Secret Ways : Character Building

Finally....today's the day.  Each year, on August 10th, picture book lovers from near and far join together to share favorite picture books.  Classroom teachers, librarians, parents, authors, and other book lovers join the #pb10for10 community to share their favorite titles.  Stop by the community to share your favorites and to discover new titles you won't be able to resist.  Enter at your own risk!


My Past 10 Collections

• 2015: 10 Books That Take You Into the Night
• 2014: 10 Books About Being Brave
• 2013: 10 Newer Authors/Illustrators I Love
• 2012: 10 Mentor Texts for Young Writers
• 2011: 10 Authors I Can't Live Without
• 2010: 10 Must-Have Picture Books

My 2016 #pb10for10:  Stories for My Son (The Student Teacher)
Determining my focus for this year's picture book celebration wasn't hard.  You see, this year our son will be completing his education program.  We're pretty excited for him.  He is an early education major and will be doing his student teaching in the coming school year.  These next months will teach him much.  My #pb10for10 collection this year has him in mind.  I'm sharing ten books his young readers will love, but titles that will also help him to remember some important things about growing a community of learners.  In no particular order....

"Love them for who they are."
Some kids like to do new things, want to talk, and enjoy being the center of everything.  Other kids like the quiet, prefer working by themselves and aren't as eager to volunteer.  Get to know your students and their preferences...and respect them for who they are.  Help them to feel safe in your learning community. 

I Love You Already by Jory John and Benji Davies (2016):  Bear is all settled in for a quiet day.  Duck has a different idea.  Duck comes over to Bear's house to get him to come out and do something.  What happens when two friends want to do completely different things?  Readers will fall in love with these characters who help us to understand you can be different, but still be friends.

"Let them move."
Kids need to move.  Books are one way to give them opportunities to let them move around.

Is Everyone Ready for Fun?  by Jan Thomas (2011).  This book has never let me down.  Kids love to join the cows as they dance and move on chicken's sofa.  The repetitive pattern in the text, bright illustrations, and fun characters make this a book that is loved by all.

"Make them laugh."  
Kids love to laugh.  Yes, books with titles like this one will surely get a laugh.  There will be so many opportunities to laugh with your students.  Enjoy them.

Whose Butt?  by Stan Tekiela (2012).  Yes, I'm sliding in an informational text, but how could I resist?  There's nothing like laughing with students, and kids won't be able to resist a laugh with this one.  The author shows photographs of the back end of animals and readers have to try to guess the animal.  He includes interesting facts that will surely get kids asking questions.

"Every problem is an opportunity."
We can see problems as problems or we can view them as opportunities.    


What Do You do with a Problem written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mae Besom (2016):  In this story, the boy is given a problem.  He didn't want a problem, but he had one anyway.  He tried to get rid of it with no luck.  What could he do?  We can learn a lot from this character as he works his way through this challenge and finds a way to begin to fix it.  The illustrator starts the story with little color as the problem takes over.  Illustrations are brown (or maybe dark gray) and white.  As he begins to work through it, the illustrator begins to add color and the situation brightens.

"Mix it up."  
While routine and structure can make it easy for students to work and learn, there are times to mix it up.  When the pace of the work seems too slow or the enthusiasm wanes, mix it up.  

The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien (2016):  This book is so much fun.  This book is supposed to be an informational book about the ocean, but Blobfish is sure he should be a part of it.  He walks across pages campaigning to be a part of the story.  The author has used ocean photographs that cover the page from top to bottom which often include ocean information.  A caricature of Blobfish is imposed on each page.  Through speech bubbles, Blobfish interrupts the story to tell his part.


"Help your students find their stories."
Young writers often don't know the power of their stories.  Though a lot happens in their daily lives, they don't often realize the significance.   

My Dog Spot by Jack E. Levin and Norma R. Levin (2016):  In this story, the authors write about their dog, Spot.  Each double page spread tells us about Spot's looks, life, and activities.  This book, with its simplistic structure and illustrations, makes a great mentor text for young writers.


"Learn to walk beside your students."  
Help students to see all that is possible by modeling.  Showing students how will help them to take next steps.  

Lion Lessons by Jon Agee (2016):  When this student tries to earn his lion diploma, things don't go quite as planned.  Being a lion isn't easy work.  His teacher patiently models lion technique and shows him how to do all the things a lion should do.
"Get to know your students and their families."
Learning is a partnership between us, students, and their families.  The more we take the time to communicate with families and get to know them, the easier it is to meet the needs of our learners.  

