Picture Book Month

Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November. As part of this celebration, I will post each day about a note-worthy book that would be a great addition to your classroom repertoire. I will specifically speak to books that have been recently published within the last two years that are worth knowing and loving. To learn more, visit http://picturebookmonth.com/

Meet Tony Sarg, puppeteer extraordinaire! In brilliant collage illustrations, the award-winning artist Melissa Sweet tells the story of the puppeteer Tony Sarg, capturing his genius, his dedication, his zest for play, and his long-lasting gift to America—the inspired helium balloons that would become the trademark of Macy's Parade. (via Google Books)

While this book has been out for several years, it is a a perfect book to share as we move into Thanksgiving. One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving Day is watching the Macy's Parade on TV. When I was little I was fascinated with watching the giant balloons parade down the city streets of New York and I always managed to pick a favorite. When I came across this book shortly after it was published I was a big fan right away.

Author and Illustrator Melissa Sweet picked up a Newbery Honor for this book in which she tells the true story of Tony Sarg, the puppeteer behind those famous parade balloons. And what child wouldn't love a story that opens with a description of how young Tony Sarg loved to tinker and make things move. So much so, that he developed a device at the age of six that would allow him to feed the family chickens without leaving the comfort of his warm bed. His dad was so impressed, he didn't ask him to do any more chores from that point forward. Ingenuity at it's finest, my friends. As the story continues we learn the science and engineering behind how Tony got those puppets upside down and in the air and how his work became a staple for the yearly parade. By the end, any child will be yearning to come up with their own clever designs that will encourage creativity and imagination. You will never watch the Macy's Day Parade the same again after learning the history behind those giant balloons.

Written by Jory John and illustrated by Bob Shea, this story brings a fun and engaging interactive element to the read-aloud experience. Before the title page is revealed, the reader finds a speech bubble exclaiming, "Hey - Go Away." When the page is turned, we see the title that reads, "I Will Chomp You". The reader is continually warned with each page turn they are getting closer to getting chomped! The reader outwits the monster with each turn of a new page and in the end we begin to understand why the monster offers warnings along the way.

This is a great book for modeling expression. While reading encourage the child to read the words of the monster. Have them practice reading the words with expression and to demonstrate the same feelings or emotions the monster is exhibiting. A fun book that is sure to get a giggle or two (or three, or four....).

Written and illustrated by Javaka Steptoe, this book tells the story leading up to the artist who rocketed to fame in the 1980s, Jean-Michel Basquiat. Before he became a famous artist, he was a little boy that saw art everyone around him. In books of poetry, museums he visited, games he played and words he spoke. Eventually making his way in New York City and making a name for himself with art that wasn't neat, clean or inside the lines. Moving from a simple street artist to an art exhibitionist.

I love how this story makes anyone feel like they have an artist residing inside themselves and art can be outside the norms of traditional beauty. This story brings light to an artist that many children would otherwise not know about and celebrates his unique style and imprint on the art world.

The niece of Martin Luther King, Jr. reveals six timeless and universal principles that encompass the civil rights leader’s greatest legacy: Love will see you through.

Growing up as the niece of Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Farris Watkins witnessed firsthand the principles and values that “Uncle M.L.” practiced and lived by throughout his fight for equality. Drawing from experiences and episodes both personal and well-known, Dr. Watkins artfully details the guiding beliefs of one of the greatest men in history. Including “have courage” and “love your enemies,” these six hallmarks of virtue and nonviolence reinforce the truth that “the universe honors love” and will inspire readers of all ages. (via Google Book review).

A great story to incorporate into a unit focused on civil rights, human rights or democracy. Using six principles scattered throughout the book, the author uses examples of how her uncle Martin Luther King, Jr. practiced those principles in his daily work for civil rights even when times got tough. A wonderful book to spur discussion around difficult topics of the civil rights era and to generate thinking about how those same principles can be applied today to help others. An empowering and uplifting book.

Love, Love, Love this new book by Andrea Beaty and David Roberts. Another successful picture book to include in your collection to get kids creating, making, building and asking "why?" A genuine addition to any Makerspace collection of titles that will inspire students to find their own answers to all their curious questions about the world. To learn more about this title, read the overview below borrowed from Google Books.

