Tag Archives: Sharing

Elem. – The Sharing Book

Posted on by
Reply

White, Diane. The Sharing Book. Margaret Ferguson Books, 2023. 978-0-823-44347-5. 32 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

Two friends spend the day making memories on a fun-filled camping trip. The day begins with a beautiful sunrise followed by a pancake breakfast. The fun continues with games of hide-and-seek, tire swinging, hiking, fishing, canoeing, napping in a hammock, storytelling, and music around a campfire. These simple experiences become special because they are shared with friends. The lyrical text celebrates life’s simple moments, and the repeated refrain reminds readers that things like meals, laughter, adventures, stories, and music are made even more memorable by enjoying them with those we care about. Hand-painted and digital illustrations feature three families enjoying the outdoors together, and their smiles, laughter, and comradery match the text’s inclusive feel. 

THOUGHTS: This title underscores the idea that love, friendship, and kindness are always worth sharing. After reading, encourage students to share their own camping experiences or other ways they’ve enjoyed the outdoors with those they care about.

Picture Book

Elem. – All Kinds of Special

Posted on by
Reply

Sauer, Tammi. All Kinds of Special. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 978-1-534-49603-3. 36 p. $18.99. Grades K-3. 

It’s a new beginning for Mia and her mother when they move to a house all their own. It has five rooms, eleven windows, and a whole lot of promise. Saying goodbye to her old apartment and friends was hard, but the new house comes with something extra special: a yard and a mango tree. Mia looks out her window each morning, waiting for the mangos to ripen. When they finally do, Mia and Mama are in for a big surprise: more mangos than they can possibly use on their own! Deciding something as delicious as mangos deserves to be shared, Mia sets up a “free mangos” sign and table in the front yard, and soon, their house is the busiest spot on the block. It’s clear this is the start of all kinds of new beginnings and friendships for this mother-daughter duo. Brightly colored digital illustrations capture the love, pride, and excitement of new beginnings and complement the lyrical text.

THOUGHTS: This will be a fun read-aloud for units about families or building community connections.

Picture Book

Elem. – Figgy & Boone: The Big Cheese

Posted on by
Reply

Transler, Janee. Figgy & Boone: The Big Cheese. Simon Spotlight. 2023. 978-1-665-91452-9. $17.99. Grades PreK-1.

Figgy and Boone are at it again! First, they ran out of cheese, which they love! Thankfully, they found a big wheel of cheese for them to eat. The only problem is the wheel is too big for them to move. Boone thinks of several ways to move the cheese, but all of his plans fail. Figgy figures out a way to move the cheese and, with lots of sharing, everyone is happy.

THOUGHTS: Another great Figgy & Boone beginner graphic novel! As with the previous story, the beginning of the book informs young readers how to read graphic novels, which is incredibly helpful for someone who may not know the correct way to read this specific genre. Add in some fun rodent characters, and this book is a delight!

Graphic Novel

Elem. – Give This Book Away!

Posted on by
Reply

Farrell, Darren. Give This Book Away! Illustrated by Maya Tatsukawa. Alfred A. Knopf, 2022. 978-0-593-348051-9. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-5.

Farrell encourages readers to build community through random acts of kindness. Starting with a simple act like giving away a book “(Unless it came from your local library…),” young children will understand the ripple effect their actions can have. Nerves are taken into account as a child considers to whom they want to give the book – a neighbor, the next person on the street, a new face on the playground, etc. Despite feeling butterflies, spreading joy can result in “giggles…hugs (ask first!),” or happy tears. The power of sharing is shown in such a positive way that students will love to brainstorm ways they can spread kindness in their own lives. And maybe one day that gift will make it back to them. In a variety of ways, accessible even to the youngest students, giving is encouraged throughout this title. Endpapers are designed to be written on with the name and city of readers who have received this book, so even with the library warning, be prepared for this (or include a message for students on the inside cover). This title would be the perfect one to read aloud and discuss when learning about kindness or to add to a Free Little Library.

THOUGHTS: An adorable explanation on the power of giving and kindness, Give This Book Away! will enhance any elementary library collection.

Picture Book          Maryalice Bond, South Middleton SD

Elem. – The New Rooster

Posted on by
Reply

Alexander, Rilla. The New Rooster. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. 978-1-534-49345-2. $18.99. 48 p. Grades PK-2.

When Rooster parachutes into town, he is eager to start his new job in his new country. Rooster quickly runs into trouble when no one understands his Pig Latin wake up call. Confident that he is good at his job, he tries again, crowing louder and louder at his new apartment building until the neighboring animals are annoyed. Shouting back in a variety of languages, the neighbors make it clear that they do not understand Rooster. In a last ditch attempt to begin the day, Rooster stuffs posters into apartment doors. His neighbors do not understand what the posters say. By this time it is well into the afternoon, and the sun still has not risen in the sky. Dejected, Rooster makes plans to return to his home country. First, though, he will need a good breakfast. Cooking makes Rooster happy. As he whips up a huge spread of different foods, the smells of the delicious meal waft down the hall waking Rooster’s new neighbors. One by one they join in a feast. Rooster happily shares his breakfast with his new community. Though each new friend speaks a different language, all understand that food brings people together.  

