E Train's read alouds

 It's Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and I'm celebrating by reading aloud the meaningful and touching picture book WATERCRESS, written by award-winning author Andrea Wang and art by celebrated author and Illustrator Jason Chin. This is a story filled with heart and tears. We all need to read WATERCRESS and remember where our families come from.   As I described it in my read aloud, WATERCRESS is both a heartwarming and heartbreaking read, truly one I won't forget. I promise you will cherish this illustrious and powerful read in your home! What's more, I'm interviewing author Andrea Wang, so be sure to check out our talk.   A big thank you to Holiday House Publishing for gifting me a signed copy of this beautiful story.
 

 I'm dedicating this video to all the moms out there, especially my amazing mom. This is my Mother's Day read aloud of the picture book,  I NEVER SAW MY MOM'S CAPE, BUT..., co-authored by a wonderful writing family who've crafted the sweetest stories. Authors Skyler Farasat (youth author), Payel Farasat (Mom), and Joe Farasat (Dad). Skyler, at just nine years old, co-wrote I NEVER SAW MY MOM'S CAPE, BUT... and three other heartwarming stories, and in honor of Mother’s Day, I'm reading aloud, Skye & Fam's, I NEVER SAW MY MOM'S CAPE, BUT... because it's a story that reminds us of all the kind gestures, big and small, that our moms (and caregivers) do for their families every single day. Happy Mother's Day! Let's remember to celebrate moms & caregivers every single day!
 

 This is the perfect Woman’s History Month picture book, and a story I firmly believe needs be in every classroom and library! GO FORTH AND TELL, THE LIFE OF AUGUSTA BAKER, LIBRARIAN AND MASTER STORYTELLER by author Breanna J. McDaniel, and illustrated by April Harrison, is a truly remarkable and inspirational tale! It details the powerful waves of change and progress that Augusta Baker carved into the library industry. A book that celebrates the impact even one person can make, when passion and determination lead the way! Let's continue what Augusta started & lead the fight for change!  Follow author Breanna J. McDaniel’s book journey here: www.breannajmcdaniel.com


 

 In honor of March 1st being ZERO DISCRIMINATION DAY and to celebrate NATIONAL READ ACROSS AMERICA DAY, I’m reading the thoughtful & thought-provoking picture book GOODNIGHT RACISM by award-winning author Ibram X. Kendi and illustrated by Cbabi Bayoc. What’s more, thanks to First Book I’ll be sharing dozens of these beautiful stories in Little Free Libraries & school libraries all around my community! GOODNIGHT RACISM is a heartfelt & inclusive book that needs to be shared with all kids & even adults. I love & appreciate this story so much!


 

 Watch my read aloud of the gorgeous, energetic & lyrically joyful story, MY BLOCK LOOKS LIKE, a new picture book written by author Janelle Harper and illustrated by two-time Coretta Scott King Award-Winner Frank Morrison. MY BLOCK LOOKS LIKE is a story that will be loved by classrooms of kids everywhere! A book that reads like a song and celebrates all the colors of the rainbow!   Teachers, Librarians, parents, and picture book lovers everywhere, I can’t recommend this story enough! A book that will be cherished and read over & over again! 10/10!  

MY BLOCK LOOKS LIKE 

Published by Viking, A division of Penguin Random House  

DOP: January 2, 2024 

Pages: 40

 

  Happy World Read Aloud Day! In honor of this reading celebration, I’ve chosen to read about the legendary & world renowned philanthropist, TV Icon, and champion of literacy, Oprah Winfrey!  Enjoy my read aloud of “Oprah Winfrey: A Little Golden Book Biography,” a picture book by the talented author Alliah L. Agostini. 10/10 An important & meaningful read!
 

 I just discovered the wonderful picture book, A NEW DAY, written by author Brad Meltzer and illustrated by author & illustrator Dan Santat! A NEW DAY is a story filled with so much sweetness, silliness, and meaning. And, the story comes to life with incredibly bold, colorful and expressive illustrations! I absolutely loved this story and I know you and your kids will too! A perfect book for a class read aloud or special story time!
 

