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Caldecott Medal 2024 Predictions

The Caldecott Medal award winner will be announced on January 22, 2024, which means it’s time for my predictions on which book will take home the top prize and who will be runner-up. The ALA awards are given out sometime in mid-January. Members of the Caldecott committee work hard all year to choose the book they think is deserving of this distinguished award. Members of the committee read thousands of picture books throughout the year. Then they must narrow their choices down to 7 titles each. Once they have this much smaller list, they spend hours debating about which book should receive the top honor. Every year I always come up with my own list of titles that I believe will be contenders. This year I have come up with 15 books that I believe should be on the list (although I have not read nearly as many as
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Top Fantasy Books for Elementary Learners

Get your students excited about reading with these exciting fantasy books.
There’s nothing quite like getting caught up in a good book. It’s a magical experience that truly helps develop a lifelong love of reading. Knowing this, I am always on the lookout for stories that will grip my readers’ attention! If you are hoping to do the same, look no further than the wondrous world of children’s fantasy books! In this realm dragons take flight, wizards cast their spells, and extraordinary adventures unfold on every page. As elementary school teachers and librarians, we all play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds and sparking their imaginations. We all know the value of cultivating a deep love for reading, and fantasy books are a great way to do so. If you’re in need of some ideas, this post is designed just for you! Come along to see my recommendations for top fantasy books suitable for Kindergarten through 5th grade. Let’s
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Map Books: A Journey to Introduce Students to the World of Maps

Introduce your students to the world of maps with these amazing map books they will love reading over and over again.
Are you eager to spark your child’s interest in the world, help them explore its geography, and set them on the thrilling path of map reading? Well, map books are the secret tool here! They’re like the treasure hunt leading young adventurers into the exciting world of maps. So, whether your learner is enchanted by far-off places, dreams of epic explorations, or wants to decode the secrets of maps, I’ve got you covered with a fantastic mix of fiction and nonfiction map books. The Power of Map Books Through Visualization Maps are visual tools that help children understand and remember geographic information. Map books provide a tangible way to introduce abstract concepts like distance, direction, and spatial relationships. Through the illustrations and graphics in these books, young readers can see the world in a way that makes sense to them. This visual learning not only aids in comprehension but
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Scary Books for Kids: Top Picks from Kindergarten to 5th Grade

Add these scary books for kids to your classroom or school library for fun thrills your kiddos will love this fall.
Do you remember those nights as a kid when the rain was pouring down, thunder was booming, and the spooky vibe of October was in the air? It was the perfect time to dive into thrilling, bone-chilling, scary books. I used to huddle under my blanket, flashlight in hand, and get lost in stories that sent shivers down my spine. Those were the moments when reading felt like an incredible adventure. I’m so excited to share this blog post with you today! It’s all about recreating those unforgettable experiences for your kiddos, no matter their age! From friendly ghosts to mysterious monsters, I’ve handpicked some fantastic spooky tales that will ignite young imaginations! Scary Books for Kindergarten to 2nd Grade For our littlest readers, it’s important to find books that offer just the right amount of spookiness without being too scary. These recommendations are perfect for kindergarteners through 2nd
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Books for Boys: Top Picks for Primary and Upper-Grade Readers

Use these books for boys to break the screen addictions and get your boys excited about reading this year.
Remember when we talked about the incredible journey of encouraging boys to embrace the world of books in our previous blog post? Well, I’m back with the next exciting chapter – recommended books for boys. In a world buzzing with screens and non-stop distractions, helping boys develop a passion for reading is like giving them a superpower. I’ve heard you loud and clear – you’re hungry for book recommendations to light up those young imaginations and keep the pages turning! So, get ready to dive into the awesome universe of books curated just for boys in primary and upper grades. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or bookworm on a mission, I’ve got you covered. We’re about to unveil a treasure trove of stories that’ll grab their attention, fuel their curiosity, and kickstart a lifelong love for excellent storytelling. Books for Boys: Primary Grades These books are the coolest buddies
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Encourage Boys to Read More with these Tips and Strategies

Empower your boys to read more with these activities and books they will love.
As a natural lover of reading, one thing I had to rewire my brain about when I started working with kiddos is how some of them do not enjoy reading. They would rather stare at a wall than read for 20 minutes. When this topic is brought to me by teachers it is often connected with boys. Yes, there are many boys who enjoy reading, but historically teachers and parents have a more difficult time getting their boys excited about reading. I am a firm believer that there is a book out there for everyone and if you find the perfect fit for your students (boy or girl), it can be a game changer. Keep reading for tips and strategies to encourage boys to read more. And. . . these tips work for girls too. Throughout the years, I have definitely discovered how reading isn’t every boy’s favorite pastime.
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Staying Cool in the Library is my blog, where I share my passion for fostering a love of reading with children. As a librarian, I believe reading should be fun and accessible to all students. That’s why I share engaging and interactive lesson plans, creative ways to build exciting library collections, and resources to inspire even the most reluctant readers in any classroom or library. Check out my blog posts and products in my store, and join my email list below.

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