World Book Day at the Touro College Graduate School of Education

10:00am – Welcome
Goggles! by Ezra Jack Keats
Jacob Easley II, Ph.D.
Dean, Touro College Graduate School of Education

The story of Goggles! is about dealing with bullies, but in the hands of Ezra Jack Keats, it's about much more. There's Peter and Archie's friendship, the loyalty of Willie the dog, the thrill of finding the goggles and the adrenaline rush of the boys' escape. The boys must outsmart the neighborhood bullies before they can enjoy their new treasure, a pair of lensless motorcycle goggles.

10:25am
The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Read by Nadja Graff, Ph.D.
Vice President, Division of Graduate Studies, Touro College

Eleanor Estes’s The Hundred Dresses won a Newbery Honor in 1945 and has never been out of print since. At the heart of the story is Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl in a Connecticut school who is ridiculed by her classmates for wearing the same faded blue dress every day. Wanda claims she has one hundred dresses at home, but everyone knows she doesn’t and bullies her mercilessly. The class feels terrible when Wanda is pulled out of the school, but by that time it’s too late for apologies. Maddie, one of Wanda’s classmates, ultimately decides that she is "never going to stand by and say nothing again."

10:50am
Hair Love by Mathew A. Cherry
Read by Edmund Melville, Ph.D.
Director, Teacher Residency

It's up to Daddy to give his daughter an extra-special hair style in this ode to self-confidence and the love between fathers and daughters, from Academy-Award winning director and former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry and New York Times bestselling illustrator Vashti Harrison.

10:50am
In My Heart by Joy Witek
Read by Edmund Melville, Ph.D.
Director, Teacher Residency

Happiness, sadness, bravery, anger, shyness . . . our hearts can feel so many feelings! Some make us feel as light as a balloon, others as heavy as an elephant. In My Heart explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside. With language that is lyrical but also direct, toddlers will be empowered by this new vocabulary and able to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions. With whimsical illustrations and an irresistible die-cut heart that extends through each spread, this unique book about feelings is gorgeously packaged.

11:15am
Wilma Rudolph: Against All Odds by Stephanie E. Macceca
Read by Mary Esposito, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

In this inspiring biography, readers will learn about the life of Wilma Rudolph, the first American woman to win three gold medals at one Olympics. Readers will feel engaged and inspired as they read about Rudolph's incredible journey from a young girl with polio, to her first encounter with track and field, to becoming one of the best Olympic athletes of her time! A timeline of Rudolph's life, a glossary, and index are provided for further understanding of the content and improvement in vocabulary.

11:40am
We’re All the Same Inside by Timothy Bellavia
Read by Timothy Bellavia, MFA
Assistant Professor, Education & Special Education

Using a multimedia format, readers are introduced to Sage-an alien with no outside skin-who explores diversity and teaches that we are all the same on the inside. This publication received a Christoper Award nomination for Best Children's Picture Book.

12:05pm
Brumm faehrt Zug By Daniel Napp
German & English Reading
Read by Jasmin Cowin, Ed.D.
Assistant Professor, TESOL

Dr. Brumm finds an old train, and since he always wanted to drive a train, he just sits down in the driver’s cab and presses the start button. Tonnerwelter! The train is running! Faster and faster! Dr. Brumm realizes he doesn’t even know how to stop a train. But by then, he and his friend Pottwal are already racing towards the old rotten bridge…What will happen?

12:30pm
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams
Read by Elaine Nikolakakos, Ed.D
Program Chair & Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

At first a brand-new toy, now a threadbare and discarded nursery relic, the velveteen rabbit is saved from peril by a magic fairy who whisks him away to the idyllic world of Rabbitland. There, he becomes ""Real,"" a cherished childhood companion who will be loved for eternity.

12:55pm
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury
Read by Shoshanah Findling, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Education & Special Education, School Counseling

Come along on a bear hunt in this award-winning classic from Michael Rosen and Helen Oxenbury. We’re going on a bear hunt. We’re going to catch a big one. Will you come too? For more than twenty-five years readers have been swishy swashing and splash sploshing through this award-winning favorite. Join in the fun!

1:20pm
The Other Side by Jacqueline Woodson
Read by George Gross, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

Clover's mom says it isn't safe to cross the fence that segregates their African-American side of town from the white side where Anna lives. But the two girls strike up a friendship, and get around the grown-ups' rules by sitting on top of the fence together.

