Top 10 Tuesday – Ten Books to help RESET RESPECT in your classroom!

With Halloween and Remembrance Day behind us and Christmas coming up, I thought I would break from our seasonal themes and focus on something you might need to get you through to the winter break – I’m talking about a little RESPECT! While we often begin our school year with some of these books to help build a positive class community, they are also useful tools for pushing the “respect reset button” if you start noticing classroom respect flying out the window!

Here are my favorite books for helping your class RESET RESPECT!

You Get What You Get – Julia Gassman

“You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit!” – such an important reminder for kids! This is a great book to teach children how to compromise and not throw a tantrum when you don’t get your way! Wonderful illustrations!

Lacey Walker, Non Stop Talker – Christianne Jones

When chatterbox Lacey Walker loses her voice for the day, she discovers everything she either missed out on or didn’t notice because she was always talking. Great message and great ending: I like that Lacey doesn’t go from ONLY talking to ONLY listening. She still loves talking, but now she has a better understanding of listening and being present.

Rulers Of The Playground – Joseph Kuefler

In the same lane as “Mean Jean, the Recess Queen”, this book explores playground politics as two would-be rulers duke it out, divvying up the terrain and alienating playmates in the process. A relateble cautionary tale with a diverse cast of characters.

A Little Bit Of Respect – Claire Alexander

A perfect book for young readers to learn how to stand up for themselves in a respectful manner when something or someone is bothering them. It’s such a short story but filled with advice and tips from “the Ploofers” that are not overbearing or preachy. I haven’t read the other books in this collection (A Little Bit Different and A Little Bit of Courage) and but I’m going to now!

Do Unto Otters (A Book About Manners) – Laurie Keller

I LOVE this one for the start of the school year, but nothing wrong with a revisit! Based on The Golden Rule, this book reminds young readers to treat others the way you would like to be treated. It’s not only a funny and filled with punny storyline and jokes, but it encourages children to be kind and polite.

The Big Cheese – Jory John

The Big Cheese, is the lastest addition to Jory John’s clever Food Group series, this one with a message against showing off and bragging in favor of sharing the spotlight. The story is about Cheese who has a huge ego and an unrealistic desire to be the best in everything. “How did I get such a good — or should I say gouda — reputation?” Lots of laughs, along with some important discussions points in this one.

A Little Respectful Spot – Dianne Alber

A great little book about respect for young readers. I really like how this book gives very practical examples of how to respect people, places and things.

My Mouth Is A Volcano – Julia Cook

Interupting in a classroom is something that can be very direspectful, not to mention annoying! This book is entertaining and teaches children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak. Such a great book for your respect reset!

What If Everybody Did That? – Ellen Javernick

Such a great book for discussing the impact of our actions! Such a great “mid year” book to review classroom rules and discuss the consequences “if everybody” broke them!

I Can’t Believe I Said That! – Julia Cook

Another book by Julia Cook (hey – that rhymes!), this one can be used to introduce the concept of “social filters” to students. Let’s face it – kids can sometimes be brutaly honest! This book teaches children when it is okay to say things and when it is a good time to keep quiet. I really like how the author clearly distinguishes the difference between honesty and kindness.

Mind Your Manners – Nicola Edwards

Adorable book about manners for your littles! It’s full of misbehaving animals, from messy monkeys to grumpy grizzly bears. Lots of quirky, memorable rhymes and adorable animal illustrations! Love this one!

Decibella And Her 6-Inch Voice – Julia Cook

Choosing and using the correct voice volume is an important way to show respect in a school! This book helps students of all ages learn and remember what voice volume to use when speaking in class, chatting in the library, sitting at the lunch table, or playing outside.

Library Lion – Michelle Knudsen

Lions, libraries and love all wrapped up in this one. This is a favorite of mine – a beautiful story about rules and when they can be broken. Not enough triple scoop words to adequately express how truly wonderful this lion is. If you have never read this book aloud to your class – you MUST!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found one or two books that caught your eye and might help launch a RESPECT RESET in your class this week!

Top Ten Tuesday – New Books for Spring 2023!

It’s spring and that means LOTS of new picture books are being released! I thought I would share some of the new picture books I have been reading over the past few weeks, featuring MANY Canadian authors! Would love to know which titles catch your eye!

A Dupatta Is… – Marzieh Abbas

A Dupatta is… is such a great introduction to the much loved piece of clothing for many in South Asia.  Dupattas are beautiful and colorful of course, but they’re also fun, functional, and carry the sounds and smells of family and identity. Sweet, beautifully illustrated and wonderfully descriptive. (Feiwel & Friends – April 11, 2023)

What If I’m Not a Cat? – Kari-Lynn Winters

Such a sweet and very funny story about a donkey who thinks he’s a cat. The commentary by the cats is hilarious and expressions on the various animals’ faces is delightful.  Lots of laughs with this book which is a wonderful anchor book to introduce the concept of identity.  A great example of how you don’t have to put a label on yourself to have an identity. (Kids Can Press, Release date: June 6, 2023)

Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship – Heather Smith

This is a beautiful book for young children who may be dealing with the grief of losing a grandparent.  The story explores how remembering our loved ones is a way of keeping them alive in our hearts.  I can see how this book may be a gentle way to help start the conversation about loss with younger children.(Kids Can Press – release date: June 6, 2023)   

The Shape of You – Mugn Thi Van

Oooooo – this book surprised me in such a wonderful way! It is a beautiful and thought-provoking exploration of the shapes found in our everyday lives. The story follows a mother as she describes the shapes around them to her young daughter, starting with literal shapes like rectangles and squares, and moving on to more abstract shapes like questions and spaces waiting to be filled. I love the lyrical, soothing language and the way the story gently encourages readers to observe and think more critically about the shapes that surround them. Gorgeous illustrations. (Kids Can Press, May 3, 2023)

The Invitation – Stacey May Fowles

A whimsical, imaginative story about a little forest fairy named Fern.  When she discovers an invitation to a super surprise at the museum, she begins to worry about so many things.  But with the help of friends, she faces her fears and overcomes her worries.  Lovely! (Groundwood Books – April 4, 2023)

Dear Street – Lindsay Zier-Vogal

When Alice hears others complain about her street, she writes a letter highlighting the things she enjoys and leaves the letters around for people to find them.  When the adults find them, they are reminded to look for the positives in the world around them.  This book reminds readers of many aspects that make up their neighbourhood and would be the perfect anchor book primary students who are exploring community.  (Kids Can Press, May 3, 2023)

