I was given the privilege of reviewing an amazing new book by Debbie Clement. Debbie is not only an author, but also a musician, teacher, and two time survivor of breast cancer. Her new book, Red, White and Blue is a tribute to the events of 9-11-2001. This book has been released just in time for the 10th anniversary of this date. This book has already won the National Indie Award of Excellence in the category of Children's Book with Audio (you can check out more here). It is simple and great for younger children. The illustrations are colorful and interesting (they are actually made from fabric ), providing the opportunity for discussion. I actually had my soon to be kindergartener read it to himself. He really enjoyed the pictures and said his favorite part was the fireworks.
The words of this fabulous book also are a song. Debbie has included a CD with the book to help out those of us who may not be the best singers (Me! Me! Me!). I have decided that I am going to use this song as one of my September songs for my students. We will sing it during circle time and also use the book to follow along. As we approach September 11th we will commemorate the day by painting our own flags to hang in the hallway. We may also discuss our favorite things about our country and turn it into a mini writing project.
If you would like to get your own copy of Debbie’s book Red, White and Blue you can go to her website and order it by clicking here or you can try to WIN your own copy by entering my giveaway. To enter you need to complete the mandatory entry by leaving a comment sharing how you are planning on doing commemorating 10th anniversary of 9/11 in your classroom. Make sure you also mark that you completed the entry through rafflecoptor to get credit for your comment. (Giveaway will being at 12:01 AM on 8/11)
You can also get additional entries by:
1. Following my blog via Google Friend Connect
2. Following Debbie’s blog
3. Following Learning Ahoy on Facebook
I will use this book with my Kindergarteners to help celebrate our amazing country! I will of course ask the kids to wear something red, white, blue for this day of sharing!
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I would love to use this book not only for remembering those who tragically lost their lives on 9/11 but for remembering veterans and other fallen soldiers throughout the year. There are numerous patriotic holidays that many of our students are not aware of. Using this book would help the students create a better understanding of the importance of patriotism in their own lives. The song sounds cute too!
ReplyDeleteI'm a prek teacher and this would be a fantastic way to remember 9/11!! I would use it in circle time for the children to sing along to and we are also planning a trip to West NY to see the city view and have the children sketch what they like best about NYC. Along with making flags etc. This is an amazing book!! I hope I can wine one for use this Sept!!! PS 9/11 is also grandparents day, we will be having them come in to read to our class throughout the week.
ReplyDeleteI remember when Debbie Clement came and did a show at Shelby Hills (a special needs preschool in Ohio). She rocks--especially when she is singing and dancing to such great songs as "You're Wonderful", "Goldie", and "It's Preschool"! I am not at all surprised that she won a National Indie Excellence Book Award for her book, "Red, White and Blue". I am definitely buying myself a copy for my birthday this year (which, ironically, is 9/11!).
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