I am Jim Henson (Ordinary People Change the World) by Brad Meltzer

We can all be heroes. That’s the inspiring message of this New York Times bestselling picture book biography series from historian and author Brad Meltzer. This volume focuses on Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets and Sesame Street.
 
This friendly, fun biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Jim Henson, for example, was always dreaming up something new, and always expressing his belief in the goodness of people. Henson was a born performer with a terrific sense of humor, and he used those talents to help create two of the most beloved programs in television history: The Muppet Show and Sesame Street. Through his Muppets, Jim showed the world that there’s nothing more beautiful than imagination, especially when it’s accompanied by laughter and kindness.
 
Each book in this series tells the story of one inspiring individual through lively text and art that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers. At the back are an excellent timeline and photos.

We Can All Be Heroes site - http://www.ordinarypeoplechangetheworld.com/jim_henson.php

Squirrel's New Year's Resolution - by Pat Miller (Author), Kathi Ember (Illustrator)

"Do you know how to make a resolution?" Squirrel asked Bear. "Is it like making a snack?"

Bear laughed. "Resolutions are more important than snacks."

"More important than snacks?" said Squirrel. "What is a resolution?"

Squirrel knows that New Year's Day is a great day for making resolutions! But what does it mean to make a resolution, anyway? As she makes visits around the forest she learns about New Year's resolutions and helps her friends get started on theirs. If only she can think of a resolution of her very own...

video read aloud - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKMlUI6lJ0I

Author's website - http://www.patmillerbooks.com/squirrels-new-years-resolution.html

Activities - http://www.patmillerbooks.com/activities-squirrels-new-years-resolution.html

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder by Mark Cassino, Jon Nelson

How do snow crystals form? What shapes can they take? Are no two snow crystals alike? These questions and more are answered in this visually stunning exploration of the science of snow. Perfect for reading on winter days, the book features photos of real snow crystals in their beautiful diversity. Snowflake-catching instructions are also included.



Frequently asked questions about snow crystals - http://www.its.caltech.edu/~atomic/snowcrystals/faqs/faqs.htm

Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving by Laurie Halse Anderson, Matt Faulkner (Illustrator)

We the people of the United States...

Almost Lost Thanksgiving

Yes. That's right!

Way back when "skirts were long and hats were tall" Americans were forgetting Thanksgiving, and nobody seemed to care!

Thankfully, Sarah Hale appeared. More steadfast than Plymouth Rock, this lady editor knew the holiday needed saving. But would her recipe for rescue ever convince Congress and the presidents?

Join acclaimed author Laurie Halse Anderson on a journey of a woman and a pen that spanned four decades, the Civil War, and five presidents, all so you could have your turkey and eat it too!

Authors website - http://madwomanintheforest.com/youngreaders-thank-you-sarah/

The Veterans Day Visitor Peter Catalanotto Pamela Schembri

Emily's Pop-Pop is shocked when he hears that Emily and Vincetta Louise don't know what a veteran is. With Veterans Day coming up, he volunteers to talk to their class about the holiday and the people it honors. But Emily is worried. Pop-Pop sometimes falls asleep at the strangest times. What if he falls asleep in front of the whole class? Everyone would laugh!

Vinni and Emily come up with a plan. With so much to learn, they have to make sure that no one sleeps through this Veterans Day!

Amelia Bedelia's First Apple Pie by H. Parish

Amelia Bedelia is sure she will love everything about autumn.

The colorful trees 
Jumping in the leaves 
Apples, apples, apples 
Warm apple pie 
Fun family projects

Amelia Bedelia can't wait. What could be better? Autumn! Hooray for apples and fall!



Video reading - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rv37d3-9Qc

Welcome to the world of Amelia Bedelia! 
http://ameliabedeliabooks.supadu.com/book/9780061964114/amelia-bedelia's-first-apple-pie

Maple Syrup Season by Ann Purmell and Sugaring by Jessie Haas

Pancake and waffle-loving readers will eat up this process picture book with a behind-the-scenes look at making a much-loved treat. Sap's rising! It's officially maple syrup season at the Brockwell family farm. There will be a lot to do, from hammering spouts into the maple trees to gathering, pouring, and boiling the sap. But the whole family will help together, and when all of the work is done, there will be a sweet and tasty treat. Maple syrup is a favorite breakfast treat for many children. Ann Purmell satisfies young readers' curiosities by showing the in-depth process of making syrup. Jill Weber's cheerful artwork portrays a family working together to achieve a goal, alongside cozy and humorous forest animals who occasionally "help" with the process. Teachers are always looking for process books that tell how familiar products are made.

Sugaring  by Jessie Haas 

Nora and Gramp are collecting sap from maple trees to make maple syrup. The horses, Bonnie and Stella, are working hard, too, pulling the heavy sap tank through the snow from tree to tree. This third story about Nora and her grandparents brings the beauty of  a Vermont farm in early spring vividly to life.