The Girlhood Diary of Wanda Gag, 1908-1909

For readers who are interested in reading more about Wanda Gag, this book might be the place to start. It includes selected entries from Wanda's diary from 1908-1909. The selections are chosen from the longer diary entitled Growing Pains: Diaries and Drawings for the Years 1908-1917, republished by the Minnesota Historical Society in 1984.

Wanda Gag; Storybook Artist

Written by Gwenyth Swain, this biography of Wanda Gag won the Minnesota Book Award in 2006. Gag grew up in New Ulm, Minnesota and is the well-known author and illustrator of the picture book Millions of Cats which was a Newbery honor book in 1929, ABC Bunny a Newbery honor book in 1934, and Nothing at All a Caldecott honor book in 1942. Illustrated with photos and examples of Gag's artwork, this will be of interest to upper grade school students and others who would like to know more about her life. It can also be used by teachers to supplement art lessons or readings of Gag's stories.

Agate; What Good is a Moose?

Agates are a favorite objective for rock hunters along the North Shore of Lake Superior. In this unusual picture book, Agate is the name of a plain brown moose who is envious of the fabulous gems among his friends. He would like to be as tall as Diamond (giraffe), as clever as Opal (raccoon), as good a swimmer as Aquamarine (penguin). The watercolor art is stunning as each animal is painted in the color of his/her gem. Eventually Agate realizes that he is a "fabulous, knobbly, glorious, lumpity, terrific, bumpity, incredible, gangly, remarkable, spendid, magnificant secret jewel!" In the back, readers will find more information on the birthstones for each month--they also match the animals of the story. It is a very creative work by Minnesotans Joy Morgan Dey and Nikki Johnson.

Mississippi River: A Journey Down the Father of Waters

This book provides a personal travelogue, as well as a little history and geography of the Mississippi River, from Minnesota to the delta. Author Peter Lourie has explored many major rivers, and this canoe trip down the Mississippi took place in 1998. An interesting side note: he was in New Orleans when Hurricane Georges was threatening, but veered off to hit Biloxi instead--think about Hurricane Katrina when you read that part. This book was selected as a National Council of Social Studies Notable Trade Book in 2001.

Fearless John: The Legend of John Beargrease

Readers will enjoy this true story of John Beargrease, an Anishinaabe woodsman and U.S. mail carrier along the north shore in the late 1800's. John braved cold and ice, and wild animals to deliver mail and supplies to residents in the region. He is honored in modern times by the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon following a route he used long ago. Written by Kelly Emerling Rauzi, illustrated by Mila Horak, this book will introduce readers to a lesser-known Minnesota hero.

Mississippi Going North

When you think of the Mississippi River, what comes to mind? Perhaps a big, long, wide, muddy river that flows from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico?
This book will give you a new fresh perspective as it explores only the first part of the river, where it actually flows north. Author Sanna Anderson Baker uses poetry to describe the scenery and illustrator Bills Farnsworth uses oil painting to make the words come alive in this handsome book that takes readers to a part of Minnesota they may never see in person. Don't miss this one!

The Mighty Mississippi

Part of a beginning reader series, and authored by Minnesota's Marion Dane Bauer, this simple book introduces readers to the basic facts about the Mississippi River. A supplement of interesting facts in available in the back. In the coming weeks, I will be commenting on several other books about the Mississippi.