February
updated 2/04/12
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February
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that person loves you, that's the most beautiful place in the world. - The Most Beautiful Place in the World, Ann Cameron, 1988
The sun isn't shining again today. It is cold, damp, and quite gloomy, but according to that wonderful groundhog, Spring is right around the corner! No matter what, the days are getting longer, seed catalogs are beginning to arrive, and there is a definite feeling that warmer days, and starry nights are not too far away. February goes by so quickly, but during this month there is much to celebrate in literature. We commemorate Black History Month-a month that honors the lives of some brave individuals who risked their lives for freedom. Hearts, roses, chocolates, songs, and books of love come to mind with the celebration of Valentine's Day. That leads right into Presidents' Day when we celebrate the lives of two great men, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Of course, during this whirlwind month we also celebrate Groundhog Day, Chinese New Year, and Mardi Gras. It is truly a month steeped in history, literature, and love!
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We Celebrate: American Heart Month, Black History Month, National Children's Dental Health Month, Library Lovers' Month, and National Wild Bird Feeding Month
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February Author's Birthdays
Check out the wonderful authors, and illustrators that celebrate their birthdays this month. On February 1st, Langston Hughes and Jerry Spinelli share the day, Judith Viorst(Feb.2nd), Joan Lowry Nixon(Feb.3rd), Charles Dickens and Laura Ingalls Wilder (Feb.7th), E.L. Koningsburg (Feb.10th), Jane Yolen(Feb.11th), Judy Blume(Feb.12th), Paul O. Zelinsky(Feb.14th), Norman Bridwell(Feb.15th), Wilhelm Grimm(Feb.24th), and last but not least, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow(Feb.27th) If your child shares their special day with one of these talented authors, why not go to the library to check out some of their books, and then go online to research their life. Who knows, you may have a budding author right before your eyes!
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Newberry and Caldecott Awards On January 14th, the Newberry and Caldecott Award Winners were announced. Briefly stated, the Newberry is named for John Newberry, the renowned London book publisher of the eighteenth century. It is presented to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children published the preceding year. The author must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. The award is presented annually, and the first award was given in 1922. The Caldecott Award is named after Randolph Caldecott, the famous English artist and illustrator of children's books. It is presented to the illustrator of the most distinguished American Picture Book for children published during the preceding year. It is an annual award, like the Newberry, and the artist must be a citizen or resident of the U.S. The first award was given in 1938.
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Newberry Award Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos Newberry Honor Books Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai Breaking Stalin's Nose by Eugene Yelchin
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Caldecott Award A Ball for Daisy written and illustrated by Chris Raschka
Caldecott Honor Books Blackout written and illustrated by John Rocco Grandpa Green written and illustrated by Lane Smith Me...Jane written and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell
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IHM Book Club February Dates 7th & 8th Grade - cancelled for February 5th & 6th Grade - February 21st Library 3:00- 4:00 p.m.
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Other Interesting Facts The Vietnam War ended on February 3rd, 1973. Read the Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt. It is excellent! This book takes place in 1967. Schmidt mixes a real cachet of topics-the relationship between a teacher/student, rats, religion, friends, the war, and Shakespeare. It is truly a work of art! Perfect for the junior high kids.
Aviator Charles Lindberg was born on February 4th, 1902. There isn't a better book around then Flight by Robert Burleigh. The pictures are breathtaking, and the story is a real page-turner. Perfect for all ages. On February 7th, we celebrate Laura Ingalls Wilder's birthday. Her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, was published when Wilder was age 65! Which just goes to show that you are never too old to become an author! King Tut's tomb was opened on February 16th, 1923. Tut's Mummy is a great read for the younger set. It is informative, and yet easy to understand for the little guys. I always read this book at Story time, and the kids love it. It piques their interest in other books about Ancient Egypt, the pyramids, and of course, mummies. Good for grades 1-4. The U.S. Flag was raised on Iwo Jima on February 23rd, 1945. Read Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley. Great for the older students who are history buffs.
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Here's hoping you all have a beautiful Valentine's Day filled with love, chocolate, laughter, more chocolate and of course, a great book (and even more chocolate to nibble on!).
Happy Valentine's Day, Mrs. Karen Sanders, Librarian/Teacher's Assistant
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My name is Karen
Sanders and I have been at Immaculate Heart of Mary School for many years
both as Librarian and 2nd Grade Teaching Assistant. It is a job that keeps
me very busy, but one that I love. Reading has always been a source of
great joy to me. Open a book and it can transport you in time, space, or
anywhere in the world. Reading stimulates the imagination, the
creativity, and the emotions of the reader. I consider it a privilege to
be able to help the student find that one certain book that ignites the
spark of reading - one that will last a lifetime.
My husband and I are members of the Parish, and our two sons both graduated from IHM. We have one pet, a rescued greyhound named Pistol Pete. Greys make wonderful pets, and are great with kids-just ask mine! |
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IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC SCHOOL |
