Background to the Reading Guide:

 

The books in this Reading Guide are designed for children that really love dogs, aged roughly between the ages of 6-9 years old. The reading guide itself is orientated towards parents and these children. Parents of these young children understandably have the final say in whether they would deem these certain books in the collection as necessary for their child. I will try my best to convince you why your child would benefit from these books and why.

 

First of all, your child needs to like dogs. And of course, your child needs to fit relatively within the chosen age group, however it is dependent on your child’s comprehension and reading capability which is open to discussion. There are a variety of books that would suite certain ages better within the group, such as a graphic novel may be typically suited more towards an 8-9 year old if they were to read the book themselves. A short-read picture book, although appreciated by all ages, could be a favourite for a typical 6 year old depending on their literacy requirements or their liking.

 

The focus on this reading program is to increase, develop and improve literacy skills through the enjoyment of reading, focusing on a certain theme that the child shows evident liking to. This reading guide is following the algorithm of focusing on a theme due to the various studies and feedback following suite that children have more motivation to read when they are reading about a topic they are very interested in.

 

“Children’s comprehension is enhanced when they have prior knowledge of the topic; it is therefore helpful to choose texts that match children’s interests” (Terlitsky &Wilkins, 2015, p. 29).This quote was provided by Julia Wilkinson, Assistant Professor of Education at Presbyterian College and Amy Bowlin Terlitsky, a reading recovery teacher at Chandler Creek Elementary School, whom has worked with children, teachers and parents to improve child literacy for the past 29 years, (Terlitsky & Wilkins, 2015, p. 27)  concluding in a study that found promise in young children following a literacy program with their parents inclusion.

Another study provides evidence that ‘prior knowledge [of a topic is] essential for comprehension of new knowledge and that learning difficulties can often be traced back to insufficient background knowledge’ (Gabriel & Gabriel, 2010, p. 679). Children that like dogs, would know even a little about dogs. It could be how dogs make them feel or dog behaviors and traits they have experienced.

 

As well as the program focusing on literacy comprehension, there are numerous benefits that children, as well as parents, can benefit from with reading and focusing on the selected books and resources within this reading guide.

 

For example, the same study by Julia and Amy showed promise for the adults as well when participation was taken towards reading particularly themed chosen books to their children. This included; improved parenting skills, developed better relationships with their children and more involvement in the children’s education (Terlitsky & Wilkins, 2015, p. 27).

 

The books that I have chosen in this guide are diverse, and their messages within the stories evoke for various areas of gained knowledge.  I have chosen books that will help to enhance literacy, particularly within the use of words that children will come across that they would not have heard of, repetitive words and good use of descriptive words. It is important to also have a narrative connection within each book. The books chosen display engaging characters, which help children to want to stay engaged with their book.

Vocabulary plays an important role within the books chosen for this reading guide. Primary school teacher, Michael Strickland and Laura Abbott express that it is important that each book answers ‘yes’ to these questions;

• Does this book introduce new or challenging vocabulary words?
• Will my child learn a word for an unfamiliar concept, object or feeling?

(Abbott & Strickland, 2010, p. 66).

My study and reflection of the books chosen indicate to me as a ‘yes’ for the majority of children within the focused age range, however there are some books better focused towards the younger, or the older side of the age group. It is also highly dependent on the child’s current comprehension and literacy skills that vary from child to child.

 

The Reading Guide!

10 Awesome books for dog lovers

“The right book for the right child at the right time” – Anne Carroll Moore (Horning, 2010, p. 10).

1. Rescue and Jessica – A life changing Friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes, Illustrated by Scott Magoon

Fig 3: Candlewick Press Teachers Guide, (2018).

This picture book focuses on the relationship between a young girl that has a disability and she benefits hugely from a service dog, this book is designed to evoke empathy, education and understanding for readers. The relation of empathy and reading has been described in various information sources through-out the years. The World Literacy Foundation describes the relation as; “The act of reading is intricately tied to empathy, because through reading we begin to understand lives and perspectives other than our own. In books, we can get to know other people, places and times. Empathy in reading is the ability to understand and share the feelings of the protagonist, the author, of the human condition itself” (Harry, 2020, para 3).

