What's New in Picture Books
May 2, 2017
Presented by Ashley Lambacher, Stephanie Miles, and Kay Richardson
Antoinette by Kelly DiPucchio
Fiction -- All ages Antoinette—a very special poodle—learns to follow her heart and be herself in this charming companion to Gaston. Antoinette’s three burly brothers each have a special talent. Rocky is clever. Ricky is fast! And Bruno is strong. Mrs. Bulldog reassures Antoinette that there is something extra special about her—but Antoinette is not so sure. Then one day, while Antoinette plays in the park with her friend Gaston, Gaston’s sister Ooh-La-La goes missing. Antoinette feels a tug in her heart and a twitch in her nose. She must find Ooh-La-La. She will not give up! Can Antoinette rescue the puppy in peril—and discover what makes her extra special along the way? Connections: This sequel to Gaston follows the theme of being true to yourself and finding what makes you special. This is a good book for helping children find what is unique about themselves, and realizing that everyone has special talents. Great for text to self, and makes for a wonderful read aloud. |
Caterpillar Dreams by Clive McFarland
Fiction -- all ages All Henri the Caterpillar has is a dream. It’s an amazing, incredible, impossible dream. And to chase it, Henri will have to leave the safety of his garden and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Written and illustrated by the award-winning creator of A Bed for Bear, Caterpillar Dreams is the inspiring story of what can happen when you dare to believe in yourself. Connections: This book reminds us to take life into our hands and be proactive in chasing our dreams. The cast of characters shows the range of personalities and comfort levels with change and reminds us of the power in surrounding ourselves with supportive friends who cheer us on! Themes of helping others and life being a journey, not a destination are interwoven throughout the story. As caterpillar explores new places on his grand adventure, he discovers that even after his friends help him travel farther than he ever has, he really just longs to return home. This book has great lessons in being proactive, in stretching ourselves outside of our comfort zone, and in establishing a culture of community within our classrooms. |
Things to Do by Elaine Magliar
Fiction -- All ages With playful prose and vivid art, Things to Do brings to life the small moments and secret joys of a child's day. There are wonders everywhere. In the sky and on the ground—blooming in a flower bed, dangling from a silken thread, buzzing through the summer air—waiting ...waiting to be found. In this thoughtful and ingenious collection of poems, Elaine Magliaro, an elementary school teacher for more than three decades and a school librarian for three years, and illustrator Catia Chien provide a luminous glimpse of the ordinary wonders all around us. Connections: This is a beautiful book that begs to be read and viewed again and again! Notice how the child notices and is in tune with how the natural and man-made objects work. Use this as a mentor text for descriptive writing. It would also be a nice writing stem and format for any research topic students may engage in, ie. “Things to do if you are _________.” Also, to notice is how each poem has a theme or message, pointing us humans in wonderful ways to live: Birds teach us to stretch and get ready to fly and the snail teaches us to not hurry by, but to enjoy the wonders of the world! |
The Legend of Rock, Paper, Scissors by Drew Daywalt
Fiction -- All ages I hope you’re wearing your battle pants! You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of the three great warriors who started it all . . . Rock beats everyone in the Kingdom of Backyard. Paper beats everyone in the Empire of Mom's Home Office. Scissors beats everyone in the Kitchen Realm. When the three leave their kingdoms in search of an equal challenger, who will be victorious? Connections: This hilarious book will leave your readers/listeners in stitches! Taking a common game and personifying the objects to create an entertaining story can make for a great springboard with creative writing (just take a look at Daywalt's The Day the Crayons Quit!). The book also does well in using speech bubbles and descriptive language, as well as showing voice in characters. It can be great to use with students to practice reading aloud using different voices and intonation. The subtle message of wanting a challenge (the "easy" route is boring!) is welcome as well. |
The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield
Fiction -- all ages Inspired by the childhood of real-life astronaut Chris Hadfield and brought to life by Terry and Eric Fan's lush, evocative illustrations, The Darkest Dark will encourage readers to dream the impossible. Chris loves rockets and planets and pretending he's a brave astronaut, exploring the universe. Only one problem--at night, Chris doesn't feel so brave. He's afraid of the dark. But when he watches the groundbreaking moon landing on TV, he realizes that space is the darkest dark there is--and the dark is beautiful and exciting, especially when you have big dreams to keep you company. Connections: This book, like Fancy Gowns and Caterpillar Dreams will inspire students to follow their passion and chase their dreams. In the beginning, Chris’s fear of the dark is daunting. However, after watching the momentous first walk on the moon, he begins to overcome his fear and sees darkness in a new light—replacing fear with awe and longing. Follow this young boy’s path to becoming a Canadian astronaut and share with students this powerful example of dreams really coming true. This book could lend itself to introducing genius hour projects, or to writing small moments in personal narratives. The illustrations by The Fan Brothers are a beautiful match to the story’s tone and complement Hadfield’s use of imagery, “For the first time, Chris could see the power and mystery and velvety black beauty of the dark." |
We're All Wonders by R.J. Palacio
Fiction -- All ages Over 5 million people have fallen in love with Wonder and have joined the movement to Choose Kind. Now younger readers can meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face, and his beloved dog, Daisy. Countless fans have asked R. J. Palacio to write a book for younger readers. With We’re All Wonders, she makes her picture-book debut as both author and artist, with a spare, powerful text and striking, richly imagined illustrations. Palacio shows readers what it’s like to live in Auggie’s world—a world in which he feels like any other kid, but he’s not always seen that way. Connections: This a perfect book for introducing children to the concept of empathy. This may be Auggie’s story, but it’s everyone’s story too! Everyone wants to feel like they belong and are accepted by others. Teachers may ask students to reflect on and respond to the question, “How are you a wonder?” or the author’s line, “I can’t change the way I look, but maybe, just maybe people can change the way they see.” |
This House, Once by Deborah Freedman
Fiction -- All ages Before there was this house, there were stones, and mud, and a colossal oak tree-- three hugs around and as high as the blue. What was your home, once? Connections: This book reads like poetry and has gorgeous watercolor illustrations. The book encourages readers to think about where things come from and what nature provides us. A wonderful deeper look at things around us, and can be a start to thinking about homes around the world or how things are made. Might be nice to pair with Home by Carson Ellis. |
Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko
Fiction -- All ages Nicholas was afraid of the dark outside his door, the bushes where the giant bugs live, and the underside of manhole covers. His dad was not afraid of anything. Nicholas wants to be as brave as his dad, but he needs help. That’s why he needs a dinosaur. After all, dinosaurs like the dark, bugs are nothing to them, and they eat manhole covers for lunch (and everything under them for dinner). With his toy dinosaur, Nicholas can scale tall walls, swim in deep water, even score a goal against the huge goalie everyone calls Gorilla. But when the dinosaur goes missing, everything is scary again. Luckily, his dad knows that even the bravest people can get scared, and it’s okay to ask for help facing your fears. It’s just guy stuff. Connections: This is an amazing picture book illustrated by Dan Santat (who won the Caldecott for Beekle) that honors the special father-son bond. The story is sensitive and heartwarming and sprinkled with similes for imagery: “Nicholas’s face lit up like a glow stick,” “The night was as black as octopus ink,” “Bugs as big as buildings,” “Sure enough, there was Nicholas’s dinosaur, as big as ever.” This book would be a nice lead in to text-to-self connections, character traits, a discussion on bravery in all its forms, and a noteworthy title to pass along to families looking for meaningful read alouds. |
That's Me Loving You by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Fiction -- All ages Wherever you are, Wherever you go, Always remember And always know. . . That feeling you always have in your heart? That's me loving you. Amy Krouse Rosenthal captures parents’ desire to be ever-present in this simple and touching poem offering reassurance of their love. Signs of affection can be found in the natural world around us—from a soft breeze to a shimmering star. Connections: A love story and one we will hold near and dear to our heart with the author’s recent passing, yet leaving behind her legacy in writing and “the beckoning of lovely”. Good companion book of Emily Winfield Martin's The Wonderful Things You Will Be and those looking for something new to add to their shelves next to the classic The Runaway Bunny or The Kissing Hand. A sweet story told as a poem, with two lines of text per page, a question and an answer. This book introduces personification: a breeze's kiss, and rain's tears and shares many ‘ing’ verbs. |