The Loud Librarian – Jenna Beatrice

This book is adorable!  A young girl finally gets her turn to be the student librarian. She has practiced and can do every part of the job except for one small thing – she is very LOUD!  She is empowered to solve her own problem but remains true to her spirit.  This is a great story and the illustrations are delightful!  (Atheneum Books for Young Readers – April 11, 2023)

A Day with No Words – Tiffany Hammond

This moving look invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. I have never read any book that captures so beautifully the daily life of a family with non-speaking and speaking family members. An incredible story that represents neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates. A must have for your school library! (Wheat Penny Press – Release date: May 9, 2023)

You are a Story – Bob Raczka

This beautiful book explores the big question “What makes you you?”  You are a child, an animal, a body of water, a friend, a mystery, one-of-a-kind, a miracle. You can be so many things, but whatever you choose to do, it’s your life to write, you are a story.  Such a great anchor book for an All About Me unit.  Love the message that we are all more than one thing. (Neal Porter Books – Feb. 21, 2023)

Nothing’s Wrong!: A Hare, a Bear, and Some Pie to Share – Jory John

A new Jory John! Yay! This great laugh-out-loud story helps teach readers how to handle situations when a friend is grumpy or they themselves are grumpy. A gentle reminder that communication and being a trusted friend are important. Wonderful, fun illustrations! (Farrar, Straus and Giroux -May 2, 2023)

Very Good Hats – Emma Straub

A wonderful, joyful, inventive read-aloud story will inspire kids to look at ordinary things through new eyes!  Some people think hats are fancy things you buy in a shop, but this book quickly changes our thinking!  EVERYTHING can be a hat – if you believe it is!  Acorns, pajama pants, bubbles… Hats are everywhere you look!  (Note –Author Emma Straub was abruptly UNINVITED to read this book at a school in Texas because she apparently used an F-Bomb in one of her social media posts during covid.  Seriously?)  (Rocky Pond Books: Jan. 10, 2023)

This is Not My Story – Ryan Uytdewilligen

A CLEVER and fun way to introduce children to a variety of different genres.  The graphic novel format is inviting and the story is so funny, kids won’t even realize they are learning!  There is an information page at the end that gives more details about the genres.  A perfect anchor book to inspire both reading and writing different text structures!  (Kids Can Press, Released: June 6, 2023)

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you found a few new books to add to your collection!

Next week, I will focus on some new NONFICTION books!

Top Ten Tuesday – Top Ten New Christmas Picture Books for Sharing and Gifting 2022

Every year at this time, I like to post the new holiday picture books for sharing and gifting. This year, there are some exceptional ones! I hope you find one or two titles that bring that holiday spirit into your classroom, home, and heart.

Green Is for Christmas – Drew Daywalt

From the NYT best selling author comes the latest “crayon” book! After Green crayon insists he is the only color for Christmas, the other crayons let him know that there would be no Christmas without them either! Humourous and great fun – and the best thing is the book is small – just the right size for a stocking!

The Cool Bean Presents: As Cool as It Gets – Jory John

Another NYT best-selling “good group” series, this latest story keeps in the spirit of the others. Cool Bean can’t afford to buy a cool gift for the holiday gift exchange so he ends up making something instead. Even though he was embarrassed, his gift ends up being the hit of the party!

The Christmas Book Flood – Emily Kilgore

Gorgeous new holiday picture book tells the tale of the Icelandic tradition of buying books for loved ones at Christmas and then cozying up by the fire on Christmas Eve to read all the new books and eat chocolates! Could there be anything more delightful than family, books, chocolates and Christmas? Magical!

The Perfect Tree – Corinne Demas

Bunny looks for the perfect Christmas tree. Each of her forest friends suggest different “must have” features – perfect pointy top, greenest green features, smells like Christmas… But sometimes, the best tree is not always “perfect” when it’s surrounded by friends. Would be a great writing anchor book for teaching “descriptive features”.

The Real Santa – Nancy Redd

A young Black boy who LOVES Christmas wonders just what the REAL Santa looks like? Does he match the figurines on the mantel, or the faces on our favorite holiday sweaters? Does he look like you or like me? I loved how this story celebrates family, diversity, and the holiday spirit. Perfect for any child looking to see some of themselves in Santa Claus.

The BIG Christmas Bake – Fiona Barker

Such a delightful twist to the classic “Twelve Days of Christmas” where each of the animals from the song help to create a “Twelfth Night” cake (traditional British fruit cake intended to be eaten on the 12th night of Christmas, or Epiphany. (Think three french hens bringing baking powder; six geese bringing eggs, etc,) Lots of fun and includes recipe at the end!

Coming Home – Michael Morpurgo

Beautiful migration story that follows a robins journey as he returns home. Not fully a “Christmas” in theme until the end when the two robins reunite. Gorgeous illustrations and I really liked the language – lots of triple scoop words!

This is Christmas – Tom Booth

A glimpse at nature in winter during the holiday season. A young chipmunk asks his mother what Christmas is. Her response is a celebration of simple things: the company of others, the beauty that surrounds us, the sounds, sights, tastes and smells and the act of giving. I loved the nostalgic feel of the vintage style illustrations!

Last Stop on the Reindeer Express – Maudie Powell-Tuck

Mia is sad that she won’t be spending Christmas with her Grandpa. At a Christmas market, she discovers an unusual mailbox, which turns out to be a portal to the Reindeer Express. Soon she is on a magical adventure, brought to life by peep-through pages, lift-the-flaps and breath-taking illustrations. This book is a wonderful way to help children who may be spending Christmas away from a parent, grandparent or sibling.

I Saw Santa’s Underpants – Bobbie Hinman

For those looking for a giggle, this one was unexpectedly fun! When Santa accidentally leaves home without his suspenders, it’s up to a clever little boy to devise a solution to save Santa from certain embarrassment. The rhyming text is well done, and I could almost hear Burl Ives reading this one aloud!

Not new for 2022 – but worth a mention, just the same!

Dasher: How a Brave Little Doe Changed Christmas Forever – Matt Tavares

One of my favorites, this gorgeous picture book tells how Santa gained his reindeers after young Dasher had escaped from a travelling circus to help fly his sleigh. The writing is so beautiful and a perfect read-aloud or snuggle book on Christmas Eve!

