Book Love: We're Different, We're the Same

Title: We're Different, We're the Same 

And We're All Wonderful!

Author: Bobbi Kates

Illustrator: Joe Mathieu

Why I Love This Book:  I just love the simple and fun way this book addresses the topic of how individuals are similar and different using familiar characters from Sesame Street. I especially love the overall message of the story, that is that we are all wonderful and can all belong even with our similarities and differences. What an important message for young students to learn as they broaden their circle of peer friends and acquaintances by going to school.  

Book Love: I'm as Quick as a Cricket

*Back to School Book Love*

Title: I'm as Quick as a Cricket

Author: Audrey Wood

Illustrator: Don Wood

Why I Love This Book: This is another great book for exploring individuality and self esteem. Depending on the day, we can be so many different things: "tough as a rhino," "lazy as a lizard," or "busy as a bee." But the important message of this story is that when you put all of those things together, it makes up who we are and that is something to celebrate. I especially love the beautiful and imaginative illustrations that bring each of these ideas to life. The simple, rhyming text is accessible for young toddlers and preschool aged children, while still very meaningful and engaging for Kindergarten aged students as well. 

Book Love: I Can Be Anything!

Title: I Can Be Anything!

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Illustratior: Jimmy Liao

Why I Love This Book: This was another find as I was browsing in a book store one day. This is just a fun and happy book that celebrates imagination and believing in yourself- whether you want to be a "paper- plane folder" or a "puppy-dog holder." Many "when I grow up" stories focus on jobs and careers, which is an important thing to learn about, but I love that this book explores the idea that there are many other things that we can do and be in life, besides our jobs. I love that it places value on all of life's possibilities. Honestly, I think this is a book that younger kids, older kids, and kids-at-heart can all enjoy and learn from. 

Book Love: The Dot

Title: The Dot

Author: Peter Reynolds

Why I Love This Book: It is simple, but has a great message. The young student in this story doesn't think she can draw, and feels frustrated with art. But after some encouragement from her teacher, she explores the world of art through creating dots, and finds her own sense of accomplishment and success. I love that this book supports the idea that creativity, uniqueness and individuality should always be celebrated- not only in art, but in life! Kids should have opportunities to freely create their own masterpieces, even if it is just a dot.