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Adrift--An Odd Couple of Polar Bears by Jessica Olien

     Karl and Hazel are two polar bears who are both polar opposites.  One wears glasses.  The other doesn't. One thinks he smells like stinky old fish, and,  while the other agrees that he does, but only just a tiny bit! As our tale begins on a clear, peaceful, starlit night,  Karl and Hazel suddenly find themselves separated from their fellow bears when their ice floe cracks, setting the unlikely duo adrift into the sea.
     At first, Karl and Hazel cannot believe that they are stuck out in the middle of the deep blue sea with each other.  The "Walls of Jericho"... in this case are made up of ice blocks, is quickly constructed by the duo so they can be separated from each other.  But soon, the walls start to come down, as they both begin to realize that being detached from one another is truly a lonely place to be.  Karl and Hazel soon start to learn that they both share a love of building snowmen, playing "I Spy" and singing silly songs.  When our unlikely pair find themselves rescued, will their friendship remain?
     This is a brightly illustrated, delightfully quirky, whimsical tale of the importance of taking a second chance on someone.  I also greatly appreciated the author's note at the end of the story, detailing the many things that we can do to help protect these beautiful, endangered animals but to protect their natural environment from the effects of climate change. Perfect ending for not only a classroom read-aloud to go along with a science/nature lesson, but a bed-time story for your little nature protectors!



Adrift- An Odd Couple of Polar Bears
Written & Illustrated by Jessica Olien
Publisher: Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
Author's Website: www.jessicaolien.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-245177-4
Retail Price: $17.99 (Hardcover)
Ages 4 thru 8

The Anna Dewdney Read Together Award

     Calling all librarians, teachers, literary coaches, parents and readers both big and small!!  Please take a moment to submit your nominations for the first annual Anna Dewdney Read Together Award, in memory of the late, beloved author of the hugely popular, "Llama, Llama" series. You can nominate up to five (5) picture books that are not only the best read-alouds to young children, but also promote empathy, compassion and connection between one another.

Goodbye to Charlie, the Ranch Dog

     I was so saddened to learn about sweet Charlie the Ranch Dog's passing today on a news feed post from HarperCollins Children's Facebook page (they are the publishers of Ree The Pioneer Woman Drummond's popular series about her real-life pup).  Charlie's purely delightful tales always brought smiles to my former students, and quite frankly, anyone who was privileged to read them to a child.
     My thoughts and prayers go out to the Drummond family over the loss of this beautiful dog.  With deep thanks and appreciate as well to Ms. Drummond for sharing all of Charlie's adventures with so many little ones throughout these years.
     In honor of Charlie, here's a look back at the very first "Charlie the Ranch Dog" tales that I spotlighted back in 2012.  Bless you,  Charlie,  as you cross the Rainbow Bridge.

For All Fans of The Berenstain Bears--- Check Out Their Monthly Newsletter!

     This adorable monthly newsletter is one that you and your little ones who are fans of The Berenstain Bears would love to get!  Be sure to check this out!

Copyright:  The Berenstain Bears

The Most Perfect Snowman by Chris Britt

     The great Greek philosopher and storyteller Aesop was quoted as saying that, "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."  This is ultimately the wisdom that Drift, the snowman, imparts upon all of us in this sweet story by author/illustrator Chris Britt that emphasizes the power of friendship, goodness and compassion.
     As our tale begins, Drift is basically adrift in a snowy field in the middle of winter.  Made to feel like an outcast among all of the other snowmen who are more fashionably attired due to his plain appearance,  all Drift dreams about is that one day, he will truly feel like he belongs.
     Three little children come across his path one day, and with a single look, they decide to help Drift out.   Lending him their warm scarf, cozy mittens and snugly hat, Drift suddenly sees that his most fondest wish has actually become true.
     The most precious gifts that Drift received from these thoughtful children come in quite handy when Drift crosses path with a little bunny, who finds himself lost and unprepared for the upcoming blizzard.   It is within these kind acts that Drift bestows upon the small bunny at the conclusion of this heartwarming tale that you and your little ones will see that Drift truly becomes the "Most Perfect Snowman!"



The Most Perfect Snowman
Written and Illustrated by Chris Britt
Publisher:  Balzer + Bray, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (2016)
Website: www.harpercollinschildrens.com
ISBN: 978-0-06-237704-3
Accelerated Reader Book Level: 2.3
Accelerated Reader Points: 0.5

Happy New Year from A Modest Momma's Musings for Little Readers

     "Writing," author Marc Brown says to his well-loved character, Arthur in a recent video on PBS Kids' Facebook page, is "like riding a bike.  The more you practice, the EASIER it is."
      Well, here's to a lot more practice this year, as I hope to shine a spotlight on all of the upcoming children's tales, and early childhood literacy tips and news for you and your little ones.
       Wishing you all a new year that is filled with health, happiness and new reads to enjoy!