The illustrator has created drawings in this book that have a very rustic feel, with warm shades of brown.  Rescue was being trained by his trainer to become a seeing eye dog. But he was worried. His trainer said ‘you were not mean to be a seeing eye dog.The service team would be better for you, as a service dog.’ This is where Rescue’s adventure begins.

And this is where Jessica’s adventure began, when the doctor told her; ‘You are an amputee now Jessica. You will have to use a prosthetic leg or wheelchair for the rest of your life.’ The book explains briefly on each new event as to how the character feels by using descriptive language, such as; ‘Jessica knew she had made a lot of progress, but she felt sad and frustrated about the things she could still not do. She was wondering if she would ever feel happy again.’

Pet dogs have been shown to display consolatory behaviors towards distressed children (Montgomery, Rule & Vander Zanden, 2014, p. 220).

The book subtly teaches children what a service dog is, and the tasks that they complete.For instance:

‘Rescue brought her things she needed. He opened things that were hard for her to reach. Rescue barked if she needed someone. If she tripped, he would hold steady, so that she could get back up.’

And teaches children how to treat dogs.

The outcome leads to a very happy Jessica and Rescue, as seen below.

‘You rescued me rescue’ – Jessica.

Based on a real life friendship.

 

2. Barkus by Patricia MacClachlan and illustrated by Marc Boutavant

Fig 8: Screenshot from Youtube. (2020) Retrieved: 24 May, 2020, from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98eczgS-0cU

The pictures in this book are very bright and colourful. The background colour to the pages are white, and with colourful, simple yet effective pictures to portray the story. There are several short chapters in this book, although the book takes about 20 minutes to read aloud.

The language in this book is very descriptive, with a quirky repetition of some words and plenty of personality! For instance;

“His friends had come to the party! They ran, they jumped, they ate dog cookies.They whirled and swirled. And ate dog cookies..’

This book is about Barkus and a young girl. The settings that set the scene are the family home, with the family, and also the school setting. Barkus is a very smart dog, which will be displayed in the book, and he brings a lot of happiness to the young girl and family.

Barkus at School!

Party with family and dog friends!

Friendship

Memory based literacy page to engage words with characters.

Fig 13: Screenshot from Youtube. (2020) Retrieved: 24 May, 2020, from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98eczgS-0cU

3. May I pet your dog? The How-to Guide for Kids Meeting Dogs (and Dogs Meeting Kids) by Stephanie Calmenson and Illustrated by Jan Ormerod

A How To Guide for kids meeting dogs, and dogs meeting kids. The pictures are simple, just using a few main vibrant colours as if not to be distracted too much by the pictures but to comprehend the words from this subtle guide that is in the format of a basic story about a young boy at the park that wants to pat all the dogs he sees along the way. The boy first comes into contact with a ‘chocolate dabbled dachshund’ named Harry, whom teaches him all he needs to know.

Harry says, “I want to be your friend! Do you want to be my friend? Good! I’ll tell you how!”

 

The boy is taught:

• how to ask the owner if he can pat his/her’s dog
• how to approach a dog and pat appropriately
• what to do when a dog misbehaves
• what to do when a dog growls
• how to ask if a dog can do a trick
• how to hand out treats safely
• signs of when to not go up to a dog

Last two pages summarize on the page with pictures and few words in correlation to each demonstrating pictures when to not go up to a dog and what not to do to dogs.

The real Harry!

 

4. My Dog Mouse by Eva Lindstrom

Paints using mauve, rustic colours, earthy yellow and greens are displayed in each picture.

Mouse is the neighbors dog. The little girl LOVES taking mouse for a walk, even if mouse is slow. The little girl appreciates the way that mouse is.

“..his ears are as thin as pancakes, and his walk is like a waddle. He is always pleased to see me.”

