Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku children’s book recommendation is by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake
by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)
Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.
Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names
by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)
Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.
Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the “You Stole My Name Series.”
The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.
This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. (These title can be found on my Amazon Storefront under Poetry Picture Books– https://www.amazon.com/shop/mrs.ferraris/list/23O9S8DDXLNC2?ref_=aipsflist .)
❗This cumulative list grows over time, with the newest books always appearing at the top.❗
Poems for Every Season: A Year of Haiku, Sonnets, and More
by Bette Westera (Author), Henriette Boerendans (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)
Brief summary: This collection organizes the calendar year journey beginning in spring and concludes in winter, with each season introduced by a haiku. Every month within that season is then paired with a unique poetic form for a total of 16 distinct styles.
Comments: The woodcut illustrations are stunning; two-page spreads are used to capture the essence of each month.
The back section is About the Verse Forms where each poem is listed along with a full explanation of the poetic form.
The forms discussed are:
Haiku
Rondel
Acrostic
Double dactyl
Pantoum
Elevenie
Tanka
Quatrain
Diamante
Rondelet
Limerick
Stacking Poem
Sonnet
This collection is a superb resource for teaching poetry units. I highly recommend adding this to any school or classroom library.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
*I received a free copy of this book.
Home
by Isabelle Simler (Author), Vineet Lal (Translator)
Brief summary: This poetry collection features 27 animals from around the world, showcasing the unique and amazing homes they create. Each animal is beautifully illustrated with great detail, and young readers will learn about camouflage, habitat, life cycles, and interesting animal facts.
Comments: The back sections include More About These Amazing Animals, Glossary, and Recommended Resources(Books, Websites, and Videos).
This lyrical text appears to be flawlessly translated from French(2022) to English(2024).
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
*Home was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
Climbing the Volcano: A Journey in Haiku
by Curtis Manley (Author), Jennifer K. Mann (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A family hikes up South Sister, an Oregon volcano, and the young boy shares his observations in haiku, including the terrain, animals, and insects encountered.
Comments: The back sections of the book include “More About Climbing a Mountain,” which provides information on the volcano, necessary equipment, poetry, and living organisms, and “Further Information,” which lists books and websites.
The illustrations are created with a mix of collograph and monotype printmaking, pencil drawing, digital collage, and paint.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Bless Our Pets: Poems of Gratitude for Our Animal Friends
by Lee Bennett Hopkins (Editor), Lita Judge (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Bless Our Pets is an anthology of poetry featuring fourteen different animal companion owners expressing gratitude towards their beloved pets. Written by: • Ann Whitford Paul • Rebecca Kai Dotlich • Linda Trott Dickman • Eric Ode • Ralph Fletcher • Sarah Grace Tuttle • Kristine O’Connell George • Darren Sardelli • B.J. Lee • Charles Ghigna • Lois Lowry • Prince Redcloud • Joan Bransfield Graham • Lee Bennett Hopkins
Comments: The book features a variety of poetry forms. The illustrations are created with watercolors and colored pencils that beautifully capture facial expressions.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
*Bless Our Pets was sent to me as a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake
by Nicholas Ruddock (Author), Ashley Barron (Illustrator)
Brief summary: This poetry collection features informative poems about various animals and insects, highlighting their unique characteristics.
Comments: The illustrations are created using cut-paper collages, acrylics, and pencil crayons with some digital finishing.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
You Stole My Name Too: A Curious Case of Animals and Plants with Shared Names
by Dennis McGregor (Author), Blue Star Press (Producer)
Brief summary: This is a collection of humorous poems featuring animals and plants with the same names. Sometimes the reasons for the naming are evident, and sometimes not.
Comments: This is the second collection of poetry in the “You Stole My Name Series.”
The four-line poem is on the left side of the two-page spread, with the animal and plant illustration on the right.
This is an oversized book that really shows the details in his Gouache paintings. Prints of the illustrations are sold on his website.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Extraordinary Magic: The Storytelling Life of Virginia Hamilton
by Nina Crews (Author)
Brief summary: This collection of lyrical poetry shares Virginia Hamilton’s childhood, family, and writing inspirations.
Comments: The back sections include the Author’s Note, Timeline, Book List, Bibliography, and a few photos.