1:20pm
First Day Jitters by Julie Daneeberg
Read by George Gross, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

Everyone knows that sinking feeling in the pit of the stomach just before diving into a new situation. Sarah Jane Hartwell is scared and doesn't want to start over at a new school. She doesn't know anybody, and nobody knows her. It will be awful. She just knows it. With much prodding from Mr. Hartwell, Sarah Jane reluctantly pulls herself together and goes to school. She is quickly befriended by Mrs. Burton, who helps smooth her jittery transition.

1:45pm
Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
Read by Ruth Best, MBA, Ed.D.
Director of the Office of Clinical Practice & Assistant Professor, Education & Special Education

Thank You, Mr. Falker tells the story of a little girl whose life is changed due to a wonderful teacher. Trisha can’t wait to learn how to read! She loves listening to her mother and brother read stories to her and is so excited for when she will be able to share the stories as well.

2:10pm
Eleven by Sandra Cisneros
Read by Andrea Kane, M.S.
Instructor, Education & Special Education

On her eleventh birthday, Rachel goes to school dreaming of the presents, birthday cake, and well-wishes to follow that evening. But an incident with Mrs. Price, a teacher straight out of the black lagoon, and a horrible red sweater has Rachel wishing she were much older than eleven.

2:35pm
Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry Allard
Read by Carolyn White
Site Director, Bay Shore Campus

Is a humorous story about a group of students that don't want to have a substitute. When they find out their beloved teacher Miss Nelson has to have her tonsils removed, they are informed by the big kids that they will surely be stuck with Viola Swamp, the WORST and MEANEST substitute to exist.

3:00pm
What if We Were All the Same! by C. M. Harris
Read by Mary Esposito
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

What If We Were All The Same! is a children's book that embraces the beautiful differences we all have in relation to height, hair type, abilities and much more. Perfect for non-readers, early readers and children of all ages. What kind of world would we be living in if everyone looked the same and did the same things?—a boring one!

3:25pm
The Littlest Coo Discovers His Gifts Written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson-Eletto
Read by Joanne Robertson-Eletto, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

Fergus is the littlest coo in his Highland herd. He wants to fit in, but his short legs, small body, and enormous horns make him stand out. The other coos tease him, but his mother tells him to have faith. She states that one day he will be known for what he does. However, Fergus can't see beyond his differences or imagine doing anything great. He questions what God's purpose for his life might be. Then one cold afternoon, he learns that standing out can make all the difference in the world for someone who needs him.

3:50pm
La Cazuela That the Farm Maiden Stirred by Samantha Vamos
Spanish & English Reading
Read by Elizabeth McCune
Touro College Graduate of Education Student, TESOL

A farm girl prepares a cazuela (pot) of rice pudding, the animals on the farm eagerly help. Key English words change to Spanish as the cumulative verse builds. Includes a glossary and a recipe for arroz con leche.

4:15pm
Oh, the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess
Read by Naomi Franko
Touro College Graduate School of Education Student, Teaching Literacy

From soaring to high heights and seeing great sights to being left in a Lurch on a prickle-ly perch, Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and whimsical illustrations.

4:40pm
In Our Mothers' House by Patricia Polacco
Read by Roslyn Haber, Ed.D.
Associate Professor, Education & Special Education

Marmee, Meema, and the kids are just like any other family on the block. In their beautiful house, they cook dinner together, they laugh together, and they dance together. But some of the other families don't accept them. They say they are different. How can a family have two moms and no dad? But Marmee and Meema's house is full of love. And they teach their children that different doesn't mean wrong. And no matter how many moms or dads they have, they are everything a family is meant to be. Here is a true Polacco story of a family, living by their own rules, and the strength they gain by the love they feel.

5:05pm
Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Where Did You Go? by Eric Carle
Read by Erica Reilly, MS
Touro College Graduate School of Education Alumna, Teaching Literacy

A big happy frog, a plump purple cat, a handsome blue horse, and a soft yellow duck--all parade across the pages of this delightful book. Children will immediately respond to Eric Carle's flat, boldly colored collages. Combined with Bill Martin's singsong text, they create unforgettable images of these endearing animals.

5:05pm
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
Read by Erica Reilly, MS
Touro College Graduate School of Education Alumna, Teaching Literacy

A gentle affirmation of the love a parent feels for their child--forever.

