JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD ☮️
ONE THOUSAND TRACINGS - HEALING THE WOUNDS OF W.W. II
AUTHOR - LITA JUDGE
GRADES - 3-5
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿 👍🏿
JANE ADDAMS PEACE AWARD - HONOR 👍🏿
The Jane Addams Children’s Book Award annually recognizes children’s books of literary and aesthetic excellence that effectively engage children in thinking about peace, social justice, global community, and equity for all people.
NOTABLE BOOKS FOR A GLOBAL SOCIETY AWARD👍🏿
This is an annual list of 25 books created by the International Literacy Association which enhance student understanding of people and cultures.
CYBILS NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK AWARD - FINALIST 👍🏿
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens .
NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE TEACHERS OF ENGLISH - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
THEMES - KINDNESS, CARING
After World War II, many European families were homeless and hungry. When an American family learned that their friends in Germany had little clothing, they sent them socks, sweaters, and a coat. In return, they received tracings of feet, along with a request for shoes. This project mushroomed, and eventually over 1,000 pairs of shoes were sent overseas. This heartwarming story was brought to life when the author found the tracings in her grandmother’s attic. This book is an excellent read-aloud, as each page opens doors for discussion. The illustrations will capture interest as well as the author’s note, which reveals additional information about these acts of human kindness.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Find examples of compassion in this story.
Mama sent food and clothes to the Kramers.
Mama collected shoes to send to those who needed them.
The girl matching the tracings with the shoes.
Children went barefoot during the summer because they sent their shoes
overseas.
People sent meat and vegetables.
The girl made a rag doll for Eliza who lost everything when her home was
bombed.
2. Did you ever feel compassion for someone? If yes, explain.
3. Did anyone ever feel compassion for you? If yes, explain.
4. Is there anyone in your neighborhood that could use assistance? What can you
do to help them?
5. Are there any people in the world that can use assistance? What can you do to
help them?
ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR
SPIDERS
AUTHOR -NIC BISHOP
GRADES - 1-5
HONORS/AWARDS
ROBERT F. SIBERT BOOK AWARD - HONOR BOOK
This award is presented annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY 100 TITLES FOR READING AND SHARING NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR TEACHERS OF ENGLISH (NCTE)
HONOR BOOK
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
KIRKUS - EDITORS' CHOICE
THEME - APPRECIATION OF SPIDERS
This is one of those unusual books that can be read aloud to children in grades 1-5. The photos are magnificent and the text is very informative. Readers/listeners will learn how spiders catch their prey, where they live, how they make their webs, and body part identification. You will think twice the next time you decide to step on a spider.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S NONFICTION - SPIDERS
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Spiders can smell and taste things by walking on them. Would you like to be
able to do that? Explain.
2. If you can have one spider for a pet, which would you choose? Why?
3. This book has many amazing photographs. Which one is your favorite. What
page is it on? Why did you choose it?
GREEN EARTH BOOK AWARD - HONOR ☮️
SALAMANDER SKY
AUTHOR -KATY FARBER
GRADES - PRE-2
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿
GREEN EARTH AWARD - HONOR👍🏿
This award is the nation’s first environmental stewardship book award for children and young adult books.
JOHN J. BURROUGHS RIVERBY AWARD - WINNER 👍🏿
This award has been given annually since 1988 to a selection of natural history books for young readers that present perceptive and artistic accounts of direct experiences in the world of nature, demonstrating a respect for nature, accuracy of information, and quality of prose and illustrations.
NEW ENGLAND'S CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST
THEME - SAVING THE SALAMANDERS
A young girl is on a mission to save the salamanders who cross busy roads to get to ponds. With the help of her mom, a scientist, they go out in the rain to find and carry the salamanders to safety.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S NATURE PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. At the end of the story, the girl felt a glow in her chest. What do you think that
means?
2. Would you pick up a salamander and place it in a pond?
Explain your answer.
3. Can you think of other small animals that you can help?
RED CLOVER AWARD
LION OF THE SKY - HAIKU FOR ALL SEASONS
AUTHOR -LAURA PURDIE SALAS
GRADES - K-6
HONORS/AWARDS
RED CLOVER PICTURE BOOK AWARD - WINNER -
The award is named after Vermont's state flower and is given annually to a picture book that receives the most votes from Vermont children in grades k-4.