Egg by Kevin Henkes
Fiction -- All ages This masterful and stylistically original picture book introduces young children to four eggs. One is blue, one is pink, one is yellow, and one is green. Three of the eggs hatch, revealing three baby birds who fly away. But the green egg does not hatch. Why not? When the three birds return to investigate, they’re in for a big surprise! What will happen next? Connections: This simple book is full of emotion and a dash of suspense. It can be great to use for prediction and the theme of acceptance. A wonderful example of how a few words and simple illustrations can create a compelling story, especially for Kindergartners. |
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessica Sima
Fiction -- All ages Growing up in the ocean, Kelp has always assumed that he was a narwhal like the rest of his family. Sure, he’s always been a little bit different—his tusk isn’t as long, he’s not as good of a swimmer, and he really doesn’t enjoy the cuisine. Then one night, an extra strong current sweeps Kelp to the surface, where he spots a mysterious creature that looks just like him! Kelp discovers that he and the creature are actually unicorns. The revelation leaves him torn: is he a land narwhal or a sea unicorn? But perhaps, if Kelp is clever, he may find a way to have the best of both worlds. Connections: This sweet story about self-acceptance stars a unicorn named Kelp who reminds us to stay true to who we are. This would be a fun read aloud at the beginning of the school year to encourage a sense of family and belonging in the classroom. Since most students can relate to feeling different in some way and in having the desire to fit in, this book lends itself to making text-text and text-self connections. On the last page, the harmony of narwhals and unicorns playing together shares the greater message of strength in diversity. |
Happy Dreamer by Peter H. Reynolds
Fiction -- All ages While the world tells us to sit still, to follow the rules, and to color inside the lines, Happy Dreamer celebrates all those moments in between when the mind and spirit soar and we are free to become our own true dreamer maximus! In Peter's signature voice and style, this empowering picture book reminds children of how much their dreams matter, and while life will have ups and downs, he enlists readers to stay true to who they are, to tap into their most creative inner selves, and to never ever forget to dream big! Connections: Just as Peter Reynolds intended this will be a “story that matters, a story that moves!” Readers will feel inspired to think about how they are a happy dreamer. Writers can use the large foldout at the back of the book to view the many ways to be happy and the many ways to be a dreamer. I can see teachers using this to help students set goals for the year about finding their passion, exploring new ideas, and encouraging students to be themselves with a MOST positive mindset! |
Charlotte and the Rock by Stephen W. Martin
Fiction -- All ages Charlotte has always really wanted a pet, so when her parents present her with one for her birthday she expects a cat, dog, or maybe a bird. Instead, she receives a rock. Rocks can't cuddle, fetch, or even help her eat her vegetables, but that doesn’t stop Charlotte from loving her rock as if he were real. If only he could love her back...or can he? Connections: Charlotte finds the good in everything, despite the fact that a pet rock isn't what she wanted -- a great example for students! Showing patience and making the best of what you have is a big theme here. This book is also a wonderful example of the classic plot twist. It would be nice to pair with What Pet Should I Get and If I Had a Gryphon. |
Everywhere, Wonder by Matthew Swanson
Fiction -- All ages In this heartfelt picture book, readers are taken on a stunning journey into the imagination of a young boy―who explores everything from the pyramids of Egypt to a dusty footprint on the moon―and then back out again to the wonderful world right in front of him. From a lost balloon to an endless road, there are stories to discover, to dream about, and to share. Everywhere, Wonder explores the wonder in the world, while encouraging young minds to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, and creatively share their stories with others. “Open your eyes and open your window and let your story out into the world. It is a little gift from you to me.” Connections: What a beautiful introduction to show that science begins with noticing our world and asking, “Why?” Lovely illustrations and tantalizing facts tease the reader to long for more information. Why are the wildebeests blue? Why can’t the sun reach the ground in the jungle? How does the footprint stay on the moon untouched? Why do crystal door knobs become prisms when the light hits them? Readers are encouraged to discover their world and see what speaks to them, see what moves them to action. Was it the lonely polar bear – how could we help? A beautiful reminder, that the greatest teaching tool is creating an insatiable sense of wonder to spur our budding scientists to action. A lovely book to pair with the Wonderopolis site and to promote genius hour research. |
