Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Galápagos Girl: A Picture Book Review and Giveaway

Congratulations to Linda Phillips who won Buddies, Bullies, and Baseball  from last week's post.

*******



My faithful readers will recognize Marsha Diane Arnold's name. The author of picture and chapter books, I have featured her several times on my blog, but this is the first time for a bi-lingual book. Her publisher, Lee and Low Booksdecided to translate the book thus making it accessible to both English and Spanish speakers. 

Galápagos Girl was translated by Adriana Domínguez and beautifully illustrated by Angela Dominguez



This is the life story of biologist Valentina Cruz. Born into a large, but poor family, Valentina grew up playing with and loving the beautiful animals with whom she shared the Floreana island.  



Her father taught her that many Galapagos animals were endangered. Valentina's response was to want to help keep them safe.



Although Valentina was reluctant to leave her beloved island, her parents encouraged her to go to school. 

When Valentina sailed away from Floreana,
she made a promise to the animals and her islands.
"I will not forget you," she said.
"And I will keep you safe."

When she returned on school holidays, she camped on remote islands to study the birds, insets, reptiles, and mammals.



Now, not only is she a biologist, but Valentina is a nature guide and continues to share her love for the islands and animals with visitors from around the world. 






CLASSROOM RESOURCE AND AN AWARD!


The back matter includes why Ms. Arnold decided to write this book, information about the islands, animals, and a detailed bibliography. These additions make this book a great classroom resource for K-3rd grade. Here is a teacher's guide and an activity page for your students.

Gálapagos Girl received a Green prize for sustainable literature. 



GIVEAWAY

Interested in this book? Leave me a comment by January 25 to enter the giveaway. PLEASE leave your email address if you are new to my blog. Share on social media for an extra chance to win.

15 comments:

Carrie said...

Looks like a fun bilingual book!

Danielle H. said...

I've seen this book before and as a writer trying to find mentor text for nonfiction picture books, this is high on my list. Thank you for the chance! I shared on tumblr: https://yesreaderwriterpoetmusician.tumblr.com/post/190405123942/gal%C3%A1pagos-girl-a-picture-book-review-and-giveaway

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks for your comments, Danielle and Carrie. You start the list!

Jana Leah B said...

My niece will enjoy this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
turtle6422 at gmail dot com

Carol Baldwin said...

You're in, Jana Leah!

Diane B said...

Looks like a lovely book to read & the story being bi lingual is such a plus! :) thanks for the chance to enter.

Joyce Moyer Hostetter said...

Congratulations, Diane on winning The Green Prize and thank you for introducing me to Valentina Cruz! Thanks to you, Carol for introducing me to Galapagos Girl.

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks Diane and Joyce. You're both in!

Unknown said...

I do hope Galápagos Girl is helpful as a mentor text, Danielle. Thank you, Joyce, for the congratulations. The Green Prize is dear to my heart as when I wrote the book, I really hoped it would make a small impact in protecting our earth and its creatures. Thank you Diane, Jana, and Carrie for posting. Good luck to all. "Let us help to keep them safe." Marsha Diane Arnold

Young Authors Program said...

This looks like an interesting PB read. I'll have to check it out!

Rosi said...

This looks great. Thanks for telling me about it. I'm sure it will be popular in my Spanish-heavy California. I will pass on the giveaway.

Carol Baldwin said...

You're in, Dorothy!

Dr Bob Rich said...

Thank you for reviewing this lovely book. Seems to me it qualifies for the Life Award: Literature for Environment http://bobswriting.com/life.html

:)
Bob

Carol Baldwin said...

Thanks, Bob. That's a good idea. I hope you nominate it!

Danielle H. said...

My book Galapagos Girl arrived today! thank you again!

PUSH-PULL MORNING: Dog Powered Poems About Matter and Energy

I wouldn't have believed that a book about matter and energy would be read by the picture book crowd, except that my third-grade and kin...