What's New in Picture Books
November 7, 2017
Presented by Ashley Lambacher, Stephanie Miles, and Kay Richardson
Where Oliver Fits by Cale Atkinson
Fiction -- All ages Oliver has always dreamed about where he will fit. Will he be in the mane of a unicorn? The tentacle of a pirate squid? The helmet of an astronaut? When he finally goes in search of his perfect place, he finds that trying to fit in is a lot harder than he thought. But like any puzzle, a little trial and error leads to a solution, and Oliver figures out exactly where he belongs. Connections: This book is all about trying to fit in -- and how that isn't always the "best fit." Even if students try to pretend to be someone else to fit in, ultimately it won't make them happy. This book is great for encouraging students to be their true selves, and to show that sometimes finding where you fit best isn't easy, but once you figure it out you'll truly shine. Great to pair with Red by Michael Hall. |
Come With Me by Holly McGhee
Fiction -- all ages When the news reports are flooded with tales of hatred and fear, a girl asks her papa what she can do to make the world a better place. “Come with me,” he says. Hand-in-hand, they walk to the subway, tipping their hats to those they meet. The next day, the girl asks her mama what she can do—her mama says, “Come with me,” and together they set out for the grocery, because one person doesn’t represent an entire race or the people of a land. After dinner that night, the little girl asks if she can do something of her own—walk the dog . . . and her parents let her go. “Come with me,” the girl tells the boy across the hall. Walking together, one step at a time, the girl and the boy begin to see that as small and insignificant as their part may seem, it matters to the world. Connections: A great book for students to realize they are a part of a local and global community. What they say, do and think matters! They have a voice and can use it to accomplish amazing things WITH others. Use this book to springboard discussions and blogs. Use this book to create projects for outreach beyond your classroom. What simple things can you think of to make the world a better place? Connection poem by Kid President here. |
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
Biography -- All ages This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire. This is the story of Shark Lady. Eugenie Clark fell in love with sharks from the first moment she saw them at the aquarium. She couldn't imagine anything more exciting than studying these graceful creatures. But Eugenie quickly discovered that many people believed sharks to be ugly and scary―and they didn't think women should be scientists. Determined to prove them wrong, Eugenie devoted her life to learning about sharks. After earning several college degrees and making countless discoveries, Eugenie wrote herself into the history of science, earning the nickname "Shark Lady." Through her accomplishments, she taught the world that sharks were to be admired rather than feared and that women can do anything they set their minds to. An inspiring story by critically acclaimed zoologist Jess Keating about finding the strength to discover truths that others aren't daring enough to see. Includes a timeline of Eugenie's life and many fin-tastic shark facts! Connections: A relevant book for today in light of women’s continued fight for their voices to be heard. It offers a unique parallel in how Eugenie changing society’s mind about “dumb, evil” sharks as well as about the capabilities and contributions women could make in society in the 1950s. This book would make a wonderful prompt early in the year, modeling for students how to set and achieve goals over time. In science, this would be lovely to pair with On a Beam of Light: A Story About Albert Einstein and Everywhere, Wonder for their common theme highlighting how scientists notice, question, and wonder: “What would it be like to swim with her sharks? To breathe underwater with gills of her own?” It could be used alongside Wonderopolis to introduce genius hour and inquiry, or in language arts to explore figurative language. “Constellations of sea stars speckled the pebbled sand. She imagined a silvery fin standing strong on her back, slicing through the ocean current.” Eugenie is a role model for taking action throughout her life to achieve “her dream (that) was as big as a whale shark.” A biographical timeline as well as bite-size shark facts are engaging additions to this beautiful, inspiring story. |
After the Fall by Dan Santat