The creators of the New York Times bestselling picture books Rosie Revere, Engineer and Iggy Peck, Architect are back with a story about the power of curiosity in the hands of a child who is on a mission to use science to understand her world. Ada Twist, Scientist, from powerhouse team Andrea Beaty and David Roberts, is a celebration of STEM, perseverance, and passion.

Like her classmates, builder Iggy and inventor Rosie, scientist Ada, a character of color, has a boundless imagination and has always been hopelessly curious. Why are there pointy things stuck to a rose? Why are there hairs growing inside your nose? When her house fills with a horrific, toe-curling smell, Ada knows it’s up to her to find the source. Not afraid of failure, she embarks on a fact-finding mission and conducts scientific experiments, all in the name of discovery. But, this time, her experiments lead to even more stink and get her into trouble!

Inspired by real-life makers such as Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie, Ada Twist, Scientist champions girl power and women scientists, and brings welcome diversity to picture books about girls in science. Touching on themes of never giving up and problem solving, Ada comes to learn that her questions might not always lead to answers, but rather to more questions. She may never find the source of the stink, but with a supportive family and the space to figure it out, she’ll be able to feed her curiosity in the ways a young scientist should.

Written by Pat Mora, this is a wonderful book to include as part of a unit on citizenship. It's a story that weaves together the love of country and the power and beauty the flag and pledge mean to a myriad of individuals from all walks of life, generations, and backgrounds.

Libby’s great aunt, Lobo, is from Mexico, but the United States has been her home for many years, and she wants to become a U.S. citizen. At the end of the week, Lobo will say the Pledge of Allegiance at a special ceremony. Libby is also learning the Pledge this week, at school—at the end of the week, she will stand up in front of everyone and lead the class in the Pledge. Libby and Lobo practice together—asking questions and sharing stories and memories—until they both stand tall and proud, with their hands over their hearts. (overview via Pat Mora's website)

A hilarious story written by Zachariah OHora that celebrates the power of books and libraries.

It's Saturday, which means Oskar and Theodore get to go to the library with their dad! It means donuts for breakfast! And it means endless quiet hours lost in stories.

But on this not so quiet Saturday, Oskar and Teddy get a rude surprise when they're interrupted by a five-headed, hangry monster! Will Oskar ever get to finish his book in peace? Will Teddy ever get to gorge on his donuts? Or might both of them hold the secret weapons to taming the beast? (via Google Book Reviews)

I shared this story with my 4.5 year old son who has requested it many times over. He very casually reminds me if I leave off one of the quotes the five headed monster says as the story moves along. It is a fun read that will allow for a laugh here and there and remind you how powerful a good story time at the library can be.

For young makers and explorers comes Tomo Explores the World written and illustrated by Trevor Lai! I love, love love this new book!! A perfect combination of diversity, creativity, and ingenuity all in one story. I hope there will be more TOMO stories to follow.

On a tiny island far to the north, there lives a young boy named Tomo whose life is filled with fish, fish, and more fish. Tomo was born into a family of the world’s strongest, wisest, and bravest fishermen. But Tomo has a secret—he doesn’t want to fish; he wants to explore the world beyond his small village! When Tomo finds his great-grandfather’s Adventure Journal, full of fantastic inventions to build and exciting quests, he decides to become the greatest explorer in the world. With the help of his best friend, Maya, and his expert tracking dog, Captain, Tomo builds his own boat and sets off on an adventure at sea. On their journey, Tomo, Maya, and Captain learn just how big the world is, and how much there is to discover.

Perfect for budding innovators who like to think outside the box, Tomo Explores the World is a fun and inspiring story that emphasizes creativity and imagination to achieve your goals. (Summary provided by the publisher)

Perfect for reading aloud, this spare, charming picture book about a day in the life of a pill bug in suburbia is also about an unusual friendship. Hank is a pill bug with a busy life--for a pill bug, that is. His daily routine involves nibbling a dead leaf, climbing up a long stick, avoiding a skateboarder, and playing pretend with his best friend, a human girl named Amelia, in her backyard. And when day is done, Hank likes nothing better than returning home to his cozy rock. (Book summary)

Written by Evan Kuhlman and illustrated by Chuck Groenink this is a wonderful, yet simple story about friendship and the simplicities of playing outside. I also love this title because it features a character of color who is also a female that defies gender stereotypes. She is pretending to be Amelia Earhart and flying around the yard on an adventurous flight. After reading this story, you too would want to play alongside Hank and Amelia and enjoying the simple pleasures of friendship.

