In 2002/03 I completed my Master’s degree with a classroom research project. The purpose was to determine whether children in Grades 1 and 2 (with some adult help) could learn to adopt critical perspectives to the books they read. I used a number of books in this study, but my personal favourite was Anthony Browne’s Piggybook! Title: Piggybook Author & … Read more
The Biscuit books are just so darn cute and I love them so much, I thought it would be worthwhile featuring a beginning reader series. And there are a LOT of books in this series. I have about 8 of them, but when I did a search I realized there are even more! Title: Biscuit Stories Author: Alyssa Satin Capucilli … Read more
I went digging through my massive book collection today for Perfect Picture Book Friday and came up with this little gem. I actually forgot I had it. Title: A Grand Old Tree Author & Illustrator: Mary Newell DePalma Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books, 2005 Genre: Non-Fiction Theme/Topic: Trees, Ecology, Life Cycle Intended Audience: Ages 3 to 8 Synopsis (from The … Read more
I have a TON of Robert Munsch’s books, but I would have to say that The Paper Bag Princess is my all-time, hands-down favourite. This is the ultimate “girl power” picture book. Interesting facts: Munsch is a beloved Canadian children’s author AND this particular book was written the year my oldest son was born and he just turned 32! Title: … Read more
If you own a Westie, love dogs, or even have a soft spot in your heart for animals, then you’re going to love this book. I suspect most of you are already familiar with McDuff, but I love the McDuff stories so much that I just had to highlight one of them for Perfect Picture Book Friday. This is the … Read more
I absolutely adore the Stella books by Canadian author Marie-Louise Gay. If you haven’t read any of them run to the book store right now! They’re that good. Title: Stella — Princess of the Sky Author and Illustrator: Marie-Louise Gay Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2010 Audience: Ages 2 and up Theme: Imagination, Space, Relationships Opening: “Stella!” cried Sam, “Stella! Look! The … Read more
It’s Perfect Picture Book Friday with Susanna Hill! It’s actually still Thursday where I live, but I’m lookin’ at my watch and I do believe it’s officially Friday on the East Coast … so I’m going to post this now. Ooh, I like living dangerously! Title: Enemy Pie Author: Derek Munson Illustrator: Tara Calahan King Theme: Bullying, Friendship, Problem-Solving Publishing: … Read more
I’m so happy to have discovered this book, Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland. It’s one of the most charming books I’ve read in a while. Title: Big Bear Hug Author & Illustrator: Nicholas Oldland Publisher: Kids Can Press, 2009 Genre: Juvenile Fiction (Ages 3 to 9) Theme/Topics: Bears, Environment, Conflict Resolution Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Opening: There once was a bear … Read more
One of my students came bounding into the classroom the other day BEGGING me to read his new book. I took one look and thought, “Oh no, it’s one of those goofy, over-commercialized books, with nothing substantial.” It was probably the big bites in the book that made me think that. But I didn’t want to hurt his feelings so … Read more