tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77791466551968398912024-03-05T16:49:44.360-08:00Kid Lit FrenzyFrom Picture Books to Young Adult: Reviews and MoreAlyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comBlogger873125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-86372268851368360192014-07-03T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-03T00:00:00.020-07:00Paddington Bear Movie Trailer <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>Based on the beloved children's book by Michael Bond. Arrives in theaters this Christmas.</b></i></div>
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This Christmas, a small bear will make a big splash.
From the beloved novels by Michael Bond and producer David Heyman (<i><b>HARRY POTTER</b></i>), <i><b>PADDINGTON</b></i> tells the story of the comic misadventures of a young Peruvian bear who travels to the city in search of a home. Finding himself lost and alone, he begins to realize that city life is not all he had imagined - until he meets the kindly Brown family who read the label around his neck that says "Please look after this bear. Thank you," and offer him a temporary haven. It looks as though his luck has changed until this rarest of bears catches the eye of a museum taxidermist.<br />
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<b>Director</b>: Paul King<br />
<b>Written by</b>: Paul King<br />
<b>Screenplay by</b>: Henry Paul King<br />
<b>Cast</b>: Hugh Bonneville, Sally Hawkins, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Peter Capaldi and Nicole Kidman<br />
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<a href="http://thepaddingtonmovie.com/"><b>Official Movie Website</b></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PaddingtonMovieUS?brand_redir=1"><b>Facebook</b></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/paddingtonmovie"><b>Twitter </b></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Check out the movie trailer, here...</b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/P8s3erGGF90" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What do you think? </b></i></span>Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-37496005987939797272014-07-02T00:00:00.000-07:002014-07-02T00:00:11.004-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - The ALA 2014 Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally on the first Wednesday of the month, I do a post about new nonfiction releases. However, this week, I am pre-empting my normal post to share about the <i><b>Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries </b></i>presentation that I was a part of at the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Las Vegas this past weekend.<br />
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In preparing for the presentation, I had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues in different places around the country. This was a phenomenal learning opportunity. <br />
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On Sunday, June 29th, in the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, we shared the information and our experiences working with students with our audience. There were some great questions at the end of the session, and we are hoping to create future <i><b>Common Core IRL: In Real Library</b></i> posts in ways that will respond to questions.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>If you are interested in checking out the presentation slides, the slideshare of our presentation is below. Please share this with friends and colleagues who may be interested. </b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="356" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/36496016" style="border-width: 1px 1px 0; border: 1px solid #CCC; margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="427"> </iframe> <br />
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<b> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/maryannscheuer/ccirl2014" target="_blank" title="Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries 2014">Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries 2014</a> </b> from <b><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/maryannscheuer" target="_blank">Mary Ann Scheuer</a></b> </div>
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Mary Ann Scheuer posted a portion of the introduction on her blog post, <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2014/07/common-core-irl-in-real-libraries-2014.html">here</a>. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Thank you to these amazing professionals, who I am thrilled to also count as my friends</b></i></span>.<br />
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Mary Ann Scheuer, School Librarian, Emerson Elementary School (California) - <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/">greatkidbooks.blogspot.com</a><br />
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Louise Capizzo, Youth Service Librarian, Scarborough Public Library (Maine) - <a href="http://nonfictiondetectives.com/">nonfictiondetectives.com</a><br />
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Cathy Potter, School Librarian, Falmouth Elementary School (Maine) - <a href="http://nonfictiondetectives.com/">nonfictiondetectives.com</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>A special thanks to the following publishers for donating books for a special giveaway at the end of our presentation.</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.boydsmillspress.com/">Boyds Mills Press</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/">Candlewick</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.capstonepub.com/">Capstone</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.hmhco.com/">Houghton Mifflin Harcourt</a><br />
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<a href="http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/">National Geographic Kids</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews below</b></i></span>:<br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=kidlitfrenzy&postid=02Jul2014" type="text/javascript"></script>
Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-68152005343610736842014-06-27T10:03:00.000-07:002014-06-27T10:03:43.985-07:00ALA Annual Conference <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The American Library Association's Annual Conference is in Las Vegas this year. I have arrived, and unpacked, and already gotten a bit lost. However, I am eager to see friends, talk about books, and more. I may not be blogging much over the next few days, but I will be tweeting (#alaac14). And if you are here for the conference, stop by room S228 at the Convention Center on Sunday (June 29th) morning for the session I am doing with Mary Ann Scheuer, Cathy Potter, and Louise Cappizo. <br />
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<br />Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-2283484401974744132014-06-25T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-25T00:00:00.185-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Top Five Picks for the First Half of 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you everyone for all of the great posts each week for the <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge-2014.html"><i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014</b></i></a>.<br />
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In the past, I have tried to review all of the picture books I have read during the first half of the year and select my favorite 10 at the end of June. This year, I decided to select my top five nonfiction picture books and then do another post for my top five fiction picture books. Out of the the 50+ nonfiction picture books published in 2014 that I have currently read, here are my favorites in no particular order.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwfOj5Aaq4g51Ho_Dwo6emlGf-N5aNF46fi20Wrq_BZpRxqX_7WkN0s4JqDFm4wthZy2YLTTVr-p5-vh_xLUmS0ntCZyQDzahYdDCmLgZ5UvD1o8_VYm5SNsP3IjfyjZC8NYSyOhQeAhz/s1600/grandfathergandhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwfOj5Aaq4g51Ho_Dwo6emlGf-N5aNF46fi20Wrq_BZpRxqX_7WkN0s4JqDFm4wthZy2YLTTVr-p5-vh_xLUmS0ntCZyQDzahYdDCmLgZ5UvD1o8_VYm5SNsP3IjfyjZC8NYSyOhQeAhz/s1600/grandfathergandhi.jpg" height="320" width="306" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14999726-grandfather-gandhi"><i><b>Grandfather Gandhi</b></i></a> by Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus; Illustrated by Evan Turk (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, March 2014) - A glimpse into the life of Gandhi by his grandson Arun. Readers learn about peace along with Arun.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18149041-a-baby-elephant-in-the-wild"><i><b>A Baby Elephant in the Wild</b></i></a> by Caitlin O'Connell; Photographs by Timothy Rodwell (HMH Books for Young Readers, March 2014) - By the team that brought us <i><b>The Elephant Scientist</b></i> comes a story about the birth and life of a baby elephant. Informative and very accessible for younger readers. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18350733-handle-with-care"><i><b>Handle With Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey</b></i></a> by Loree Griffin Burns; Photographs by Ellen Harasimowicz (Millbrook Press, January 2014) - I was fascinated about the story of a butterfly farm in Costa Rica and the photographs brought it to vivid life. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18318005-water-can-be"><i><b>Water Can Be...</b></i></a> by Laura Purdie Salas; Illustrated by Violeta Dabija (Millbrook Press, April 2014) - This follow up to <i><b>A Leaf Can Be...</b></i> is just as beautifully illustrated. The simple phrases bring new vision to something as meaningful as water.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday.html"><i><b>The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra</b></i></a> by Chris Raschka (Candlewick Press, May 2014) - Both the illustrations and text work together beautifully in this picture book biography of the jazz musician, Sun Ra. Raschka does an amazing job capturing the spirit and life of this unique musician. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What are your favorite nonfiction picture books published in 2014?</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...</b></i></span><br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=kidlitfrenzy&postid=25Jun2014" type="text/javascript"></script>Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-18133210109904492502014-06-21T14:15:00.000-07:002014-06-21T14:15:07.465-07:00Celebrate This Week - June 21, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year, I am trying to increase my awareness of
the many good things that happen, which are frequently overlooked by
me. To help me, I am joining Ruth Ayres' <a href="http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/p/celebrate-this-week.html">Celebrate This Week</a>.<br />
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Is it only me, but do others find it hard to write a <i><b>Celebrate This Week</b></i> post on Friday nights, or do you schedule your posts? Since I like to think of it as a reflection of my week, I want to wait till Friday to write it up. However, Friday nights tend to be busy and Saturday mornings tend to be filled with errands. I would love to hear how everyone does their posts? <br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><i>So, here it is.</i></span></b><br />
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<i><b>Here's what I am thankful for this week... </b></i><br />
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1. <b>Friends willing to share their expertise</b>. - On Friday, I spent nearly 6 hours with my friend <a href="http://www.mdwallace.com/"><i><b>Marianne Wallace</b></i></a>. She is a biologist turned author/illustrator. I am working on creating a training for teachers on using nonfiction books as mentor texts for writing. During our time together, we poured over a few dozen nonfiction picture books discussing the styles of writing and how we would classify these books and more. Though I still have to put together the trainings, I feel like I have a much greater awareness of what I need to focus on and what gaps I have with the broader category of children's nonfiction.<br />
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After I left Marianne, I picked up my friend Alethea (<a href="https://twitter.com/frootjoos">@frootjoos</a>) and we grabbed some dinner and she spent at least 5 hours with me as I learned how to use a new blog platform. She is so patient when I get stuck and struggle to figure out how to do certain things. I am also thankful for how much she knows when it comes to web-development and that she is willing to share that knowledge with me. <br />
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Though both of these projects will be on-going, I am thankful for how much I was able to learn yesterday that will be helpful as I continue work on them.<br />
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2. <b>Katherine Applegate is the most amazing author</b>. - On Wednesday, Katherine was in town for some other meetings and came to <a href="http://www.shoponceuponatime.com/">Once Upon a Time</a> in Montrose. She met with a small group prior to the event in the store and talked about her writing, and winning the Newbery Medal. We had so much fun with her and she is simply charming.<br />
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3. <b>Lost and Found Books and a clean trunk</b>. - If any of you have ever had an itinerant position, you will understand what I am talking about. I work with several schools and before I know it more bags and boxes of stuff end up in my car from different projects, training, and work related things. I seem to never get around with cleaning and organizing it. This week, when I misplaced a stack of books, I thought it was time to clean out the trunk in hopes of finding them. The 13 year old and I emptied the whole trunk and reorganized it. Some stuff ended up in the trash, and other stuff (like the 30 books that were in there) were pulled out and are waiting to be shelved in the house. Good news - not only do I have a clean and organized trunk but I found the missing books. <br />
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4. <b>The Sixteen Year Old is officially a driver</b>. - I can't take credit for teaching him how to drive. His mom gets all the kudos and awards for being the patient person while he practiced driving. However, as a good auntie/god-mom, I am rejoicing on his behalf.<br />
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Hope everyone is enjoying the first day of summer and finding ways to celebrate all the little things around them. <br />
<br />Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-27925040073966169872014-06-20T18:03:00.000-07:002014-06-20T18:03:09.629-07:00Author Event: Getting it Published with Catherine Linka and Mollie Traver<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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On June 12th, 2014, I had the privilege of attending an author/editor event for <a href="http://www.catherinelinka.com/">Catherine Linka</a>, author of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18404156-a-girl-called-fearless?from_search=true"><i><b>A Girl Called Fearless</b></i></a>, and her former editor, Mollie Traver.<br />
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The event was held at <a href="http://www.mystgalaxy.com/">Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore</a> down in Redondo Beach. Catherine and Mollie set out to explain the long and somewhat arduous process of publishing a book.<br />
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Before the two dove into publishing, though, Catherine read an excerpt from <i><b>A Girl Called Fearless</b></i>, her debut novel.<br />
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Publishers Weekly described the novel: "Set in an alternative present day US, this debut features a teen who must decide whether to submit to forced marriage or run for freedom".<br />
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As a work of speculative fiction, the book focuses on the life of a young women living ten years after a hormone in beef triggered ovarian cancer in women across the country, killing millions of women. In the wake of this catastrophe, women's rights have been severely limited and society has become exceedingly patriarchal.<br />
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Frequently passing the mic back and forth, Catherine and Mollie sought to explain the different steps between the author writing his/her work and the book being released. The two explained getting a book agent, shopping the book around (sending the book to different publishing companies), and the process of working on "spec" (if no publishing company is willing to take the book, an editor can ask an author to work with them to edit the book in the hopes that an edited version will have more luck with publishers).<br />
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One of the more interesting aspects of the process of publishing <i><b>A Girl Called Fearless</b></i> was all of the changes that had to be made after the book was put out on the publishing market. Unfortunately, the original manuscript wasn't considered due to its similarity to the multitude of YA dystopians in the market at the time, thus necessitating some modifications. While the original manuscript was set in the far future, the setting was altered to the present in order to distinguish the book from futuristic dystopian books. Additionally, the original manuscript employed a virus to kill off millions of women, but the viral outbreak was substituted by a large number of cancer cases because viruses are frequently used to kill of populations in many dystopian books.<br />