If You Were the Moon by Laura Purdie Salas
Fiction -- All ages What would you do if you were the moon? Do you think you would rest quietly in the night sky? Oh, no. The moon does so much more than you might imagine! It spins like a twilight ballerina, plays tug-of-war with the ocean, and lights a pathway for baby sea turtles. Discover the many other roles the moon plays in this whimsical and lyrical picture book. Connections: This book has a nice mixed genre format: poetry and informational text. It serves as a mentor text for this mixed genre. Students can enjoy the poetry about the moon and gain information about the many roles of the moon. Each line in the descriptive poem is met with a short paragraph that is easy to understand by young scientists. A great companion to Things to Do by Elaine Magliar. |
Shine! by Patrick McDonnell
Fiction -- All ages Hoshi the sea star looks up in the sky and sees the stars shining. She wishes that she too could be in the sky amongst the brilliant stars--and as she imagines how much better it would be up in the air, she fails to appreciate the beautiful world that surrounds her underwater. It takes Hoshi's friends, old and new, to help her realize that her shine comes from within. Connections: Finding what happiness truly is and appreciating what is around you (as well as your own strengths) is the theme of this lovely book. Being true to yourself and being happy with yourself is something everyone struggles with, and makes for a good text to self story. This book can be great to start stories or conversations about what happiness means to you, and finding appreciation in the small things around us. |
The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler
Nonfiction -- All ages In jaw-dropping photos, Doug Wechsler captures the life cycle of the American toad from egg to tadpole to adult. To get these images, Wechsler sat in a pond wearing waders, went out night after night in search of toads, and cut his own glass to make a home aquarium. The resulting photos reveal metamorphosis in extreme close-up as readers have never seen it before. Budding naturalists will be transfixed by this unprecedented peek into the secrets of tadpole transformation. Connections: This wonderful mentor text can be used as a springboard into nonfiction writing with its unique timeline format. Text features like bold print, colored font, close ups, diagrams, labels, a glossary and added fact pages at the end enrich the content. This book illustrates how writer’s craft can provide rich examples of figurative language in nonfiction texts to engage the reader. While describing the life cycle of a toad, the author uses: Onomatopoeia -- “pop!” “psshh!” “brrrrrr!” “Whack!” Alliteration -- “graceful gills,” “warm water,” “miracle of metamorphosis," “tadpole to toadlet,” “green garden,” “toad trills” Rhyme -- “seep, deep, creeping," “wiggle, wriggle, jiggle” Repetition – “hopping, hopping, hopping” Similes -- “tangle of stuff...like a pile of spaghetti.” Comparison -- “Hardly bigger than a pea.” |
Over and Under the Pond by Kate Messner
Nonfiction -- All ages In this gorgeous companion to the acclaimed Over and Under the Snow and Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt, Kate Messner and Christopher Silas Neal bring to life a secret underwater world. In this book, readers will discover the plants and animals that make up the rich, interconnected ecosystem of a mountain pond. Over the pond, the water is a mirror, reflecting the sky. But under the pond is a hidden world of minnows darting, beavers diving, tadpoles growing. These and many other secrets are waiting to be discovered...over and under the pond. Connections: Each page in this beautiful, descriptive story teaches a bit about what is going on above, then below in the pond. Children are introduced to life cycles, what creatures eat and the interconnected community in which each plant and animal plays a role. The back matter contains short paragraphs of information on each plant or animal introduced. Students may use this for research and also a good model for paragraph writing. Students learn to understand the difference between herbivores and carnivores, producers and decomposers. All are necessary for the ecosystem to survive. |
The Youngest Marcher: the Story of Audrey Faye Hendricks, a Young Civil Rights Activist by Cynthia Levinson
