APRIL is National POETRY Month

A dog's life is full of adventures and tales, and they are all told in poems in the dogs' own word.

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Once I Ate a Pie Written by Patricia MacLachlan & Emily MacLachlan Charest; illustrated by Katy Schneider

ACTIVITIES

• THINK/DISCUSS: What do pets do with their time? What are their favorite games or food. How do pets feel about people?

• CREATE: Draw a picture of a pet. Write a few lines in the voice of the pet.

• VIEW: Interview with Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan

This book follows a young girl and her best friend as she attempts to create the most magnificent thing. Join her as she finds out that creating something magnificent means making mistakes along the way.

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The Most Magnificent Thing Written by: Ashley Spires

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS:

• What does the word “magnificent” mean? Provide examples of things, actions, or people that this word describes. 

• How do the illustrations reflect the girl’s feelings?

• Have you ever heard someone say, “I took a walk to clear my head”? How could a walk help to do that? 

• What did the girl’s mistakes teach her?

CREATE: Give it a try! Draw or build YOUR most magnificent thing. Enjoy the process and remember it’s different for everyone.

Meet the Author Recording - Click Here →  Ashley Spires

Kevin is excited for his turn to light the candles on the last night of Kwanzaa! As he narrates through the week of Kwanzaa, readers learn about the origins, purpose, and rituals of this holiday. 

Kevin’s Kwanzaa Written by Lisa Bullard; illustrated by Constanza Basaluzzo

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: What do you see in the book that you have also seen in your school, home, or community? What do you see in the book that you have NOT seen in your school, home, or community?

CREATE: Make a drum! All you need is an empty oatmeal container, paper, scissors, tape, glue, crayons, paint or markers. Consider using the traditional colors black, red, green and yellow. Enjoy the creative process!

VIDEO: How to make a Kinara

Supplies: popsicle sticks, glue, paint. Another option is to draw a Kinara and color it.

Biddy-biddy bim-bom bim-bom bop. Spin! Swing! Sway! Dive! Jump! Pop! The party’s going wild at the Hanukkah Hop!

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The Hanukkah Hop Written by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Steven D’Amico

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: How does your family celebrate?

WHAT’S COOKING: Ina’s Potato Latkes - Food Network

SING ALONG:

Bim Bom (Jewish Song) Music from Heidi Howe for KIDS.

Candlelight Hanukkah Song by The Maccabeats

Here is a story to inspire and embrace the chances that come into your life! You never know when a chance, once taken, might be the one to change everything.

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What Do You Do With a Chance?  

Written by Kobi Yamada; illustrated by Mae Besom

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: 

• When have you taken a chance? Did it work out? What did it teach you? 

• What famous people in history have taken chances and what have we learned from them?

VIDEO:  Risk Taker IB Profile Trait

TAKE ACTION: Take a chance and  be a RISK TAKER. Try something new today!

A story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps bring it into the world.  

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What Do You Do With an Idea? Written by Kobi Yamada , illustrated by Mae Besom.

ACTIVITIES 

VIEW: Click link  Adelaide Symphony Orchestra presents Paul Rissmann's new work based on the picture book "What do you do with an idea?" by Kobi Yamada on Fri 15 Jun 2018 .

THINK/DISCUSS: 

• Where do you think ideas come from?

• Do you think that it is possible to suddenly have an idea?

• Do you know of any people that have made their ideas famous?

• Why do you think the illustrator chose to characterize the IDEA as and egg with a crown?

• How is color intentionally used to tell the story?

CREATIVE CHALLENGE: The author and illustrator combine efforts to illustrate an abstract IDEA as a physical thing with words and pictures (an egg with a crown). Invent your own idea!  Are you going to  build your idea, write your idea or draw your idea? Enjoy the creative process!

It's turkey time! Watch out for Foxy the fox he's on the prowl. Inside this book is a festive story to gobble up!

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Setting the Turkeys Free Written by W. Nikola-Lisa, illustrated by Ken Wilson-Max

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: Reflect on your past experiences and express your process making turkeys. What materials did you use? What materials did you notice that the illustrator used in this book? 

CREATE: Draw, paint, build your own turkey story! Create a setting and invent characters. Does your story have a beginning, middle and end? Perhaps there is a problem and a solution. Enjoy the creative process!

CRAFT IDEAS: Easy Thanksgiving Crafts Ideas for Kids - 50+ Best Turkey Craft Ideas

MEET THE AUTHOR:  W. Nikola-Lisa Find out what the W. stands for in the author’s name! 

Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a malafa, the colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a malafa is not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor tradition—a malafa for faith.

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Deep in the Sahara Written by Kelly Cunnane, illustrated by Hoda Hadadi

ACTIVITES 

THINK/DISCUSS: What do you see in the book that you have also seen in your school, home, or community? What do you see in the book that you have NOT seen in your school, home, or community?

CREATE: Draw or use words to describe yourself or a family member. Draw or use words to describe one of the characters in the book. What do you notice is similar? What is different?

 DIG DEEP: What are the roots of your ancestors and what cultural traditions do you honor?

Funny and thoughtful, The Happy Book supports social-emotional learning. But maybe happy isn’t the goal - being a good friend is about supporting each other and feeling all the feels together.