Descriptive words are used.

 

 

5. Tuesday Tucks Me In – The Loyal Bond between a Soldier and his Service Dog by Bret Wittner and Luis Carlos Montalvan, Photography by Dan Dion

Fig 18: Screenshot from YouTube, (2014). Retrieved: 24 May, 2020, from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465502-tuesday-tucks-me-in

A true story, based on former soldier, Luis Carlos Montalvan.

Beautiful photographs taken of Luis and his service dog, Tuesday. Very simple yet informative language is used to educate on the subject of service dogs and veterans to educate young people to deploy a sense of understanding.Background colours of these pages are red and aqua blue.

This is a story about Luis and service dog, Tuesday. Their every day routines and getting a glimpse into their life.

“He has daytime nightmares too, called flashbacks.He gets nervous when people are around, or when there are sudden movements or loud sounds. So I sit with him outside of our apartment building every morning until his breathing has calmed down and I walk on his right side so that he knows I am there.”

‘Non Traditional’ Dog Loving Books!

 

6.’Dog Man’ by Dave Pilkey

The same Author of the’Captain Underpants’  series, this graphic novel is the first in the series for Dog Man. This book would potentially be focused towards 8-9 year old children. A fun loving book about ‘Dog Man,’ whom has the head of a dog and the body of  human. He goes out and creates justice against what is wrong. The series demonstrates what it means to stay true to yourself, whilst displaying empathy when needed, kindness and persistence.

7. A Stone For Sascha by Aaron Becker

“Research shows that visual skills precede verbal skills. Very young children learn to read pictures well before they learn to read text” – Gratia J. Banta (Banta, 2004, p. 30).

‘A Stone for Sacha’ is a wordless book evoking the mind to create its own story.

“I needed something to relate to a child and to a reader that would give them some understanding of what time is. How do we understand time in our own lives, and what is one of the things that defines the beginning, the middle and the end? And it is a touchy subject, which of course.. death. It is always something that children are curious about, and how do you talk to a child about this?’ – Aaron Becker (Candlewick Press, 2018)

You can see every bit of detail of the effort required to construct each picture.As the story is wordless, it is thought provoking and there is a lot of space for individual creative thought patterns to take place.

8. Meet The Mutts by Jena Ball – E-book

Personal language is used that feels like the writer is talking to the reader. This is a chapter book, written from dogs perspective but descriptive to understand a full story without pictures.Written like a novel. Each chapter includes a new dog.

Initially and leading back to a young pup that is lost. Then, the dog he meets whilst lost and other dogs that are found in various duties along the way. Each dog describes who they are and what they are like.

All dogs are based on true events and the actual dogs of the writer of this book.

 

9. Silly Dogs by Beth Hammond – E-book

The most gorgeous photographed pictures of dogs.A must have book for children or adults that feel that warm fuzzy feeling when ever they see a dog. ’Silly dogs’ seriously is silly! The cover is of a dog blowing bubbles.

This book is great for young children to learn and memorize works, how to spell an emotive word for literacy practice and identify what that word is at face value. As well as emotive contexts such as; happy, angry, sad, smart and proud dog, there is a plentiful amount of quirky terms, such as;

“These dogs wear such funny hats.”

Fig 26: Booktopia, (2017)

“Diva Dog.”

 

With a very warm ending to surely end up to be a favourite for many young children due to the emotive attention grab that pulls at the heart strings.

10. Buddy and Marilyn by Vicky Mathison – E-book

A unique book. Photographic pictures of the two main characters, Buddy and Marilyn whom are both spaniels. This book talks about the typical nature of spaniels for children to subtly learn about the breed, all the while reading an enticing story based on reality. This story really did happen, and photographic pictures have been taken to reenact the story line.

Fig 31: Amazon, (2016)

Additional Resources to add to the literacy adventure…

 

• Rescue and Jessica Workbook – https://candlewick.com/book_files/0763696048.btg.1.pdf

This learning material can also be used by parents with their child. There are discussion questions activities about the book, in regards to vocabulary and writing. There are also questions relating to service dogs, people with disabilities and compassion.

