Shari Swanson

First sentence: One April morning in 1945, when the world was weary of war, a duck flew to the top of a tall post poking out of the Milwaukee River near a big drawbridge and settled in. People smiled at the plucky duck nesting on a perch so high above the water in the middle of a busy, noisy city.

Premise/plot: Nonfiction. History. World War II. Picture book. Gertie, a duck, becomes famous at the end of the Second World War. She warms hearts and features front and center (perhaps not literally) in newspapers around the globe. Everyone, apparently, wanted updates on this darling duck, and her nest of eggs. The place she's chosen for her nest is precarious, at best. Will all be well?

My thoughts: I'd not heard of Gertie. I'm going to guess that the book's intended audience will be unfamiliar as well. This book was a DELIGHT. I absolutely loved this narrative nonfiction text. I loved the illustrations. I loved the end pages that include "more of the story."… (more)

This is a great book when a young Abe Lincoln found a dog with a broken leg. Abe helps the dog and soon they are best friends who always are together. One day when Abe is in trouble will Honey be able to help save him. This book is a great reminder of compassion and love for others around us. Included in the back of the book is a timeline of Abraham Lincoln and his animal encounters. This would be a great way to start digging into Lincolns past. There is also an author's note included in the back with additional information, such as, the event's in this book are true as remembered by one of Abe's childhood friends.… (more)