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The Happy Book by Andy Rash

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: Are you happy/sad/angry/scared about something? 

VIEW: How to draw Basic Comic Effects – Lettering and Speech Bubbles – Live with Frank Rodgers

CREATE: Make your own FEELINGS book!

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Glass Slipper, Gold Sandal: a worldwide Cinderella 

Written by Paul Fleischman, illustrated by Julie Paschkis 

A retelling of the "Cinderella" story based on a variety of folk traditions, including elements from Mexico, Iran, Korea, Russia, Appalachia,  China, Ireland other countries and regions. 

ACTIVITIES

THINK/DISCUSS: How do other Cinderella stories that you have read compare and contrast with this book?

FOLD A STORY: Using a square piece of paper, fold all four corners into the center to from four triangles. On each triangle write about one of the story elements (character, setting, problem, resolution) and on the inside draw a picture to go with the story.

EXPLORE: Using a map , globe or google search; look up the places where the different Cinderella story elements come from. 

Meet the author:  Paul Fleischman

Meet the illustrator: Julie Paschkis

Awards & Distinctions - Notable Books for a Global Society

"The story is in rhyme, bouncing merrily along, full of fun. The illustrations are witty and wonderful. The result is a surefire read-aloud hit."    ~ School Library Journal

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Room on the Broom Written by Julia Donaldson, illustrated by Axel Scheffler

ACTIVITIES

Coloring Sheet and Make a Wand 

Animated movie is available on Netflix and YouTube

Carlitos and Charlie live far away from each other – one in Mexico, the other in a big US city – but they love to keep in touch by writing letters. As these cousins swap letters, each describes his life and community. Dear Primo will remind you of the power of familial connections – even though the boys live far apart, their Mexican heritage ties them together.

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Dear Primo A Letter to My Cousin  Written by: Duncan Tonatiuh

ACTIVITIES

Think/Discuss: The book is made up of letters, but how can we tell who is writing? How do we know who is writing and when. What does the author do to help you know which boy is writing?

Connect: Make a list “What do you think the boys have in common? How are they different?”

Take Action: Write a letter to your Pen Pal. 

·   Share riddles, jokes and fun facts

·   Be curious, ask your pen pal questions

·   Share your about your interests, activities, hobbies, favorite things

Meet the Author : Click link  Duncan Tonatiuh

Henry’s life can get busy-sometimes too busy. When that happens, Henry gets wild, tearing around the house like a lemonade hurricane. But his big sister Emma has an idea. Maybe, just maybe, she can help her brother learn to be still.

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Lemonade Hurricane Written by Licia Morelli, illustrated by Jennifer E. Morris

ACTIVITIES

Think/Discuss: When have you felt like a lemonade hurricane? How did that feel?

Practice: Mindfulness and Meditation – Sit, Bow, Breathe. Repeat 3 times

·   Sit up very straight with your legs crossed

· Place your hands-palms together, fingers up-in front of your heart.

·   Breathe in.

·   Breath out, bending slowly forward.

·   Breathe in while returning to the very straight position.

Explore: Click on these links to learn more about hurricanes.

Hurricanes-Learning about Hurricanes for Kids

How Do Hurricanes From?

Did you know there is a little star in every one of us?

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You Are a Star Written by Michael Parker, illustrated by Judith Rossell

ACTIVITES

THINK/DISCUSS: Chose 5 super star words that connect to this book. 

CREATE: You are a super star! Draw, paint, craft or build your very own star! 

VEIW: click link  What is a Star Find out what makes stars what they are, and take a tour of some of the most extreme stars in space! 

Look up! Look up! Look up! It's me. Moon! I'm more than just a rock. I'm Earth's rock and Earth's best friend! 

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Moon! Earth’s Best Friend Written by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Stevie Lewis

ACTIVITIES 

THINK/DISCUSS: Only 12 people have ever walked on the moon. Would you like to go to the moon? Why? What would you bring on your trip to the moon?

CREATE: Moon is Earth's best friend. Draw a picture or write a note for someone you think is "out of this world!"

VEIW:  Go outside at night and "Look Up at the Moon!" 

Sofia's a dreamer. A doer. A real-life go-getter. Most people like good, but Sofia likes better and better!

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Sofia Valdez, Future Prez  Written by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts

ACTIVITIES 

Think/Discuss: What are some ways you and your family help your neighborhood and/or neighbors.

Take Action: Lend a helping hand. Aim for better and better!

Welcome to the first day of school in Chad, Africa! Experience how the children arrive on the first day of school and build a mud structure to be their classroom for the next nine months until the rainy season comes and washes it all away. This strikingly beautiful picture book is a true tribute to the enduring power of education and the constructive energy of community.

To PLAY video click on the title link below

Rain School  Written and illustrated by: James Rumford

ACTIVITIES 

Think/Discuss: Interview a parent or grandparent about his/her elementary school.  Where was it? How big was the building? How many students were in a class? What lessons were the most memorable?

Create: Imagine you attend "Rain School" draw or paint a picture a picture.

