Forest Has a Song

If you've followed The Poem Farm, you'll love Amy Ludwig Vanderwater's new book - Forest Has a Song.  It's always a treasure to find a book of poetry like this one (especially when combined with Robbin Grouley's illustrations).  

"Forest News" starts out like this:

I stop to read

the Forest News

in mind or fallen snow. 

Articles are printed

 by critters on the go.

And I must say that "stopping to read Forest Has a Song" is well worth the stop!  Ms. Vanderwater captures the treasures of the forest in poems, short and long, breathtakingly.

When we talk to young writers about "naming" and "noticing" and "marking their day" it's having wonderful poets like Amy that make our jobs so much richer.  Our own writing so much richer.  The patience in "Waiting for Deer," the tapping in "Woodpecker," the honking of geese in "Song"... each poem leaves you a little closer to the sights, the sounds, and the songs of the forest.  It's the exact kind of close observation that we want to encourage in our young poets and young writers. 

My favorite poem in the collection is "Snowflake Voices."

Snowflake Voices

I like to walk 

outside

alone

in winter woods

behind my home.

I close my eyes

to softly hear

snowy voices

crystal clear

Each silver 

snowflake

sings my name

Guess what?

No two sound the same.

Stunning.  

One of my favorite books on the teaching of poetry is A Note Slipped Under the Door by Shirley McPhillips and Nick Flynn published by Stenhouse (2000).  On page 37, it says, "Poets live wide awake in the world.  They 'eavesdrop," watching and listening in the moment, letting things catch their attention.  They wonder and ask questions, letting what they see and hear inform their lives.  Sometimes a poet will notice the exact words that people use.  These 'found' bits of speech can be a springboard for new ideas or a backboard against which to bat ideas and test them farther.  Just by listening closely to what people say, to the very words they use in their everyday speech, the world around us can be revealed.  We can be moved by the words themselves at the moment we hear them, yet we don't know why.  But, as poets, we keep them, believing these words can hold new meaning."

In our work with young writers, I can imagine that books like Forest Has a Song can be that springboard for writers.  It can help create meaning.  It can expand writer's lives into the forest... even if they've never physically experienced the sights and sounds and songs that Ms. Vanderwater invites us to visit.  All it takes is a close read... close your eyes, ponder. Poetry like hers can't help but increase the background knowledge of young writers and invite them to notice their "world" and the poetry that hides within it (be it city, country, subway, or dirt road).  

Ms. Vanderwater is a writer's mentor.  Forest Has a Song a newly found treasure.  And in all the hustle an bustle of our teaching, we can't neglect poetry.  "Helping writers find their song..." now that's a goal, eh?  Thanks, Amy, for the reminder.  

Jen Bryant - A Conundrum

I have three books in my "new" pile to write about... and they're all by Jen Bryant which is causing me a huge conundrum!  Do I write about them in one entry?  

Nope.  But let me write about two today...

The first book is Georgia's Bones.  It's a wonderful book about Georgia O'Keefe.  Listen to the first lines:

As a child, shapes often drifted

in and out of Georgia's mind.

Curved and straight, round or square, 

she studied them, and let them disappear.

The way Jen Bryant takes us on a "collection of words" about Georgia O'Keefe's life is gentle and spirited.  Even though the book is "fiction," you gather a sense of Georgia O'Keefe's innate curiosity and sensitivity to the natural world.  And Bethanne Andersen blends her illustrations with Ms. Bryant's words almost magically.  As I read it, I felt like I was learning about a part of Georgia O'Keefe's life that I never knew.

How will I use it?  I might use it in a study of "Stamina and Endurance."  Or I might use it to introduce the concept of "Noticings" as we work in our writer's notebooks.  Or I might use in a study of lyrical nonfiction.  Or I might use it during a study of "Line Lifts" to nudge our writing.

• • • • • • • • • 

The second book is Abe's Fish.  This will go into my classroom collection of "Books about Abe Lincoln."  Listen to this writing:

The late-day sun warmed Abe's back and 

deepened the red of a ripe apple that hung

by the roadside, just out of reach.  Abe tried

three times to poke it down with a stick, 

but the apple refused to drop.

I wish I was tall! he thought

Ms. Bryant takes us on a childhood journey of Abraham Lincoln's life that is eloquent and poignant.  Freedom.  The ending pages are breathtaking.  I loved that it focused not on his presidency, but on his childhood.  The author's notes at the end of the book are an example of superb nonfiction writing.  Amy June Bates has illustrated the books beautifully.

