Butterfly season makes me happy; so does PPBF.
In case you missed it, 60 Minutes recently aired this piece on
the magical Monarch migration that will undoubtedly wow you.
I always try to find a book to relate to something that's going on, either in the world, on the calendar, or in my professional and/or personal life; today's pick pretty much covers all of those areas.
Perhaps I've mentioned made it crystal clear that the sights, sounds and scents of springtime bring me unbridled joy?
Author: Cleo Wade
Illustrator: Lucie de Moyencourt
Publisher: Feiwel And Friends
Birth date: March 23, 2021
Suitable for: all ages
Themes: leadership, curiosity, growth mindset
Brief synopsis: When a young protagonist has fears, curiosities, and "what ifs?" about life, the road rises up and shares some wise words to help soothe the soul, validate the concerns, and help the child keep going.
Opening page:
Enjoy a read-aloud with the author {here}.
See what Kirkus had to say {here}.
Read a BlackRaven review {here}.
Learn more in this Q&A with the author {here}.
Why I like this book: First of all, it's so poetic, and it's the perfect picture book to bid adieu to this year's Poetry Month. The book was recommended two years ago by my friend Natalie, during a keynote that she was giving on leadership.
I said to the Road, Where do you lead?
The Road said, Be a leader and find out.
Second, it's not your average read-aloud in that there's not really a storyline, per se. It's a series of questions (think The Philospher's Club) along the lines of Socratic Seminar. Gosh, I love a strong inquiry.
Which way do I go?
But what if I go the wrong way?
What if I get scared?
But what does it mean to be brave?
Third, I think it's perfect for people of all ages;
who among us hasn't had these burning questions?
Will I always move forward?
Why not?
What if I fall?
Fourth, there's a bit of a spiritual lilt, because the Road can easily be your mentor, your village, your faith family, your higher power.
And so on and so on. Forty pages of eye-catching illustrations.
And its connection to Earth Day?
I will give you trees of all shapes and sizes to shelter you
when you need to rest and heal, said the Road.
Boom. So much rich goodness in this one gem that tenderly tackles
courage, kindness, self-awareness, and leadership, and love.
Compare and contrast with The Philospher's Club
and the Whatifs.
Then give your learners a chance to voice
their what ifs?, curiosities, fears, questions.
Hold a Socratic seminar with your older thinkers.
Check it out, then head on off to Susanna Hill's blog
to see today's other PPBF recommendations.
Oh, and keep looking up, dear reader.
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