There are certain kids picture books that stand out as “gems”. Those “extra-special” books that make your heart smile every time you read them. The way the text flows & rhymes as you read it aloud. The detail and beauty of the illustrations that are a feast for the eyes. The special life lessons and values that they convey. A fun repeated line that provides an opportunity for kids to participate in telling the story. Even the size and type of font, the feel of the paper and the cover add to the “gem” qualities of a great kids picture book.

These five books are recent additions to my vast collection of picture books and are “gems”:

• A Flower in the Snow by Tracey Corderoy, illustrated by Sophie Allsopp. Luna and her polar bear friend (Bear) discover a beautiful gold flower growing in the snow. But when the flower fades, Bear goes on a search around the world for another to bring to Luna. It’s only when he returns home that the true strength of their friendship is revealed.This book has wonderful illustrations, large easy-to-read text, lots of descriptive language, opportunities for imagination as you follow Bear’s search for the flower, and conveys the value of true friendship. An added bonus is that there are lots of opportunities for kids yoga poses.

• Making a Friend by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Marc Rosenthal. Short easy-to-read sentences on each page, great opportunities for vocabulary, sequencing, part-to-whole & pronouns, several wordless pages allow for creativity and storytelling, fun hidden details as you search for the snowman’s face in several of the pages, and the story conveys two great messages: “What you love will always be with you” and the cycle of connection in nature (snow, water, ocean, rain, fog, frost).

• No Two Alike by Keith Baker. A story that conveys the beauty of being unique. Vivid illustrations, bold short easy-to-read text on each page, text from one page rhymes with the next, and lots of animals and nature depicted will provide opportunities to use this in a kids yoga class.

• Over and Under the Snow by Kate Messner, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. The dimensions of the book, sturdy feel and texture of the paper and illustrations are all unique. Lots of opportunity for prepositions, verbs & other descriptive vocabulary. The accuracy of the details and info about the animals depicted in the book would lend itself well to use in a classroom discussion. See this pic for yoga opportunities in this book: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=472679099449767&set=pb.174264525957894.-2207520000.1355009141&type=3&theater. (Also shared in the “Winter & Christmas” blog post linked below)

• Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost, illustrated by Susan Jeffers. A beautiful rendition of the famous poem brought to life by the detailed illustrations. Lots of wonderful animals to look for on each page and opportunities for vocabulary and inferences. A splendid way to introduce young children to poetry.

(A beautiful short video rendition of the poem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEtMLqP7tpA)

UPDATE: See more snowy faves, kids yoga ideas & a snowy playlist at: https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/12/10/more-snowy-faves-a-perfect-day-by-carin-berger-kids-yoga-ideas-and-a-snowy-playlist/

A few snowy coloring pics:

Want even more? Check out this album on the Facebook page:

A snowy relaxation script  (a shortened version based on this post on the Relax Kids blog: http://blog.relaxkids.com/?p=2219)

Want even more ideas for Christmas & Winter-themed kids activities? Check out these three posts:

https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/12/01/12-days-of-christmas-kids-yoga/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/2012/11/28/the-yoga-of-dr-seuss-inspired-by-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas-free-printable/

https://omazingkidsllc.com/2011/12/03/christmas-winter-themed-kids-yoga-ideas/

Angela Moorad, MS, CCC-SLP, IAYT, RCYP-2

Speech-Language Pathologist

Founder of OMazing Kids, LLC – inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities

Radiant Child Yoga Certified – Levels 1 & 2

E-Mail: amoorad1@juno.com

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OMazing Kids LLC is an organization that promotes inclusive wellness activities for kids of all abilities. The blog and social media pages share information about books, DVD’s, CD’s, games and other products specifically designed for kids wellness, mindfulness and relaxation, product reviews & giveaways, lesson plan & activity ideas, research, kids wellness in the news and a connection corner with listings of individuals doing adapted yoga and those offering trainings.

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