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CHARACTER COUNTS: A Letter to My Teacher


A Letter to My Teacher
By Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrated by Nancy Carpenter
Penguin Random House, 2017. Picture Book.

It is mid-way through the summer break and about this time parents realize how important and dedicated teachers really are to spend their days with classrooms full of energetic, inquisitive children. This book, with Carpenter's soothing watercolor illustrations, would be a beautiful gift for a teacher to show appreciation for all the time and energy they put into teaching and caring for children. It is written as a letter to a teacher from a former student. The student reflects on the school year full of ups and downs. Through it all, the teacher is supportive and caring, even when the student doesn't behave perfectly. It brought back many memories of great teachers I had growing up and supportive teachers my children have had, which I truly appreciate and trust to care for my little ones.

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