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
Last week, I was presenting at RFTLOI (Reading For the Love Of It) conference in Toronto. One of my favorite parts about the conference is book browsing (and buying) at the publishers displays. Here are some of my favorite new books I squished into my suitcase!
I am Josephine (and I am a living thing) – Jan Thornhill
A charming introduction to the concept of classification in the natural world for early primary students. The combination of science and search-and-find works brilliantly and I love the colorful cheerful, cheery illustrations!
The Tree: An Environmental Fable – Neal Layton
When a family wants to cut down a tree and build a house, what will happen to the animal nests and burrows? A sweet, simple tale about harmony in the natural world with a gentle message of taking care of the environment.
Teacup – Rebecca Young
Stunningly beautiful book about loss, redemption, adventure, hope – so breathtaking that it made me quite teary. A young boy leaves his home and sets off to begin again. Before he leaves, he fills a teacup with soil from his home. This is a book filled with subtle messages and would be an excellent choice for teaching inferring, symbolism and metaphor. Gorgeous illustrations and poetic language – LOVE this book.
The Wolf-Birds – Willow Dawson
This book is fascinating! Set in the winter woods and based on scientific data and anecdotal reports from Aboriginal hunters, the book explores the fascinating symbiotic relationship shared by wolves and ravens. Gorgeous, calming illustrations and beautiful language – a perfect introduction to survival and the circle of life.
Abigail, the Whale – David Cali & Sonja Bougaeva
I was immediately attracted too the cover of this book and the adorable illustrations. As a child, I was very chubby and was teased a lot for being a “butterball”. I completely connected to this heartfelt story of Abigail, who is teased at swimming lessons because of her round frame and called “a whale”. Her swimming teacher gives her some support and advice on how to “think light”. This is a tale of positive thinking and would be a great starting point for a discussion about teasing, self-esteem, empathy, and perspective.
A Change of Heart — Alice Walsh
This year, I have been developing a unit called “Reading and Thinking Across Canada”, using picture books that tell true stories of Canadian events. This book fits perfectly into the theme – and tells the remarkable true story of Lanier Philips, a US soldier in WWII who escaped the racism and segregation of his hometown in Georgia, survived a shipwreck, became an honorary Newfoundlander and went on to become a civil rights activist. REMARKABLE!
The Stone Thrower – Jael Ealey Richardson
Another remarkable true story about an unknown Canadian hero..The Stone Thrower is the true story of Ohio-born Chuck Early who, despite his outstanding record as a high school and college quarterback, is rejected by racist NFL and instead plays for the Canadian Football League where he is named a Most Valuable Player. Themes of segregation, poverty, resilience and civil rights all tied up into an inspiring sports story – what more could you ask for?
My Beautiful Birds – Suzanne Del Rizzo
When Canadian author Suzanne Del Rizzo was looking for something to read to her own children that would explain the Syrian Civil War, she came across an article about a young Syrian refugee who found solace in a connection with wild birds at the Za’atari refugee camp. And so she wrote this book. This book is gorgeous – textured filo illustrations reminiscent of Barbara Reid and a gentle, moving story that illuminates how this crisis is impacting children. It shows the reality of refugee camps and the struggle of families uprooted who are trying to redefine “home”.
Lost and Found Cat – Doug Kuntz & Amy Shrodes
A true, heartwarming story about an Iraqi refugee family who is separated from and eventually reunited with their beloved family cat. Such an amazing story it is hard to believe it is true – but it is. Your students will break into spontaneous applause when you read the last page! Will also inspire discussions about what it means to be a refugee.
Bob, Not Bob! (to be read as though you have the worst cold ever) – Liz Garton Scanlon & Audrey Vernick
This book made me laugh so much! A little boy is stuffed, snuffly and sick in bed with a terrible cold. All he wants is his mom – but when he calls his mom – it comes out “bob” – and soon the slobbery family dog comes running! LOL! A great read aloud! Cracked me right up!
Thanks for stopping by! Which book or books caught your eye?
I just fell in love with Teacup. And I just reserved Lost and Found Cat in our library!