Red and Lulu – Matt Tavares

I get teary every time I read this one! By the same author as Dasher (above), this story tells the tale of two red cardinals, Red and Lulu, who make their home in the branches of a large evergreen. One day, the tree is cut down and carried off in a truck, with Lulu still trapped in the nest. Red follows frantically in search of his friend. I don’t want to give too much away, but will tell you the story has a very happy ending! Have your Kleenex handy.

Little Red Sleigh – Erin Guendelsberger

I just LOVE this heartwarming story of a small sled who dreams to one day become Santa’s sleigh. But she is young, small and can’t fly. Until one Christmas….Full of winter joy and Christmas magic, this story reminds us that no dream is out of reach if you believe. One of my favorites for getting into the spirit of the season!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope one or two books have caught your eye!

Happy reading and happy holidays to all!

Top Ten Tuesday – Ten Favorite Halloween books for Spooky Read-Alouds!

Well, the countdown is on and the excitement is building! Here are my favorite spooky, scary, fun books to share for Halloween!

There’s a Ghost in this House – Oliver Jeffers

A young girl lives in a haunted house, but has never seen a ghost. Readers will step inside and embark on an entertaining ghost hunt with her. Includes transparent pages, lots of friendly ghost surprises and incredible mixed media illustrations. Engaging and entertaining!

The Crayons Trick or Treat – Drew Daywalt

The Crayons want to go trick-or-treating, but they’re not sure what to say! Luckily, Purple Crayon teaches the rest of the crayon box the magic words to say when they ring their neighbors’ doorbells. (Hint: It’s NOT Boo!) This latest book in the Crayon series was released just last month.

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt – Riel Nason

Ghosts are supposed to be sheets, light as air and able to whirl and twirl and float and soar. But the little ghost who is a quilt can’t whirl or twirl at all, and when he flies, he gets very hot. An absolutely charming, heartfelt story about a young ghost who believes that he is just too different to ever fit in with his ghost family who are all sheets. Absolutely adorable.

The Good, The Bad, And the Spooky – Jory John

The Bad Seed is upset because he hasn’t come up with a good costume for Halloween so he decides to trick everyone into canceling Halloween for the night so he’ll have more time to come up with a costume. But as a Pumpkin Seed points out, Halloween is supposed to be about fun and togetherness, not a competition. Love the vocabulary in John’s books!

The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything – Linda Williams

A little old lady goes for a walk and encounters several pieces of clothing floating along. When the clothing joins forces with a carved pumpkin head, she overcomes her fears and finds a surprising use for them. This book is a GREAT read-aloud choice as there are lots of places for including spooky noises and voices as the suspense builds!

Halloween Must Be Near – A.l. Bullard

Simple rhyming text and refrain will take readers through the excitement and anticipation of Halloween.

Mousekin’s Golden House – Edna Miller

A little mouse makes its home inside a discarded pumpkin after Halloween. This was one of my favorite books to borrow from the library as when I was younger. Very sweet story!

And Then Comes Halloween – Tom Brenner

Another cute “countdown to Halloween” – from hanging skeletons to carving pumpkins, costume-making and trick-or-treating. Poetic language and lovely collage illustrations.

How To Catch A Witch – Adam Wallace

In this latest addition to the “How to Catch a …” series, a witch has opened a magical portal and released spooky creatures all over the neighbourhood. Readers join the Catch Club Kids as they set zany traps for the witch so she can close the portal and save Halloween before all the candy is gone! Frightful and fun!

The Scariest Book Ever – Bob Shea

Bob Shea seems to have a gift for writing picture books that children can relate to easily. In this one, a ghost is trying not to be scared of the dark woods, but doesn’t quite manage it. Great read aloud as the narrator (reader) has to reassure the ghost over and over again. A scary book that isn’t quite so scary as it pretends to be!

It’s Halloween! – Jack Prelutsky

One of my favorite collections of Halloween poetry! And there is nothing like sharing a great Halloween poem with your class every day this week!

Bonapart Falls Apart – Margery Cuyler

Very cute crew of monsters need to help poor little skeleton Bonaparte keep his bones from coming apart! Great metaphor for anyone with extra challenges for which they need assistance. Charmingly quirky illustrations!

How to Make Friends with a Ghost –  Rebecca Green

I LOVED this story when it first came out. The illustrations are so beautiful and the story is lovely. A little girl makes friends with a ghost who stays around for the rest of her life. I dare you to read this and not want your own little rosy cheeked pet ghost!

Thanks for stopping by! Happy reading and Happy Halloween everyone!

Top Ten Tuesday! 10 New Back to School Books for 2022 (plus a few more!)

As much as it’s hard to face – back to school is on the horizon. Many have enjoyed holidays, much anticipated travel, and time with family and friends this summer. Some may already be heading back to class soon, others have a few weeks left of summer bliss to enjoy. Whatever stage you are at shifting into school mode, it’s never too early or late to start exploring a few new “back to school books”. Starting school with a good collection of “back to school” themed books to share with your students during those first few weeks can really help spark important discussions and help to start building your class community. These books also are a great way to model and practice making connections to the range of feelings associated with heading back to school.

Here are my top 10 favorite new “back to school” books for 2022, along with a few old favorites! (And yes, I have trouble counting to ten!)

This is a School – Jon Schu

A book celebrating school not just as a building, but all that it signifies and represents: all the people who work and learn together, supporting each other to create a caring community. A perfect book to start the school year, to practice “Transform” (Knew-New connections!), but also one that would make a wonderful anchor book for writing about your special school!

NOTE: If you are a GearPicksPack subscriber, this book is included in your Fall box (Primary). For those who are subscribers, because many of these titles are ones you would want to share in the first days and weeks of school, no other books listed here are included in the fall GearPicks Packs as we don’t usually ship the first boxes until the end of September.

 Lupe Lopez – Rock Star Rules – Pat Zietlow Miller

Super cute book about following class rules! Lupe is a spit-fire, drum loving Kindergartener who loves to drum on everything! But when she gets to school and discovers the “no drumming” rule, this little rock star is not ready to put down her drum sticks. Eventually she decides to listen to her teacher, and makes a few new friends along the way! Love the addition of Spanish words throughout this energetic story, reminiscent of Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse.

