Category: picture books

If Pets Wrote Poems

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

written by Susan Johnston Taylor and illustrated by Sandie Sonke

Ok, I absolutely loved this book. Poetry isn’t a genre I normally gravitate towards, even though I admire poets greatly…I could never write a great poem; however, Susan Johnston Taylor has approached poetry in such a unique and entertaining way that I couldn’t help but be charmed.

This book will, without a doubt, ignite curiosity about various authors through the perspective of their pets.

This children’s poetry book features poems written by pets. For example, Flush, Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s cocker spaniel, writes “To Elizabeth, My Person” in the style of Browning’s “To Flush, My Dog.” Naturally, students will want to find Browning’s poem to read more about Flush.

In another poem , apparently, Jack Kerouac owned a Persian Cat named Tyke. Tyke writes a poem called “One Mouse,” modelled after Kerouac’s “One Flower.” Did I look up “One Flower”? Yes, I did. 

And then there is my favourite, a poem written by Edgar Allan Poe’s Cat named Catterina, named “The Raven” written in the style of, yes, you guessed it, “The Raven”. Love, love, loved it. 

In my opinion, this book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom, from the earliest grades up to grade twelve. Featuring poems about the pets of their poets, it offers a unique and engaging way to inspire a love for poetry.

This book will be published in March 2026 —put it in your cart now for a wonderful surprise in the spring.

Thank you to Gnome Road Publishing and Netgalley for the copy.

Punctuation to the Rescue

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Cheryl Olsen Ilustrated by Sara Not

Once upon a time, there was a lighthouse with a library. One night, a book falls from the library shelf, and all sorts of punctuation fall from the pages. And they are NOT happy. Exclamation Point feels overused, and Period and Comma feel underappreciated, so they decide to sail away to the island of fun. Along the way, they run into all sorts of conflicts. Still, eventually, they make their way to the island of Chaos. On this island, all sorts of words run amok because no punctuation lives there! Our little boat of punctuation comes to the rescue, where they then feel worthy of returning to the lighthouse and the book from which they tumbled.

A charming and funny way to learn about using punctuation. A wonderful addition to any classroom. In fact, I shared it with a friend of mine who works as Literacy Lead, and she purchased a copy for our grade 3 teachers!!

Thank you to Cheryl Olsen and Fleecydale Press and Netgalley for the copy.

I Am Wind: An Autobiography

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

written by Rachel Poliquin illustrated by Rachel Wada

This book is BEAUTIFUL. Poetry, science, culture, folklore, history artwork. This book is a perfect example of how to use a multitude of genres to teach a concept.  A quintessential hybrid text. 

First of all, Wind is personified. It is the main character of the text. Wind tells us their story through poetry:” I Am Wind/I whistle. I howl/I’ll steal your hat, your house, your kitten, your kite/ I whisper whisper whisper secrets in the leaves…I am the Great Rushing in All Directions” (Poliquin). Wind is portrayed as a beautiful, gentle friend and destructive enemy. 

Wind also tells us their story through history with little “Wind Chronicles,” which describe types of winds in various cultures and record historical events of destruction and peril caused by tornados and storms.

Wind also charmingly tells of its characteristics directly (as if in an extended character sketch): how it is created, the types of wind forces, how man has harnessed Wind for its own uses (sailing, wind farms), how it is perceived in mythology, and its multitude of names in various cultures.

Throughout all of this wonderful poetry, prose, and information are the most beautiful paintings in the most vibrant colours. A multitude of lessons could be created from the artwork alone.

For educators and families with young children, I am Wind: An Autobiography is a delightful addition to your library. It’s not just informative; it’s engaging and absolutely beautiful. This book will captivate your little ones, making learning a fun and interactive experience.

…oh and the book creators live in British Columbia so we’ve got some Canadian content AND indigenous content (this always makes me happy).
I will be recommending this book to every teacher I know!

I will definitely be recommending this book to every teacher I know!!

You will be able to own this book November 5, 2024

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the free copy.

Pretty Ugly

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

David Sederis and Ian Falconer

This picture book is fantastic in so many ways. First, it’s funny and a wee bit gross. Second, it has a multitude of universal themes, so it doesn’t matter how old you are when you read it; you GET it. This book would be an amazing text to use when introducing Socratic discussion of the subjectivity of “beauty.” Fourthly (yes, FOURTHLY!!!), it makes THE most effective text to teach writing in any grade.

In his picture book “Pretty Ugly”, David Sedaris shows us that looks are irrelevant to the depth of familial love. When Anna made ugly faces so often that one permanently stuck, she tried everything, including visiting a doctor to change her appearance to what it was before, but to no avail. Her family tries to assure her that “beauty is on the inside” and that they love her very much. Pondering her family’s words, she reaches inside and turns herself inside out, ultimately making herself more beautiful than before.

This book is concise and perfect for teaching how to summarize. It also lends itself nicely to personal and persuasive writing.  For example, an introductory paragraph for a persuasive essay for junior high could be:

“Beauty is in the eye of the Beholder” is a phrase we have heard so often it has become trite. How can we internalize the authenticity of this statement? Why picture books, of course. In the picture book “Pretty Ugly”, David Sedaris shows us that familial love renders looks irrelevant.

So, if you’re looking for an exemplar to teach summarizing, paragraph writing, or persuasive writing, this book is perfect.

Or, if you want to read a picture book that will make you think while you giggle, “Pretty Ugly” is perfect.

….oh, I just realized you could also use the title to teach oxymorons.

Thank you Netgalley and Astra Books for the free digital copy.

The Sour Grape

~ Lisa Helm ~ Leave a comment

by Jory John and Pete Oswald

I can identify with Grape. When life doesn’t go exactly as planned or I don’t think I”m getting the attention I deserve , , I DO take it persnallly and hold grudge after grudge after grudge. Because, after all, it is all about me. 

But, just like Grape, I have come to realize that by being honest and listening I will feel less sour and my face will become “less squishy”.

A wonderful story about patience and gratitude told using relatable prose and colourful humorous pictures. 

Two Lovely Picture Books

~ Lisa Helm ~ 1 Comment

If you are looking for great picture books for the littles in your life these two would be the best Christmas presents:

Lou by Breanna Carzoo


Lou is a story about a fire hydrant who just knows in his heart of hearts that he is meant for something greater than being, well being a “loo” for the dogs in the neighbourhood. One day a building catches fire and Lou finally realizes his true purpose. The story is humorous and the artwork is simple and fabulous.

Lizzy and the Cloud by the Fan Brothers

Lizzy and the Cloud is a story of a young girl who goes to the park to buy a pet cloud that she decides to name Milo. Now Milo comes with a list of instructions, and Lizzy is sure to follow each one as best as she can so Milo can be well taken care of. Soon, however, Milo becomes too big for her bedroom, and he begins to rumble and grumble forcing Lizzy to make some pretty big decisions about what to do with her unusual pet. The story is charming and the artwork is so beautiful you will have to revisit each page to immerse yourself in the whimsical world created.