Nonfiction -- All ages Meet the youngest known child to be arrested for a civil rights protest in Birmingham, Alabama, 1963, in this moving picture book that proves you’re never too little to make a difference. Nine-year-old Audrey Faye Hendricks intended to go places and do things like anybody else. So when she heard grown-ups talk about wiping out Birmingham’s segregation laws, she spoke up. As she listened to the preacher’s words, smooth as glass, she sat up tall. And when she heard the plan--picket those white stores! March to protest those unfair laws! Fill the jails!--she stepped right up and said, I’ll do it! She was going to j-a-a-il! Audrey Faye Hendricks was confident and bold and brave as can be, and hers is the remarkable and inspiring story of one child’s role in the Civil Rights Movement. Connections: Such an inspiring story for children. Told in a way to show the injustice done to African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement without being graphic, this beautifully illustrated picture book describes Audrey's desire to do what is right and the struggle she went through to make it happen. Proving that you are never to little to make a difference, this true story is historically accurate and important. |
Bunny's Book Club by Annie Silvestro
Fiction -- All ages Bunny loves to sit outside the library with the kids and listen to summer story time. But when the weather gets cold and everyone moves inside, his daily dose of joy is gone. Desperate, Bunny refuses to miss out on any more reading time and devises a plan to sneak into the library at night . . . through the library’s book drop! What follows is an adorable caper that brings an inquisitive, fuzzy bunny and his woodland pals up close and personal with the books they have grown to love. Connections: A charming tale that celebrates the power of reading and of finding those just right books that pique our interest! This would be a fun introduction to start book clubs in primary grades -- the characters and artwork are adorable! Alliteration and onomatopoeia are playfully interjected throughout the story, making this a perfect read aloud to foster a love of language! You could also use this to brainstorm topics of interest for research and genius hour. |
The Hockey Song by Stompin' Tom Connors
Fiction -- All ages "Oh! The good ol' hockey game,/it's the best game you can name./And the best game you can/name, is the good ol'/hockey game." This is the main phrase of Connors's rousing anthem, "The Hockey Song," (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxJvrD80nJ4) a piece of cultural heritage that has now been captured in picture book format for the next generation. While amateur players sing the song, lively illustrations, drawn in Clement's characteristic style, give the play-by-play. The story moves from puck drop to final score, from a shared moment between father and son to an all-out international game. Connections: Readers will enjoy this speech bubble format with characters telling about the progression of an action-packed hockey outdoor game that grows from a father/son experience to a community crowd. Writers can use this as a mentor text for telling a personal/small moment story through speech bubbles. |
Charlotte the Scientist is Squished by Camille Andros
Fiction -- All ages Charlotte is a serious scientist. She solves important problems by following the scientific method. She has all the right equipment: protective glasses, a lab coat, a clipboard, and a magnifying glass. What she doesn’t have is space. She has so many brothers and sisters (she is a rabbit, after all) that she is too squished to work on her experiments! Can she use science to solve her problem? Connections: This book combines humor, STEM, and the scientific method to create a wonderful story that is also about needing those around you. Charlotte's science and a passion for growth is a great example for students, particularly those who are STEM minded (or for a STEM lesson). |
Watersong by Tim McCanna
Fiction -- All ages In glorious onomatopoeia, Tim McCanna takes the reader on a dazzling journey as a fox seeks shelter from a rainstorm. Drip Drop Plip Plop Pitter Patter Pat. As the rain begins, a little fox seeks shelter. But then it builds and builds into to a torrential storm. Wash! Wham! Lash! Whirl! Bash! Swirl! Hiss! Slap! Slam! Both a visual feast and a joy to read aloud, this stunning picture book showcases the power and beauty of nature. Connections: Watersong is a stunning picture book with beautiful use of figurative language. Alliteration (drip,drop, plip,plop), onomatopoeia, and rhyme blend together to create a flowing tone and pace that match the movement of the water cycle within an ecosystem. Text font and size depict urgency when needed followed by peace and calm as the cycle ebbs and flows. A wonderful book to illustrate figurative language, the water cycle, poetry and tone. |
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days by Shelly Becker
