June

Watersong
by Tim McCanna

From the Publisher:
In glorious onomatopoeia, Tim McCanna takes the reader on a dazzling journey as a fox seeks shelter from a rainstorm.

Reading Tip:
Onomatopoeia is the use of words that sound like what they mean. For example: Drip, Drop, Plip, Plop, Pitter, Patter. Read Watersong and then ask the children to help you identify new onomatopoeias not used in the book. Discuss their meanings and the context in which they might be used.

May

Jabari Jumps
by Gaia Cornwall

From the Publisher:
Working up the courage to take a big, important leap is hard, but Jabari is almost absolutely ready to make a giant splash.

Reading Tip:
Use your voice to show Jabari’s emotions and pause for effect, like when he’s thinking about his “special jump” or when his dad gives him advice.
Ask students to practice deep breathing with you when Jabari does, to make it an interactive and memorable experience.  

April

Green Green
by Marie Lamba and Baldev Lamba

From the Publisher:
Green grass is wide and fresh and clean for a family to play in, and brown dirt is perfect for digging a garden.
But when gray buildings start to rise up and a whole city builds, can there be any room for green space?

Reading Tip:

Look closely at the cover and ask children what they see. Identify the gardening tools, the different insects, and the plants.
Make predictions. Use the cover art to guess what the story will be about. After reading, encourage children to draw what they would want to grow in their own garden. Ask them if they have visited green spaces or parks in their neighborhood, near their school, or elsewhere.  Have they ever planted a seed or a garden?

March

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring
by Kenard Pak

From the Publisher:
Join a boy and his dog as they explore nature and take a stroll through the countryside, greeting all the signs of the coming season. In a series of conversations with everything from the melting brook to chirping birds, they say goodbye to winter and welcome the lushness of spring.

Reading Tip:
Look closely at the illustrations in the story. Discuss how the illustrations provide new and different meanings than the words.

Discuss where and when the story takes place (setting). Practice comparing and contrasting after reading the book. Discuss mindfulness
with students and practice a mindfulness activity with them. For example, ask students to sit quietly and close their eyes to listen for
specific sounds, like birds singing, planes passing by, or the sounds of their own breathing.

February

The Day it Rained Hearts
by Felicia Bond

From the Publisher:
One day it rains hearts, and Cornelia Augusta catches them. She realizes that the hearts are perfect for making valentines. Each heart is special in its own way, and Cornelia Augusta knows exactly who to send them to: her animal friends.

Reading Tip:
Ask students:

• What do you think Cornelia Augusta will do with the hearts?
• Who do you think will get this card?
• How will Cornelia Augusta’s friends feel when they get their cards?
• Why do you think Cornelia Augusta gave this card to the dog/mouse/turtle/rabbit?
• Invite students to share who they would like to give a heart card to and why.

January

The Wish Tree
by Kyo Maclear

From the Publisher:
Charles wants to find a wish tree. His brother and sister don’t believe there is such a thing, but his trusty companion Boggan is ready to join
Charles on a journey to find out. And along the way, they discover that wishes can come true in the most unexpected ways.

The poetic text and heartwarming illustrations evoke the true essence of the holiday season and will inspire wishers everywhere.
This gem of a book deserves center stage year-round.

Reading Tip:
Ask students: “What would you wish for if you found a wish tree?” Pause to predict what kind of animal Charles and Boggan will meet next. Discuss how Charles helps each animal and how it reflects kindness and teamwork. Encourage students to write or draw their own wish and hang it on a tree.