• Free Gifts from Jena, Ball. Author of ‘Meet The Mutts’

‘CritterKin Coloring Book’ and additional free E-book ‘Poco a Poco.’ – https://jenaball.com/subscribe/

• Free Resources. Aaron Becker, Author of ‘A Stone for Sascha.’ – https://www.storybreathing.com/portfolio/teachers

‘Free Virtual School Visit’ videos for kids, Video Series: Special messages for children aged K-Y3, Guide on How to Read a Wordless Picture Book To Children and much more!

• Six Games Instructions – https://www.readingrockets.org/article/six-games-reading

Games that parents can use to help young readers

• Google Play/ A Dog’s Story – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nz.co.colenso.adogsstory&hl=en_US

 

Thanks for reading! From my lovely dogs Abby and Mia

Source: My Iphone

____________________________________________________________________________

References

Abbott, L., & Strickland, M. (2010). Enhancing the early reading experience: Books, strategies, and concepts. The Reading Teacher, 64(1), 66-68. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/750358830?accountid=10344

 

Amazon. (2016). Buddy and Marilyn Kindle Edition. Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/Buddy-Marilyn-Vicki-Mathison-ebook/dp/B01LXH6CUW

 

Amazon. (2017). My Dog Mouse. Retrieved from: https://www.amazon.com/My-Dog-Mouse-Eva-Lindstrom/dp/1776571487

 

Banta G, J. (2004). Reading Pictures. Children & Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children. 2004;2(3):30-34. Retrieved from: http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login.aspx?direct=true&db=lih&AN=15741962&site=ehost-live

Booktopia. (2013) Free E-books – Meet The Mutts. Retrieved from: https://www.booktopia.com.au/ebooks/free-ebooks/l9998-p1-e.html

Booktopia. (2017) Free E-books- Silly Dogs. Retrieved from: https://www.booktopia.com.au/silly-dogs-beth-hammond/book/9781542854641.html

Butcher, S. (2019). Service Dog Rescue Makes The Difference for His Human Partner [Online Image]. Abilities. Retrieved from: https://www.abilities.com/community/rescue-jessica.html

 

Candlewick Press. ( 2018, Feb 21). The Making of A Stone for Sascha. Retrieved from: ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWizRQUmx34

 

Crestview. (2015). What Your Kids Want And Need In A New Home [Online Image]. Retrieved from: https://crestviewsylvanlake.com/what-your-kids-want-and-need-in-a-new-home/

 

Dorchester Country Library. (2020, Feb 12). Rescue and Jessica- A life changing friendship by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Dowes. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fwi3O2St6W0&t=437s

 

Fantastic Fiction. (2020) Patricia MacLachlan. Retrieved from: https://www.fantasticfiction.com/m/patricia-maclachlan/barkus.htm

 

 

Gabriel, M., & Gabriel, R. (2010). Power in pictures: How a schoolwide photo library can build a community of readers and writers. The Reading Teacher, 63(8), 679-682. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/203281773?accountid=10344

 

Harry, A. (2020). Reading is the key to empathy. In World Literacy Foundation. Retrieved from: https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-is-the-key-to-empathy/

 

Horning, K. T. (2010). 2010 may hill arbuthnot honor lecture: Can children’s books save the world? advocates for diversity in children’s books and libraries. Children and Libraries: The Journal of the Association for Library Service to Children, 8(3), 8-16. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/855901136?accountid=10344

 

Keri Bolding. (2020, May 15). Ms Bolding Reads “Barkus.”Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98eczgS-0cU

 

Kids Story Club. (2017, Dec 23). May I Pet Your Dog? Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVT_DdecQrU&t=1s

 

Montgomery, S.E., Rule, A. C., & Vander Zanden, S.,M. (2014). Preservice teachers map compassion: Connecting social studies and literacy through nonfictional animal stories. Early Childhood Education Journal, 42(3), 219-230. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/10.1007/s10643-013-0597-2

