Happy Friday; what a magical week it has been.
We enjoyed some family time, which is always a blessing.
We really savor every second spent with these special humans.
I'm really connecting with these passionate character educators who are walking the talk to help make our world better. Please reach out if you'd like to be a guest on an upcoming episode.
I made a few more school visits this week to check in on some counseling colleagues; look at how pretty this Peace Garden is.
I'm gleaning great joy from seeing all of the intriguing ideas
that educators are working with intention to bring to life for their school families.
Yesterday, I spoke to a group of leaders at South Shore Harbour Resort. They were such good sports when I pulled out my ukulele and invited them to sing along with this little ditty I wrote for them. So blessed, for sure.
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| Sung to the tune of You Are My Sunshine, of course. |
I picked up today's PPBF pick while I was out and about.
Title: I Am Human
Author: Susan Verde
Illustrator: Peter H. Reynolds
Publisher: Abrams Books For Young Readers
Birth Date: October 2, 2018
Themes: connections, choices, self-awareness
Suitable for: preschool through third grade
Brief synopsis: A celebration of our unique ability to choose our own path.
Opening page: I was born. A miracle! One of billions but unique!
Resources:
Read all about the book in a NY Times post {here}.
Download a free read-aloud {here}.
See some sample pages {here}.
Enjoy Jason Gray's Be Your Own Kind Of Beautiful {here}.
Why I like this book: This I Am series by the dynamic duo is simply powerful; Reynolds' poignant pictures so beautifully enrich and enhance Verde's easy-to-understand, relatable text.
To paraphrase:
Humans are ...
Special.
Lifelong learners.
Curious.
Wonder-full.
Mistake makers.
Forward movers.
Kind.
Kind of sad.
Thoughtful.
Playful.
Joyful.
At times fearful.
And hurt.
Fair.
Relational.
Compassionate.
And so much more.
In the back, a loving-kindness meditation.
Like this one.
Incredible sweetness that's oh, so real.
Transparent.
Authentic.
Vulnerable even.
Compare and contrast with I Am Peace and I Am Yoga.
Then encourage your budding writers to try their hand
at their own I Am Human booklet or vision board.
What's special about their human-kindness?
How do they stay hopeful?
What fills them with joy?
How do they find the best version of themselves each day?
Check out this treasure, then go to Susanna Hill's blog
to see what other recommendations make today's list.
I'd heard about this book, Barbara...and your review is so stellar, I won't waste any time getting a copy. I love your activity ideas. This is a perfect book to use in the elementary school classroom to foster kindness and mindfulness.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vivian. I really work diligently on finding a strong title and supporting resources for it, so I appreciate your kind words of affirmation. You will savor every single page, I promise!
DeleteHa! I just finished reviewing this beautiful book for children. I love it and that it is the third story in a series of books "I Am Yoga and I Am Peace." Exceptional activities. Will wait to run my review.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read your review, Pat. And yes, it is a beauty! We seem to always love the same titles. Thank you for stopping by to connect at the Corner.
DeleteYour review of this book was so amazing I hopped over to my library page and reserved a copy straight away. I love the list of words that tell what humans are. Wonder-full is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leslie. It really challenged me to write something that might make every human being on earth get a copy of this delightful addition to our literary world. I appreciate your kind words and that you stopped by the Corner for a bit. Happy Friday.
DeleteMy kids and I enjoyed I AM PEACE, so I'll be sure to check out I AM HUMAN, too. And your suggested activities are stellar. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gabi, for your kind words. If you liked I Am Peace you and your kids will LOVE this one!
DeleteI'm happy to say that the San Francisco Public Library has 16 copies, all of them in use, with 14 people in the hold line. Clearly, they need to buy more! Thanks for this terrific review. I am now in line to read this. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteIt's a keeper; fingers crossed they get some more copies though this may be one you want for your personal library. I think it'd also make an amazing gift! Thanks for stopping by the Corner today.
DeleteI'm with Gabi. I loved I Am Peace, so I'm sure I'll love I Am Human just as much!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds lovely for adults and kids!
ReplyDeletethis looks like a wonderful read...
ReplyDelete