It’s Monday and I’m happy to be participating in a weekly event with a community of bloggers who post reviews of books that they have read the previous week. Check out more IMWAYR posts here: Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers
Ooooooo…. I just can’t help myself! The new picture books that have been coming out in the last few weeks are SOOOOOO good – I am bursting with book love! There are so many that I have decided to share a few each Monday this month. Here we go with Part 1….
Steve, Raised By Wolves – by Jared Chapman
LOL! This book is hilarious and would make a brilliant back to school read-aloud for any grade! Young Steve is literally raised by wolves. Mother wolf sends him on his first day of school with this advice: “Just be yourself!”. So Steve proceeds to do just that – howling in class, shredding homework, marking his territory, drinking from the toilet and pouncing on his classmates! His behavior does not go over well! In the end, Steve saves the day and helps to find the class pet. Great book for discussing appropriate school behavior as well as what it means to “be youself”.
We Forgot Brock! – Carter Goodrich
A charming take on the imaginary friend story with delightful illustrations. Heart-warming and funny. A must read for anyone with an imaginary friend or for anyone who ever wanted one! Great story for making connections with younger students.
I am Yoga – Susan Verde
Yoga is a wonderful practice to incorporate into your weekly classroom routine. This book, written by a certified yoga instructor, would be a wonderful book to introduce your students to this calming, strengthening practice. In this gentle introduction , children are encouraged to explore the world of yoga and to open their hearts to the world. A child-friendly guide to 16 yoga poses is included in the back. Icing on the cake are the illustrations by Peter H. Reynolds.
Words – Lora Rozler
Wow. This book. So clever. So visual. So emotional. So provocative. So powerful. So transforming. I am almost speechless it is that good. It is the story of a lonely letter who sets off on a journey to find meaning. Through his various encounters, he combines with different letters, forming different words: some hurtful and some helpful – eventually leading him to make a choice which word he would like to join. On one level, it is a book about how letters become words and words become meaning but on another level, it is about the power of words and how words can build up or destroy. It is also about belonging, about making choices, about discovering and an underlying theme of anti-bullying. This book is definitely one I would use for transform. Watch a trailer for this book here.
Job Wanted – Teresa Bateman
This heart-warming book tells the tale of an elderly dog who shows up on a farm, inquiring about getting a job. The farmer tells him he doesn’t need a dog because they just eat and never give anything back. So the determined dog comes up with very creative ways to persuade the farmer that he is a useful addition to the farm. A great read aloud with a subtle message about being determined and valuing others. I fell in love with this dog – an adorable, creative, persistent hero.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox – Danielle Daniel
Wow – I was not expecting this book to be SO full of wonderful, teachable connections! It is introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals told through young children who explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver or moose. Delightful illustrations show the children wearing masks representing their chosen animal. Simple text written as simple poems with a gentle reminder of how there are elements of all these animals in each of us. In an author’s note, Danielle Daniel explains the importance of totem animals in Anishinaabe culture and how they can also act as animal guides for young children. After reading the book, students could chose the animal they identify most with. Also a wonderful link to a Social Studies, Art, Drama and Writing lesson.
Island Morning – Brenda Jones
A gentle story of a girl and her grandfather’s early morning walk through the fields of Prince Edward Island. Beautiful descriptions of the scenery make this a perfect book for visualizing. I also loved the special relationship between the grandfather and granddaughter as they enjoy the beauty together.
West Coast Wild – A Nature Alphabet – Deborah Hodge
I am extremely fortunate to live on the West Coast of British Columbia. It is a majestic, magical place. This stunning alphabet book by local author Deborah Hodge explores the fascinating ecosystem of the Pacific west coast, from ancient rainforests, to rugged beaches and a vast open ocean. The book also explores the interconnectedness of the rich marine life found in and around the shores and forests. Breathtaking illustrations, gorgeous descriptions, fascinating facts – this book is a must have for any West Coast teacher!
That’s all the books for this week! Check out my “Part 2” next week! Thanks for stopping by and I’d love to know which book caught your eye!