Mae’s First Day of School – Kate Berube

Mae refuses to go to school and makes up many reasons why she should not go. Upon entering the schoolground, she decides to avoid entering and climbs a tree. Another girl who is afraid to go in decides to join her in the tree. Then, the teacher, also afraid of the first day of school, climbs the tree, too! I love the humour, along with the connections kids will make about why Mae doesn’t want to go to school.

  Hello World! – Kelly Corrigan

A young girl sets off with her dog to go explore the world to meet new people. She asks questions, connects to people, listens to their advice, and learns along the way. A perfect analogy for starting school and a great Reading Power anchor book for practicing asking questions!

That’s Not My Name – Anoosha Syed

I LOVE books about names and this new one is SUCH a wonderful addition to my collection. Mirha is so excited for her first day of school: she can’t wait to learn, play, and make new friends. But when her classmates mispronounce her name, she goes home wondering if she should find a new one. Such a great book about the importance of pronouncing people’s names correctly.

The Queen of Kindergarten – Derrick Barnes

A sweet companion to The King of Kindergarten (I think I might even like this one more!), this book follows MJ as she starts kindergarten. Lively, colorful and heartwarming and I LOVE that there is a focus on kindness and helping others. A must-have for your school library collection!

Blue Flower – Sonya Hartnett

I got a little teary reading this one! A perfect book for making connections to feelings of not fitting in, feeling different, making friends, and anxieties associated with starting school. I love the simple, small moments of self realization, perseverance, and resilience. Stunning illustrations. LOVE this one!

The Little Bear – Nicola Killen

I’m a fan of this author/illustrator, so was excited to see her new book! A very sweet story about a about a bear cub soothing a little girl’s fears about starting school. The story is sprinkled with a little magic and adorable illustrations. Would make a great read-aloud and perfect bed-time story.

First Day Critter Jitters – Jory John

This book came out a few years ago, but I only just discovered it, so thought I would include it. This is a true laugh-out-loud picture book about a group of animals who are all tense about the first day of school. The sloth worries about being late, the mouse about being too small, the kangaroo about leaving mom’s pouch, the parrot about too much repeating, and so on. The creatures are adorable and I love the message of reassurance of starting school mixed with humour. A PERFECT read-aloud for the first day of school!

Lunch From Home – Joshua David Stein

WOW! I’m so in love with this book! Such a great book to discuss the importance of culture and food. Four students are teased by “the sandwich kids” for bringing culturally-specific lunches to school. Readers follow each student as they learn to manage their first “lunch box moments”. Love how this book inspires everyone to stand up and be proud of their food and culture and encourages empathy and respect. This is a PERFECT new book to add to my Powerful Understanding “Others” book list!

Narwhal’s School of Awesomeness – Ben Clanton

Another delightful addition to the graphic novel series for beginning readers. In this story, Narwhal and Jelly become substitute teachers! They teach their “school of fish” some interesting subjects, including “Wafflematics”. Surprise bonus in this book are all the TRIPLE SCOOP WORDS! Every time a fish responds to a question, the other fish respond in synonyms! Sweet, silly and great for vocabulary building! Available in FRENCH.

 A Letter from Your Teacher on the First Day of School – Shannon Olsen

This book came out last year but it is definitely worth a second mention. SO much to love about this heartfelt, honest letter from a teacher to her/his students. A perfect back to school book to highlight a teachers purpose and to help build a positive classroom community. The illustrations are beautiful and inclusive. This book is also now available in French.

Our Class is a Family – Shannon Olsen

By the same author as A Letter from Your Teacher, this is one of my favorite books for helping to build a positive class community at the start of a school year. In it, the teacher compares the class to different families both traditional and non-traditional and how, like their family at home, a family environment in a classroom means making sure everyone is accepted, cared for, and loved.

All Are Welcome – Alexander Penfold

Last, but certainly not least, you can’t have a “back to school” book list without including this one! This is one of the best books on diversity and inclusion you can find – and sends a warm message to all children that no matter who they are, what they wear, what language they speak, and what they eat for lunch – they are all welcome at school. A perfect back to school read aloud but an even better book for a principal to share at the “Welcome Back” assembly! There is even a SONG written from this book!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have discovered one or two new titles to add to your “back to school” book collection! Happy reading and sharing book joy with your class this year!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Final Favorite Picture Books of 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, I wanted to focus on some of the picture books that were released late in the year,  but that can’t be missed!    From books about friendship, family and traditions, to celebrating nature and special places – there is something here for everyone!

The Scarecrow  – Beth Ferry

He never rests.
He never bends.
He’s never had a single friend,
for all the woodland creatures know
not to mess with old Scarecrow.

And so begins “The Scarecrow”, my favorite picture book of 2019.  So much to love about this gentle, heart-tugging picture book. With gorgeous artwork by the Tan Brothers (The Night Gardner) and gentle rhyming text by Beth Ferry, (Stick and Stone) readers are pulled into the wheat field where an old scarecrow has stood throughout the passing of many seasons. The local animals are naturally afraid of scarecrow and the excluded scarecrow has never known a friend. But being excluded from community doesn’t stop the scarecrow from showing kindness to an injured baby crow. And as the scarecrow cares for the baby bird and a relationship forms, the lonely scarecrow discovers purpose.
This book invites conversations about being kind to neighbors in need and that everyone is capable of loving and caring for each other no matter who they are. Will be adding this to my Powerful Understanding “OTHERS” book list! LOVE this book SO SO much!

The Cool Bean – Jory John

“It seemed like there were two types of beans in the world. There were the cool beans and the beans like me.”  It’s hard when the beans you used to hang out with are now the Cool Beans and you’re just you.  It happens.  But it’s never easy.  (I made many connections to this one!)  This “too-cool-for-school” theme is the third picture book from the bestselling author of The Bad Seed and The Good Egg. 

 

My Ocean is Blue – Darren LeBeuf

“My ocean splashes and crashes / and echoes and squawks. // My ocean laughs and hums.”  Love this joyful seaside romp in the follow up to My Forest is Green.  This book is filled with gorgeous paper cut illustrations and overflowing with literary techniques – similes, personification,  and amazing sensory details.  Great anchor for exploring nature, visualizing and descriptive writing.  Not a focus, but certainly noticed and appreciated the girl exploring the ocean has a physical disability.   Many reasons to add this book to your collection!