Fiction -- All ages Everyone knows that when Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. But what happened after? Follow Humpty Dumpty, an avid bird watcher whose favorite place to be is high up on the city wall―that is, until after his famous fall. Now terrified of heights, Humpty can longer do many of the things he loves most. Will he summon the courage to face his fear? Connections: This book is a great reminder to students that it isn't what happens that is important, but our response to it. There is always the potential for scary things to happen -- always the opportunity for worry -- but what do you miss out on? The power of overcoming your fears after dealing with trauma is shown with an interesting ending twist...a twist that will inspire kids to not let their fears stop them from what they love, too. Can be good to consider the concept of small things being “big” as well as character study. Compare with The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires. |
Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds
Fiction -- all ages Nerdy Birdy and his best friend, Vulture, are very different. Nerdy Birdy loves video games, but Vulture finds them BORING. Vulture loves snacking on dead things, but Nerdy Birdy finds that GROSS. Luckily, you don’t have to agree on everything to still be friends. One day, Nerdy Birdy joins Tweetster, and the friend requests start flying in. Vulture watches as Nerdy Birdy gets swept up in his new friendships, but when she finally gets angry, Nerdy Birdy knows just what to do to make things right. Connections: Students gain understanding in how good friendship works- 1) You will not always agree. 2) You will need to compromise. 3) You stand up and own it when you make mistakes. 4) You may have different interests. 5) You will need to communicate your needs and wants kindly.This book is also a model for students in using technology, their voice, their writing to communicate quality comments. Examine the comments from Nerdy Birdy’s 3 Tweetster friends together. Use these as a launchpad for quality comments and social responsibility. A great accompaniment to this awesome video for your students. |
What Makes a Monster: Discovering the World's Scariest Creatures by Jess Keating
Nonfiction -- All ages Some people think monsters are the stuff of nightmares—the stuff of scary movies and Halloween. But monsters can also be found right in your backyard. Animals like aye-ayes, goblin sharks and vampire bats may look scary, but they pose no threat to humans. Others, such as the prairie dog, seem innocent--cute, even—yet their behavior could give you goose bumps. What makes a monster? Read this book to find out, if you dare. . . . Connections: Beautiful use of color, page design, and gripping headings! This book will appeal to students for its fun format and gross-out content! Learn about the assassin bug who piles corpses atop its back to disguise its smell or the horror frog who breaks the bones in its hand to create sharp “bone claws” that pierce through its skin to slice through prey. Ugh! Students will love this fascinating book and be inspired to research more deeply into these incredible, terrifying “monsters” that live among us! A great model for creating nonfiction texts and engaging the reader through interesting leads, user-friendly formatting, rich vocabulary, puns, and riveting topics. Don’t miss the fully-stocked glossary or the comparison page linking these animals with their monster counterparts (Frankenstein -- assassin bug; zombies -- cordyceps fungus). A fun follow-up to Jess Keating’s equally magnificent Pink is for Blobfish. |
Martina and Chrissie: The Greatest Rivalry in the History of Sports by Phil Bildner
Nonfiction -- All ages Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert come from completely different places and play tennis in completely different ways. Chrissie is the all-American girl: practiced, poised, with perfect technique. Martina hails from Czechoslovakia, a Communist country, and her game is ruled by emotion. Everything about them is different, except one thing: they both want to be the best. But as their intense rivalry grows, something else begins to swing into place, and a friendship forms that will outlast all their tennis victories. Phil Bildner and Brett Helquist tell the engaging true story of these two masters of the court as they win title after title — and, most importantly, the hearts of the fans. Connections: This book shows a fascinating backstory to two female tennis greats, but what really makes this book shine is its message and writing style. The book discusses how these two women didn't do what they were "supposed to" do, and how despite how everyone else pushed their rivalry, they were actually friends (and had great sportsmanship!). It's also great for showing how two very different people (and styles) could both be great in their own ways. I would highly recommend this book as a wonderful example for writing with the older elementary grades. This narrative nonfiction uses writing as if someone were speaking to you, allowing you to become immersed in the story even if you've never heard of these players before (like me), or weren't at all interested in tennis. The language used, the figurative language and emphasis on particular words, is great to encourage kids to use in their own writing. It's a refreshing way to look at a biographical nonfiction text. |
Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall
Fiction -- All ages Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He’s finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he’s a great jumper, so he’s not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can’t help but root for. Connections: This beautifully done tale is perfect for helping young writers S-L-O-W down the action in their own personal narrative stories. The author uses many senses to describe how Jabari approaches his first jump off the board step by step- “deep breath….looked up...began to climb...up and up...stood up straight...walked all the way to the end of the board...toes curled around the rough edge. Writers will also notice the use of dialog as a lead into the story, “I’m jumping off the diving board today” and to help the reader know how the character is feeling, “I love surprises,” he reminds himself from dad’s encouraging words. Not to mention the surprising ending and the surprise cover illustration under the book jacket! So many teaching points packed into this sweet relatable tale! |
The Bad Seed by Jory John
Fiction -- All ages This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He's been bad since he can remember! Here is The Bad Seed: a funny yet touching tale that reminds us of the remarkably transformative power of will, acceptance, and just being you. Perfect for young readers, as well as anyone navigating their current world, The Bad Seed proves that positive change is possible for each and every one of us. Connections: This is a humorous spin on something many children can relate to -- trying to be a better version of yourself! In this story, we have a bad seed. Other seeds talk about him and he acts pretty rotten. Of course, troubling life events have contributed to his current, very bad mood. It is nice to see the bad seed choose for himself to make positive changes in his life. Over time, others notice! A great read aloud for guidance counselors and teachers to have on hand -- helpful for when a change of tone is needed in the classroom or for students who need a little encouraging reminder to let their best selves shine through. |
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers
Nonfiction -- All ages If you had to name a statue, any statue, odds are good you'd mention the Statue of Liberty. Have you seen her? She's in New York. She's holding a torch. And she's in mid-stride, moving forward. But why? In this fascinating and fun take on nonfiction, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty's right foot is the powerful message of acceptance that is essential of an entire country's creation. Connections: Another nonfiction title with an interesting writing style! Author Dave Eggers uses a conversational style to highlight important facts about the Statue of Liberty, as well as point out the importance of the fact that she's "on the move." Words carefully sparse and spread out through the pages, Eggers tries to get readers to think about what this means, while bringing up important details that many overlook and connecting it to what America stands for -- liberty and freedom. This would be wonderful to pair with any other title dealing with refugees (see May 2017's picture book talk) or the history of immigration. |
If Sharks Disappeared by Lily Williams
Fiction -- All ages A healthy ocean is home to many different kinds of animals. They can be big, like a whale, tiny, like a shrimp, and even scary, like a shark. Even though sharks can be scary, we need them to keep the oceans healthy. Unfortunately, due to overfishing, many shark species are in danger of extinction, and that can cause big problems in the oceans and even on land. What would happen if this continued and sharks disappeared completely? Artist Lily Williams explores how the disappearance would affect other animals across the whole planet in this clever book about the importance of keeping sharks, and our oceans, healthy. Connections: This book a great conversation starter with your kids about the way that all animals and life connect on this planet. This book connects to 5th grade Life Science content standards.Students are to understand the structure and function of ecosystems. Content statements are: Organisms perform a variety of roles in an ecosystem. Populations of organisms can be categorized by how they acquire energy. Food webs can be used to identify the relationships among producers, consumers and decomposers in an ecosystem.Sharks are at the top of the food chain in their ecosystem. Losing sharks can cause devastating effects in the ecosystem. This text helps students consider the cause/effect relationships between organisms and the delicate balance that exists in every ecosystem to keep it sustainable. This is a great book for expanding a child's scientific vocabulary (complete with a Glossary in the back) and for clearly and concisely explaining to everyone the true value of creatures of sea and land, from large to small. There are even some great tips on what you can do today to start turning the tide on shark endangerment. |
