Kiyoshi's Walk by Mark Karlins illustrated by Nicole Wong

 After observing his grandfather write a haiku, Kiyoshi asks him where poems come from. His grandfather, Eto, suggests they take a walk. Through the encounters on this walk, Kiyoshi learns how poems are inspired.

I would use this book when introducing poetry to elemenatary-age students and when learning about haiku.

-Borrowed from the library.

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 Bill Furlong contemplates life as he continues his daily, seemingly mundane tasks-delivering coal to the people in his Irish village and being a faithful husband and also father to his daughters. During his reflections, readers learn about his unusual upbringing, which factors into his decision that will impact his family's life. 

Ms. Keegan's writing immerses the reader into 1985 Ireland with an ordinary man who realizes that he can make a difference. I really appreciate and like her writing style. Readers who like an action-packed plot will not enjoy this story. On the other hand, those readers who like reflective characters and a contemplative mood/theme, will enjoy this story.

Ms. Keegan bases this story on a Catholic church cover-up about the Magdalen laundries (not closed down until 1996).

-Borrowed from the library.

 

Wind Watchers by Micha Archer*

 Through the four seasons siblings enjoy the wind's different moods. The word choice is apt. Because of Ms. Archer's descriptive language, readers can feel and hear the wind in each episode. The collage illustrations are impressive.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Maples in the Mist translated by Minfong Ho illustrated by Jean & Mou-sien Tseng

Beautiful poems written by poets living from 618-907 AD during the Tang Dynasty.
These poems celebrate nature and the senses.
-Borrowed from the library.

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen illustrated by John Schoenherr**

The Caldecott Medal
This book is one of my all time favorites!  I read it aloud to my third graders when I taught and then anticipated reading it to my boys.  My eight year old is learning about figurative language and enjoyed discovering similes, metaphors and personification examples in this story.
A young girl's father takes her owling for the first time.  Beautiful language depicts this quiet, exciting venture.
*Highly, highly recommend.

Ernie Follows His Nose by Constance Allen illustrated by Maggie Swanson*

Ernie takes readers around his neighbor and investigates various smells.
Rhyming text.
*Highly recommend.

Where's My Nose? by Susan Ring illustrated by Stephanie Peterson*

An ongoing question is 'where is my nose?"  Babies proceed to look everywhere for his/her nose.  At the end is a mylar mirror for the baby to see his/her nose on her face.
Very cute!
*Highly recommend.

The Girl Who Heard Colors by Marie Harris illustrated by Vanessa Brantely-Newton*

An excellent introduction to synesthesia (when a sense triggers a perception).
The young girl in this story for every sound she hears, she sees a color.
Other senses are included/explained.
*Highly recommend.

The Bear Went Over the Mountain by Iza Trapani

The reader follows bear through all the seasons (starting in spring and ending in winter) as he explores his territory.  As he explores his territory he uses his senses.  An excellent book to talk about the seasons and senses.  Adorable, cheerful pictures.  Of course, if the child likes it, reader can sing the book instead of read it!