Best of my book lists (2015)

Posted on December 23, 2015 by carriegelson

Tis the season to make best of the year lists. I am narrowing my choices to do just that. But in the interim, I thought I would highlight ten favourite book lists I made this year. Sometimes, I think I dream in book lists! I tend to make a lot of them.

The ones I want to especially honour are here. Happy reading!

Top Ten Read Aloud Experiences (2015) Read aloud memory lane. This was an emotional list to make. Lots of happy, lots of joy, lots of connection.

Wish Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Twenty Picture Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood: These 20 titles are all about kids and all that they are.

20 Picture Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Picture Books for New Parents: building a beautiful collection How I love to make lists that encourage families to read together.

Picture Books for New Parents Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Ten Plus Ten equals 20 auto buy illustrators: My favourite female and male illustrators that I can never, ever, resist.

Auto -buy illustrators Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Auto-buy Illustrators male Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

In the world of books: 25 girls who stand out: I honour these 25 girls who live beyond the pages of the books they live in.

25 girls Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

In the world of books: 25 boys who stand out: In their own way, each is brave and real. Meeting them will enrich every reader.

25 boys Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Many of these lists I love best seem to be all about the nonfiction picture book! The final four lists on this list reflect my love of nonfiction.

Nonfiction Picture Books – grow a beginning collection: 20 incredible nonfiction titles that should be on the family bookshelf.

nonfiction picture books Grow a collection Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Endangered Animals: Building a Read Aloud Collection: I believe passionately in sharing titles about the animals we are in danger of losing with children. Awareness is essential.

Endangered Animals Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

Nonfiction 10 for 10 2015: Change your Perspective: nonfiction titles that allow us to think about something from a completely new or different perspective.

Change your perspective Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

A Year of Nonfiction Picture Books revisited: Highlights from my 2014/2015 school year with a Grade 3/4 class.

Best of my book lists 2015 There's a Book for That

It’s the season for reading. Hope you might have found something new to read (or gift) on one of these lists.

Ten titles I would love to find under the tree

Posted on December 21, 2015 by carriegelson

The #TopTenTuesday theme this week is the top ten books I wouldn’t mind Santa leaving under the tree this year. I love books under the tree. In fact, I like books just about anywhere. Tree like stacks all over the house also sounds good.

And, I love nothing more than to gift books.

Or to write posts about giving books. Look here for picture book ideas to gift (by publication year): 2013, 2014, 2015. Shopping for new parents and grandparents? I have lists for that too! Fiction or nonfiction versions actually.

But what books would I currently love to receive? I stuck with a picture book theme. Some of these I have read. Some, I know, from other reviews, that I need to. All of them, I covet.

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme created by The Broke and Bookish.

Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters by Oliver Jeffers

Once Upon an Alphabet Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

The Dog that Nino Didn’t Have written by Edward van de Vendel and illustrated by Anton Van Hertbruggen

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

The Tea Party in the Woods Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

Drum Girl Dreaming: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López

Drum Dream Girl Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

This is My Rock by David Lucas

This is My Rock Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

Mother Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins

Mother Bruce Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

In Mary’s Garden by Tina and Carson Kugler

In Mary's Garden Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

8 An Animal Alphabet by Elisha Cooper

8 an animal alphabet Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

Imaginary Fred written by Eoin Colfer and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

Imaginary Fred Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

Rufus the Writer by Elizabeth Bram and Chuck Groenink

Rufus the Writer Ten titles I would love to find under the tree There's a Book for That

Which books do you want to receive this holiday season?

Happy Reading!

Monday December 14th, 2015

Posted on December 13, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. Often two. So why not three? Sometimes, the mood hits. Finally, finally, our Reading Workshop is consistently working! So I have to share!

Here are my students singing and reciting poems together at the end of Reading Workshop this week. Completely unexpected and spontaneous. A beautiful thing.

There's a Book for That

Book sharing circles are the best. 90 seconds. Two books. Pass them on. We have 3 circles at a time going on like this every Wednesday morning.

There's a Book for That Book Sharing Circles

And then we share our might be favourites.

