It seems like the last few months have just flown by and we are now on a race to the end of the school year. As a former teacher those last few weeks edging toward summer are an incredibly special time of year, in fact I believe they are magic, there is so much energy in your classroom, the days are getting hotter and longer and the excitement for summer builds with each passing day. As a parent, this time of year is incredibly important as well, because it is a time for our family to recognize the hard work and dedication of the teachers that serve our daughter. Today, we are sharing a really special book with you all.
I have to say I am a huge fan of Kobi Yamada and his writing, my family loves his two books What Do You Do With An Idea? and What Do You Do With a Problem? They are absolutely wonderful books that belong in every single classroom and school library. Mr. Yamada has an incredible talent, in that he is able to connect with kids through his words and stories. So when I heard that a new book as coming out, that was entitled Because I Had a Teacher, well I just knew it had to be swoon worthy and guess what? It is!
Because I Had a Teacher by Kobi Yamada and Illustrated by Natalie Russell (Compendium Inc, 2017) is am homage to great teachers everywhere. To teachers who inspire, care, support, create spaces for learning and overall make a difference in the lives of our children on a daily basis.
This darling little book filled with heartwarming illustrations that evoke a sense of whimsy and wonder. This book could be told from the point of view of a child or an adult reminiscing about their favorite teacher. Either way, it is a perfect read for little ones as well as a touching gift for a favorite teacher or mentor.
Our favorite part of the entire book is the final line:
Because I had you, I learned to believe in me
If you are not familiar with Kobi Yamada and his other works you will need to get to your local library or bookseller, his books always cause you to think, to wonder, to appreciate and best of all to believe in yourself and your own abilities. This book does just that, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Bloggers Note: We want to thank Compendium for the use of images in this post.
by Boni Ashburn with illustrations by Kelly Murphy is a story all about patience and counting. This is a story that is so much fun to read, it has a very lyrical property based on the folk song ‘Over the Meadow’ and the counting that takes place is almost like a scavenger hunt for the petites. It all starts out as an a mother dragon and her little one are sitting in the sun. The counting continues and is a fun look at castle life. It continues through their day and ends with a very unexpected ending. I love the smooth illustrations, how the little dragon is clearly excited for something to happen all day and has to patiently wait while watching all that is happening at the castle below. My petite commented on how it would be hard to wait all day for something fun to happen.
by Steve Light you will find a charming protagonist as he searches the city for his missing and quite mischievous dragon. The illustrations in this book, especially of the dragon have a Celtic feel to them. The city scape that Steve Light has created is so detailed and intricate, you cannot possibly see all that there is to see in one reading.
A few years ago the petite received this really fun building block set from her Auntie, this building set is from Plan Toys, if you haven’t heard about these toys here is why they are fabulous:
or 
The Petite Stag 