love – Ink And Spine

Starting something new is always difficult.

You’re setting yourself up for potential failure.

People might not realize you’re not as intelligent as you would like them to believe. Or maybe you will be forced to realize that you aren’t as smart as you think you are…

which would be the worst of the two because we all want to believe we’re pretty darn brilliant.

Embarking upon a new experience is easy when you’re young. With no frame of reference, you figure anything is possible.

Naivety disguised as hope.

When we get older and carry plenty of failures under our belt, we become more apprehensive. We’ve figured out what we’re good at and we stick to it. It’s safe. It doesn’t require any extra brainpower, and we’re pretty much guaranteed success. Oh, sure, we’ll learn something new,

just as long as no one is watching.

Case in point: years ago, I decided to take a watercolour class. I received the syllabus, bought the appropriate paper, brushes, paint, and palette and was in such a creative spirit I almost sprang for the artist’s smock as well. Then I went to the first class and discovered “beginning water colour” meant only those artists who possessed an extensive portfolio. Senior citizens and college art students who, I believe, only enrolled so they can look like the experts

while the rest of us stood around, mere troglodytes to their Monet

… or so I felt in all my artistic angst.

Predictably, I only attended one class. I said it was because “something came up” (for some reason, this “something” was every Wednesday at 7:00pm). It was really because I didn’t want to be “schooled” by a little grey-haired lady in pink polyester pants.

And now that I’m nearing my own polyester pant phase, I understand the need to only participate in something I know I can do, and do well, especially if I know it is going to be witnessed by others.

And

I have to say, I’ve been very disappointed in myself. Disappointment led to drudgery. Drudgery to anger.

I’m itching for change.

I want the blind faith of youth that I can do whatever it is I want to do

and not look the fool.

…. I’ve gone out and bought the pants.

written by Rachel Poliquin illustrated by Rachel Wada

This book is BEAUTIFUL. Poetry, science, culture, folklore, history artwork. This book is a perfect example of how to use a multitude of genres to teach a concept. A quintessential hybrid text.

First of all, Wind is personified. It is the main character of the text. Wind tells us their story through poetry:” I Am Wind/I whistle. I howl/I’ll steal your hat, your house, your kitten, your kite/ I whisper whisper whisper secrets in the leaves…I am the Great Rushing in All Directions” (Poliquin). Wind is portrayed as a beautiful, gentle friend and destructive enemy.

Wind also tells us their story through history with little “Wind Chronicles,” which describe types of winds in various cultures and record historical events of destruction and peril caused by tornados and storms.

Wind also charmingly tells of its characteristics directly (as if in an extended character sketch): how it is created, the types of wind forces, how man has harnessed Wind for its own uses (sailing, wind farms), how it is perceived in mythology, and its multitude of names in various cultures.

Throughout all of this wonderful poetry, prose, and information are the most beautiful paintings in the most vibrant colours. A multitude of lessons could be created from the artwork alone.

For educators and families with young children, I am Wind: An Autobiography is a delightful addition to your library. It’s not just informative; it’s engaging and absolutely beautiful. This book will captivate your little ones, making learning a fun and interactive experience.

…oh and the book creators live in British Columbia so we’ve got some Canadian content AND indigenous content (this always makes me happy).
I will be recommending this book to every teacher I know!

I will definitely be recommending this book to every teacher I know!!

You will be able to own this book November 5, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the free copy.