Fiction -- All ages When Superheroes don’t get their way, when they’re sad, when they’re mad, when they’ve had a bad day . . . . . . they COULD super-tantrum, they COULD but they DON'T, because REAL Superheroes just WOULDN'T—they WON'T! All kids have trouble getting a grip on their emotions, sometimes—even young superheroes! But what do they do when they’re having a bad day? Colorful action-packed illustrations and a dynamite rhyming text reveal the many ways superheroes (and ordinary children, too) can resist the super-temptation to cause a scene when they’re sad, mad, frustrated, lonely, or afraid. From burning off steam on a bike or a hike, to helping others, this energetic picture book has plenty of fun ideas to help kids cope when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Connections: This is another great rhyming story to share in our R-Factor lessons. Have students notice how the Superheroes respond when negative feelings or events come up. They press pause and think of other more positive choices they can make. The book also validates that it’s ok to feel sad or mad, to frown, sigh, slump or cry, “But then they get up and on with their day….” celebrating the idea that they have the “superpower” to overcome and do wonderful things! Students may want to write/blog about their “superpower” or how they respond when they are feeling down. |
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander
Poetry -- All ages Out of gratitude for the poet’s art form, Newbery Award–winning author and poet Kwame Alexander, along with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth, present original poems that pay homage to twenty famed poets who have made the authors’ hearts sing and their minds wonder. Feel the Beat: Dance Poems That Zing From Salsa to Swing by Marilyn Singer Poetry -- All ages Marilyn Singer has crafted a vibrant collection of poems celebrating all forms of social dance from samba and salsa to tango and hip-hop. The rhythm of each poem mimics the beat of the dances’ steps. Together with Kristi Valiant’s dynamic illustrations, the poems create a window to all the ways dance enters our lives and exists throughout many cultures. This ingenious collection will inspire readers to get up and move! (Comes with an audio CD.) Connections: These two titles celebrate poetry and diversity. Rich in language and bringing a wide range in the kinds of poetry presented, students are bound to get sucked in -- and may even go on to research the poets or dances presented. The CD for Feel the Best is a nice addition, so students can get a sense of the dances as well as the poetry. Out of Wonder includes chapters/themes with brief introductions that allow for reflection on the poems included in the chapter, as well as ideas for starting your own poems of that theme. Both books also have ending pages that describe more about the poets and dances included. |
Lost and Found Cat: The True Story of Kunkush's Incredible Journey by Doug Kuntz and Amy Shrodes
Nonfiction -- All ages When an Iraqi family is forced to flee their home, they can’t bear to leave their beloved cat, Kunkush, behind. So they carry him with them from Iraq to Greece, keeping their secret passenger hidden away. But during the crowded boat crossing to Greece, his carrier breaks and the frightened cat runs from the chaos. In one moment, he is gone. After an unsuccessful search, his family has to continue their journey, leaving brokenhearted. A few days later, aid workers in Greece find the lost cat. Knowing how much his family has sacrificed already, they are desperate to reunite them with the cat they love so much. A worldwide community comes together to spread the word on the Internet and in the news media, and after several months the impossible happens—Kunkush’s family is found, and they finally get their happy ending in their new home. This remarkable true story is told by the real people involved, with the full cooperation of Kunkush’s family. Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margriet Ruurs Fiction -- All ages This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, discovered by chance by Canadian children’s writer Margriet Ruurs. The author was immediately impressed by the strong narrative quality of Mr. Badr’s work, and, using many of Mr. Badr’s already-created pieces, she set out to create a story about the Syrian refugee crisis. Stepping Stones tells the story of Rama and her family, who are forced to flee their once-peaceful village to escape the ravages of the civil war raging ever closer to their home. With only what they can carry on their backs, Rama and her mother, father, grandfather and brother, Sami, set out to walk to freedom in Europe. Nizar Ali Badr’s stunning stone images illustrate the story. My Beautiful Birds by Suzanne Del Rizzo Fiction -- All ages Behind Sami, the Syrian skyline is full of smoke. The boy follows his family and all his neighbors in a long line, as they trudge through the sands and hills to escape the bombs that have destroyed their homes. But all Sami can think of is his pet pigeons―will they escape too? When