Hello, My Name is Octicorn by Kevin Diller and Justin Lowe (2016):  Octicorn isn't your ordinary octopus.  His mom is an octopus and his dad is a unicorn.  Octicorn tells readers about his life and his family.  He also shares how hard it can be to fit in when you are an octicorn.  This book could help support conversations about differences, fitting in, acceptance, and family diversity.


"Be ready for surprises."  
Sometimes you'll be unsure of next steps, but if you listen carefully the kids will tell where you to go.  They'll throw out the perfect gem at just right the moment.  


It Came in the Mail by Ben Clanton (2016):
Liam loved to get mail.  The problem was, he wasn't getting any.  Though he patiently waited and waited no mail came.  Liam decided he'd have to write a letter if he wanted to get something in the mail.
"Teach like an explorer."
Remember that every day is an adventure.  Learn from those around you, both students and other educators.  Climb the biggest hills, dig deep into the dirt, discover new paths, and take a few risks.  As Atkinson reminds us in this book, "Explorers are prepared for everything."

Explorers of the Wild by Cale Atkinson (2016):  This picture book,  from the author of To the Sea, is one of my favorite new finds.  In this book, a young boy goes out to explore.  He's pretty excited about his upcoming journey into the woods, but he knows there can be danger in the wild.  When he runs into a bear he is, at first, a little frightened, but Bear is an explorer too.  Together exploring is even better.

This story inspires curiosity, exploration, and could help begin the discussion about being willing to try new things and take risks.  While the story is well worth a read, the illustrations add to the adventure.  These full page illustrations and double page spread help to tell the story of two explorers.    The brightness of the illustrations and detail of each page make this a book children will love to hear.
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This summer is flying by fast.  How did we get to July so quickly?  Before we know it will be August....and August means it's time once again for our annual Picture Book 10 for 10 event (#pb10for10).  Since 2010, Mandy Robek and I have been taking the time in August to discuss the "must have" books for our classroom libraries.  The best part about it:  so many people join us to share their favorites!  Educators, librarians, parents, and picture book lovers from around the globe will be sharing their favorite ten picture books.  The Picture Book 10 for 10 Community now hosts over three hundred members.
Some people feel the start of the school year as soon as Target puts out their school supplies.  Some people know it's time to go back when the calendar turns to August.  For me, nothing says let's get back to school like #pb10for10.  Of course, I can't wait to see everyone's selections.  Many participants have already been talking about their lists, and I look forward to seeing their favorites or the interesting themes they've chosen to share this year.  It's going to be great!  Tell your friends and get ready to join the fun.

If you're new to the event, we're glad you will be joining us.

Here's how you can participate:

1. Grab a Badge (just copy the URL address of the one above or take a screenshot)
2. Join the #pb10for10 Google Community
3. Choose Your Favorites:  All you need to do is choose ten picture books you cannot live without for whatever reason.  In the first days of this event, everyone shared their ten very favorite titles.  This still works.  You will notice, however, that many past participants choose some type of theme to determine their selections.  We'll leave this up to you.
4. Narrow Your List to Ten:  It isn't easy, is it?  We've seen some crafty ways to get around that number.  
5. Write Your August 10th Post:  Write a post about the ten books you cannot live without.  Share your post on August 10th and link it to the Picture Book 10 for 10 Community.  
6. No Blog?  No Problem:  If you don't have a blog, this might be the perfect time to start one --- or there are a million digital ways to join (see post below).  Of course, now with the Google Community it is quite easy to just post your favorites directly into the community without a blog.  We will also be tweeting from the #pb10for10 hashtag.    
7. Comment:  On August 10th (and maybe for a week --- there are a lot of posts) take some time to read posts from other participants.  Please comment on at least three. 

So...

Pull out your library cards, load up your Amazon accounts, or better yet - plan a trip to your local bookstore on August 11th because you're going to be unable to resist checking out (or purchasing) a few new picture books.  We hope to see you on the 10th!

A Few Historical and Informational Posts:

• Mandy's Picture Book 10 for 10 Announcement
• The story of how Picture Book 10 for 10 got started
• Choosing Picture Books
• So You Don't Have a Blog:  10 Ways to Still Join #pb10for10 Event (now add direct posting to Google Community...let me +1 that...ha ha)
• Nerdy Book Club:  Picture Book Addict?  Join Us 
• What happened to the old archives?  (or Jog the Web shut down)
• Can You Help?  Rebuilding Our Picture Book 10 for 10 Archives  A must read for past participants
• Find out about our Nonfiction Picture Book Event (each February)

I'm beyond excited!  Today is the 6th Annual Picture Book 10 for 10 event (#pb10for10).  It's the perfect back to school kickoff.  Stop by the Picture Book 10 for 10 Google Community where over 200 picture book lovers have joined to share their favorites.  In the first days of the event the idea was to share ten picture books you just couldn't live without.  Over the years participants have gotten creative with themed lists, crafty ways around the ten book limit, and fun posts about their favorites.  This is our first year to host this event in the Google community which means you don't need a blog to join us as you can share and/or link directly in your community post.  I suggest you disable your Amazon one click buttons, open your library tab, and plan a visit to your local Indie bookstore because there will be titles you won't be able to resist.

