August 10 for 10: Our Second Annual Picture Book Event

"If you ever get to the point where you think you have it all figured out, it is time for you to quit."  Patrick Allen was given this advice from his supervising teacher during student teaching and shares this pearl of wisdom in his book, Conferring: The Keystone of Reading Workshop. 

Well, I'm here to say I don't have it all figured out.  I keep evolving as a teacher.  I keep finding new picture books to share.  Some of these are old.  Some of these are new.  Some of these are borrowed, I'm not sure if any are blue.  Which leads two friends to join forces for August 10 for 10: Our Second Annual Picture Book Event.

Here's a little history of how this blog-o-sphere event got started last year.  My original thinking and my partner Cathy Mere at Refine and Reflect: Building a Learning Community, original thinking from 2010.  It was such a pleasure to have Cathy contact me about my own thinking.  Sometimes it's easy to doubt our own knowledge and strengths.   Cathy kept probing and with gentle nudging got me thinking I might have ten picture books I've couldn't live without.  She does know how to build a learning community, what a great title for her blog!  So, there we have it we wanted to know what other teacher's couldn't live without in their classrooms.  We wanted to learn and gather more books to use in our own classrooms.  We wanted to connect with bloggers who also enjoy children's literature. 

I was surprised this past November when I tweeted Cathy to say I found another book for my August 10 for 10 event.  After using this book in my classroom I knew instantly it made my list.  She was chuckling in the background and I'm not sure she believed I was thinking about it so soon.  As I said earlier, my thinking is evolving so it makes sense my list of picture books would also evolve.  I've taught K again for the second year and with more experience everything gets better.  Right now, all I can tell you is I have one that will remain on my list from last year and I have one new one.  What would you put on a list of ten picture books you couldn't live without?

I am borrowing Cathy's words, I couldn't say it better.

Join UsPass the news along to your friends and join us August 10th for a virtual picture book party!  You might want to save your money as last year this event resulted in some new picture book purchases.  Contact us on our blogs, on Twitter (@mandyrobek or @cathymere), or by e-mail to let us know you are joining this event.  On the day of the event - August 10th - we will be linking all the "must have" posts.  Can't wait!!