Author: jennluvsbooks

Merry Happy Thankful November

Monday, November 6, 2023

On November 1, the trees began to twinkle and carols were sung. Some may say it’s too soon, but others will agree that we need the season of joy and wonder to return. It’s been a challenging school year and this educator is weary. My heart becomes more and more weary with each passing day.

I formally apologize to the Thanksgiving turkey. It’s not you it’s me. I need more than a meal that will fill my belly. I need a holiday that will fill my soul with joy and wonder. I need a holiday that spreads love and peace. I need a holiday where strangers smile at each other and well wishes are extended. I need a holiday where the world sparkles. I need a holiday where grace is extended. I need a holiday where we straighten each others crowns. I need a holiday where kindness is encompassing. I need really need a holiday from the cold and darkness.

Twinkle lights, eggnog and the fresh smell of pine bring back memories of simplicity and joy. Merry Happy Thankful November has me unpacking my tress; hanging silver bells; changing out the doormat to a snowman with joy; and lighting the magical snow globe that reminds me to believe once more in the magic of the Christmas season. So, for those of you that are weary and/or struggling, take a moment; light a festive candle and drink in the joy of possibilities.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Happy Thankful November.

—Jenn

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The Book Nook of Saugatuck, MI

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Dearest Readers,

This is a love letter to The Book Nook of Saugatuck, MI. Your cozy bookshop has stolen my heart. On your shelves are gently read picture books, novels, and treasures waiting to whisked away. When we arrived, we were warmly greeted by the bookshop owner. We perused the shelves and assorted trinkets. On this particular excursion, I located four books written by Patricia Polacco, which I proudly purchased and are now part of my ever growing collection of classroom literature.

I look forward to future expeditions and discovering new treasures to share with my students.

Forever yours,

Jenn 📚💕

The Book Nook of Saugatuck, 242 Butler St, Saugatuck, MI 

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The Flying Saucer, South Haven, MI

Sunday, October 8, 2023

One breezy, overcast Sunday morning, we set out for coffee in South Haven, Michigan. Did we drive a little over three hours for a cup of coffee? Yes. Yes we did. This is not your average coffee shop. It is truly an out of this world experience. Pun intended. At the Flying Saucer, you are greeted by the friendliest baristas in the midwest. Let’s not forget the decor. It’s a cozy coffee shop that channels Area 51 vibes. It’s family friendly with treats and decor that will delight all ages. Their seasonal coffees are exceptional. A must order is the Fall Twist, made with maple spice and oat milk.

Take the drive. Spend some time with friends and family.

Enjoy a conversation over coffee that will be truly be out of this world.

Jenn’s Coffee House Rating: ☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️/☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

The Flying Saucer, 204 Center Street, South Haven, Michigan

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Authors, Coffee & Adventures Galore

October 3, 2023

Authors, coffee and adventures galore!

Over the past several weekends, I have attended various Author Talks (thank you Anderson Bookshop) and explored Indie bookshops in Iowa and Michigan. Each adventure brought epic tales and jaw dropping encounters. These are tales best told over a second and third cup of coffee. Since its officially fall, make mine a pumpkin cold brew with a side order of pumpkin loaf.

Check back for future posts on:

Author Talks courtesy of Anderson’s Bookshop:

  • Cara Mentzel & Idina Menzel
  • Catherine Applegate & Gennifer Choldenke
  • Rick Riordan & Daniel Jose Older

Indie Bookshops:

  • Prairie Lights, Iowa City, Iowa
  • Schuler Books, Ann Arbor Michigan
  • Hello Books, South Haven Michigan

—Jenn

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Fork

Tuesday, September 5, 2023

It’s was late Sunday night and we just arrived home from a long day trip to Michigan. Before leaving St. Joesph, we picked up carryout for dinner. Our meal came with an extra plastic fork, which neither of us needed at the time. I’m that person. Yup. Let’s save it for later. You know. Just in case. We might be able to put it to use.

Now, look closer. Some may say, “Jenn, it’s just a disposable fork wrapped in plastic.” Is it? I see a digging tool for sand at the beach. Or maybe, this fork could be used to eat that unexpected cake in a parking lot at the grocery store. You might have a rough day. Don’t judge. We all have done it or thought about it. Nonetheless, let’s agree there are a million uses for that disposable fork. After all, it’s a fork.

Alright, take that fork a step further. What if our student(s) are like the plastic fork? Let’s say he/she is “wrapped in plastic.” A little different. Maybe it’s their odd sense of humor. Or, maybe no one has been able to reach them. They’re out there. Not quite like the other scholars. Different. Embrace them! These “forks” are the dreamers; the creative minds; and the out-of-box thinkers. I have a passion for the “forks.” Embrace them. Find a way to reach them. Our world needs them.

One last step. Are you still with me? Awesome! There are authors and illustrators that have written picture books for dreamers and out-of-box thinkers. If you happen by Anderson’s Bookshop or another Indie Bookstore, stop in and pick up any (or all) of the following books for a great classroom read aloud. Here goes…a long over due list of picture books/chapter books that celebrate our students and their uniqueness.

