Monday, March 29, 2021

I Am! Affirmations for Resilience: Bela Barbosa

 



With clear room to feel the feelings, I Am! Affirmations for Resilience gives first readers tools to help let the emotions pass through and encourages others in their place. 

"When your body feels out of control,
sit with your hands in your lap and say
I am calm. My body is quiet."

You can help your readertotz learn to scan their own bodies, assess their feelings, and choose to move forward. Note, the lingering feelings, the damage from trauma and suffering are not addressed. But autonomy and responsibility can be encouraged as healing is awaited. 

Find this practical tool in bold shapes and vibrant colors to empower your first readers to resilience!

by Bela Barbosa
illustrated by Edel Rodriguez
Rise and Penguin Workshop, 2020

Friday, March 26, 2021

Poetry Friday: Hello Hello, Brendan Wenzel













Hello Hello by Brendan Wenzel is a celebration of meeting others and enjoying differences. 

Hello Hello
Black and White
Hello Color
Hello Bright.

Hello Stripes
Hello Spots
Hello Giant
Hello Not. 

Brendan Wenzel's expressive illustrations pop against the consistent white background. Here is a lovely portion of our world in a beautiful board book. 

There is so much to see and treasure of our beloved earth. Let's dance to the poetry all around us! 

by Brendan Wenzel
Chronicle Books, 2020

Monday, March 22, 2021

Little Bug on the Move: Stéphanie Babin
















Little Bug is on the Move in today's board book feature. Teaching direction and action, a little bug can be moved on each spread through sliding finger holes. They will travel up a hill, among the trees, and round and round a flower. Journeying with purpose, this little bug will emerge on the final spread as a surprise, pop up feature. 

Little fingers will enjoy manipulating the slides and moving little bug onward. Olivia Cosneau's illustrations offer colorful, simply patterned shapes and areas for the bug's environment. Gentle fear, mystery, and surprise await your readertotz as they are introduced to this wee caterpillar. 

by Stéphanie Babin
illustrated by Olivia Cosneau
Twirl, 2020

Saturday, March 20, 2021

More, more, more: I am the Shark
















The great white shark enters bold as the greatest shark there is. It isn't long before he's challenged. There are other sharks who are great, as well. They swim faster, live longer, hide better, and more. The great white shark learns there will always be others who are great and greater than him. To be happy, being yourself is the way to swim. Along the way, first readers will learn fascinating, fun facts about many shark varieties. And who knows? Maybe it's your joyful smile that will set you apart in the end. Regardless, there's room for all to be admired and enjoyed for who they are. Even a bear...

Joan Holub's funny, heartwarming text bounces along with the great white's search for specialty. Laurie Keller's art amps the humor to its fullest level. What a winning combination for schools, libraries, and families who love sharks! 

by Joan Holub
illustrated by Laurie Keller
Crown Books for Young Readers