Every book needs you to turn the pages. But not every book needs you to tap it, shake it, jiggle it, or even blow it a kiss. Innovative and timeless, Tap the Magic Tree asks you to help one lonely tree change with the seasons. Now that’s interactive—and magical! It begins with a bare brown tree. But tap that tree, turn the page, and one bright green leaf has sprouted! Tap again—one, two, three, four—and four more leaves have grown on the next page. Pat, clap, wiggle, jiggle, and see blossoms bloom, apples grow, and the leaves swirl away with the autumn breeze. (Publisher's Summary)

I love it when a book asked the reader to interact with it in creative ways and this book doesn't disappoint in that regard. Children will delight in feeling as though the magic of their very fingers helps create a change in seasons with the tree that persists in this story. A great story to include with a unit on seasons and change over time.

This is the story of four puppies: Fi-Fi, Foo-Foo, Ooh-La-La, and Gaston. Gaston works the hardest at his lessons on how to be a proper pooch. He sips - never slobbers! He yips - never yaps! And he walks with grace - never races! Gaston fits right in with his poodle sisters. But a chance encounter with a bulldog family in the park-Rocky, Ricky, Bruno, and Antoinette-reveals there's been a mix-up, and so Gaston and Antoinette switch places. The new families look right... but they don't feel right. Can these puppies follow their noses-and their hearts-to find where they belong? (Book Summary)

I adore author Kelley DiPucchio, and her books including one just recently used with our second grade team, Grace for President. What I love most about the story Gaston is the focus on being different from those around you and the importance of fitting in where you feel you belong not where others feel you should be. Another great addition to a unit on diversity and accepting differences in one another. A great story that is accessible to young audiences but hits on bigger, important themes of inclusion and equality. In my opinion, this is a "must-have" picture book in any collection.

The title alone should have you rushing in to the library to check out this book. Any story that combines the art of the undies and pairs it with is an array of vegetables is an automatic purchase for me. This story written by Jared Chapman, will have you giggling out loud as you explore the various kinds of vegetables we eat and the many kinds of ways undies can be worn. This story lends itself well to a rhythm of sorts and you could turn it into a song to sing with your child. Challenge students to name the various vegetables they see in the story and come up with ideas for what kind of outer clothing might work best for the vegetables as well. A great book to read with your child and delight in the giggles that are sure to ensue.

Jenny Sue's eyes are different from other people's eyes. Her right eye looks in one direction, while her left eye sometimes wanders. Jenny sue has a "travelin'," lazy eye. Although it makes her different, it also helps her see the world in her own special way.

My Travelin' Eye written and illustrated by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw is a great story to spur a discussion around accepting differences in one another and ourselves. Told from a child's perspective, the narrator is both relatable and endearing as she explains how she was born with eyes that looked both ways. While someone whispered she had a "wandering eye" she preferred to call it her "travelin' eye" because wherever it went she followed. She is confident, courageous and spunky....all things I love in female characters.

A town built on a landfill. A community in need of hope. A girl with a dream. A man with a vision. An ingenious idea.

This book tells the story of the Recycled Orchestra from Cateura, Paraguay that play instruments made from recycled trash and perform concerts all over the world. This story shares how it all began.

An inspirational and beautiful story that gives you hope to change your world and create something out of nothing. This would be a great addition to a unit on sound in which students would then be encouraged to make and design their own instruments out of recycled materials.

Check out the video clips below to learn more about this amazing story.

