#PB10for10 - Books to Share with College Students

(Ok, this might be more of a #PB10for11 post - sorry to be tardy!!) ;)

Thanks to Cathy and Mandy for hosting this event that is such an amazing resource for us all!

As I'm entering a new phase in my professional career, I thought it might be time to dust off this blog. I recently said yes to the opportunity to be an adjunct professor at a university in town teaching Children's Literature to students in the Early Childhood Education track. I have spent a great deal of time in past years using picture books with 3rd - 5th graders, but books for the lower end of the Pre-K - 3rd grade was a slightly different span for me. However, I was up for the challenge of learning about, and reading, good books for younger students!

My #PB10for10 list is a small sampling of some of those new-to-me books I've loved and want to share with my college students when I open my bookbag the very first day of classes. My goal in this class is to introduce these soon-to-be-teachers to a plethora of great books, so they will have the tools to match readers with the right books.

This can't be a comprehensive list because I've read so many picture books this summer, but out of the 50+ picture books currently in my home from the library, these are the ones that I currently plan to have in my bag on August 22.


Give Bees a Chance by Bethany Barton
I loved her first book, I'm Trying to Love Spiders, and in my opinion, this book is even better. Barton infuses humor as she teaches us many details about spiders. It's a beautiful blend of a narrative and informational text.




Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Matt Davies
What a great lesson this book teaches about friendship and social media responsibility. A great book to share with students.





Bob, Not Bob by Liz Garton Scanlon and Audrey Vernick, illustrated by Matthew Cordell
As someone who really sounds funny when those head colds hit, I could so appreciate the voice of this story. And what young child couldn't relate to wanting "Mom" or a loved one when they are sick?!






Specs for Rex by Yasmeen Ismail
A story about wanting to fit in especially when there is something unique about you. A story about how others accept you as is. Good community builder for young students.










Shawn Loves Sharks by Curtis Manley; illustrated by Tracy Subisak
So many great topics and possibilities for this book. Friendship, passion about a topic, avidly pursuing a topic of interest, the feeling that happens when you don't get your first choice.







Froodle by Antoinette Portis
The joy of reading this aloud with students! The language and words the birds choose as their new "sounds" are just delightful, and beg to be read aloud together.






Little Penguins by Cynthia Rylant; illustrated by Christian Robinson
I've been a Cynthia Rylant fan for a very long time - the 1990s to be exact. Her words combined with Robinson's illustrations almost make me wish for the first snow. The simple text will be one young students read again and again.




Watersong by Tim McCanna; illustrated by Richard Smythe
Beautiful words; beautiful illustrations. Such a lyrical read.








I Am (Not) Scared by Anna Kang; illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Bravery. What a great discussion to have with young ones. And how having a friend or a buddy there to help you through the experience makes it so much easier.






The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt; illustrated by Adam Rex
This story is just stinking cute, as we meet 3 characters who just want one thing in life - to find someone that can beat them in a challenge. They are only happy after they have been bested.







It killed me to write this post before reading others' lists, and most certainly, begin to reserve even more books from the library to read, enjoy, and share! So now, that's exactly what I plan to do!!