they reach a refugee camp and are safe at last, everyone settles into the tent city. But though the children start to play and go to school again, Sami can’t join in. When he is given paper and paint, all he can do is smear his painting with black. He can’t forget his birds and what his family has left behind. One day a canary, a dove, and a rose finch fly into the camp. They flutter around Sami and settle on his outstretched arms. For Sami it is one step in a long healing process at last. The Journey by Francesca Sanna Fiction -- All ages With haunting echoes of the current refugee crisis this beautifully illustrated book explores the unimaginable decisions made as a family leave their home and everything they know to escape the turmoil and tragedy brought by war. This book will stay with you long after the last page is turned. From the author: The Journey is actually a story about many journeys, and it began with the story of two girls I met in a refugee center in Italy. After meeting them I realized that behind their journey lay something very powerful. So I began collecting more stories of migration and interviewing many people from many different countries. A few months later, in September 2014, when I started studying a Master of Arts in Illustration at the Academy of Lucerne, I knew I wanted to create a book about these true stories. Almost every day on the news we hear the terms "migrants" and "refugees" but we rarely ever speak to or hear the personal journeys that they have had to take. This book is a collage of all those personal stories and the incredible strength of the people within them. Connections: All of these books are incredibly moving tales of refugees fleeing their homelands in search of hope and a better life. This is a timely topic and one many of our students have experienced firsthand. These stories see beauty in diversity and build empathy with a vicarious walk alongside characters as they journey from their war-torn countries. Also highlighted are the many heroes who have intervened on behalf of refugees to provide opportunities and hope. Lost and Found Cat tells a true story of how a cat is reunited with its family after being separated during their escape. It details all the people along the way who worked together to make the reunion possible. Stepping Stones is illustrated by a Syrian artist who inspired the author to write the story and raise money to aid refugees in their plight. It is written in English and Arabic with incredible stone artwork. The author’s process to produce and publish this book is just as inspiring and heartwarming as the story itself. My Beautiful Birds is a wonderful story to show character growth with lovely descriptive writing and a lesson in paying it forward. Unique clay illustrations provide texture and warmth and perfectly complement the story’s tone. The Journey is about characters that do not describe a specific place or ethnicity, and so can be relatable to anyone who has had to flee their home country. It is gently done and is not graphic, and shows the emotional turmoil of leaving your culture and home behind. This can be used to give a more personal look into the lives of refugees and evoke empathy. |
A Small Thing...But Big by Tony Johnston
Fiction -- All ages Lizzie and her mom go to the park. That's where Lizzie meets an elderly man and his companion, Cecile, a dog about her size. But Lizzie is afraid of dogs, so she'll have to rely on her new friend to help her take things one step at a time. Getting over your fears may seem like a small thing . . . but it sure can feel big. Connections: A great story with a twist ending! It turns out ALL people have or have had fears. This would be a great story to explore fears and explore ways to cope and overcome our fears, step by step. This is a great small moment story with repetition of the theme explicitly, “A small thing...but big.” This is also a great book for our R-Factor lessons. Teachers can have students follow the character of the elderly man and his responses to Lizzie as she overcomes her fear. His encouragement creates confidence in her to continue overcoming her fear of dogs. Encourage students to be that friend or mentor to someone overcoming a fear or learning something new. Celebrate each step in the learning process. |
Touch the Earth by Julian Lennon