NCTE NOTABLE CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS - WINNER
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSN. - NOTABLE CHILDREN'S BOOK
THEME - APPRECIATION OF NATURE AND THE SEASONS
This is the best children’s haiku book that I have read. The author asks listeners/readers to identify the subject of each poem as they travel through the seasons. The illustrations are icing on the cake for this remarkable read aloud.
GENRES - CHILDREN'S NATURE PICTURE BOOK - POETRY - HAIKU
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
Have the children pair off and write their own version of this book using different topics.
EZRA JACK KEATS AWARD
FUNERAL, THE
AUTHOR - MATT JAMES
GRADES - K-2
HONORS/AWARDS
EZRA JACK KEATS AWARD - GIVEN ANNUALLY TO AN OUTSTANDING NEW WRITER AND ILLUSTRATOR
ELIZABETH MRAZIK-CLEAVER CANADIAN PICTURE BOOK AWARD - FINALIST
NEW YORK TIMES, NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - BEST ILLUSTRATED PICTURE BOOK
THEME - REACTION TO DEATH
A young girl attends the funeral of her great uncle. Readers/listeners will hear and see her reactions to the rites and rituals as she tries to make sense of this occasion. The author provides a meaningful look as to what young children may think about on this difficult day. As one reviewer stated, "When the day is over, Norma is certain of one thing - Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral.
GENRE - REALISTIC FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. At the end of the story, Norma thinks that her great uncle would have liked his
funeral. Why does she feel that way?
2. What do you think Norma will remember most about this day?
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
BEFORE MORNING
AUTHOR - JOYCE SIDMAN
GRADES - PRE-1
HONORS/AWARDS
SILVER MEDAL - THE ORIGINAL ART 2016 EXHIBIT OF THE SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS
NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW - EDITORS' CHOICE
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK MAGAZINE - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - APPRECIATING NATURE, A CHILD'S WISH
A brief text along with fantastic illustrations, is all that is needed to describe the dreams of a young girl. She wishes that the world would slow down so that she could enjoy the oncoming snowstorm. Hard to find a more beautiful read aloud.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S POETRY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you like best about the snow?
2. Who do you think enjoyed the day the most - the girl or her mother?
3. In this story, the girl wishes for a slow snow day. What do you wish for?
OPRAH'S 2012 READING LIST
HERE'S A LITTLE POEM
AUTHORS - JANE YOLEN AND ANDREW FUSEK PETERS
GRADES - PRE AND UP
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿
CYBILS AWARD - 👍🏿
seeks out and recognizes books that represent diversity, inclusion, and appropriate representation for children and teens .
OPRAH'S 2012 READING LIST
CLAUDIA LEWIS POETRY AWARD
BANK STREET FINALIST
E. B. WHITE PICTURE BOOK LIST
THEMES - CELEBRATION OF POETRY, LIFE EXPERIENCES
When you take over sixty poems from famous poets and combine them with great illustrations, you have a winner. While the content is aimed at preschool and low primary grades, it is a joy for anyone to read. The book is divided into four sections - children, family, outside experiences, and going to bed. The selections are filled with fun, love and just an overall feeling of comfort. Here is a small sample.
RAIN
There are holes in the sky
Where the rain gets in,
But they are ever so small
That’s why rain is thin.
his short poem is on a two page spread featuring hundreds of thin raindrops falling. There is a girl with an umbrella who is happily skipping along, enjoying the experience. This is the book you need to have when introducing children to poetry.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
Each poem lends itself to a variety of critical thinking questions.
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD
HERMAN THE HELPER
AUTHOR - ROBERT KRAUS
GRADES - PRE - 1
HONORS/AWARDS
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK AWARD - HONOR
ILA/CBC - CHILDREN'S CHOICES
THEME - KINDNESS WORKS
After forty plus years, Herman the Helper has stood the test of time. In case you missed it, Herman is a child octopus who spends his time helping other ocean inhabitants. He even helps his enemies. When a monster is chasing some sharks, Herman unleashes his inky fluids, which serve to camouflage the fish. This well illustrated, creative book makes a wonderful read-aloud for preschoolers and first graders.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Why do you think Herman helped his enemies?
Maybe he wanted to become friends with them. He didn't care who he
helped. He just liked doing it.
2. Why do you think Herman loved to help others?
It made him feel good. He felt useful. He enjoyed their reactions to his
assistance.
