Ish

Ish by Peter Reynolds is a perfect way to set the tone in your classroom for the year. As a primary teacher, I am always looking for a book that has a positive and worthwhile message. I believe Ish is perfect. I can't take any credit for finding this book though. The instructional coach at my school introduced the staff to this book this year by reading it to us at one of our first days of reporting. Throughout the book, you could hear the "Oohs!" and "Aahs!" as she turned page after page.  Finally, at the end, you could tell that this book touched many adults in the room. As she read the book to us, I found myself being like a kid myself...captivated during read aloud.

The message that Reynolds reinforces in this book is to try your best. Someone does not have to make everything perfect. As long as you try hard and enjoy what you are doing, people will always find beauty in it.

As my coach read Ish to my class the first week of school, I could not help but fall in love with this book all over again. I was enjoying it as much as anyone in my class. I know that the message in this book will resonate with me and my class throughout the year.

If you enjoy this book by Peter Reynolds also try The Dot (prequel to Ish). Also, Reynolds is an illustrator. If you enjoyed the illustrations in Ish then make sure to check out Someday by Allison McGhee, and the Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald.