When I was first asked to be a part of Picture Book 10 for 10, I agreed right away. As a 5th grade teacher I'm constantly reading picture books, middle grade novels, and all sorts of things to share with children. I love reading and figured this would be a piece of cake.
As I started considering which books would be part of my first list, though, I struggled. There are so many amazing picture books. There are picture books that have a terrific and important message. There are picture books that incorporate beautiful language and poetry. There are picture books that just make you laugh. There are nonfiction books that are informative and entertaining. I would start one list and then start questioning my choices. Then I started to worry that, for my very first blog post ever, I should only pick truly sophisticated and cool picture books.
Then as I got busy reading the stacks of picture books that seem to be taking over my house, I decided why not just go for the ten picture books that have made me happy this summer? Reading is supposed to be fun, for me and my students.
So here are my 10 Picture Books for August, 2015:
1. Yard Sale by Eve Bunting and Lauren Castillo
2. Growing Up Pedro by Matt Tavares
3. Sam and Dave Dig a Hole! by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
4. Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith
5. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
6. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen
7. Rufus the Water by Elizabeth Bram and Chuck Groenink
8. Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco
9. The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
10. Goin' Someplace Special by Patricia C. McKissack and Jerry Pinkney
Jana, you have some wonderful titles here! I think it is amazing to include books that make you happy! What better reason to make a list?! I particularly love Extra Yarn, The Relatives Came and Sidewalk Flowers from this list!
ReplyDeleteJana, First of all congrats! Is this a new blog? Secondly, this is a lovely list. I am especially fond of Extra Yarn. When the Teacher Librarian was reading this to my kids, it was awesome when they realized "the bear" was in this story. Their reactions were amazing. I use The Relatives Came quite a bit as well. It's one of my favorites.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. This whole blogging thing is new to me. We'll see if I can keep it up once school begins!
DeleteGreat to see your list and love that it is about books that made you feel happy. I had wondered about Yard Sale. Will take a look now that I see it on your list:)
ReplyDeleteYard Sale is awesome! It tells the story of a family having money troubles & having to move. They're having a yard sale as a result. It's a heartwarming story, but kind of emotional. I got a little choked up the first time I read it.
DeleteThese books really do make any reader happy Jana. I'm glad they've found a place in your heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for kind words. You've helped me find a lot of terrific books, and I've been bragging about you to my 5th grade teaching teammate!
DeleteGreat job on your first blog post! I love your theme of "books that made me happy this summer"! I'm thrilled that as a 5th grade teacher you use picture books. I teach gifted 3rd/4th graders and always have to explain to parents WHY picture books are excellent choices for their children. Picture books are NOT just for our youngest learners!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words! Unfortunately a lot of people believe that picture books are only for little kids, even in my school. But the more we use them and talk about them, people are changing their views. Kids love them, and if they can be used to teach, why not?
ReplyDeleteYay for starting a blog, Jana! Love that this is your first post and you're celebrating picture books just making you happy!
ReplyDeleteIt feels like a big leap for me (starting a blog) because I'm generally a shy person. Thank you so much for your kind words. I take all of my inspiration from Tweeters and bloggers like you. Have a terrific start to the new school year!
DeleteJana,
ReplyDeleteI just get a little giddy every time a new blog is started during this event. Why not start with ten books that make you happy this summer? You have shared some terrific titles. I'm so glad you were able to join the fun this year. I'm looking forward to talking more about books in the coming school year. Good luck with your new blog!
Cathy
Thank you so much for your kind words and encouragement. It's been so much fun to look at everyone's lists as I start planning the beginning of the school year. The idea of blogging is a little bit daunting to me as self-confidence has never been one of strengths.
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