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As a reader, I am very appreciative of the immense effort that went into <b><i>A Girl Called Fearless</i></b>, as it would not exist in its captivating and brilliant final form without all that work poured into it. The event was wonderful, and it was fascinating to hear about the complexities of publishing.<br />
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A full review of <i><b>A Girl Called Fearless</b></i> may be expected in the upcoming weeks.<br />
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Note: Photo credit goes to Nutschell Windsor, who graciously allowed us to use her photos of the event.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;">Thank you, Carolyn for <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".1d.$mid=11403244911491=2866684f6428cef8134.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null">sharing about your visit to Mysterious Galaxy. I would like to welcome Carolyn to Kid Lit Frenzy. She will be doing some regular posting. Carolyn, in her words,
is an AP student, voracious reader, competitive archer, nerd, and
foodie. In the event that she is unable to become a companion of the
<i>Doctor</i> or <i>Sherlock’s </i>blogger, she hopes to pursue a career as an editor
in the future. You can find her on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/YAlitfrenzy">@YAlitfrenzy</a>.</span></span></span></b> Carolynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00121961052378519291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-8137589601109579392014-06-18T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-20T18:47:25.314-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - The Pilot and the Little Prince<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://us.macmillan.com/thepilotandthelittleprince/PeterS%C3%ADs"><i><b>The Pilot and the Little Prince:</b></i></a></div>
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<a href="http://us.macmillan.com/thepilotandthelittleprince/PeterS%C3%ADs"><i><b>The Life of Antoine De Saint-Exupéry</b></i></a></div>
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by Peter Sís</div>
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Farrar, Straus, & Giroux (May 27, 2014)</div>
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<i>Nonfiction * Biographical * Aviation </i></div>
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780374380694">IndieBound</a> | <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/pilot-and-the-little-prince-the-life-of-antoine-de-saint-exupery/oclc/855263723&referer=brief_results">WorldCat</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465525-the-pilot-and-the-little-prince"><i><b>Description from GoodReads</b></i></a>:<br />
<i><span id="freeText15928072383771705960">Antoine de
Saint-Exupéry was born in France in 1900, when airplanes were just being
invented. Antoine dreamed of flying and grew up to be a pilot—and that
was when his adventures began. He found a job delivering mail by plane,
which had never been done before. He and his fellow pilots traveled to
faraway places and discovered new ways of getting from one place to the
next. Antoine flew over mountains and deserts. He battled winds and
storms. He tried to break aviation records, and sometimes he even
crashed. From his plane, Antoine looked down on the earth and was
inspired to write about his life and his pilot-hero friends in memoirs
and in fiction. Peter Sís’s remarkable biography celebrates the author
of <b><i>The Little Prince</i></b>, one of the most beloved books in the world.</span></i><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzpVNCDcL3_xpdDTBzDME6dn83HZuuXhfM6NAJS1vlbzWXPb_DzFeK9M_Dsdq38cJ_9WeWUcFQRXzT_IaeuP6zhF3MPHd2GyJi6tGMJuavRASe2dUM-WG7nirF5Pf7KE3TTQ-p9TENiSj/s1600/pilotprince2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPzpVNCDcL3_xpdDTBzDME6dn83HZuuXhfM6NAJS1vlbzWXPb_DzFeK9M_Dsdq38cJ_9WeWUcFQRXzT_IaeuP6zhF3MPHd2GyJi6tGMJuavRASe2dUM-WG7nirF5Pf7KE3TTQ-p9TENiSj/s1600/pilotprince2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from The Pilot and the Little Prince </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span id="freeText15928072383771705960"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Reviews</b></i></span>: <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/peter-sis/the-pilot-and-the-little-prince/">Kirkus</a> | <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-374-38069-4">Publisher's Weekly</a> | <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2014/06/choosing-books/review-of-the-week/review-pilot-little-prince/">Hornbook</a> |</span><br />
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<span id="freeText15928072383771705960"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Links to interesting pages</b></i></span>: <a href="http://www.npr.org/2014/06/11/320357666/in-the-cockpit-gazing-at-stars-saint-exup-rys-life-in-pictures"><i><b>NPR Interview of Peter Sís</b></i></a> | </span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>About the Author</b></i></span>: <b>Peter Sís </b>is the internationally renowned author and/or
illustrator of many books for children. He is the recipient of the 2012
Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration and has also been awarded
a MacArthur Fellowship. He has lived in and around New York City since
1984.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Where to find Peter Sís</b></i></span>: <a href="http://www.petersis.com/">website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Petr-S%C3%ADs-Peter-Sis/31260649989">facebook</a> | <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>My thoughts on the book</b></i></span>:<br />
<span class="readable reviewText">
<span id="freeTextreview917969388">A couple of weeks ago, I picked up <i><b>The Pilot and the Little Prince</b></i>. I have been a fan of Peter Sís for awhile and when I saw that this was coming out I knew I had to have it. Finally, I had a chance to
sit down and spend some time pouring over this beautifully illustrated book. And when I say pouring over this book, I do mean spend time with it. This is not a book that you read once. Though the narrative story text is fairly simple, there is much more to process. </span></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from The Pilot and the Little Prince </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview917969388">The story is laid out
in multiple ways - readers can simply begin with the straight narrative text that tells the life of
Antoine de Saint-Exupery. Additionally, the illustrations provide readers with another level of visual literacy that can and should be read. Finally, there are illustrations with scripted text, which
provides another layer. Though I do have to say that the small font was a bit difficult for me to
read with ease. </span></span><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview917969388">If I were to ask for one addition to the book, it would be for back matter
(author's note, additional reading, links, or other things) to be included at the end of the book.</span></span><br />
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<span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextreview917969388">Overall, this is a beautiful picture book biography for children in Kindergarten to Third grade. It would make a lovely addition to a classroom or school library. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews</b></i></span>:<br />
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Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-19261831913107417072014-06-14T22:48:00.001-07:002014-06-14T22:48:20.644-07:00Celebrate This Week - June 14, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year, I am trying to increase my awareness of
the many good things that happen, which are frequently overlooked by
me. To help me, I am joining Ruth Ayres' <a href="http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/p/celebrate-this-week.html">Celebrate This Week</a>.<br />
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As I write this post, it is still Saturday on the west coast. I find it a challenge to get this post up every week. Partially due to the fact that I hate working on a blog post on Friday nights. Too often I am out and by the time I get home it is a bit too late. And Saturdays are often packed. Since, I missed the past few weeks, I felt that I had to get something up for today.<br />
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<b><span style="color: purple;"><i>So, this might be late but here it is.</i></span></b><br />
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<i><b>Here's what I am thankful for this week... </b></i><br />
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<i><b>1. Summer Break </b></i>- I am thankful for some much needed time off to reflect and be creative.<br />
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<i><b>2. Authors - </b></i>Have you ever said or heard someone say "authors are rockstars". It is definitely true, and this week, I had a chance to interact with some wonderful writers and illustrators.<br />
