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Recommended Read Alouds Now is the time to experience these treasures...

		Leo the Late Bloomer Author: Robert Kraus Illustrator: Jose Aruego Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books, Reissued: March 1994

		Summary: Leo the tiger is not like his peers. He cannot read and he cannot write. His father worries that he will never "bloom." Time passes and he still has not bloomed. His mother knows that with time Leo will "bloom" and she is right! Leo learns how to read and how to write. He can even read and write whole sentences, he is finally blossoming. He is proud of himself and all he can now do!

		For Parents: This book serves as a reminder that all children are unique and different. It helps parents see that their child will "bloom" and that every child develops and grows differently at different paces and needs to be supported throughout the process.

		For Teachers: Teachers can use this story in the classroom to teach students that like Leo they will all "bloom." The story promotes self esteem and belief in oneself. Leo worked hard to learn how to read and write and with that hard work came success with patience and time. The children in the class will see that Leo "bloomed" and believe that they too will "bloom." This story also reminds teachers to never give up on a student because you never know when they are going to "bloom."

		Recommendation: This book is a must have for every child and every parent! I love this story because it reminds me that learning takes time and we don't all "bloom" at once. This book can be read with any age level because the content is applicable regardless of how old you are!

		The Kissing Hand Author: Audrey Penn Illustrator: Ruth E. Harper and Nancy M. Leak Publisher: Child and Family Press, June 1993

		Summary: Poor little Chester the Raccoon wants to stay at home with his mother instead of going to school. His mothers shares a secret with him that is the kissing hand. Chester's mother kisses the palm of his hand and tells Chester that whenever he is sad or lonely at school he can touch his hand and feel love and warmth from his mother's kiss. Chester and his mother both give each other a kiss to help the other one get through the day.

		For Parents: Kindergarten can be a challenging transition for your child. This story offers the parent an opportunity to remind their child that they will always love and support them. Chester the Raccoon is a character that your child may relate to. This book will help ease your child's anxiety as well as your own as your child enters a classroom for the first time.

		For Teachers: This story is an amazing resource. The Kissing Hand creates a wonderful way for you to ease the often challenging transition from home to Kindergarten for both the parent and the child. This book is an effective and warm story to read on the first day of school with both the parents and the children present in the classroom. If you are teaching a group of students that have not previously attended preschool this book has the power to comfort even the most frightened students.

		Recommendation: I have witnessed this book presented to both children and parents. The outcome is truly touching to experience. This book has a unique way of comforting the audience. Children fall in love with the pictures and the story as they begin to believe that, just like Chester, they too will be just fine in Kindergarten.

		Abuela Author: Arthur Dorros Illustrator: Elisa Kleven Publisher: Dutton Children Books, January 2001

		Summary: This is the story of a little girl named Rosalba who goes on an adventure with her Abuela which means Grandma. Through a mixture of Spanish and English Dorros creates a fascinating multi-cultural masterpiece. The book describes the places Rosalba and her Abuela travel not only with the words of both Spanish and English, but also through the vivid and vibrant illustrations! The bond between Abuela and Rosalba is beautifully depicted and experienced.

		For Parents: Abuela can be explored as a read aloud with your child. You do not need to speak Spanish to experience the beauty and power of this book. This story is wonderful way to help your child appreciate and listen to another language. This story is also offered in all Spanish if you wish to read this version with your child. Parents who do speak Spanish have the opportunity to share with their children the beautiful language alongside the colorful and vibrant illustrations. This book also reinforces the importance of family and grandmothers as the reader watches Rosalba and her Abuela go on this trip together. Latino students will often enjoy reading this story because they see that the characters use the same words and language as their families do and share in common interests.

		For Teachers: Abuela is a great read aloud for any age. This book engages students using colorful images and exciting content. This book can be included in a unit on family. Also, this story uses a blend of English and Spanish fostering an environment in your classroom where both languages are valued and recognized as beautiful.

		Recommendation: The pictures are absolutely incredible!!! The colorful illustrations fill the pages of the story. The illustrations become a vessel for the students to use as context clues to help them understand what events are taking place. I read this story to four year olds and they could not take their eyes (or hands)off of the pictures on the pages! Amazing book!

Student Pick of the Month:
		Chicka Chicka Boom Boom Author: Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault Illustrator: Lois Ehlert Publisher: Aladdin Picture Books Paper Back Addition, August 2000 "We'll meet you at the top of the coconut tree..."

Hot off the Press!!! recently published book:

		All the Way to the Ocean Author: Joel Harper Illustrator: Marg Spusta Publisher: Freedom Three Publishing, February 2006 Check out: www.allthewaytotheocean.com Learn how you can help take care of our oceans
		Summary: This is the story of two little boys named James and Isaac. When James throws his trash in the gutter he does not realize that his action will hurt the marine life. Through the help of Isaac and James' mother, James along with the reader learns how to protect the ocean so that all the living creatures can enjoy and live in a clean ocean. This book encourages children to take an active role in keeping the oceans clean for all the living sea animals. This book creates a child friendly introduction to environmentalism and what they can do to help protect the earth! Children can relate to the characters in the story and the illustrations allow even the youngest reader to follow the actions throughout the book. Wonderful read aloud that will promote engaging and pro-active discussion.