Gayle H. Swift's Blog, page 5
April 1, 2017
One Family of Man
One Family by George Shannon and Blanca Gomez presents a fascinating introduction into counting with a twist. The reader meets many types of family; each is one example of one kind of family.
We discover that a family can include a range of individuals, colors, ethnicities, and even species and still be one family! This offers a delightful riff on inclusion when it comes to recognizing the many types of families that are common today--and a few more unusual ones. The concept is clear: each is one example of a family.
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March 13, 2017
Planting Seeds. Harvesting Change. Making Choices.
When we plant seeds, we shape the future. When we harvest, we choose with whom to share. Choices shape the future and determine who will benefit. We can guard out bounty, keeping it only for ourselves. Or we can share and benefit others. These women chose to make adifference in their own lives as well as the lives of others,
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March 4, 2017
Teamwork & Diversity Expands Capability and Possibility
In their sequel to Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site, author Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrator Tom Lictenheld return readers to the world of big building and heavy construction machinery. Kids love the roar and power of these immense machines. They imagine...
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February 18, 2017
Embracing Differences and Finding Home
Not Quite Narwhal by Jessie Sima features Kelp, the eponymous narwhal who can clearly see that he is quite unlike the rest of his family and friends. His tiny horn, his fluffy tail, his atypical skills even his food preferences all differ dramatically...
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February 13, 2017
Birthday Celebration, Tree-style
Americans celebrate many beloved holidays During February we mark Valentine’s Day, President’s Day, and Groundhog Day. Jewish people celebrate an additional holiday, Tu B’Shevat, “The New Year of the Trees or “the Birthday of the Trees.” In 2017, Tu B’Shevat is observed from sundown...
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February 5, 2017
It’s Routine: Children Find Comfort & Security in Repetition
In Kiss Good Night by Amy Hest and illustrated by Anita Jeram invites readers to peek in on one little bear’s resistance to falling asleep. It’s a scenario familiar to every child and parent so kids will readily respond to it....
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January 30, 2017
Kids Find Inner Lion: the Strength of the Hero Within
Inside of each of us lives an Inner Lion. Sometimes he is dormant but he is always there waiting for us to tap into our powerful potential. Even adults often struggle to remember this "hero within." It's vital to help children discover their Inner Hero.which exists in all of us regardless of our stature or age. These books highlight the power children have to efect change, sstand up for themselves and appreciate their unique abilities.
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January 23, 2017
Families: Each is Special and Unique and Deserves Respect
teacher asks the class to share what each student feels makes their family special.
Told through the words of a little girl, the story begins, "I went last because..."
What a powerful opening. Who among us hasn't wanted to go last because we feared not fitting in or felt our situation was something to be embarrassed by, ashamed of, or which others might find inferior in some way? I'm guessing as children we all had some of these kind of moments. (Perhaps even as adults, we've had times when our stomach clenched as we imagined how others might judge our looks, our homes, our families ... us.)
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January 10, 2017
Dragons Need Friends Too.
Everybody needs friends, even dragons. Readers learn what amazing friends dragons can be and in the process can discover the route to friendship with others.
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January 7, 2017
We Are All Born Free
We Are All Born Free: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights edited by Amnesty International illustrated by several award-winning and world-famous artist. It affirms the fundamental rights of all human beings in simplified a child-friendly version. The book builds on this foundation...
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