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<i><b><a href="http://arree.com/">Arree Chung </a>- </b></i>Recently, I participated in a blog tour for Arree Chung's new book <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490605-ninja?from_search=true"><i><b>NINJA</b></i></a>. I truly think this is a wonderfully delightful book. Thank you Arree for this beautiful signed print. I can't wait to frame it and hang it in my office. <br />
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<a href="http://tracyholczer.com/"><b>Tracy Holczer </b></a><b>- </b>I love living in Southern California where so many wonderful Children's and YA authors live. One of those wonderful folks is Tracy Holczer, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18668051-the-secret-hum-of-a-daisy?ac=1"><i><b>The Secret Hum of a Daisy</b></i>.</a> This past week, Alethea and I had dinner with Tracy. We had a wonderful evening talking books and writing and more. As a thank you, Tracy brought us "answer jars". Read her wonderful debut novel to find out about "answer jars". <b><br /></b><br />
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<b><a href="http://jilliancantor.com/index.php">Jillian Cantor </a>- </b>Thank you Bloomsbury Press for inviting us to meet Jillian Cantor prior to her signing at <a href="http://www.mystgalaxy.com/"><i>Mysterious Galaxy</i></a> in San Diego. There were 4 of us who had a chance to chat with Jillian and ask her questions about her new YA novel, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18594477-searching-for-sky?ac=1"><i><b>Searching for Sky</b></i></a>. Jillian was wonderful to hang out with, and I am looking forward to reading this book.<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.waldenpondpress.blogspot.com/">Walden Pond Press</a> & <a href="http://christopherhealy.com/"><i>Christopher Healy</i></a> - </b>Though I have never met Christopher Healy, I recommend his books all the time. Today, I received from Walden Pond Press a copy of <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18334269-the-hero-s-guide-to-being-an-outlaw?from_search=true"><i><b>The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw</b></i></a> with a signed bookplate as a thank you for participating in the recent blog tour. <i><b></b></i><br />
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<i><b>3. My friends is home from the hospital. </b></i>- Yes, after two more surgical procedures, my friend is home. It is still going to be a long recovery period but we are thankful for how he has pulled through this most recent round of surgeries.<br />
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<i><b>4. Collaborating with friends - </b></i>At the end of this month, I will be presenting at the American Library Association Annual Conference. I am honored to be able to present with <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/">Mary Ann Scheuer</a>, <a href="http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/">Cathy Potter</a>, and <a href="http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/">Louise Cappizo</a>. I was also super thrilled when I discovered that SLJ recommended our presentation <a href="http://www.slj.com/2014/06/librarians/the-best-of-ala-and-iste-2014/#_">Common Core IRL: In Real Libraries</a> as one of their staff picks.<br />
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<i><b>5. Great Tweets & Facebook posts </b></i>- On Friday, I received some tweets from <a href="http://lit360.wordpress.com/">John Scovil</a>l. He made my day when he shared that teachers that he works with cited me in their presentation on informational text. It really goes to show that we are connected in so many ways to other teachers and educators and we have no idea about how our work influences others. I am very thankful for my Nerdy Book Club friends because it is through them that I have come to know so may excellent educators.<br />
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">Hope you are having a wonderful week and weekend and a Happy Father's Day. </span></b></i>Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-14567372191366024462014-06-13T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-13T00:00:12.282-07:00Rethinking the Role of Research - Guest Post by Sandy BrehlThe often-repeated advice to writers is “write what you know”. That’s at the heart of every “small moments” workshop, every “what I did last summer” assignment, and even elaborate memoir projects. Much of fiction has its origins in this approach: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780142408810"><i><b>Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing</b></i></a> (Judy Blume), <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780380709564"><i><b>Ramona Quimby, Age 8</b></i></a> (Beverly Cleary), and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385742443"><i><b>Paperboy</b></i></a> (Vince Vawter) are good examples. Quality writing makes them standouts, but the stories themselves have a ring of recognition in readers’ hearts.<br />
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The flip side of that is narrative non-fiction. The current emphasis on informational text has increased the presence of biography, autobiography, history, science, and technology texts in classrooms, libraries, and publishers’ catalogs. Extensive research, documentation, specific terminology, and authentication are the foundation of these. In most cases the facts are well-vetted so readers can trust that every detail is true, at least as true as we can know “so far”.<br />
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Nonfiction writing typically follows a neat process:<br />
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topic>research>write> bibliography.<br />
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Personal narrative often follows a prescribed path, too:<br />
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experience>significance>draft>revise>publish.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK6wRto1vHAe-K0BvT1vwEbQC5IkuFQ5_xqH2v6E26xGDoMsjnknh4oPtq46kNIOIZZOvfDkug1XbU48JTo8YITlxKfjnbyJt3d5g5jfkKpKFfpmWsL19NFcirVaPJx4LQD9JDxRXHTxG/s1600/HattieBigSky.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDK6wRto1vHAe-K0BvT1vwEbQC5IkuFQ5_xqH2v6E26xGDoMsjnknh4oPtq46kNIOIZZOvfDkug1XbU48JTo8YITlxKfjnbyJt3d5g5jfkKpKFfpmWsL19NFcirVaPJx4LQD9JDxRXHTxG/s1600/HattieBigSky.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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One very solid and entertaining bridge between these two genre is historical fiction. Think <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385735957"><i><b>Hattie Big Sky </b></i></a>(Kirby Larson) , <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781582463933"><i><b>May B.</b></i></a> (Caroline Rose), and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780547577098"><i><b>Number the Stars</b></i></a> (Lois Lowry) , or Ann Turner’s picture books: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780689801174"><i><b>Nettie’s Trip South</b></i></a>, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780689810541"><i><b> Katie’s Trunk</b></i></a>, and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780060511074"><i><b>Abe Lincoln Remembers</b></i></a>. In each case the authors weave fact and fiction seamlessly throughout compelling stories with rich characters true to their times and places in history.<br />
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The blending of fact and fiction in this genre is not unlike a mobius strip. The two sides are not only inseparable, but interchange themselves while traveling along the path of the story. Similarly, it is nearly impossible to detect start- or end- points for the research and storytelling.<br />
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Historical fiction defies neat packaging. At its best, that ring of recognition resounds within the fictional lives of its characters, yet their journeys reveal specifics and complexities that can only be found through diligent research. Sorting out fact from fiction allows readers to explore a new purpose for research.<br />
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My debut middle grade novel, <a href="http://www.crickhollowbooks.com/odins-promise/"><i><b>Odin’s Promise</b></i></a>, is the end product of many years of just such a dance between fact and fiction. On a trip to Norway many years ago I heard personal stories of resistance from the war years. Memories of the German occupation were strong. From that time on I worked at writing one particular story, including extensive research about Norway’s war years.<br />
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Over time and countless revisions the story changed, the research continued, characters stepped into and abandoned center stage. Only when the right combination of research, revision, and advice came together did the story find its footing and take off. By then the facts were as familiar to me as the fictional elements so they arose naturally within the events of the story.
