#MustHaveRecs

Don't you just love this time of year? "Best of" lists are everywhere!  Readers are celebrating what makes their "must- have" recs. People are gearing up for ALA & Mock Caldecotts are happening in classrooms all around us. When we share our favorites, we are spreading the gift of reading, and that is a win-win for all! 

Everyone who knows me, knows I am passionate about picture books.  I believe they are priceless and ageless. So my first list contains a few favorite titles I have used working with students and lead learners in K-8 classrooms. They are texts that support mini lessons for reading, writing and learning with the CommonCARE standards in mind. 

In the Fall, Chris Lehman and I kicked off The Educator Collaborative's Study Series with a session on Little Practices to Bring Energy and Joy to Your Learning Community.  Books bring us joy every day.  So first up, Jo Witek's latest, All My Treasures: A Book of Joy.  It celebrates the intangible nature of joy and serves as a great mentor text to get writers thinking about what brings them joy.  

If you read any number of best of book lists, the selections may vary but one thing remains the same, picture books can be powerful co-teachers.  Just as Mem Fox had Wilfrid Gordon Macdonald Partridge exploring what makes a memory, Micha Archer's Daniel celebrates the endless of possibilities of poetry. This book teaches readers to find beauty and poetry in words, in nature, and all over our world. 

Award- winning author, Sara O'Leary has teamed up with illustrator Qin Ling to explore the unique and special ways that families are all different - yet all the same.  What a wonderful book to explore theme, central message, build commUNITY and empathy.  A win for all ages! 

 Andrew Larsen and Mike Lowery have given us a great new addition to add to our launch unit of studies. Love its  message :"You are the boss of your own story."

When you believe anything is possible... anything is possible.  This fun "fable-ish" story from Gemma Merino celebrates individuality, creativity and risk taking.  Perfect text to add to our collection of growth mindset texts.

With the next two selections, I found a new mentor author to love.  In Excellent Ed, Stacy McAnulty teams up with Julia Sarcone-Roach. We meet Ed, an adorable dog from the Ellis family. This book has alliteration, word play and a heart felt message. Share to reflect on ways we can all strive to be the very best we can be.  Great for goal setting conversations too.

Another gift from Stacy McAnulty (with Joanne Lew-Vriethoff) is a book that is Beautiful!  Empower others and find beauty in each and every one of us. LOVE the illustrations and word play. Lots to unpack and explore. 

J.J. Austian and Mike Curato created  Worm Loves Worm.  A beautiful book with a big message about equality, inclusion and love.

Quit Calling Me a Monster was written by Jory John and illustrated by Bob Shea.  This talented duo of kid lit rockstars  come together again to teach a big lesson with a powerful punch!

Christopher Silas Neal brings us a picture book about feelings. It is a wonderful examination of emotions, universal feelings and empathy in action. 

Sergio Ruzzier has managed to capture the power of a picture book with his playful title It's Not a Picture Book. It is a celebration of reading, writing and thinking through pictures and words! Fun, fun, fun!

Another book that celebrates the gift of reading is The Highest Mountain of Books in the World, by Rocio Bonilla.  Great message about how books can take you anywhere. "You don't need wings to fly..." 

Dan Yaccarino's latest has readers reflecting on the power of story.  I recommend  this "must-have" for launching reading and writing workshop as well. Great reminder to take the time to share stories and build relationships getting to know our community of learners. 

Brendan Wenzel's simple picture book is beyond brilliant. Cannot say enough about how much I love this book.  Layers and layers of possibilities for teaching empathy, understanding, perspective, inferences about literacy and life lessons!

Quite honestly, Peter Reynolds makes every must-have list I write and his latest heartprintbook is no exception.  A wonderful text to explore how learning matters most when it involves something we love and care about. (Be on the lookout for his next heartprintbook, Happy Dreamer too. It is amazing!)

                                           

When we marry passion and purpose, anything is possible. Love Kleber's More-igami for connecting creativity, play and passion at the center of all learning.

Todd Parr had two new books out this year.  Teachers Rock (must have gift for teachers/coaches & edufriends) and this adorable picture book with a message about individuality: Be Who You Are. Perfect for conversations with learners of all ages!

Sensing a theme on my list of faves?  We can all teach empathy, kindness, commUNITY and love through powerful picture books. 

I look forward to continuing the conversation with friends on line and IRL.  It is never about one book, one list, or one must-have.  It is about celebrating mentor authors and mentor texts that touch our students hearts and minds.   

Happy reading and share, share, share! 

What titles make your "must-have" list? #MustHaveRecs 

#WonderChat

All children start their school careers with sparkling imaginations, fertile minds and a willingness to take risks with what they think.  

-Sir Ken Robinson

I believe we must celebrate and find learning moments in everyday life.  Inquiry is an essential ingredient in achieving these goals.  We are never done learning.  Thanks to resources like Wonderopolis,  we can spark ideas and ignite curious minds through wonderings around texts, videos, infographics, poetry, and more.  Though this invitation to notice and wonder, we encourage students to play, explore and fall in love with language, words and ideas. Layers of learning are endless when we ask students to weigh in… what are you wondering about?