Fly! – Mark Teague 

Delightful wordless picture book about a mama bird trying to convince her little one to learn to fly while the baby prefers having food brought to him.  Young readers will enjoy the humorous ideas the little bird has about alternatives to flying and parents will relate to the frustration of the mama bird!  Mark Teague’s illustrations perfectly capture the actions and expressions of a defiant toddler and frustrated parent.

The Love Letter – Anika Aldamuy Denise

This book is SO adorable, I can hardly stand it!  Hedgehog, Bunny and Squirrel find a love letter, and each one thinks it’s meant for them.  But where did it come from, and who is it for?  So sweet seeing how feeling special made a difference in the lives of all the animals.  Such a great read-aloud and a perfect new book for Valentine’s Day!

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao – Kat Zhang

Perseverance and family traditions are the themes in this delightful, colorful story.  This little girl is trying so hard to make the perfect bao as others in her family can do but she just can’t get it right.  Charming characters and great illustrations!  This would be a great book for talking about family and cultural traditions.

Sulwe – Vashti Harrison

Sulwe is a little girl whose skin color is darker than anyone else in her family.  She tries to do anything she can to change the color of her skin, but nothing works.  Breathtaking illustrations with a positive message in self esteem and learning that true beauty comes from within.   This will be added to my Powerful Understanding “Self” book list and also a great anchor book for teaching similes!

The Favorite Book – Bethanie Deeney Murgula

This book was so much more than I expected.  While its central theme is “having favorites”, it focuses more on HOW we go about choosing them and what influences our choices.  LOTS to discuss here and would make a great read-aloud when teaching personal preferences.

Caspian Finds a Friend – Jaqueline Veissid

Gentle, imaginative story about loneliness and the friendship that develops between a boy and a polar bear.  Absolutely gorgeous illustrations and heart-warming story.   I loved this one and will be adding it to my “Friendship” book list.

Seeds and Trees – Brandon Walden

A beautiful fairy tale for older students with a wonderful message on the power of words!  We always have a choice—we can speak up-lifting, healing words, or we can speak words that are dark and full of despair and hate.  We also have a choice of what we do with the words that are spoken to us.  Powerful message, lots to discuss, and great for inferring theme.  Great book for “Action-Reaction” lesson!

The Map of Good Memories – Zuzanna Celej

When war forces Zoe and her family to leave their city, she draws a “map of good memories,” so that they will always be with her. A simple, effective refugee story and a great anchor for connecting and writing about “Special Places”.  I love the idea of having students create their own “Map of Good Memories”.

I Wonder – K.A. Hale

What do clouds taste like? Do my toys miss me when I’m gone? How do clocks know what time it is? Do tires get tired? What are boy ladybugs called? Do trees dream?
A delightful celebration of wonderings and questions to ponder.  The illustrations are magical. A wonderful book to inspire students to think deeply and wonder about the world! LOVE this one!

The Hike – Alison Farrell

Layers of love for this book that celebrates hiking, adventures, friendship and the great outdoors.  It’s tender yet lively, poetic yet scientific, magical yet natural.  Three friends and their dog head to the woods for a hike.  As they wander the woods, they record their observations in a sketchbook.  I love how the lyrical text is woven with detailed labelled diagrams of all that the children observe on their hike.  This would be a wonderful anchor book for observing details in nature and descriptive writing.  I love hiking and I love this book!

Fairy Science – Ashley Spires

Anything by Ashley Spires is sure to be a winner.  This book introduces young readers to to the scientific method in an easy-to-understand way. There’s even a little experiment in the back for budding scientists to try.  Esther examines the fairy world with a critical eye and tries to explain natural phenomena using science.  A great anchor book for science, critical thinking and fairy fans everywhere!

The Serious Goose – Jimmy Kimmel

Late Night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel has written and illustrated this hilarious book aimed for the Pre-K and K readers.  This book will have readers giggling at this very serious goose who refuses to smile and the various attempts to make him do so.  Lots of fun and interaction with this one.

Who Wet My Pants? – Bob Shea

This book, while funny, includes many important themes that can stimulate connections and discussions:  embarrassment, blame, compassion, and forgiveness. Reuben the bear, while delivering donuts in the campgrounds discover that “someone” wet his pants.  And while he accuses his companions, one after another, of being the one responsible, his patient friends assure him that accidents can happen.  Very funny read-aloud and I really like how the friends show empathy rather than make Reuben feel worse by teasing him.

The Boring Book – Shinsuke Yoshitake

An interesting exploration of what it means to be bored.  We follow a young boy as he explores the how’s and why’s of being bored and eventually develops a new understanding – being bored is a choice.  Great illustrations.  For those familiar with my “One Word” activity for transform, this would be a great anchor book for that lesson, using the word “bored”.

Stretchy McHandsome – Judy Schachner

How can you not love a book called “Stretchy McHandsome”?  How can you not love a cat with the same name?  This delightful book is about the youngest of nine cats who sets out from his cardboard box to explore the world and meets a stretchy friend.  For cat lovers everywhere – but you don’t have to love cats to fall in love with Stretchy McHandsome!

 

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you found one or two new books to add to your classroom or library collections!  This will be my last post of 2019.

Happy Reading and see you in the 2020!

 

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? First New Books for 2019

It’s Monday and I’m happy to be participating in a weekly event with a community of bloggers who post reviews of books that they have read the previous week. Check out more IMWAYR posts here: Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers

It’s hard to believe that it’s already February!  Where did January go?  But with the start of a new year, there are always new books to read and share!  Here are just a few of the gorgeous new picture books (and one novel!) I’ve been reading over the past few weeks…

When Sadness is At Your Door – Eva Eland

Children sometimes struggle to understand and cope with their emotions, especially the “big” ones like anger and sadness. Talking about our feelings helps us process them, and this book gives readers a tender and comforting way to work through sadness.  Excellent anchor book for lessons about feelings.

How To Give Your Cat A Bath: In Five Easy Steps – Nicola Winstanley

This book is laugh out loud hilarious! Take a little girl, her cat (who does not want a bath), and an empty bathtub. Add a multitude of silly shenanigans and very funny pictures and you have a MUST read aloud book for your class.  Perfect anchor book for instructional “How To” writing.  LOVE!