How will I use it?  I might use as a "cousin" text to my other Lincoln books.  Or I might use it in a study of "Stamina and Endurance."  Or I might use it in a study of "Evoking Sensory Images."  Or I might use it as an example of "mixing narrative in a nonfiction study." 

• • • • • • • • • 

Jen Bryant is an talented writer.  We loved her River of Words about William Carlos Williams.  She's bringing nonfiction to young readers in the most interesting and breathtaking ways.  Her ability to blend "fiction" with "nonfiction" is the exact kind of book I like to read... it causes me pause.  It makes me reread.  It makes me notice.  It makes me want to read more.  It makes me want to learn more.  Dare I say her writing deserves a closer read?

So what's the rest of my conundrum?  I'll mention that in my next "Jen Bryant" post...

Summer Readin' - Had Me A Blast!

Last week, I email this to my fourth grade students from last year.  I thought I'd post it on All-en-a-Day's Work as well.  My friend, Dana, and I were chatting on the phone and she asked me what I ordered... here's the list!  Enjoy.

- - - - - - - 

Good Morning, 

I hope your summer is off to a good start... full of fun, family, and reading (and some math and some writing and perhaps some investigating of creatures living in your backyard)!

My summer is off to a grand start. I spent a week in Minnesota working with teachers there (I also got some cheese curds in Wisconsin and visited the town near where Laura Ingalls was born).  I came home with a few books (surprise) and some artwork from local artists in the places we visited.  I spent three days with Lauryn's first grade teacher, Mrs. Franklin, and her husband (my wife and Lauryn went with me) who now live in Minnesota in a quaint little town.  I had dinner with Mr. Muma's old boss and went to his house to visit.  My wife and I joked about perhaps moving to Minnesota when I retire in five or ten years or so!  

This week I've spent time reading and writing and reading and writing some more.  I'm on about page three of a new book, but I've also been doing some other writing as well.  I am babysitting Tonka, my son's dog.  She and Timber are keeping me on my toes (right now they are sleeping on my toes).   

I wanted to update you on my book purchases (for those of you who gave me gift cards especially) over the past week.  It's been so much fun reading other teacher's blogs and making a list of "must haves" for the classroom.  So much fun, in fact, that I decided to send you the titles so you'd know what I purchased (and perhaps nudge you to do a bit of book investigating on your own).  

I thought maybe a trip to the library with a few titles in hand would add to your summer reading.  You know, it's just as important to read 20 (make that 30) minutes a day in the summer as it is during the school year.  Lauryn's favorite summer reading includes the free pamphlets that we find when we go to the zoo, museums, etc.  We're all rereading some of our favorite "picture" books this summer (that's a silly term - they are more than picture books) and talking about them.  We're also trying to spend time without the noise box (television) on... especially now that "The Voice" is over.  I'm also trying to write about my reading every day.  

Most of these titles aren't novels, but rather the kinds of books that we, as writers, use as mentors to nudge our writing.  Just in case you're interested, here's what I ordered:

• Just in Time for Christmas by Louise Borden (a dog story by a friend of mine--she's a fabulous writer; so kind and funny in real life)
• His Name was Raoul Wallenberg by Louise Borden (if you loved Hana's Suitcase, you'll love this one)
• The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman (yes, that Fleischman family)
• The Journey That Saved Curious George: The True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Louise Borden (also a good cousin text to Hana's Suitcase)
• The Old Ways: A Journey on Foot by Robert Macfarlane (this is an adult book that I thought looked intriguing)
• Forest Has a Song: Poems by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater (this would have been good to have during our ecosystem study, plus her name is fun to say)
• The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan (this is brand new and hasn't been released yet, but I preordered it)
• Gone Fishing: A novel by Tamera Will Wissinger (a short novel in verse, a good read aloud... and great poetry, lots of ideas to nudge writing in our "Write at Home" notebooks.  And again, isn't Will Wissinger just fun to say outloud!)
• My First Day by Steve Jenkins (great nonfiction mixed with narrative, a great repeating line book)
• Lullaby by Jane Chelsea Aragon (simply because I love Salt Hands and Ms. Aragon lived fulfilling, writing life... by the way, Salt Hands is NOT easy to find)
• Winter Harvest by Jane Chelsea Aragon (again... she's a great writer)
• Georgia's Bones by Jen Bryant (she wrote A River of Words and this is about a famous artist named Georgia O'Keefe)
• A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jen Bryant (a cousin text to A River of Words, perhaps)
• Ice Bear: In the Steps of the Polar Bear by Nicola Davies (my daughter won't let me have her copy and I love this book)
• The Train Jumper by Don Brown (he wrote Bright Path)
• Abe's Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln by Jen Bryant (surprise, another book by her)
• Mack Made Moves by Don Brown (another great Don Brown book... I think I have-or will have-most of them now)
• White Owl, Barn Owl by Nicole Davies (I love her mix of nonfiction and narrative... she wrote Bat Loves the Night)
• Rare Treasure: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries by Don Brown (he's one of my favorite writers, as you know)

