Books for the First Two Weeks {Picture Book 10 for 10}

Today. I'm starting the year teaching in a hybrid model.  I will have half of my students physically at a time and half of my students working virtually.  In two weeks, I will physically be with my students five days. Last week I had my yearly physical and got some really sound advice from my doctor for returning to school and being safe.  He also predicted we'll be closed within two weeks.  Yikes, I started my appointment with no anxiety.  This whole season of life is strange and I have to say after I worked through my doctor's point of view and brainstormed some ways to keep myself healthy I found a focus for my sharing this year.

I hope to be able to read these books in person with my students.  I miss the natural responses in a group setting.  These are books I had at home and ones I feel could anchor our year together.  It's going to be a year of patience, grace, acceptance, flexibility, and like no other.  I wish you all a safe new school year and hope you can use picture books to help you and your community come together.

Count on Me by Miguel Tanco might be one of my new favorite books, oh my goodness. A book about passions and how they are different for each other. It's also about accepting a passion others may not always understand - math! This is a wonderful book celebrating the ways we can see math in our lives.

The Hike by Alison Farrell will encourage readers to get outside, move, notice, and write. Yes, an activity we can do during these uncertain times and be safe.

I Am a Warrior Goddess by Jennifer Adams and Illustrated by Carme Lemniscates guides readers in thinking about finishing their own I am statement. We are all empowered with great I am...

I Believe I Can by Grace Byers and Illustrated by Keturah A. Bobo is a book celebrating the big possibilities of children. This is a beautiful book representing children from different backgrounds.  The author plays with words and empowers the reader.

Jack's Worry by Sam Zuppardi shows readers how a worry can fester and grow, changing colors until we share it with someone. Talking to others is so important as we embrace new things.

Just Ask by Sonia Sotomayor and Illustrated by Rafael Lopez created a beautiful book to help readers understand a variety of health concerns their friends may have or even family members. Another wonderful book to help readers feel empowered.

Layla's Happiness by Mariahadessa Ekere Tallie and Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin is the perfect book to help us focus on what happiness is for each of us. School is going to be different this year and we can still celebrate the things that make us happy.

Lulu the One and Only by Lynnette Mawhinney and Illustrated by Jennie Poh is a gift for all children.   A multiracial family shows readers how to focus on who we are; not what we are. Readers are introduced to the idea of a power statement. We all need a power statement.

The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a book about sitting with each other.  It's a book about waiting.  It's a book about subtle kindness and patience. We may not need fast quick solutions this year - we will need grace.

Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival is lets readers know others have worries too and talking about them helps them diminish some. We can live with our worries.