All You Need is Love – John Lennon and Paul McCartney

Kind of hard to resist this one.  Beautifully illustrated book which brings John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s world-renowned classic song “All You Need Is Love” to life.  Would be a great way to introduce a younger generation to this classic song and these talented artists.  (I always think about the wedding scene in “Love Actually” when I hear this song!)

My Heart – Corinna Luyken

“My heart is a window. My heart is a slide. My heart can be closed…or opened up wide.” Listening to, following, and caring for our hearts is the theme in this gorgeous book.  Meta-cognition of our hearts (if there is such a thing!), this book helps readers to see that our hearts (and our emotions) are always changing – can be open, closed, full, empty. Gorgeous metaphors for the heart written with lovely rhyming text and beautiful grey and yellow illustrations (look for all the hearts hidden in the pictures) A lovely book for the both younger and older students (great for inferring!) and would be a wonderful book to share around Valentine’s Day.  Empowering and hopeful.

There Are No Bears in This Bakery – Julia Sarcone-Roach

Spoiler Alert – There ARE bears in this  bakery!  Despite Muffin the Cat’s watchful eye, one small hungry bear does get into the bakery.  But Muffin has donuts. Which, as we all know, bears like an awful lot.  So much to like about this book – bright, colorful illustrations and great word choice.  This book would also make a great anchor for teaching similes, point of view, and the five senses.

The Good Egg – Jory John

I am SO excited about this follow up to hilarious and heartfelt The Bad Seed.   With the same hilarious voice and delightful illustrations, this is the charming tale of a VERY good egg who learns that it’s not always necessary to be perfect, and sometimes okay not to always be the good egg all the time. Great message about self care and not having to please everyone all the time.  (Released Feb. 12th)

Say Something! – Peter H. Reynolds

LOVE LOVE LOVE this new book by the beloved Peter H. Reynolds which encourages young readers to find their voice and use it to make the world a better place.  A perfect anchor book for some of the lessons in my Powerful Understanding book (“The World”)  A powerful, empowering, inspiring call to action told in a none preachy way.  An absolute MUST READ!  (Released Feb. 27th but you can pre-order!)

The Rough Patch – Brian Lies

Oh, this book.  This book.  Kleenex required. (extra if you are a dog lover)  Evan the fox is an avid gardener and he and his dog have created an extraordinary garden and take great joy in nurturing it. However, when Evan loses his best friend, the grief is almost unbearable.  Evan transforms his beautiful garden into “The saddest and most desolate spot he could make it.”  Such a beautiful story of love and friendship and loss and grief and hope.  Gorgeous art.  A roller coaster of emotions.  And did I mention Kleenex?

Ten Rules of the Birthday Wish – Beth Perry

Birthdays are important days to celebrate. But before you do, you should make sure you’re following the ten important rules of your big day. Rule #1? Make sure it actually is your birthday.  A joyful celebration of every child’s favorite day!  Adorable illustrations.

Perfect – Max Amato

Great anchor for growth mindset, creativity and getting along, despite your differences.  A fussy eraser tries to keep the pages clean, while a mischievous pencil keeps trying to scribble up the pages.  The two opposing forces finally come together and learn that they can have fun together, despite their differences.  Great illustrations – I kept trying to sweep away the pencil shavings!

Dress Like a Girl – Patricia Toht

What does it mean to “Dress Like a Girl”?  In this lovely new book by Patricia Toht (illustrated by Lorian Tu-Dean), a group of girls at a slumber party decide dressing up means following your passion, your creativity, and your heart.  An inspiring and empowering story for younger readers.  “Make your own rules in this big wide world, Set your sights high…and dress like a girl!”  

Noodlephant – Jacob Kramer

This book totally surprised me in many ways!  First of all, it’s longer than an average picture book – 80 pages.  Second, I thought it was about an elephant who loves pasta – WRONG!  It’s actually a story about injustice, civil rights, and peaceful protests.  But it’s also wacky, fun, and filled with great word play and delightful illustrations!  Noodlephant lives in an animal community where the Kangaroos in charge save special privileges for themselves and make unfair rules that impact the other animals.  Noodlephant and friends come together to protest these unfair rules, and work together to help make the community a place where every animal is treated kindly.  SUCH a great book to introduce younger readers to standing up for your rights and working together for change.  Lots to like about this one.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise – Dan Gemeinhart

“Sometimes making friends is tough, and sometimes it’s as simple as finding someone who loves books and kittens as much as you do.”

It seems silly to say that this is my favorite Middle Grade novel of 2019 – since it’s the only one I have read!   But my, oh my.  This book.  Wow.  I loved it so, so much.  Could not put it down.  Cried and cried.  It’s a compelling, heart-breaking story of Coyote, a 12 year old girl, and her dad, Rodeo, who set off in a re-furbished school bus after a tragic traffic accident kills her mother and her two sisters.  Along their journey, they gather an incredible cast of characters, all of whom, like Coyote and her dad,  are lost in some way or another.  Amazing characters, gorgeous writing – this is a remarkable story of loss and love and grief and so much more.  PLEASE read and share with your middle grade students.

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope one or two books caught your eye!

Happy reading week, everyone!

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Best Books for Building Class Community

Well… for many of us – tomorrow we head back to school to begin a new year.  These first few days and weeks are filled with many emotions, new routines, and, let’s face it – a fair share of chaos!  But nothing is more important in these first weeks than establishing your class community.  Creating a positive, welcoming, accepting place will help students feel more connected, empowered, and invested in learning.  Reading stories to your class and engaging in discussions is one of the best ways I know to begin this process.  While there are dozens to choose from, here are a few of my favorite picture books for building a positive learning environment in your class:

(Note:  This is not intended to be a list of “Back to School” books – which are really only shared during the first few DAYS of school.   This list is meant for sharing and discussing over the first few WEEKS of school, while you focus on building your classroom community.   For favorite “Back to School” books, see my post here.)

All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold

Oh my.   This book.  It’s a must read for every teacher to share in the first days or week of school.  A wonderful, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity, inclusiveness, acceptance, and celebration of all cultures in a school community.   I hope this book ends up in EVERY library in EVERY school EVERYWHERE!  If you are familiar with my “One Word” transform lesson – the one word I would use with this book is, of course, “Welcome”.

