Bad Dog by
The differences between cats and dogs have never been funnier! In this hilarious new story from the illustrator of I Don't Want to Be a Frog, a little girl really, really wants a dog . . . but gets a cat instead! "Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!" says a little girl holding a . . . cat? Rocky doesn't listen or obey like all the other dogs. (Because Rocky is a cat.) And Rocky hates her leash and doesn't seem to like other dogs. (Probably because Rocky is a cat.) And rather than play fetch, Rocky prefers to . . . lick between her toes? Ew. Rocky is a bad "dog"! BUT Rocky doesn't bark, and is so cute when she sleeps in sunny spots. Maybe Rocky IS a good dog? (Or, you know, maybe Rocky is a cat.) Cat lovers and dog lovers alike will howl with laughter at this little girl's willful insistence that her cat is a dog. The hilarious ways in which cats and dogs are different are brilliantly illuminated with each turn of the page and will leave young readers and their grown-ups giggling. ★ "Youngsters, especially those with a pet of one kind or another of their own at home, will delight in this case of mistaken identity."--Booklist, starred review
Be You! by
A New York Times Bestseller!Creative visionary of The Word Collector, Happy Dreamer, and The Dot, #1 New York Times bestseller Peter H. Reynolds creates a joyful celebration of individuality--and staying true to Y-O-U!Be curious...Be adventurous...Be brave...BE YOU! Discover a joyful reminder of the ways that every child is unique and special, from the beloved creator of The Dot, Happy Dreamer, and New York Times bestseller, The Word Collector. Here, Reynolds reminds readers to "be your own work of art." To be patient, persistent, and true. Because there is one, and only one, YOU. In the tradition of books like Oh, the Places You'll Go! and I Wish You More comes a wholly original, inspirational celebration of individuality as only Peter H. Reynolds can create!
Boxitects by
Meg loves to create things from cardboard boxes, deeming herself a boxitect. When a new student joins her maker school, she discovers she's a boxitect too. Can the two girls learn to work together?
Forest of Reading 2021 nominee.
Blue Spruce Award nominee 2021.
Fast Friends by
"Every child has a voice — if we take the time to listen. Fast Friends is a touchingly real story that looks at kids with different challenges and strengths, something all kids experience at home and in their classrooms and other activities. Here, Tyson is not listened to because of his often disruptive behaviour (not identified but could be on the spectrum, ADHD, spirited). Suze, the new girl in class, is nonverbal with special needs. Learning to interpret Suze’s nonverbal cues improves Tyson’s ability to understand and communicate with his teacher and classmates. He ultimately finds his own voice by helping Suze find hers. Set in the familiar universe of neighbourhood and school, this engaging, exuberant story is a very satisfying read-aloud with plenty of room for discussion and thought."-- Provided by publisher.
Forest of Reading 2021 nominee.
Blue Spruce Award nominee 2021.
Going Up! by
Today is Olive's birthday party, and Sophie and her dad have baked cookies. Sophie's dad holds the platter so Sophie can push the elevator button for the tenth floor. But on the way up, the elevator stops to let the Santucci brothers get on. Then on the next floor, Vicky, Babs and their dog, Norman, get in. And as the elevator ascends, it keeps stopping, and more neighbors squeeze in to the crowded space: the Habibs, the Flores family, Mr. Kwan, Vi Tweedle with her Chihuahua, Minx. Everyone is going to the party! Playfully combining the excitement and anticipation of a party with children's universal love of riding in elevators, Sherry J. Lee's picture book story is ultimately about community and a sense of belonging. With characters from many cultural backgrounds, it showcases the everyday diversity that many urban children experience. Charlene Chua's illustrations provide loads of funny details and visual narratives that aren't in the text, making for a multilayered reading experience. The book's tall, narrow trim size adds to the effect of the rising elevator.
Grandmother School by
Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school that was built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write. The narrator beams with pride as she drops her grandmother off with the other aajis to practice the alphabet and learn simple arithmetic. A moving story about family, women and the power of education--when Aaji learns to spell her name you'll want to dance along with her. Women in countless countries continue to endure the limitations of illiteracy. Unjust laws have suppressed the rights of girls and women and kept many from getting an education and equal standing in society. Based on a true story from the village of Phangane, India, this brilliantly illustrated book tells the story of the grandmothers who got to go to school for the first time in their lives.
