What a wonderful time of year! #PB10for10 is here!
Love getting to see all of the great recs and suggestions for picture book must-haves. A special thanks to Cathy Mere and Mandy Robek for finding the space and place for this community to celebrate picture books!
It is a favorite time of year. Great opportunity to connect with our PLN, share favorite, "can't live without" picture books and find ways to strengthen our community of learners. This year, I wanted to share a list of must -haves that empower readers and teach lessons in literacy & in life! Happy Reading!
Welcome- Mo Willems
This title is the latest from Mo Willems. Although it was written as a book to welcome newborns, the messages are universal for establishing routines, expectations and the foundation for Book Love! As Mo suggests, we are each a combination of "love, time and luck" - and how lucky are we to get to spend the year teaching and learning from each other!
Come With Me- Holly McGhee & Pascal Lemuitre
Holly McGhee is a real #heartprintbook author. Her books will make your heart go, bah-bump, bah-bump. This book is no exception. In a world where there is anger and hatred, we must spread kindness. From the story behind the story Holly said, "There are things we can do, for ourselves and for our children, especially when the world seems so full of hate." Reading books like these really can make the world a better place. Due out Sept. 5th.
Read! Read! Read! Amy Ludwig Vanderwater & Ryan O'Rourke
Read! Read! Read! Need I say more? Ahhh, more #poetrylove from Amy Ludwig Vanderwater! Another need to know about (sorry not out until Sept-- but it is so worth the wait) poetry collection from Amy. In this book, readers are gifted with poems that celebrate the joy of reading! In this collection , reading and #LearningISJoyful! A great mentor text and resource to reflect on all kinds of reading, explore reading identities and celebrate the reading journeys your students are about to begin with you this year!
Brave - Stacy McAnulty and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Stacy McAnulty has become a new favorite picture book author of mine. I love so many of her books. Excellent Ed (for growth mindset/ goal setting) and Beautiful (for empowering girls) have made my top 10 lists before. Brave is another must-have! Brave follows the same structure as Beautiful, page after page, exploring what it means to be brave. Throughout the book, the reader gets a glimpse of brave as impacts leading, taking risks, and having a courageous heart (my favorite page where it takes courage in the dark to find a lost book). :-) Readers will love the opportunity to explore every day challenges and expectations for a class of real heroes.
Life- Cynthia Rylant and Brendan Wenzel
These award winning authors have created something magical. "There is so much to love about life." A look at nature balance of good, bad and struggles in life through the eyes of animals big and small. Layers to discuss with students of all ages. An inspirational picture book. We must always find the wonderful in life.
Lovely- Written and Illustrated by Jess Hong
Lovely by Jess Hong and Creston Books is another empowering picture book. On every page you will find illustrations that celebrate the unique and wonderful world we live in. The book begins with the question, "What is lovely?" The responses are simple and complex with each image comparing, contrasting and connecting what makes us different and lovely all the same!
I Don't Draw, I Color! - Adam Lehraupt and Felicita Sala
Love this book to discuss emotions, empathy, and creative expression. The boy does not think he is good at drawing, but loves exploring life through coloring. The colors represent emotions and the is book teaches readers that "we are each unique colorful masterpieces made of many feelings." A great way to build community, empathy and reflect on one's mindset. This book ends with the question, "What colors are you?"
The Book of Mistakes- Written & Illustrated by Corinna Luyken
A simple picture book with a powerful message that mistakes can be beautiful. One idea, one mistake, can grow and lead to another idea and on and on. When we celebrate this mindset in art and in life, we all grow.
Mary Had a Little Glam - Tammi Sauer & Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Mary Had a Little Glam, by Tammi Sauer is so much more than a fractured fairy tale. A playful rhyming text with a brown skinned queen of glam. Love this role model and alternative to Fancy Nancy. Mary is starting off the new school year with some nursery rhyme friends, but adding her glam can also be a mentor for revision in life. Sometimes we need to know when to fix and fancy up our writing but we also need to know when less is more. Love the connection to joyful learning communities too.
Someone Like Me -Patricia MacLachlan & Chris Sheban
Patricia MachLachlan's Someone Like Me is semi autobiographical. It is a simple text that explores the power of stories and memories. A great read aloud to launch writing workshop and inspire writers to look for the stories around them. All observations, memories and moments can impact a writer's life. What might you become if you listen and learn from the power of stories? Empowers writers.
Now - Antoinette Portis
The book I want to leave you with is the book Now, by Antoinette Portis. The little girl talks about her favorites... right now. A perfect reminder of mindfulness, being present and appreciating the moments we are living in as well as the students in front of us. It is hard to select the top 10 texts without being mindful of what book will reach what student at what time. There is no one perfect match, but when we get to know our readers we can find the books that just might be good fits right now.
Wishing all friends a year filled with fabulous books and time to cherish all with the students they are with now and always. Happy reading!
