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Social-Emotional Learning
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

A Home for Goddesses and Dogs

by | May 15, 2020 | ,

by Leslie Connor; Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins, 2020.
A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is one of those stories that holds you in its capable arms and wraps you in its goodness. Books such as this one reinforce why I prefer reading stories meant for kids over those written for adults. This middle-grade novel is impeccably crafted; there’s such care in the writing, skill in the rendering of authentic characters, and art in the measured unspooling of their journey. A Home for Goddesses and Dogs is a joy to read and share.

Big Papa and the Time Machine

Big Papa and the Time Machine

by | Mar 4, 2020 | ,

by Daniel Bernstrom, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; HarperCollins Children’s Books, 2020.
Our young narrator is scared. He doesn’t want to go to school. Big Papa understands. He knows a thing or two about being scared, about being brave, and about love. Here, woven between and beyond the being scared is the tender story thoughtful caregiver Big Papa and the time machine (or his beloved car), and the wisdom he imparts to the boy in his care.

Just Like a Mama

Just Like a Mama

by | Feb 2, 2020 | ,

by Alice Faye Duncan, illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow; A Denene Millner Book/Simon & Schuster, 2020.
Just Like a Mama is a tender tale chronicling a foster child’s every-child activities framed by her relationship with Mama Rose, who is just like a mama to her. Though we do not learn of blood ties (or lack thereof) linking the two characters, readers are left with no doubt of the bond of love they share.

Hosea Plays On

Hosea Plays On

by | Jan 7, 2020 | , ,

by Kathleen M. Blasi, illustrated by Shane W. Evans; Sterling, 2019.
This picture book shines a light on Hosea Missouri Taylor, Jr. a musician with a mission. He was successful at engaging young children in his hometown of Rochester, New York with his skills at playing the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and flute. But he did more than that. He shared his passion for music–and for community service–by offering free music lessons and purchasing instruments for children. He led by example, bettering the lives of those with whom he interacted.

Jasmine Toguchi: Drummer Girl

Jasmine Toguchi: Drummer Girl

by | Oct 9, 2019 | ,

by Debbi Michiko Florence, illustrated by Elizabet Vuković; Farrar Straus Giroux, 2018.
Spunky, warm-hearted, and determined, Jasmine Toguchi returns in Drummer Girl, the third of four installments currently available in the eponymous early chapter book series written by Debbi Michiko Florence. Third grader Jasmine, who admits that “sometimes trouble finds me” despite her best efforts, is sure to delight young readers again as she works to solve a problem with the help of classmates, supportive family members, and her mom’s college friend.

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

I Am Love: A Book of Compassion

by | Sep 18, 2019 | ,

by Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds; Abrams, 2019.
The latest in a series of picture books (I Am Yoga, I Am Peace, I Am Human) by the dynamic duo, Susan Verde and Peter H. Reynolds, I Am Love: A Book of Compassion encourages expressions of kindness and caring toward others and oneself.