Julie's Library: Norman and the Nom Nom Factory
APM Podcasts
Before we share today’s episode, we want to say to the families who are hurt and angry and scared right now: we’re with you. In this moment, we need to listen, learn and work to fight racism in our own communities.
We want to recommend a resource we’ve turned to — a list of children’s books to help families talk about racism, justice and equality with kids:
Norman is a big, fluffy alien. He lives alone on Planet Gerp and eats Nom Noms for every meal. Will an unexpected visitor convince him to try something new? Plus, a special message from chef Ann Kim.
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NORMAN AND THE NOM NOM FACTORY written and illustrated by Bridgette Zou. Copyright © 2018. Used with the permission of StarBerry Books — Kane Press, distributed by Lerner Publisher Services. All rights reserved.
PICTURE THIS: MORE FROM THE ILLUSTRATOR
is both the author and the illustrator of Norman and the Nom Nom Factory. Wonder why the book’s drawings are almost all blue and white? Those are Bridgette’s two favorite colors! Bridgette said she has a “lifelong love of blue and white pottery, which is found in cultures all over the world.”
But Planet Gerp doesn’t have to stay blue and white. Bridgette made coloring sheets for you to fill in yourself, with your own favorite colors! Get them here:
Norman and the Nom Nom Factory coloring sheets from Bridgette Zou
THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY: INVENT A FOOD
Invent a food! Norman makes Nom Noms. Chip loves Slizzah, Starm, Bick Bork and Bing. What would your imaginary food look, taste and smell like? What would it be called?
Draw it, describe it and send it to us, so we can imagine tasting your delectable creation!
TRY IT AT HOME: ANN KIM’S SPECIAL RECIPE
, the award-winning chef who served up a special message in this episode, has more to share with hungry listeners. Try her recipe and make it your own.
Tortilla Pizza, from Ann Kim:
”I love tortilla pizzas. They're fun and easy to make — tortillas are a great blank canvas for flavor combinations. Pick your favorite cheeses, veggies, protein, and condiments, and voila — you've got your self a tasty pizza!
Step 1: Place a pre-made corn or flour tortilla in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2: Top your tortilla with the good stuff! I like a simple Margherita taco pizza with mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil. Love Hawaiian Pizza? Try it with red sauce, mozzarella, pineapple, and bacon.
Get creative and play with your favorite toppings and flavors. There are no rules when it comes to tortilla pizza!”
THE BACKSTORY
“I was inspired by the power of courage in the face of feeling fearful and uncertain. I wanted to find a way to portray that in a story, and show that opening ourselves to new experiences can uncover new friends and adventure. …
Life, like Norman and the Nom Nom Factory, is filled with unexpected adventures. I think it’s part of the magic of life that these adventures can begin at any time and anywhere. We all have the power to help one another, whether it’s through friendship or an act of kindness, and when we work together our fears are a lot less scary.”
-Bridgette Zou, author of Norman and the Nom Nom Factory
READING RECOMMENDATIONS
Take the leap and try something new! These books encourage readers to brave the unknown and get outside their comfort zone.
Escargot by Dashka Slater
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The Other Side by Jaqueline Woodson
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Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
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The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires
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I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato by Lauren Child
Get this book: | |
WONDERFUL WORDS
In this episode, one of our wonderful words is concoct, which means to make something by combining various ingredients, or to come up with an idea or a plan. What are you concocting this week?