The illustrations were created digitally using Adobe Photoshop.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Great Gusts: Winds of the World and the Science Behind Them
by Melanie Crowder (Author), MEGAN BENEDICT (Author), Khoa Le (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Learn about fourteen winds of the world through a lyrical poem and then in nonfiction text.
Comments: This nonfiction poetry and weather book briefly explains specific winds worldwide. I had no idea that some of these existed until now.
The back sections further explain the science of these winds with What Makes the Wind?, How Are Winds Named? Local Poetic Traditions, a global map, Glossary, and For Further Reading.
The illustrations were created digitally.
Rating: 4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise: Poems of Animal Opposites
by Bette Westera (Author), Mies van Hout (Illustrator), David Colmer (Translator)
Brief summary: This poetry book cleverly presents animal opposites in each animal’s voice. Every two-page spread features two animals opposite from one another in descriptive and humorous free verse.
Comments: The illustrations were created using acrylic ink, oil pastels, and collage. There are a total of thirty-two animals featured in the book.
This poetry book would complement poetry or opposite units of study. It can also just be used for a funny read-aloud to make everyone giggle.
Rating: 4.5/5 📗📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
How to Write a Poem
by Kwame Alexander (Author), Deanna Nikaido (Author), Melissa Sweet (Illustrator). Publisher : Quill Tree Books. 2023. Grades 3-5. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-0063060906.
Brief summary: Young readers (and future poetry writers) are encouraged to feel and use their imagination as they observe the world around them. They are inspired to write it down as poetry.
For more details or to buy, click on this book’s Amazon page.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Push-Pull Morning: Dog-Powered Poems About Matter and Energy
Brief summary: A fun introduction to physics in free verse poetry about a child and dog experiencing everyday life.
Comments: Each poem’s physics correlation is explained at the back of the book. This book could be shared in science units when each physics aspect is introduced to give students an idea of seeing it in the world around them.
Where I Live: Poems About My Home, My Street, and My Town
by Paul B. Janeczko (Author), Hyewon Yum (Illustrator). Publisher : Candlewick. 2023. 1-3. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1536200942.
Brief summary: This is a collection of twenty-four poems divided into three sections: home, street, and town. The variety of poets and authors is diverse, with examples of several different types of poems—an excellent poetry addition to any library.
Comments: The illustrator captures the mood and characteristics of each poem.
by Sean Taylor (Author), Anuska Allepuz (Illustrator). Publisher : Candlewick. 2023. PreK-2. Hardcover Picture Book. ISBN-13 : 978-1536228342.
Brief summary: Thirty poems are divided into three sections: Night Arrives, Shut-Your-Eyes Time, and Dream Wheels Turning. The poems are a variety of different forms and with a variety of settings and characters.
The illustrations are colorful and completely fill all of the pages. Very well done.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Lucky Duck
by Greg Pizzoli (Author)
Brief summary: Susan the Duck starts her day receiving roller skates two sizes too big and continues with many other unlucky occurrences throughout the day.
Susan answers the door to a wolf, who claims she has won a big pot. She began to feel lucky to win all of the vegetables the wolf kept bringing throughout the day.
Susan soon realizes her bad luck was lucky and her good luck was unlucky.
Comments: This is a humorous story that young readers will enjoy as it unravels and would make for a fun read-aloud.
The illustrations are drawn with pencil, brush, and Photoshop.
Rating: 4/5 –📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Time to Make Art
by Jeff Mack (author and illustrator)
Brief summary: A girl wants to know how to make art and asks artists from different decades about their mediums while becoming more inspired to create her own.
Comments: There is a back section with brief biographical sketches of the artists featured in the story.
What a great book for art teachers to share with students!
Rating:3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, she may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
When You Have to Wait
by Melanie Conklin (Author), Leah Hong (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A little girl learns that sometimes we must wait even when we want the time to be now. We sometimes have to wait in line, wait for a loved one to return home, and wait to grow enough to ride a bicycle.
Comments: This gentle book explains that we sometimes have no control over making something happen faster. I’d share this at the beginning of the school year and when the class needed a little reminder about patience.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Alphabet Picture Books
A Is for Australian Reefs
by Frané Lessac (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Everything one would like to know about the Australian Reefs. This picture book has two-page illustrations for each letter that are bright and detailed.
