May Media Mix
We Are Water Protectors
Written by Carole Lindstrom, illustrated by Michaela Goade
“Water is the first medicine, Nokomis (‘Grandmother’ in Ojibwe) told me. We come from water,” begins We Are Water Protectors.
Within the Ojibwe culture, men are responsible for protecting the fire, and women are responsible for protecting the water. This story follows a Native American girl as she learns about the sacredness of water and its importance to the earth and all creatures therein.
But there are stories. Stories of a black snake that will ruin everything in its path: the water, plants, animals, everything! It must be stopped! Every living thing is interconnected. The girl must fight for those who cannot fight for themselves!
The illustrations in We Are Water Protectors are as beautiful as the story is powerful. Michaela Goade is the first Native American to win the Caldecott Medal for most distinguished American picture book for children.
Peace
Written by Baptiste and Miranda Paul, illustrated by Esteli Meza
“Peace is old like the stars and new as a birth.
And if we embrace it peace cradles the earth.”
This beautifully illustrated concept book looks at many ways we can bring peace into our own lives and the lives of others. Some suggestions are simple, like waving hello, pronouncing your friend’s name correctly, and sharing a smile and hug with others. Some touch on forgiveness and giving more than you take and might be more challenging for children, but they are wonderful concepts to introduce to the smallest of readers.
The lovely rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations are sure to capture the attention of children of all ages.
Husband and wife team, Baptiste and Miranda Paul are award-winning authors. Illustrator Esteli Meza was awarded the A la Orilla del Viento in 2018, Mexico’s most important award for picture books.
Animals Brag About Their Bottoms
Written and illustrated by Maki Saito.
This cute book begins with a darling little bunny exclaiming, “Look at my bottom!” on the title page. The bunny goes on to say, “My bottom is such a round bottom—and so cute, don’t you think?”
The bunny’s question is answered by a hippopotamus. He makes a comparison between the two bottoms, and on it goes with various animals of all shapes and sizes, commenting on the uniqueness and beauty of each of their own bottoms! This is a fun book for everyone.
Several concepts are introduced such as color and pattern, and the book provides a great lesson on body positivity. The playful illustrations were created using paper collage, stenciled paintings, and a Japanese dyeing technique known as bingata. Saito has written several books in Japanese. This is her first book in English.
Sandy Foster lives in Grain Valley and is a Bookstagrammer (@picturebookapotamus), freelance writer and mother of two. You can find children's book reviews and resources at HappyBeingMom.com.