Recess at 20 Below

By Cindy Lou Aillaud

Most enjoyed by Kindergartners through 3rd graders

This is the perfect book for today! Why? Because the weather forcast is calling for a high of 80 degrees, a temperature we haven't seen in what seems like centuries (actually, several months but those months feel like centuries). And since the first days of the week were rainy and cold and reminiscent of winter, it's time to feature a book that will have us counting our blessings today!

'Recess at 20 Below' by Cindy Lou Aillaud.

Need I say more? You're right, but I will. Author Cindy Lou Aillaud lives and teaches in Alaska, where the winters are long and extremely cold. Even if the temperature gets down to 20 below zero, the kids are allowed to go outside for recess. And what fun they have! Playing football, building snow forts - all the regular recess activities are done with the same spirit as if it were 20 above zero. Ms. Aillaud uses photos she took of the children at play to show just how much fun they can have despite the bitter cold. I love the photos of the kids with frosty eyelashes, the result of their warm breathe rising above their mufflered mouths. When do the kids stay inside? When a moose comes to the playground for lunch!

I'll bet there will be a few readers who will wish they were up in Alaska playing in the snow with the book's kids. But perhaps they'll enjoy today's weather and wish for snow tomorrow!