friday's five, real world conversations

Parents and teachers have wonderful opportunities to help the children in their lives make connections with the books that they read together. In some cases, the books make that easy, and I think a loose way of bringing this week's handful of books under one thematic umbrella is to show how they each can be used to make real world connections. Some are more serious in subject matter than others, but they each have real literary value.

Hope you find something to connect with here!

1. Hey, Wall: A Story of Art and Community written by Susan Verde and illustrated by John Parra

A child passes by a wall the length of a city block every day and the "cold, old, empty" nature of it always makes him think. He sees beauty in his neighborhood everywhere he looks-- kids building snowman on the sidewalks, families hanging out on their stoops, people of all ages running when the ice cream truck comes by, and community rooftop dance parties. What if the wall could be more than a blank, dirty eyesore? What if it could display all that is good about the community? Artistic expression in the hands of the entire neighborhood leads to a beautiful new wall that everyone can be proud of. Are there community art projects in your neighborhood, or are you able to travel to see any? Even looking up examples online and sharing those with your kids with information about how they came to be can be a nice way to extend this story.

2. Faraway Fox written by Jolene Thompson and illustrated by Justin K. Thompson

Oh, get ready to have this one touch your heart. A young fox wanders through a suburban environment, all the time reminiscing about his family from whom he is now lost. His sentiments about the fun he used to have chasing frogs and swimming with his siblings are sweet, but I just about lost it when he remembers the lessons learned from his parents and expresses his longing to be with them again. Thankfully, there is a happy ending that emphasizes the importance of efforts to improve wildlife conditions with crossing structures. Be sure to check out the Author's Note in the end with your children to show them how this story relates to the real world. Visit nature centers in your area, or be on the lookout for wildlife crossings as you drive!

3. Rescue & Jessica: A Life-Changing Friendship written by Jessica Kensky and Patrick Downes and illustrated by Scott Magoon

2019 Schneider Family Book Award for Young Children 

This picture book is based on the real-life relationship between Jessica Kensky and her service dog, Rescue. Jessica, and her husband Patrick Downes, both lost limbs in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. This story gently captures the emotions of a young amputee, also named Jessica, and the simultaneous training of a dog named Rescue who has as much to learn as the young girl. This difficult experience is portrayed in a calm manner that will be reassuring to young children. Ask your children if they've ever seen a service dog, and talk about how they're different than dogs as pets. If you see someone with a service dog in public, see if it's appropriate to talk with them about how their dog assists them.

4. A Pattern for Pepper written and illustrated by Julie Kraulis

Patterns take the spotlight in this lovely picture book about a young girl who goes to a tailor shop, run by family friend Mr. Taylor, of course, in order to have a very special dress made. But, Pepper isn't quite sure what kind of design she'd like to have on her dress. Mr. Taylor introduces her to a wide variety of patterns, and the way he describes each gives a history and real-world comparisons to perfectly engage young children. (And adults- I learned a bit, myself, and I LOVED the illustrations in this beautiful book!) This one is definitely on the lighter side compared to the other books here. Use this book as a catalyst for looking for patterns when you're out and about!

5. Dreamers written and illustrated by Yuyi Morales

2018 Kirkus Prize Nominee for Young Readers' Literature
2019 Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award
2019 CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards Nominee for Read
2019 Pura Belpré Illustrator Award

Author/illustrator Yuyi Morales based this story on her own- she came to the U.S. with her infant son and was overwhelmed by the cultural and language differences, but she found solace in the public library and the idea of sharing stories. This book is an homage to the immigrant experience, filled with emotion and wonder, and a testimony to the spirit of perseverance and strength. While Morales points out in the author's note in the end that her son wasn't a "dreamer" by the standards that the term has come to mean, the name fits all immigrants in the sense of dreaming of a better life. This book is beautiful and thoughtful and definitely encourages conversations with young readers about compassion and understanding.


Happy reading!