I am lucky to get to work with teachers and students in grades K-8. Many love Wonderopolis as a resource available to all. It has helped influence student questioning, student generated wonder walls, wonder words, and wonderful text sets are being created around wonders too. As we dig deeper around these wonders, our thinking and learning grows too. We connect wonders across texts to grow ideas using the hashtag #WOTDP (wonder of the day pairing). As an example, I am including a group of wonders and paired texts that celebrate wonder and kindness. When I think about the work we are privileged to do in teaching and learning as a commUNITY, kindness and wonder are at the heart of it all.   

Wonder of the Day Are you a good observer? #WOTDP: Finding Wild – written by Meghan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Encourage students to “adopt a spot.

Choose an area to sit reflect, write and jot down thoughts and observations.  

What do your students wonder about? What will they investigate next?  

“Wild keeps many secrets waiting to be discovered.”

Wonder of the Day Are You Talented? #WOTDP: The OK Book- Amy Krouse Rosenthal

What are your strengths?  What would you like to learn more about?  

“Exploration through learning is one of the best ways to discover your talents.”  Getting to know your students? Thinking about goals for the new year? Resolutions?

Everyone is "excellent" at something. What will you work on being excellent at?  

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/is-it-really-better-to-give-than-to-receive\

It is better to give than to receive. Encourage random acts of kindness too.

#WOTDP: Maybe Something Beautiful Written by Campoy & Howell, illustrated by Lopez  

Wonder of the Day: How Can You Make Someone’s Day?

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/are-you-beautiful-on-the-inside

#WOTDP: One Smile by Cindy McKinley

                                                           

Words can and do hurt.  Smiles are priceless and can change someone’s day. My grandmother always said, “A smile costs nothing.”

Wonder of the Day: How Do You Have a Voice?

#WOTDP: I Am a Story by Dan Yaccarino

How can we get our students to share their voices and tell their stories?

Power lies in stories shared.

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-can-you-pay-it-forward

#WOTDP Lend a Hand written by John Frank and illustrated by London Ladd

Making a difference in this world comes from teaching heads, hearts and hands. 

http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-makes-you-light-up-inside

#WOTDP: Last Stop on Market Street Written by Matt De La Pena and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Find beauty in the people and the world around you. Be present. Be kind.

Thanks to @Wonderopolis and friends for joining our #WonderChat on #WOTDP. Here's a link with additional possibilities for connecting the wonderful world of kid lit and wonder! #WonderChat: Storify

PB10for10:More Books BECAUSE

Thanks to Cathy Mere, Mandy Robek and friends who have been sharing the joy of picture books! Excited to reread, reflect and learn from this book-loving community.

In a recent blog post I coauthored with my friend and colleague, Erica Pecorale, we wrote about the importance of reading aloud just because:

Dr, Rudine Sims Bishop said it best,  "Students need books as windows, mirrors and sliding glass doors." This year, I chose books that connect us all through exploration of community, creativity and culture.  Happy Reading!

  

Peace is an Offering written by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Stephanie Graegin

Our students need books and a world that offers peace.  In troubling times, we think about Mr. Rogers advice to look for the helpers. Peace is defined through thoughts and acts of kindness.This simple picture book provides the opportunity to explore peace through the eyes of children. A great read aloud to kick off the "new year" thinking about the possibilities for our classes, our community and our world.

Say Hello! by Racehel Isadora

Rachel Isadora often gifts her readers with beauty and diversity of language, culture. Say Hello is a book that is rich in language and culture.  A young child walking with her dog and her grandmother are welcomed by all in her multicultural neighborhood. Pair this with The Colors of Us to celebrate the differences and similarities that connect us all.  

I Got the Rhythm by Connie Schofield Morrison illustrated by Frank Morrison

When we think of communities, what do they look like? Do our students see parks? Apartment buildings? Houses?  What do they feel like? What do they sound like?  I love this book to discuss neighborhoods, community and reading the world through our observations.  The illustrations and text are reminiscent of an old favorite, The Listening Walk.

Thunder Boy Junior written by Sherman Alexie Jr.  and illustrated by Yuyi Morales.

Thunder Boy Junior is a picture book about "the search for identity in the context of a loving family." And it only took 10 years to come to fruition.  Sherman Alexie wrote about the story behind story for the Washington Post.  A great addition to titles for launching the new year and getting to know our students' stories.

My Cat Copies Me by Yoon D. Kwon 

An oldie but a goodie, My Cat Copies me is a picture book that explores play, fears and love of pets.   In this text, we can also explore the parallels between falling in love with a mentor text.  We learn and can be inspired from all things around us.  

Mom, Dad, Our Books and Me written by Danielle Marcotte and illustrated by Josee Bisaillon.

Through the eyes of a child, the narrator explores the many ways we can read. Reading is about more than words. It is about reading the world. A fisherman reads storms in the weather, some people read musical notes, others read poems in the eyes of someone they love.  This book is new to my collection and I look forward to sharing with students.  It can begin a conversation about reading communities, interests, styles and beyond.

