way and seem to remind us that they are part of his daily life. The text is accessible and lyrical. Younger readers will enjoy the story, which would be a great read-aloud or partner read for those students that don’t read both languages.

This book is a wonderful ode to bilingual speakers, especially children, and should be shared with kids whether they can speak two languages or not. To see this superpower exhibited in a story will empower bilingual speakers and give monolingual readers a peek into their lives. It’s a lovely book.

Fishing

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by Lisa Owings

“Let’s Get Outdoors” is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Fishing shares information about an activity that is varied and exciting. Different types of fishing are described as well as equipment and safety needs. Catch and release as well as keeping the fish to eat are mentioned and photos show diverse people and places to fish from, including creekside, boats and ice fishing. This book will interest newer readers that want to learn about this outdoor activity.

Camping

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by Lisa Owings

Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Camping shares the many parts of the camping experience from campfires to extra activities that go along with being outdoors. Readers learn about gear and safety needs as well as the different types of outdoor living experiences from tents to trailers. Diverse campers including those with disabilities show the reader that this is accessible to many people. Bright photographs and engaging text make this book a great choice for younger readers.

Biking

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by Lisa Owings

Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Biking is a great introduction to an activity that can a slower- paced or fast and adrenaline rushing. People are shown biking along trails, the roads and doing tricks or racing. I like that there is a photo of an adaptive bike rider, showing that it is an accessible outdoor activity. Safety and gear needs are noted and the reader learns that most bike friendly city in the world is Copenhagen – a fun fact to round out a nice introduction to this outdoor sport.

Kayaking

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by Lisa Owings

Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Kayaking describes the fun and adventure of the outdoor sport, whether it’s a gentle paddle in a lake or the more exhilerating whitewater version. Gear and safety needs are noted. People of all sorts are out paddling together and smiling as they do so, which shows the reader that this is something worth trying out. Vibrant photographs and accessible text make this a great choice for newer readers.

Hiking

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by Lisa Owings

Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Hiking shows all the different kinds of hikes that people can do – from mountaineering, to orienteers to backpackers to your basic “walk in the woods”. Safety equipment and gear needs are described and readers discover that the Appalachian Trail is the longest walking only trail in the world! There’s lots to learn in this book for early readers, who just might decide to give a hike a try.

Canoeing

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by Lisa Owings

Blastoff! Readers Level 2: Let’s Get Outdoors is a ten book series that is written in a format that is appropriate for young readers that are ready for a bit more complexity in sentence structure. Typical nonfiction features include: table of contents, index, glossary, labeled diagrams and illustration, headings and bold typed words. Each book has high interest photos and details an outdoor activity/sport. Gear lists and safety equipment/protocol are addressed. A diverse array of people are shown participating in each activity. Readers will see themselves out there having fun with theses book. Add this series to your library for those newer readers that are ready for something more.

Canoeing is all about getting out on the water and enjoying the outdoors. Diverse canoeists show readers that anyone can be part of the fun and the safety measures are valuable additions to this fun sport. Unfamiliar words are bolded and explained in the glossary and readers can learn more from other resources mentioned in the back of the book. There’s a lot to learn in 24 pages! Recommended.

Acura NSX

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by Kaitlyn Duling

Epic: Cool Cars series literally says it all in the series’ name. These are books about fast, luxurious and fun cars that are, well, COOL! High interest topics paired with a load of brilliant photos and accessible text make this 28 book set a must-have in your library. Nonfiction elements include: Table of Contents, glossary, index, bolded words and labeled illustrations. Each book has the important facts about a car like its engine type, history, size, speed and future plans of the manufacturers. This photo-heavy, high-low series will be popular among your patrons!

Acura NSX describes a Honda manufactured hybrid car that can be on the racetrack or the road. This luxury model is fast, quiet and full of fun. Future Acura tech will recognize the faces of the driver and passengers. It will be a smart car! Readers will enjoy the photos and facts about this super fast, super quiet car.

Ford GT

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by Kaitlyn Duling

Epic: Cool Cars series literally says it all in the series’ name. These are books about fast, luxurious and fun cars that are, well, COOL! High interest topics paired with a load of brilliant photos and accessible text make this 28 book set a must-have in your library. Nonfiction elements include: Table of Contents, glossary, index, bolded words and labeled illustrations. Each book has the important facts about a car like its engine type, history, size, speed and future plans of the manufacturers. This photo-heavy, high-low series will be popular among your patrons!

Ford has a long history in car manufacturing starting in 2004. The Ford GT has been its fastest car to date. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in three seconds and its top speed is 216 mph. While Ford stopped making this model in 2022, die-hard fans hope for more in the future. Ford GT is a book that won’t be on your shelves for long! It packs some great information and pictures into 24 pages.

