PUDDLE by Richard Jackson & Chris Raschka

Books about talking things! Have you read many of those? I recall How to Eat Pizza by Jon Burgerman. I am sure there are so many others! When I have time, I'll start a list! ;-)

Also: How often do we give children the writing assignment that sounds like this:  "Write from the viewpoint of an object." Plenty! (Add this title to the list of mentor texts for that, by the way.)

When I opened this book, I don't think I was quite ready for it. I came to it through Chris Raschka, remembering his previous books (The Hello Goodbye Window, Ball for Daisy, Yo! Yes? and more).  His work with watercolor and gouache are his signature and always a feast for the eyes! ( I have a sweet memory of being at the 2012 Youth Media Awards announcement in Dallas and hearing that A Ball for Daisy was the winner of the Caldecott Medal that year. It was my very first ALA!!)

Richard Jackson wrote A Kiss for Akaraka (Greenwillow, 2018) -- a perfect book for fall now that I think of it. (Note to self: Find that book and share it!)

With all of this in mind, I opened up Puddle and was -- immediately-- entranced by the art. Raschka's signature watercolor and gouache illustrations are always captivating! At first, though, the puddle character jarred me -- a puddle-- talking? But then after rereads and some reflection, I came to understand this book better.

That puddle we avoid? We do it without a second thought.

And the puddle in THIS book can feel it.

Puddle laments over his life: looking different than its "siblings:, tired of being filled up with rain, knowing that with more water, it will grow into a pond.

We see visitors drop in: a fishy smelling seagull, a boy with hole-filled sneakers (toes exposed) jumping in it, and the ultimate disgrace: a dog that choosing the puddle as a good place to relieve itself. But then the day rolls on, bringing an unexpected wonderful moment: Puddle is noticed and appreciated for lovely colors appearing in its shimmer.

And this moment makes everything better.

In reading books lately connected to aspects of social emotional learning, I'm adding this book to my list of recommended titles.

We all feel at times that life isn't fair, or going our way at all. Life gets hard, and day to day, we get overwhelmed. We get where Puddle is coming from! But when someone stops to notice and appreciate (like the girl in the book), our world changes. The art in the picture book reflects the tone of the story, of course, but in particular the colors brighten to full rainbow at the end, and Puddle's form is clearer -- less murky--almost heart-shaped at the end (appropriate!).

Puddle is a book about the power of appreciation-- the power we all have to change someone's day for the better by showing just one bit of kindness -- and noticing each other.

Puddle is available now, published by Greenwillow Books. '
Thank you for the copy, @HarperChildrens!

BIRD COUNT by Susan Edwards Richmond

I've always been fascinated by the work of John James Audubon, most especially his Birds of America prints. The details and color are glorious to me! I suppose I became especially intrigued by his work after reading A Nest for Celeste by Henry Cole. 

And when I attended ALA Annual this past summer, I came upon some of these prints in Washington, DC. I walked from frame to frame, as happy as can be. 

So when I learned about this upcoming picture book about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count, my interest was piqued to say the least! 

Cover image courtesy of Peachtree Publishers

Bird Count (Peachtree, 2019) is a picture book telling the story of a girl named Ava - - a budding young scientist about to participate in the Christmas Bird Count with her family. Readers see as she prepares for the day, bundling up, expressing her excitement. As Ava narrates the events of the day, she teaches readers about the bird count: how the count operates in teams and the routes they follow. Ava tells readers that birds aren't just found in the forest -- indeed they can be in many places! (A fact that young readers will be very intrigued by!)

And then we learn that Ava is now not only counting the birds, but she is also keeping the tally on her family trip, something she is proud to do. 

And here is one of the absolutely brilliant features of this story: the right side of the double page spread (the recto) now includes a page from Ava's notebook. With each page turn, we see her tallies and the names of the birds. The names of the birds are bold-faced in the text. A scientist at work! What a fabulous mentor text for science notebooks! 

Readers listen in on the conversations , the observations -- seemingly simple, but so very scientific, too. This is citizen science unfolding within a story -- teaching while also entertaining. 

