Back to School

                        It is hard to believe that another summer has come and gone but there are

back-to-school things everywhere, the days are getting shorter and there really is a fall feeling in the air. Another sign of back to school is, of course, all the new books out that celebrate school. I already have a favourite!

"Rufus Goes to School" by Kim T. Griswell and illustrated by Valeri Gorbachev is adorable! The story begins with Rufus Leroy Williams III turning the pages of his favourite book. He couldn't read so he made up the stories to go along with the pictures.
( Don't you love this already?)

Rufus knew that he could learn to read at school. But he also knew, in order to go to school, he needed a backpack.

So with his brand new backpack off he went except there was one small problem. Rufus was a pig! The principal said, "No pigs in school!" ..... because they track mud in the halls, turn drawings into airplanes, play leapfrog, start food fights... well, you get the picture. Even after getting a lunchbox and a blanket the answer was still no.

But when Rufus held up his favourite book and said, "I want to read it", Principal Lipid smiled and said "That makes a difference".

Rufus loved everything about school but most of all because it gave him room to dream.

My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil

I love finding amazing books... and I love "My Best Friend is as Sharp as a Pencil" by Hanoch Piven. How could you not love a book where our creative kid asks....

"What is the most fun part about school?

Going to the library!

Listening to Mrs. Sheila, the librarian is as exciting as rubbing a magic lamp.

She is as interesting as a book full of stories.

When she reads them, her eyes shine like marbles.

She can be as funny as a clown

or as scary as a monster."



The very creative kid describes all sorts of things at school with such wonderful comparisons... this is a book that all teachers should have at their disposal all the time! Listening teachers?

Some Helpful Tips for a Better World

This is simply wonderful!

"Some Helpful Tips for a Better World" by Rebecca Doughty is about making the most of your life. Sounds easy and it is. We just have to take the time to remember them and of course create a few of our own. Here is a sampling...

Begin each day by making funny faces in the mirror.

Why?

I think because it reminds us not to take things too seriously. It makes us laugh and laughter always helps us to feel better.


Invent occasions for celebrations.

Why?

Who doesn't like to celebrate? If sure beats complaining!

Be a hero.

You are a hero if you help a chick across a path (or a lost dog find its owner). Easy and doesn't it make you feel better?

Can hardly wait to share this one. And I adore the pictures.... redheaded girl plus grey cat = Alison and Lulu

Say Something

Very powerful.

"Say Something" by Peggy Moss is so true in that by ignoring a problem we see happening to someone else we are contributing to it. This picture book is great for all ages but I think our older students should hear it, feel it and ask themselves - is this them?

Listen...

A girl who rides on my bus always sits alone. Sometimes kids throw things at her and call her names. The girls who sit behind her laugh.
I don't laugh.
I don't say anything.

But when the narrator is the one being teased and after those teasers leave, she notices all the other students around her..... looking at her.... feeling sorry for her....
but saying.....

nothing.

And when her brother hears her say she was mad at those other students around her...

He shrugged and said , "Why? They didn't do anything."

"Right," I said.

Guess who she sits beside on the bus the next day?

"One person speaking up makes more noise than a thousand people who remain silent." Thom Harnett - Civil Right Attorney

Very powerful.

I'm the Best

Lucy Cousins of the Maisy notoriety has this delightful picture book "I'm the Best" where dog lets all his friends know that he is the best at things - for example he is a better swimmer than Donkey so he won and he is the best swimmer. But wait a minute - what about Duck?

His friends help Dog to realize that he has been bragging and hurting their feelings. But they forgive him and tell him he really is the best.. at having fluffy ears and that it is all ok.

Press Here

Do you know this book "Press Here"by Herve Tullet? My primary teachers and all their kids adore it. They have had so much fun with this very simple book that has them pressing and shaking to see what is going to happen next!

A Taste of Thanksgiving

A couple of winners just right for Thanksgiving!

In "Turkey Trouble" by Wendi Silvano a hilarious turkey tries to hide on Thanksgiving by disguising himself as the other animals on the farm. You should see his disguises!


And another new favourite is "One is a Feast for Mouse - A Thanksgiving Tale" by Judy Cox. What a treat to read aloud. My kindergarten students and I loved it!

Happy Thanksgiving.