Betsy Lewin

I really enjoyed this book because it was a very fun, engaging way to present counting to students who are beginning to learn about number sense. First, the author used first person to describe the amount of cats his friends and family had. This immediately would draw in students because it is more personable and exciting to read in first person. For example, the author would say, “I have one cat” or “My neighbor has seven”. Another reason this is a great book is because the actions show more of the cats and description of what they are doing is something funny to students at that age. Although it is personification of animals that can’t speak or have human-like tendencies, the author draws cats dancing and playing music, sitting at desks in a school classroom, walking a tight rope, and so much more. These silly things make students more eager to read and pay attention to what is going on and remember so that they can count the cats. Finally, this book encourages readers to count using cats as a distractor for plain old numbers. The big idea of this story is that when you have small groups of numbers they add up to something larger. show less

Previously I read Gorilla Walk by the same authors. This book, done in the same fashion with detailed text and exciting illustrations, is well worth reading.

The authors write of a very special expedition in the highlands of Angola, At the beginning of the year, the highlands begin to swell with rain and usually in May, the floodwaters reach the Moremi Reserve located in the Okavango Delta of Botswana. This is a unique time with wildlife travels along the delta, moving in the water. Now, show more hippos, buffalos, lions, leopards, wildebeests and giraffes, as well as approximately seventy thousands elephants can be found in this now dangerous area. Flying through a thunderstorm, the authors find a wild heard of impalas. They are met at the edge of the forest by a highly trained Bushman.

Traveling through water via a heavy vehicle, a camp is found. Lion cubs are found with their mother who protects them, the color of the growth, they are difficult to find. Unlike the lions, the Great Kudos with their long, spiral horns can now be seen, majestic in body, color and horns, they are a beauty to behold.

Giraffes are abundant as a baby nurses from her mother as she feasts high in the acacia pods. Finally the large herd of elephant, including two babies are see. The safari group remains downward of where the elephant are drinking, and the engine of the vehicle is always ready to react quickly should the elephants find them and charge.

This is a lovely book filled with a plethora of information about all the animals found on the trip of this couple who love to learn and shared their knowledge. show less

Who needs to travel when there are books like Ted and Betsy Lewin's Puffling Patrol? This time the Lewins take us to a group of islands off the coast of Iceland where thousands of puffins spend their summer raising their chicks. In August the chicks, called pufflings, must go to sea and the children of the islands go to work to help the pufflings.

The illustrations are a perfect mix of large startlingly realistic paintings (Ted, I think) and quick friendly small sketches (Betsy?). Who could show more not be charmed by this small story of courage and patience with these brilliant illustrations? show less

Lewin, T., & Lewin, B. (2008). Horse Song: The Naadam of Mongolia. New York: Lee & Low Books.

9781584302773

Appetizer: Following their own trip to Mongolia as tourists the Lewins share about the preparation and events of a Naadam festival. They begin by

As can be expected from previous Caldecott honor winners (Betsy for Click, Clack Moo: Cows That Type) the illustrations in Horse Song are A-MA-ziiiiiiiing! They use a lot of wonderful color and manage (I'm guessing here, since I have yet to find show more the funding to travel to Mongolia) to capture a bit of the landscape and culture of the places they visited. The illustrations of the horses running (and there were several) were the most striking.

Intermixed among the more stunning illustrated pages, are other pages that include multiple simpler sketches.

I do like that the Lewins frame this book as their own personal trip to experience another culture instead of trying to use some annoying omniscient voice to share about Naadam in an authoritative voice..."All Mongolian people...blah, blah, blah." *Cringes at the thought*

Rather, this is two people sharing their personal experiences, allowing space for others to see the events differently. (On that note, a teacher could make use of this book as an example of how to write a travel log for middle grade students). It is clear that the Lewins did some research and made an effort to include some words of the Khalkha Mongolian language, but they in no way claim to be experts. Which I appreciate. Greatly.

Also, here's a video of the Lewins talking about their love of travel. They mainly talk about their time in India here, but it's still wonderful to hear the author/illustrators speak and see where they work.

In other news, when I start a google search for "Mongolia..." the first suggestion that always comes up is Mongolian BBQ. Just thought I'd share that.

Dinner Conversation:

"Every summer Naadam festivals are held all around Mongolia to celebrate the country's most popular sports: wrestling, archery, and horse racing. The Naadam brings isolated nomads together to take part in the events, see friends and relatives, feast and celebrate life. It's a time for Mongolians to remember centuries of tradition and keep their cultural heritage alive."

"Are you Betsy and Ted?" asks a young woman as she steps from the crowd at the Ulaanbaatar airport. "I'm your guide. My name is Batsuren."

"It is early morning on the steppe. We are awakened by mooing cows and bleating goats. As we crawl out of our little tent by the river, Amraa is fetching water and Batsuren is cooking breakfast. Suddenly we are surrounded by a large herd of horses that has come to the river to drink."

"Like boys and girls everywhere in Mongolia, Tamir dreams of bringing honor, glory, and prizes to his family by winning the big race, now only one week away."

"The race has begun. Pandemonium!"

To Go with the Meal:

While probably best for middle grade students, this book could also be used with children who are still transitioning to chapter books since the picture book is text-heavy and sectioned off into different sections as the Lewins experienced different parts of their journey.

After reading this story, students could write their own accounts of their own travels or could research Mongolia in more depth.

This is a wonderful book that can really spark the imagination for some young readers. A teacher should be ready to encourage students to participate in make-believe horse races. To incorporate other cultures, a teacher could also show excerpts from the movie, Hidalgo or share books about distance races within the historical American West as well.

Tasty Rating: !!! show less