As the story progresses, we see how the count is a community event, a time of gathering, sharing, and tradition. I found it all so delightful and wished I could participate, too. In fact, author Susan Edwards Richmond (in a very informative author's note), lets us know how we can take part, too. Richmond participates in the count each year, and in the note, she explains its background. I learned so much!

Author Susan Edwards
Photo courtesy of Peachtree Publishers

Not only was I delighted by the story, but I appreciated the art as well. Stephanie Fizer Coleman's illustrations are soft and playful, conveying the beauty and peace of nature -- showing what makes the count so very special. My eyes found so much to enjoy. The last double page spread, portraying the day's end, is my favorite--- We see the count participants wrapping things up, enjoying toasted marshmallows, reading by the fire, enjoying hot chocolate.  We see that science and nature can be celebrated and shared. We see that nature can bring people together.

I highly recommend this picture book! Bird Count is a treasure for scientists/readers of all ages. I have added this one to my next book order.

*Please see the back matter of this book (listing the birds found in the story). I especially appreciate that Edwards refers readers to The Cornell Lab of Ornithology I participated in an AASL webinar with them and thoroughly enjoyed it! 

Bird Count will be released on Oct. 1, 2019. 

Cover Reveal: FLY ON THE WALL by Remy Lai

Dear readers,

I am SO excited and grateful to be taking part in this cover reveal today for Remy Lai, an author whose first work I absolutely LOVED Pie in the Sky (Macmillan, 2019).

Pie in the Sky, a middle grade novel by Remy Lai, is an exceptional story about a boy whose family has moved to a new country after the loss of their father. Not only does the main character have to deal with this tragedy, but he also must learn English and adjust to a new country, new school, etc. Lai tells this story so very well, and it is funny, poignant, and powerful all at once! I highly recommend it!

So, because I loved Pie in the Sky so much, I am thrilled to be sharing the cover for Lai's next novel: Fly on the Wall (release date is May 15, 2020). Many thanks to Macmillan Books for Children for this honor!

Read more about the new book here: FLY ON THE WALL by Remy Lai.

I can't wait until May to read this book! I am DEFINITELY adding it to my TBR pile!

Cover image courtesy of Macmillan Children's books 

SEA BEAR by Lindsay Moore

Moore, L. Sea bear: a journey for survival. New York: Greenwillow Books, 2019. Print.

When I first read this nonfiction picture book, one word came to mind:  JOURNEYS. As educators, we are each on our own unique journey, and our students are on their own journey as well. Each journey is filled with stories, experiences, and moments, and many of these stories are never shared. 

In Sea Bear, a polar bear is sharing her own story as she journeys through the ice. Using poetic language, rich with both detail and smoothness, this polar bear talks to the reader, explaining her goals, her purpose. She tells us about herself and gives us a glimpse into her struggles. We see the weather change and we marvel at her perseverance. By the last few pages, we are invested - in her, and in her success. Reading this book is a lesson both on behaviors of a polar bear, but also in determination.

I appreciate the word choice and text placement (see double page spread when spring arrives). I also appreciate the calming voice of this polar bear narrator, and that the last page is hope-filled.

I should also mention the colors in the illustrations-- In fact, I don't think I have ever seen so many rich and varying hues of blue, each so natural and lovely.

Sea Bear would be a nice title to include in a study of habitat, animal behaviors, arctic animals, or environment. As a mentor text, I think it is especially suited to that.

Available now!

Many thanks to HarperCollins for the review copy!

THE LIBRARY OF EVER by Zeno Alexander

This fantasy middle grade is fast-paced! Lenora escapes both boredom and a not-so-nice nanny by running into the library. There she finds plenty to keep her busy-- in the form of many magical challenges and adventures. Each adventure requires bravery and knowledge- and with the completion of each, she earns a new title to add to her badge. Readers who love adventure and fantasy will appreciate this one-- It never slows down!

This is the first in a series. 

Although I read a review copy, this book is available now!

Thank you, Imprint Books (Macmillan) for the advance copy! 