There's a Book for That

We have continued to read #MockCaldecott titles for #classroombookaday

Mock Caldecott titles IMWAYR

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

On the blog:

Gift Books: 25 picture books to give this season

Gift Books 2015

Books I loved:

Bird by Beatriz Martin Vidal

This is a wordless wow and then some. Absolutely beautiful. I don’t even want to write anything to spoil the experience. This is a book to sit with and savour.

Bird

What Forest Knows written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by August Hall

Ah. This book is meant for me. The forest is my favourite place. With lyrical language, with wanderings through season, travelling through trees, just beautiful. Captures the mysteries and the wonder of the forest.

What Forest Knows

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

Yes. This book. It hits everything about grief in the most true and genuine ways. Todd Parr, I am impressed.

The Goodbye Book

A Chicken Followed me Home! by Robin Page

Fantastic nonfiction title to explore the lifecycle of a chicken. Will be using in January with my class. Great for a primary classroom!

A Chicken Followed Me Home

I ~~Don’t~~ Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Luciano Lozano

So wonderfully clever! Numerous snake facts interspersed with the story of a little girl who wants you to know that she REALLY does not like snakes. Snakes are slithery, slimy, with eyes that hold you in a stare. Or is there more to these creatures? LOVE these illustrations by Lozano!

I Don't Like Snakes

Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond

Based on a true story, this title goes back to Ontario forests of 1914. It is a memory, a story. And what a story. How incredible to think about this experience where a fire caused humans and animals to connect in an incredibly quiet, necessary way. The illustrations here are stunning. I read this book just this weekend and placed it on my gift book list for 2015. It captures a powerful story in its 32 pages. History. Nostalgia. Amazing.

Out of the Woods

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mark Siegel

So, this is the best “how to” book ever. Enough said.

How to Read a Story

Job Wanted written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Chris Sheban

Absolutely charming. Persistence. Creativity. Diligence. You need to meet this dog.

Job Wanted

Winter’s Child written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Grahame Baker Smith

This book arrived in my room via a guest reader. The children were fascinated by the fantastical storyline of Winter’s child preventing Spring from arriving because he wants to play with a human boy. Some gorgeous illustrations.

Winter's Child

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

From the first line, I was hooked. This novel explores grief, loyalty, redemption and friendships. I loved Arthur. I loved his vulnerability, his mistakes, his raw emotions. This is a beautiful book with numerous surprises. Hope it begins to get lots of buzz. It is a book to seek out.

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Up next? My #MustReadin2015 list is calling and I have started with The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt in the attempt to get the last eight titles read before 2016 rolls in. Stranger things have happened . . .

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 63/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 424/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 74/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 48/50 books read

Gift Books 2015: 25 picture books to give this season

Posted on December 12, 2015 by carriegelson

Making a picture book list to give is becoming one of my favourite holiday traditions. I started with 12 in 2013 and moved to 20 in 2014. This year 25 made the list. Why not? There are a lot of books to love!

Gift Books 2015: 25 books to give this season

Of course, I have not read every book out there. But I believe in picture books for every reason and so, I have read a lot! A lot, a lot. Some have stood out. Some I must insist upon. Going picture book shopping? Here is my list of 25 titles that I think are absolutely worth owning and therefore, worth gifting. Fantastic titles in both fiction and nonfiction. My criteria? Is it a book that can be shared multiple times? Does it inspire creativity, thinking, inspiration? Does it make its readers think differently? Does it celebrate something important? Does it freeze time? Is it a book that brings joy? Or does it simply make you laugh? Laughing, I always think, is very underrated.

With those questions in mind, here is my list:

Listed alphabetically by author.

Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond

I was smitten just with the end pages. Based on a true story, this title goes back to Ontario forests of 1914. It is a memory, a story. And what a story. How incredible to think about this experience where a fire caused humans and animals to connect in an incredibly quiet, necessary way. The illustrations here are stunning.

Out of the Woods 2015 Gift Books

Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton

This book. It speaks to wild wishes, big possibility and the amazing of the simple and natural. Love, love, love.

Something Extraordinary 2015 Gift Books

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

A wise nana. A regular bus ride. The importance of neighbourhood and noticing.