 

Ring, M. (2020). Why Dogs are Great for Your Kids! [Online Image] Pawsitive Solutions. Retrieved from: http://www.pawsitivesolutionssite.com/why-dogs-are-great-for-your-kids/

 

Storytime Tv. (2020, Apr 9). Dog Man [Part 1] Read Aloud Book [Storytime Tv]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FmhjZZlmSQ&t=972s

 

Terlitsky, A. B & Wilkins, J.  (2015). Addressing young children’s literacy and behavioral needs through family literacy programs. YC Young Children, 70(4), 26-31. Retrieved from https://ezproxy.csu.edu.au/login?url=https://search-proquest-com.ezproxy.csu.edu.au/docview/1789780627?accountid=10344

 

Toddler Tv. (2016, June 17). Tuesday Tucks Me In by Luis Carlos Montalván, Read by Toddler TV. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcfQCLur600&t=65s

A complete newbie to book awards, I decided to watch a recent children’s book award ceremony to understand what they entail. I wanted to watch a children’s book award ceremony to gain further insight into what are considered some of the best children’s books.

As I do not have any young people’s book award ceremonies to commence within my area, I decided to watch ‘The Royal Society’ Young People’s Book Prize 2019 Awards Ceremony online. The awards ceremony uploaded on to their YouTube channel ‘The Royal Society.’

Source: The Royal Society, November 21, 2019.

What is the Royal Society Young People Book Prize Award?

I discovered that ‘The Royal Society’  is the world’s oldest scientific academy, first formed in 1660 in London, England. The Royal Society impressively holds a fellowship of many of the worlds most well-known Scientists.

The ‘Young People’s Book Prize Awards’ has been inspiring children, typically around the focused age of children aged under 14. to want to learn and get excited about reading incredible science books designed just for them.

(The Royal Society, 2019).

What was I expecting from the Young People’s Book Award Ceremony, and how was it really?

I believed before watching the ceremony that I would definitely gain some valuable insights in to some interesting children’s Science books and gain some knowledge into what makes a children’s book an award winning book.  I did not however expect that the ceremony would be so engaging to watch, filled with such excitement and passion.

The ceremony was presented by a host named Lindsey Russell, whom had a very warm and bubbly personality that helped to create the positive atmosphere of the ceremony.

Source: The Royal Society, November 21, 2019.

There was a fun ‘Rockets and Robots’ show performed by ‘Professor Percy Veirs’ and his robot. Creating subtle learning practices by associating play.

Source: The Royal Society, November 21, 2019.

“The first robot was made in 350 BC in Ancient Greece, called ‘the pigeon’ and was able to fly” – Professor Percy Viers.

The Judges

There were several judges that reviewed the books, with the challenging task of carefully choosing 6 of the very best out of 100 children’s science books. A few of the judges were;

• Sarah Eams – a Primary School Teacher and ‘fellow of the Primary science Teaching trust’
• Sheila Bronwyn – Professor of Astronomy Physics at The University of Glasgow
• Michael Rosen – Author and Poet

The six finalists

• The Bacteria Book by Steve Mould
• The Element in the room by Mark Barfield
• Planetarium by Raman Prinja
• Science Makers: Making with States of Matter by Anna Claybourne
• 100 Things to Know about Numbers, Computers and Coding by Eddie Reynolds
• Kid Scientists by David Stabler

(The Royal Society, November 21, 2019).

It was than up to children to chosen groups of children under 14 to decide the verdict.

 

And the Winner is..

Planetarium by Raman Prinja

Source: Hardie Grant Publishing. (2018). Planetarium

 

What gaps in my knowledge were revealed through out this activity and how might I fill those gaps?

I knew very little about the process in how a winning book is chosen. I learnt that there is a process in which professionals assess the books, keeping in mind the educational needs of the children. To continue watching latest book award ceremonies will help to broaden my knowledge of various children’s books.