THIS BOOK OF MINE by Sarah Stewart and David Small

Sometimes it is difficult for me to put my love for books into words. Why do I love books? How has reading become such an integral part of my life? I do this from time to time in posts here and there, in conversations in the library, but I never do it well enough. 

Perhaps that is why I appreciate this upcoming book so much. 

This Book of Mine -- at least in my librarian opinion-- is a sweet, compact, and classic ode to books. It starts with a girl leaving the library with a book, then goes on to show --with succinct, perfectly stated verses-- the many ways we love books: as friends, as companions for the night, as inspiration for our own works, and more. The pages feature various readers of all ages finding joy, imagination, and treasures in books. The book is told in first person, so that as we read it aloud, we are actually reading it as ourselves, agreeing to every phrase, and saying, as I did -- "Yes, yes!"

Readers will take these pages to heart, and indeed claim with appreciation the very words in the title -- not only to repeat it-- but to state it-- for every good book they have loved. For those who don't quite love books yet, the book will show their potential and serve as an invitation.

I appreciated the mostly purple-hued illustrations -- and I noted how Caldecott Medalist David Small used a different color within each spread to highlight the book on the page. The front endpapers have a built-in book plate so that - if you purchase it - you can write your name in it. Kids will love this! Also see the cover: two readers comfortably immersed in books. You can read with friends! You can read with those you care about! This is something you can share. 

Do you love the book The Library (also by Sarah Stewart & David Small)? I do. And I love this book just as much.  

There are many ways this book could be used in the classroom (example: introduction to reader's workshop) or library (a welcome back!) And I have thought of a use for it in my own life -- of course in the library - but also if someone were to ask me why I love books. When someone asks me why I read all the time, I can share THIS book with them. 

When I read This Book of Mine aloud to myself, it is rather like a vow or promise I making to myself-- to keep reading forever and ever. And I will. 

This Book of Mine written and illustrated by husband and wife team Sarah Stewart and David Small will be available August, 27, 2019. Thank you, Macmillan Books, for the review copy! 

Bruce's Big Fun Day by Ryan T. Higgins

Higgins, Ryan T. (2019). Bruce's Big Fun Day. New York, NY: Disney-Hyperion, 32 pages.

When I picked this one up at TLA this past spring, I cannot tell you how happy I was! Our readers absolutely love Bruce books! How great that Disney Hyperion added an early reader to the collection! Bruce will grow with his readers.

In this book, Nibs (the mouse) really wants Bruce to cheer up, so he plans a day of fun activities for them: breakfast in bed, a walk, a picnic, a boat ride, swimming, and more! But the activities don't go exactly as planned, and Bruce is still grumpy at every turn. This is where the illustrations steal the show because they lend more information to the text and readers will see exactly how it all goes wrong!

Nibs is a good friend to want to cheer Bruce up, and Bruce is a good friend for going along-- even though he doesn't feel like doing so. Or does he? (See the ending!)

This early reader has chapters with opening pages that give clues about each part of the story, while also featuring full page spreads and panels. Readers will recognize other characters from Higgins' picture books, too.

This title could be added to so many themed lists: friendship, emotions,  perseverance -- to name a few. It would also make a great bedtime read-aloud --especially since it ends with a bedtime story.

When sharing this book with readers, I might ask (as an opener): How do you cheer up your best friend? What does it take to cheer YOU up?

This one is available now! Make sure to read all of the other Bruce picture books if you haven't already!

Two Picture Books I've Read Recently

I love reading picture books -- as any readers of my blog will know - but I ESPECIALLY love reading them in the summer time. There's more time to sit with them, get to know them, read them, and take in every word. There's also more time to spend absorbing the artwork, and I turn the pages a bit more slowly, usually turning right back to the front when I finish it the first time. 

And in the back of my mind, I am also ALWAYS looking for that great book to share with readers at the beginning of the year. 

