Perfect Picture Book Friday: Birdsong

Posted on March 12, 2021 by rosecappelli
Amazon.com: Birdsong (9781771644730): Flett, Julie, Flett, Julie: Books

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Birdsong

Title: Birdsong

Author: Julie Flett

Illustrator: Julie Flett

Publisher: Greystone Books

Audience: Ages 4-8

Themes: seasons, nature, intergenerational friendship

Opening lines: It’s a mucky spring morning as we pack up the last of our belongings and leave our little home in the city by the sea.

I’m going to miss my friends and cousins and aunties and uncles. I’m going to miss my bedroom window and the tree outside.

Synopsis: (from the jacket flap) When a young girl moves to her new home far away from the sea, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of nature and art. As the seasons change, can the girl navigate the failing health of her new friend?

Why I Like This Book: I was grabbed by the lyrical language from the first page. The simple illustrations are perfect, enhancing the text but never overpowering. The words and art combine to help us feel Katherena’s loneliness and her delight in finding a new friend. I especially like how the passage of the seasons marks Katherena’s growth in dealing with her emotions and the gradual decline of her friend, Agnes.

Resources: There is a downloadable Companion Guide for Teachers and Parents on Julie Flett’s website (www.julieflett.com) that has discussion questions and many art related activities.

For a list of wonderful picture books, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

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SOS: Catching Up

Posted on March 11, 2021 by rosecappelli

Today I’m writing a response to the invitation on Sharing Our Stories: Capture a Slice of Life.

I have a friend who isn’t able to drive long distances due to some vision issues. At one time, she was more than just a friend, she was a member of my extended family. But divorce has a way of distancing friends, and although we continue to see each other at family celebrations (pre-Covid), I had not spent a lot of time with her in, well, a very long time. But when I learned that she did not have a ride to receive her second vaccine shot at a pharmacy 80 miles away, I volunteered to drive her.

The round trip ride took three hours, and we never ran out of things to talk about – children, grandchildren, the state of the world, books, music, retirement. I had not been to her house in, well, a very long time, but today I got to meet her new kittens, Will and Grace, and see the addition she added.

Maybe there are a few silver linings in this mess of a pandemic. It was a very good day, indeed.

Posted in Sharing Our Stories Magic | 5 Comments

Poetry Friday: Is It Spring Yet?

Posted on March 5, 2021 by rosecappelli

Happy Poetry Friday!

I woke to the sound of birds, happy it was Friday (although most days blend into each other), but disappointed because I didn’t think I had anything to share for Poetry Friday. I wrote a few short poems during the week, but nothing was grabbing me. Then I opened Margaret Simon’s post and inspiration hit! Margaret challenged us to try out a Book Scavenger Hunt – pick some words from a book and use them in a poem. Yes, it’s that easy, and don’t miss the incredible video of Amanda Gorman demonstrating this technique that Margaret included.

I’ve been reading lots of picture books for Reading For Research month, and yesterday I discovered the beautiful, lyrical Birdsong written and illustrated by Julie Flett. The book spans the seasons, so I picked one word from each season: mucky, berries, gathering, bulbs

Is It Spring Yet?

There are secrets
in the mucky mud of winter’s retreat,
buried beneath leftover leaves
and once-wiggly worms.
While chilly winds whirl,
bulbs wake,
gather energy,
push up
up
up…
to celebrate with birds,
to rejoice with buds and berries,
to announce –
It’s spring!

Kat Apel has the Poetry Friday Roundup today, and a new book to introduce.

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Poetry Friday: Before and After the Storm

Posted on February 19, 2021 by rosecappelli

I love the anticipation of a snowstorm almost as much as the storm itself. Afterwards, the world offers much to think about – neighborly kindnesses, objects that take on a different appearance, animal tracks to puzzle over. I keep those who are being negatively impacted by the unusual storms spreading across the country in my hearts. Luckily, the storm in my area has been less disruptive (although it has started snowing again). It gave me time to pause and ponder, before and after, and write two haiku.

Before the Storm
the air smells of snow
waiting for the quiet white
to tickle my nose

After the Storm
scoops of snow and ice
piled on an empty swing set
winter’s ice cream treat

Ruth has today’s Poetry Round Up here. Stop by for links to more poetry and a surprise group poem of fascinating facts.

Posted in Poetry Friday | 9 Comments

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Finding a Dove for Gramps

Posted on February 12, 2021 by rosecappelli
Image result for finding a dove for gramps

To celebrate this weekend’s Great Backyard Bird Count, I’m showcasing a book that will inspire young and old to discover birds all around them.

Title: Finding a Dove for Gramps

Author: Lisa J. Amstutz

Illustrator: Maria Luisa DiGravio

Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company

Audience: Ages 4-8

Themes: Nature, Family, Citizen Science

Opening lines: Mom and I slip silently out the door. Today we’re going to count birds. It’s just the two of us this year, since Gramps flew south for the winter. ”Just like the swallows!” he says.

Synopsis: (from the jacket flap) Jay looks forward to participating in the bird count each winter with his mom and Gramps. It’s fun to spot different birds like a nuthatch, a black-capped chickadee, and even a golden-crowned kinglet! This year Jay wants to spot his Gramps’s favorite bird – a dove. But with so many different birds in the nature preserve, will Jay have a chance to locate one before the count is over?

Why I Like This Book: This book is perfect for beginning birders, young or old. The text is simple, yet encouraging. Through the use of sensory details and onomatopoeia, Lisa introduces the reader to several common birds, and conveys the joy of locating these feathered friends. The colorful illustrations enhance the text and add to the engagement.

Resources: There is information on bird counts in the back matter of this book, as well as a bird count checklist. In addition, The Audubon Society has lots of great resources for kids as well as general information on birds and bird counting activities.

For a list of wonderful picture books, please visit Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

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