Reading Chronicles

  I've always been stymied by poetry. Not as a reader, but as one who tried to write poetry in the past. I  have felt that my words needed to rhyme or have a distinct rhythm or cadence. However, reading  poetry is a breath of fresh air. It's as if what I am trying to say, but can't, seems so natural to the author.  They have the ability to take thoughts, feelings, and words and put them so eloquently.  A picture book of poetry that I recently read and absolutely loved is "Just  Like Me" by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. The author is a self-taught  illustrator, she's a doll maker and a crafter who studied fashion  illustration and children's book illustration in New York. This book is a  collection of poems filled with mini-stories about different types of girls- girls who love their bodies and girls who don't, country girls, city girls, etc.  The illustrations are bright with Vanessa's signature style of vibrant colors, unique patterns, and f...

    I recently read the sweetest picture book named, "Be Kind" by Pat  Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Jen Hill. This book  falls into the  realistic fiction category. Realistic fiction creates imaginary characters  with situations that depict our world and society. Realistic fiction  portrays characters as coming to understand themselves and others. Be  Kind, helps us look at the question- "what does it mean to be kind?"  When Tanisha spills grape juice all over her new dress, her classmates  contemplate how to make her feel better and what it means to be kind. This lovely and moving story  explores actions a child can do to be kind, and how each act, big or small, can make a difference and  help a friend. The pictures are rich with practical ways we can show kindness to those around us. This  is a great book to discuss what it means to be kind and talk about empathy. I love that the book  acknowledges that it is n...