With all of this in mind, I wanted to share these two titles:

Juniper (a raccoon) doesn't like being small. Her size gets in the way of fun and life! So she puts her brain to work and comes up with a contraption that is sure to be the solution. (This was the Makerspace element of the book that I especially liked!) Does her plan work? Well, of course I won't answer that because I don't like spoilers! In the rest of the story, however, she makes a new friend named Clove. After living in Clove's world for a bit, Juniper sees things differently. I appreciated this sweet story of gratitude, perspective, and friendship. This picture book would make a lovely read-aloud! Look for it July 23rd from Farrar, Straus and Giroux. Thank you for sending, Macmillan Children's! Read more about Aidan Cassie here.

Although it is the middle of summer, as an educator I can't help but think about the beginning of school. For so many children, this will be their first FIRST day of school. How special a day this will be!! The King of Kindergarten (Nancy Paulsen, 2019) is about this momentous day -- from the perspective of a boy gearing up for it! I appreciate so many things about this picture book, but, to start, the voice of the story is delightful! The "King of Kindergarten" is the main character, and he is giving himself a rousing pep talk as he plans for about his day: thinking about getting ready, what he will wear, eat for breakfast, and the ride to school in a "big yellow carriage". With this kingdom theme, our sweet main character is fully confident for the first day -- not scared at all! Readers can hear that his mother has prepped him for the day as so many mothers and father do, telling them how great it will be, and he has taken it to heart! One of the other parts of the story I appreciate is how the boy plans to show kindness and courage. He will invite a fellow classmate to play, and he will share his extra dessert. It's a celebratory, delightful picture book filled with the joy that we would want all of our children to experience on the first day of school. Written by Derrick Barnes, the author of Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut (a 2019 Newbery Honor winner, among many other awards), The King of Kindergarten celebrates its book birthday today! Read more about illustrator Vanessa Brantley-Newton here. The artwork radiates with joy, and every page made me smile.

Three Picture Books to Check Out

Summer! More time for reading, planning, reflecting, and (most definitely) reading! 

So as I rest from the school year, I am plowing through my book stacks! I wanted to share some titles here that I have recently enjoyed -- not necessarily summer books, but books I am taking note of to share with teachers and fellow librarians -- and of course, with kids, in August. 

Matheson, C. (2019). Bird Watch. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, 48 pages. 

Bird Watch by Christie Matheson (Harper Children's, 2019)  is a lovely nature walk captured within the pages of a picture book. If you're hiking and taking treks through woods, this is a good one to pick up and take a look at beforehand. But you don't have to be outside to enjoy it! It's also, quite delightfully, a seek-and-find sure to inspire more bird watching. This one is out now! Thank you for sending, @HarkerKids! 

Quintero, I. (2019). My papi has a motorcycle. (Z. Peña, Illus.) New York, NY: Kokila Books, 40 pages. 

This one brought back good memories from my childhood! My grandparents -- no matter what-- always had a fresh paper bag filled with pan dulce on their kitchen table every Sunday morning. My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila Books, 2019) is a the story of a father-daughter motorcycle ride through their neighborhood, passing by a panaderia (much like the one from my memories). Their ride is joyful, and I appreciated the girl's love of her home, showing how children find good and fun  things in their surroundings. I also appreciated the dynamic color palette in the illustrations! 

Amato, M. (2019). Perfect. New York, NY: Scholastic Press, 48 pages. 

Pencil and Eraser are always thought of as a pair! The two are definitely different! 

In this adventure, Eraser learns that sometimes change is good, and sometimes getting out of your comfort zone makes for magic and fun! Also included is a subtle message about perfectionism! I'm thinking it will inspire some pencil and eraser drawings much like the ones in the book. I am definitely planning a reread of this one, and I think it's a great addition to your "back-to-school" book list! 

I will be rereading these picture books! Of course!

What other picture books have I blogged about? Check out another post here!

What I've Been Reading Lately

Here's what I've been reading lately! It's a mix of lovely things!

Around this time of year, we start looking for that perfect graduation gift book! That's what I thought when I first read through this rhyming picture book! The narrative is general, but the illustrations tell the story of a penguin who grows up surrounded by other animals who care about him and send him off to a life across the ocean. It's super sweet and would make a great read-aloud from parent to child upon the occasion of a graduation. The inside front cover also has a "to. . " and "from . . " space for signing. (From HarperCollins).  