I also ordered these books used:

• Together by George Ella Lyon (my paperback copy is kind of falling apart - illustrated by Vera Rosenberry)
• Mail Myself to You by Woody Guthrie (illustrated by Vera Rosenberry)
• Let it Begin Here!: April 19, 1775: The Day the American Revolution Began (Don Brown - about an important time in our history)
• Dolly Madison Saves George Washington (Don Brown - haven't read this one yet and can't wait!)
• The Notorious Izzy Fink (Don Brown - this looks really good)
• Ruth Law Thrills a Nation (Don Brown - an aviation heroine)
• All Stations! Distress!: April 15, 1912: The Day the Titanic Sank (Don Brown - to add to my growing Titanic collection)
• The Good Lion (Don Brown - Beryl Markhams' story)
• Uncommon Traveler: Mary Kingsley in Africa (Don Brown - another adventurous woman)
• Across a Dark and Wild Sea (Don Brown--which I think I may already have... but it's amazing)
• Moonpie and Ivy by Barbara O'Connor (I wonder why?)
• Barefoot Dancer: The Story of Isadora Duncan by Barbara O'Connor (Hmm....)
• Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia by Barbara O'Connor (one of her early books)
• Greetings from Nowhere by Barbara O'Connor (a copy for the room)
• Read to Me by Judi Moreillon (my friend Paul, from Indiana recommended this one, and he teaches high school and uses it with his kids - I always trust his recommendations)
• Sing Down the Rain by Judi Moreillon (just a beautifully illustrated story and I've been thinking a lot about rain lately)

Again, enjoy your summer!  I hope that you'll find some quiet time to reflect and reenergize before school starts in August.  I'll think of you fondly as I prepare for a new adventure with a new group of learners. 

All the best, 

Mr. Allen

Memoirs of a Goldfish

"With a whoosh, and a splash, and a clank, and a plunge," we were suddenly laughing out loud at Memoirs of a Goldfish!  
     A group of fourth graders gathered at my feet, we devoured this delightful book by Devin Scillian.  I pulled it out of the "new books" that our media specialist had just unpacked (he's always adding to our collection), but I didn't know how much my students would like it.  
     Our post-reading conversation revolved around "point of view" to "perspective" to "wishes and dreams" to "It's about friendship" to "I could write something like this" to "This reminds me a little of Finding Nemo" to "I have to read this to my brother!" to "I can't wait to get the 'App.'" (Yes, there's even an App on iTunes for this book).  
     This books tells the tale of a goldfish and the seemingly mundane life he lives in his bowl.  First page... "Day One... I swam around my bowl."  
     After that day, his "memoirs" become more complex as new company joins his quiet little bowl (including Rhoda and Clark the guppies, Mr. Bubbles the deep sea fella, and Mervin the snail... among others).  The goldfish eventually can't stand it and exclaims, "I want my bowl back!"  
     Tim Bowers, the illustrator, captured the story beautifully.  We spent just as much time looking at the illustrations as we did reading the text... priceless.  The look in the goldfish's eyes are amazing!
          I read it for read aloud right before spring break and had to read it twice!  This book is, well, "heavenly!"

Happiness is... Jangles!

Happiness is going out to dinner with your daughter.  Happiness is going to the Tattered Cover after dinner with a long lost gift card burning a hole in your pocket.  Happiness is finding David Shannon's book Jangles: A Big Fish Story on the shelves!  I read the first page, I read the last few pages... and I plopped the book into my shopping pile!  Then I got home...

