September Favorites

These were my favorite September reads:

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López (picture book)

The Day You Begin is a book that encourages both acceptance of self and others. It not only celebrates what makes us unique but also what connects us to others. The illustrations and words are incredibly in sync with each other and feel like the work of one mind. The reflected potential of the boy holding the book is my favorite illustration/text combination.



Night Job by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Brian Karas (picture book)

There's something really special about the relationship between this boy and his dad. Even though his dad is working, he's very much involved in his son's life. My favorite moment is when his dad cleans the library and the boy reads to him. Another special moment happens when they listen to the radio and clean together. Though this is a picture book with few words, it captures the strength of a beautiful bond between son and father. Plus it's a total bonus that their mode of transportation is a motorcycle.

Let's Play Yoga by Márcia de Luca and Lúcia Barros and illustrated by Bruna Assis Brasil (juvenile nonfiction)



I love the inclusion of the ten principles of yoga prior to the explanation of the yoga poses. It's wonderful to see a children's book that demonstrates poses are just one component of yoga. I particularly like the simplicity of the language in these principles. For example, brahmacharya (right use of energy) is especially difficult to wrap one's mind around, but the authors explain it as having "strength of character" and devoting "yourself to whatever you're doing like there's nothing more important in the whole world." In addition to the ten principles, this book is nicely organized, the poses include stories and are easy to follow, and the illustrations are stunning.