friday's five, character strength

Another week has passed, and at least where I live, we've gone from spring weather one day to snow the next, so we're a little out of sorts. But when it comes to reading, that's been solidly on track. I've been spending time every single day with some amazing books on my own, and I'm happy to spend some time today revisiting picture books that I've recently enjoyed. This week's round-up all feature protagonists who pops off the page for their strength, curiosity, imagination, and thoughtfulness. I think they all make wonderful read-alouds in their own ways, and I've heard from a friend that she may be using these posts to inform her choices for that very activity back at the school where I used to teach. That makes me so dang happy!

Let's get to it, shall we?

1. The Very Last Castle written by Travis Jonker and illustrated by Mark Pett

A little girl named Ibb does what no one in her community has dared to do-- she has wondered and wondered about the castle that stands in their town and she has actually been brave enough to go close. Because of her curiosity, she is rewarded with an invitation, and she gets to see firsthand if the rumors of monsters, giants, or snakes are true. What she finds is quite exciting, and her bravery and kindness allow for it all to be shared with the townspeople! Ibb walks with confidence across each page, her open-mindedness an inspiration to those around her.

2. Imagine! written and illustrated by Raúl Colón  

Get ready to be awed! In this wordless picture book, a young boy heads out of his NYC home ready to skateboard when a bird in the sky catches his eye. Following this bird leads him directly to the Museum of Modern Art, where he walks around and becomes enchanted by a few paintings in particular. These works of Picasso, Rousseau, and Matisse come to life before his eyes, and their whimsy and spirit fit perfectly with the boy's, so they all dance and move together through the museum and right out its doors! As the boy takes them to some incredible NYC locations, their collective imaginative play and wonder fill the day with magic, which doesn't leave the boy even after he returns them to their museum home. In fact, he's inspired by those paintings and the bird that started his journey, to share his vision with his community. This book is simply gorgeous, and don't miss the author's note in the end.

3. Loretta's Gift written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Alea Marley

I just adore this story of family from the eyes of a young girl excited for the arrival of a new baby cousin. As she sees everyone around her preparing gifts for the baby, she begins to wonder what she can give him. She doesn't have enough money in her piggy bank to buy something, and her attempts at making something crafty don't merit much. Soon enough the baby arrives and though she has no gift, Loretta helps celebrate this beautiful little boy she gets to call her cousin. As the baby grows, Loretta is doting and helpful, and baby Gabe grows to love her. On his first birthday, a pile of gifts grow and Loretta still feels inadequate with no gift for him. Of course, it's apparent to all the adults that the gift of her love and attention, adoration and affection has always been enough, and soon Loretta sees it, too. This is a sweet and gentle story of family, and Loretta is a thoughtful and empathetic character worth celebrating.

4. Anna at the Art Museum written by Hazel Hutchins & Gail Herbert and illustrated by Lil Crump

This is seriously one of my most favorite picture books from last year. There are multiple delights to be had on every page, and I would LOVE to share this with a group of kindergarteners or preschoolers to encourage them to look for the surprises! Anna and her mother visit an art museum, but for Anna, a little girl with a whole lot of spunk, it's boring and full of "no!" rules. Each thing that she does or move that she makes merits a correction from her mother or a nearby guard. But then, the guard that seemed intent on making her follow every single rule, sees an opportunity to give her a peek inside a back room where visitors aren't usually allowed. It's there that Anna is turned onto the magic of art, and once she sees herself in a figure in a painting, she's open to seeing more in the other works. When kids start to spot the parallels in the illustrations and the pieces of artwork in the background, I expect there will be much laughing and excitement! Anna is a character with whom many young readers will relate, with her uninhibited spirit and energy!

5. Khalida and the Most Beautiful Song written and illustrated by Amanda Moeckel

No one knows when inspiration will strike, and for Khalida, it always seems to be at an inopportune time. Though she tries to catch the song that comes to her in little bits, playing piano in the middle of the night or when she's supposed to be in class doesn't work for the adults in her life. She doesn't know when the muse will strike, but finally it does at a time when she can fully capture the song that is in her soul, and when she does, it's pure magic. Khalida's determination and spirit bring beauty into the world that immediately does good for those around her, helping people forget their troubles for a few minutes to simply enjoy what Khalida has created. This book is gorgeously illustrated, and there is representation of a diverse community that adds to the beauty.


I hope some of these strong characters strike a chord with you!