     "When the sun goes down and the weather's just right, Big Lake gets smooth as glass and a thin mist whispers across it.  That's when you might catch a glimpse of Jangles..."  This book is about the embellished fishing tale of Jangles, the elusive fish, that haunts the fishing minds of every fisherman.  You know Jangles don't you?  He's the fish we all want to catch.  He's the "one that got away."  He's the one who swims through the lakes with fishing lures and hooks decorating his jaws... "They clinked and clattered as he swam. That's why he was called Jangles."

     But in true David Shannon brilliance there's a strange "hook" at the end of the story.  I'm telling you, my jaw dropped when I read it!  Dropped like a lead sinker.

     I can't wait to share this book with my 4th graders.  And if anyone doubts that narrative text isn't alive and well and living and breathing in the hearts and minds of readers, they need to read this book.  As teachers, we need to remember that this kind of writing is breathtaking.  Important.  And, given the spin in today's writer's workshops (you know what I mean), we need to ask, "Is that more important than doing what is right?"

     I'm starting a study of "evoking sensory images" this week and this book has made it onto the planning guide for my study.  THIS is the kind of writing that makes me happy to be a reader and a writer.  

     Happiness is, after all, finding a book you love and can't wait to share... hook, line, and sinker!

Hand in Hand

I've always admired the work of Brian Pinkney.  There's something striking about his artwork with its marvelous twists and swirls, the richness of the colors blended with the black ink... the fact that he often scratches away ink to define his subjects, filling white spaces with color.  He's an amazing illustrator, writer, and collaborator.
     I've always admired the work of Andrea David Pinkney.  Her words are rich and haunting.  I read once that she never leaves home without her writing notebook.  She's a writer's role model.  She has the incredible knack of transforming important ideas into captivating words... topics of great human interest.
     I've always admired the collaborations between this amazing couple.  What I love most about the Pinkneys is their sense of family.  In every interview I have read or in any talk that I've heard, both mention that family is their priority.  They share their family focus with honesty and humor.  For them to collaborate on Hand in Hand:  Ten Black Men Who Changed America is a gift to all of us.  It provides us with an important message about life.
     In the book, Andrea tells the stories of ten men who, through education and learning, overcame the injustices that they faced.  Freedom... justice... equality... honor... those are the themes that resonate throughout this book.  Ms. Pinkney has written ten stunning biographies of black men whose lives have impacted society in a variety ways.  As I read this book, however, her words transcended race as she shared the stories of fortitude, endurance, and patience.  This book is about men who faced adversity with power and grace... and she tells each man's story by focusing on his vision for making his world a better place.
     Each man's story is coupled with a poem.  The biographical poetry that precedes each piece is the perfect synthesis of the story it introduces.  As I read, I found myself moving from poem, to story, back to poem, back to story.  What a wonderful mentor Ms. Pinkey is for writers... the structure of this text will serve young writers well.
     I plan to use this text when my students write biographies of famous Coloradans.  I've been searching for books that create that juxtapose between poetry and biography.  Which comes first?  I'll leave that up to the writer, but what a grand way to write with intention and purpose.  Stunning!
     And, Brian's illustrations are breathtaking.  The portraits are captivating.  As I write this, I'm looking into the eyes of Pinkey's Jackie Robinson and I'm mesmerized.  The catchlight in his eyes.  The slight swirl on his left cheek.  The hint of red on his brow.  Mr. Pinkey's illustrations are magical really.  
     If, like me, you are drawn to the Pinkey's work, you'll love this collection; particularly if you work with older children.  As we celebrate civil rights in America, this collection shouldn't go unnoticed!  Ms. Pinkey writes, "It is my hope that the qualities embodied in the stories of each Hand in Hand man will encourage young readers to build connections that will link them to their birthright of excellence."  The sooner this book makes it into the hands of students, the sooner her hope will come to fruition.  

All Will Be Well

Jo Knowles was one of the authors I met at a dinner gathering in November.  Her book See You at Harry's is beautifully written.  Ms. Knowles has developed characters who grab your heartstrings.  Ms. Knowles has created a story that makes you laugh, cry, laugh, cry.  Ms. Knowles has wrapped words around a plot that leaves you breathless.  Ms. Knowles has written a story about bullying, family, tragedy, conflict... all real issues.  Writing in first person, Ms. Knowles takes readers on an incredible journey.

