Read Across America Reading List

                                         Photo by Katerina Kuchereno via Pixabay

Read Across America Day 2021 is almost here!

In years past, educators spent the day celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday and reading his books.

When I taught, it was one of the most anticipated times of the school year. It introduced a month-long author study of Dr. Seuss that included book related art activities, snacks, and literacy lessons.

                                      Photo by Wokingham Libraries via Pixabay

Because of Dr. Seuss’ racist roots, many teachers are scouting for alternative books to read to their students.

There’s a vast market of children’s books to choose from, but one facet that’s generally forgotten is self-published authors.

In my modest opinion, self-published authors are an untapped resource full of rich educational opportunities. Many have supplemental resources for their books and welcome classroom visit invitations.

                                              Photo by christ Poe via Pixabay

Self-published aka Indie Authors authors are an enthusiastic bunch of writers who adore children’s literature as much as schoolteachers.

How do I know this? Well, I’m a former Pre-K Head Start/Kindergarten teacher who reads, writes, and reviews picture books.

I’m friendly with many self-published children’s authors who are passionate about their work.

Here’s a list of my award-winning books (Yes, I’m shamelessly plugging my books because I believe in them.) along with those I’ve read or reviewed specifically with educators in mind.

I seek out Indie Books that will improve classroom libraries and lesson plans.

Reading List And Links:

The Kamyla Chung Series & Teddy Bear Tea By Ellwyn Autumn

FREE Educational Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers

The Bella and Mia Adventure Series By Amelia Griggs

Let’s Meet On The Moon & Places We Have Never Been By Lauren Ranalli

I Wish I Was A Brownie & Snack Attack By Marsha Casper Cook

The Mr. Inker Series & Special Memory By Christina Francine

Fairy-Tailed Wish By Megan Pighetti

I Can Do Hard Things and Listening To My Body By Gabi Garcia

The Orphan: A Cinderella Story From Greece By Anthony Manna

The Freckle Fairy & The Belly Button Fairy By Bobbie Hinman

I’m A Messterpiece By Lauren Eresman

Children Are Like Cupcakes & It Is Okay To Cry By Ansaba Gavor

If you have any books to add to the list, please comment below.

If you’d like to connect with some of these authors, please join my Facebook group for authors and educators, Lemon Drop Learning. 

Happy Read Across America Day!

 

 

2020 Lemon Drop Literary Book Awards

 

I’ve taken all the Independently Published books I’ve reviewed from 2020 and awarded one a Certificate Of Excellence In Literature for its educational value.

When I review a children’s picture book, I strive to keep students, teachers and the rigors of lesson planning in mind.

A few of the questions I ask are: How will this book translate into the classroom? How will it help teachers meet their lesson plan objectives? Is it engaging and fun? Did I enjoy reading it and most importantly do I want to read it again?

Congratulations, Ansaba Gavor! In my humble opinion, Children Are Like Cupcakes, has met all the criteria to earn a place on my virtual classroom bookshelf!

Available on Amazon

This year I'd also like to recognize two authors who've created two wonderful educational learning series that also belong on my virtual classroom and home bookshelves.

Amelia Griggs' The Bella And Mia Adventure Series and its companion workbooks Bella And Friends Learning Series. Each book is adorable on its own; combined they're a complete set of learning fun with an extra scoop of sweetness!

Available on Amazon

Robin Woods Prompt Me Series. I've been using her Prompt Me Novel for my own story development and my characters are coming to life more than ever before!

Available on Amazon

Thank you, ladies, for all you do to help children and aspiring writers achieve their full learning potential. 

Book Review: It Is Okay To Cry

Author: Ansaba Gavor

Illustrator: Rice Maria Garcia

Publisher: Pen & Pad Publishing LLC

Released: October 1, 2018

Format: Kindle, Paperback

ISBN: 978-09833134

Reviewer: Ellwyn Autumn

Rating: 5 Lemon Drops

It Is Okay To Cry addresses various emotions and the socially acceptable way to express them through crying. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, young or old, we all cry and feel better afterwards. 

Review:

A charming story that teaches children it’s okay for anyone and everyone to cry.

Told through the main character’s point of view, we learn that people cry for many different reasons to express various emotions: anger, sadness, happiness, fear and pain.

Gavor has written another first-rate story that is instructional for unimpaired social/emotional development and illustrates the positive effects of heartfelt compassion.

One of my favorite parts is the analogy Gavor draws between the character and a rain cloud. “Crying makes me think of the clouds in the sky bursting with rain just like my eyes sometimes burst with tears…” 

A straightforward image children will relate to and easily understand.

Garcia’s illustrations capture the mood of the characters and the tone of the story. The colors match the characters feelings and the rainbows scattered throughout the book give promise of better days to come.

I give it 5 Lemon Drops!

Classroom Connection:

It Is Okay To Cry is a must read for any lesson focused on social/emotional learning. The coping skills modeled by the main character can easily translate into meaningful conversations that enable children to problem solve real life situations.

After a reading of the book, children could list reasons why they cry on water drop templates or make a rainbow to cheer them up when they’re sad.

It would make a great addition to the classroom library or the dramatic play area.

Resources:

https://www.pinterest.com/ellwynautumn/socialemotional-strategies/