Last Stop on Market Street 2015 Gift Books

Wolfie the Bunnie written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

Charming, humorous and sweet This book has much to offer. Sibling dynamics. The brilliance of children. Humour, giggles, and wows.

Wolfie the Bunny 2015 Gift Books

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López

Gorgeous. Inspiring. Saturated colours and beautiful art. The true story of one girl’s dream to drum.

Drum Girl Dreaming

Elwood Bigfoot: Wanted: Birdie Friends by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Nate Wragg

One sweet book. About the quest to belong and have friends. Some serious perseverance here.

Elwood Bigfoot 2015 Gift Books

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder

I don’t even have words. A must own. Really, truly beautiful. This title makes me cry and sigh and sit in absolute awe. I refuse to even write about the plot. Just trust me and go buy this book.

The Bear Report 2015 Gift Books

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes

It’s lush and moody and at the same time sweet and hopeful. I had all kinds of wishes. I wanted to shrink down and wander about this little garden. I wanted the book to be quilted so I could gift it as a “stuffie” type treasure to little ones to snuggle with. I wanted each image, framed, to hang on my wall. This is a book to love.

The Little Gardener 2015 Gift books

Wild Ideas: Let Nature Inspire Your Thinking written by Elin Kelsey and illustrated by Soyeon Kim

This book is magical. The text suggests all kinds of connections between ours and the animal world. Talk about perseverance, creativity and inspiration. Or, just get lost in the illustrations.

Wild Ideas 2015 Gift Books

Marilyn’s Monster written by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Matt Phelan

What do you do when everyone gets a monster and yours never arrives? Marilyn grows impatient with the endless waiting. So she ventures out to make her own difference.

Marilyn's Monster

Bright Sky Starry City written by Uma Krishnaswami and illustrated by Aimée Sicuro

A beautiful story of father and daughter, of a curious girl wondering about space and astronomy, of a glorious sky full of stars and constellations.

Bright Sky, Starry City 2015 Gift Books

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

Wordless perfection. I love everything about this book. How it is about little things, being in the moment, noticing, kindness . . .

Sidewalk Flowers 2015 Gift Books

Pool by JiHyeon Lee

Gorgeous. Wordless. Two children dive deep and meet under a bunch of swimmers and floaters in a busy pool. What do they find there? A fantastical world. The colours, the negative space, the whimsy.

Pool 2015 Gift Books

Night Animals by Gianna Marino

This book is absolutely adorable. The perfect book for reading aloud at a story time for younger listeners. The perfect bedtime book to remind all soon to be sleepers that they are brave.

Night Animals 2015 Gift Books

Toad Weather written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

Rich messages beyond a fascinating story. I love that it reminds us to notice and experience the natural world no matter what the weather, no matter what our mood.

Toad Weather Gift Books 2015

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt written by Kate Messner and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

For inspiring gardeners. For nature explorers. Spans generations and seasons.

Up in the Garden and Down in the Dirt 2015 gift Books

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi

This is a wonderful title. Such creative twists on Little Red Riding Hood – crafted into quite a different tale. Mysterious. Unusual. Magical. The perfect read aloud for a cozy winter’s day.

The Tea Party in the Woods

Float by Daniel Miyares

Children approach rain in the best of ways. All in. Rubber boots, puddle jumping, sailing of boats! And after the rain, there is sunshine and new possibilities. Wordless and wonderful.

Float 2015 Gift Books

My Pen by Christopher Myers

I always say there is power in the pencil (or pen, or marker, etc) – this book celebrates the creativity on the page. But on the page is so much more. I want to share it with each group of children I teach for forever . . .

My Pen 2015 Gift Books

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Sadie is enchanting. She embraces life – both the real and the imagined parts with gusto. Creative, inspired, endearing. Her story is a delight to read aloud. Morstad’s images are “ooh” and “ahh” and “wow” inducing. The combination is pure read aloud perfection.

This is Sadie 2015 Gift Books

Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

Lyrical and lovely. And illustrations to knock you over. Takes you through the seasons, the water cycle, childhood experiences. A must own.

Water is Water 2015 Gift Books

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Beautiful. Special. And inspirational. For little dancers to be. For those with big hearts who know what it is to share.

swan the life and dance of anna pavlova 2015 Gift Books

Lenny and Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Moody. Lonely. Emotional. Sweet. Lovely. A favourite in my room. Children responded to this gentle story of needing to feel secure.

