My dazzling padlet by Grace Brennan

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to Be Kind?

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:08:13 UTC

How Do Dinosaurs Learn to be Kind by Jane Yolen explores empathy and kindness in a relatable manner for young readers. The text asks a question on each page, to which the young reader answers “no!” in a read aloud setting. For example, “Does he stomp in huge puddles to make a big mess?”. Yolen follows a rhyme scheme and by the end depicts ways in which the dinosaur can show kindness to others. I chose this book because my student loves dinosaurs and this book depicts 15+ species of dinosaurs as well as portrays positive behavioral modeling.

Tumble

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:11:02 UTC

Tumble by Adriana Hernandez Bergstorm takes young readers on an illustrative journey across the desert, using rhyme scheme and poetic language to depict a tumbleweed’s …. Along the way, our tumbleweed interacts with the many facets of life in the desert, allowing the reader to interact with a new and interesting ecosystem. With only 4 or 5 words per page, this text is perfect for a preschooler. Additionally, Tumble comes with a glossary that identifies each plant and animal that our protagonist comes across!

Once Upon a Star: A Poetic Journey Through Space

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:16:32 UTC

Once Upon a Star: A Poetic Journey Through Space by James Carter uses vivid illustrations of space and poetic stanzas to travel with young readers through the history of the universe. Starting with the Big Bang and venturing through millions of years to today, Carter offers scientific space insight palatable to the young mind. While this book may be advanced for pre-school, my student is the son of two science teachers who believe that it's never too early for science literacy! This is a book that would need to be read aloud to a student, but it is sure to captivate a future astrophysicist.

I Wonder-Kari Anne Holt

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:19:55 UTC

I Wonder by Kari Anne Holt (2019) asks the questions that many children have thought; and many adults are unable to answer. With beautiful illustrative scenes, these questions float along the pages with 5-10 words. For example, I Wonder asks “Do bubbles tickle everything they touch?”, “Do windmills ever get tired?”, and “What Do Clouds Taste Like?” . I like this book because it captures a certain part of a child’s development when their mind is consumed with knowing the unknowable and is not shy of asking questions.

Knight Owl -Christopher Denise

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:36:20 UTC

Knight Owl, written and illustrated by Christopher Denise (2022) was recognized by the Caldecott Honor Award in 2022 as an artist who had illustrated one of the most distinguished American picture books for children. I chose this book because it follows a traditional narrative structure, unlike the others I have selected. A small owl dreams of becoming a knight, which he later excels at as his peers tend to fall asleep during the night, hence “knight owl”. Our owl perseveres through adversity and is successful in mitigating conflict between the kingdom and a dragon using pizza diplomacy. As read aloud, this is an engaging title for young readers because of the story and the illustrations. I am looking forward to reading this title with my practicum student.

A Thousand NO's- DJ Corchin

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:38:15 UTC

A Thousand NO's by DJ Corchin is a simple story about rejection of ideas and perseverance despite the naysayers. With only 7-10 words on each page, the book is great for practicing early literacy skills and helping cultivate CAP understanding. Our character encounters several no’s in response to her great idea, with the no’s adding up and becoming heavier and heavier. After each no, her idea adapts and changes and eventually with all of the no’s she is able to create a resounding YES. I love this book because it tackles rejection to creativity and how that rejection can be persevered through to create something wonderful

Be a Tree - Maria Gianferrari

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:40:16 UTC

Be a Tree by Maria Gianferrari was published on Earth Day 2024 and uses metaphors for trees to apply to a child's everyday life. Throughout the book, the young reader learns about the internal workings of a tree, through their roots, trunk, and leaves and wider nature community. This book has some pretty advanced environmental language so it will be a book that my student will be able to enjoy throughout his childhood. The illustrations depict how humans and trees interact with one another and the wonders of the natural world.

Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug-Jonathan Stutzman

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:42:28 UTC

Tiny T Rex. and the Impossible Hug by Jonathan Stutzman follows a tiny T.Rex trying to comfort a friend, who happens to be a much bigger dinosaur. He seeks advice from many close to him on how to hug when one has T Rex. arms. This story is both silly and heartwarming and I have chosen it based on my students' love of dinosaurs. It is a book about friendship and comfort, and uses elementary language so that we can practice our print and letter knowledge together.

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish -Chloe Savage

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:44:05 UTC

The Search for the Giant Arctic Jellyfish by Chloe Savage follows a doctor's search for a never before seen octopus and the adventure that ensues on the expedition. This is another pick with a scientific theme, exploring the many animals that live in the ocean. The illustrations are engaging for a preschooler as on each page the octopus can be identified hiding from the scientists. It ends with a bit of ambiguity, so the child gets to decide if the researcher ever spots the octopus!

Peg Gets Crackin'-Jo Renfro

gracebrennan2000 — 2024-06-17 01:45:50 UTC

Peg Gets Crackin’ by Jo Renfro is about a chick who felt safe in her shell before it cracked. She feels lots of anxiety about leaving the nest, which I think young readers will be able to relate to. As she crack’s open from her shell, she finds that the world is an exciting place! This story is short and sweet, a great place for a young reader to practice decoding and learn about onomatopoeia! Crack!