"The truth feels like it's crushing me.  Drowning me before I even get to my knees."  This quote from the book is exactly how you'll feel when you sit down (tissues in hand) to read it.  The truth of Ms. Knowles writing is strong, emotional, sincere.  The truth of her ability to write an incredible story is without questions.   

     Ms. Knowles signed her book, "All will be well!'  "All will be well" is Ran's mantra to Fern, his best friend.  Fern is the main character, whose life is "invisible" to those around her... until an unexpected turn of events changes things forever.  Reading See You at Harry's is like taking a personal journey; a journey through tragedy, a journey through survival.  I'd describe it with one word--breathtaking!

     I am slipping this one onto my daughter's "must-read" pile.  As an 8th grader, I think it will be the perfect book for her to read.  Powerful characters.  Important issues.  This is a wonderful book.  It's a testament to the strength of love and family. 

• • • • • • • • 

I love this interview with Jo Knowles, click here.

Weaving the Rainbow

Ran across this gem by George Ella Lyon not long ago.  She's a poet's poet.  If you haven't read her poem, "Where I'm From," you should.  You can hear her read it aloud by clicking here.  My wife, Susan, first introduced me to Ms. Lyon and I've been hooked ever since.
    Weaving the Rainbow is a wonderful book.  The lyrical words are illustrated beautifully by Stephanie Anderson (check out her work called The Wonder of Books).
     What struck me most about this book is how much it reminded me of my sister, Doris.  Her husband, Curtis, and their daughters raised sheep.  Each year they would shear, collect, and send the wool off to Baron Woolen Mills (which closed in 1998).  Then some lucky family members would be surprised with soft woolen blankets.  We still use one each winter to warm our bed and remind us of the love of that dear family!  That's what a "connection" does; takes you to another time or place just for an instant and then draws you back into the text seamlessly.
     George Ella Lyon's poetic book captures the year long cycle of raising sheep for the beauty of their wool - from pasture to weaving.  This is a book that's meant to be read aloud.  There's a charm to Ms. Lyon's words and she captures the life of an artist with a sense of grace and peacefulness.  It's going in my "at-home" collection, but I can't wait to share it with my students.  She truly is a weaver of words.

Fantastic Flying Books

I love this book.  It fascinates me.  It piques my curiosity.  It makes me wonder.  It makes me ponder.  The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore (click to see more) is brilliant!  It's charming.  (As is the Academy Award winning film.)

     When you read a book that opens like this...

Morris Lessmore loved words.

He loved stories.

He loved books.

His life was a book of his own writing, one orderly page

after another.  He would open it every morning and write

of his joys and sorrows, of all that he knew

and everything that he hoped for.

     When I read it to my students last week (as part of our study of how "Wise Readers Monitor for Meaning"), we all decided that those very words were worth tucking into our hearts and minds... to make them available when we need inspiration as readers and writers.  My friend, Linda, summed it up this way, "I think the 'wow' was... Everyone's story matters.  Just sayin'!"  She right.

     Read the book to your students.  Then if you have a chance, buy the short film on iTunes.  Watch it.  Show it to your students.  Then ask them, "So what do you think?"  You'll be amazed by their answers!  William Joyce more than deserved the accolades and awards for this brilliant piece of work.  One of my students say, "It's really about heaven, I think... it's about growing old and letting go..."  Story matters.

     This is a run, don't walk, kind of book!  This is a get-to-your-favorite-independent-bookstore-and-buy-it kind of book!  This is a book that should be in your classroom and on your coffee table.  It's generational.  It's a metaphor for life--especially if you love books, love reading, love words.  Thank you, William Joyce, for sharing your brilliance.

And so our story ends as it began...

...with the opening of a book!

A Peaceful Start to the Year...

peace.

it does not mean to be in a place

where there is no noise, trouble

or hard work.  it means to be in

the midst of those things and still

be calm in your heart.

Unknown

On a canvas bag sent to me by my friend Mimi

 

     I started my school year out somewhat differently this year.  Oh... we've had the usual conversations about workshop structures, rituals and routines, the gradual release of responsibility, learning with a spirit of endurance.  And, our conversations have been grand and thoughtful.  But I've added a new twist.  My friend, Dana, nudged my thinking in a different direction (great colleagues have a way of nudging and stretching our thinking, don't they?).

