Tag: ESL

Mining for Heart: “Layering & Language- Moving Beyond Autobiography & Into the Universal” by Costantia Manoli

July 29, 2022

TOMATOES IN MY LUNCHBOX hit me right in the heart! It’s truly a special picture book. Here’s a post from author Costantia Manoli all the way from Cyprus in which she shares how she built this story.  GIVEAWAY! Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of the book!   Layering and … More Mining for Heart: “Layering & Language- Moving Beyond Autobiography & Into the Universal” by Costantia Manoli

The Day Saida Arrived

December 4, 2020

Here’s a really special book I’m recommending for Perfect Picture Book Friday about connecting across cultures, respect, empathy, and so much more. This book, a finalist for the Jane Addams award, should not be missed! The winner of the giveaway for Cow Boy is Not a Cowboy by Gregory Barrington is Cathy Ballou Mealey! Congratulations! … More The Day Saida Arrived

Du Iz Tak?

February 24, 2017

Here’s a fun one for Perfect Picture Book Friday! Title: Du Iz Tak? Written and illustrated by: Carson Ellis Candlewick, 2016, fiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 Themes/topics: nature, insects, life cycle, plants, language Opening: Du iz tak? Ma Nazoot. Brief synopsis (from barnesandnoble.com) Du iz tak? What is that? As a tiny shoot unfurls, two damselflies … More Du Iz Tak?

Animals by the Numbers

February 17, 2017

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday selection is pure nonfiction and totally engaging! Title: Animals by the Numbers, A Book of Animal Infographics Written and Illustrated by: Steve Jenkins Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016, nonfiction, 48 pages Suitable for ages: 6-9 Themes/topics: animals, graphs, charts, infographics, STEM, visual literacy Opening: Numbers help us understand our world. We … More Animals by the Numbers

Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

October 14, 2016

An incredibly interesting and engaging book… Title: Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras Written and illustrated by: Duncan Tonatiuh Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2015, biography, 40 pages Suitable for ages: 6-10 (and older) Themes/topics: art, Mexico, Day of the Dead Opening: Skeletons riding bicycles…skeletons wearing fancy hats…skeletons dancing and strumming … More Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras

The Secret Subway

May 6, 2016

Go beyond planes, trains, and automobiles! Check out this week’s fascinating “Perfect Picture Book.” Title: The Secret Subway Written by: Shana Corey Illustrated by: Red Nose Studio Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 4-8 (I would say 5+) Lexile: AD810 Themes/topics: history, New York City, subways, invention Opening: Welcome to … More The Secret Subway

A Splash of Red

April 8, 2016

PPBF Special: For all the teachers who are in the midst of testing season, I’ve included a literature unit for this amazing book. Title: A Splash of Red, the Life and Art of Horace Pippin Written by: Jen Bryant Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet Random House/Knopf, 2015, biography Suitable for ages: 5-8 (easily Gr 1-5) Lexile: 610 … More A Splash of Red