Comments: This could be a group read-aloud sharing the large print, or it can be an individual reading of the more specific facts in small fonts that explain the many details of plants and marine life on each page.
4/5 📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
A Is for Ambitious (Ambitious Girl, 2)
by Meena Harris (Author), Marissa Valdez (Illustrator)
Brief summary: ABCs of descriptive words of empowerment. Aimed towards girls. A “stand up and go for what you believe in” type of book. Inspirationally driven.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
B Is for Bananas
by Carrie Tillotson (Author), Estrela Lourenço (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Banana does not want to go to bed and makes “B” for banana instead of bedtime. Banana gets tired after going through the alphabet and changing or adding words.
Comments: Cute, humorous bedtime story.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
B My Name Is Boy: A Song of Celebration from Australia to Zimbabwe
by Dawn Masi (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six boys share their name, someone else they know, their country, and a verb, all in alliteration.
Comments: It would be a fun activity for students to copy the book’s style by developing the alliterations with their own names and then sharing them with others.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
If you enjoy this one, there is a companion book titled G My Name is Girl, 2021.
Playful Pigs from A to Z
by Anita Lobel (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six pigs come across a field full of letters. Each pig finds the letter matching its name. In the evening, they all return to their pen.
Comments: Each letter is paired with a pig’s name and a verb. The pages have capital letters across the top, with small case letters on the bottom of each page.
Originally printed in 2015.
Rating 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Alphabuddies: G Is First!
by Beth Bacon (Author), Karen Kane (Author), Eric Barclay (Illustrator).
Brief summary: “G” wants to be first in the alphabet song, but “A” argues it will mess up reading. The letters experiment to see if this statement is true or not.
Comments: Humorous. Speech bubbles. Individual frames or multi-panels like a graphic novel. Large letters and words.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Alphabet Board Books
My First Brain Quest ABCs: A Question-and-Answer Book
by Workman Publishing (Author).
Brief summary: Each letter has a noun and a matching alliteration with three questions at the bottom of the page about the page to encourage more conversation. Capital and small letters are featured. Bright colors. One letter per page.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
If you enjoy this book, there are other My First Brain Quest books in the series by Workman Publishing.
P Is for Pirate
by Greg Paprocki (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: This board book ABC book is all about pirates and sea jargon. Unique illustrations in the mid-1900s style.
Comments: I could tell immediately it was a Greg Paprocki ABC book. He has several others in this cool artistic style.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗 1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
A is for Aretha
by Leslie Kwan (Author), Rachelle Baker (Illustrator)
Brief summary: Twenty-six black female musicians with a brief explanation of their accomplishments.
Comments: I learned a few I was not aware of too. Illustrated with their portrait and colorful background. I’m unsure how much a baby or toddler could understand, but an excellent source for introducing female musicians and vocabulary.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
My First ABC Animal Book (Happy Fox Books)
by Editors of Happy Fox Books (Author)
Brief summary: An animal alphabet book illustrated with photographs. Big and small letters. The back has all the animals, and the child is asked if they know them.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
C Is for Car: An ABC Car Primer
by Ashley Marie Mireles (Author), Volha Kaliaha (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A car for each letter.
Comments: I learned some new ones. Good visual introduction to specific cars.
Rating: 3/5 📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.)
Our Pool
by Lucy Ruth Cummins (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: We watch as many wake up and go to the city pool with other families. They change into a bathing suit, get covered with sunblock, and go into the cool blue water. Everyone plays above and below the water until it’s time to eat lunch on spread-out towels on concrete. They do more swimming before heading home with a treat from the ice cream truck.
Comments: The bright summer colors illustrations are showcased in many two page spreads with details and descriptive words that had me feeling like I was at the pool smelling the chlorine, hearing the shouting and laughter, and the coolness of the water.
Rating: 5/5 📗📗📗📗📗
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
When You Can Swim
by Jack Wong (Author, Illustrator).
Brief summary: A young child encourages those to learn how to swim and shares all the aquatic wonders they could experience while swimming in various types of waters.
Comments: The back pages include the author sharing his experience of learning how to swim and going back to some of his favorite swimming spots for inspiration to write and illustrate the book.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
A Dive Into the Blue
by Ellie Huynh (Author), Bao Luu (Illustrator)
Brief summary: A young girl shares her fear of diving into the public pool while standing at the edge of the diving board and letting her imagination almost overcome her from swimming. Will she be able to dive into the blue water?
