Category: Seasons

Featured

The Old Truck by Jerome Pumphrey

Written by Jerome Pumphrey, Illustrated by Jarrett Pumphrey, Published by Norton Young Readers, 2020 (fiction, ages 3-5)

My youngest, who is four, absolutely adored this book. It has such a simplistic and lovely text, but what he really enjoyed was the beautiful illustrations showing how the young girl ends up growing up and taking over the farm and fixing the old truck on her own. In the author and illustrator bios it is revealed that the pair are brothers and they wanted to pay tribute to the women in their family who managed their own farms.

BACKGROUND

On a small farm, a truck worked hard. It also got to experience many seasons and dreams as the young Black daughter of the farmers grows into her own dreams.

BEST FOR

About a two minute read aloud that can be easily stretched depending how much you explore the illustrations. This would be a great book to practice inference, observing the passage of time, family traditions, and growing up.

PAIR WITH

This Is Our House by Hyewon Yum

WHERE TO PURCHASE

The Old Truck by Jarrett Pumphrey

Featured

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper

Written by Cathy Camper, Illustrated by Kenard Park, Published by Kokila, 2020 (fiction, ages 5-8)

Spring usually means unpredictable bouts of rain in my area. What’s interesting is hearing from friends and family from all over with some enjoying sunny days to others facing sudden storms of snow. Hearing about a particular friend waking up to snow reminded me of this new title and how I loved its quiet narrative and family themes.

BACKGROUND

Arab American Lina wakes up in her Midwestern home to a world covered in a white blanket. While she walks to her grandmother’s retirement home, she listens to all the sounds of snow. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a great way to model observation and listening skills, finding descriptors, and family relationships.

PAIR WITH

Hana Hashimoto Sixth Violin by Chieri Uegaki

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Ten Ways to Hear Snow by Cathy Camper