Opening Day was a month or so ago, but I still want to share this picture book biography of Yogi Berra. His famous quotes are used as page headings in a really clever way, and the front and back covers are so well designed. You feel as if you are standing in close proximity to this baseball great. Engaging and inviting, you don't have to be a baseball fan to love this book. (From Boyds Mills & Kane)

Here are some other books I am reading right now: 

I will be blogging about Pie in the Sky this week as it publishes on May 14th! I've recommended it to my librarian friends, and cant stop thinking about it. 

What are you reading right now? 

Looking for Picture books? Here Are Three I've Enjoyed Recently!

First, books! 

This picture book from HMH Kids is due out on 4/2/19.

Newbery Winner Linda Sue Park gives us a story of a unique dragon whose father is from the East and whose mother is from the West. She honors both sides by recounting each parent’s traits, talents, and heritage. Gondra asks her parents questions as she goes about her day, beginning with a breakfast of "dragon puffs" and ending with a bedtime story "Night Night, Knight".  At its heart, this is a family story, light and told with heart.

Also, these illustrations are like none I have ever seen before!

Bears love honey, of course! But they don't like waiting for it. In this picture book by David Ezra Stein (author of Interrupting Chicken, Ice Boy, and more) tells us the story of a bear searching for honey, and though not finding it immediately, seeing and experiencing so many lovely things along the way. Honey (Nancy Paulsen, 2018) is  a story of expectancy and the joy that comes as you wait for those special moments in life. The illustrations are delightful, and it can be used to help children understand that waiting for something can be fun, too. 

This was my read-aloud for second grade a couple of weeks ago! So delightful and endearing, Can I Be Your Dog? (Random House, 2018) will make YOU want to adopt a dog, too! 

Arfy writes a letter/note to each of the places (homes and business) on his street asking them all the same question: "Can I be your dog?" With each letter, he tailors his reasoning (he promises to help the butcher shop lady with cleaning the floor). Each recipient passes on taking him in until someone unexpected steps up! (I had our students write letters in Arfy's voice, and received some lovely writing! This is also a great way to introduce persuasive writing!)

I've enjoyed sharing these lovely picture books with you here! Plenty more to come soon! 

Now, for the shoes!

These are the shoes I am looking for right now: rose gold slip-on sneakers! 

What books are you reading? What shoes are you loving right now? 

St. Patrick's Day Makerspace Challenge

 We weren't in school on St. Patrick's Day, so I decided to bring in some of the "green" on the Friday before Spring Break. I thought it would be a great tie-in with our #Makerspace.

I started with a book -- of course!

Fleiss, Sue. How to Trap a Leprechaun. Illus. by Emma Randall. New York: Sky Pony, 2017.

This one was a quick and delightful read-aloud, showing the story of four kids working together to build a leprechaun trap in hopes of being granted a big wish! I loved the planning and persistence.  One of the kids draws a sketch, and I especially appreciated this detail in the book because I always have our makers draw out their plan before building. Together, the kids collaborate to carry out the plan, taking out gold paint for their rocks, and listing (poetically) materials one might need. Also, when I read the book in my library, I asked readers to notice all of the rainbows. I think there was one on every page!


I also created this simple Google slide on a presentation I carry over each week. I started the presentation on our first day of makerspace explaining norms, reminders, and ways to use materials, etc. It is a reminder to me of everything we have done throughout the year. (I know the slide is not too elaborate. But it's just enough!)

I laid out materials on tables: pipe cleaners, cardboard, paper, straws, ribbons, stickers, masking tape. Normally, I have a cart for this, but I wanted to give room for everyone to come take what they needed. 

Here are a few of the traps they created! 

As you can see, our learners made some elaborate traps! One of them had a lid that was pulled down with a ribbon. Each learner explained their trap to the group or to me, and their thinking was absolutely amazing! They used the materials to represent devices and parts, and their was NO shortage of imagination here. 

I will definitely repeat this one next year and add another facet to it to make it better. 

Now on to the next Makerspace this Friday. I am so excited to see what our makers make next! 

