It's Monday...was started by two teachers, Jen Vincent @teachmentortexts, and Kellee @unleashingreaders. Please visit these two fabulous teachers to see what they, and others, are reading. I always get great recommendations to add to my TBR pile.
My reading this week:
My reading this week:
The Secret Life of Squirrels by Nancy Rose. This one caught my eye in the bookstore this week. The author photographed wild squirrels exploring miniature sets constructed in her backyard. The story is built around her photos of the squirrels interacting with the handmade props. We meet Mr. Peanuts engaged in his favorite activities, then feeling lonely, he invites Cousin Squirrel to visit. Fascinating to realize all the work and patience that went in to creating the illustrations.
In by Nikki Mcclure. I am a huge fan of Nikki Mcclure's beautiful and inspiring cut- paper illustrations. I saw her new book at Nerd Camp Bellingham, and knew I had to have it. (Adding to my collection of calendars, posters, and most of her other books.) This book perfectly captures a child's perspective on the balance of needing to stay "in"--a time to restore ourselves from the outside world, and then the need to go back "out" and re-engage with the world around us.
"I only want to stay in.
In my pajamas.
Inside.
In. In. In."
"I only want to stay in.
In my pajamas.
Inside.
In. In. In."
Sidewalk Flowers by JonAmo Lawson. I fell in love with this wordless picture book after seeing it on Franki Sibberson's blog. A little girl walking with her dad gathers flowers from all the nooks and crannies in the city. She passes them out amongst the homeless, animals, her family, and herself. Her simple gifts are transformative to the receivers. It's a beautiful example of how important and powerful it is for us to "notice" others. Just beautiful--a must read.
Proust and the Squid by Maryanne Wolf. I recently reread this book written by Tufts University cognitive neuroscientist and child development expert Maryanne Wolf. She is also the director of the Center for Reading and Language Research. As someone who works with students with reading challenges, I am fascinated by how our reading brains work. According to Wolf, humans were never born to read and must be taught this complex skill. Reading is a human invention that reflects how the brain rearranges itself to learn something new. This book is so jam packed with information, that I will be revisiting it again and again.
What I'm currently reading:
What I'm currently reading:
Have a great week of reading. I'm looking forward to linking up with the "It's Monday, what are you reading" crowd to find more great recommendations. It's such an invaluable resource!!