New Year, New Books!

The box of new books arrived on my doorstep just the other day. Couldn't wait to tear open the box and see what delightful books would become my favourites this year. But first, let's set the scene... fresh pot of hazelnut coffee, fresh croissant, new jar of strawberry jam...ready!

 I dreamt...A book about hope written and illustrated by Gabriela Olmos

Children whose daily lives are afflicted by violence dream of a different world in this powerful book created by Mexican artists as a fundraiser for the IBBY Fund for Children in Crisis.  In many parts of the world, including North America, children are living with violence. Wars, gangs, guns, crime, bullying, harassment and fear keep many kids from living the full, free lives that every child should enjoy. This book was created in Mexico, where for the past six years a vicious war against drugs has brought fear and insecurity into every child’s life. Many children’s dreams have become nightmares. Some of Mexico’s best illustrators have donated their art to create this book, which gives children a way to talk about their fears, a reason to hope and the inspiration to resist falling into grief and depression. Like some city trees they have the possibility to grow strong and, despite everything, to try and make the world a better place. (www.houseofanansi.com)

Doug Unplugged written and illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Doug is a robot. His parents want him to be smart, so each morning they plug him in and start the information download. After a morning spent learning facts about the city, Doug suspects he could learn even more about the city by going outside and exploring it. And so Doug . . . unplugs. What follows is an exciting day of adventure and discovery. Doug learns amazing things by doing and seeing and touching and listening—and above all, by interacting with a new friend. Read the review in GoodReads. (www.goodreads.com/book/show/14823951-doug-unplugged)


Circles of Round written by Signe Sturup, illustrated by Winnie Ma

Despite the odd bump in the road, all the Circles in the town called Round live happy lives. Until, one day, an obtuse stranger comes to visit, with an even stranger machine. Called the Corner Transformer, the stranger boasts that it will give them all a new angle on life, and a better shape, too. All the circles eagerly try it out... but changing from Circles to squares and triangles isn't quite what they expected... Simply yet strikingly illustrated with photos of three-dimensional shapes made of paper, this story is a great way to introduce children to the powers of advertising. (http://www.simplyreadbooks.com)


The Best Thing About Kindergarten written by Jennifer Lloyd, illustrated by Qin Leng

It’s graduation day and Ms. Appleby asks her students,  “What is the best thing about Kindergarten?” They all have an answer—and every answer is different. But Ms. Appleby has a secret answer that will surprise them all! (http://www.simplyreadbooks.com)

What are some of your favourites? Post a comment and let us know 

All is a Flutter

I didn't want to begin this entry with an apology but when I realize how long it's been since I've updated, I believe an apology is necessary. So, sorry about that...we're back and I have lots to share about picture books and ways to use them.

Summer is the time I look forward to attending a workshop hosted by the Monarch Teacher Network of Canada (www.monarchteacher.ca). I've been attending these workshops for years and, although the workshop is similar each time, I leave these workshops in awe of these magnificent creatures. I also come out with an armload of ways to incorporate using monarch butterfly concepts in my teaching. I can't wait for our new teacher candidates to begin their pre-service year next month. I've ordered a Monarch Butterfly Rearing Kit (www.cambridgebutterfly.com/conservatory/monarch-rearing-kits) from the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory so that both the butterflies and my students can experience a truly remarkable metamorphosis this year! Workshops go on every summer and are worth their weight in gold!

There are many books that deal with butterflies, both fiction and non-fiction. Many butterfly stories also have a message - we associate butterflies and metamorphosis with concepts like change, hope, freedom, purity, beauty, love, rebirth and our departed souls. In terms of teaching a science unit on life cycles butterflies  are easily accessible and undergo complete metamorphosis during their life cycle in that there are four stages of development (egg, larva, pupa and adult). They appear to be very close and appearance and behaviour to moths but most children will quickly learn the key ways to differentiate a moth from butterfly and a cocoon from a chrysalis. Children are fascinated by these beautiful insects and often are keen to befriend a caterpillar or be kissed by a butterfly. Below are some exceptional examples of great titles to begin with butterflies in your classroom this fall! We have a more complete book list that can be accessed by clicking here!

Click on a title below for more information and happy browsing!