     Dana and I decided that we wanted a "peace-filled" beginning to our school year (she's in Casper, Wyoming and I'm here).  And, after talking a bit (okay, more than a bit), we both decided that it would be a great way to start the year... to build on the concept of "peace" and to incorporate peacefulness into our reader's and writer's workshops throughout the school year.  Together, we did a search of our classroom libraries (and bookstores) to find just the right literature to launch our discussions with children. 

     Within the buzz and bustle of my classroom of 31 fourth graders, I knew I had to bring a sense of slowness and calm, patience and peace, lingering and depth to our work together.  And, what better way to do it than through making careful decisions about some of the texts we're using for think alouds, shared readings, and writing launches?  We've delved into some sophistication along the way so far... comparing, critiquing, commenting.  What a grand way to start the year!  Combined with "peaceful" music, low lighting, and a quiet tone... it's been, well, peace-filled.

     Having an overarching feeling of "peace" has added a new dimension to our classroom environment.  My students and I have enjoyed exploring the concept into our discussions, our notebooks, and our classroom routines.  And with "peace" comes a sense of rigor and quiet reflection that is both contagious and awe-inspiring.

     I thought I'd share some favorite texts I've found with you.  I have used several and plan to use several more throughout the year... as we step "gently out" into our year together, I can't wait to find more!  Helen Frost's wonderful poem (and picture book) "Step Gently Out" has become our theme for this year.  And we all need a little gentleness is our classroom worlds, don't we?  Here you go:

A favorite find!  A wonderful mentor text for writing biographies... breathtaking!

A simple text that creates a grand message!  Talk.  Peace.  Two words that should be on our lips as we work together daily...

This book is definitely for a more mature group of children, but what a grand book to empower children to become peacemakers.  A bit "controversial," but worth having on the list!  Beautifully written narrative text.

Joanne Ryder... need I say more?  Okay, how about Norman Gorbaty.  Enough said!

The photographs are endearing and the text is a tribute to a peaceful existence.

The creator of dynamite now has the most important prize in all the world named after him... the Nobel Prize.  Amazing!  Look at the cover... it is absolutely brilliant!  I love this book and I was amazed by Alfred Lobel's story.

The photographs are lovely... and the text takes the reader through a day of peace.

I love the illustrations by Stephanie Carter.  And Jane Baskwill's words can't help but create a peaceful tone.  If peace is a promise... a wonderful repeating line!

Lee Bennett Hopkins compiled this wonderful collection of poetry from some of our favorite poets.  And, Chris Soentpiet's illustrations are masterful (look for the face of the girl from Something Beautiful on the cover).

Our "theme" book for the year... We're stepping gently out into a year of exploring and learning.  This is a beautiful book by Helen Frost.  Combined with Rick Lieder's photos... stunning!  Check out this Vimeo!  I've blogged about this book before and it's a read and read again addition to our "peace" bag this year!

 

Me... Jane - Patrick McDonnell... Brilliant!

My daughter knows Patrick McDonnell because "Mutts" is one of her favorite comics (and she was happy to learn that there is the possibility of a Mutts movie).  I know Patrick McDonnell because he is a brilliant author and illustrator.  Together, we discovered Me... Jane (check out the video on Patrick McDonnell's site) on our recent shopping spree at The Tatter Cover here in Denver.
     We have enjoyed The Gift of Nothing and Wag! and Art... but we both fell head-over-heels in love with Me... Jane.  Perhaps because it tells the story of Dr. Jane Goodall from a different perspective, beginning with her stuffed chimpanzee named Jubilee and ending with a subtle "to awake one day... to her dream come true."  The text ends so softly and beautifully!  When we read it together, side-by-side at the bookstore, an audible gasp could be heard between us... my sixth grade daughter and I breathing in the brilliance of Me... Jane as we read it "once for our heads... and then again for our hearts." (Conferring, p. 52 - and, thanks to my friend Randi Allison for introducing me to this concept). 
     The book tells us the story of Jane Goodall as I've never read it before... and it's written with rhythm, simplicity, and gentleness.  When you open to the page with the drawing of Jane lying with Jubilee hand-in-hand, the words, "It was a magical world full of joy and wonder, and Jane felt very much a part of it," you, too, will gasp!  Patrick McDonnell takes us on a journey through Jane's childhood that I can't stop thinking about... and I keep wondering, "Are we instilling the same sense of wonder, passion, and inquisitiveness in our own children or students?" 
     I can't get this book out of my mind.  As I started school this week, looking into the faces of 29 different learners, I pondered this book and its message of hope.  Are we, as teachers, doing enough to nudge and encourage the future Janes of the world, given the fact that our world is so ever-changing?  Are we, as teachers, given the time, authentic resources, and freedom to let children explore their passions?  Are we, as teachers, providing enough choice in our classrooms for inquiry to flourish?  And, how can we, in a place called school, do more... esp. when more and more our teaching transactions are dictated by mandates, programs, and achievement pressure knocking on our doors daily telling us what's important and how exactly to teach.  Important to ponder, no?
     For me, it's books like Me... Jane that I need to keep in mind as I begin this school year.  It's the joy that my daughter and I felt when we read this book together that I have to keep in mind as I try to blend the "mandates" with my real purpose as a teacher.  I can't wait to read it to my students... it's going in my "Endurance" basket.  
     Check it out... it's lovely!  As you read it, like Jane, you will feel "your own heart beating, beating, beating."

