Memorial Pick: Rolling Thunder

Rolling Thunder
by Kate Messner
Illustrations by Greg Ruth
Scholastic Press
2017
32 pages
ISBN: 9780545470124

Available April 25, 2017
Just in time for Memorial Day!

Rolling Thunder tells the story of a brave soldier, a grandfather now, who along with his grandson, visits the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, DC, to honor his friends who were lost in battle. What a message! Illustrations bring America's heartland to readers.Author Kate Messner uses rhyming couplets and creates a tone of quiet, sadness and memories of those lost.

One  illustration depicts a young boy shaking the hand of a vet--it is poignant and full of grace. Other illustrations of the Rolling Thunder ride and the parade of bikes on the front cover are inspiring. One illustration shows the bikes coming head-on at the reader off of the page, This powerful image will have readers feeling the rumble of Rolling Thunder. The Lincoln Memorial and the Vietnam wall of names are beautifully illustrated by Greg Ruth. Almost every two page spread shows an American flag proudly on display.

Rolling Thunder arrives just in time for Memorial Day. Finally!  A new picture book that librarians and teachers can use to teach children the importance of the day, of the soldiers who came before, of patriotism, and of being American and of being free!

This is one important little book. In tough times, our children need inspiration. They need to be taught and shown what is right and wrong. Rolling Thunder arrives just in time.

Highly, highly recommended for every classroom and collection. As a librarian, I always got requests for books that helped teach kids the significance of holidays. If you need inspiration for Memorial Day, look no more!

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

Picture Book Pick: The Night Parade

The Night Parade
by Lily Roscoe
Illustrations by David Walker
Orchard Books
2014
page count undetermined (not published on website)
ISBN: 9780545396233

Available August 26, 2014

Beautiful, captivating and friendly watercolor and pen and ink illustrations feature alive, energetic, and wide awake children who leave their homes and go on adventures while their parents and siblings sleep. The children build sandcastles and visit faraway lands. They play hide and seek and paint pictures. They practice somersaults and parade in the night.

An eager dog follows the children on all their adventures. He is a constant companion and takes part in the magical mayhem. The children read books and say good night to their friends. Just before dawn, the children return home and wave at the moon as they climb into their beds.

If you've ever wondered what goes on after the lights go out, this picture book will give you the answers. Charming, fun and clever, The Night Parade is a magical jaunt for young readers and sure to be a bedtime favorite.

Highly, highly recommended for young readers  and bedtime reading time.

FTC Required Disclaimer: I received the F & G from the publisher. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review.

This review has been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)