Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Nonfiction Picture Books from Charlesbridge Publisher and Kids Can Press

Recently, I came home to find two boxes of books. It was way better than receiving flowers. When I opened up the boxes, I was thrilled to find books from Charlesbridge Publishers and Kids Can Press. I have come to really appreciate the titles that are released by both of these publishers. Kids Can Press may bring us Scaredy Squirrel but their focus on global issues, diversity, and more draw me to many their nonfiction titles. Charlesbridge is one of my favorite sources of nonfiction picture books, and more. 

Thank you Charlesbridge for the following nonfiction picture books:

Decorated Horses by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent; Illustrated by Jeannie Brett (Charlesbridge, February 10, 2015) - In a series of two page spreads, readers will learn about how horses have been used "for warfare, performance, ceremony, or just plain showing off". Resources at the end include articles and websites and online resources about horses. Though I was aware of some of the horses featured in this book, I learned about many, many more. A fascinating read especially for students who are interested in horses.

Dirty Rats? by Darrin Lunde; Illustrated by Adam Gustavson (Charlesbridge, February 10, 2015) - Lunde challenges readers with thinking of rats as more than dirty creatures who scare us. In dual text format, readers learn about five different types of rats. At the end, readers are treated to six more kinds of rats. Written in a manner that can be used as a read aloud for younger students or as an independent read for slightly older reads, students will learn new facts about rats.

High Tide for Horseshoe Crabs by Lisa Kahn Schnell; Illustrated by Alan Marks (Charlesbridge, April 14, 2015) - Though I have read quite a few books on sea turtles, I have not read anything on Horseshoe Crabs. In a narrative story format, readers learn about the life cycle of horseshoe crabs. End pages provide readers with more in-depth expository information on horseshoe crabs along with additional resources to explore. 

Trapped! A Whale's Rescue by Robert Burleigh; Illustrated by Wendell Minor (Charlesbridge, April 14, 2015) - Wendell Minor's paintings alone are worth picking up this book; however, Robert Burleigh's sharing of a humpback whale caught in a net will keep readers engaged. Additional information about the whale in the story, humpback whales, and more are included in the end resources.

Thank you Kids Can Press for these nonfiction titles: 

Dinosaurs From Head to Tail by Stacey Roderick; Illustrated by Kwanchai Moriya (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - Young readers are led to discover facts and information about dinosaurs through an introductory question that reveals a different type of dinosaur for each question. Great for K-2 dinosaur fans.

The Queens Shadow: A Story About How Animals See by Cybéle Young (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - This book was so not what I expected and yet a lot of fun. The jacket flap describes this as a "surrealist whodunit based on the science behind the way animals see.." A narrative text leads readers through a story about the Queen, and her lost shadow. As each animal is referenced in the story, readers are provided with a text box with information on how that animal sees or perceives images and incorporated into the illustrations is an example of how each animal sees. Totally fascinating.

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Bicycle by Jude Isabella; Illustrated by Simone Shin (Kids Can Press, March 1, 2015) - One bike and the lives that it touches when a boy donates it to  an organizations that sends bicycles to Africa. A great way to expose children to another culture through something very real to them. The end pages provide more information about the donation of bicycles and their impact on the lives of others. 

Look Where We Live! A First Book of Community Building by Scot Ritchie (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2015) - Through dual text and specific vocabulary words, children are introduced to what makes up a community and the neighborhood around them. An excellent way of providing children with new vocabulary.  

School Days Around the World by Margriet Ruurs (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2015) - Children are curious about children and cultures in other countries. A tangible way of introducing them to other cultures is through something that is very tangible and real to them - school. Children are taken on a tour around the world with a look at how children learn from the type of building to the types of activities to the routine of the day. I love the quote by Malala Yousafzai "I don't mind if I have to sit on the floor at school. All I want is education." 

If these books are not on your radar, I would highly encourage you to seek them out at your local bookstore or library. Releases dates are included to mark your calendar for those coming out next month.

Thank you Charlesbridge and Kids Can Press - I can't wait to share all of these with my teachers and students. 

Note: My opinions of each of these books are purely my own and not influenced by any consideration for reviews.

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews:

Celebrate This Week: Read Alouds

It has been months since I have had a chance to do a Celebrate this Week Post. However, what better way to celebrate than to celebrate with read alouds. This past week was a huge week for read alouds. It's my favorite week of the year because I get to go into so many classes and read to students and share new books. 

First up, #SpecialDeliveryDay - Macmillan coordinated a special event around the release of Special Delivery written by Philip C. Stead and Illustrated by Matthew Cordell. 

The Special Delivery book arrived wrapped in brown packing paper, with a special message from Philip C. Stead. There were also beautiful postcards that students wrote messages to students in another city. Two of my classes were paired with two of Sherry Gick's classes at her school. 

Above some second graders write about what they would like to send to a friend. 

In the afternoon, I spent time sharing the book with a class of kindergarteners.  They worked hard with the help of their teacher to write notes about what they want to mail to someone. 

On Wednesday, I had a chance to share with students about World Read Aloud Day as I stopped by to read for Read Across America Week. 

World Read Aloud Day is still new for many of the teachers and schools that I work with. As I went into various classrooms to read, I talked about the importance of learning how to read and how not all children have the opportunity to learn to read. Though we didn't have a lot of time to discuss this important issue, I hope it starts to bring an awareness of Global Literacy and the right for all to learn how to read.

My read aloud choices included:

The 2015 Caldecott Winner - The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña; Illustrated by Christian Robinson 

Raindrops Roll By April Pulley Sayre - I actually had to leave this book with the kindergarten teacher. Her students were so fascinated with the photographs that I had trouble getting through the book. I decided the students needed more time with this one. 

Finally, Read Across America is celebrated on different days by the elementary schools in our District making it Read Across America Week. 

One of our elementary schools had the best decorations and snacks. The green eggs and ham made from m&m's and pretzels were super tasty. 

Some of my additional read aloud choices included: 

Zombie in Love 2+1 by Kelly DiPucchio; Illustrated by Scott Campbell was a popular book with students. 

Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins; Illustrated by Molly Idle was one of the most popular read alouds of the whole week. 

Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman; Illustrated by Zachariah OHora was as popular with students as Rodeo Red. 

The 2015 Schneider Family Book Award Winner for Young Child - A Boy And A Jaguar by Alan Rabinowitz; Illustrated by Catia Chien was well received by students. 

The Red Bicycle: The Extraordinary Story of One Ordinary Bicycle by Jude Isabella; Illustrated by Simone Shin - This was a great book for introducing students to a way that a donation of a bicycle made a huge difference in the lives of those living in another country. 

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner; Illustrated by Mark Siegel - Popular with teachers and students.

I Wish You More by Amy Krouse Rosenthal; Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld  

As I read aloud to classes this week, I remembered why I love reading to classes. Aside from being enjoyable and a lot of fun, I find that I learn a lot by how students respond to the books and to the questions being asked. Even when I am reading with students for pure fun, I find that I am monitoring student reactions and thinking about how I can use what I am learning to pick new books or support student learning.  Every time I read aloud, I have no doubt that it is an important part of getting to know students, building community and shared experiences, and more.

Yes, I am celebrating read alouds but I am also celebrating learning.