THOUGHTS: Children are often surprised to learn that animal sounds are pronounced differently in different languages. Bright and bold illustrations highlight the amusing tone of this cute picture book. A wonderful invitation to discuss immigration, community, languages, and sharing. 

Picture Book          Anne McKernan, Council Rock SD

Elem. – Not Enough Lollipops

Posted on by
Reply

Maynor, Megan. Not Enough Lollipops. Illustrated by Micah Player. Random House Kids, 2022. Unpaged. $17.99 978-0-593-37256-2. Grades PK-2. 

Alice wins the school raffle: a huge basket of lollipops! Suddenly, she is the center of attention, receiving many requests from wide-eyed schoolmates of varying ages. Then worry strikes: what if there are not enough lollipops? Now Alice hears much advice, like “I always saved you a seat!” “Don’t count the new kid, he’s not a real classmate,” “I scraped my knee” (with accompanying tears).  Alice is under pressure to part with her pops, and the desperation shows on the kids’ faces. When she’s had enough of the talk, she decides, “What if I don’t choose? What if I say everyone can handle a lollipop?  Everyone deserves one. Everyone counts.” Still people worry there may not be enough, but Alice counters, “what if there are?” A line forms and lollipops are distributed, one apiece. Typical personalities come through, from “I can’t wait!” to “There won’t be enough. You’ll see.” And some say thanks while others are upset to receive just one. Alice gives out numerous colors and flavors, and they all discover that there were enough lollipops! This begins some apologizing, like “I used to be the new kid…” All seem content, until a first-grader asks about the extras, and Alice faces the same problem.

THOUGHTS: This book would be a fun read-aloud, and could generate some important talk about fairness and decision-making, expectations and exceptions. Coloring lollipops and identifying flavors–and charting favorite flavors, totaling how many for all schoolmates–allows this book to touch on important skills.

Picture Book          Melissa Scott, Shenango Area SD

Elem. – Oh Look, a Cake!

Posted on by
Reply

McKee, J.C. Oh Look, a Cake! Clarion. 978-0-358-38030-6. Unpaged. $18.99. Grades K-2.

Sloth and Lemur find a cake. A big, beautiful cake. Three layers. Pink icing. Sprinkles. A candle on top. This calls for a party! But whom should they invite? Elephant? Tiger? Peacock? Unicorn or the ants? Each possibility is quickly struck down, inevitably leaving only Sloth and Lemur to eat the cake. But what happens when Tiger comes looking for her birthday cake, only to find an empty plate and two slightly nauseous friends? Those familiar with Jon Klassen’s “Hat” books won’t be surprised at Tiger’s solution. Astute readers may clue in early on the mystery of who owns the cake if they notice the black and orange striped candle on the top. The delightfully whimsical illustrations make this perfect for a read aloud, and small listeners will no doubt be squirming with giggly anticipation, as they wait to see what goes wrong when Sloth and Lemur don’t share their bounty. The book could be used as a segue to a discussion on sharing, or for just plain fun.

THOUGHTS: This smile-inducing book is perfect for libraries serving young patrons.

Picture Book          Nancy Nadig, Penn Manor SD

Elem. – It Fell from the Sky

Posted on by
Reply

Fan, Terry and Eric Fan. It Fell from the Sky. Simon & Schuster, 2021. 978-1-534-45762-1. Unpaged. $17.99. Grades K-2.

“It fell from the sky on Thursday.” And so begins this imaginative tale of a group of genteel insects who witness something fall into their garden. With its round shape and beautiful colors, the insects agree that they had never seen anything so amazing. The Dung beetle finds it too heavy to roll, and the ethereal Luna Moth believes it is a chrysalis waiting to hatch. The wise Grasshopper, with magnifying glass in hand, declares that it is “not of earthly origins.” Spider artfully builds a display for this “Wonder from the Sky” and charges admission. As the attraction grows more popular, Spider increases his rates, only to lose customers. Then the worst happens when a “five-legged creature” snatches the object. Spider realizes he has been selfish and makes amends to all when more opportunities fall into place. This creative story is truly enhanced by the illustrations. The scenery and the creatures are drawn in graphite, while only the “Wonder” is in color, thus directing the reader’s focus right to it. The author-illustrators add a whimsical touch in the insects’ attire with many wearing hats or other accessories.

THOUGHTS: The Fan Brothers have crafted a remarkable and humorous picture book that is sure to delight young readers. This text can be used to illustrate the concept of point of view and to launch a discussion about sharing. It is a must-have for all elementary collections.

Picture Book          Denise Medwick, Retired PSLA Member