Have to Have

You have to have "The Junkyard Wonders" by Patrica Polacco. This book carries on where the amazing "Thank you, Mr. Falker" leaves off. They are both such wonderful, heartwarming stories based on true events that celebrate the extraordinary influence teachers have on their students. Trisha is in a new school and in a special class called The Junkyard however Mrs. Peterson, their teacher, does not allow her students to think of themselves as misfits and encourages a sense of belonging and unity by creating tribes within the class. Here students are made to feel they are special, just like the junk they find in the junkyard. These students have friends for life and Polacco even updates us with the amazing things these students have accomplished in their lives.
Truly inspiring.

Thinking About Thanksgiving

Do you know this book? It is a wonderful look at Thanksgiving - if you are a moose or a turkey! "A Turkey for Thanksgiving" by Eve Bunting is definitely a favorite of mine.

Mr. & Mrs. Moose are having their Thanksgiving dinner for all their friends. But what is missing is a turkey. Mr. Moose and his assorted friends set out to find a turkey and find him hiding in his nest surrounded by signs that say Do Not Disturb. Mr. Moose explains "We just want you for Thanksgiving dinner" which only confirms Turkey's fears. Never fear - Mrs. Moose wants him at her table, not on it.


And of course don't forget " "Twas The Night Before Thanksgiving" by Dav Pilkey. A humorous look at a field trip to the turkey farm.


"Turk and Runt" by Lisa Wheeler is another hilarious winner ... hmmm - strange that all these books are from the turkey's point of view. In this story Turk is the biggest and the best - but his little brother Runt knows that that is not necessarily good - around Thanksgiving!

Ready or Not - Here It Comes

The beginning of August arrives and back to school is everywhere! Wait a minute - I still have a whole month before my mind turns to school. However these cute books have grabbed me and you will love them too. "This School Year Will Be The Best!" by Kay Winters asks the question "what do you hope will happen this year?" Simple answers and adorable pictures sum up both students and teachers thoughts.
I don't think there is anything quite so exciting as starting kindergarten! Sure it can be a little scary but Annalina in "Kindergarten Diary" by Antoinette Portis shows there are lots of new and exciting things to look forward to - meeting your teacher, playing on the monkey bars and making new friends. Read her diary to find out what she's doing the month of September and how she is feeling on September 30th when she has been in school for a whole month!


"First Grade Jitters" by Robert Quackenbush addresses the fears we all have when starting something new. Aidan is not acting like himself as he worries about all sorts of things - will his friends be there? will he have to know how to read and spell? what if he can't understand anything the teachers says? His friends help him realize he has nothing to worry about!
"Is Your Buffalo Ready for Kindergarten?" by Audrey Vernick takes a silly look at at Kindergarten jitters from a student who is very unique and of course has to learn all sorts of things like no grazing at recess! But it also shows all sorts of daily routines and issues for all kindergarten students. I think you will love it!

"Jake Starts School" by Michael Wright is also one of the very funny ones about starting school. Jake is a clinger, one of those who just won't let go, so his parents have to stay. However it's not much fun when
"they tried to take a seesaw ride,
but didn't have much fun.
It's just no good when one side's light
and the other weighs a ton."

Cartoon-ish pictures add to the hilarity.


"One Smart Cookie - Bite Size Lessons for the School Years and Beyond" by Amy Krouse Rosenthal is another book that offers life lessons around cookies - preparing, baking, sharing and more. Here is a fresh batch of words that demonstrate wisdom about life in general and school in particular for all ages. And there is a cookie recipe at the back of the book!