After the book was complete and under contract I read two other recent historical fiction middle grade books set in Norway during World War II: <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780547744476"><i><b>The Klipfish Code</b></i></a> by Mary Casanova, and <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781419704246"><i><b>Shadow on the Mountain</b></i></a> by Margi Preus. In both cases I recognized quirky details of the occupation years that I had included in my book. A quick check of their resources indicated our stories had been influenced by some of the same titles Despite that, our books are distinctly different.<br />
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Historical fiction provides an excellent balance of reading fiction and non-fiction text: complexity, engagement, character development, detail, sequence and consequences. More often than not there will be author notes and other back matter to help describe which elements are based on history and which are not. Online and traditional research can clarify that further, as well as offer answers to questions raised by the stories. Maps, timelines, and biographies become essential tools for both the reader and the writer.<br />
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I hope readers will enjoy <i><b>Odin’s Promise</b></i> for the fiction it is. I also hope the factual threads throughout the story will make them eager to learn more about Germany’s invasion and occupation of Norway under the false claim of friendship. It’s a story far less familiar than those of concentration camps and battles, but no less compelling. It even has parallels in current events of the world.<br />
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Who knows where their research could lead?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l4mykAYvZ_3oqOuXn_fAE4RBtYSm0BeS0zRpLGL8LjmDjsi0Qc-C9bMKJHSE60sf7_2XCPLx727Tja6ebVj-h7fgZ2CDlqXe5dlVDwu7c08dNKb4LouR6wB-HXKezp-SuseDdJn3ge9X/s1600/sandybrehl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6l4mykAYvZ_3oqOuXn_fAE4RBtYSm0BeS0zRpLGL8LjmDjsi0Qc-C9bMKJHSE60sf7_2XCPLx727Tja6ebVj-h7fgZ2CDlqXe5dlVDwu7c08dNKb4LouR6wB-HXKezp-SuseDdJn3ge9X/s1600/sandybrehl.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.sandybrehl.com/"><i><b>About Sandy Brehl</b></i></a>:
Retired teacher in elementary public schools for almost 40 years. A voracious reader since childhood. Writing for decades. Active in SCBWI-Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) since retiring, which led to major improvements in my writing.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Debut Middle Grade Historical Fiction</b></i></span>:<br />
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20756028-odin-s-promise?from_search=true"><i><b>Odin’s Promise</b></i></a>, available April 20, 2014, official publication date- May 17.<br />
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<span id="freeText4788218147580561370"><i><b>Odin’s Promise</b></i> is
historical fiction for middle-grade readers, a novel depicting the first
year of German occupation of Norway as seen through the eyes of a young
girl.<br /><br />Eleven-year-old Mari grew up tucked safely under the wings
of her parents, grandma, and her older siblings. When Hitler’s troops
invaded Norway under the guise of “occupying a friendly country,” she is
forced to grow beyond her “little girl” nickname and comfortable
patterns to deal with harsh new realities.<br /><br />At her side for support and protection is Odin, her faithful elkhound.<br /><br />After
she witnesses a terrifying event on the mountainside, truths are
revealed: the involvement of her family and friends in the resistance;
the value of humor in surviving hard times; the hidden radio in her
grandma’s cottage.<br />Odin, not one for quiet resistance, makes an enemy of soldiers who patrol the area.<br /><br />The
year will bring many challenges, as Mari confronts danger, develops her
inner strength and voice, and finds she is able to endure hardship and
heartache.</span> Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-17077858886730526362014-06-11T00:30:00.000-07:002014-06-11T08:56:58.129-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Marine Pollution & Environmental Protection For Our Oceans<div style="text-align: center;">
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Have you ever thought about what happens to the plastic that is thrown into the ocean? Two of my books this week, shared stories about how plastic has a significant impact on our oceans. I am sharing a couple of resources about the impact that trash has on marine life and oceans and more. Both of these books are extremely informational and I know I learned a lot. </div>
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Check out the books, videos, and links for more resources that you can use with students in grades 4 to 8.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixauxiqAbCtfsTkUxbUfqtW-D-i_36tevQMeC2mjIZBBgoCqJn1FdEc3O9W-TKyVqwCtx1_GQEyrShvrFqBDkPkXTPWz41HHc6LWelom1wXY0hdhJgr7-l-iqW1jisxLhXN66W3H1cpmsg/s1600/trackingtrash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixauxiqAbCtfsTkUxbUfqtW-D-i_36tevQMeC2mjIZBBgoCqJn1FdEc3O9W-TKyVqwCtx1_GQEyrShvrFqBDkPkXTPWz41HHc6LWelom1wXY0hdhJgr7-l-iqW1jisxLhXN66W3H1cpmsg/s1600/trackingtrash.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b><a href="http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/tracking-trash-flotsam-jetsam-and-the-science-of-ocean-motion/">Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion</a></b></i></div>
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by Loree Griffin Burns</div>
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HMH Books for Young Readers (March 26, 2007)</div>
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780618581313"><b>IndieBound </b></a>* <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/tracking-trash-flotsam-jetsam-and-the-science-of-ocean-motion/oclc/67345881&referer=brief_results"><b>WorldCat </b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/548695.Tracking_Trash?from_search=true"><i><b>Description from GoodReads</b></i></a>:<br />
<span id="freeText17808088780759413917">Aided by an army of
beachcombers, oceanographer Dr. Curtis Ebbesmeyer tracks trash in the
name of science. From sneakers to hockey gloves, Curt monitors the
watery fate of human-made cargo that has spilled into the ocean. The
information he collects is much more than casual news; it is important
scientific data. And with careful analysis, Curt, along with a community
of scientists, friends, and beachcombers alike, is using his data to
understand and protect our ocean.<br /><br />In engaging text and
unforgettable images, readers meet the woman who started it all (Curt’s
mother!), the computer program that makes sense of his data (nicknamed
OSCURS), and several scientists, both on land and on the sea, who are
using Curt’s discoveries to preserve delicate marine habitats and
protect the creatures who live in them. A Boston Globe-Horn Book Award
Honor Book for Nonfiction.</span><br />
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<span id="freeText17808088780759413917">For resources connected with <i><b>Tracking Trash</b></i>: <a href="http://loreeburns.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/scientistinthefieldguide_trackingtrash.pdf"><b>Discussion and Activity Guide</b></a> | <a href="http://loreeburns.com/tracking-trash/"><b>Author Notes</b></a></span><br />
