elephant & piggie, beetles, turtles and turning trash into art

This is part two of May's fantastic reads.  I know there are two Elephant & Piggie books on this list, but apparently I forgot to read one.  And also there is a brand new one.  So I had a great time with Elephant & Piggie this past month.

We are in a Book by Mo Willems

- I love all of the elephant & piggie books because they have thoughtful lessons that anyone can benefit from - aha moments that have the potential to radically alter your point of view - in this one elephant & piggie know that they are being read and how they interact with the reader is simply marvelous, insightful and clever. - As always their facial expressions are so exact and funny you will see yourself in them.

The Thank You Book by Mo Willems

- Piggie goes on a thank-o-rama spree, trying to thank everyone who means something to her. - And Elephant is super worried she will forget someone important. - Awesome guest appearances from Willems' other books including Pigeon! Yes, THAT pigeon.

A Beetle is Shy by Dianna Hutts Aston and Illustrated by Sylvia Long

- amazing beetle facts like how the smallest beetle, the featherwing beetle, can fit through the eye of a needle and learning about the sneaky wasp beetle's clever disguise. - stunning, colorful illustrations like the startling transformation of the ladybug - Aston and Long have collaborated on other books.  
The only tragedy is trying to pick a favorite.

Follow the Moon Home by Philippe Cousteau and Illustrated by Meilo So

- this book proves that one person can make a difference. In this particular case a girl figures out that lights from houses on the beach are causing the baby turtles to walk away from the sea and die. The girl enlists the help of her classmates and the town and figures out a solution. - the illustrations are really soft, detailed and impactful. - In the back are some great resources and steps for becoming an activist.

Ada's Violin by Susan Hood and Illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

- This remarkable story of a teacher creating musical instruments from trash is true and it will give you chills and fill you with inspiration. - Who knew a little ingenuity and trash could give kids the opportunity to see the world and help give back and build their community? - The illustrations weren't my cup of tea, but in the back is a picture of the kids and their real instruments. Totally blew me away. - For another brilliant look into turning trash into art check out the documentary Waste Land.