Lenny & Lucy 2015 Gift Books

Sonya’s Chickens by Phoebe Wahl

Try and get past the cover with the greens, the lush, the rich and deep. Sigh. A story about nature, responsibility and hope.

Sonya's Chickens 2015 Gift Books

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

I am not sure I have words for just how breathtaking I find this title. It is a book lover’s dream. Seriously. Stop dead illustrations. Of course, I had to own this one. And ahem, you should too . . .

The Whisper 2015 Gift Books

Happy Reading. Happy Shopping. Happy Giving.

Monday December 7th, 2015

Posted on December 6, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week I have two.

First, this little reader who needed some help with new shoes. But, you see, he found a book he wanted to read and couldn’t help with the shoes because he HAD to read the book! Thankfully, Miriam also puts #booklove above all else and helped him out! 🙂 She tied laces and got to listen to silly poems!

IMWAYR There's a Book for That

And in honour of all of the Caldecott titles we have been reading, I have to share this photo of 3 girls taking in the amazing illustrations of past winners. This bookshelf has been very popular.

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments

So exciting to enter into #MockCaldecott territory for #classroombookaday Lenny & Lucy was particularly charming in my room. The children adored it.

On the blog:

Cover Reveal: Dario and the Whale – to be released in March 2016

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Moments

Books I loved:

Toys Meet Snow written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

I have to confess I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book – just from the cover. But, oh how I was wrong. I loved the quiet magic of winter snow and exploration. And how incredible are the different perspectives shared by each character. I can see that this would have been a book my own children would have requested over and over when they were younger. A perfect book to gift.

Toys Meet Snow

What Floats in a Moat? written by Lynne Berry and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Silly. Full of science and what happens if . . . ? And Matthew Cordell! Such fun. Would love to read this aloud to kids! I actually giggled just reading it myself.

What Floats in a Moat

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy in picture book form. It works!

A Pet for Fly Guy

Use Your Imagination by Nicola O’Byrne

Children love fairy tale twists and anytime the bad guy might get outsmarted. This book was a fun read aloud!

Use Your Imagination

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Julie Morstad

So beautiful. The story, the illustrations, the inspiration. Wow.

swan the life and dance of anna pavlova

Green is A Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors written by Roseanne Greenfield Thing and illustrated by John Parra

This is a gorgeous book of colours. Colour, culture, family, traditions. Just wonderful.

Green is A Chile Pepper

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Isn’t it interesting how books read at certain times hit us in different ways? This book came to me just as I am in the middle of worry about a student I know. A student who told me that she wishes for more food. Food insecurity is always a reality for the children that I teach but sometimes I worry more than other times about particular children. A child should not be worried about hunger, about a home, about being able to stretch out on a bed. The existence of Crenshaw makes a lot of sense and, at the same time, none at all. Beautifully written by Applegate. I found this to be quite an emotional read.

Crenshaw

I am currently reading The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 62/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 412/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 71/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 48/50 books read

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Moments

Posted on December 5, 2015 by carriegelson

This week I celebrate amazing #MockCaldecott moments. They are everywhere as we dive into all of the beautiful and all of the amazing in the world of picture books!

First, of course, we had to fill a book shelf with some past honor and medal winners.

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Moments

Some of these titles are shared over and over between students and the art of course is endless inspiration.

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments

Journey by has been a huge source of wonder and artistic exploration.

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Moments

We have learned that it is a good thing to colour outside the lines. Thanks to Matthew Cordell this little artist realized colours blurring across lines was kind of great. Kind of Matthew Cordell (in Special Delivery great) great!

@CarrieGelson Wow, love this cutie and her awesome art! Coloring outside the lines is where it’s at. 🙂

— Matthew Cordell (@cordellmatthew) December 2, 2015

Our #classroombookaday titles this week were all #MockCaldecott choices ( I shared our #MockCaldecott choices and process here)

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments So hard to choose a favourite!

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments

Many students wrote and drew about their selections.

“I like when Lenny and Lucy kept the scary stuff away.”