Comments: I would share this book with students to help them learn coping skills to navigate their fears.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Waiting on Mr. Sloth
by Katy Hudson (Author, Illustrator)
Brief summary: Sasha is excited to go swimming with her best friend, Mr. Sloth, but is losing her patience with his slowness every step of the way. They finally walk to the lake and have lunch before entering the water. Sasha’s friend is taking too long, and she goes into the lake without him, only to realize it’s not as much fun. Sasha returns to their picnic to find Mr. Sloth in a tree enjoying his surroundings. Will Sasha and Mr. Sloth go swimming together in the future? Will Sasha learn to be patience?
Comments: In the back of the book, there is a discussion of ways to calm oneself when waiting.
Rating: 3.5/5 📗📗📗1/2
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Facing Your Fear of Water (Facing Your Fears)
by Heather E. Schwartz (Author). Nonfiction Hardcover.
Brief summary: Young readers get advice on ways to be calm if they are afraid of the water and are encouraged to take small steps to learn to be able to go swimming.
Comments: The back sections are Sink or Float, Glossary, Read More, and Internet Sites.
Continue reading for more details and buying options on this book’s Amazon page.
Children’s book titles are carefully handpicked by a certified elementary school librarian who, although retired, still enjoys reading children’s books, especially picture books, and recommending them to busy teachers, school librarians, parents, grandparents, and other book lovers.
Most of the books Mrs. Ferraris reads before recommending are checked out from the public library, except for those much-appreciated complimentary copies sent to her for an honest review. Those are noted.
Social media acronyms and abbreviations were researched and gathered into this “PG-13” list by Angela Ferraris, The Retired School Librarian. Learn some of the most common social media acronyms and abbreviations used in the computer culture.
Warning: There is some mild profanity, sexual content, and crudeness.
Symbols and Numbers
!–I have a question
(U)–Arms around you, hug for you
*$–Starbucks
,!!!–Talk to the hand
/R/–Requesting
02–My two cents or your two cents
10Q–Thank you
121–One to one
123–I agree
1337–Elite
142n8ly–Unfortunately
143–I love you
1432–I love you too
14AA41–One for all, all for one
182–I hate you
187–Murder/homicide
1daful–wonderful
2–to, too, two
20–location
24/7–Twenty-four seven/ all of the time
2b–To be
2B or not 2B–To be or not to be
2b2–To be at
2BZ4UQT–Too busy for you, Cutey
2d4–To die for
2day–Today
2GTB4G–Too good to be forgotten
2G2BT–Too good to be true
2more–Tomorrow
2QT–Too cute
2U2–To you too
303–Mom
4–For, four
403–Deny access to
404–I haven’t a clue
411–Information
420–Marijuana
459–I love you
4AO–For adults only
4COL–For crying out loud
4e–Forever
4EAE–Forever and ever
4eva–Forever
4ever–Forever
4FS–For F— sake
4NR–Foreigner
4Q–F— You
511–Too much information
5FS–Five Finger salute
747–Let’s fly
775–Kiss me
831–I love you
86–Get rid of
88–Hugs and kisses
8t–It
9–Parent is watching
99–Parent is no longer watching
996–Work 9 am-9pm, 6 days a week
::poof::–I’m gone
<3–heart
=–Reply
?–I have a question
@–At
@TEOTD–At the end of the day
A
A/N–Author’s note
A2D–Agree to disagree
A3–Anytime, anyplace, anywhere
AAAAA–American Association Against Acronym Abuse
AAF–As a friend or always and forever
AAK–Asleep at keyboard
AAMOF–As a matter of fact
AAMOI–As a matter of interest
AAP–Always a pleasure(as in you’re welcome)
AAR–At any rate
AAR8–At any rate
AAS–Alive and smiling
AATK–Always at the keyboard
AAYF–As always, your friend
AB–A** Backwards
ab/abt–About
ABH–Anywhere but here
ABITHAD–Another blithering idiot thinks he’s a doctor
ABT2–About to
ACC–Actually
ACD–Alt Control Delete
ACK–Acknowledgement
ACORN–A completely obsessive really nutty person
ADAD–Another day; another dollar
ADBB–All done bye bye
ADIH–Another day in h—
ADIP–Another day in paradise
AEAP–As early as possible
AF–As f*ck
AFAGAY–A friend as good as you
AFAIC–As far as I’m concerned
AFAICT–As far as I can tell
AFAIK – As far as I know
AFAIR–As far as I remember
AFC–Away from computer
AFK–Away from keyboard
AFPOE–A fresh pair of eyes
AIMB–As I mentioned before
AIMP–Always in my prayers
AISI–As I see it
AITR–Adult in the room
AKA–Also known as
ALAP–As late as possible
ALCON–all concerned
ALOL–Actually laughing out loud
ALOTBSOL–Always look on the bright side of life
ALW–Ain’t life wonderful
AMA – Ask me anything
AMAP–As many(or much) as possible
AMBW–All my best wishes
AML–All my love
API – Application programming interface.
