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Jayne’s Book Bridge on Instagram

jaynes_book_bridge

Advancing equitable access to children’s literature through inclusive storytelling, thoughtful book reviews, and early literacy opportunities.

On Monday’s I will be featuring stories that matte On Monday’s I will be featuring stories that matter, stories about fairness, kindness, equity, inclusion, children’s rights, belonging and making the world a better place. I will be calling it “Monday Matters”

I have chosen today to feature stories about a topic that is very near and dear to my heart, an issue that has been a part of my family's life for many years, stories about, supporting and celebrating children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH). I have chosen 5 fabulous stories.

Monster Hands by Karen Kane and Jonaz McMillan, illustrated by Dion MBD and published by Nancy Paulsen Books @jonazmcmillan @dionmbd @nancyrosep 

Mara Hears In Style by Terri Clemmons, illustrated by Lucy Rogers and published by Beaming Books @terriclemmonsauthor @luce_illustrates @beamingbooksmn 

Next Door by Deborah Kerbel, Illustrated by Isaac Liang and published by Kids Can Press @deborahkerbel.books @zhijieart @kidscanpress 

SIgns of Friendship by Annie Silvestro, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen and published by Simon & Schuster @anniesilvestro @ziyuechen @simonandschuster

Butterfly On The Wind by Adam Pottle, Illustrated by Ziyue Chen and published by Roaring Brook Press @adam.pottle @ziyuechen
The recent municipal election in my hometown has r The recent municipal election in my hometown has resulted in a right-leaning majority on council, including the mayoral position. This has left me concerned about the potential implications for our community and the broader impact on social issues and justice.
I hope my concerns prove unfounded, but history reminds us of the importance of protecting the rights and voices of marginalized communities. With that in mind, I’ll be making a conscious effort to highlight books that have been banned or challenged, using this platform to raise awareness, encourage thoughtful discussion, and stand up for the freedom to read
#jaynesbookbridge #littlefreelibrariesbyjayne #nobannedbooks #therightsofthechild #bannedbookclub
No One Owns The Colors Gianna Davy Brenda Rodrique No One Owns The Colors
Gianna Davy
Brenda Rodriquez
Published by The Collective Book Studio
There has often been the belief system that colours are associated with gender, you will still too often hear folks saying “Pink is for girls, blue is for boys”. Not only is this an archaic way of thinking, but it is also completely out of place in modern society.  However, unfortunately it is ingrained in culture - this book offers an opportunity to rethink the narrative.

For a complete review please visit our website at jaynesbookbridge.ca To purchase visit https://bookshop.org/a/104412/9781951412968 
To view the complete read aloud visit YouTube https://youtu.be/vYwwGxgjink?si=D8chTrjgjcZHvcRy
No One Owns The Colors Gianna Davy Brenda Rodrique No One Owns The Colors
Gianna Davy
Brenda Rodriquez
Published by The Collective Book Studio

There has often been the belief system that colours are associated with gender, you will still too often hear folks saying “Pink is for girls, blue is for boys”. Not only is this an archaic way of thinking, but it is also completely out of place in modern society. However, unfortunately it is ingrained in culture - this book offers an opportunity to rethink the narrative.

For a complete review please visit our website at jaynesbookbridge.ca To purchase visit https://bookshop.org/a/104412/9781951412968 