Keonigsegg Regera

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by Kaitlyn Duling

Epic: Cool Cars series literally says it all in the series’ name. These are books about fast, luxurious and fun cars that are, well, COOL! High interest topics paired with a load of brilliant photos and accessible text make this 28 book set a must-have in your library. Nonfiction elements include: Table of Contents, glossary, index, bolded words and labeled illustrations. Each book has the important facts about a car like its engine type, history, size, speed and future plans of the manufacturers. This photo-heavy, high-low series will be popular among your patrons!

Koenigsegg Regera is about a rather short-lived model from the Swedish carmaker, Koenigsegg. This hybrid model was introduced in 2015 and is no longer made. It is a luxurious vehicle with race car attributes and each one was custom-made for its owner, with a starting price of $1.9 million. Readers can dream about what is next from the maker of this fabulous car.

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4

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by Kaitlyn Duling

Epic: Cool Cars series literally says it all in the series’ name. These are books about fast, luxurious and fun cars that are, well, COOL! High interest topics paired with a load of brilliant photos and accessible text make this 28 book set a must-have in your library. Nonfiction elements include: Table of Contents, glossary, index, bolded words and labeled illustrations. Each book has the important facts about a car like its engine type, history, size, speed and future plans of the manufacturers. This photo-heavy, high-low series will be popular among your patrons!

Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 is all about one of the newer models from Porsche that has the feel of a race car and the technology to keep it moving forward – fast! Caymans were first introduced by Porsche in 2016 and have improved over the years with an all-electric version set for production in 2030. Extra facts interspersed in white boxes throughout add to the reading experience. This German car is sleek and fun and readers will learn a lot.

Throw a Halloween Party

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Written by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Throw a Halloween Party is chock full of ideas and information about the holiday. We learn the ancient beginnings of Halloween and traditions surrounding it. Projects include foods and decorations using materials that are readily available. Those projects that require the use of tools that might be dangerous to kids have safety tips included. This is a fun, easy-to-read book that will enhance your holiday collection. And, really…who doesn’t love a party?

Throw a Lunar New Year Party

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Written by Christina Leaf

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Throw a Lunar New Year Party gives information and directions for projects related to that holiday. Projects include decorations, foods and activities along with additional information about their history or cultural relevance. Most projects can be done independently except for the dumplings and stir fry noodles, which should have adult supervision. Photos are attractive and directions are clearly written with accompanying illustrations. This attractive book will be a great addition to your collection.

Throw a St. Patrick’s Day Party

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Written by Christina Leaf

 

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Throw a St. Patrick’s Day Party is one of six books in the Express!: Party Time! series. Did you know that the reason people wear green is that leprechauns can’t see that color? Therefore, your chances of being pinched by one are lower if you wear green on St. Patrick’s Day. This fact and many others are interspersed throughout this engaging book that shares food, decorations and activity projects for kids to make. Items are made with easily accessible materials and “Top Tips” give alternative ingredients or extra information for each project. Young readers will make some cool stuff and learn along the way!

Throw a Valentine’s Day Party

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Written by Christina Leaf

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Throw a Valentine’s Day Party shares information and projects related to the holiday. Foods, decorations and other crafts are presented, beginning with a short history or description of the relevance of the project to the holiday. Kids will love reading about the origin of the heart-shaped box of chocolates and candy hearts. A fun addition to the holiday is that several cultures celebrate Friendship Day on this date as well. This book gives directions for making a friendship bracelet for a friend in honor of that aspect of the holiday. All in all, this is a great resource for budding party planners as well as kids that are curious about the holiday and its origins. Add this to your library!

Throw an Earth Day Party

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by Christina Leaf

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Would you like to have an eco-friendly celebration of Earth Day? Take a look at Throw an Earth Day Party, a part of the Express!: Party Time! series. In this book, you learn about the history of Earth Day and directions for a variety of party decorations and foods for the celebration. The decorations rely on recycled items, which most people should have access to at home. Foods are healthy, using items readily available in most grocery stores. This book has very accessible activities and readers will enjoy preparing for a fun Earth Day party. Highly recommended.

Throw an Independence Day Party

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by Elizabeth Neuenfeldt

Express!: Party Time! is a six-book series that introduces holidays and their history. Then, gives directions for some simple decorations, foods and activities. Everything has step-by-step directions with illustrations and a list of extra materials over those noted at the beginning of the books. Each project is introduced with some information connecting it to the history of the holiday. There are Table of Contents, Index, Glossary and “To Learn More” section with extra resources. Particularly helpful are the “Top Tips” scattered throughout each book. Color illustrations are engaging and the text is accessible.