My Past 10 Collections
2014: 10 Books About Being Brave
2013: 10 Newer Authors/Illustrators I Love
2012: 10 Mentor Texts for Young Writers
2011: 10 Authors I Can't Live Without
2010: 10 Must-Have Picture Books

This Year:  Ten Books About the Night 
This year I have struggled with my ten for ten list.  I've changed my mind at least ten times.  I'd love to tell you about the ideas I decided not to choose, but I might need them in the future.  ;o)  (Thanks to Carrie Gelson, I now have a future #pb10for10 list.)  Since today's the day, I have to decide.  It's a bit like being at a restaurant when the waitress arrives to take your order, you just have to make a decision.

So...

This year I'll be sharing ten picture books about the night.  Young children are fascinated - and often fearful - of the night.  Sharing books about the night can provide opportunities for children to talk about these fears and share ways they have worked to overcome them.  Additionally, there are a lot of great books about the night so here are my favorites:

Night Animals by Gianna Marino (2015):  It's true.  I think Gianna Marino's books are all worth a space on your family or classroom shelves.  I have enjoyed each with their delightful stories and beautiful illustrations.  Night Animals is no exception.  How can you not love a book where the night animals are afraid of night animals?  It's quick lively pace makes it perfect for read aloud.  Young readers will laugh out loud as these animals all try to hide from the night animals.  Scary noises and dark pictures set the mood of the book as the animals worry together until bat sets them straight.  The speech bubbles and easy text will make this a book emergent readers will be able to reread after hearing it read aloud.

Nighttime Ninja by Barbara DaCosta and illustrated by Ed Young (2012).  In the beginning it seems certain that a ninja is creeping through the night and into the house.  Danger fills the night air --- until....I just can't give it away.  Young readers enjoy the anticipation in this book as they try to figure out what is going to happen.  The illustrations are dark and full of shadows keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

A Beasty Story by Bill Martin Jr. and Steven Kellogg (2002).  I can't help it.  I still just love this book.  With it's intricate illustrations through a dark and scary house at night, readers will be on the edge of their seat wondering what creepy beast awaits.  The pictures support the text as the characters move from room to room following the beast.

Blackout by John Rocco (2011).  The electricity going out can be a scary event for young children.  It's a normal night in the city until the lights go out.  Then Mom and Dad can no longer work.  What can the family do?  It turns out there are many things to do when the lights go out.  I'm sure young readers would have many stories to share after reading this book.  Rocco uses several boxed illustrations on each page to show the passage of time and the ways this family tries to cope with the electricity outage.  Many pictures are black and white with just splashes of color to help set the mood in this book.

I Need My Monster by Amanda Noll and Howard McWilliam (2009).  I just can't get enough of this story.  When his monster takes a vacation, Ethan can't sleep.  Several substitute monsters arrive, but none are as scary and perfect as Ethan's monster.  Kids' imaginations will run wild in this funny story about monsters under the bed.

Psssst!  It's Me...the Bogeyman by Barbara Park and illustrated by Steven Kroninger (2001).  My friend, Deb Frazier, first handed me this book.  I return year after year to borrow it from her classroom, and wonder why I don't have a copy.  This bogeyman is tired of all of the false stories about him.  He's good at scaring kids.  That's his job.  It's all he wants in life.  There is a secret that will get rid of him.  This book is a book students always want read over and over again.

The Dark by Jon Klassen and Lemony Snicket (2013).  Laszlo is afraid of the dark.  The dark lives in the basement.  Laszlo knows it is down there.  What happens when the dark decides to come into Laszlo's room?  What will Laszlo do?

Owl Babies by Martin Waddell and Patrick Benson (2002).  What do owl babies do when they wake to find their mother gone in the night?  Sarah, Percy, and Bill worry in the night as they wonder what happened to their mom.  Students always enjoy this read aloud --- especially Bill's repeated cries, "I want my mommy."

Chengdu by Barney Salzburg (2014).   We've all had those nights where we just can't fall asleep.  Chengdu tries everything, but he still is awake.  What will he do?

When the Sky is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horowitz and illustrated by Barbara Cooney (1975).  I saw this book in the bookstore the other day and fell in love with its beautiful language.  Imagine my surprise to find it was first written in 1975.  It begins with the line "On a bimulous night," and offers much opportunity for rich discussion.