This beautiful story written by Susan Verde and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds is based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel, a Burkino Faso-born model who grew up in a small African village with little access to clean drinking water. Each day she would walk with her mother and others from her village to a water source and trek back carrying it atop her head. While the experience of walking daily to access water may not be a reality for our children, the relationship between mother and daughter is one that many can relate. I love how this story intertwines the similarities and differences that could be experienced between the young girl in this story and any other in America. She laughs and sings with her mother as they walk along their journey and dances and plays with other young girls once at the watering hole. And while she makes this daily trek, she wishes she could make the water be closer and yearns to wake up after the sun rises from they sky.

The story opens with the line "I am princess Gie Gie. My kingdom...the African sky, so wide and so close" and ends with this same sentiment. There is a nonfiction note that asks the reader to imagine life without water and goes on to explain how Georgie Badiel is working to bring clean water to children and families in her home country. For older children, this picture book would pair nicely with the "A Long Walk to Water" by Linda Sue Park.

This story written by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie is one empowering read! By the end, I recognized once again the power reading and books play in our lives and that knowledge is power. A line at the end resonates with me the most. It states, "For now, I read books. I ask questions. I listen to the people on the platform outside. And I talk with my dad about truth."

The blurb on the inside cover says it all....

"In the 1930's, Lewis's dad, Lewis Michaux Sr., had an itch he needed to scratch -- a book itch. How to scratch it? He started a bookstore in Harlem and named it the National Memorial African Bookstore. And as far as Lewis Michaux Jr. could tell, his father's bookstore was one of a kind. People from all over came to visit the store even famous people -- Muhammed Ali, Malcolm X, and Langston Hughes to name a few. In his father's bookstore people bought and read books, and they also learned from each other. People swapped and traded ideas and talked about how things could change. They came together here all because of this father's book itch. This bookstore fostered new ideas and helped people stand up for what they believed in."

At the end of this story, there is a nonfiction note that provides more information regarding this real bookstore and it's history.

This story written and illustrated by Micha Archer takes a closer look at the question, "What is Poetry?" Looking at the world through a young boy's eyes we learn that poetry surrounds us in a myriad of ways. To the spider hanging overhead, poetry is, "when the morning dew glistens" and to the chipmunk in the park poetry is, "a home with many windows in an old stone wall". We learn through the story that poetry can also be a cool pond, moonlight on the grass, and sun-warmed sand. Daniel makes his way throughout the park meeting his various animal friends along the way, asking each of them for their insight on poetry. By the end of the story Daniel reaches his own understanding of poetry as he combines all of the things the animals have told him to create a poem to share at "Poetry in the Park" day.

This would be a wonderful introduction to poetry and a great book to generate ideas of how we can find poetry in common ways in our everyday lives. This story also helps us recognize that poetry is in everyone, we simply have to discover it.

One of my personal favorite's in the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems that will have you laughing out loud. We all know someone in our life who is a bit picky when it comes to their food taste. Piggie, being a pig, loooooves slop but trying to get Elephant to eat it is a whole new challenge. "You eat that???!" elephant cries one day as he bears witness to the grotesque concoction that he spots in front of him. With lots of persuasion, elephant agrees to a taste. Does he like it?? Of course not! But, he does love Piggie and for his friend he is willing to try something new even if it's not his cup of tea. This story begins and ends with a little chuckle that will leave you wanting to read yet another story with this favorite friend pair.

A new favorite just recently published this past September, Max at Night written and illustrated by Ed Vere features Max the cat as he goes searching for the moon to tell goodnight. Getting ready for bed, he begins his nightly routine of telling all the things around him goodnight but when he gets to the moon it's nowhere to be found! In an effort to get closer to the moon, he journeys into the outside, upon a sleeping dog, atop the tallest of roofs and finally the highest of hills calling the moon along the way. Just when he has had enough and begins to scream, "WHERE ARE YOU MOON???" the wind hears max and slowly blows the clouds away. And...you guessed it, Moon appears, thanks Max for coming and reminds him in a hushed whisper that he can hear him even if he says goodnight at home. Wearily making his way back home, he slowly climbs the stairs and makes his way to bed where the moon whispers "good night" but Max is fast asleep.

This is such a wonderful goodnight story to share with young children at home. Not only does it help set the mood for a night of sleep, but it's a sweet an endearing story that shows the love that exist between Max and Moon. My little boy had me share this story with him three times in a row the first time I introduced it and his favorite part every time is when the moon finally appears and whispers back to Max just like an old friend would.

