May 18 – International Museum Day

About the Holiday

International Museum Day, created by the International Council of Museums, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” This theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace within and between communities worldwide. To learn more about their initiatives, visit the ICOM website. Celebrate International Museum Day by visiting a museum near you!

Thanks to Atheneum Press and Barbara Fisch at Blue Slip Media for sending me this book for review!

The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey | Illustrated by Khoa Le

When the president of France asked Ieoh Ming (“I. M.”) Pei, a famous architect, to redesign the Louvre—”the largest museum in the world and home to the Mona Lisa”—he approached the assignment like a secret agent, aware that the local people would not appreciate a foreigner changing this museum that had such a storied past.

But all that history had caught up with the Louvre, and it desperately needed modernizing. The entrance was ungainly, with a long walk to the art galleries. I. M. envisioned an entrance that was not a door, but led from the courtyard. “Like a magic portal leading to a world of hidden marvels,” this new entry would branch into pathways to the Louvre’s three wings.

This new structure had to be just right—grand, but not blocking the view of the museum. When creating a new design, I. M. thought in Chinese and visualized possibilities by moving his hands in front of him “as if sketching in the air.” He studied the geometric features of the palace of Versailles and recalled the gardens he played in as a child at his ancestral home in Suzhou, China. Then the answer materialized! He imagined a large glass pyramid, a serene, sunlit space welcoming all visitors.”

I. M. was excited to reveal his idea, but the citizens were in an uproar and denigrated his idea. I. M. had faced personal and professional challenges before and relied on the strength he’d developed throughout his life. To “gain the trust of the people of Paris,” he sat for interviews, calmly expressing his vision for the Louvre. The mayor of Paris even proposed a life-size mock-up to help the people understand the design. Slowly, criticism waned and building began.

As the pyramid rose, so did issues that needed answers. Each was overcome, and one even led to surprising discoveries that were opened for visitors to explore. At last the pyramid was completed. On opening day, I. M. Pei’s appearance in the courtyard inspired applause from the visitors in line. He acknowledged their recognition with a nod and a wide smile. Today, the pyramid has “blossomed into a cherished symbol of France.”

Back matter includes a discussion of an architect’s job, a brief biography of I. M. Pei, STEM connections describing how construction problems were solved, selected sources and online videos.

The story behind the addition of the glass pyramid to the Louvre has it all—history, a brilliant creator, a world-renowned art collection, innovation, controversy, and success. In her tribute to I. M. Pei and the Louvre, Jeanne Walker Harvey embraces its entirety in her elegant prose that is as transparent and beautiful as the pyramid itself. Throughout her pages, Harvey weaves her tapestry with glorious threads from the Louvre’s intriguing past; I. M. Pei’s dedication to his art, mindful philosophy, and unique method of conjuring his iconic designs; the fervor of French feeling; problem solving; and collaboration. The result is a masterpiece of nonfiction in which each reader can find depth and meaningful lessons on staying true to ones own vision.

Khoa Le’s compelling and intricate illustrations introduce children to I. M. Pei and transport them to visit the Louvre inside and out, gaze at the gardens of Versailles, and view China’s Lion Grove Garden on their way to witness I. M. Pei visualize and complete the Louvre’s glass pyramid entrance. Children also see other buildings designed by Pei, obtain an understanding of how Pei’s thoughtful manner can be adopted in many situations, and how collaboration sets the stage for success.

Ages 4 – 8+

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665953337

About the Author

Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, and The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei. Jeanne lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.

About the Illustrator

Khoa Le is an illustrator from Vietnam, who graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to working in publishing, illustrating numerous books that have been published in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Currently, she works and lives with her cats. Visit her at khoaleartwork.com.

Museum Lovers Day Activity

Museum Visit Activity Pages

Interact with any trip to a museum with this activity sheet that gets you thinking, feeling, and remembering the favorite parts of your trip!

My Trip to the Museum Activity Pages

Open Dyslexic Font My Trip to the Museum Activity Pages

You can purchase The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei from these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop

Picture Book Review

October 24 – National Food Day

Posted by Kath Carroll

About the Holiday

Established in 2011 by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, National Food Day aims to raise awareness of nutrition issues and encourage people to “Eat Real.” Eating real means “cutting back on sugary drinks, overly salted packaged foods and fatty, factory-farmed meats in favor of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and sustainably raised protein.” Prominent food activists help people discover where they can find food that is healthy and affordable. Another goal is to promote food production that is mindful of the environment, farm animals, and farmers. The efforts of National Food Day continue year round and culminate on October 24 with special events.