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<span id="freeText17808088780759413917"><i><b>Tracking Trash Multi-Touch Edition</b></i> is another resource which includes videos, interactive photo gallery, and web-search enabled text can be purchased <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tracking-trash-multi-touch/id593151833?mt=11&ign-mpt=uo%3D4">here</a>.</span>
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<span id="freeText17808088780759413917">Scientist in the Field Adventure Notes: <a href="http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/messages-in-bottles/"><b>Message in the Bottle</b></a> | <a href="http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/tracking-trash-seen-as-great-common-core-selection/"><b>Tracking Trash and the Common Core</b></a> | <a href="http://www.sciencemeetsadventure.com/tracking-trash-and-making-art/"><b>Tracking Trash and Making Art</b></a></span><br />
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Loree Griffin Burns: <a href="http://loreeburns.com/"><b>Website</b></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LoreeGBurns"><b>Twitter</b></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Loree-Griffin-Burns-Author/234070341098"><b>Facebook</b></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Video: Gyre: Creating Art from a Plastic Ocean</b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/cr5m8b28eqA" width="560"></iframe>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJB5zBBcNWkJ-vRb0adCzQVjZ1hQKuBkkX2BL1Hm3i8OTAf0wsBUUTl80mwJUnguMAirlUUBqeRUNAhs0nzcw4S7omtPDYXyuOTFIl5LOtmYmCzuKM1dr-azPG0bQIEoQcq8KQM3Ifajp/s1600/plasticahoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJB5zBBcNWkJ-vRb0adCzQVjZ1hQKuBkkX2BL1Hm3i8OTAf0wsBUUTl80mwJUnguMAirlUUBqeRUNAhs0nzcw4S7omtPDYXyuOTFIl5LOtmYmCzuKM1dr-azPG0bQIEoQcq8KQM3Ifajp/s1600/plasticahoy.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.lernerbooks.com/products/t/13185/9781467712835/plastic-ahoy"><i><b>Plastic Ahoy! Investigating the Great Pacific Garbage Patch</b></i></a></div>
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by Patricia Newman; Photographs by Annie Crawley</div>
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Millbrook Press (April 1, 2014)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Plastic-Ahoy-Investigating-Pacific-Nonfiction/dp/1467712833/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402466317&sr=8-1&keywords=Plastic+Ahoy!"><b>Amazon</b></a> * <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/plastic-ahoy-investigating-the-great-pacific-garbage-patch/oclc/855507095&referer=brief_results"><b>WorldCat </b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18353968-plastic-ahoy?from_search=true"><i><b>Description from GoodRead</b></i></a>s:<br />
<span id="freeTextContainer10363958670434179240">These scientists are on
a mission. As part of a research expedition known as SEAPLEX, theyre
studying the massive accumulation of plastic in the Pacific Ocean known
as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. As they use the scientific method to
conduct their investigation, their adventures will introduce readers to
the basics of ocean science and the hazards of plastics.</span> </div>
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Patricia Newman: <b><a href="http://www.patriciamnewman.com/index.html">Website</a></b> | <a href="http://www.patricianewmanbooks.blogspot.com/"><b>Blog</b></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PatriciaNewman"><b>Twitter</b></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PatriciaNewmanBooks?ref=hl"><b>Facebook</b></a> | <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/newmanbooks/"><b>Pinterest</b></a><br />
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Other resources: <a href="http://www.patricianewmanbooks.blogspot.com/2014/04/10-ways-to-reduce-ocean-plastic-this.html"><i><b>10 Ways to Reduce Ocean Plastic</b></i></a> | <a href="https://www.lernerbooks.com/digitalassets/Assets/Title%20Assets/13185/9781467712835/Video%20Research%20Project.pdf"><b>Video Research Project</b></a> | <a href="http://www.patriciamnewman.com/CCSSPlasticAhoyGuide.pdf"><b>Activity & Discussion Guide</b></a> | <a href="http://patricianewmanbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/become-virtual-trash-detective-join.html">Algalita's Ship-2-Shore Program</a> | <a href="http://5gyres.org/"><b>Five Gyres </b></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Watch the Book Trailer for Plastic Ahoy!</b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_PQDXJdDGok" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Additional Books to begin exploring the topic of "tracking trash" with Younger Audiences</b></i></span>:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/364063.10_Little_Rubber_Ducks?ac=1"><i><b>10 Little Rubber Ducks</b></i></a> by Eric Carle (HarperCollins, 2005) - <span id="freeText10361169718203341088">In this poignant and
funny story, illustrated with strikingly designed collages, Eric Carle
also takes readers on an exciting voyage of discovery. Following the
little ducks as they float to all parts of the globe, young explorers
can see for themselves the meanings of directional words, and learn
simple math concepts such as counting and the use of cardinal and
ordinal numbers. Each creature the ducks meet is seen in its own habitat
and behaves in a true-to-life manner, offering a very simple first view
of biology and geography. (description from goodreads)</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1274172.Ducky?from_search=true"><i><b>Ducky</b></i></a> by Eve Bunting; Illustrated by David Wisniewski (HMH Books for Young Children, 1997) - <span id="freeTextContainer13444509467425148334">A yellow plastic duck
makes a long perilous journey when he is washed overboard with a crate
full of bathtub toys during a storm. (description from goodreads)</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews</b></i></span>:<br />
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Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-63474747910049356592014-06-11T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-11T00:00:03.785-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Some Musings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you everyone for all of the great posts each week for the <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge-2014.html"><i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014</b></i></a>. <br />
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Several years before the Common Core State Standards decided to try mandating the amount of nonfiction or informational text students should be reading, I realized that I had a serious book gap. Though I went through phases when I did read nonfiction related to things I was interested in as an adult, I realized that I focused on very little nonfiction for children. Frankly, I saw it as boring and not particularly worth my time. Yes, I needed an attitude adjustment.<br />
