Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom - 4K - Written by Bill Martin, Jr. Read aloud by Mr. Tim
The Sakura Medal Books
Librarian Recommended Children’s English Books
The Sakura Medal
The Sakura Medal Books Awards bring together students from international schools across Japan each year to vote for their favourite books.
Each year, librarians from various international schools meet and select 25-30 books in each of the Sakura Medal categories - Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Chapter Books, Middle School, High School, Japanese Picture Books, Japanese Chapter Books, Japanese Middle School, and Japanese High School.
Each year, librarians from various international schools meet and select 25-30 books in each of the Sakura Medal categories - Picture Books, Graphic Novels, Chapter Books, Middle School, High School, Japanese Picture Books, Japanese Chapter Books, Japanese Middle School, and Japanese High School.
Books are chosen that are no more than two years old and that are from a variety of backgrounds and across a wide range of reading abilities.
Students who read five books (four for Middle School and three for High School books) in any category will be eligible to vote for their favourite. Votes will then be tallied across all participating schools and the winning author in each category will receive a Sakura Medal.
While staff and parents are encouraged to participate, voting is only open to students.
Students who read five books (four for Middle School and three for High School books) in any category will be eligible to vote for their favourite. Votes will then be tallied across all participating schools and the winning author in each category will receive a Sakura Medal.
While staff and parents are encouraged to participate, voting is only open to students.
Sakura is the Japanese word for cherry blossoms, which are celebrated in Japan each year as a sign of spring.
COVID-19 Update: Parents - there has never been a better time for you and your child to pick up a book! You may browse by school age, location, and book type in the sidebar. All books here are recommended by a committee of 60+ International School Librarians in Japan for the annual Sakura Medal Book Award.
COVID-19 Update: Parents - there has never been a better time for you and your child to pick up a book! You may browse by school age, location, and book type in the sidebar. All books here are recommended by a committee of 60+ International School Librarians in Japan for the annual Sakura Medal Book Award.
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The Sakura Medal Book Award Winners
The Sakura Medal Book Award Nominees
The Sakura Medal Book Award Authors and Schools
Book type
Story Location
More
Preschool English story books
relating to the time before a child is old enough to go to school.
relating to the time before a child is old enough to go to school.
Picture books
a book containing many illustrations, especially one for children.
a book containing many illustrations, especially one for children.
High School Books
For high school students
For high school students
Chapter Books
A story book intended for intermediate readers, generally age 7-10
A story book intended for intermediate readers, generally age 7-10
Early Reader
The first books that children will be able to read independently.
The first books that children will be able to read independently.
Jolly Phonics
The very best texts available to help students learn to read and write.
The very best texts available to help students learn to read and write.
Jolly Phonics website
• Jolly Phonics And The UK National Curriculum
• Parent/Teacher Guide. English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Ukrainian versions.
• Free Parent & Teacher Resources
• Jolly Phonics And The UK National Curriculum
• Parent/Teacher Guide. English, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Thai and Ukrainian versions.
• Free Parent & Teacher Resources
Setting
International School students are very often interested in where the story is located. If it plays a key role in the story and is mentioned in the blurb then it has been tagged
International School students are very often interested in where the story is located. If it plays a key role in the story and is mentioned in the blurb then it has been tagged
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How to read books aloud
Teaching tips
• Ensure all students / your children can see the book
• Allow students to settle before you begin reading. Turn of nearby computers or TVs to avoid distractions
• Allow time for students to absorb the illustrations on each page before reading the text
• Different voices for each character are engaging for students and fun for you if you are reading the story multiple times - if you can keep track of voices of the characters
• Inform your audience of the author and illustrator so they may ask for the story again and foster an interest in writers and drawing
• Take your time
• There is no need to be shy. Children will delight in listening to you
How often should you read with your child?
• Everyday
• Ensure all students / your children can see the book
• Allow students to settle before you begin reading. Turn of nearby computers or TVs to avoid distractions
• Allow time for students to absorb the illustrations on each page before reading the text
• Different voices for each character are engaging for students and fun for you if you are reading the story multiple times - if you can keep track of voices of the characters
• Inform your audience of the author and illustrator so they may ask for the story again and foster an interest in writers and drawing
• Take your time
• There is no need to be shy. Children will delight in listening to you
How often should you read with your child?
• Everyday