Thanks to Astra Young Readers for sharing a copy of The Most Perfect Persimmon with me for review consideration. All opinions on the book are my own.

The Most Perfect Persimmon

By Hannah Chung

When Joo Hong gazed at the persimmons growing on the tree in her backyard, she saw the full moon, the glowing sun—perfection. She picked one, wanting to give it to her grandma, but her mother told her, Grandma’s visit was weeks away. Joo Hong wanted to taste that persimmon now, but when she took a bite, she discovered that the fruit wasn’t ripe yet. She decided to help the persimmon tree along by watering it, wrapping its trunk in a warm blanket on cool nights, and shooing away the magpies. At last they were ready.

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This time when Joo Hong tasted one, it was “shiny on the outside. Soft and sweet on the inside. They were so perfect!” Joo Hong couldn’t wait to serve them to Grandma. But she would have to. Grandma’s visit was still a week away. It was so hard for Joo Hong to wait. But the persimmons were not waiting. They “got redder and started to show wrinkles. Some even had brown spots.” Joo Hong was upset even though her mother tried to reassure her that they were just ripening. Joo Hong hid the boxes of fruit from the sun and kept her cat away, but “the persimmons kept changing.”

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By the time Grandma arrived, the persimmons “were no longer perfect.” Joo Hong held out her gift with tears in her eyes. “Grandma Gave Joo Hong a big, warm hug” then took the fruit, peeled the skin, and gave Joo Hong a spoon. Joo Hong tasted it. It was delicious! Grandma smiled. “‘A persimmon becomes a hongshi with lots of love and care over time,'” she said, then exclaimed it was the best persimmon she’d ever eaten. Joo Hong was so excited that she gave a persimmon to her cat and even to the magpie. Then she and her mother and Grandma set out a picnic on this perfect day and enjoyed hongshis all afternoon.

An Author’s Note reveals Hannah Chung’s homegrown inspiration for her story.

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In her delightful and poignant debut picture book, Hannah Chung captures all the emotions of a young child with a big heart planning a special surprise for a beloved family member. From Joo Hong’s impatience for Grandma to arrive to her determination to ensure the persimmons are perfectly ripe to her tangled feelings and disappointed tears when Grandma does arrive and Grandma’s tender reassurances, Chung hits all the right notes, creating a story that kids and adults will love sharing and bond over.

Chung’s easy-to-understand, straightforward storytelling flows naturally and at a quick pace while also allowing readers to empathize with Joo Hong’s anticipation. In her bright, uncluttered illustrations Joo Hong’s facial expressions clearly show her changing feelings and make it simple for even the youngest children to understand how important the persimmon and Grandma are to Joo Hong. The relationships between Joo Hong, her mother, and her grandmother are sweet and tenderly drawn.

A perfect read aloud for story times as well as for bedtime, The Most Perfect Persimmon is a book that will be asked for often and is highly recommended for home, public library, and school library bookshelves.

Ages 4 – 8

Astra Young Readers, 2024 | ISBN 978-1662620843

About the Author/Illustrator

Hannah Chung is an award-winning designer and entrepreneur in health care design for young patients. She is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and has presented at numerous conferences including TEDx and SXSW. Hannah spends her time both in Providence, Rhode Island, and Seoul, South Korea.

National Food Day Activity

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-shop-the-farmers-market-maze-with-border

Shop the Farmers Market Maze

It’s a perfect day to visit the farmers market! Find your way through the stalls to enjoy all the delicious food!

Shop the Farmers Market Maze with no colored border | Shop the Farmers Market Maze with colored border

celebrate-picture-books-picture-book-review-the-most-perfect-persimmon

You can purchase The Perfect Persimmon at these booksellers

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop (to support your local independent bookstore)

Picture Book Review

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About the Holiday

The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey | Illustrated by Khoa Le

Museum Lovers Day Activity

Museum Visit Activity Pages

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About the Holiday

The Most Perfect Persimmon

By Hannah Chung

National Food Day Activity

Shop the Farmers Market Maze

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