Book Love: Sophie's Masterpiece

Title: Sophie's Masterpiece

Author: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrator: Jane Dyer

Why I Love This Book: Well, I actually hate spiders, but I love this beautiful story about giving and kindness. This story has a more serious tone to it, but its message can be inspiring for kids and adults alike. The illustrations are wonderful, and give added emotion and depth to the words of the story. A great book for toying with the idea that spiders might not be so bad after all...or maybe for recognizing that everyone has something to give, even if they seem scary because they are different. 

Just a Thought...

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. 

And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. 

When will we also teach them what they are?

We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? 
You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. 

You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? 

You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children."

                                - Pablo Picasso

Book Love: Pumpkin Pumpkin

Title: Pumpkin Pumpkin

Author: Jeanne Titherington

Why I Love This Book: This books explains the life cycle of a pumpkin with beautifully illustrated pictures and text that is simple and meaningful for young children. I especially love how realistic the illustrations are, as it adds to the informational aspect of the book. Although this would not be considered a true non-fiction book because it still contains a fictional story, the book does provide some basic facts about pumpkins and how they grow.  A great read for beginning conversations and explorations about pumpkins!

We Make the Weather

"I've come to the frightening conclusion that I am

 the decisive element in the classroom. 

It's my daily mood that makes the weather. 

As a teacher, I possess a tremendous power 

to make a child's life miserable or joyous. 

I can be a tool of torture or 

an instrument of inspiration. 

I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. 

In all situations, it is my response that decides 

whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated 

and a child humanized or de-humanized."

Dr. Haim Ginott

Book Love: Ida B

Author: Katherine Hannigan

Why I Love This Book: This book is written for children ages 9-12. I'm highlighting it here because I think it is a beautiful glimpse into the world of childhood. I love how the author was able to really explore the innocent and creative thought processes of a growing and learning child. I think it's good for us to get a peek into the world and minds of children every now and again, and this book is a delightful way to do just that.

Here is one quote from the book that I loved, where Ida B. is describing her first experience in a Kindergarten classroom. 

"There was a rabbit in a cage in the room, but we couldn't pet it until it was time. There were books on the shelves, but we couldn't read them until it was time. There was a big playground with slides and swings and balls, but we couldn't play on it until it was time. There were lots of kids, but we couldn't talk until you-know-when. 

"Ms. Myers," I finally asked, "when is 'time'?"

(p. 46)