National Picture Book Month: Dance

According to the counter been for today is Dance. It is also nonfiction Monday. I'm going to include some nonfiction books about dance, but I can't resist including some fiction books as well.

There are so many great nonfiction books about dance. We don't have as many as I would like in our library, but I found lots of great ones at the St. Mary's County Public Library. A few of the ones I found I will be adding to our collection. I love when books combined a topic, such as dance and the alphabet. There are two really great ones that I found at the public library. One of the alphabet books is Alphabet of Dance by Barbie Schwaeber. The second is A Dictionary of Dance by Liz Murphy. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. I leaned so much from each of the books. I was not a dancer when I was younger, so the books were a great introduction to the dance world. 

There is one book that I found that looks interesting for those aspiring dancers is Learn to Speak Dance: A Guide to Creating, Performing, and Promoting Your Moves by Ann-Marie Williams. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. Because a lot of great information including history of dance and some great tips on costumes, performances, and even a potential career. Anybody who aspires to be a dancer might want to check into this book. Ann-Maire Williams, the author has had many years of dance experience.

I can't talk about dance without talking about two of my absolute favorite fiction books. They are both wordless picture about it allows you to "tell the story". The first is Flora and the Flamingo, click here for a summary on Goodreads. It is a Caldecott Honor Book. The second is Flora in the Penguin, click here for a summary on Goodreads. Both books are written by Molly Idle. These books are so much fun since they also have a lot of lift the flap pages and pages that fold out. I always notice different things going on each time I read them.

                   

Since it's nonfiction Monday what great nonfiction books have you been reading? Post in the comments that we can share new titles.

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda (@HESMediaCenter)

National Picture Book Month: Mo Willems

I have been a HUGE fan of Mo Willems since I read the book Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! He is a gifted storyteller, as well as a wonderful illustrator. Right now two of his pigeon books are in our Top Ten Checkouts by students. All of the kids, no matter what their age enjoy them. 




If you haven't read any of his Knuffle Bunny books you really should run to the library and check them out. The first book is a story many parents can relate to Trixie, the little girl in the story, leaves something very important someplace. The story is great, but the illustrations really make the story for me. Mo Willems took real photographs (in black and white) and used them as the background for the story. Then he drew his characters and placed them on top of the background. It is really neat to look at the real photographs with these drawn characters on top. 

Mo Willems Elephant and Piggie books can't be beat. I love them all, though my favorite is We Are In A Book! This book was a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor winner a few years ago. I always try to celebrate Friendiversary in February. This is when the first Elephant and Pigge book was published. They are some of the most well loved books in our HES Library. I also have a lot of fun with Kindergarten with Elephant and Piggie's Dance Party on Mo Willems site. They kids have so much fun and there are so many giggles! The newest Elephant and Piggie book is called I really like Slop! I can't wait to get it for the HES Media Center!!

I think my favorite Mo Willems book is Leonardo the Terrible Monster. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This book is a sweet tale about friendship. I loved reading it to my classes. It is one that I never get tired of reading aloud. And I love when the students create their own monsters after we have read it. They can be so creative!
Do you have a favorite Mo Willems book? Share in the comments if you do!!

Keep checking back and following on Twitter for more great posts about National Picture Book Month. Don't forget to print out the calendar and find some new authors.

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda (@HESMediaCenter)  

National Picture Book Month

November is National Picture Book Month. This celebration is a recent one for schools, libraries, authors and readers to promote literacy at all ages. Many times in the library we hear these words, "I want to check out a chapter book!" Chapter books are certainly wonderful, but often students want to rush to chapter books because they think picture books are too easy. 

In reality, many picture books are written for older readers at high reading levels. Books with illustrations working together with text can give readers a better understanding of challenging concepts. For example, Carole Boston Weatherford's book Freedom on the Menu tells the story of the Greensboro Sit-in. Doreen Rappaport's biography Eleanor, Quiet No More chronicles the First Lady's transition from childhood to the White House. Photographs like Nic Bishop's in his book Frogs capture wildlife in action-an experience many children don’t have.

Reader understanding of all of these topics are enhanced because of their illustrations. The picture book format provides the right balance to make the topic more accessible for students. 

During November I hope you'll challenge yourself to read a few picture books and enjoy the work of both authors and illustrators!  You can print this calendar in color or black and white with picture book suggestions. Make sure you scroll down to page 2 on the black and white calendar. Let's read, share, and celebrate the power of picture books!

If you are reading any great picture books, please share with me! Starting today I'll be sharing a great picture book related to the theme or author on the calendar for that day. Enjoy the video below. Authors and illustrators answer the question: What is a picture book?

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda (@HESMediaCenter)