My Day with Gong Gong by
A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa. May isn't having fun on her trip through Chinatown with her grandfather. Gong Gong doesn't speak much English, and May can't understand Chinese. She's hungry, and bored with Gong Gong's errands. Plus, it seems like Gong Gong's friends are making fun of her! But just when May can't take any more, Gong Gong surprises her with a gift that reveals he's been paying more attention than she thought. With lighthearted, expressive illustrations by Elaine Chen, this charming debut expertly captures life in the cityand shows how small, shared moments of patience and care--and a dumpling or two--can help a child and grandparent bridge the generational and cultural gaps between them. A glossary at the end of the book features translations of the Chinese words from the story into Chinese characters and English. *A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Proudest Blue by
THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER! A powerful, vibrantly illustrated story about the first day of school--and two sisters on one's first day of hijab--by Olympic medalist and social justice activist Ibtihaj Muhammad. With her new backpack and light-up shoes, Faizah knows the first day of school is going to be special. It's the start of a brand new year and, best of all, it's her older sister Asiya's first day of hijab--a hijab of beautiful blue fabric, like the ocean waving to the sky. But not everyone sees hijab as beautiful, and in the face of hurtful, confusing words, Faizah will find new ways to be strong. Paired with Hatem Aly's beautiful, whimsical art, Olympic medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad and Morris Award finalist S.K. Ali bring readers an uplifting, universal story of new experiences, the unbreakable bond between siblings, and of being proud of who you are.
Salma the Syrian Chef by
Newcomer Salma and friends cook up a heartwarming dish to cheer up Mama. All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn't know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers at the Welcome Center are happy to lend a hand--and a sprinkle of sumac. With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren't perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration. Syrian culture is beautifully represented through the meal Salma prepares and Anna Bron's vibrant illustrations, while the diverse cast of characters speaks to the power of cultivating community in challenging circumstances.
The Truth About Wind by
"A vividly imagined story about the importance of telling the truth, even if it means losing something you love. When Jesse finds a toy horse and makes it his very own, his imagination runs wild. This horse is the fastest horse in the whole world, so Jesse names him Wind. He can't wait to race him across the prairie (the kitchen table) and over deep canyons (the bathtub). There's just one problem: Wind doesn't actually belong to Jesse. He was left behind accidentally by his real owners. And though at first Jesse is full of joy as he plays with Wind, soon he starts to feel uneasy--Jesse knows Wind's real owners must miss him. But how can Jesse explain to his mother exactly where Wind came from? And is there a way to make everything okay again? The Truth About Wind is a dynamic story about the courage it takes to face up to a lie, brought to life by a trio of celebrated creators."-- Provided by publisher.
Forest of Reading 2021 nominee.
Blue Spruce Award nominee 2021.
Bad Dog by
The differences between cats and dogs have never been funnier! In this hilarious new picture book from the illustrator of I Don't Want to Be a Frog, a little girl really, really wants a dog... but gets a cat instead! The differences between cats and dogs have never been funnier! In this hilarious story from the illustrator of I Don't Want to Be a Frog, a little girl really, really wants a dog . . . but gets a cat instead! "Look what I got for my birthday! A pet dog!" says a little girl holding a . . . cat? Rocky doesn't listen or obey like all the other dogs. (Because Rocky is a cat.) And Rocky hates her leash and doesn't seem to like other dogs. (Probably because Rocky is a cat.) And rather than play fetch, Rocky prefers to . . . lick between her toes? Ew. Rocky is a bad "dog"! BUT Rocky doesn't bark, and is so cute when she sleeps in sunny spots. Maybe Rocky IS a good dog? (Or, you know, maybe Rocky is a cat.) Cat lovers and dog lovers alike will howl with laughter at this little girl's willful insistence that her cat is a dog. The hilarious ways in which cats and dogs are different are brilliantly illuminated with each turn of the page and will leave young readers and their grown-ups giggling.
Hello!
My name is Amelia Rotter, and I am a final-year Con-Ed student. My focus classes, and specialization in teaching, are centred around Early Childhood Education. This is why I was more than delighted to work with the top 10 Blue Spruce Nominees of 2021 during my Alternate Practicum. I created specific lesson plan outlines for three of the ten books, including Salma the Syrian Chef, The Proudest Blue, and Boxitects.
I have provided in-depth lesson plan outlines that target a number of subjects that are grade specific K-2, such as science and technology, mathematics, art, and social studies. The primary level students will have a blast with the various hands-on activities that I have researched and prepared. The Teacher Guides include an average of 3-4 lesson plans per book, marked with session subheadings. The lesson plan guides are organized into sections that are colour coordinated for your convenience, and begin with guiding questions and thoughts before, during, and after reading the given Blue Spruce picture book to the class. The objectives of the lessons, resources needed, as well as a brief summary of the text are included as well.
Enjoy delving into these fantastic books!
