Welcome!
Your email will not be shared with anyone. Please consider joining the discussion. I welcome your comments on my blog pages here or on Facebook (click button below)
-
Picture Books By Topic: picture book bios
An Old Man and His Penguin
Illustrated by: Milanka Reardon
Read a book review
Description: The true story of Joao Pereira de Souza, the penguin he rescued, and how Joao became an “honorary penguin. A warm tale of a compassionate human/animal bond, stewardship, and an environmental message.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: picture book bios
A Plan for the People: Nelson Mandela’s Hope for His Nation
Illustrated by: Charly Palmer
Description: Palmer’s powerful paintings complement this inspiring story of sacrifice and loss, devotion and learning, and patience and hard work. McDivitt and Palmer deftly chronicle the ongoing global fight against racism; Mandela’s journey makes for a powerful reminder of the ability to change. (Description from School Library Journal. Starred review)
Ages: 6-9
Topics: Activism, history, late-life career, legacy, making a difference, men, multicultural, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, racism, using life experiences, wisdom, work
A River of Words
Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet
Description: Biography/picture book Poets & poetry, biography, vocations, persistence Though he practiced medicine, William Carlos Williams became a recognized poet continuing well into his sixties.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: creativity, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, perseverance, picture book bios, using life experiences, work, writing
Bon Appetit! The Delicious Life of Julia Child
Read a book review
Description: Non-fiction picture book biography of chef Julia Child, who had a long, productive, and happy life.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: late-life career, late-life romance, picture book bios
Bottle Houses: The Creative World of Grandma Prisbrey
Illustrated by: Julie Paschkis
Read a book review
Description: Creative life, imagination and perseverance, love of color. Real life Grandma P. builds her own creative home from bottles and other found materials. Sadly out of print, but still available.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, extended family, grandmother, intergenerational, late-life career, perseverance, picture book bios, work
The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos
Illustrated by: LeUyen Pham
Read a book review
Description: As a boy famed mathematician Paul Erdos “spent his days counting and thinking about numbers. He couldn’t tie his own shoes or butter his own toast” and that changed little as he grew up. However, this math genius generously shared his brain, helping other mathematicians with math problems and research.
Ages: 6-9
Topics: community, math, men, picture book bios
The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau
Illustrated by: Amanda Hall
Read a book review
Description: Self-taught artist Rousseau begins painting late in life and perseveres despite poverty & criticism.
Ages: 3-6
Topics: art, creativity, history, perseverance, picture book bios
Georgia Rises: A Day in the Life of Georgia O’Keefe
Illustrated by: Ora Eiten
Read a book review
Description: A day in the life of famous artist Georgia O'Keefe as an active woman in her 90's.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: aging, art, creativity, history, late-life career, late-life happiness, nature, older role model, picture book bios, retirement, work
Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code
Illustrated by: Katy Wu
Read a book review
Description: The riveting true story of a trailblazing woman. Grace Hopper coined the term “computer bug” and taught computers to “speak English.” Throughout her life, Hopper succeeded in doing what no one had ever done before. Forced to retire at 60, but then asked to return, Grace finally retired from the Navy at age 80. (adapted from publ description)
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: creativity, history, late-life career, perseverance, picture book bios, retirement, women, work
Grandfather Gandhi
Illustrated by: Evan Turk
Read a book review
Description: Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson tells the story of how his grandfather taught him to turn darkness into light in this uniquely personal and vibrantly illustrated tale that carries a message of peace.
Ages: 3-6, 6-9
Topics: Activism, family heritage, fears, grandfather/grandson, legacy, making a difference, multicultural, older role model, picture book bios, using life experiences, wisdom