Need an idea for a St. Patrick's Day book display? Click here. 

Recent Reads

Hello, readers!

I really enjoyed the books I am sharing with you here today! I have a picture book, an early reader, and a novel. It's a mini-buffet of books with a little something for everyone! 

Houghton Mifflin has a new imprint called Versify, founded by Newbery Winner Kwame Alexander. I received a few Versify books recently, and had to share this one. Vamos! Let's Go to the Market! is a sprawling, colorful picture book about a trip to the market. The characters are a wolf and a dog, and the journey,  though short, is filled with many interesting tidbits, people, scenes, objects, etc. It's worth many rereads, and I especially appreciate the Spanish used throughout, including the extensive glossary as back matter.

This one is a beginning reader for all of those Pete the Cat fans -- turning the time machine back a bit. Pete is a kitty, and in this first installment, he is trying to get rid of a bad case of hiccups. We've all been there! He gets advice from Callie, Gus, and Bob but in the end, Mom has the answer. D

Doesn't she always?

I enjoyed Pay Attention, Carter Jones (Clarion, 2019). Gary Schmidt gives us a humorous coming of age story that is also about one family's hard times. What would YOU do if a butler showed up at your door just when you needed him? This one also has a dog named Ned who will make you laugh, the game of cricket, and a main character who will steal your heart. Thank you, @hmhkids! 

I'm reading alot of other books, too. Can't wait to share them with you here soon!

P.S. Have you read Kevin Henkes' latest picture book? Whether you have or you haven't, click HERE to learn more. 

Speaking of SHOES: :-) 

The next pair of shoes on my shopping list is a pair of leopard slip-on sneakers similar to these. 

I think they will be perfect for the library! Don't you? 

WHAT IF. . THEN WE. . . by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Fred Koehler

Have you ever been on a blog tour? Well, guess what! You are on one now! 

I am the third stop on this literary journey for What If. . .? Then We. . . (Boyds Mills Press, 2019). Written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and illustrated by Fred Koehler, this picture book is sure to get readers thinking, imagining, and wondering!

Two bears become lost on an icy journey at sea. But rather than despair, the two imagine their way through this challenge: an iceberg becomes a ship, an unknown land becomes a mountain range of crayons, origami birds brighten their sky, and more. Page by page, these two bears approach each step with optimism, using their creativity to keep a positive outlook. 

The text is a series of "What if?" questions, paired with comforting, upbeat, or inspirational "Then we " replies. Our two lost bears act out their interpretations of the text delightfully, seen in Koehler's sweet and vibrant illustrations. I fell in love with these bears and loved watching what they would do next! 

Though there is a story tied by plot and page, each "What if? Then we. ." pair could be discussed individually. Of course, the "what if?" questions themselves could be used as a stem for students' own replies, both visually and verbally. 

So many possibilities exist for this book: art, writing, thinking, predicting! I also appreciated the calming, reassuring tone of the book. Indeed, reading these pages will feel like wrapping yourself up in a soft blanket on a chilly day. 

This book is also a friendship story! To those close to us, we can be there to bear their worries, but also  remind them to see all the potential for goodness that exists, too. 

The ending of the book leave the possibility of more wonderings --- and will also make you want to enjoy the book again! 

Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press 

Fred Koehler
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press

I invite you to stop at the other blogs along the way as we all celebrate this book:

Many thanks to Boyds Mills Press for including me on this tour!

BEARNARD'S BOOK by Deborah Underwood

Image courtesy of Macmillan Children's 

Underwood, Deborah. Bearnard's Book. Illus. by Misa Saburi. New York: Macmillan, 2019. 

Today, I am celebrating a book birthday, welcoming Bearnard's Book into the world! 

Bearnard (a bear) has received a special invitation from The Queen of Storybook Land. He has been invited to her kingdom because he has been selected to be the subject of a book. This prestigious offer sends Bearnard into a flurry of excitement, nervousness, and general "over-wroughtness". What will his book be about? Should he practice? Should he prepare?  He considers the possibilities with her friend Gertie by his side. Should he know how to float?  Should he practice being messy and eating marmalade (like a certain other famous bear?) Should he know how to steal porridge? Gertie walks him through these practice runs, a voice of calm reason and sweet friendship at every turn. 

