Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart by Mary Ann Hoberman

When you learn a poem by heart, it becomes a part of you. You know it in your mind, in your mouth, in your ears, in your whole body. And best of all, you know it forever. 

 Poetry is a wonderful way to introduce your reader to figurative language.  I recently purchased this book as a gift for a second grader to congratulate her on her first holy communion.  A great keepsake, that she can enjoy forever!

A Children's Poet Laureate -  here is her website to visit - http://www.maryannhoberman.com/
Here are some thoughts to chat about after you read -
• Which poem did you like the best and why?
• If you were going to write your own poem, what topic would you choose?
• Do you prefer poems that rhyme or those that don't, and why?
• Which poem would you choose to memorize, and why?
• Why do you think it is important to know a poem by heart?

Here are some other titles to consider for all ages . . . http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1340.Best_children_s_poetry_books
The Poetry Foundation posts monthly recommendations as well  - http://www.poetryfoundation.org/children/

Earth Day, Birthday by Maureen Wright

It s April 22, and Lion and his friends want to plant trees, recycle bottles, and have fun on Earth Day. But not Monkey. He wants to celebrate his birthday! Can he convince the other animals that it really is his birthday? Violet Kim s humorous artwork, rendered in paper, photographs, and colored pencil, highlight the sunny, friendly world of the animals.  Meet the author by visiting her website - http://booksbymaureenwright.com/

Here are some other Earth Day reads - http://www.redriverfamily.com/Red-River-Family/April-2012/GreatReads-Every-Day-is-Earth-Day/

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
This book truly celebrates the color green! You’ll see green everywhere after reading this book, including lime green, pea green, shaded green, and even wacky green! Delightful!

Chrysalis Chronicles

Just came across this series - intriguing.  I love books that examine character traits and have readers determine character motivations based on story.  It is an online series and offer readers a different experience.  Check it out . . .
Chrysalis Chronicles is an interactive online reading experience created by Edwin Wolfe and shaped around the Chrysalis Chronicles books. Share and participate in the stories, showcase your own Chrysalis Chronicles- related creativity, and discover additional information about the world of the Chrysalis Chronicles from the author himself. http://www.chrysalischronicles.com/index.html
There is a fee to join, and it is a business, but what an interesting concept . . .

Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco

Looking for a bit of a different idea for the Spring, Easter or just a change - check out Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco.  The author's website has many activities and shares some background from the story.  With wonderful pictures and a great story, this is a definite read aloud to share.  http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/rechenkas_eggs/rechenkas_eggs_index.html  
From Apple4the teacher - This is a terrific Easter story for reading aloud to children. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely. An old lady lives in the Russian countryside and works all year to enter her painted eggs in the Easter contest in Moscow. One day she saves an injured goose. When an accident destroys the woman's painted eggs, the goose lays a beautifully decorated egg each morning until it's time for her to fly away once more -- but not before leaving one more miraculous gift. This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination, and the beautiful illustrations will charm young and old alike.

There is also a Reading Rainbow video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CleivpNRSmA