The Thing Lou Couldn't Do by Ashley Spires
Fiction -- All ages Lou and her friends are BRAVE adventurers. They run FASTER than airplanes. They build MIGHTY fortresses. They rescue WILD animals. But one day, when they're looking for a ship to play pirates in, Lou's friend has an idea: Up there! The tree can be our ship!? Ummm ...says Lou. This is something new. Lou has never climbed a tree before, and she's sure she can't do it. So she tries to convince her friends to play a not-up-a-tree game. When that doesn't work, she comes up with reasons for not joining them --- her arm is sore, her cat needs a walk, you shouldn't climb so soon after eating. Finally, she tells herself she doesn't want to climb the tree. But is that true, or is this brave adventurer just too afraid to try? Connections: A wonderful mentor text to add to your classroom collection encouraging a growth mindset! This is an honest portrayal of hesitation and self-talk children may go through when trying something that frightens them. This book beautifully honors that everyone’s journey to bravery can look different or follow a different timeline but there is a reward in stretching out of our comfort zones. A great book for introducing growth mindset, following the arc of character growth, and for allowing students a chance to relate and reflect personally with connections in their own lives. The diversity in the characters and overall theme in the book represent “mirrors and windows” where books reflect who kids are but also show them someone who is different to expand their views. Also would be great companion book to A Small Thing...but Big as an R Factor lesson in adapting and overcoming our fears. |
This Is How We Do It: One Day In the Life of Seven Kids From Around the World by Matt Lamothe
Nonfiction -- All ages Follow the real lives of seven kids from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia for a single day! In Japan Kei plays Freeze Tag, while in Uganda Daphine likes to jump rope. But while the way they play may differ, the shared rhythm of their days—and this one world we all share—unites them. This genuine exchange provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as a mirror reflecting our common experiences. Inspired by his own travels, Matt Lamothe transports readers across the globe and back with this luminous and thoughtful picture book. Connections: This book would be great for comparisons and finding similarity in things that at first seem so different. It does a great job of highlighting multiple cultures, so it can be a great way to introduce the topic of cultural/family traditions and routines. As the author says in the back of the book, "I believe the more you learn about different people, the more you see yourself in them, and the more accepting you become." |
Blue Sky, White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus
Fiction -- All ages Wonderfully spare, deceptively simple verses pair with richly evocative paintings to celebrate the iconic imagery of our nation, beginning with the American flag. Each spread, sumptuously illustrated by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson, depicts a stirring tableau, from the view of the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island to civil rights marchers shoulder to shoulder, to a spacecraft at Cape Canaveral blasting off. This book is an ode to America then and now, from sea to shining sea. Connections: This book is a treasure on its own and an excellent means of starting a discussion of what our nation's symbols stand for and the unity and freedoms for which so many have fought (are fighting). It also lends itself to “word play” with multiple meanings of words (homonyms) as well as multiple perspectives. In one of my favorite spreads of the book, Kadir created an amazingly strong image from Sarvinder's use of the homonym: "Sew Together Won Nation/ So Together One Nation." The author shares her story about this book here. |
Boo Who? by Ben Clanton
Fiction -- All ages Boo is new. And even if the other kids are welcoming, it can be scary being new, especially for a shy ghost who can’t play any of their games. ("You tagged me? Oh, sorry. I couldn’t feel it.") Can Boo find a way to fit in and make friends with the rest of the group? From the creator of Rex Wrecks It! comes a funny story about feeling invisible — and finding a way to be seen and appreciated for who you are. Connections: A sweet tale that celebrates the power of being inclusive and finding ways for everyone to play together! Boo Who? makes a wonderful fall read aloud to help build classroom community and would be great to pair up in theme with The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig. Boo, a ghost, is new at the playground and wants to join in the fun with Gizmo (robot), Rex (dinosaur), Wild (monster) and Sprinkles (unicorn bunny). It takes a few tries, but the friends eventually find a game where Boo can shine and feel like part of the group. The thoughtfulness behind their gesture is a lesson in empathy and inclusiveness that is universal and needed. |
