Friday has finally arrived in a week that has seemed extremely long and exhausting emotionally. Kindness is something our family talks about on a daily basis, but these past few days, it has become an even stronger topic. Defining it. Giving examples. Complimenting on kind actions. And gently pointing out missed chances to show kindness. It is not a surprise that this book has been weighing heavily on my thoughts. When I pulled it off the shelf again this morning, a lump began to form in my throat. This is a heavy book, but not in size. It is a hard book. It does not have a tidy ending. It is deep and challenging. And it is beautiful in story and in pictures. Please come talk about Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, illustrated by E. B. Lewis, 2012.
Continue reading “Book Review: Each Kindness By Woodson & Lewis”Tag: 2012
Let’s Read Three: Books About The Sea!
Summer is in full swing here and it is hot. So hot, that most people have fled to the beach to take refuge in the cool water, shady umbrellas, and chilled beverages. My August does not hold such plans, so instead I think it appropriate to read about such sea escapees. It’s time for another in the Let’s Read Three series. Join me as we see three beloved characters take to the sea for lovely vacation adventures. Let’s read three sea books!
Continue reading “Let’s Read Three: Books About The Sea!”Let’s Read A Pile Of Dragon Books, Part 2
Welcome to Part 2 of my crazy dragon piles of books. If you missed Part 1, check it out for information on the chapter book we read, My Father’s Dragon, and all the crafts we ended up making with my South Bronx storytime group.
As promised, here is the rest of the pile of dragon books we ended up loving. It is quite a varied assortment, my only criteria being that there must be a dragon in it in some way. Themes work best when there is great variety among the books instead of feeling that they drag out. I’m going to do my old, big lists thing and just give one picture and a brief statement about each. So let’s read some dragon books!
Continue reading “Let’s Read A Pile Of Dragon Books, Part 2”25 Days – Book 12: Our Very Own Christmas
It’s day 12 in our book journey and that means we are basically halfway there! Christmas is in 12 days. I am so not ready, but the celebration and preparations continue. Today’s books is very unique. I read it cold turkey with our toddler the other day and I was completely surprised by its format and illustrations and story. Even more surprising was that my daughter loved it. It seemed a little slow-paced and not a lot for visual cues, but I was wrong and she was enthralled. This is a beautiful, childish retelling of the Christmas story. A sister and brother play pretend and recreate the Nativity together. Enjoy sneaking into their playtime with Our Very Own Christmas by Annette Langen & Mariji Tolman, 2012.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 12: Our Very Own Christmas”25 Days – Book 8: Sad Santa
I have debated on saving today’s book in our picture book countdown for December 26th, but then I realized that I will be ready for a break from posting daily by then and this book is too good to chance forgetting to post about. Why wait until December 26th? Well, today’s lovely uncoated paper, graphic beauty is a story about what happens after Christmas when all the chaos and planning and hubbub is over for Santa and his North Pole team. Take a look at the plight of the big, not-always-so-jolly guy in Sad Santa by Tad Carpenter, 2012.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 8: Sad Santa”25 Days – Book 6: A Christmas Carol
For this sixth day in our Christmas picture book advent, I bring yet another of the fabulous BabyLit books. I just cannot get enough of these! For a perfect, short Christmas reading, Adams and Oliver have taken Dickens’ iconic tale and created a colors primer. It is both a clever way to introduce little ones to a classic, and also a genuinely fun look at colors. Color books abound as any parent well knows, but this one will have you grinning and very well enjoying every read through. This is A Christmas Carol: A colors primer by Jennifer Adams, art by Alison Oliver, 2012.
Continue reading “25 Days – Book 6: A Christmas Carol”