#giannadavy #brendarodriguez #collectivebookstudio #coloursdontassigngenders
I have been thinking a lot lately about the matter I have been thinking a lot lately about the matter of consent.  This is an issue that enters the adult world far too often but it can enter the lives of children also.  When considering how to broach the topic of consent and what that actually means for children in the preschool years, I think it is important to start with situations that are relatable and easily understood.  Not wanting to hug, not wanting to give kisses, asking permission and listening to their bodies are all fundamental rights of children, I believe the books I have selected here highlight those topics with child friendly language and illustrations.
#consent #childrensrights #boundaries #profamilia #danielerrico
A read aloud of Bathe The Cat by Alice. B. McGinty A read aloud of Bathe The Cat by Alice. B. McGinty, illustrated by David
Roberts Published by Chronicle Books
Fun Book Friday
This story is a blast to read, gives a great giggle to the children and has
an underlying message of diversity and acceptance
Themes: Diversity · Family · Fun
Listen to the whole story: https://youtu.be/lrDKbDx1GuA 
Buy the book: https://bookshop.org/a/104412/9781452142708
Or borrow it from your local library
Jayne’s Book Bridge shares socially conscious picture book read alouds
for children ages 0–5, curated by an Early Childhood Educator. Stories
that centre kindness, belonging, equity and care.
Subscribe for a new read aloud every week
jaynesbookbridge.ca
Little Free Libraries by Jayne: littlefreelibrariesbyjayne.ca
Instagram: @jaynes
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_
_
bridge
TikTok: @jaynesbookbridge
#readaloud #picturebooks #earlychildhoodeducation #storytime
#newwestminster
A read aloud of Songs In The Sea by Pheilm Martin A read aloud of Songs In The Sea by Pheilm Martin (Author & Illustrator), Published by Breakwater Books 
Songs in the Sea tells us the story of a young humpback whale who spends his days swimming in a warm tropical lagoon, alongside his Mother, learning how to “whale”.  His Mother speaks to him of a great journey that they must take and of course, as a young whale would be, he was full of questions and curiosity.  
Themes: Determination · Community · Persistence 
Listen to the whole story: https://youtu.be/11TEJvZPQCk?si=x0MhGecFtZovaEQP
📖 Read my full review:  Posts 
🛒 Buy the book: https://breakwaterbooks.com/ 
💚 Or borrow it from your local library — we always recommend New Westminster Public Library. 
Jayne’s Book Bridge shares socially conscious picture book read alouds for children ages 0–5, curated by an Early Childhood Educator. Stories that centre kindness, belonging, equity and care.
🔔 Subscribe for a new read aloud every week
🌐 jaynesbookbridge.ca
📚 Little Free Libraries by Jayne: littlefreelibrariesbyjayne.ca
📷 Instagram: @jaynes_book_bridge
📼TikTok: @jaynesbookbridge
#readaloud #picturebooks #earlychildhoodeducation #storytime #newwestminster
Restock day begins with intentionally selecting th Restock day begins with intentionally selecting the books that I will put into my libraries.  Although it is a little early, I decided to add some Halloween books today, along with some fall and Thanksgiving books.  Today I also added a few little giveaways, some Halloween pencils and erasers, some stickers and some magnetic bookmarks. I was also really happy to visit a neighborhood library that is not one of mine and donate some children’s books, this library is located at Cumberland and Carroll Street in new Westminster.  Little free libraries by Jayne are all located in New Westminster at the following address addresses. 
Riverbend Library for Children is at 1050 Quayside Dr.
Queens Park Library for Children is at 427 4th St.
Qayqayt Library for Children is at 74 Merrivale St.
The Yellow House Library for Children is at 322 Ward Street  Hope you all have an amazing Sunday and week ahead. 
#littlefreelibrariesbyjayne #littlefreelibraries #accesstoliterature #tourismnewwestminster
Marvin Gets Mad by Joseph Theobald A great story a Marvin Gets Mad by Joseph Theobald
A great story about how our emotions can sometimes get the better of us and how we can learn from our mistakes, but maybe not right away. 
#josephtheobald #childrensbookreview #childrensbookstagram #childrensbookreview #jaynesbookbridge
Songs In The Sea Written & Illustrated by Pheilm M Songs In The Sea
Written & Illustrated by Pheilm Martin 

This is one of the stories I picked up on my recent trip to Nova Scotia and is written by an author/illustrator from St John’s, Newfoundland.  I seem to be gathering quite a collection of books by authors  from the Maritimes. I love the way they are written, their messages and the poetic flow of many of the books.

Songs in the Sea tells us the story of a young humpback whale who spends his days swimming in a warm tropical lagoon, alongside his Mother, learning how to “whale”. His Mother speaks to him of a great journey that they must take and of course, as a young whale would be, he was full of questions and curiosity.  As they travel to the North Sea, little whale finds his mother’s pace quite slow and asks to go faster and explore.  With a gentle warning about not venturing too far, Mother Whale allows him to explore.

What follows is a story of adventure, fear, uncertainty and worry as little whale ventures a little too far.  We meet many other kinds of whales and ocean creatures who try to help but nover quite can.  We learn that ships can make big nosies which can confuse a whale and interrupt their communications, perhaps that’s why the little whale is so lost? Throughout his journey, little whale persists, he is afraid but he does not give up and finally with the help of some friendly belugas he is able to reunite with his Mother.

Not only did I enjoy this book for the beautiful illustrations which with the use of greens and blues really make you get a feel for the ocean, but for the almost soothing, calm nature of the script.  Read well, a child has no need to feel danger or uncertainty, they may however feel the resoluteness of the whale as he patiently persists.  I hope you find this book in your local library, local bookstore or even a Little Free Library, I think you will find it is well worth the read.

