This book is precious. Every home and classroom should have a copy.  It's easy to think about the things we can't do or the challenges we face when it comes to our individual learning styles, but this book reminds you of all the ways you can be smart. Smart isn't just about what you can do in school, but all the unique talents you may have beyond the classroom, whether it's whistling, exploring, dancing or just sitting still. The illustrations are bright and engaging and the sing song text is just as fun, too. 

Spring Break is so close we can feel it and we have a new book to share with you! Benji Davies is an author and illustrator of many vibrant children's books and this one is right up there displaying his impressive talent. A story about a boy who journeys to a tropical island where his Grandad is through an attic door. After their time on the island Syd has to come back, but Grandad decided to stay there! A story about loss, but also about the memories that remain of our loved ones long after they're gone. Whether you're staying here in snowy Aspen, or headed on the road or in the air to someplace warm and sunny, this is a must read. Oh, read it here with Benji, himself! 

The second Wild Robot book was released on March 13th and it won't disappoint. Roz, the robot finds himself on a farm working for a kind family who could no longer keep up with their farm tasks. Roz befriends the family and animals on the farm, but still misses his dear son, Brighbill.  A charming story, just like it's prior, The Wild Robot about love, friendship and determination. Will Roz make it back to his family? Where does Roz really belong? We loved it- we hope you do too!

Spoiler Alert: I think this one made the cut for the Newbery Club next year! :) 

This book- wow. It's hard to pick a favorite book, but I may have to give this one the prize. It's the most beautifully illustrated book I may have ever seen. The story is sweet and can be expanded on a deeper more broad level as well. A  polar bear finds himself in a forest, wandered away from home and want's to make his way back to his family. The other animals in the forest view him as a threat and are confused by his strange behavior, but with a little compassion and teamwork, the animals realized that the polar bear is not a threat at all, but instead, in need of some help! They work together to get the polar bear back to his family. Oooh. You're going to love it. 

A fun twist on an ABC book but this time, manipulating letters to make new words! It would be fun to use with a FAST board in the classroom, too! The fun, silly characters making the illustrations engaging and interesting! Things like, "Without the U, my Aunt is an Ant" will make kids laugh and see how letters can quickly change meaning to words when they are added or taken away.  "Without the G, the glove falls in love" and "Without the L, plants wear pants!" Silly sentences, bound to make your kiddos smile. Just ask Miss. Kate's 4th grade class, they love this book! 

 This is a beautiful story about the history of the real Winnie, of Winnie the Pooh.
Winnie met Christopher Robin at the London Zoo, and the rest of their journey is uncovered in this sweet, sweet story. It's set in wartime Era and is  remarkable historical account of the beloved favorite, Winnie-the-Pooh. Highly recommend this read aloud for families and classrooms. Winner of the Caldecott Medal, too! :)

If you haven't yet read this classic, make sure you grab a copy for the holiday break or to read aloud in class and let your students escape to another world and time. Echo is a story intertwined with love, grit, loyalty and friendship. The story is made up of three fast paced stories rooted in Historical Fiction all the while surrounded by an overarching fairy tale. Bookpage.com describes the beginning of this story very eloquently. 

"The first is a fairy tale about a boy named Otto who becomes lost in a German forest. He is rescued by three mysterious maidens who happen to be characters in a book that he has just bought from a gypsy. This gypsy also gives Otto a unique harmonica that has special powers. “When you play it,” the maidens explain, “you breathe in and out, just as you would to keep your body alive. Have you ever considered that one person might play the mouth harp and pass along her strength and vision and knowledge?” Indeed, this instrument has amazing “pay it forward” abilities." 

And so sets the tone for the three stories to follow and how this magical harmonica changes their lives. A perfect read aloud and a perfect book to snuggle up with on your own, for all ages and all walks of the world :) 

The Bad Seed!  Have you ever spotted someone and thought, "Oh, that's a bad seed..."  Or just maybe, you were that person.  This is quite an effective story for reflection: for self- or otherwise.  Author Jory John speaks to the transformative power of will, self-acceptance, and the power we each have within us--the power to change.  Read and enjoy this funny story of a seed and its path in life...so far...

This beautiful story by Matt De La Pena shares a glimpse into the relationship between a grandson and his grandmother. Nana opens CJs eyes to the beauty in the world around them, taking notice and giving appreciation in the every-day events, and while taking notice of the specialness of others.  Cultural diversity is something to embrace!