This month’s book corner selection is perfect for young readers who are ready for a little more complexity behind their picture books. Each of these books are inspired by the events of true, real-life stories.
The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle
By Christy Cashman
Author Christy Cashman crafts a story about kindness, inclusion, and acceptance, gaining inspiration from the true story of a brave monkey who saved the day at Kilkea Castle Ireland. In “The Not-So-Average-Monkey of Kilkea Castle“, Petri the monkey crowns himself king and learns the value of kindness. Readers can continue on Petri’s journey through Cashman’s second book titled “Petri’s Next Things.”
José Feeds the World
By David Unger
With heartwarming illustrations, “José Feeds the World” tells the true story of how award-winning chef and food activist, José Andrés, created the World Central Kitchen organization, which uses the power of food to nourish communities globally. After gathering a group of friends to cook for hungry locals following the earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, Andrés has expanded his organization and fed over 200 million people affected by natural disasters, the COVID-19 pandemic, and war.
Susie Clark: The Bravest Girl You’ve Ever Seen
By Joshalyn Hickey-Johnson
Your young reader might have already learned about Ruby Bridges, but what about Susan Clark? At 13 years of age, Susan became the first Black student in the U.S. to attend an integrated public school. Following the ruling of Clark’s lawsuit, the Iowa Supreme Court granted all Iowa children the right to attend public school regardless of race, religion, or nationality. “Susie Clark: The Bravest Girl You’ve Ever Seen” is the perfect, digestible introduction to one of the many people who fought for their civil rights.
The Secret Elephant
By Ellen Rankin
Animal lovers will dive right into “The Secret Elephant” about a zoo elephant keeper who decides to take the zoo’s solitary elephant home during a war. Taking inspiration from the true story at the Belfast Zoo during WWll, author Ellan Rankin creates a story about an unlikely friendship and the bravery of humans and animals.
For more book suggestions, check out the March Book Corner.