I am definitely interested in checking out West Coast Wild, as well as Words and I Am Yoga. Thank you for the recommendations! 🙂
Thanks for your comment! West Coast Wild is so beautiful – interesting facts, beautiful writing and gorgeous illustrations! Words is a very special book with a powerful message. Have a great week!
Thanks for your comment! West Coast Wild is so beautiful – interesting facts, beautiful writing and gorgeous illustrations! Words is a very special book with a powerful message. Have a great week!
I am Yoga and Sometimes I feel like a Fox are on my wish list! Surprise, surprise. I just wrote a post about classroom libraries and talked about all of the spending I do but I do need to space it out a little . . . A great list this week Adrienne and loved reading all of your comments.
Yes, alas the book spending needs to be reduced in my house too! I am very fortunate to be on a few publishers review lists now – which means a few free-be books a few times a year. However, it does not stop me from being tempted in book stores! You will LOVE Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox! Also West Coast Wild is so beautiful!
Yes, alas the book spending needs to be reduced in my house too! I am very fortunate to be on a few publishers review lists now – which means a few free-be books a few times a year. However, it does not stop me from being tempted in book stores! You will LOVE Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox! Also West Coast Wild is so beautiful!
Thank you so much for linking up and sharing IMWAYR!
I am sad to say I do not know any of these books! They all look wonderful, so I appreciate you sharing them 🙂
Happy reading this week!
Thanks, Kellee! I love IMWAYR! Glad you found some new titles – they are all amazing! Thanks for checking out my post and happy reading week to you, too!
Thank you so much for linking up and sharing IMWAYR!
I am sad to say I do not know any of these books! They all look wonderful, so I appreciate you sharing them 🙂
Happy reading this week!
Thanks, Kellee! I love IMWAYR! Glad you found some new titles – they are all amazing! Thanks for checking out my post and happy reading week to you, too!
Thank you for the recommendations! I am going to add Words to my Amazon cart. I Am Yoga will be a great book recommendation for classrooms in my school that are working on mindfulness. I am excited to see your Fantastic Fall Favorites Part 2!
Words is a very special book! Did you watch the book trailer? I Am Yoga is a great book for both introducing Yoga and Mindfulness. See you next week!
Thank you for the recommendations! I am going to add Words to my Amazon cart. I Am Yoga will be a great book recommendation for classrooms in my school that are working on mindfulness. I am excited to see your Fantastic Fall Favorites Part 2!
Words is a very special book! Did you watch the book trailer? I Am Yoga is a great book for both introducing Yoga and Mindfulness. See you next week!
Thank you for your lovely review of West Coast Wild, Adrienne! It is so great to see it on your site! I hope your start to the school year is going well! 🙂
All the best, Deborah
Deborah – I am thrilled you saw my review and read my post and thank you for taking the time to send me a message! (I’m a little star-struck, in fact! I adore your books!) This is an extraordinary book and will be highlighting it at my workshops this fall! Teachers are going to LOVE it! Thanks for all that you do to make our jobs so much more rewarding: great books = great lessons!
Deborah – I am thrilled you saw my review and read my post and thank you for taking the time to send me a message! (I’m a little star-struck, in fact! I adore your books!) This is an extraordinary book and will be highlighting it at my workshops this fall! Teachers are going to LOVE it! Thanks for all that you do to make our jobs so much more rewarding: great books = great lessons!
Thanks for all YOU do, Adrienne. 🙂
Hi Adrienne, thank you so much for including Words as part of this wonderful collection of books. What a pleasant surprise to come across as I browse through your site! Thank you for your kind words and review 🙂
Hi Adrienne, thank you so much for including Words as part of this wonderful collection of books. What a pleasant surprise to come across as I browse through your site! Thank you for your kind words and review 🙂
Hi Lora! Happy to include your book on my list of Fall Favorites! Hoping LOTS of teachers and parents have read the post and will be buying your book! It’s such a beautiful story and message! Thrilled to be asked to write a short message in the book for you! Thanks for stopping by my blog!
Reblogged this on Words On A Limb and commented:
A collection of Fall favourites by Adrienne Gear
Reblogged this on Words On A Limb and commented:
A collection of Fall favourites by Adrienne Gear