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
The Way to School – Rosemary McCarney and Plan International
Just what would you go through to get to school? This stunning book explores how, in some countries, children often have to travel through disaster zones, cross dangerous waters, climb mountains and maneuver zip-lines just to get into the classroom. Some… of them even carry their own desk! The determination in the children’s expressions and in their body language as they make their way to school would be perfect for practicing inferring. An important book to share with children and one that could stimulate a conversation about the desire for education and the physical commitment so many children face each day. Simple text and stunning photographs – this book is a gem! Proceeds from the sale of this book go to Plan Canada, one of the largest international development agencies in the world.
The Good Little Book – Kyo Maclear
I admit that I got a little teary-eyed reading this book… It is a classic love story of sorts: Boy finds book, boy falls in love with book, boy takes book everywhere, boy loses book… But truly this is the story about the transformation that books can have in our lives: the adventures, the relationships, and the memories. Amazing whimsical illustrations. This is definitely a book to start off your school year.
The Little Book of Big Fears – Monica Arnaldo
Simple, rhyming text introduces 16 children who share their fears – from raccoons to the dark. Alphabet book of sorts – but the missing letters spell out GUTSY and BRAVE. Perfect book for making connections with K-2! My only thought was that there was no reference to how you can conquer these fears – but an important “after reading” discussion!
Waiting – Kevin Henkes
Love. Love. Love. I love this book so much. Soft, simple, quiet, wise, gentle, whimsical – Kevin Henkes is a master storyteller. Waiting is about five toy friends who sit on the windowsill of a child’s home waiting for their turn at play. I already have a plan for reading this book to a primary class, focusing on visualizing: read through, without interruption and allow the students to delight in the sounds of the words and let their minds imagine. After the book is finished, I will ask them, “Hmmmm, what do you think the friends are waiting for? Turn and talk to your partner.” Hug this book. Love this book. It’s “waiting” to be read.
Friendshape – Amy Krouse Rosenthal
This latest book by the clever, creative Amy Krouse Rosenthal, about the friends who “shape” our lives, is filled with fun word play, great illustrations and would make a wonderful read-aloud for a primary classroom! Not my very favorite Rosenthal book but certainly worth a look!
With A Friend By Your Side – Barbara Kerley
National Geographic photographer Barbara Kerley captures images of friends from around the world and pairs them with simple, touching text. Wonderful book for making connections and also learning about different places in the world. Map and background information about each photo are included in the back.
That’s (NOT) Mine – Anna King
Two cute fuzzy bears want the same chair but they do not want to share. Great illustrations, a lesson on manners and a lot of laughs!
Lizard from the Park – Mark Pett
Adorable story of a young boy who finds a lizard egg in the park. Crack! It hatches into a pet lizard… who grows… and grows.. .and grows! Charming illustrations by the author/illustrator of The Boy and the Airplane and The Girl and Bicycle. Lovely surprise ending!
I (Don’t) Like Snakes – Nicola Davies
Fun blend of fiction and non-fiction about snakes. Although the narrator is convinced that she doesn’t like snakes, for every negative she identifies, her snake-loving family come up with the positives! Interesting information and great illustrations! I love anything Nicola Davies writes!
Bug in A Vacuum – Melanie Watt
This clever picture book explores the 5 stages of grief through the eyes of a bug who gets sucked up by a vacuum. Sounds strange, but it’s brilliant and emotional and the illustrations are hilarious. I would definitely read this to older students. Another winner by the author of Scaredy Squirrel.
Thanks for stopping by! Would love to know which book(s) has caught your eye?
So many of these picture books are on my to-read list! I’m especially excited about I (Don’t) Like Snakes and Bug in a Vacuum (Although I’m never excited about Snakes or Bugs in real life! Just in books!)
Bugs and snakes in books are just fine with me as well! Anything by Nicola Davies is sure to be a hit – and this one is certainly does not disappoint! Perfect blend of story and fact! Bug in a vacuum – VERY clever!
I love Nicola Davies as well. I’ll have to check that one out.
We do a mini unit of how kids around the world get to school – so your first book is a must-have.
This would certainly be a great addition to your unit! It is a remarkable book and the photographs really speak for themselves! Apparently there is a documentary with the same name but I’m not sure if it’s connected to the book or not. Do you know it?
Glad you liked That’s (Not) Mine!
I want to read Bug and Waiting. Bug is actually a storytime book at our B&N, so I’ll have to bring my son to it.
Happy reading this week! 🙂
I think I have to get my mother, who is terrified of snakes, a copy of I (Don’t) Like Snakes. She will hate me for certain at first, but I hope it helps her get over her terror. (At 82 she still believes in growing and changing) Other than this, Bug in a Vacuum, Waiting, and Lizard from the Park are now added to my book order.
I am laughing at the thought of a Nicola Davies picture book helping your mother get over her fear of snakes! But hey – it couldn’t hurt! Love her optimistic belief in growing and changing even at 82! Bug in a Vacuum is really unique – and Waiting is just – well it’s just the definition of #booklove! Thanks for stopping by!
Your book lists are incredibly helpful! Thank you for spreading the love for reading!
I’m so glad you find them helpful! Glad to be spreading #booklove to teachers and, in turn, to their students! Great books = Great lessons!
Oh, my, my, my! I too loved The Good Little Book. And . . . I see many others I love or plan to love including this new Nicola Davies title!
I do love Melanie Watt, I’m glad to see a new title from her to share with my readers! Such a lovely list of picture books – so many new titles to explore! Thanks for sharing!
Melanie Watt is so clever – Bug in the Vacuum will stimulate a lot of discussion with slightly older students! Glad you found a few titles you are excited to explore! Happy reading week!
I Dont Like Snakes has been receiving a lot of buzz lately, similar to Bug in the Vacuum – I will pin these titles so that I won’t forget. I was especially taken by the one about schools – will also take note of that title. Great to see so many great books featured here, as always, Adrienne.
Waiting has been on my list to read, but I am moving it to the top. Bug in a Vacuum looks like something my kids would love! Thanks for sharing!