The Jayne Scale - 🌉🌉🌉🌉 - A Beautiful Crossing.  Memorable, moving and beautifully constructed
A true advocate for children’s literature. Thank A true advocate for children’s literature.  Thank You Dolly #dollyparton
When I travel, I like to find books by local autho When I travel, I like to find books by local authors or about local subject matter. After three weeks in Nova Scotia, I think I demonstrated a large amount of self-control in only purchasing nine books. Look for book reviews and storytelling from these books soon. #novascotia #childrensbookstagram #canada🇨🇦 #localauthors @jaynes_book_bridge @little_free_libraries_by_jayne
Our Incredible Library Book (and the wonderful jou Our Incredible Library Book (and the wonderful journeys it took)  Written By Caroline Crow.  Illustrated By John Joseph  As I sit here on my first visit to @hfxpublib I am intrigued to find this book, especially given the setting that I am in and how closely it relates to the book itself.  What first captures me about this book is the diversity that is evident on every page, it is inclusive without being “pushy”. It is representative of all types of folks and it really is a mirror image of what I am seeing right now in this library.  The story tells the story of a book, all the people it visits, all the homes it goes into, the way it makes people feel and the connections it creates.  I will definitely be running off to a local bookstore to see if I can pick up this book for myself.
We’re starting a new chapter book series for napti We’re starting a new chapter book series for naptime.  The Adventures of Julian & Captain by @teddyanddragon  We have started with The Cookie Cure.  Thanks to the author for the gift of these books ❤️
These two books were a great combination at group These two books were a great combination at group time today.  Starting with The Color Monster which helped us to define our emotions and label them in terms of colors. It also helps to teach us that when our emotions are all mixed up, they are much more difficult to understand. The children really seem to resonate with the idea of the colours as emotions. We then followed up with Kona and His Hard Shell which serves as a great tool to help us deal with our emotions, particularly that of being scared. We loved the different methods to calm down, deep breaths, naming colours that we could see, things that we could touch and finally something special about ourselves.  Our children asked lots of critically reflective questions and fully engaged in the conversation that came from our time together.  I highly recommend reading these books as companions to each other.  #annallenas #crissymiyake #annethlagamo #jaynesbookbridge #emotions
I have a lot of opinions and I love to write, most I have a lot of opinions and I love to write, mostly about social justice as it relates to Early Childhood.  I would love if you read my thoughts and let me know what you think.  I appreciate it.  https://open.substack.com/pub/jaynebucknell/p/the-beautiful-game-beautiful-values?r=4ich4d&utm_medium=ios
As Pride month comes to an end, I thought I would As Pride month comes to an end, I thought I would offer these thoughts and  affirmations for children who live in nontraditional families.  Once again credit to @littlejusticeleaders
Just in case you needed some help 😊Credit to @litt Just in case you needed some help 😊Credit to @littlejusticeleaders for the great post 🌈
As we draw closer to the end of the group stage of As we draw closer to the end of the group stage of #fifaworldcup2026 I thought that this highlighted selection of books was great.  All credit for this collection goes to #thechildrensbookbankcanada
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress Christi Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress
Christine Baldacchino
Isabelle Malenfant 
Groundwood Books 

Morris Micklewhite is a typical young person who loves Sundays, pancakes, his Mom and his cat called Moo.  He also loves Mondays because on Mondays he goes to school where he loves to do puzzles, paint and sing the loudest during circle time.  But most of all Morris loves the dress up area and in particular the tangerine dress.  What follows is the most beautiful description of how this dress makes Morris feel, how it sounds, its motion.  The dress reminds Morris of a tiger and his Mother’s hair. 
Unfortunately, Morris has to pretend not to hear the criticism about him wearing the dress, the commentary from some of the other children.  He tries hard to ignore it but ultimately being excluded and ostracized  makes him have a tummy ache.  But Morris is a creative person, so after a couple of days of comfort, he uses art to describe his visions and dreams, big blue elephants, tiny tigers, giant leaves, his cat Moo in a space helmet and of course him in a beautiful tangerine dress.  His return to school begins with challenges but his courage and creativity along with some curiosity leads to great adventures.
I always wonder about the stereotypical negativity around little boys dressing up, I wonder what the concern actually is? I tend to believe that these archaic thoughts are changing over time, but I wonder if they do persist for some?  As always, I believe that our learning begins with our children, with acceptance, tolerance and the normalising of something that is entirely innocent and fun.  I hope you read and enjoy this book with the children you spend time with, it would be a great use of your time.
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