Fiction -- All ages Jump aboard the White Feather Flier, a magical plane that can go wherever you want. Just press a button printed on the page, and point the plane up in the air to fly, or down to land it. The Flier’s mission is to transport readers around the world, to engage them in helping to save the environment, and to teach one and all to love our planet. Fly to the top of a mountain. Send clean water to thirsty people. Dive deep into the ocean (the Flier turns into a submarine!) to pick up pollution and bring back the fish. Explore the planet, meet new people, and help make the world a better place. Plant the Tiny Seed by Christie Matheson Fiction -- All ages Beautiful collage-and-watercolor art follows the seed through its entire life cycle, as it grows into a zinnia in a garden full of buzzing bees, curious hummingbirds, and colorful butterflies. Children engage with the book as they wiggle their fingers to water the seeds, clap to make the sun shine after rain, and shoo away a hungry snail. Appropriate for even the youngest child, Plant the Tiny Seed is never the same book twice—no matter how many times you read it! Connections: Both of these titles are very similar to Tap the Magic Tree and Press Here! as it requires reader interaction for the story to move forward. Touch the Earth is poetry, reminding readers of the importance of our planet, ourselves, and making the world a better place. Plant the Tiny Seed includes factual information about how plants grow and how to start your own garden. Both make excellent read alouds, can spark creative writing, but can also make your readers think a bit more about our world. |
Fancy Party Gowns: The Story of Fashion Designer Ann Cole Lowe by Deborah Blumenthal
Nonfiction -- All ages A beautiful picture book about Ann Cole Lowe, a little-known African-American fashion designer who battled personal and social adversity in order to pursue her passion of making beautiful gowns and went on to become one of society’s top designers. As soon as Ann Cole Lowe could walk, her momma and grandma taught her to sew. She worked near her momma in their Alabama family shop in the early 1900s, making glorious dresses for women who went to fancy parties. When Ann was 16, her momma died, and Ann continued sewing dresses. It wasn’t easy, especially when she went to design school and had to learn alone, segregated from the rest of the class. But the work she did set her spirit soaring, as evidenced in the clothes she made, including Jackie Kennedy's wedding dress and Olivia de Havilland's dress at the Oscars when she won for Best Actress in To Each His Own. Rarely credited, Ann Cole Lowe became “society’s best kept secret.” This beautiful picture book shines the spotlight on a little-known visionary who persevered in times of hardship, always doing what she was passionate about: making elegant gowns for the women who loved to wear them. Connections: This book is filled with examples of overcoming obstacles and following your passion, making it a wonderful introduction to growth mindset and genius hour projects. A string of similes in the beginning could be a mini-lesson in descriptive writing. Topics in African American history are dealt with honestly and are woven throughout the story (segregation, being asked to use the back door, lack of recognition for work) and lead us to applaud Ann as she overcomes them one by one. Above all, Ann’s life is a powerful model of self-respect, talent, passion for her work, and an admirable growth mindset when faced with personal and professional challenges. |
Animal Ark by Kwame Alexander
Nonfiction -- All ages A howling wolf, a stalking tiger, a playful panda, a dancing bird – pairing the stunning photography of National Geographic photographer Joel Sartore with the delicate poetry of Newbery award-winning author Kwame Alexander, this lush picture book celebrates the beauty, diversity, and fragility of the animal world. Featuring more than 40 unique animal portraits, the pages invite kids to explore each creature's markings, textures, and attributes in stunning detail, while calling on all of us to help protect each and every one. Three picture-packed gatefolds inside showcase even more familiar and exotic species. These images are part of Sartore's lifelong project to photograph every animal in the world, with special attention given to disappearing and endangered species. Connections: Each two-page spread is written as a haiku poem. This book can serve as a model for writing poetry in this form. It also inspires writers to select vocabulary carefully and precisely. The author and illustrator hope that we will see the beauty in and will address the role we play in caring for our world, the habitat we share with these endangered creatures. Fall in love with these adorable creatures, care, then seek to save them! This book is a call to action: “What will you do to make the world a better place?” |
Honorable Mentions
Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beatty
Nope! by Drew Sheneman
Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Be Quiet by Ryan T. Higgins
Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher
Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Hat by Eric Comstock and Marilyn Sadler
Rosie Revere's Big Project Book for Bold Engineers by Andrea Beatty
Nope! by Drew Sheneman
Little Fox in the Forest by Stephanie Graegin
Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell
Be Quiet by Ryan T. Higgins
Chicken Story Time by Sandy Asher
Charlie Piechart and the Case of the Missing Hat by Eric Comstock and Marilyn Sadler