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
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
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?