“Because of that one picture when the boy closed his eyes and dreamed !!”

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments

We are reading community and sharing these titles this week has deepened our book love. Certainly reason to celebrate!

Next week we will be sharing 7 more #MockCaldecott titles!

Thank you to Ruth Ayres and the #celebratelu community!

Being part of a community that regularly shares gratitude and celebrations truly transforms my weeks.

Cover Reveal: Dario and the Whale

Posted on November 30, 2015 by carriegelson

Back in August, I saw my first ever whale in nature. I cried. It was that amazing. I sat on the shore and tears just happened. Tears of joy and awe and wow. I shared the experience along with a list of picture books about whales (I am kind of obsessed) in a blog post: I wanted to see a whale

The first comment I received was from someone else thrilled by a whale sighting – debut picture book author – Cheryl Lawton Malone. Her book Dario and the Whale will be released in March 2016 by Albert Whitman publishing. It was inspired by what she calls “an experience of a lifetime” -a sighting of a juvenile North Atlantic right whale just fifteen feet or so off the beach in Provincetown, MA.

What a pleasure it is for me to reveal the cover of her book here!

Dario and the Whale

Also wonderful? Sharing a F & G version of this picture book with my class. They were amazed that they were the first class of kids to experience this book! And it allowed it to be “kid tested” which in my opinion is the true measure of a book’s power. 🙂

IMG_8679 (1)

This book is about the connection between a young boy, Dario and a whale he befriends on the beach. Dario is from Brazil and has traveled to Cape Cod with his mother who has a job as a cook in a restaurant. Dario is new to this community and speaks mostly Portuguese. The first friend that Dario makes is a right whale calf traveling to Cape Cod shores during its migration with its mother. Beautiful moments of connection happen between Dario and his whale. Some of the most powerful pages in the book happen when time seems to slow right down as Dario and his whale see each other.

Illustrations by Bistra Masseva are lovely. My favourite page is of the whale calf in the shallow water scanning the beach for Dario. The whale looking for his boy.

A story of friendship, of belonging and powerful connection. These kinds of experiences with nature are awe inspiring – how special to suggest their possibility to a room full of children.

My students loved it! In fact, after we finished reading it, three students came up to me and gave me a hug. There was lots of emotion in the room!

Some of their comments:

“I wish this book was real!”

“Dario and the whale are both trying to make friends.”

“Hey! They are copying each other! The boy and the whale. They are kind of the same.”

“Anyways, because they’re probably going to be friends together.”

“I like the part when they have great friendship.”

“I wish I could have this book at my home.”

“Wait – how do they play with each other?”

“It looks like the whale is smiling.”

“I like the part when they get nice together and become friends.”

“They are connecting.”

“Ms. Gelson, I really like this book.”

Want to know more about Cheryl? Visit her website or find her on twitter at @MaloneLawton

Mock Caldecott 2016

Posted on November 23, 2015 by carriegelson

Oh this process is a tricky one – deciding on the most beautiful of the beautiful. This year I am sharing twelve titles with my students. But if I could include Canadian illustrators, I would have fifteen titles here. Check out the bottom of the post for books from Canadian illustrators that I would love to include.

I LOVED this experience last year. Read about Mock Caldecott 2015 here and here.

This year I am extremely excited to go through this process again with my new class. I will use the same 3 questions I used with my grade 3/4 class but I have simplified the language a little bit to be more appropriate for this group of Grade 2/3 students.. Students answer each question for each book with a rating of 1 – 5,

This book is a book kids will really like. 1 2 3 4 5

The illustrations in this book are excellent. 1 2 3 4 5

The illustrations are a great fit for the story. 1 2 3 4 5

Here are the twelve titles on our Mock Caldecott 2016 list. Listed alphabetically by illustrator (as they would be shelved on last year’s Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo‘s picture book shelves 🙂 )

Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

Special Delivery written by Phllip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein

The Skunk written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

Float by Daniel Miyares

My Pen by Christopher Myers

Wolfie the Bunnie written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah written by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Sean Qualls

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Lenny and Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

These Canadian OMG titles are not to be missed when we are doing illustration swooning of the best of the best kind. Unfortunately, these are not eligible for the Caldecott medal.

