Heather Woodley is a collections development librarian with the Region of Waterloo Library. She recommends:
Ten Birds, by Cybele Young
(Kids Can Press, 32 pages, $18.95 hardcover)
This book is the 2012 Let’s Read title in Waterloo Region. Its highly intricate, realistic illustrations are immediately captivating for readers of all ages.
As it tells the story of 10 birds trying to cross a river, the picture book touches on a number of concepts, including numeracy, problem-solving, construction, designing, and inventions. However, it also shows that labels are not always accurate in every situation — such as when the bird labelled “Needs Improvement” is the only bird to choose the most obvious route across the river.
Ten Birds not only provides a great springboard for discussion with children, it’s a starting point for nurturing problem solving and engineering skills. And it makes a great Christmas gift!
(Prepared with Janelle Wenger, Region of Waterloo Library family literacy co-ordinator.)