ASAP–As soon as possible
AWC–After while, crocodile
AWHFY–Are we having fun yet?
AWOL–Absent without leave
ax–Across
AYMM–Are you my mother? (sarcastically)
AYOR–At your own risk
AYSOS–Are you stupid or something?
AYTMTB–And you’re telling me this because
B
b/c, bc–Because
B@U–Back at you
B2B–Business-to-business
B2C–Business-to-consumer
B4–Before
B4N–Bye for now
BAE–Before anyone else
BAK–Back at keyboard
BAU–Business as usual
BBBG–Bye bye be good
BBIAS–Be back in a sec
BFF–Best Friends Forever
BG–Be good
BGBC–Be glad be cheerful
BGF–Best girlfriend
BI5–Back in five
BIBI–Bye bye
BIO–Bring it on
BION–Believe it or not
BIZ–Business
BKA–Better known as
BL–Belly laughing
BON–Believe it or not
BR–Bathroom
BRB – Be right back
BRO–Be right over
BSOD–Blue screen of death
BTAIM— Be that as it may
BTD–Bored to death
BTDT–Been there done that
BTFLDY–Beautiful day
BTN–Better than nothing
BTS–Behind the scenes
BTTE–Brothers to the end
BTW— By the way
BUMP–Bring up my post
BW–Best wishes
BWL–Bursting with Laughter
BWTM–But wait, there’s more
BYAM–Between you and me
BYOB–Bring your own bottle(or beer)
BYOD–Bring your own device
BYTME–Better you than me
BZ–busy
C
CAAC–Cool as a cucumber
CAS–Crack a smile
CBB–Can’t be bothered
CBM–Covered by Medicare
CBT–Computer based training or cognitive behavioral therapy
CC–Carbon Copy
CD–Compact disc
CM–Call me
CMB–Call me back
CMIW–Correct me if I’m wrong
CS–Career suicide
CSL–Can’t Stop Laughing
CMGR–Community Manager
CMS–Content Management System
CMV–Change My View
CPC–Cost Per Click
CSL–Can’t stop laughing
CT–Can’t talk or text
CTA–Call-To-Action
CTO–Check this out
CU–See you
CUL–See you later
CUZ–Because
CWOT–Complete waste of time
CX – Customer experience
CY–Calm yourself
CYE–Check your email
CYT–See you tomorrow
D
D8–Date
DAE–Does anyone else…?
DBMIB–Don’t bother me; I’m busy
DDAS–Don’t do anything stupid
DDG–Drop dead gorgeous
def–Definitely
dem–Them
DFTBA–Don’t forget to be awesome
DHYB–Don’t hold your breath
DIET–Do I eat today
DIKU–Do I know you?
ditto–Same here
DIY–Do it yourself
DJM–Don’t judge me
DK–Don’t know
DKDC–Don’t know don’t care
DLTM–Don’t lie to me
DM–Direct message
DNBL8–Do not be late
DNF–Did not find
DOS–Dad over shoulder
DP–Domestic partner
DPUP–Don’t poop your pants
DQMOT–Don’t quote me on this
DTRT–Do the right thing
dunno–I don’t know
DUR–Do you remember
DWH–During work hours
DYHAB–Do you have a boyfriend?
DYHAG–Do you have a girlfriend?
DYK – Did you know…?