This would also be a nice addition to a unit on sun, moon, stars with young children. It could generate some great thinking around the question, "Is the moon always there?" Getting students to think about why we see the moon at certain times and not others. It could also generate some interest in moon journaling and taking note of the moon at night as they say goodnight and go sleep tight.

Faith Ringgold's most recent piture book is so relevant. The dedication by the author at the beginning of the story says it all. It reads, "Dedicated to all the children who come to America. May they find peace, freedom, prosperity in their new home. May we welcome them and inspire them to sustain a love and dedication to peace, freedom and justice for all."

With simple text and beautiful illustrations the reader gets to see the rich diversity that makes up our country. The line, "We came to America, Every color, race and religion, From every country in the world" repeats every couple pages in between sharing the diverse ways people have come and the rich traditions that were brought along with them that make America so great. We learn that lots of people have come, but some were here long before. The book reads, "Some were forced to come losing their freedom along the way...while others traveled by boat and plane...came running from injustice, fear and pain."

The story ends reminding us all that "we are ALL americans just the same." The last page in the book places the words of the story into prose that reads down the page as a poem. This would be a great mentor text to generate students thinking about their ancestry or to create their own "I am" poems. A perfect book to include in any unit on the history of America, Identity, or Poetry.

My mom's birthday is tomorrow and growing up she always loved to read to me and still enjoys reading to my children and this story reminded me of the power of families and reading. This lovely picture book written by Danielle Marcotte and Illustrated by Josee Bisaillon takes you on a journey of all the ways we reading surrounds us and not always in books. The story begins, "I love it when we are all together: Mom, Dad, our books and me". That sentence alone put a smile on my face and reminded me of the joy that families and books can bring to children in a world often filled with daily distractions. We meet a young boy who shares in his excitement of learning to read, "I know how to turn pages, name pictures, and sound out words," excited that he can read now like the big kids! As the story moves forward we get to witness all the ways the world reads. Examples, like his uncle who "browses in a kitchen scented with eggplants", his auntie who "reads sheet music, telling wonderful stories made of sound", or the fisherman who "reads the sky for coming storms". However, this story also very simplistically tells us how books can effect us and how reading can "make you cry", "make you smile," and "laugh and smile". The young boy ends the story by telling us that "Thanks to books, I find balance, I climb high, I follow new roads and move forward....but as far as books will take me, I will never lose my way. Because books always bring us together: Mom, Dad, our friends and me."

A simple yet powerful story to share with children on the many ways reading can be seen and the power it can have in our lives. One of my definite new favorite stories when introducing the love of books and reading and why it's important to our lives.

I absolutely ADORE this book! I love a story that helps children think about their identity in subtle and empowering ways. In this story written by Sherman Alexie, the main character is a young native american boy named Thunder Boy, Jr (named after his father, Thunder Boy Senior, or Big Thunder). You soon learn that he HATES his name, but not for reasons you might initially think. It's not that he believes his name is strange and embarrassing, but rather wants a name he feel represents more of his identity and celebrates something cool he has done. Names like Touch the Clouds (because he once climbed a mountain), Gravity's Best Friend (he learned to ride a bike when he was three), Mud in His Ears (he loves playing in the dirt) or Full of Wonder (he dreams of traveling the world). Just when he thinks all hope is lost he and his father come up with a name perfect and all his own. A loving and endearing story that celebrates the special bond between father and son and the importance of identity.

Penny knows her mom works in a big white house for something called POTUS. But Penny's never seen a POTUS. She doesn't even know what it looks like! When she goes to work with her mom, will she finally catch a glimpse of the mysterious creature?

In each illustration Penny pictures POTUS being a big hairy monster doing all the various tasks that she hears her mom speak about. Little does she know that her mom IS POTUS! I love this book not only for the imaginative qualities, but because it also features a female of color in a leadership role as President. This one is sure to delight students and a perfect read aloud to connect to any classroom civics unit.

When Penny Met Potus is an adventure in imagination and a perfect introduction to politics for any age!