Reading seems like an indoor thing, or maybe an outdoor activity if there’s a hammock or a nice chaise lounge nearby. These picture books, though, encourage a whole lot more than that. They inspire…
Source: Top Ten Picture Books That Encourage Us To Get Outside And Explore by Wendy BooydeGraaff
Resources to make sharing our books in your classroom as easy as ABC.
Source: For Teachers, Librarians, and Booksellers
A wonderful selection of books for the holiday season!
http://www.readbrightly.com/?ref=PRH2A045AB0D4&aid=randohouseinc27771-20&linkid=PRH2A045AB0D4&cdi=3329F3352DE91C44E0534FD66B0A0FBA
Ah yes, the colorful light at the end of the tunnel is approaching. For me, the Autumnal season has been nothing short of a whirlwind. The season of Fall is my all time favorite! I inhale every smell, listen for every crunch and crackle, and delightfully savor every scrumptious flavor that reflects the perfect season – at least it is in my world. But this year, more than ever it seemed like I couldn’t catch my breath. The start of a fabulous new school year, the anticipation of meeting and getting to know all my new middle schoolers, and all the incredible, wonderful craziness that brings. October, the month of my birth welcomed in celebration after celebration of life and the hopeful expectations of joys yet to come, but also, sadly, goodbyes to honor lives well lived to some of my family members. Maybe the energy I feel in this season of plenty drives me to tackle more and nudges me to move beyond my expectations; Two holiday contests entered, two picture books written and the beginnings of my first ever chapter book. Participation in countless webinars and writing critique groups gathered me up and kept me swirling like the colorful leaves on a gusty Autumnal day; A beautiful sight to see but it leaves you dizzy and a bit scattered in many different directions. November began with a heaviness that created more questions than answers and left me pondering about the future. Another family birthday celebration, several friends birthdays ending with the big ZERO! Whoa – partaay time!!! A joyful union of two perfect people, report cards, parent-teacher conferences, FOOTBALL, and then…some serious Pumpkin Pie with that fluffy whipped up stuff, of course! Ah yes, the season of Fall – I absolutely, positootly, no hands down, LOVE the crazy, colorful whirlwind of it all!
Title: Room on the Broom (720 Lexile Level)
Author: Julia Donaldson
Illustrator: Axel Scheffler
Published: Puffin Books, (August 25, 2003)
Suitable For Ages: 3-7 years, Preschool – 2nd grade
Themes/Topics: Fantasy & Magic, Holidays, Autumn, Humor, Cooperation, Generosity, Rhyme
Opening:
The witch had a cat
and a hat that was black,
And long ginger hair
in a braid down her back.
How the cat purred
and how the witch grinned,
As they sat on their broomstick
and flew through the wind.
Brief Synopsis: Quoted from Amazon: “A witch and her happily purring cat fly through the wind on their broomstick, without a care in the world, until the witch’s black hat blows away. In the process of retrieving it, they pick up another passenger, a polite and helpful dog. All goes well until the witch’s hair bow flies off. And then her wand. And then real disaster strikes–in the shape of a big red dragon, a broken broom, and some very important (but notably absent) friends. Julia Donaldson’s story, though not earthshaking in plot or rhyme, is a pleasant way to pass the time leading up to the witching hour (Halloween!) especially when paired with the friendly illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Readers will especially love the final illustration, in which our heroes solve their space problems once and for all. ”
Why I Like This Book: It’s FUNNY and it shares some important messages. Another oldie but goodie! A lovely, humorous story composed in rhyme that will leave kids laughing and asking for more. This story offers a wonderful message about cooperation, generosity and helping out when it’s needed. Definitely a favorite for the Halloween season!
Extensions for the book:
Magic Light Pictures, Ltd. Activities for Room on the Broom: http://roomonthebroom.com/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzuufim6TSY
It Must Be Friday! ♥
I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books. Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!
Title: Chumpkin
Author: Lisa Funari Willever & Lorraine Funari
Illustrator: Emma Overman
Published: Franklin Mason Press (September 1, 2001)
Suitable For Ages: 4 and up
Themes/Topics: Being different, Autumn, Pumpkin Harvesting, Humor, Rhyme
Opening:
All around the pumpkin patch, they heard the farmer say: “The kids are here ! The kids are here! It’s time for Pumpkin Day!” Excited little pumpkins were standing straight and tall…that is, except for Chumpkin, the roundest one of all.
.Brief Synopsis: This is an adorable little story composed in rhyme about a pumpkin who happens to be different than all the other pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. He’s bigger and rounder than all the rest and that makes this orange pumpkin feel blue. But after all the pumpkin picking is done, the farmer has a surprise for Chumpkin and his son.
Why I Like This Book: This book is an oldie but goodie for sure. A fabulous little gem that I stumbled upon. I just love the rhythm and the whimsical illustrations, and who doesn’t enjoy a rhyming picture book? It is about Autumn, which happens to be my favorite season of the year. It also touches on an important topic: being different and that’s okay because there is a place for everyone – even Chumpkin. 
In addition to the sweet story, Lisa Funari Willever, donates a portion of her book sales to charity, and she also includes an opportunity for young authors and illustrators to showcase their work. This book was selected as a favorite by First Lady Laura Bush and displayed at the White House.
Extensions for the book:
It Must Be Friday! ♥
I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books. Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!
TCP WRITES 
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