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Mayor’s Reading Videos

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The Book of the Month for February 2022

Grace Byers is an actress and activist known for her roles in Fox’s smash hit series Empire and Marvel’s The Gifted. As a multicultural, biracial CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), Grace was bullied throughout her childhood, which inspired her first picture book, the New York Times bestseller I Am Enough—an ode to the empowerment of young girls. 

This gorgeous, lyrical ode to loving who you are, respecting others, and being kind to one another comes from Empire actor and activist Grace Byers and talented newcomer artist Keturah A. Bobo. We are all here for a purpose. We are more than enough. We just need to believe it.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

Art Activity on a Downloadable Document

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The Book of the Month for January 2022

A creative spirit learns that thinking “ish-ly” is far more wonderful than “getting it right” in this gentle fable from the creator of the award-winning picture book The Dot. Drawing is what Ramon does. It's what makes him happy. But in one split second, all that changes.

A single reckless remark by Ramon's older brother, Leon, turns Ramon's carefree sketches into joyless struggles. Luckily for Ramon, though, his little sister, Marisol, sees the world differently. She opens his eyes to something a lot more valuable than getting things just "right." Combining the spareness of fable with the potency of parable, Peter Reynolds shines a bright beam of light on the need to kindle and tend our creative flames with care.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

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The Book of the Month for October

Vivian Vande Velde is the author of more than twenty books for children and young adults. She has received an Edgar Award, five of her novels have been named Best Books for Young Adults by the ALA, and 8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel ÷ 1 Dog = Chaos was nominated for seven state awards. She lives in Rochester, New York.

With more than 50 energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, Squirrel in the Museum is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts--or a great read-aloud. For aspiring scientists, Squirrel in the Museum also includes an explanation of the scientific exhibits Twitch encounters--as told by the friendly science lab geckos.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

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The Book of the Month for September

Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora's eyecatching collages are full of kid-friendly details like colorful storefronts, pigeons and an ice cream truck, making Carmelita's neighborhood fun to explore. Emphasizing the rich diversity of America's neighborhoods, this simple portrait of a child's day provides a great introduction to the joy of language.

Carmelita loves to greet everyone in her colorful neighborhood. There are people from so many different cultures! They all like to say hello too, so now Carmelita can say hello in Spanish, English, French, Japanese, and many other languages. And her dog, Manny? Well, he seems to understand everyone, and gives a happy "Woof!" wherever he goes.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

Art Activity on a Downloadable Document

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The Book of the Month for May

From author and photo-illustrator Shelley Rotner comes a new and exciting book surrounding the food we eat each day and where it all comes from. Who grows our juicy fruits and yummy vegetables? Who raises animals for our tasty eggs, milk and meat? Who catches fresh fish for our table?

Farmers and fishermen show off their bounty in this lively look at the people who produce the food on which we all rely. In a book filled with bright and enticing photographs and an accessible text, Shelley Rotner s latest book offers a breakdown of the farm-to-table process that is perfect for preschoolers and kindergarten students. A glossary is included.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

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The Book of the Month for April

Writer Deborah Diesen and illustrator Dan Hanna present a Level 1 Beginning Reader paperback about confidence featuring the star of the New York Times—bestselling series in You Can Do It, Pout-Pout Fish! 

Mr. Fish has a fun idea! He is going to make a painting for his friends at school, and he does not need any help. He can do this on his own!

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

Art Activity on a Downloadable Document

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The Book of the Month for March

New York Times bestseller A warm, welcoming picture book that celebrates diversity and gives encouragement and support to all kids. Follow a group of children through a day in their school

where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where kids in patkas, hijabs, and yarmulkes play side-by-side with friends in baseball caps. A school where students grow and learn from each other's traditions and the whole community gathers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. All Are Welcome lets young children know that no matter what, they have a place, they have a space, they are welcome in their school. "Penfold and Kaufman have outdone themselves in delivering a vital message in today's political climate."-- Kirkus , Starred review "A lively, timely picture book."-- Booklist "This is a must-read for pre-school and elementary classrooms everywhere. An important book that celebrates diversity and inclusion in a beautiful, age-appropriate way." - Trudy Ludwig, author of The Invisible Boy and Quiet Please, Owen McPhee "A great read-aloud selection to start the year and revisit time and again." -- School Library Journal 

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

Art Activity on a Downloadable Document

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The Book of the Month for February

It is Mayor Tecklenburg’s great honor to provide 4-year-old children in the City of Charleston with a focused book selection each month, picked for its educational and reading age-appropriate content.

The Mayor’s Book Club selection for February is “The Freedom Ship of Robert Smalls” which coordinate with the exhibit currently on display at The City Gallery at 34 Prioleau St, Charleston, 29401 where the illustrations from the book are on exhibit until the end of February. The book tells the inspirational tale of Robert Smalls who was born enslaved and whose dream of freedom drives him to successfully execute an ambitious plan to commandeer a confederate gunboat from the Charleston harbour into northern territory in a daring escape to a new life.

Link to the Mayor’s Book of the Month.

GIBBES MUSEUM OF ART

Book of the Month Art Activity

Art Activity on a Downloadable Document

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