Resources for the Young and Young-at-Heart

Nutrition.gov

If you are interested in knowing more about your body, how it works, and how to keep it healthy, check out nutrition.gov. This website, produced by the Food & Nutrition Center and the USDA, has links to over 1000 sites containing current and reliable nutrition information for kids of all ages. Written and maintained by Registered Dietitians, this site contains science based dietary guidance, including nutrition guidelines for infants through seniors. You’ll also find information on physical activity, fitness, food safety, and supplements.

You can easily browse by subject or use the search feature. The Home page also includes direct links to helpful nutrition fact sheets, other government sites, and FAQs. Browse the Spotlights section for information on health topics that are currently in the news. If needed, click on “En Espanol” to search the site and its links in Spanish. You can find this useful website at:

http://www.nutrition.gov/




Children’s Literature Awards and Winners: A Directory of Prizes, Authors, and Illustrators

Can’t remember who won the William Allen White Award in 1992? Curious about the history of the Caldecott? Trying to find a good book to read? You can find the answers to these and many more questions in this book which contains over 300 awards granted in English-speaking countries for excellence in children’s literature. With 5000 titles and 7000 authors and illustrators indexed, this comprehensive directory gives the description, history, criteria, and purpose of each award, as well as interesting biographical information about the award’s namesake. There is also a subject index for browsing.

Jones, D. B. (1994). Children’s literature awards and winners: A
directory of prizes, authors, and illustrators (3rd Ed.).
Detroit: Neal-Schuman Publishers.




Westward Expansion Biographies

If you are a middle school student, teacher, or librarian, then you are going to appreciate this reference. This book presents the life stories of individuals who played key roles in the westward expansion of the United States and gives a wide perspective on this era of American history. It contains 28 biographies of diplomats, entrepreneurs, explorers, frontiersman, Native American leaders, politicians, and outlaws making a difference in the period of 1763-1890. With 65 photos and maps and a timeline of important events, this book is a great place to start your research. Additional sources are cited with each entry if more information is needed.

Pendergast, T. & Pendergast, S. (2001). Westward Expansion
Biographies. Detroit: U●X●L.




The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Cartoon Animals

Designed as a reference book, this guide to popular culture can also be read for a laugh. This illustrated encyclopedia is a tribute to illustrators and cartoonists. It contains information about cartoon animal characters that have been created for various cartoon media. It also includes animals originating in books that became more famous in cartoons.

Each entry has a Pedigree, which is a description of the animal, a biography, and facts about its creation, historical significance, and media. Each Pedigree is written in the tone of the character using colorful vocabulary. There are illustrations of the less well-known animal characters and an appendix grouped according to species and cross-referenced. This unique book is a delightful stroll down memory lane for children and adults alike.

Rovin, J. (1991). The illustrated encyclopedia of cartoon animals.
New York: Prentice Hall Press.