Why Do Families Change? Our First Talk about Separation and Divorce
Author: Dr. Jillian Roberts
Illustrator: Cindy Revell
Publisher: Orca Book Publishers
ISBN: 978-1-4598-0951-2
Although many families share similarities, they are all unique and different. Sometimes families go through difficult times and defining and explaining to children about changes may be difficult, discouraging, upsetting, and even frightening. This is a book that explains separation and divorce through simple language and illustrations. The topics in the book cover definitions, an explanation about why separation and divorce happens, discussion about how it is never the child's fault, how this situation will affect the family, and what a child can do to feel better. This one text will not answer all questions a child may have, but it is a good text to have in a bundle with other books about separation, divorce, and other unique situations that may arise in a family.
Still a Family
Author: Brenda Reeves Sturgis
Illustrator: Jo-Shin Lee
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 978-0-8075-7707-3
This is a story about a little girl and her family who are homeless and live in a shelter. Mom and the little girl live in a shelter for women and children, and Dad lives in a shelter down the street. Even though they live in different shelters, they are still a family and love each other. The little girl describes what it is like to live, sleep, and play in a shelter. Mom and the little girl will meet Dad at the park to play their favorite games because they are still a family and enjoy spending time together! This is a very special book that should be available in every classroom. At the end of the text, there is a list of organizations for readers to learn more about programs that support the homeless in our communities.
Today I Feel... An Alphabet of Feelings
Author: Madalena Moniz
Publisher: Abrams Appleseed
ISBN: 978-1-4197-2324-7
Twenty-six letters and feelings to discuss. A great text to introduce the first week of school when children may be feeling curious, excited, nervous, quiet, uncertain, and ZZZZ (tired!). At the end of the text, children are invited to share how they feel today! The illustrations provide colorful, creative examples of each emotion! A great text for your classroom this fall!
We Love You Rosie!
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Illustrator: Linda Davick
Publisher: Beach Lane Books
ISBN: 978-1-44246511-4
Meet Rosie, a puppy who is sometimes good and sometimes,
well, a bit naughty. Rosie loves to play, run, sleep and dream. But occasionally, Rosie likes to eat off the table and make big messes.
Regardless of what Rosie does, her family will always love her! This is a cute text to use to teach prepositions such as good/bad, in/out, day/night, lost/found, and up/down!
The Children's Garden: Growing Food in the City
Author: Carole Lexa Schaefer
Illustrator: Pierr Morgan
Publisher: Little Bigfoot
ISBN: 978-1-57051-984-7
The Children's Garden is a real place in Seattle, Washington where the garden is cared for by the children in the community! The book features diverse children participating in different jobs but working together to tend to this community garden. There are descriptive words and sentences that give children an idea of what the garden may look, feel, smell and taste like! The story walks readers through the materials needed to garden such as tools and rakes to emphasize the hard work that goes into raising a healthy garden. This would be a fabulous book to buy or borrow to add to you bookshelves this fall and would be a great resource for teaching children vocabulary following the theme of gardening and healthy, naturally grown foods.
