Caterpillar Corner

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It's here! Giveaway time! Only 6 more days to enter the giveaway. See previous post for details. #aaronbecker #return #picturebook #whatsonmyshelf

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Teaching Kids About Difference and Inclusion

No two individuals are exactly alike, nor should they try to be. It’s never too early to begin talking to kids about what makes us unique. One great way to begin to explore and celebrate difference is through reading picture books. One author who handles this topic beautifully is Todd Parr. Through simple picture books with vivid illustrations, Todd Parr explores how difference comes up in our everyday lives. 

The first Todd Parr book I ever read was It’s Okay to Be Different. This is a wonderful picture book that normalizes differences. It’s a great book to explore with young readers and to ask them to think about ways people can be different from one another. (I love that includes the topic of adoption, which I don’t think comes up nearly enough in picture books.) A follow-up activity can be to ask children to consider one or two ways they are unique and to illustrate their own pages for the book.

The Mommy Book is awesome. It describes a lot of different types of moms, from appearance to interests to types of work. It’s a book that most children will be able to relate to and to identify one or two descriptions that match their own moms. 

In a recent trip to the local Queens Public Library, I discovered It’s Okay to Make Mistakes. As a teacher, I’ve come to recognize the importance of encouraging students to take risks. This requires fostering a supportive environment in which kids feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes to clarify and deepen understanding. In my 4th and 5th grade classes, we found age-appropriate ways to address this issue, but ideally this idea can be established from a young age. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes is a perfect book to begin doing so.

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This is my favorite illustration from Madeline. It encompasses how brave this little girl is and how even in a difficult time she acts in a way that puts others at ease. #madeline #ludwigbemelmans #whatsonmyshelf #librarybooks

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In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines. #Madeline #ludwigbemelmans #librarybooks #whatsonmyshelf

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Every once in a while I come across a book that I think is so awesome that I can't stop thinking about it. Robo-sauce is one of these books. I was in the library looking for Dragons Love Tacos when I came across this unforgettable book. Stay tuned for a synopsis and some sneak peeks! #robosauce #adamrubin #danielsalmieri #librarybooks #whatsonmyshelf

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My Dad Used to Be So Cool #mydadusedtobesocool #keithnegley #booksfordad #picturebook #whatsonmyshelf

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Our author study continues with Todd Parr. #toddparr #themommybook #thepeacebook #theiloveyoubook #thethankfulbook #itsokaytobedifferent #itsokaytomakemistakes #picturebook #booksforkids #teachingtolerance #librarybooks

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Such a fantastic interpretation of goldilocks and the three bears! #goldilocksandthethreedinosaurs #mowillems #picturebook #booksforkids

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Tag along and spend a wonderful day visiting many of our famous landmarks in Good Night New York City! #brooklynbridge #ilovenewyork #boardbook #adamgamble #joeveno

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Brown Brooklyn Bridge. #helloworld #helloworldnewyork #abookofcolors #bookofcolors #boardbook #ilovenewyork #brooklynbridge #ashleyevanson

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Picture Books for Dads

Pardon my hiatus from my blog. On top of an amazing and busy school year, my husband and I just welcomed our little girl Lucy in early June. Lucy’s library of board books and picture books is off to an incredible start. In large part due to the generous gifts of friends and family. Not to mention on my last day of school, prior to my maternity leave, my class parents and students coordinated the most thoughtful gift, each student brought in their favorite book with a dedication to Lucy!

I’ve enjoyed reading all of these books to our little one, but then I started to wonder, are there any books out there for dads to read to their babies? Good news! I found some great ones and am excited to share them in this post.

Your Baby’s First Word Will Be Dada by Jimmy Fallon is a hilarious book about different members of the animal kingdom on a quest to have their respective child’s first word be “dada.” The look on the father rabbit’s face (below) reveals the struggle they face in the process, but rest assured... there is a happy ending!

Daddy Hugs by Karen Katz is an adorable counting to ten board book that highlights the simple yet meaningful interactions between a father and his baby. This book can be read as a going to bed story. It can also be an interactive read aloud where dad and baby act out what is happening on each page, for example “Two teeny, tiny finger hugs.”

For an slightly older child and dad, I recommend My Dad Thinks He’s Funny by Katrina Germein. This is a great story about a goofy dad who’s actions, though he may make his son (and the reader) roll his eyes, are filled with love. The child, though he may roll his eyes, loves and admires his father! 

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Wonderopolis is an amazing website that inspires curiosity in young learners. Each day there is a different high-interest wondering accompanied by a rich non-fiction article as well as images and videos. This resource is great for students in grades four and up. #wonderopolis #iteachfourth #iteachfifth #iteachsixth

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Books to Give

Thanksgiving weekend is the time I always devote to thinking about holiday gifts for the kids in my life. As I have previously confessed, I am a big fan of gifting books. Not just any books, books that I think will match kids’ interests and personalities. This year I have spent a lot of time perusing the aisles of bookstores to familiarize myself with the newest released books. I am compiling some books that I am planning to give this holiday season.

First up.... Dr. Seuss’ instant classic What Pet Should I Get? for kids ages 3-7.

A young brother and sister go to a local pet store to pick out a new family pet. Choices include the obvious cat and dog, but are quickly followed by some imaginary creatures. This book follows the familiar Seussian rhyme scheme infused with humor. At the end of the story, they leave with a pet, it just remains a mystery to the reader. A great opportunity for young readers to use their imaginations. 

Up next... The Book with No Pictures by B.J. Novak, a hilarious great for readers ages 5-9. 

Here’s how this book works. The reader of the book has to read the words on the pages exactly as they are written. It quickly unravels into funny noises and silly proclamations that will leave all young readers giggling and begging you to read it again. I read this book to my 4th graders earlier this year for a birthday read aloud, and many of them remarked, “I need to get this book and have my mom/dad read it to me right away!”

And, finally for our non-fiction enthusiasts, I’d recommend Locomotive by Brian Floca, for readers ages 6-11.

This is a visually stunning book about the Transcontinental Railroad. It is detail rich in the descriptive text and beautiful illustrations. The book takes you on a historical journey from east to west, set in the summer of 1869. 

Stay tuned for more recommendations of books to give!

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Finishing one book and looking forward to starting another! Can't wait to read this new book by Katherine Applegate. Already a huge fan of The One and Only Ivan and Home of the Brave. #katherineapplegate #crenshaw #theoneandonlyivan #homeofthebrave #whatsonmyshelf #iteachfourth