E
E123–Easy as one, two, three
EE–Employee
ELI5 – Explain like I’m five
EM–Excuse me
EMA–Email address
EMBM–Early morning business meeting
EMI–Excuse my ignorance
EML–Email me later
ESP-– Email service provider
EVRE1–Every one
EYD–Enjoy your day
EZ–Easy
F
F–Friend
F/U–Follow up
F2F–Face to Face
FAQ–Frequently asked questions
FAV–Favorite
FAWC–For anyone who cares
FB –- Facebook
FBF—Flashback Friday
FBO–Facebook official
FCOL–For crying out loud
FF–Follow Friday; also frequent flyer
FFA–Free for all
FIL–Father-in-law
FIMH–Forever in My Heart
Fit–outfit
FITYMI–Fake it til you make it
FLOTUS–First Lady of the United States
FMOT–Follow me on Twitter
FOMO–Fear of missing out
FR–For real
FS–For sale
FSBO–for sale by owner
FTBL–Football
FTBOMH–From the bottom of my heart
FTE–Full time employee
FTFY –-Fixed that for you
FTTB–For the time being
FUTAB–Feet up, take a break
FTL–for the loss
FTW –-For the win
FWD–Forward
FWIW–For what it’s worth
FYC–For your consideration
FYEO–For your eyes only
FYI –- For your information
G
G2G or GTG –-Got to go
G4I–Go for it
G8–Great
G9–Genius
GA –-Google Analytics
GAHOY–Get a hold of yourself
GF–Girlfriend
GFN–Gone for now
GG –-Good game
GJ–Good job
GL–Good luck
GMTA–Great minds think alike
GN–Good night
GOAT–Greatest of all time
GOI–Get over it
GRAS–Generally recognized as safe
GRATZ–Congratulations
GRWM–Get ready with me
GTG–Got to go
GTR–Got to run
H
H&K–Hugs and kisses
hahaha–Laughing
HAND–Have a nice day
HBD – Happy birthday
Hi 5–High five
HIFW – How I feel when…
HMB – Hit me back
HMU – Hit me up
Howru–How are you?
HR–Human resources
HT or H/T –-Hat tip. Used for acknowledging, appreciating or thanking other users.
I have many questions as I evaluate children’s books to make the best picture book recommendations. I’ve read and shared thousands of books as an elementary school librarian. Contrarily though, I may only chose one from a stack of thirty books I can recommend.
Enjoy the Book
I taught my students to read the book, feel the emotion, and hear the words. Above all, get the aesthetic experience. (I still do that when I first pick up a book). Undoubtedly, I never asked questions while reading a picture book aloud for the first time during story time. It was afterward that I examined the book more closely…or not. Sometimes, it’s enough to enjoy a picture book. With this in mind, my main goal was to teach the joy of reading.
Having a mock Caldecott Read-In with my students was one of the best ways I taught how to evaluate books and give picture book recommendations to others. I borrowed about a hundred picture books that were stand-outs. However, I also threw in(without telling them) those that were…(well)…not ones I would recommend.
I allowed the students to grade with a 😁😐☹️ face. They then voted for the one they thought would win the Caldecott Medal Award (a medal given annually to an American illustrator). Next, we had thoughtful conversations about how they evaluated picture books. Lastly, they would use persuasive thinking to get others to vote for the same book they nominated.
An important issue I emphasized was that when the award was announced and their book was not chosen, it did not mean it was unworthy. Subsequently, we would talk about famous books from the past everyone loved that have not won any medals.
The Questions
I still use these questions when I recommend a book, but ONLY AFTER I first read the book on its own. Undoubtedly, I love the beauty of picture books and want to feel their “soul. ” Analyzing them is secondary.
The Words
Are these words appropriate for an elementary-aged child? Are they using these words in a child’s everyday life?
Do the words flow in a legato style when they should? Are they short and choppy when they are supposed to be?
How do they sound when read aloud? Does it sound like a tongue twister but not supposed to sound like one?
Are there patterns? Rhyming? Rhythms? How do the words sound to the ears? Do they sound awkward? Are they forced?
Do the words convey the correct emotions and mood of the book? Do the word choices match the emotion? Is it supposed to be funny? Sad? Silly?
Do the page turns of the book interrupt the idea?
