Dreams of Freedom

Dreams of Freedom In words and Pictures has a variety of illustrations to go with the quotes that have been selected from people who have fought for different kinds of freedom. Right to education from Malala Yousafzai is definitely easier to relate for kids. In that vein, I am thinking that a quote from Emelin aged 15 from Guatamela who spoke at the United Nations would be more inspiring for kids to fight for their rights. The Little Dutch Boy who saved Holland was captivating to me as a child, as it was a heroic act by child (spoiler - even if its a myth).
The illustrations push me to think of how I would put my favourite quotes and words in pictures.
The quotes meld into the pictures, be it as an outline of wings that a tortured handicapped person wishes for or like a trapeze of people flying free. scrap book effect. Poster style. Story style.

The Big Great green Book

This whole year, every morning I wake to a message and illustration by Chandler kids for conservation regarding preservation of our environment and our limited sources that sustain us. Kids have a way of looking at things differently from us and as the The Great Big Green Book shows in the 'Invent' Section of alternate ways of living and harnessing destructive energies in unthought of ways.
This book is a good way to inform and get the kids brainstorming about what they think can be done differently so their future generations have the biosphere unharmed. The illustrations are very cute for a red alarm message that has lost its meaning for our generation in the climate change conspiracy debate. Having a cat think what this all means for itself, encourages kids to put themselves in others shoes. like say plant or animal kingdom with respect to human action consequences.

Dr Hummingbird

As a child I read about hummingbirds as the only birds that can fly backwards and live in the Americas. Before I got into birdwatching, I heard from a friend in California, that she saved a hummingbird in a shoebox, with soft cotton as bedding. And then they became a common sight but a mommy hummingbird sitting over that tiny nest in the Sonoran Museum in Tucson. Imagine their tiny eggs.

I have read a couple of books on rehabilitation of wild animals. In 'Fastest Things on Wings' Terry Masear, not only talks about the animals in need of saving but also portrays the human, vulnerable side of a rehabilitator.Myths about Hummingbirds as nocturnal. Tree trimming in spring which disturdbs the nestlings right when they are starting. crop of the bird filled with unwanted protein.
Even more to learn is the life of a wildlife rehabilitator. The doubts, the fears and the support from the wise words of Lao Tzu. Even though the author knows so much about hummingbird rehabilitation, she is clueless about helpless ducks which makes her take a second look at her worried hummingbird rescue callers.

If you like glitter wands

Despite how other reviewers are true about how this book is neither a math pro friend nor a newbie's, I like the book for opening my mind to think of the spherical rattle toy and think of geodesic. The book introduces a lot of concepts which are not covered in all Math degree courses. And if your Math has fallen into disuse after years of learning it, this book is a fun way of looking at math in some of everyday objects. Until now pigeonholes were a sweet memory of childhood of a corner shop with hidden goodies in each and now its a theory which can lead you to humorous conclusions if applied in everyday life involving large number of people and limited possibilities. I have been looking at the Green tao Theorem and thinking of a way to show a similar pattern in poetry.
Because of the size of the book, I like to take a look at a page along with its creative picture and learn a new thing each day.

Fresh air of Innovation

'Make your Mark: The Creative's Guide to Building a Business with Impact" introduces readers to never before heard of companies, the folks behind them and their secrets to success. Sugru with their innovative product, Warby Parker with their buy a pair, give a pair, Bonobos with their guideshops that a newspaper called 'that dont sell anything", DODOcase that robes your tablet in an elegant journal look. All those interviewed are very excited about innovation, letting the customers speak for the product and making the product an experience.
Its a good move from the well touted examples of past years.