 November is Alzheimers Awareness Month & the perfect time to share a sneak peek into the heartfelt picture book, I’LL REMEMBER, POPPY by Anne O’Brien Carelli, a meaningful story that dives into the complex & compassionate relationship between a grandfather with Dementia & his grandchild. If you or someone you love is dealing with Alzheimer's remember to love them with all you have & share this book 

 Parents, preschool teachers & kids are going to love this heartwarming read! Author Josh Funk’s beloved story made me smile widely! Watch as I share a sneak peak into Josh's newest picture book DEAR UNICORN, and be ready to feel all the happy feels! A story that teaches us that we don't have to look the same to feel the same, and love the same things! A sweet picture book that celebrates art and written with all kinds in mind!   Written by Josh Funk Illustrated by Charles Santoso, Published by Viking Books Be sure to order a copy of this wonderful book from your local bookstore, or  find it at your local library to at: www.worldcat.org 

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 I’m proud to share a peek into RUTH FIRST NEVER BACKED DOWN, a meaningful & important picture book written by author Danielle Joseph & illustrated by Gabhor Utomo. This is such an important story about a brave Jewish girl who stood up for what she believed when so many were not willing, or too afraid, to use their voice! Ruth First was born in South Africa, under the system of apartheid, where Black people had fewer rights than White people. Many looked the other way, but Ruth could not stay quiet about the injustice, and helped to change the world. This is the story of how “Ruth First Never Backed Down!”  Publication Date: November 7, 2023 Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing   You can purchase your own copy or follow this link and find it at your nearest library :  https://www.worldcat.org/  

 In this video I’m celebrating the book birthday of the wonderful picture book, OUT AND ABOUT: A TALE OF GIVING by the amazing author Liza Wiemer! Watch as I share a sneak peek into this sweet, meaningful & Jewish themed story aloud!   

Written by author Liza Wiemer 

Illustrated by Margeaux Lucas 

Published by Kalaniot Books  

 In this video I share a peek into two of author Gabrielle Balkin's sweet picture books. First, you'll get a glimpse into Gabrielle's newest picture book, WHAT A MAP CAN DO, a story that introduces kids to the wonderful world of maps.  Second, I'm sharing a short read from Gabrielle's story,  GEORGIA O'KEEFE: SHE SAW THE WORLD IN A FLOWER, a look into the colorful world of one of American's most famous female artists! Gabrielle Balkan is best known for non-fiction books that are filled with curious and essential facts that are sure to keep kids engaged, entertained, and most importantly learning! Gabrielle Balkan's books are sure to inspire your kids to want to read more!  To find these books at your local library click here & find it on WorldCat.org at https://worldcat.org/en/title/1350081228 Book Info: WHAT A MAP CAN DO, Words by Gabrielle Balkan  Art by Alberto Lot Published by Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC  GEORGIA O'KEEFE: SHE SAW THE WORLD IN A FLOWER (What The Artist Saw Collection) Written by Gabrielle Balkan Illustrated by Josy Bloggs Created in full collaboration with The Metropolitan Museum of Art Published by Dorling Kindersley (DK)
 

 Come share Bear and Ellen’s adventure as they find new ways to search for the perfect book for Bear! A sweet & lovable picture book that kids are sure to enjoy! Written by Ellen L. Ramsey, Illustrated by MacKenzie Haley & published by Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC. 

 In this video, I read aloud the heartwarming picture book, GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE: THE JOEY MOSS STORY, by Canadian author Lorna Schultz Nicholson and Illustrated by Alice Carter. A sweet uplifting & inclusive true story about Edmonton hero Joey Moss. Born with Down Syndrome in the 1960’s when people weren’t as informed, Joey showed the world just what it means to be a light in the darkness, a rainbow in the world’s cloud.   Joey worked most his adult life as part of the Oilers hockey organization & touched the lives of many! GOOD MORNING SUNSHINE is a picture book you will absolutely love! Watch my video of this 2022 story, published by SLEEPING BEAR PRESS, and then find your own copy to read aloud, to share your own light!  

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 In Author Chris Eliopoulos’ eye catching and thoughtful picture book, A LITTLE EMOTIONAL, kids learn how easy can be to let our emotions get the better of us and how it’s always important to try and not jump to conclusions. Through Chris’s bold illustrations and relatable story, A LITTLE EMOTIONAL also teaches us that kindness can go a long way! A LITTLE EMOTIONAL is a story that even some adults can learn from!  
 

 In this video, I read aloud the picture book ⭐️The Stars That Shine For You⭐️, by author Rishma Govani and published by Global Bookshelves International. Written In honour of her beloved late husband, author Rishma Govani takes a poetic approach highlighting the diverse practices and traditions of dealing with grief from around the world.