Children's Book Read Aloud

Last week I found out about International Children's Book Day - a wonderful worldwide celebration.
I immediately started looking into it - If you know me...you'd know that I am passionate about children's books. I love picture books. I used them when I taught elementary with students in Kindergarten through 5th grade and now I use them with my newcomer high school students.

There's just something magical about a children's books & picture book. I've used them to teach all genres and I've found that students connect with these books and encourages them to learn more.

So, as soon as I found out that International children's Book Day is celebrated on April 2nd, 2020 - I started brainstorming about what book to focus on. Of course, all my cultural and diverse background book collection is in my classroom and there was no way I was going to be allowed in the building to get some. 
So I started digging through the books I have at home found a book author John Seidlitz sent me. I had not taken the time to read it so I started reading it...and...Oh...EM...Geeeeee! I started crying while reading it. I couldn't believe there was such an amazing book on my bookshelf and I have not read it!!! 

As soon as I finished reading it I texted John Seidlitz and asked permission to read his book online. He permitted me to read it and thought it was a great idea. He also contacted Hugo Ibarra co-author of the story. 

Here's a brief description of the book Sometimes...: "Andrés and Clara's lives are about to change. Will their determination be powerful enough to help them through what lies ahead? Will they discover that their hopes are only illusions or will they find that dreams really do come true...sometimes."

The most important and highlighted message in this book to me is HOPE, COURAGE, & STRENGTH. 

I need to highlight here the impact parents AND teachers have on children and how they provide help and HOPE children need to get through  any situation that may arise. 
In times of uncertainty like the times we're leaving right now with CoVid19, is imperative we unite forces and reassure our children that everything is going to be OK!

Good news: It is available en Español too!!
Here's an interview with John Seidlitz about the book:
​ https://www.tpr.org/post/texas-matters-immigration-childrens-book

If you are interested in more cultural books, here's a great bilingual book talk I'll be watching.
Go to Webcast here: https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/virtual-visits 

Thank you so much for reading!