Book Review: Wild About Us!

Author: Karen Beaumont

Illustrator: Janet Stevens

Interest Level: Ages 4 and Up

From the Book Jacket: Warty Warthog may have warts and tusks, but he likes himself that way! Join him as he celebrates all of his animal friends and the attributes that make each one unique. Whether it’s Crocodile's toothy grin or Kangaroo’s huge feet or Leopard’s spottiness, each animal is different. Wouldn’t it be dull if all the animals at the zoo—and all the people in the world—looked alike? A joyful picture-book celebration of everything that makes us individuals!

Why It's On My Bookshelf: With everything going on in this world right now we need books that teach differences, acceptance, and diversity more then ever. Those are our strengths! I love this picture book. It's a celebration of how we are all different which makes life beautiful. I see myself using this to start a discussion and then move into a creative art project where students can show their own uniqueness while learning to appreciate every ones differences. Love!

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Book Review: Let Me Finish!

Author: Minh Le 

Illustrator: Isabel Roxas

Interest Level: Ages and Up

From the Book Jacket: When our young hero settles in to read, the last thing he wants is for some noisy animals to ruin the ending of the story. But ruin it they do. And as it turns out, the boy is quickly approaching a surprise ending of his own! Maybe he should have listened to the animals after all...

Why It's On My Bookshelf: I think this serves as a great social skills lesson to students. I'm always on the hunt for books that might give a perspective about showing respect when someone is trying to learn or is engaged in a task. Every time the boy in the book tries to read he is interrupted. He becomes QUITE agitated. I see this as a great teaching tool in the classroom. As a community we want to teach students to be aware of how our behavior and actions are impacting others. If someone is trying to learn - be respectful. The ending is to the book is a bit silly but the lesson is CLEAR in the story. Excited to have something new to use when teaching listening skills. 

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Book Review: Always Remember

Author: Cece Meng
Illustrator: Jago
Interest Level: Ages 3 and Up

From the Book Jacket: After Old Turtle swims his last swim and breathes his last breath, and the waves gently take him away, his friends lovingly remember how he impacted each and every one of them. As the sea animals think back on how much better Old Turtle made their lives and their world, they realize that he is not truly gone, because his memory and legacy will last forever. This is a picture book that will comfort those who have lost a loved one. 

Why It's On My Bookshelf: This is definitely at the top of my list for books to assist children with grief. It really focuses on what a wonderful life Old Turtle had because he was such a generous and loving soul. We can be sad when we lose someone but also be so comforted by all of our positive interactions and encounters we had with them. I kept thinking of the word "cherish" as we read each page. 

I love the last page: 
He was a wonderful teacher and friend. 
He loved to laugh and have fun. 
He explored the unknown and discovered great things. 
He showed kindness and strength. 
And he made his world a better place. 
When he was done, the ocean took him back. 
But what he left behind was only the beginning.

This is a very helpful resource and I'm so happy to have it on my shelf. 

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