Hard Work and Resilience in "Thomas Edison Graphic Biography" by Saddleback Educational Publishing

 

"Thomas Edison: Graphic Biography” by Saddleback Educational Publishing narrates the life and achievements of Thomas Edison, a brilliant inventor known for his groundbreaking work in electricity and technology. He turned darkness into light; made a machine talk; brought pictures to life—through the magic of electricity and hard work. From his early days as a telegraph operator to his iconic invention of the electric light bulb and phonograph, Edison's story showcases his dedication to solving problems and pushing the boundaries of science and engineering. The book highlights his numerous patents, his relentless pursuit of innovation and the impact of his inventions on society and his remarkable contributions to modern life.

 

The story is based on real facts, and the author mentions where they got the information. The facts and the story are mixed together well, making it a lively and accurate tale of Thomas Edison's life. The book shows Thomas Edison as a person with many different sides, not just one way, and the author avoids using stereotypes, giving us a good picture of who Edison really was. The writing style is easy to understand and interesting, making it good for many readers. The book has a main idea that highlights what makes Thomas Edison special, focusing on how he was committed to learning and faced challenges with determination.

 The pictures make the story even better. They show you what things looked like back when Thomas Edison was alive. You can see where he lived and the time he lived in. These pictures help you understand his early problems and the cool stuff he invented. It's like a visual journey through his life. Plus, the pictures don't just stop at showing places—they also bring Thomas Edison to life. You can see how he was and what he went through. Every little detail in the pictures helps you get to know him better, from his challenges to his successes. So, these illustrations aren't just there for looks; they're like a special guide that makes the story more exciting and helps you really connect with Thomas Edison's amazing journey.

 

I will  recommend this book to Seventh-Day Adventist schools for the fact that it acknowledges God as the sustainer of knowledge and wisdom. The story refrains from the use of inappropriate content and profane words but simply offers a valuable lesson to the readers about the importance of hard work and resilience. It emphasizes building the character to persevere even amidst enduring trials and challenges with patience and unwavering faith. Despite the story is practical and scientific, Edison's dedication to making the world better through his inventions reflects the ideal of service to others. Ultimately, Edison's life story, with its numerous failures and ultimate successes, can inspire students to overcome challenges, exhibit resilience, and pursue their goals with unwavering faith, making the story a recommended choice for people of different cultural and religious backgrounds.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unlocking Self-Acceptance: Embracing Uniqueness with "Ang Mahiyaing Manok" by Rebecca T. Añonuevo

 https://themedchildrensbooks.afcc.com.sg/library/book/ang-mahiyaing-manok-the-shy-rooster

"Ang Mahiyaing Manok" or also known as "Shy Rooster" in English is a story by Rebecca T. Añonuevo and illustrated by Ruben De Jesus is a story about a timid young rooster named Onyok who is too shy to crow like the other chickens. However, with the encouragement and support of his friends, particularly Kokok, Onyok learns to embrace his unique voice and ultimately finds his confidence to crow proudly. 

As you traverse the pages, the very names of the characters echo with the resonance of tradition; their lives are painted with strokes that breathe authenticity into the canvas. Picture the rural landscapes, where roosters herald the dawn, their crowing not just a call to wakefulness but a symphony of time itself that made the story's artwork folk art. The medium being use by the illustrator is color pens  to emphasize the outlines of an abstract patterns and color pencil to add highlights. Paint is also present to provide brilliant colors that accentuate the artwork creating a wonderful experience. The text and illustration have a symmetrical and complementary relationship. The use of varying fonts, sizes, clever composition and tension accentuates essential aspects of the story, enhancing the reader's connection to the narrative. 

 

I will recommend this story for Seventh-Day Adventist Schools because it serves as a powerful tool for illustrating God's creativity and the diversity of His creations. It beautifully teaches children to appreciate the uniqueness of every being, much like the journey of Onyok—a shy, one-of-a-kind rooster who discovers the courage to express himself through his crowing. This story, at its core, emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and the celebration of individuality. It eloquently reminds us that each person possesses special qualities and talents, deserving of recognition and appreciation. Moreover, the story skillfully highlights important character-building themes, including overcoming shyness, self-acceptance, and the profound value of support and friendship. It's a heartwarming tale that can also serve as a model for fostering mutual support within a community.