This past Sunday, I was in Mosaic Books – my favorite independent book store in Kelowna. I was picking up a book for book club (I’m now in 3!) and, of course, found myself peering onto the shelves in the children’s section, looking for new treasures! And I found LOTS – including some new poetry books just in time for April Poetry Month! So, I stacked them in a pile and sat down on one of the tiny chairs and spent the next hour reading!
Here are my favorite finds from my Sunday browse (and yes, I still have trouble counting to ten!)
This Is Not My Home – Eugenia Yah
While I have read many stories about immigration, this is the first one I have read that deals with reverse immigration. When Lily’s family has to move back to Taiwan to take care of Lily’s aging Ah Ma, Lily is devastated! Everything is different in Taiwan, from the streets to the food to the sights and the smells and even the toilets! Readers follow Lily’s journey as she overcomes challenges and learns to navigate her new home, with the help of her family. Fun pictures, sweet story! (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers -Jan. 24, 2023)
The Knowing – Ani Di Franco
Singer and poet Ani Di Franco’s new book for young readers is gorgeous! It is a lovely lesson for kids learn that not everything people see on the outside defines them; it’s what is inside is important. Trust what’s inside of them and what they know to be true about themselves. The text is lyrical and flow beautifully – so a great choice for a read-aloud. (Rise x Penguin Workshop – March 7, 2023)
Wants Vs Needs Vs Robots – Michael Rex
I love this witty companion to the popular Facts vs. Opinions vs. Robots! Using simple, funny robot examples, this book charmingly explains the difference between wants and needs and why this knowledge is important. Such a great book! (Nancy Paulsen Books – March 14, 2023)
Gold – David Shannon
I am a huge fan of David Shannon so excited to see this book about Maximilian Midas, a boy obsessed with gold who does everything to get more of it. Readers familiar with King Midas will have an idea where this one is headed. But there’s lots of room for laughs and discussion and a great fable to teach kids about valuing people, relationships, and memories over riches. (There’s also lemonade, pie, and bunny slippers. I love Max’s bunny slippers!)
Sometimes It’s Nice to Be Alone – Amy Hest
Enjoyed this book about the quiet pleasures of being alone and the beauty of friendships – real and imaginary. Love the illustrations by the great Philip Stead! (Neal Porter Books – Feb. 14, 2023)
If You Laugh, I Am Starting This Book Over – Chris Harris
Not a new release, but new to me – this book had me LOLing in the book store! A super silly interactive picture book sure to make kids laugh. And sometimes, you just need to have a book to make them laugh! The book insists that listeners must not laugh until the end of the book, all the while presenting them things that are sure to make them laugh. Great ending, too!
Patterns Everywhere – Lisa Varchol Perron
A gorgeous introduction to patterns in nature. Stunning photographs showing the patterns, along with easy to understand rhyming text. A perfect book for younger readers and a great anchor book to inspire outdoor play and pattern searches! Delightful! (Millbrook Press – April 4, 2023)
The Planet We Call Home – Aimee Isaac
A lyrical ode to Planet Earth – told in the cumulative style of “This Is the House that Jack Built.” Wonderful curriculum connections to the interconnectedness of nature, Earth Day, and the environment. LOVE this one! (Philomel Books – March 21, 2023)
NOTE: If you are a GEARPICKS book subscriber, DO NOT buy this book! You will be receiving it in your PRIMARY Spring collection! (for information about the book subscription – please contact Elizabeth Graves at gpp@uls.com)
How To Write A Poem – Kwame Alexander
Oh this book now in my poetry collection! So inspiring! The great Kwame Alexander will make you want to write and illustrate your own by poem the time you finish! The illustrations are magical, colorful, and add another layer of meaning to the poem. (Harper Collins – April 4, 2023 – except I bought a copy on Sunday!)
Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers And Other Poem By Extraordinary Animals – Linda Ashman
Wonderful “guessing game” style poetry book filled with persona poems written in the voice of different animals. Each persona poem offers hints about which animal is talking, then you turn the page to reveal informational facts about the animal. Engaging and interesting and a great anchor book for “Fact Pocket poetry!” (Kids Can Press – June 6, 2023)
Animals in Pants – Suzy Levinson
I had no idea that this was a poetry book until I opened it! Clever and imaginative, these poems had me giggling from beginning to end! Animals in pants? Why not! Playful rhyming text, rhythm, and delightful wordplay fill these poems about animals with covered bottoms (think dogs in yoga pants, goats in overalls, and yaks in slacks)! A perfect book for sharing during Poetry Month in April and sure to inspire your students to write their own “Animals in Pants” poem! (Cameron Kids – April 11, 2023)