Summertime is the time I bury myself in picture books – frequent library visits, sifting through my class collection and reading books I haven’t read and yes, often some book buying. All in the name of stocking my classroom library because you can never, ever, have too many books for avid readers! Right?
Unfortunately, this summer a what seems to be endless teacher’s strike has given me this status: In Limbo/Book Buying Hiatus
And I don’t like it one bit.
But, book lists don’t cost a dime . . .
And if I can’t be shopping and pre-ordering titles, I can be making a list. When pay cheques are coming into our house again (two teacher family = no cheques x two), I just might be able to go book shopping. Luckily, I will have a list 🙂
My top ten list of picture books I currently covet . . .
Here I am written Patti Kim and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez (September 2013)
I read this brilliant wordless title a few weeks ago and was wowed. All about the emotions of moving somewhere new. Just gorgeous.
What do you do with an idea? written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mac Besom (February 2014)
A celebration of imagination and the courage to think big and small and everywhere in between. I sort of fell in love with this book in the bookstore and It broke my heart a little to put it back on the shelf.
Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (February 2014)
Sometimes being just who you are is the exactly right kind of extraordinary. Delightful messages of kindness and compassion.
Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman (May 2014)
There is a brilliant picture of the ocean and the boat full of bears and whales. I am such a sucker for whale illustrations that just knock you over. But then, there are a number of other absolutely stunning images. And . . . the story is lovely. Can’t lose.
Quest by Aaron Becker (August 2014)
I remember sharing Journey with my students. The wonder. The awe. The quiet. More of that in another beautiful book? Yes, please.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Qin Leng (August 2014)
In our house, Suki’s Kimono by Uegaki is a favourite title to read and to gift. This book promises more lovely connections to a grandparent from Japan, lessons in perseverance and the beauty of music played by a young child.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen (October 2014)
These guys. These books. I am just automatically in!
Blizzard by John Rocco (October 2014)
Loved Blackout. Loved Super Hair-o and the Barber of Doom (Especially the station wagon capture scene). Loved them so much, I bought them both. So I think, I will love this. Look at the cover: one kid, one sled and one big white world!
The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee (October 2014)
Oh Marla Frazee. How do I love her? I can count the ways! This cover just has me so unbelievably curious. Oh and did I mention that it is wordless?
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by G. Brian Karas (October 2014)
I don’t think I need to give any reason for wanting this book. But I will give 22. Those would be my students who absolutely shrieked when I showed them this book trailer after we read The One and Only Ivan. This book MUST come live in my classroom. I made a promise that it would.
What dream books are on your wish list? Because I could be persuaded to make mine a little longer . . .