Another Reason Why We Read Children’s Books: To Learn

from The Twits by Roald Dahl

from A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

from Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes

See more at BuzzFeed: 15 Wonderful Quotes About Life From Children’s Books along with their adult reinterpretations.

Governor General’s Awards Announced

The Canada Council for the Arts today announced the 14 winners of the Governor General’s Literary Awards, worth $25,000 each.

From the Canada Council News Release:

“The 2011 GG-winning books reflect the diversity and depth of contemporary Canadian literature,” said Robert Sirman, Director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts. “With the hundreds of other great books that have won Canada’s national literary award over the past 75 years, they represent pure gold for Canadian creative excellence.”

Click to go to Canada Council page for this book with author bio

Winner: Children’s Literature – Illustration

Jury’s Comment
Ten Birds is a whimsical, surreal visual riddle. A disarmingly simple story becomes a complex discussion of the adjectives used to “pigeon-hole” individuals in society. Cybèle Young’s beautifully crafted pen and ink images describe a journey to simply cross a river. Ironically none of the birds can fly, but ultimately the simplest answer may be the best.

Kiss the Book Review
Drawn Review
CM Magazine Review

Click to go to Canada Council page for this book with author bio

Winner: Children’s Literature – Text

Jury’s Comment
From Then to Now: A Short History of the World, by Christopher Moore, is a fascinating examination of the evolution of human civilization that is global in its span and inclusive in its outlook. The energetic narrative tells a story that rivals the very best fiction.

Goodreads Reader Reviews
CBC News Review
CM Magazine Review

I don’t have either of these books in my library and would love to hear from anyone that does. What do your students think of them?

All GG Winners – English
All GG Winers – French

Books for Remembrance Day

These books get extra attention at my school as teachers prepare the students for Remembrance Day. Do you have others to recommend?
Click on any image to see it a little larger and let me know if you need any more information on any of the books.