She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World by Chelsea Clinton
Nonfiction -- All ages Throughout American history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what's right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In early 2017, Senator Elizabeth Warren's refusal to be silenced in the Senate inspired a spontaneous celebration of women who persevered in the face of adversity. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted. She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small. Connections: This lovely book highlights various 13 diverse American women from history and from present day who have stood up for what they believe. It's whole message is to "persist" when things are tough if it's what you believe, and how revolutionary that can be. While it is centered around women, it is just as important for boys to read the story as it is girls, and a definite R-Factor themed book. The writing in the book highlights how each woman in the story was ignored or pushed around and how their courage and fearlessness paid off in simple yet powerful text. Great to pair with I Dissent by Debbie Levy and Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History by Vashti Harrison. |
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Power of the Team! Pairing
Blue vs Yellow by Tom Sullivan Fiction -- All ages Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, welcome to the Clash of the Colors! BLUE VS. YELLOW! Which one will be declared the best color of all? Will they join forces and be mightier together? Or . . . will another color challenge them for the title? Ding! Ding! Let the battle begin! Connections: This book lends itself to basic opinion writing: stating something that is “the best” or a favorite and giving supporting details/examples about why it is the best or a favorite. It also is perfect for its message: The Power of the Team! When Blue and Yellow were competitive, there were only noticing their own strengths, when they came together (BOOM! In a crash), and pressed pause for a moment, “Whoa! What happened, “said yellow and “We’re...we’re green.” did they realize “all the cool stuff we can both be!” We are stronger and better together! Love, Triangle by Marcie Colleen Fiction -- All ages Ever since they were a dot and a speck, Circle and Square have been best friends.... Then someone new comes along: a cool, exciting Triangle. And three starts to feel like a crowd. . . . With their friendship bent out of shape, can they put it back together again? Connections: This book cleverly teaches students to think about properties and characteristics of shapes: points, angles,and lines. It also cleverly teaches students to think about the properties and characteristics of friendship! Groups of 3 friends can be difficult to navigate! Just as Blue vs. Yellow ( Sullivan) were competing about who was best in our previous review, Square and Circle were competing for Triangle’s friendship! “Square pulled Triangle one way, Circle pulled Triangle the other way. Until….Everything became pointless.” Triangle becomes a line stating, “You both crossed the line!” Up pops another connection to our R-Factor lessons about how our responses to events create outcomes! Notice how Square and Triangle must use “Power of the Team” to collaborate instead of compete to rescue this friendship! We are better and stronger together! |
Poetry Pairing
Thunder Underground by Jane Yolen Poetry -- All ages In this collection of poems, noted children’s poet Jane Yolen takes readers on an expedition underground, exploring everything from animal burrows and human creations, like subways, near the surface—to ancient cities and fossils, lower down—to caves, magma, and Earth’s tectonic plates, deeper still below our feet. At the same time, in Josée Masse’s rich art, a girl and boy, accompanied by several animals, go on a fantastic underground journey. This book contains science, poetry, and an adventure story all rolled into one. But it’s also more than that: In these poems we see that beneath us are the past, present, future—history, truth, and story. This thought-provoking collection will evoke a sense of wonder and awe in readers, as they discover the mysterious world underneath us. Connections: From earth to cellar to seeds to the subway, this clever book of poetry offers unique perspectives on life underground. Taking this concept and exploring it from all different avenues is novel and surprising. Each poem finds wonder in all the goings on that occur under our feet! With many tie-ins to science concepts -- magma, tectonic plates, fossils, tree roots, earthworms -- this book is a great mentor text and poetry offering to round out the nonfiction in your classroom library. Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals by Nicola Davies Poetry/Nonfiction -- All ages Polar bears playing on the ice, tigers hunting in the jungle, and nightingales singing in the heart of the woods — animals are everywhere. In a remarkable collection of poems, children’s author Nicola Davies shares keen observations on wildlife around the world. Sometimes lyrical and sometimes humorous, the poems reveal fascinating facts about animals of every color, shape, size, and origin, from giant blue whales to bats as tiny as bumblebees. Connections: Song of the Wild: A First Book of Animals highlights interesting features of animals but uses poetry as the genre to explore and describe their unique qualities. The double-page spreads with large-scale illustrations are stunning complements to the descriptive, informational poems. Song of the Wild would be great to pair with What Makes a Monster? as models for creative writing and as a reminder for students of the variety of ways to share information and engage readers. |
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Malala's Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai
Nonfiction/Biography -- All ages As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grew older, Malala saw that there were more important things to wish for. She saw a world that needed fixing. And even if she never found a magic pencil, Malala realized that she could still work hard every day to make her wishes come true. Connections: This book really is magical. What is so wonderful is how kids can relate to Malala's initial kid-like desires (a lock on her door to keep out her brothers, for example) but then the story starts to change as Malala's grows -- from imagination and then to doing actual change. This is a great kid-friendly version of Malala's story, and while students unfamiliar with Malala might have a few questions, it's easy to focus on Malala's leadership for peace and education for all instead. Her belief in the good in people and her unwavering hope is inspiring. The illustrations are lovely, and I recommend starting a discussion about the "gold" pages that come and go. Great to pair with She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and For the Right to Learn by Rebecca Langston-George. |
Winter Dance by Marion Dane Bauer
Fiction -- All ages Snow is coming, and it's time to get ready! The squirrel gathers nuts, the geese soar south, and the snowshoe hare puts on its new white coat. But what should the fox do? Each animal advises the fox that its own plan is best, but the fox thinks otherwise—yet it's not until he meets a golden-eyed friend that he finds the perfect way to celebrate the snowfall. Connections: Kindergarten students in their Life Science lessons learn that living things have physical traits and behaviors, which influence their survival. As they focus on observing, exploring, describing and comparing living things in Ohio, this book serves as a natural mentor text for how animals survive in the winter. Topics such as hibernation, migration, physical change, and gathering extra food are explored in a beautiful narrative where fox is trying to find the best way for him to survive. Students will delight in fox’s repetitive reply after he chats with each creature, “That won’t do for me.” |
The Book of Gold by Bob Staake
Fiction -- All ages Young Isaac Gutenberg isn't a curious boy . . . that is, until he meets an old shopkeeper who tells him about The Book of Gold. This special book, hidden somewhere in the world, holds all the answers to every question and turns to solid gold when opened. Isaac is determined to find the book—it will make him rich! He opens many books in his search, but quickly closes them when they don't turn to gold. That changes one day when he opens a book, looks at the page, and a question pops into his mind. From then on, he reads every word. Time passes and Isaac ages, but he still scours dusty attics and flea markets, crisscrossing the world, searching for The Book of Gold. This sweeping picture book asks important questions: Is searching for knowledge better than having it? How important is curiosity? And what makes a life meaningful? Connections: The Book of Gold will quickly become a favorite with its heartwarming message fostering a love of books, reading, curiosity, and wonder! This would pair nicely with Shark Lady and On a Beam of Light for an introduction to genius hour and inquiry research. Or simply as a faithful story sharing the importance of finding books that speak to you and guide your journey to lifelong reading. As a little boy, Isaac is told the tale of The Book of Gold that holds all the answers to the universe and turns to solid gold when opened. Isaac searches his whole life for the book and along the way discovers the joys of reading and learning and growing as he delves into story after story and travels to distant lands. Students could share their own Books of Gold after connecting to Isaac’s realization that “because of that book, [he] had asked questions and searched for answers. He had visited distant lands, and had used his imagination to go to places he’d never been. He had lived a long life filled with wonder.” A full-circle moment near the end when Isaac passes the legend along to another child makes for a nice discussion on inspiring others and paying-it-forward! |