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However, I can tell you when my attitude changed and by which book. It was January 18, 2010, and I was listening to the ALA Youth Media Awards curled up in bed at 5 a.m. The awards were in Boston that year and in order to hear them live, I had to get up early. As they announced the awards, I was intrigued by several of the Sibert Medal Winners, particularly, <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5865970-the-day-glo-brothers?ac=1"><i><b>The Day-Glo Brothers</b></i></a> by Chris Barton. Shortly, after the announcements were made I tracked down a copy of the book and from that moment on I have been on the search for creative, informative, and interesting nonfiction picture books for children.<br />
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My interest in nonfiction picture books has lead me to starting this challenge and to getting to know all of you. I have felt good about the amount of nonfiction that I have been able to feature on my blog, especially through this weekly challenge. However, I have been playing with some ideas, and will probably be adjusting my posts.<br />
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Once a month, usually the first Wednesday of the month, I feature new nonfiction picture book releases. From the feedback, I have received readers really seem to enjoy this post. So, I am going to keep doing it. I am going to try and find ways to keep improving it but overall, it seems to be working.<br />
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Next, I might start doing a <i><b>What are you reading?</b></i> type post to share all of the great nonfiction I find. Often, I don't have time to review everything I read, but I would like to give more attention to books that I have enjoyed and want to share with others. I will share these separate from my Monday <i><b>What are you reading?</b></i> posts, especially when I have a lot of titles to talk about.<br />
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Finally, I want to do more posts that feature a collection of books around a similar topic and include links to various resources or ideas of how to use them in the classroom. I tried it recently with the post for <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday-sea.html"><i><b>The Sea Turtle Scientist</b></i></a>. It seemed to work. So I am trying it again. Let me know with these new posts what is helpful and what you would love to see more of as a teacher or librarian or parent.<br />
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If you are looking for the link to the Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday Widget please go <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/06/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday.html">here</a>, and check out my post about <i><b>Tracking Trash</b></i>, and <i><b>Plastic Ahoy!</b></i> Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-43609545090272208212014-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-09T08:02:27.094-07:00It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - June 9, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><b>It's Monday! What are you reading? </b></i>is hosted by Sheila of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/category/its-monday-what-are-you-reading/">Book Journey</a>. Jen from
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/search/label/It%27s%20Monday%20Meme#axzz1qpsNJo40">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and Kellee and Ricki from <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/"><i><b>Unleashing Readers</b></i></a> have adapted it to focus on <i>Picture Books to Young Adult Books</i>.<br />
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This week was a good reading week, though not quite to the same level as the previous week. I continued with book-a-day with a focus on reading as many picture books and some other things off of my very long TBR list.<br />
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11 - nonfiction or informational text<br />
2 - Early Readers<br />
25 - picture books<br />
2 - Adult graphic novels<br />
<b>Total</b>: 40 books <br />
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As with last week, much of what I read this week has come from checking out the <i><b>What are You Reading?</b></i> and <i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday</b></i> posts from all of you. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Here is what jumped out of the stack...</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14930726-the-herd-boy"><i><b>The Herd Boy</b></i></a> by Niki Daly (Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, 2012) - A young boy has dreams of becoming a great leader. A powerful message.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17262311-the-silver-button"><i><b>The Silver Button</b></i></a> by Bob Graham (Candlewick Press, 2013) - I love Bob Graham's work. It is a bit quirky but with an incredible message. A baby takes his first steps and what is everyone else doing at the same time. Great perspective.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1927061.Throw_Your_Tooth_on_the_Roof"><i><b>Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World</b></i></a> by Selby B. Beeler; Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (HMH Books for Young Readers, 1998) - Enjoyed this book about "tooth fairy" traditions around the world. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16000384-windblown"><i><b>Windblown</b></i></a> by Édouard Manceau; Translated by Sarah Quinn (Owlkids Books, 2013) - A few shapes and a concept that is pulled off marvelously. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17197796-mister-bud-wears-the-cone"><i><b>Mister Bud Wears the Cone</b></i></a> by Carter Goodrich (Simon & Schuster, June 3, 2014) - Dogs and the cone. A fun story that pet lovers will enjoy!<br />
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<i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/537338.The_Red_Book">The Red Book</a></b></i> by Barbara Lehman (HMH Books for Younger Readers, 2004) - Wordless but filled with perspective. Love this book.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Adult (or at least 16+)...</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/105703.Pride_of_Baghdad"><i><b>Pride of Baghdad</b></i></a> by Brian K. Vaughn; Illustrated by Niko Henrichon (Vertigo, 2006) - I am a fan of Vaughn's work with <i><b>Runaways</b></i> and his new series <i><b>Saga</b></i>. So, when I was at a comic book store recently and saw this one discounted I knew I had to pick it up. It is based on a true story of 4 lions who escaped from the zoo in 2003 after a bombing. Definitely has adult content/references.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>So, what are you reading?</b></i></span><br />
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<br />Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-90809219403807550862014-06-05T02:00:00.000-07:002014-06-05T02:00:07.064-07:00Interview with NINJA! author & illustrator, Arree Chung<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Thank you Arree for stopping by Kid Lit Frenzy to talk about your new book NINJA! and share something about the process of making it and also in answers some questions. </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>I just read NINJA! to a group of K/1 students and they really seemed to enjoy the story. Since many of my students are English Language Learners, we spent some time working on understanding the text and also how the visuals may tell a bit of a different story.