Ask Me written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

Which titles would you include for Mock Caldecott 2016?

Monday November 23rd, 2015

Posted on November 22, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. I love this scene from buddy reading. Notice how the little K is leaning right in with my Grade 3 student learning about sharks. I adore this photo as it captures so much.

There's a book for That

On the blog:

Yes, I have been blogging! 🙂

In honour of Picture Book Month: Twenty Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood

For #nfpb2015 Nonfiction on my radar: Winter 2015

My #celebratelu post this week honours the progress and positive in my classroom: Celebration: What’s Working

Books I loved:

There are quite a few because I did some picture book therapy. Anyone else do this? Often? I have a feeling I am not the only one who has figured this out!

I highly recommend “Stand in a bookstore, read some picture books, giggle, take some home” therapy #workseverytime

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) November 22, 2015

I made some great progress on my nonfiction reading:

Toad Weather written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

This book is FANTASTIC! I love much about it – starting with those wonderful polka dot boots on the cover! This is a fictionalized account of an actual toad crossing that really, truly happens every year in Pennsylvania. Markle shares a beautiful story about this pretty amazing natural phenomenon and the way that people become part of the story (in a good way thankfully!) But, this story has some rich messages beyond a fascinating story. I love that it reminds us to notice and experience the natural world no matter what the weather, no matter what our mood.

Toad Weather

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López

Gorgeous. Inspiring. Seriously, these colours. I loved everything about this book!

Drum Girl Dreaming

Flowers are Calling written by Rita Gray and illustrations by Kenard Pak

I particularly loved Pak’s illustrations here. Learn all about the colours, shapes and unique aspects to flowers and just who interacts with them (and why and how).

Flowers are Calling

And I read some incredible picture books:

Please, Open this Book! written by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

This is one of the most clever follow up titles ever. First read and appreciate Warning: Do not Open this Book! You could just read it on your own, but I recommend experiencing it as a read aloud with a group of eager listeners. And then, comes this one. I giggled multiple times at the bookstore and of course, brought it home with me. Cannot wait to share all of its amusing and interactive pages with my class tomorrow. Love the mushy yellow banana.

Please, Open this Book!

Little Miss, Big Sis written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Sometimes becoming an older sibling is eagerly anticipated and quite a beloved experience. This title captures just that.

Little Miss, Big Sis

Where are my Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

An entertaining reading message. Favourite books are amazing. And everyone (everyone!) needs picture books!

Where are my Books?

Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton

Okay, this is a book I love. It speaks to wild wishes, big possibility and the amazing of the simple and natural. Love, love, love.

Something Extraordinary

Dear Yeti by James Kwan

Charming and adventurous. Two explorers set out in search of a yeti. told through a series of letters. Great mentor text for writing.

Dear Yeti

Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

These Little Elliot titles seem like they should be just too sweet and not quite work. But instead, they are absolutely sweet and completely capture the reader. No overly sugary after taste. Just big breath, full heart moments. Well done Mike Curato, you have something amazing figured out.

Little Elliot, Big Family

Miss Hazletine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats written by Alicia Potter and illustrated by Birgitta Sif

For the cat fan. For the extra timid. For the reader who appreciates inspired courage and stepping out of your comfort zone. Delightfully quirky.

Miss Hazletine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats

And the amazing YA novel . . . Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

I am such an absolute fan of Schmidt. He regularly knocks me over while at the same time offering up such grounded, beautiful stories. This was an early morning read and cry book. I finished it all at once because how could I possibly put it down? Beautiful. Hopeful. Heartbreaking. A reminder that we all need each other and that family is about who is in your corner.

Orbiting Jupiter

Up next? I continue reading MosquitoLand by David Arnold because other reading ended up calling to me. Happy to be back into this title.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 390/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 70/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 45/50 books read

Twenty Picture Books that capture the essence of childhood

Posted on November 16, 2015 by carriegelson

It is November and that means it is Picture Book Month!

Time to read and celebrate all things picture book. For me, it’s the perfect excuse to generate lists!