Throw and Independence Day Party has all the red, white and blue that one would expect for this holiday. Projects range from decor and food and drinks to games and party hats. Readers learn about the history of this day and the symbolism of the colors, Stars and Stripes and fireworks. One fact that I learned was the Thomas Jefferson had his own ice cream recipe – yum! Many of the projects use easy-to-find materials. “Top Tips” are located throughout to help make the process easier or different. For example, one tip suggests that you can make a sweet version of the veggie dip flag using cut fruits and yogurt dip of the same colors. This is a nice addition to your holiday books.

A Dump Truck’s Day

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Written by Betsy Rathburn and illustrated by Mike Byrne

Blastoff! Missions: Machines at Work is a series of ten narrative nonfiction books that explore different large machinery led by “Blastoff Jimmy”, a cute cartoon astronaut. Each book has mission goals that enhance the reading adventure. Readers learn facts about the large equipment and unfamiliar words are bolded within the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Bright, engaging illustrations are labeled and each book has an index, table of contents and “To Learn More” section. The machines’ jobs are noted and a diverse mix of workers are happily working with the equipment.

Young readers will be surprised by this book, because it isn’t about your everyday dump truck. This dump truck is used in pit mining and is huge! Besides the huge tires, there are ladders to climb up into the cab, which gives you perspective in size. Most kids have probably never seen a dump truck of this size. Therefore, it should be a high interest topic and a fun read! One illustration that really stands out is of an open pit mine with dump trucks way down inside driving along the roads. The mine is absolutely enormous, because the dump trucks look tiny in comparison. Readers will find this book an engaging read. Highly recommended.

A Fire Truck’s Day

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written by Lily Schell and illustrated by Mike Byrne

Blastoff! Missions: Machines at Work is a series of ten narrative nonfiction books that explore different large machinery led by “Blastoff Jimmy”, a cute cartoon astronaut. Each book has mission goals that enhance the reading adventure. Readers learn facts about the large equipment and unfamiliar words are bolded within the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Bright, engaging illustrations are labeled and each book has an index, table of contents and “To Learn More” section. The machines’ jobs are noted and a diverse mix of workers are happily working with the equipment.

Kids love fire trucks and this book will explain all about them, including how they are used for fighting fires, why they are red or yellow and how they respond to a fire or accident. I love that the firefighters are diverse in gender and ethnicity. Young readers will see themselves in this book and envision their future as firefighters as well! Highly recommended.

A Backhoe’s Day

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written by Betsy Rathburn and illustrated by Mike Byrne

Blastoff! Missions: Machines at Work is a series of ten narrative nonfiction books that explore different large machinery led by “Blastoff Jimmy”, a cute cartoon astronaut. Each book has mission goals that enhance the reading adventure. Readers learn facts about the large equipment and unfamiliar words are bolded within the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Bright, engaging illustrations are labeled and each book has an index, table of contents and “To Learn More” section. The machines’ jobs are noted and a diverse mix of workers are happily working with the equipment.

The backhoe has a big job and many tools to use move dirt, level surfaces and dig a trench. Readers learn about all the functions of the backhoe and why it does some of its work (what are those trenches used for after the backhoe makes them?). The female operator is having a great time as evidenced by her smile as she works. Young readers will want to try it out! Highly recommended.

A Bulldozer’s Day

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written by Harriet Loy and illustrated by Mike Byrne

Blastoff! Missions: Machines at Work is a series of ten narrative nonfiction books that explore different large machinery led by “Blastoff Jimmy”, a cute cartoon astronaut. Each book has mission goals that enhance the reading adventure. Readers learn facts about the large equipment and unfamiliar words are bolded within the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Bright, engaging illustrations are labeled and each book has an index, table of contents and “To Learn More” section. The machines’ jobs are noted and a diverse mix of workers are happily working with the equipment.

A Bulldozer’s Day takes the reader through a typical day on the construction site. The bulldozer and other large machines are introduced and then the bulldozer gets to work. It uses several accessories to do the various jobs on the site and, eventually, completes the task of preparing the site for a building. This won’t stay on the shelves long. What kid doesn’t love a bulldozer?

A Tractor’s Day

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written by Lily Schell and illustrated by Mike Byrne

Blastoff! Missions: Machines at Work is a series of ten narrative nonfiction books that explore different large machinery led by “Blastoff Jimmy”, a cute cartoon astronaut. Each book has mission goals that enhance the reading adventure. Readers learn facts about the large equipment and unfamiliar words are bolded within the text and defined in the glossary at the back of the book. Bright, engaging illustrations are labeled and each book has an index, table of contents and “To Learn More” section. The machines’ jobs are noted and a diverse mix of workers are happily working with the equipment.

A Tractor’s Day details the hard work that this piece of machinery throughout the seasons. Driven by a female farmer, the tractor and its extra implements prepares the soil in the fall, plants the seeds in the spring and looks forward to the harvest at the end of the summer. After a quick clean up by the farmer, the tractor is back in the barn and ready for its next job. This will be a hit with your youngest readers!