3. What can you do today that you never did before to help someone in your
family or neighborhood? Do it, and tell us about it tomorrow.
ROBERT F. SIBERT - HONOR
HEY, WATER!
AUTHOR -ANTOINETTE PORTIS
GRADES - PRE - 1
HONORS/AWARDS
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
A ROBERT F. SIBERT - HONOR BOOK
is awarded annually to the writer and illustrator of the most distinguished informational book published in English during the preceding year.
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY BEST BOOKS FOR KIDS 2019
THEMES - APPRECIATING AND CONSERVING WATER
The author presents water in every possible form - from tears to lakes to rivers to oceans and much more. Children will be introduced to the water cycle and water conservation. Ask your listener (s) to name the water source that is displayed on the page. It is not easy to find great science books at this level. The author knows her audience.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Discuss the water cycle shown at the end of the book.
2. Discuss the importance of water conservation.
3. What can we do to save water?
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN'S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST☮️
THE WALK
AUTHOR - WINSOME BINGHAM
GRADES - 1-3
HONORS/AWARDS 👍🏿 👍🏿
JANE ADDAMS CHILDREN’S BOOK AWARD - FINALIST👍🏿
A national committee of members with passion for and expertise in children’s literature and social justice is responsible for making the choices each year.
CENTER FOR THE STUDY OF MULTICULTURAL CHILDREN’S LITERATURE BEST BOOKS 👍🏿
a committee of the Center for the Study of Multicultural Children’s Literature (CSMCL) identifies the best in multicultural books.
KIRKUS REVIEWS - STARRED
THEMES - THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING, VOTER SUPPRESSION
Granny is taking her granddaughter on a walk to the voting booth. At first, the girl is curious because she does not know where she is going. After awhile she gets tired and asks when they will get there. “The walk wasn’t always this long,” Granny says. “But folks keep making it longer. They don’t want us to say what we have to say. That’s why we have to show up, show out, and show them.” As they walk from block to block, others join until there is a crowd of marchers. The granddaughter learns that the process of voting allow you to hope for better things to come.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Do you think the girl will go with Granny during the next election? Explain.
Answers will vary.
2. Why do you think Granny took her granddaughter to the voting booth?
She wanted her to learn the importance of voting.
FANTASTIC READ ALOUD
OWLS IN THE FAMILY
AUTHOR - FARLEY MOWAT
GRADES - 3 -6
HONORS/AWARDS
Why reviewers missed this one, remains a mystery to me. It could be due to the fact that it was written in Canada over one half century ago. Sometimes great books "fall through the cracks.”
THEMES - KEEPING WILD ANIMALS AS PETS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, BULLYING, LOYALTY
THE BEST CHILDREN’S BOOK YOU NEVER HEARD OF
With the possible exception of the Wayside School Stories, Owls in the Family is the most hilarious book a child is likely to read. It is also a fantastic read aloud. I have had over thirty years of fun sharing this story with my students. Based on real events, every chapter is an adventure, as a young boy raises two owls in a rural area of Canada.
GENRES - ADVENTURE, NATURAL HISTORY, HUMOR
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Is there anything in this story that couldn’t have happened?
2. What do you think Billy will do when he grows up?
Billy is really the author who became one of Canada’s leading writers.
Most of his books were about nature.
3. Why do you think Billy was so successful in raising the owls?
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
PALE MALE - CITIZEN HAWK OF NEW YORK CITY
AUTHOR - JANET SCHULMAN
GRADES - 3 -6
HONORS/AWARDS
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - STARRED REVIEW
HORN BOOK - STARRED REVIEW
BOOKLIST - STARRED REVIEW
NEW YORK TIMES - BEST ILLUSTRATED BOOK
THEMES - APPRECIATING NATURE, LOYALTY, KINDNESS, OVERCOMING ADVERSITY
What happens when a red-tailed hawk decides to build a nest on the edge of an exclusive apartment building in New York City? This true story documents the difficulties experienced by Pale Male, the hawk who won the hearts of thousands of New Yorkers. After many years of occupying his home on 5th Avenue, the owners of the building removed the nest. A huge public outcry ensued and and with the urging of The Audubon Society and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the hawk and his mate were allowed to return. After nine years and 23 chicks, a CBS newsman named him Father of the Year.