What To Do With a Box written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Chris Sheban. 

Imagination? Creativity? Purposeful Play? What would your students do with a box?  Jane Yolen celebrates all of the possibilities which can lead to endless discussions about learning styles, spaces and places.  

More-Igami written by Dori Kleber and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

                          

Another look at purposeful play: marrying passions and practice. Readers will learn about origami and more life lessons like the benefits of practice, patience and creativity.  

My Mother's Sari written by Sandhya Rao and Illustrated by Nina Sabnani

Building on the idea of play and imagination this book takes a look at one child's fascination with her mother's sari.  Love seeing this idea exploring a variety of cultures... just because.

Marisol McDonald and the Monster written by Monica Brown and illustrated by Sara Palacios

Monica Brown is back with Marisol McDonald in another bilingual picture book and adventure of the marvelous Marisol.  Marisol loves all things that start with the letter M, except monsters.   Love the word play and the message to help children overcome their fears. Monica Brown's latest adventure with Marisol has lots to celebrate. 

Be Who You Are by Todd Parr 

Here is a bonus title not yet out.  Mark your calendars and shopping carts for another "must-have" from Todd Parr.  This book is another gift from mentor author and illustrator, Todd Parr. His simple texts and illustrations always portray powerful messages.  This is no exception.  A companion to It's Okay to be Different, this is another celebration of the unique --YOU--- in each and every one of us.

I am truly grateful to all for sharing their passion for picture books.  It is always so much fun learning from this community and celebrating the unique collections chosen. Isn't #PB10for10 is a wonderful time of the year?

#NF10for10

#NF10for10 is a most wonderful time of the year!  Thanks to Cathy Mere, Mandy Robek and Julie Balen, book-loving friends are sharing the joy of nonfiction picture books!

I am thrilled to participate once again and for 2016's #nf10for10, I have selected titles that I believe inspire curious minds, allow for playing with words and information.  A what if...of  mentor texts for "creative nonfiction".  Happy Reading!  


The Bear Report by Thyra Heder
This  picture book  is layered with information about polar bears.  What I love is that it starts off with a young student, Sophie, struggling to come up with three facts for her "assignment" on polar bears. But, what if instead of assigning reports, students got to research and immerse themselves in a topic of interest? Wondering about ways to add voice into research reports?  Sophie's fantasy day with a polar bear could surely inspire others.

In Sophie Scott Goes South, Alison Lester's fictional character, Sophie  travels to the Antarctica.  The result is another favorite model for research.  This book has everything! "See the wonder of Antarctica through a child's eyes." What if... our students could use this as a model to inspire different ways to share information?  Sophie includes: diary format, real photographs, illustrations, diagrams, labels, charts, info graphics, and much more.

Sandra Markle has over 200 titles for readers of all ages. Her What If You Had series is a particular favorite with younger readers.  These texts are filled with interesting facts and photographs. Each two page spread explores a particular feature of an animal.  One side includes the fun facts and the real animal, the other depicts what if a child had that same feature and ability. Kids laugh out loud while learning tons of new information.  Great for comparing and contrasting info. Happy to add these new titles to my collection.  If you want more NF joy, check out other titles by Sandra Markle.  

Henry's Heart: A Boy, His Heart, and a New Best Friend by Charise Mericle Harper

Henry's Heart is an interesting hybrid text  blending fiction and nonfiction.  With Henry's heart personified, readers can learn about how the heart functions, experience emotion and find a book that really does touch hearts and minds.  

I Don't Like Snakes by Nicola Davies
Nicola Davies is another nonfiction mentor author who has a unique way of blending story and nonfiction.  This is a great mentor text to get kids talking and questioning a subject. Davies' book also allows students to understand how one must not just find information, but rather must support ideas give reasons and and explain the whats, the whys and the wows!  

I'm Trying to Love Spiders by Bethany Barton 

This is a laugh out loud picture book filled with fun facts.  I used to read How to Talk to Girls as a mentor text for adding voice to How To's.  I would add this title to my "stranded-on-a-desert-island -teaching-voice-in-NF text.  

What if... playing with information, we added poetry to the mix? Researching a topic and writing poetry about that topic is another wonderful way for students to share what they are learning about. For that reason, I have included the following titles in this list of "creative" nonfiction. 

  

UnBeelievables by Douglas Florian - a book of connected information and poetry.

Amazing Places is a book of poems selected by Lee Bennett Hopkins that explores our country's landscapes, historical, cultural and environmental landmarks.  (Check out its companion, Amazing Faces.)

When the Sun Shines on Antarctica by Irene Latham is a new must-have title that will be a great mentor text to inspire poetry on any topic. Love the poetry paired with facts and illustrations to support the text. 

Now You See Them, Now You Don't by Harrison and Laroche
This mixes science, the arts and poetry.  Filled with extra information in the end pages this will have researchers looking for their own 'hidden' treasures.

Happy reading, researching and playing with words!