This rhyming book talks about how we start with a small circle (being the individual) and how our circles grow as we get older and meet more people.

One thing I like about it is the author writes that it can be uncomfortable when we stretch our circle out to people who are different than us.  

​Writing idea: Students draw their circles, but then have some circles (people) outside of themselves that they want to learn about.

What a precious book!  Here's the video, because you really must watch it: 

I am totally going to link this to our daily gratitude lists.
"The small things are treasures.  True treasures.  There are no greater treasures than the little things. One is enough to enrich the moment.  Just one is enough to change the world."

This book is a great book for sensory details!  Also for history and unit 4 Eureka! CKLA.  What I love about books where children are interested in something that goes into their childhood is that it inspires students to follow their interests and passions as well!

This is a simple cause and effect book about what happens when bear came along!  

Writing idea: You could create your own book like this in the nature of the book, "Fortunately, Unfortunately". 

After I read this book, I purchased it immediately.  This book is a whimsical story of three sisters who spend a day in the woods together.  Safety issues aside, I love how they interact, the speech bubbles and how the illustrator labels all of the different plants and animals.

This is a touching story about two girls who develop a friendship in a refuge camp and share one pair of flip-flops.  

I absolutely ADORE this book!  It is so perfect for the beginning of the year when we are talking about our "schema" and background knowledge.  

I will read this book and as we think about our own remember balloons, we will brainstorm memories on flat paper balloons.

Then....we will take REAL balloons, press them into paint and on paper and create painted balloons to put our memories on.  Can't wait!