 

 

References:

Planetarium, Hardie Grant Publishing (2018). Retrieved January 20, 2020, from https://www.hardiegrant.com/au/publishing/bookfinder/book/planetarium-by-chris-wormell/9781787411579

The Royal Society (November 21, 2019).Royal Society Young People’s Book Prize 2019 Award Ceremony. Retrieved from:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z74pyW76TAU

The Royal Society.(2019). History of the Royal Society. Retrieved from: https://royalsociety.org/about-us/history/

The Royal Society. (2019). More Information. Retrieved from: https://royalsociety.org/grants-schemes-awards/book-prizes/young-peoples-book-prize/more-information/

I believe that children and their curiosities should be embraced. Often, children’s curiosities can feel inappropriate, rude or embarrassing as the curiosity is centered around a person that they consider as different, and we respond negatively towards that child for having such a curiosity and expressing it in the first place. Surely being shunned down would not erase the child’s curiosity, but make the child feel as if the subject is negative.

The person that is different to themselves could physical differences, such as different skin colour, hair texture or facial features. Children’s books have the ability to teach children about the world, sometimes expressing the messages and words that a parent could have trouble expressing themselves.

So are there children’s books out there that are teaching children the right messages, to love, accept and appreciate all different kinds of people without judgement? That it is a positive thing that we are not all the same, but unique and different?

I think that it is important that children’s curiosity should be embraced and not shamed. I read an article by Kristen M Kemple, Il Rang Lee and Michelle Harris, university lecturers in the Early Childhood Education department at Florida University.  They suggest the concern that;

“When a young child notes that one of the flowers blooming in the window box is red, while most are yellow, who would push that child’s comment aside with discomfort

“Who would hurriedly respond; they are all nice, and it doe not matter what colour they are”

This response seems rather unlikely..

 

Source: Julia_January (Photographer). (2019) Cute sunflower and red rose in a pot.

 

“However..imagine if the conversation was about skin colour.” Consider this:

“A two and a half year old, with innocent curiosity, expresses an observation of the skin colour of another child.”

“In this case hurried, punitive, embarrassed or judgemental adult responses seem more likely.”

 

“Such responses, and even ignoring the comment, is sending the message that:

It is not OK to talk about such differences.”

(Harris, Kemple & Lee, 2015, p. 98).

Source: Saeed, Aisha (photographer). We Need Diverse Books Books Campaign.

Through my activity of learning about the importance of diversity in children’s books, I have learnt just how beneficial that can be for a child. I have learnt that adults often cannot express messages the same wonderful way that the message in a book can. Books can help to educate children on diversity and help to create more accepting and loving children. These books that teach diversity have the double benefit of helping children that have have those curiosities about other people to realize that it is OK and even can be wonderful that everyone is different. And for those that feel different, to realize that they are not alone and that they are truly unique.

 

A book that I highly recommend would be the book called ‘It’s All Good’ by Gina Humber, Writer and School Teacher. She wrote this book because her daughter felt different due to her skin colour and the texture of her hair.

Source: CT Style, 2016, September 19

I wanted to finish my blog post with some beautiful words that really touched my heart by Matt de la Pena, New York Times bestselling Author, writer of children’s picture books and young adult novels;

“We all need to see ourselves in books. Because if we do not see ourselves in books, we may not feel as connected to the human experience which is the story of all of us. At the same time, books are more than mirrors. They are also windows. I have always believed that reading is the ultimate form of empathy. Yes, we love to find ourselves in books and read about ourselves and our own experiences. But it is also important to read about people who are not like us. It is only then, that we will have a full understanding of the world around us.