*Please note: At this time, I am not affiliated with the bookshop links above (wink, wink I would love the opportunity). Direct links are included for your convenience.

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Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free!

Thursday, August 31, 2023

As kids, we would play hide-and-seek in our neighborhood. We would find the most obscure hiding places. Sometimes, if you were lucky or really great at hiding, no one would find you. There was great pride in not being found. Your besties would cry out, “Ollie, Ollie, Oxen Free!” I’m not certain where the phrase originated, but its meaning was clear. It’s time to come out of hiding.

Reason for the story and hike down memory lane, I’ve been hiding in plain sight. Yup. It’s completely possible. Last night, my daughter called me out of hiding. It’s all too easy to hide behind school, work and family responsibilities and disregard self care. Guilty as charged. I have been working from the moment I wake until I fall asleep. In between setting up my classroom; reuniting with colleagues and my teaching besties; meetings & professional development, I barely managed to squeeze some time at the beach. My tan is or rather was fabulous. My healthy glow is beginning to fade and is slowly being replaced with anxiety. Anxiety in the form of not sleeping, nightmares, and a twitch below my left eye. Not a sustainable lifestyle. It’s time for a reset, reboot, and rethink. Reset priorities, reboot my inner peace, and rethink how I spend my life (not time) outside of the classroom.

Back to blogging and enjoying conversations over coffee.

Ollie, Ollie Oxen Free!

—-Jenn

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R.I.P. Herb Garden – Summer 2023

Dearest Herb Garden,

I sincerely apologize. What was supposed to be a beautiful beginning tragically ended too soon. My vision of a blossoming mini-herb garden became a barren wasteland.

In June, I purchased Thyme, Mint, Rosemary, and Basil herb plants. I eagerly placed them in the mini-greenhouse. Over a hot cup of coffee, I read over each plant information guide with great care. I watered them weekly as directed. Sometimes, I was more generous with the water. There were other weeks where admittedly I neglected to water them. As the weeks became months, the garden became smaller. Thyme ironically was the first to fade, wilt and receive a burial by trash receptacle. Sadly, Mint followed all too quickly. Rosemary, sweet Rosemary, languished and perished as well. Basil, you were my last redeeming hope. This evening Basil took her leave. Defeated. Yup. I will humbly return to Trader Joe’s and purchase fresh herbs grown by a far better gardener than I.

What is to become of the adorable greenhouse? A refreshing “Water Garden.” Once again, there is glimmer of hope. A crop of four eco-friendly water bottles were planted this evening. A physical reminder that I too require proper hydration. In order to flourish, it is imperative to consume proper amounts sunlight and water necessary for survival.

—Jenn

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Back to School 🍎📚

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Coffee brewed. Rae Dunn mug selected. Make It Happen. It’s my third cup of dark roast coffee. No cream. No sugar. Bitter and dark. It’s a day for ambitious endeavors. I am sorting through books for the first week of school. There are a plethora of picture and chapter books to choose from. Kindness; classroom expectations; growth mindset, and social emotional learning are only a handful of topics that will be covered the initial weeks of school.

First pass through the bookcase complete. Will this list change? Oh, yes! We have a couple more weeks before returning. There is just enough time to finish reading one more chapter book. In the meantime, coffee is brewing and pages are turning.

Picture Books

  1. School’s First Day of School, by Adam Rex
  2. Do Unto Otters: A Book of Manners, by Laurie Keller
  3. What are Words Really?, by Alexi Lubomirski
  4. Be Kind, by Pat Zietlow Miller
  5. The Smart Cookie, by Jory John
  6. What do you do with a Chance?, by Kobi Yamada
  7. Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in all of us, by Kobi Yamada
  8. The Book With No Pictures, by B.J. Novak
  9. I Don’t Care, by Julie Fogliano
  10. Noodle and the No Bones Day, by Jonathan Graziano
  11. Wordy Birdy, by Tammi Sauer
  12. Wordy Birdy Meets Mr. Cougarpants, by Tami Sauer
  13. I Wonder, by K.A. Holt
  14. After the Fall, by Dan Santat
  15. When Things Aren’t Going Right, Go Left, by Peter Reynolds
  16. The World’s Best Class Plant, by Audrey Vernick

Breakfast & A Book Read Aloud

Breakfast & A Book organically developed last school year. While eating breakfast in the classroom, students listen to a chapter book read aloud. As a class, we “sample” three chapter books and take a class vote. The winning chapter book is then read and discussed over breakfast. It’s also an incentive to arrive at school on time. If you’re tardy, then you miss the story. Do I leave the story on a cliffhanger? You betcha!

One of these lovelies will be selected as the first chapter book read aloud of the school year. It is always a challenging decision. Last year, my students had a wicked sense of humor. They were comedians. Loved to giggle and laugh. Second graders are ridiculously silly.

  • The Chocolate Touch, by Patrick Skene Catling
  • Wishtree, by Katherine Applegate
  • The Trouble With Chickens, by Doreen Cronin
  • Frindle, by Andrew Clements
  • Gooney Bird Greene, by Lois Lowry
  • Charlie & the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl

*Please note that bookshop links will be shared at a later time.

Please share your favorite back to school read aloud.

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