Ahh... Van Allsburg!

I've been a fan of Chris Van Allsburg for most of my career.  I remember listening to him as I sat on the floor of The Bookies (our local bookstore) more years ago than I like to count (he looked so "bookish" in his tweed jacket with leather patched sleeves)!  He was one of the first children's authors I saw up close and personal.  I remember my first encounter with his work when my wife, then girlfriend, shared Jumanji with me when we were both in college.  She read it for her children's literature class and we were both in awe.  Since then he's become one of my (our) favorite illustrators and writers (My favorite book is Bad Day at Riverbend).
     What I love most about his work is that he stretches curiosity.  He piques interest.  He expands vocabulary.  He takes risks.  He weaves surrealism into the every day lives of the reader.  He moves beyond ordinary to extraordinary.  He always takes me on a journey of thought and challenges me as a reader.  And his illustrations are always amazing and unique!
     I was excited to see Queen of the Falls!  And, it doesn't disappoint... Once again, Chris Van Allsburg moved be through an exciting journey (leaning on nonfiction this time) as a reader.  In the book, Van Allsburg tells the story of 62-year-old Annie Edson Taylor, who in 1901 becomes the "first" person to go over Niagara Falls!  What else was a "charming" woman to do when her charm school closed?  Make a name for herself.  She becomes the "Queen" after attempting something only the bravest daredevil might consider... what a lady!  It's written and drawn beautifully.
     This is the perfect book to add to your Van Allsburg collection.  I can see using it when we talk about "endurance and stamina" as learners.  I think it shows the kind of persistence, courage, and introspection that learners need to be successful.  I'm so glad Chris Van Allsburg decided to take on this exciting topic with his genius.  I hope it's not the last time he tackles a story like this one.  I remain a fan!

Finding a Voice - The Clever Stick

The Clever Stick by John Lechner is another sweet little find that my students loved when I shared it with them recently.  We've done so much talk about creating metaphor to explain our thinking that my students immediately started wrapping this text around the work we've done as learners this year.  Case in point, one of my students said:  "The stick is like me, Mr. Allen, sometimes I have something really important to say and you always make sure that I get to talk about my thinking, write about my thinking and share my thinking with others."  
     This book is almost fable-like.  It's really about finding your voice.  In the text, a stick that is "sharp" has so many things to say, but can't think of a way to get his thinking out... until he comes up with a creative way to let all his thinking flow for others to see.  It starts... "Once upon a time there was a clever stick.  Ever since he had fallen off the tree he had been sharp..."
     From the beginning, this simple text is filled with humor and wonderful lines.  I can see using it as a mentor text in writing.  But, more importantly, I'm thinking it will be a wonderful launching point to our discussion of "trust, tone, and respect" next year as I begin with a new group of learners.  Bringing clarity and honesty to our workshops is something I work on with my students on a regular basis.  Helping them find their voices as learners is such a critical aspect of a well-running, "trust-filled" learning environment.  The Clever Stick is a perfect addition to a constantly growing list of books that I've collected that illustrate the importance of building independence... slowly, gradually, and metaphorically.  
     This is a perfect book to add to your classroom picture book collection, whether you're a first grade teacher or an eighth grade teacher.  It's quaint simplicity adds to its richness!