The Day You Begin – Jacqueline Woodson

“There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.”  And so begins this poignant, powerful story by the amazing Jacqueline Woodson (Each Kindness, The Other Side, Brown Girl Dreaming).  If there is only ONE book you read this summer – this is it.  This is a must-own book for teachers,  librarians, and parents, and a must-share for all kids, no matter their ages.  I am absolutely in love with this story of pride in self, fear of not fitting in, and ultimately belonging.   A PERFECT book for sharing at the beginning of the school year to help build a welcoming community in your classroom and a perfect reminder that we are more alike than different.

Each Kindness – Jacqueline Woodson

Another one of my favorite books by the amazing Jacqueline Woodson is about bullying – the subtle kind of bullying –  the ignoring and whispering and refusal to acknowledge someone. I think this kind of bullying can be the worst. This book is heart-breaking and poignant.   I love the metaphor of the stone making rippling waves in the water representing the effects of kindness upon others and the not so happy but very realistic ending.   Such an important story to share and talk about.

The Invisible Boy – Trudy Ludwig

This powerful, heart-breaking story is one of my very favorites.  Brian is so quiet, he is “invisible”.  He is not included, invited to birthday parties or is really noticed.  Then Justin, the new boy, arrives and works with Brian on a class project, giving him a chance to shine.  This gentle book is a valuable one to include in your class collection, showing children how small acts of kindness can help others feel included.  The illustrations by Patrice Barton are soft and gentle, just like Brian.  LOVE!

Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! – Trudy Ludwig

From the amazing team who brought us “The Invisible Boy”, Trudy Ludwig and Patrice Barton’s new book “Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!” is a must have for a first week read-aloud to help build your classroom community. Owen McPhee loves to talk… and talk and talk and talk! (connections, anyone?) But when he develops laryngitis one day, he discovers the the value of being a good listener. Wonderful depiction of the social dynamics of a busy classroom with a gentle message about the importance of listening. LOVE!

We Don’t Eat our Classmates – Ryan T. Higgins

Oh my goodness – SUCH a funny book!   Yes, there will be many “back to school” books being released this month… but this is definitely the one I recommend.  So fresh and funny, but teaches empathy so beautifully.  A perfect read-aloud or gift for that young one who might be experiencing “back to school jitters”.

                                                 How to Be a Lion – Ed Vere

Melt my heart.  I love this book.  SO simple yet such an important message:  there is more than one way to do something. Or be something.   Leonard is not your typical lion. Leonard is not fierce but enjoys the great outdoors and loves words.  He befriends Marianne, a poetic duck and, together, they compose poems.  When other lions hear about unconventional Leonard – they confront the pair.  A unique and beautiful story about celebrating individuality and diversity; for standing up for your gentle self and befriending who you want.  SUCH a great book for building classroom community!

I’m the Best! – Lucy Cousins

Some children like to brag.  And while the line between being confident and being a “swagger-bragger” is often thin, it is an important distinction to discuss with your students.   This cheerful, humorous book is a wonderful way to spark that discussion.  Dog is “the best” at everything and likes to tell his friends all about his “amazingness”!  Eventually, his friends are tired of his bragging so they start a little bragging of their own, helping Dog realize how it feels to be on the receiving end of a “swagger-bragger”.   I love how this book gently shows how bragging impacts others.

Steve, Raised By Wolves – by Jared Chapman

LOL!  This book is hilarious and would make a brilliant back to school read-aloud for any grade! Young Steve is literally raised by wolves.  Mother wolf sends him on his first day of school with this advice:  “Just be yourself!”.   So Steve proceeds to do just that – howling in class, shredding homework, marking his territory, drinking from the toilet and pouncing on his classmates!  His behavior does not go over well!  In the end, Steve saves the day and helps to find the class pet.  Great book for discussing appropriate school behavior as well as what it means to “be yourself”

Do Unto Otters:  A Book About Manners – Laurie Keller

Based on The Golden Rule, this book reminds young readers to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Simple message that being kind and using your manners will go a long way when interacting with other people.   Love the word play and puns and quirky, fun illustrations.

A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices – Sally Derby

I love this unique look at the first day of school told through the voices of six diverse children, ranging in age from kindergarten to grade 5.  Each child tells the story of their first day of school, beginning with the night before where readers will see that even children who are older worry about school and who their teacher will be.  Excellent book for inferring, voice and point of view.

The Bad Seed – Jory John

This humorous tale of a bad sunflower seed who eventually turns good makes a great read-aloud for primary students.  Sunflower is a BAAAAAAAAAD seed!  How BAAAAAAAAD?  He cuts in line, lies, doesn’t listen, has no manners…the list goes on!   I like how this book explores how he got to be so bad as well as focusing on his transformation to the “good side”.   Expressive illustrations – lots of laughs but great message.

What if Everybody Did That? – Colleen M. Madde

A wonderful book for teaching your students about following rules, making good choices, consequences of action or being conscious of your community – perfect for the beginning of the year.   What if Everybody Did That? by Ellen Javernick has simple, up-beat text,  colorful illustrations and gives a new perspective on how our choices impact the world around us.  A good reminder to us all – before you do anything or say anything, ask yourself, “what if everybody did that?”

 This School Year will Be The BEST! – Kay Winters

Fantastic beginning of school read-a-loud. Great for starting the conversation about what students are nervous about, thinking about, and hoping to get from school.  Also a great anchor for writing about school goals and wishes for the new school year ahead.

Be Where Your Feet Are! – Julia Cook

A simple, child-friendly book about mindfulness and creating a positive classroom environment.  Too often, our students are overbooked with school, homework, projects, sports, extra-curricular activities, family time and so much more.  The main character in this book is so focused on his band tryouts that he can not focus on anything else.  Mindfulness tips are included in the back of the book and would be great to kick off a class created list of ways students can work together to be present as individuals, supporting each other throughout the year.

Thanks for stopping by!  What is your favorite book for building class community?

 

Favorite Picture Books of 2017

Happy New Year, everyone!  It’s been months since I last posted… any spare writing time was spent trying to finish my new book so I  didn’t have time to blog.  But now the book is FINISHED!  (what a relief!)  So I hope to get back into my routine of regular blog posts!

Before launching into some of the new books for this year, I thought I would do a recap of my favorites from 2017 –  in case you have missed any of these great titles!  Nearly impossible to narrow it down – and I’m sure I’ve missed many but, in no particular order, here my favorite picture books of the last year….