This week’s list? Picture books that capture the essence of childhood. With actual children in them! When I started looking at some of my favourite picture books, I realized that many of them were actually not about children. Many feature animals (bears are strangely (or not) represented) or a lot of adults. Some are about children but feature animal characters. These can be fantastic and very easy for children to connect to (I’m thinking everything Kevin Henkes does). The ones with “real children” characters can sometimes have heavy themes or be a little too forced. They don’t all ring true. We can’t pluck a character off the page and believe that child could quickly leap into a playground full of children and completely blend in. Or beautifully stand out . . .

Move into chapter books and boom, there are the kids! Marty Macguire. Clementine. Billy Miller. Flora Belle Buckman. William Spiver. Dory Fantasmagory. Piper Green. Nate Foster. Popeye and Elvis. There are no shortage of children behaving like children.

Finding them in picture books? Not as easy. Hence, my list.

These 20 titles are all about kids and all that they are. Childhood and all of the quirky, all of the lovely, all of the human, all of the unique. Sometimes the messy and challenging. Sometimes the sweet and lovely. All of it absolutely honoured and celebrated. These 20 books all hold a special place in my heart.

I would love to know which books you would add to this list and why. Please share in the comments.

Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

On the list because? Children have some interesting, not always sensible, problem solving strategies.

The Frank Show by David Mackintosh

On the list because? Kids worry about not being the coolest, the best, the greatest. Even in the Grandparent department.

Rosie Sprout’s Time to Shine, written by Allison Wortche and illustrated by Patrice Barton

On the list because? Primary students need to navigate a lot in a day – sometimes doing the most simple of things like growing seeds: envy, friendship, forgiveness, competition

Let’s Do Nothing by Tony Fucile

On the list because? Little ones have a hard time doing just nothing or even turning off their racing imaginations. Those busy brains are pure delight!

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić

On the list because? Children notice what we should. Especially the very beautiful and amazing things in the world.

Ben Rides On by Matt Davies

On the list because? When given the chance to do the right thing, children usually will. Eventually.

Yuyi Morales wrote and illustrated Niño Wrestles the World

On the list because? Children love to embrace the wild and amazing energy of their heroes.

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

On the list because? Being brave sometimes requires a little wisdom from someone who has been around for a while. Or a little magic.

Wilfred Gordon Macdonald Partridge written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Julie Vivas

On the list because? Childhood is about navigating the road between making memories and learning from the memories others share

Blizzard by John Rocco

On the list because? Snow day after snow day after snow day and the chance to be a hero. Childhood magic!

Desmond and the Very Mean Word written by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Carlton Abrams and illustrated by A.G. Ford

On the list because? Learning about forgiveness is one of childhood’s most powerful lessons. Often as adults, we still don’t have it figured out.

Float by Daniel Miyares

On the list because? Children approach rain in the best of ways. All in. Rubber boots, puddle jumping, sailing of boats!

Ask Me written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee

On the list because? Little ones have lots and lots of stories to tell. If you don’t ask, they will remind you to.

Sparky! written by Jenny Offill and illustrated by Chris Appelhans

On the list because? Thee is something particularly magical about childhood faith and hope.

I’m Bored written by Michael Ian Black and illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

On the list because? “I’m Bored!” is a childhood theme song! But “Kids are boring.” Those are fighting words!

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

On the list because? All children need to have a little piece of Sadie inside of them and have space to let it shine!

Harriet You’ll Drive Me Wild! written by Mem Fox and illustrated by Marla Frazee

On the list because? When you are little, it seems to be all too easy to make parents a little crazy. Just like that. Pesky is too easy. But forgiving and hugs are part of it all too.

John Patrick Norman McHennessy – the boy who was always late. by John Burningham

On the list because? Everyday holds huge imaginative possibilities. Even if others don’t quite embrace our wild stories, we persist in telling them. And maybe they are true . . .

Millie Fierce by Jane Manning

On the list because? Sometimes when we discover new found ferocity, it takes a little while to tame. Inner strength and big doses of kindness, we need them both.

Singing Away the Dark written by Caroline Woodward and illustrated by Julie Morstad

On the list because? A lone walk through the woods is a journey of many small moments of bravery. Singing to combat the fear? A perfect strategy.