GENRES - NONFICTION NATURE, HISTORY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. Were the residents justified in complaining about the hawks?
Answers will vary. No one wants to step in bird droppings or have animal
remains fall on them.
2. Red-tail hawks do not normally build their homes in the city. Why do you think
Pale Male did that?
Answers will vary. Perhaps he got lost and flew into the city by mistake.
Once saw all the good food, he decided to stay. Maybe he was forced to
live in the city because he had no other place to build a nest.
3. Suppose you joined the crowd to protest the moving of the nest. What would
your sign say? Answers will vary.
4. Show the You tube video.
AMAZON - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
PIPPI LONGSTOCKING
AUTHOR - ASTRID LINDGREN
GRADES - 3-5
😪WARNING! THIS BOOK HAS BEEN BANNED!😪
HONORS/AWARDS
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY - TOP 100 CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF LAST 100
YEARS
TIME Magazine - 100 GREATEST BOOKS FOR CHILDREN #5
AMAZON - TOP 100 BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL - TOP 100 NOVELS FOR CHILDREN
GOODREADS - 100 BOOKS TO READ IN A LIFETIME #22
THEMES -MARCH TO THE BEAT OF YOUR OWN DRUM, ENJOY LIFE
Pippi is a super strong young girl who lives in a house with her pet monkey, but with no adults. She also owns a horse. She is free to do whatever she pleases, which is one reason why this book is so popular. She becomes very friendly with the two children next door and the three of them keep the story moving by marching to the beat of their own drums. This story is meant to be read aloud.
I read this story to my first class of fourth graders in 1962. The response was so overwhelming, that I continued to read this story for many years. The awards listed below should convince you to run to the library and check it out.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S FICTION
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. What do you think Pippi will be when she grows up?
2. How would you feel if Pippi moved next door to you?
3. Suppose no one went to school. Would that be a good or bad thing?
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - HONOR
POKKO AND THE DRUM
AUTHOR - MATTHEW FORSYTHE
GRADES - PRE-2
HONORS/AWARDS
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - PICTURE BOOK HONOR
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY - BEST BOOK OF 2019
TODAY SHOW - BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
BOOKLIST - YOUTH EDITORS' CHOICE
NPR FAVORITE BOOK OF 2019
SHELF AWARENESS - STARRED REVIEW
QUILL & QUIRE - STARRED REVIEW
THEMES - DO YOUR OWN THING, THE CONSEQUENCES OF GIVING YOUR CHILD A DRUM
Pokko’s parents regret buying a drum for their daughter. After making a racket in their home, she is told to go outside and try not to make too much noise. However, she literally marches to the beat of her own drum as she not only makes a lot of noise, but she attracts a large following of woodland creatures. This humorous tale features large illustrations and lots of action.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S PICTURE BOOK
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
1. If this story continued, what do you think would happen next?
2. Do you think Pokko has good parents? Explain.
3. Would you rather be a leader or a follower?
BOSTON GLOBE HORN BOOK - WINNER
RANDOM HOUSE BOOK OF POETRY FOR CHILDREN, THE
SELECTED BY - JACK PRELUTSKY
GRADES - K-6
HONORS/AWARDS
HORN BOOK - CHILDREN'S CLASSICS WINNER
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL -BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
BOOKLIST BOOKS FOR YOUTH - EDITORS' CHOICE - WINNER
KENTUCKY BLUEGRASS MASTER LIST - WINNER
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CHILDREN'S BOOKS OF THE YEAR - WINNER
THEMES - APPRECIATING NATURE AND ANIMALS, NONSENSE, CHILDREN AND MORE
The author refers to this collection as a “treasury of 572 poems for today’s child.” He is absolutely correct, as there is something for everyone in this beautifully illustrated book. There are fourteen sections which include - nature, animals, nonsense, and children. Just about every well-known poet from Shakespeare to Seuss is presented. This is clearly one of the best poetry books for children ever published.
GENRE - CHILDREN'S POETRY
FOR DEVELOPING YOUNG MINDS
This book is loaded with critical thinking opportunities. Here is a sample:
THE TOASTER
(I suggest reading the poem before revealing the title. Before reading ask class to identify the silver-scaled dragon.)
“A silver scaled dragon with jaws flaming red
sits at my elbow and toasts my bread.
I hand him fat slices, and then, one by one,
He hands them back when he sees they are done.” William Jay Smith
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