Is the story unique, or has it been done several times already?
Is the font a good fit for the book? Is it large enough for a child to read?
Where do the words appear on the page? Are they all over and difficult to follow?
How is the story being told? Are there too many characters? Is it confusing to follow? Predictions? Surprises?
Is the topic of the story something children can relate to currently in their lives? Is it too complicated? Should it be a board book instead? Babyish?
Dialogic reading? Is this story something they talk about with others? Or is it more of a listening book that someone reads aloud? Or is this one better read alone?
What is the perspective of the story? Who’s telling the story?
Are the words talking down to a child? Are they morally heavy?
Illustrations
What is the medium(s)? Was it digitally rendered? Was it a hybrid?
What is the level of technique? Does it stand out? Is it unique? Is there a style?
What are the visual elements? Line, shape, color, value, form, texture, space. How is the white of the page being used?
What colors are being used? Are the colors symbolic? Is color therapy being used? Complimentary colors? Bright? Dark? Contrasting?
Do the text and illustrations go well with one another?
Are there details in the illustrations not told in the text?
Would I know the book’s story if I took the text away?
The Cover
Is the title prominent? Or is the author’s?
Are the colors matching with the tone/mood of the book?
Is the font style easy to read?
Is there a blurb on the back?
Do the front and back covers correlate?
Does the cover represent the story inside?
Does it grab your attention?
Flaps
Does the front flap give a summary of the book?
Does the back flap tell about the author/illustrator?
End Pages
Are the pasted-down end pages white? Are they illustrated? Does the story begin or end on them?
End of the Book
Is there an author’s note? An illustrator’s?
If a nonfiction–is there a timeline, biographical notes, bibliography, index, suggestion reading, or photos? More information?
Misc.
Who is the author? Is this their first book? If a nonfiction picture book, is this person an expert on the subject? Is this a celebrity? What country are they from? And does that matter?
Is this a well-known author? Is it just like the others they have already written? Is there a repeated formula?
Is this book being translated? Was something lost in the translation?
Who is the illustrator? Is this their first book? Are they an artist well-known in other mediums?
Is this book political? Have an agenda? Age appropriate for elementary students? Developmentally appropriate? Is this a topic a child would care about in elementary school?
Star Rating Explained
Another key point of my evaluations is that I do not share picture book recommendations that deserve a half to two and a half stars. I’m not going to be that person. As shown below, the lowest star I give is a three, while the highest is a five.
If I’m on a site that does not allow half stars, I round up.
In Conclusion
While I read these books, I always remember that the person or persons creating this book in my very hands is someone’s dream, someone’s “baby,” that they worked really hard on and are willing to share with the world. This is why I don’t share bad reviews. I simply put it back in my tote bag to return to the library. In addition, it may be a child’s favorite book, and I don’t want them to read online that I did not recommend that piece of literature and with the reasons why it was not up to par.
Even after retiring, I still read children’s books, especially picture ones. I was lucky to have found my passion and was paid for sharing it. I still enjoy my love and can now share it online with a broader audience of book lovers and book worms. The picture book recommendations are ninety-nine percent ones I check out of the public library. I appreciate the Central Library Consortiumand am thankful for being in an area in the USA with such outstanding library systems.
(The content below contains Amazon affiliate links. When you buy through these links, Mrs. Ferraris may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. The Retired School Librarian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.)
Cat Jigsaw Puzzles
Beachcombers–300 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Frederick the Literate— 750 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Dog Jigsaw Puzzles
Dog stories–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Children’s Books Jigsaw Puzzle
Story Time –1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
I have this one on my wall:
Classic Novels Jigsaw Puzzles
1980s Novels–-1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Jane Austen–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
GreatAmerican novels–1,000 Jigsaw Puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
British Classics–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces.
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Mystery and Horror Jigsaw Puzzles
Murder Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Mystery Books–1,000 jigsaw puzzle books
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Edgar Allan Poe’s— 1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Bookstore Jigsaw Puzzles
Bizarre Bookshop 2–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces. I own this own but have not put it together.
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
The Book Palace–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
In the Bookstore–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Miscellaneous
Book World–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
Cozy Retreat–500 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
First Lines of Literature–1,000 jigsaw puzzle pieces
For more information, options, or to buy, please see the Amazon page.
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