 

King of the Sky – Nicola Davies

King of the Sky is a beautiful, moving story that touches on immigration and inter-generational relationships.   It is the story of a young, displaced boy from Italy and a retired, elderly Welsh coal miner who races pigeons. The book is a gentle meditation on loneliness, courage, and finding your place in the world when you feel out of place.  I love everything Nicola Davies writes – this sweet story is one of my favorites.  Gorgeous illustrations.

Now – Antoinette Portis

Love this peaceful book about mindfulness, living in the moment, and appreciating what’s in front of you.  A little girl takes readers on a delightful journey that shows all her favorites and ends with an especially lovely one.  Love the bright autumn pallet.  This would be a perfect book for primary students for making connections to favorite things; with intermediates, I would use it for inferring a deeper message.

Questions Asked – Jostein Gaarder

Any book that promotes deep thinking and deep questions is going to be on my list of favorites!   This gorgeous book poses some of life’s most difficult, unanswerable questions in quiet and nonthreatening ways, opening the possibility for further thought and discussion.  A perfect book for introducing deep thinking questions.

A Different Pond – Bao Phi

This book combines family and cultural traditions, inter-generational relationships, and the challenges of the immigration experience all in one.  Beautifully crafted – so quiet and honest, with subtle text and beautiful imagery.  Bao Phi tells the story of an early early morning fishing trip with his father. The trip is not for recreation; it is for food.  There are so many quiet references to the challenges of the immigration experience (Bao makes reference to his father’s English, how hard his parents have to work, how everything costs so much).  This would make an excellent book for inferring and a focus on the hardships of immigration.

The Antlered Ship – Dashka Slater

A gorgeous epic filled with equal parts adventure and philosophy, this is one of those books that caught me by surprise when I first read it.  This sweet story features a curious fox who seeks answers to many big questions. Together, with his unlikely group of animal friends, they embark on a wondrous adventure.  Stunning illustrations by the Fan brothers – each page is its own piece of artwork.   Love the lessons in kindness, boldness and friendship.

Crown – An Ode to the Fresh Cut – Derrick Barnes

This book made me smile a big wide smile and brought a bit of a tear to my eye at the same time.  It is just that good.  In a simple way, it is the story of a young black “tween” getting a haircut from the local barber.  But underneath it is a powerful message about dignity and empowerment and the feeling of importance.  Rich, beautiful, and joyful.

Here We Are:  Notes for Living on Planet Earth – Oliver Jeffers

“Some things about our planet are pretty complicated, but things can be simple, too: you’ve just got to be kind.”   This beautiful book is a message to our little citizens about the mysterious world that they live in and how to understand and take care of it. Originally written as a message to his new born son, add this to your shopping list for any new babies being born, or for birthday presents for the littlest ones in your life!  Simple message for children but equally important and surprisingly deep message for grown-ups.  Gorgeous illustrations.

Windows – Julia Denos

A warm little book about neighborhoods and the people within them. It’s a story about a child walking through a neighborhood and noticing people in the windows.  Comfort, belonging, community – all wrapped up in this beautifully illustrated book.

    That Neighbor Kid – Daniel Miyares

In this almost wordless picture book, a young girl curiously watches her new neighbor begin a creative project.  While he struggles with his plans, she offers her help.   A celebration of creativity, friendship, collaboration and determination.  Love the way the illustrations begin as black and white and, as the friendship blossoms, so does the color.

The Bad Seed – Jory John

This humorous tale of a bad sunflower seed who eventually turns good makes a great read-aloud for primary students.  Sunflower is a BAAAAAAAAAD seed!  How BAAAAAAAAD?  He cuts in line, lies, doesn’t listen, has no manners…the list goes on!   I like how this book explores how he got to be so bad as well as focusing on his transformation to the “good side”.   Expressive illustrations – lots of laughs but great message.

                                                    Why Am I Me? – Paige Britt

Another stunning book that poses philosophical questions – this one with a deep pondering on identity and diversity.  Gorgeous mixed-media illustrations in an urban setting and great examples of point of view and inner dialogue.  Great discussion starter.

Life – Cynthia Rylant

Cynthia Rylant is definitely one of my top favorite children’s writers. I find her books to be so life-affirming, full of wonder and hope. Her new book “Life” is simply stunning. “What do you love about life?” is the question asked to many different animals. Through their responses, we are gifted with a wonderful message about life: how it constantly changes, the beauty of it, the darkness, and the wonders all around it. Simple, lyrical text and beautiful illustrations by Brendan Wenzel – it is a calm and reassuring book. Love.

Wolf in the Snow – Matthew Cordell

So many great moments, great emotions and great sound effects in this moving, nearly wordless picture book about friendship, kindness, and compassion.  So much to love about this tale of a young girl who gets lost in the woods in deep winter as a wolf cub gets separated from her pack. The cub is afraid and in danger and the girl carries her to her mother. But the girl is now hopelessly lost, and in even greater danger. The pack, sensing this danger, howls to help the girl’s parents find her.  This is a must read, must share and must have little book.   (Kleenex required)

Come With Me – Holly M. McGhee

What can we do to make the world just a little bit better, despite the fear, devastation and hatred we see everyday?  In this timely book, a young girl, frightened by what she is seeing on TV, asks her parents what she can do to make the world a better place. They respond by telling her and showing her that every person can make a difference by being kind, brave and showing compassion.  “Come with me…we can make this world better together.”  A wonderful book for launching a compassion project.

When’s My Birthday? – Julie Fogliano

I so enjoyed this enthusiastic celebration of all things birthday!  Perfectly captures the agony and ecstasy of waiting for that one special day.   This book has rhyme and repetition; it’s bouncy and infectious and full of joy!  A great connect book for children – and even better one for parents!  “How many more days til my birthday?”

This House, Once – Deborah Freedman

Thought-provoking and beautifully poetic story about a house – and the oak tree, bricks and stones that it once was.  Though-provoking book invites readers to think about where things come from and what nature provides.  Soft, quiet, dreamy.  A note to readers at the back is great for promoting discussions.

There you have it!  So many more I could add but have to stop somewhere!  What were your favorite picture books of 2017?  Would love to hear your titles!

Watch for upcoming lists featuring favorite novels and early chapter books of 2017!