5:30pm
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
English & Russian Reading (Using the TPR Method)
Read by Eleonara Israilova
Touro College Graduate School of Education Student, TESOL

A great example of a book that could be used to assist an adult in discussing feelings of sadness with a child. The book’s characters capture the thoughts and feelings of young children and this allows children to more easily express their own thoughts and feelings about sadness personally and how it feels when others around us are sad.

10:00am
If I Never Forever Endeavor
by Holly Meade
Read by Marcella Bullmaster-Day, Ed.D.
Interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

A fledgling bird teeters at the edge of his nest in a gorgeously illustrated tale sure to resonate with anyone facing a rite of passage, change, or challenge. Safe inside his cozy nest, a young bird considers whether or not to give his new wings a try.

10:25am
Dory Story by Jerry Palatta
Read by Ellen Margolin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Education & Special Education

Although taking the dory out solo is strictly forbidden, Danny cannot resist the calm waters of the bay. And that's where the adventure begins. He thinks rowing into a school of bluefish is trouble enough, but wait until the whales enter the picture. Danny encounters one sea creature after another and learns about the ocean food chain in the process. Just when you think you know what's going to happen next, the story takes an unexpected twist. With brilliant and vibrant illustrations, readers will feel the excitement of being out on the water surrounded by ocean creatures. The life and the life cycle of the ocean will fascinate young readers.

10:50am
Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina
Read by Nilda Soto Ruiz, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, Program Chair, School Leadership

The peddler is a master problem-solver, but he’s hit his greatest challenge yet. Last night, a bunch of monkeys stole all his wares: colorful caps. The peddler must outwit this pack of monkeys, or else he won’t be able to buy his breakfast… or keep his job! Peter Fernandez’s upbeat telling of this classic story makes the peddler’s puzzle spring to life and gets listeners pondering their own solutions.

11:15am
Crow Boy by Taro Yashima
Read by Sheldon Shuch, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Teaching Literacy

A shy Japanese boy having difficulty adjusting to school is misjudged by his classmates. Chibi has been an outcast since that frightening first day of school when he hid under the schoolhouse. Afraid of the teacher and unable to make any friends, Chibi passes his free time alone — alone at study time, alone at playtime, always a "forlorn little tag-along." But when Mr. Isobe arrives, the teacher sees things in Chibi that no one else has ever noticed.

11:40am
Almost a Woman by Esmeralda Santiago
Read by Olga DeJesus, Ed.D.
Program Chair, TESOL

"Negi," as Santiago's family affectionately calls her, leaves rural Macún in 1961 to live in a three-room tenement apartment with seven young siblings, an inquisitive grandmother, and a strict mother who won't allow her to date. At thirteen, Negi yearns for her own bed, privacy, and a life with her father, who remains in Puerto Rico. Translating for Mami at the welfare office in the morning, starring as Cleopatra at New York's prestigious Performing Arts High School in the afternoons, and dancing salsa all night, she yearns to find balance between being American and being Puerto Rican. When Negi defies her mother by going on a series of hilarious dates, she finds that independence brings its own set of challenges.At once a universally poignant coming-of-age tale and a brave and heartfelt immigrant's story, Almost a Woman is Santiago's triumphant journey into womanhood.

12:05pm
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Read by Jeffrey Lichtman, Ph.D. (reading in Hebrew & Yiddish)
Program Chair & Assistant Professor, Jewish Childhood Education & Special Education

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

12:30pm
The Tales at Luv Michael by Lisa Liberatore M.D.
Read by Lisa Liberatore
Friend of Touro College Graduate School of Education

Luv Michael chronicles the life of Michael, a young man with autism whose own journey to help himself becomes a movement helping others.

12:55
An Island Like You by Judith Ortiz Cofer
Read by Laurie Bobley, Ed.D.
Program Chair & Assistant Professor, Education & Special Education

Judith Ortiz Cofer's Pura Belpré award-winning collection of short stories about life in the barrio! Rita is exiled to Puerto Rico for a summer with her grandparents after her parents catch her with a boy. Luis sits atop a six-foot mountain of hubcaps in his father's junkyard, working off a sentence for breaking and entering. Sandra tries to reconcile her looks to the conventional Latino notion of beauty. And Arturo, different from his macho classmates, fantasizes about escaping his community. They are the teenagers of the barrio -- and this is their world.

1:20pm
The Hill We Climb by Amanda Gorman
Read by Velma Cobb, Ed.D.
Director, Lander Center for Educational Research

Amanda Gorman’s powerful and historic poem “The Hill We Climb,” read at President Joe Biden’s inauguration.