Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books by Michelle Markel – ESSENTIAL

Markel, Michelle Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children’s Books PICTURE BOOK.  Chronicle Books, 2017.  $17.99.  Content: G.

A picture book biography of John Newbery is just what the library ordered! The concept is no children’s book is introduced, then the childhood of John and his career in printing, followed by his word to publish books and magazines just for children. The text is fairly simple and could work as a read-aloud for first grade and up. The cream colored pages are filled with subdued illustrations.

This is a fantastic book and could be read to almost any grade as introduction to the history of childrens books and/or the Newbery award. It’s an interesting look into history and will probably surprise many young listeners. Every school librarian should have this book! The illustrations are creative and even funny. Maybe if we all read it enough, the word Balderdash will come back into fashion.

EL(K-3), EL –ESSENTIAL Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

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