Source: Need Diverse Books, 2014, October 28

References:

CT Style. (2016, September 19). Mommy Mondays “It’s All Good” Children’s Book Teaches Diversity, Acceptance and Tolerances.Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsigFxYSltg

Harris, M.,Kemple, K M. & Lee, I R.(20 15). Young Children’s Curiosity About Physical Differences Associated with Race: Shared Reading to Encourage Conversation. Springer Science+Business Media, (44), 97-105. doi: 10.1007/S10643-014-0683-0

Julia_January (Photographer). (2019) Cute sunflower and red rose in a pot. January 23, 2020. Retrieved from:https://depositphotos.com/252593640/stock-illustration-vectorimage-cartoon-cute-sunflower-red.html

Saeed, Aisha (photographer). (2014). We Need Diverse Books Books Campaign.January 23, 2020. Retrieved from: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/we-need-diverse-books#/

We Need Diverse Books. (2014, October 28). We Need Diverse Books Campaign Video. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrrh0G-OkBw

Just by look at the cover of this sweet, endearing looking children’s book, you may be intrigued as to what the book would contain for it to be banned.

Typically, for a book to be banned it usually contains the following:

-Encouragement of Racism, homosexuality, drug use, swear words, sexuality, violence, witchcraft, political bias, unpopular religious opinions or the book is deemed as age inappropriate.

(Butler University Libraries, 2019).

 

What is the book about?

‘And tango makes three’ by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell is a children’s picture book that is based on a true story about two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo that raise a chick together.

Michael Kinsell, 2018, January 24

My Review

In a society that is still challenged to accept homosexuality, this a a very courageous book to have been written, regardless of whether you agree or disagree with same sex couples.

This book is perfect for children that have parents or even a family member that are different. I can imagine this book providing comfort for children that have two parents that are the same gender, dealing with seeing their class mates at school with mothers and fathers. For a small child, this could feel very isolating if children ridicule them because the other children do not understand why that child’s parents are not like theirs.

The ‘Australian Institute of Family Studies’ conducted a research assignment in 2013 with the findings that about 11% of  homosexual men in Australia have children, and 33% of homosexual women in Australia have children. (Dempsey, 2013, p. 2).

 

Gay Star News, 2017, December 12.

 

What have I learnt about banned books?

I have learnt that banned books such as ‘And Tango Makes Three’ often provide beneficial learning and comfort for many children. Such organizations such as ‘The American Library Association (ALA) are promoting their annual ‘Banned Book Week’ that celebrates the freedom to read and draws attention to the harm of censorship. (The American Library Association, 2020).

The American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA) also promote a banned book week. Ny’Shira Lundy, a 15 year old student that believes in the freedom of reading has stated to ASJA; “I feel like children should have the power to learn about what they want to learn about” (American Society of Journalist and Authors, 2020).

 

Charles Brownstein, chair of the Banned Books Week Coalition (BBWC) committee, stated that:

“Banned Books Week gives everyone a chance to celebrate their story. The courageous students, teachers, librarians, and authors who stand up for challenged ideas remind us that intellectual freedom is our birthright. By creating an event for your community, posting online about the freedom to read, or even just reading a banned book, each person has an opportunity to further that right.”

(American Society of Journalists and Authors, 2020).

 

References

American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA). (2020) For The Media.Retrieved from: https://asja.org/BANNED_BOOKS_WEEK_2018_CALLS_OUT_CENSORSHIP

And Tango Makes Three. (2005). Retrieved 19 January, 2020 from: https://www.amazon.ca/Tango-Makes-Three-Justin-Richardson/dp/0689878451

Butler University Libraries. (2019).Lib Guides: Reasons for Banning Books. Retrieved from: http://libguides.butler.edu/bannedbooks?p=217686

Dempsey, D. (2013). Australian Institute of Family Studies: Same-sex Partnered Families in Australia.CFCA Paper No. 18. Retrieved from:

Gay Star News. (2017, December 12). Kids React to Gay Penguin Children’s Book And Tango Makes Three. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMNQg19ls5Y

Michael Kinsell. (2018, January 24). And Tango Makes Three|Adoption and Friendship| Books for Kids Read Aloud. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGZHD4SKmQU

The American Library Association. (2020). Banned Books Week. Retrieved from: http://www.ala.org/advocacy/bbooks/banned