When it's finally time to head to Storybook Land, Gertie helps him relax. And when they both make it there, everything works out just as it should! (No spoilers here!)

What I appreciate about this book: 

Kids will understand Bearnard's struggle to be perfect. Bearnard also wants to succeed so he starts to study! And Gertie stays right by Bearnard's side, no matter what! Gertie also took Bearnard's mind off of the event by spending time with him doing things they loved! That is a real friend! 

Ultimately, Bearnard shows us that our story is unique and special because it is our very own! This book would be a great mentor text for young authors, showing them the value and importance of telling their stories.

Also be sure to check out the book's case cover: the front and back mirror the beginning and end of the book. Saburi's use of a soft color palette (along with a floral pattern and soft storybook details) pair perfectly with the story. 

(Before I read this book aloud to a kindergarten class, I asked them to think about a book about them! What would the cover look like? What would they do in their book? It was a great starting point for the story!) 

Learn more about Deborah Underwood's books here. 

Read about Misa Saburi's work on her website. 

Authr Deborah Underwood
Image courtesy of Macmillan 

Winter is Here by Kevin Henkes

I received a copy of Winter is Here (HarperChildren's, 2018) in the fall. And when I devoured it the first time, I knew I would be sharing this book in January.

I read this to kindergarten the first week we returned from winter break. It was a perfect choice for several reasons: it's a Kevin Henkes book, it's lovely, and it is a Kevin Henkes book!

Our teachers were also teaching about weather and seasons, so this book fit in nicely with that.

Exploring the book:

Using beautifully illustrated winter scenes, Kevin Henkes tells readers all of the amazing things about winter.  He writes of the ice, the wind, the height of the snow, the colors, and the general beauty of the outdoors when winter arrives. His writing is peaceful, yet engaging. The pace is steady, yet not slow or rushed, either. Always the art and the text compete for your attention, but that is a good thing. It means both are well done.

In a brilliant use of endpapers, illustrator Laura Dronzek shows the passage of one season to another from the beginning of the book to the end. The bright color palette is inviting and comforting. For someone who doesn't experience snow often (if at all, unless I am in Chicago for ALA Midwinter!), I could appreciate Dronzek's art -- remembering my own piles of snow I have trudged through on city streets or my own driveway (once!) Yes, the winter is blue at night. (I have memories of looking out the window the night before a snow day was called, and thinking that the winter IS blue in the evening.)

Books about seasons can make us wish for them (as in my case, as I wish for snow), learn about them if they are unfamiliar, or reconcile them -- if they have overstayed their welcome. They also bring us together in a way, as we all experience weather and have our own opinions about it, no matter where we are from or how old we are.

If it ever does snow here this winter, I will remember this book and be sure to look for the blue in the evening.

Note: Once you share the book, you will have to share the companions, In the Middle of Fall, and When Spring Comes (also by Kevin Henkes and Laura Dronzek). I am hoping there will be a "summer" book, too.

January Back to School

I'm back at school on Monday, as I am sure many of you are as well. You are probably reflecting on your break and wondering if you did everything you needed or wanted to do, and if you are like me, you are realizing you didn't! It really is impossible to make it a perfect Winter Break, I think.

As I look back on my time at home, though, I am grateful. I am glad I took time to read good books, sleep, watch holiday movies, and "be" at home with family. One day rolled into the next, and some days, I had to check my phone to make sure I had the date right. Did that happen to you, too?

I was also thanking myself for staying late on the last day before break to clean up and prep for my return. This is the first time I have done this, and I think I will do it again next year! (Next time, though, I will bring a snack!)

One thing I did before I left that Friday was pull books for January. Here are SOME of the books I will be sharing this week! (Even if the weather isn't very wintery at all right now, these do tie in with our curriculum standards!) All but one are winter/snow books. Squirrel's New Year's Resolution is a sweet story about doing for others.)

What books are your sharing this January?