Life by Cynthia Rylant
Fiction -- All ages Life begins small, then grows… There are so many wonderful things about life, both in good times and in times of struggle. Through the eyes of the world’s animals—including elephants, monkeys, whales, and more—Cynthia Rylant offers a moving meditation on finding beauty around us every day and finding strength in adversity. Connections: This perfect R-Factor book is all about life's ups and downs -- and how even though it might get bad and life isn't always easy, you'll get through it and good will come again. Its simple text highlights the fact that Rylant is trying to show the good in savoring the little things in life. |
Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote the Cat in the Hat
by Judy Sierra Nonfiction/Biography -- All ages Have you ever wondered how the great Dr. Seuss wrote his most famous book? Did you know that for The Cat in the Hat, he wasn’t allowed to make up the fun words he was known for—like OOBLECK and IT-KUTCH and HIPPO-NO-HUNGUS? He was only allowed to use words from a very strict list! This bouncy account of the early career of Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Ted Geisel) proves that sometimes limitations can be the best inspiration of all. Kid-friendly prose (with Seussian rhyme for Ted’s dialogue) and whimsical illustrations by award winner Kevin Hawkes recall the work of Dr. Seuss himself. Writing tips from Dr. Seuss and exclusive letters from the author and illustrator, detailing how they created this book, are included! Connections: Who doesn’t love Dr. Seuss? Imagine That! details the interesting backstory of an iconic author all children know and love. This book would be great to pair with Shark Lady for setting and accomplishing goals and for accepting challenges...then setting follow-up goals to stretch yourself further! Use with intermediate students to revisit the writing process, especially brainstorming and revision which can sometimes feel daunting to young writers. This would make a great mentor text for writer’s craft and introductory leads in a story and for fun additions to pique interest -- in this case, author interviews and a bibliography of Dr. Seuss’ work. |
Claymates by Dev Petty
Fiction -- All ages What can you do with two blobs of clay? Create something amazing! But don't leave them alone for too long. Things might get a little crazy. In this photographic friendship adventure, the claymates squish, smash, and sculpt themselves into the funniest shapes imaginable. But can they fix a giant mess before they're caught in the act? Connections: This book is dialogue only, and it really highlights the personalities of these two fun balls of clay! The pictures are what really steals the show, though, and students will be amazed at the artwork and format of the book. Some pages appear graphic novel-like and I can see students using this as inspiration to make their own stop-motion style book. This book would be wonderful for character study and inferencing. |
Are We Pears Yet? by Miranda Paul
Fiction -- All ages Two seeds can't wait to be pears, but growing takes time and patience in this funny and informative picture book from Miranda Paul, the author of Water is Water. "When will we be pears?" ―"After we find soil." "Hooray! We are going to be pears! Are we pears yet?" ―"No! Just be patient and wait." Written entirely in dialogue and staged as a play, Are We Pears Yet? is a clever and hilarious informational picture book that will make you look at growth cycles and fruit trees in a whole new way. Connections: Students love to read text in speech bubbles! This book can serve as a great model for character voice in student writing. They could try their hand at writing about another living thing and its life cycle and what it needs to survive in this clever format. Opportunities exist to compare and contrast pears with people! A lesson to discuss is patience and the “power of yet…” as the seeds wait and wait to become what they really want to be! |
The Sun Played Hide-and-Seek: A Personification Story by Brian P. Cleary