Explore: explore the "Who We Are" and "Why We Matter" in this link.  Building Schools for Africa  Building schools for Africa (BSFA) is a small UK registered charity.

    To PLAY click title link below

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

ACTIVITES

Think/Discuss: What are your favorite picture books? How do they inspire you to create?

Create: Practice copying a picture from one of your favorite picture books!

Meet the author video: Click here Dreamers Yuyi Morales is a self-taught artist. She spent hours copying illustrations from picture books. Her story of independent exploration and creativity will inspire learners to delve into art. 

Alma is curious about her long name, so Daddy tells his little girl her BIG story! 

 To PLAY video click tile link below

Alma and How She Got Her Name

Written and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

ACTIVITIES

Discuss: Alma has a long name! What is unique about your name? Where did the name come from?

Create: Make your own name plate!

Build: Using found objects build your name. 

Connect:  Connect with your family’s history by making a family tree. Examples: Family Tree Templates

Note: This book was recognized as a Caldecott Honor book in 2019. The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of English Illustrator Randolph Caldecott. It is awarded annually by the Association for Library Services to Children, a division of the American Library Association, to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. Caldecott Medal Home Page 

Celebrating INTERNATIONAL DOT DAY! 

Inspired by the author and illustrator Peter H. Reynolds book The Dot.

 Click on the link!    International DOT DAY Activity Board

Did you know there are approximately 300 species of octopus? This is a true story about Inky, a Common New Zealand Octopus .  A fisherman caught Inky off New Zealand’s shallow reefs and donated him to the National Aquarium in Wellington. Inky’s nighttime escape down the drain and back to sea in 2016 was reported around the world.

To PLAY video click on title link below

Inky's Amazing Escape

Written by Sy Montgomery, illustrated by Amy Schimler-Safford

ACTIVITIES

CREATE: 10 easy and fun octopus crafts https://artsycraftsymom.com/octopus-crafts-for-kids/

 EXPLORE: https://octolab.tv/ featuring Video Experiments, Octopus Species, Documentaries, and more!

VEIW: Inky the octopus and other great escape videos. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2016/apr/13/inky-octopus-escapes-tank-video

An inspirational story based on the childhood experiences of African model Georgie Badiel. One girl's quest to bring clean drinking water to her African Village.

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The Water Princess 

Written by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds 

ACTIVITIES 

Think/Discuss/Imagine: How is your water sourced? What if your family had  only two pots of water available to use for the whole day... what will you use the water for?

Create: Draw yourself walking with Princess Gie Gie and her mother... what are you feeling? 

Play: Practice balancing and walking with a pot on your head. How does it feel? 

Explore:  Goergie Badeil has partnered together with Ryan's Well. Together they build wells that pump clean water into communities. 

https://www.georgiebadielfoundation.org/ 

 https://www.ryanswell.ca/ 

To PLAY video click on the title link below

Going Places

Written by Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

It’s GO time for this year’s Going Places contest! This story is a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and thinking ~ both figuratively and literally ~ outside the box.

ACTIVITIES

Think/Discuss:  When have you done something differently from others?

Create: draw, paint, build your own Going Places go-cart!

Click this link to access Going Places - Word Search

Meet the author Peter H. Reynolds as he discusses his creative process. CLICK HERE

To PLAY videos click on title link below

Black Lives Matter Instructional Library 

Every day all over the world, children are laughing and crying, playing and learning, eating and sleeping. They may not look the same or speak the same language, but inside, they are just like YOU! This story weaves its way across cultures and generations, celebrating the bond that unites us all. To PLAY video click on the title link below

Whoever You Are

Written by Mem Fox,  illustrated by Leslie Staub

ACTIVITIES

Sing Along: The World is a Rainbow with Lyrics

 Listen: Books by Mem Fox click link below

Audio books read to YOU by the author Mem Fox!

Celebrate! June is Pride Month! This  is a story of LOVE and EQUALITY. The rainbow flag is a symbol of this love and this story tells its history. This read aloud is by offered through Brightly Storytime. To PLAY click title link below.

Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag

Written by Rob Sanders, illustrated by  Steven Salerno

 ACTIVITIES

Craft : Create, color, paint, chalk, design a rainbow flag.

Think/Discuss: Take time to be proud of who you are and what you stand for, even if that just means standing up and celebrating others.

I Am Love invites YOU to look inward. When a storm is brewing inside us and the skies grow dark, the power of LOVE lets the LIGHT back in. 

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I Am Love: A Book of Compassion Written by Susan Verde,  illustrated by Peter Reynolds

ACTIVITY

 Miss LeeAnn leads you in a short "Guided Heart Meditation Practice" after reading the story!

Interactive Read Aloud - You are invited to practice these mindful movements during this video. Reach up to the sky, press your feet to the earth, and get ready for a great day!

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Good Morning Yoga: a pose-by-pose wake up story

Written by Mariam Gates , Illustrated by Sarah Jane Hinder

Enjoy this "Sing Along" Read Aloud

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Chicken Soup With Rice by: Maurice Sendak 

ACTIVITIES 

Discuss: Which month is your favorite, and why?

Create: Draw, color, or write! One day my bowl of soup turned into a ......." and then what happened?