In part 4 of the podcast series, Sharon delves into a carefully curated collection of picture books. She highlights their ability to engage both teachers and students, while introducing themes like hope, resilience, and human connection. Each book offers unique insights, from environmental awareness to emotional healing. Through her thoughtful exploration, Sharon demonstrates how picture books can inspire writing, spark deep conversations, and enrich classroom experiences, creating meaningful connections between stories and real-world issues.
In Blessing the Book: Exploring Picture Books with Sharon Callen – Part 4, listeners are once again invited into the world of children’s literature as Sharon Callen shares her insightful exploration of picture books that captivate the imagination while addressing real-world themes.
In this episode, Sharon highlights how carefully chosen picture books can be powerful tools for teachers, offering both joyful escapism and meaningful engagement with complex topics like grief, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Sharon dives into a series of picture books that exemplify the magic of storytelling for young readers. From the heartwarming journey in The Garden at the End of the World by Cassy Polimeni and Briony Stewart, which teaches hope through the Global Seed Vault, to the poignant Mizuto and the Wind by Kaye Baillie and Luisa Gioffre-Suzuki, which gently addresses loss and healing, these stories offer profound learning experiences.
She also delves into Eat My Dust, a historical adventure that brings to life the fearless contributions of women to Australia's history.
Sharon explains how each book can be a “mirror” for children to see themselves or a “window” to experience new perspectives. From the lyrical flow of Whisper on the Wind to the thought-provoking themes in Egg by Clare Atkins, she emphasises how these books can inspire deep conversations about community, diversity, and belonging.
Through this engaging and thought-provoking episode, Sharon encourages educators to not just read picture books, but to bless them—inviting students into narratives that spark curiosity, foster emotional growth, and broaden their understanding of the world. The episode underscores the power of stories to connect us all, no matter our age.
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FURTHER INFORMATION
Tune in to "Teacher's Tool Kit For Literacy," a free podcast where accomplished literacy educator Sharon Callen and her team share valuable insights and tips. With over 30 years of experience, they provide strategic learning solutions to empower teachers and leaders worldwide. Subscribe on your favourite platform for exclusive literacy learning content. Apple, Spotify, Google, YouTube
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