Fiction -- All ages A young student has to give a presentation about personification—and she's petrified! How can she explain something that gives human traits to things that aren't human? If only she could take a trip to the park and show everyone the way the fountain hiccups, the daffodils dance, and the wind whispers a tune . . . or maybe that's just what she'll have to do! Connections: Talk about show versus tell! In this relatable story, a young student is assigned the task of presenting what personification is to her classmates. As she wanders through a park pondering how best to explain this abstract concept, the clever reader will discover the natural world is brimming with examples where it displays human characteristics. “The sun and clouds played hide-and-seek against the light blue sky.” This delightful book with lovely representation of diverse characters should be shared with students interested in enhancing their writing with figurative language. Using the book as a springboard, have students follow in the footsteps of Mrs. Truman’s class and head outside to discover personification in their world. |
It's Not Jack and the Beanstalk by Josh Funk
Fiction -- All ages Jack is not fond of the bossy narrator of his fairy tale! When Jack is told to trade his beloved cow Bessie for some magic beans, throw the beans out the window, climb the ENORMOUS beanstalk that sprouts overnight, and steal from a GIANT, he decides this fairy tale is getting out of control. In fact, he doesn’t want to follow the story line at all. Who says Jack needs to enter a life of daring, thievery, and giant trickery? He takes his story into his own hands—and you’ll never guess what happens next! Connections: Less fractured fairy tale, more "main character hijacks his own story from the narrator," this book will have kids laughing a lot! Kids who know the story will be anticipating each scene, but Jack will be taking things into his own hands, leaving kids guessing as to how he might change the story. Speech bubbles are effectively used as Jack talks with the narrator, and kids will enjoy trying to spot other fairy tale mentions. It's fun and lively, and would be great to pair with Snappsy the Alligator by Julie Falatko (as well as other fracture fairy tales). |
This Is a Good Story by Adam Lehrhaupt
Fiction -- All ages From author Adam Lehrhaupt comes an inspiring new picture book that takes apart the pieces of a story—hero, heroine, setting, conflict—and asks the reader to put the story back together again. This is a good story…or is it? As a child takes her pencil and begins to draw pictures for a story, the narrator takes her and the reader through a rollicking sequence of events in this classic tale of bad guys and townsfolk and dungeons. With simplicity and flair, Adam tells a story and then a meta-story of the parts of the story at once! This Is a Good Story is a wonderful primer on the parts of a story and an imaginative way to encourage creative thinking, writing, and storytelling. Connections: A fabulous text to help budding writers build a good story. A young girl is beginning to write a story when the narrator (a fun voice who interrupts often) offers advice on how to build an epic story -- complete with all the literary elements. This book interweaves a formula throughout the text that struggling writers can use as a concrete model to help craft a compelling story of their own. The messiness of initial drafts and the revision process are illustrated in fun ways that remind readers first tries don’t need to be perfect! The elements of a story stand out in oversized, colorful font while other key phrases are bold-faced for effect and pacing. A glossary of story components is included at the end for further support. |
Honorable Mentions
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Pena
Toad Has Talent by Richard Smythe
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshi
My Journey to the Stars by Scott Kelly
Just Like Us: Ants by Bridget Heos
Nothing Rhymes With Orange by Adam Rex
It Takes a Village by Hillary Clinton
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle
Snappsy the Alligator and His Best Friend Forever (Probably) by Julie Falatko
Bizzie Mizz Lizzie by David Shannon
The Good For Nothing Button by Charise Miracle Harper
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater
Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schrachner
How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
You're All Kinds of Wonderful by Nancy Tillman
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
Miguel and the Grand Harmony by Matt de la Pena
Toad Has Talent by Richard Smythe
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshi
My Journey to the Stars by Scott Kelly
Just Like Us: Ants by Bridget Heos
Nothing Rhymes With Orange by Adam Rex
It Takes a Village by Hillary Clinton
All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle
Snappsy the Alligator and His Best Friend Forever (Probably) by Julie Falatko
Bizzie Mizz Lizzie by David Shannon
The Good For Nothing Button by Charise Miracle Harper
The Antlered Ship by Dashka Slater
Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schrachner
How to Get Your Teacher Ready by Jean Reagan
You're All Kinds of Wonderful by Nancy Tillman