One of the things the students wanted to know was if you pretended to be a ninja when you were a child? </b></i></span><br />
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I didn’t pretend to be a Ninja but I did pretend to be Bruce Lee a lot. He could be a ninja, no problem! I still think he's really cool. I was always sneaking up on my dad and others. Oh, and I loved playing hide and seek with my friends in the parking lot.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>On your website, you have character bios for Maxwell and Cassandra and even “Goldie” the Dragon. Were these based on children you knew or something you just created as part of the story? </b></i></span><br />
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Maxwell is channeling the kid in me. Design wise, I love kids with long busy hair. His design is inspired by a lot of different influences. As for his personality, it's a lot of how I acted like when I was a kid.<br />
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Cassandra is loosely based on my niece.<br />
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I love her expressions. She's also the kind of girl who wants to do everything. I'm the youngest in my family, and I always wanted to do all the things my brother did. So there's a little bit of me in Cassandra as well.<br />
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When developing he characters, imagined Maxwell and Cassandra to be mixed race kids. There's been a lot of recent discussion about the need for diverse books in kid-lit and I am in complete agreement. I didn’t want to make it a big deal though. It’s just a matter of fact. So if you look closely, you can see that Mom and Dad have different racial backgrounds.<br />
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When designing the characters, I didn’t want them to look like specific kids; I wanted them to look cartoony so that every kid could relate to them. I still wanted to make specific enough; finding the right balance can be a little tricky. <br />
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Goldie the Dragon came much later in the process. I didn't discover Goldie until I was painting the book. I knew I wanted Maxwell to go into "ninja" mode and that I wanted to change the color palette to red. When I did, I felt something was missing. That's when the idea of a dragon appeared! I named her Goldie, the dragon that represents Maxwell's wild imagination. I felt the story gained more depth when she was added.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Along similar lines, did the ideas for the scenes in the story come from personal experiences? </b></i></span><br />
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Well, I did sneak up on my dad a whole lot and I still sneak up on my mom. She still gets mad at me for doing that! At night, I still go on secret missions for milk and cookies but I feel much more guilty about it now.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>I tried deciding, which was my favorite illustrative spread in the book. I realized that I had too many favorites (Maxwell surprising his father, Maxwell celebrating his accomplishments, Maxwell dishonored – just to name a few). Do you have a favorite illustration in the book?</b></i></span><br />
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I think my favorite spread, if I had to pick one would be the "I’m dishonored” spread. I think every kid can relate to that feeling, of “oh man.” It’s dark and lonely place to be and you know you shouldn’t have done it.<br />
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My second favorite would be the “mission accomplished” spread. Looks like we think alike!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>When you are working on a book, do you have a particular process that you follow?</b></i></span> <br />
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Yep!<br />
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1. SKETCH STAGE: Loose sketches. Don’t be precious. Everything is a mess. Especially when you start. Play, be messy. It’s ok.<br />
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Take the best ideas and reduce.<br />
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Scribble lots. Be messy, then reduce.<br />
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Work on the words. Sometimes I write the words down on index cards to simulate page turns and test how it sounds out loud.<br />
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Tie it all together.<br />
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Take a nap. Look at it with fresh eyes. <br />
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2. DUMMY STAGE: Make a dummy with loose sketches. Revise.<br />
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Show people you trust. Show kids. Show kids you don’t know. Revise. Make as many dummies as you need until you the story works.<br />
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3. DESIGN PHASE:<br />
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Draw the character. Look at references. Dream. Have fun.<br />
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I like to look at lots of art and photos when designing the scene. I make inspiration boards and print them out.<br />
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Do research for the environments. Find photo research. Make lots of loose paintings. Practice.<br />
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Make a color script. Collect lots of interesting things.<br />
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4. FINAL ART:<br />
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After making a few sample illustrations, I get into production mode. At this point, I generally know how the book is going to look like. Most of the planning of the book is already done at this point so the final art shouldn’t be too difficult. It’s actually a lot of fun at this stage. You can just focus on making each illustration as awesome as possible.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Now that NINJA! Is about to be released, do you have any other projects that you are currently working on that you can share with us? </b></i></span><br />
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I am doing a lot more books! <br />
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I’m illustrating a couple of inventive potty training books titled, “How to Pee.” They are hilarious.<br />
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I have lots of picture book ideas and more stories starring Maxwell. One of them is a ghost story that I’m really excited about.<br />
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And I’m also working on a middle grade novel about my experience growing up as an ABC (American Born Chinese.) <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What was your own book journey like as a child and teen or did you find books later? Do you have particular books that acted as the backdrop to your life as a child and teen?</b></i></span><br />
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My journey to books is a long and windy one. I drew a lot as a kid but never took it seriously. Like a lot of Asian families, my dad wanted me to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer. I went to college and studied economics. I even worked in the business world for four years before deciding to be an artist. Quitting and going back to school to be an artist was scary but it was also the best decision I made in my life. In art school I fell in love with picture books. It’s where I belong. You read about my path to publishing on my blog:
http://arreechung.blogspot.com<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What is in your TBR pile currently?</b></i></span> <br />
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I’ve been reading the Ivy and Bean series, lots of Judy Blume and Jack Gantos recently. Here’s a picture of my TBR.<br />
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I also enjoy biographies, economic books and good fiction.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What is/are your favorite indie bookstores and why?</b></i></span> <br />
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Oh so many! I love Keplers, Books Inc in Alemeda. My favorite people are Jerry and Elizabeth. We talk books all day long there. Books of Wonder in NY and Vroman’s in Pasadena are great places too.<br />
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Thank you!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Once again, thank you for stopping by and sharing more about NINJA! with us.
~ Alyson</b></i></span> <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Watch the Official Book Trailer for NINJA!</b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/40Llb2lQVjU" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>About Arree Chung</b></i></span>:<br />
Arree Chung makes picture books but he didn’t always do so. Once he made spreadsheets all day long and he decided that he wanted to make pictures instead. Arree learned how to draw, paint and think a little bit differently at Art Center College of Design.<br />
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In the past decade, Arree has worked in the games industry as a designer and Art Director. Arree’s first debut picture book, “Ninja!” publishes June 3rd, 2014. When Arree is not practicing his Ninja moves, you can find him playing basketball or riding his bike.
<i><b> </b></i><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Where to find Arree</b></i></span>: <a href="http://arree.com/">website</a> | <a href="http://arreechung.blogspot.com/">blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/arree.chung">facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/arreechung">twitter</a> | <a href="http://arreechung.tumblr.com/">tumblr</a><br />
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<i><b>Check out how to Ninjafy yourself at</b></i> <a href="http://www.ninjafyme.com/"><b>Ninjafy Me!</b></a><br />
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Check out <a href="http://arreechung.blogspot.com/2014/06/my-journey-to-becoming-childrens-book_2.html">Arree's journey</a> to becoming an author and illustrator. Don't miss the interview on <a href="http://designofthepicturebook.com/2014/06/03/ninja-and-an-interview-with-arree-chung/">Design of a Picture Book</a>.<br />
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Reviews for NINJA! - <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/arree-chung/ninja-chung/">Kirkus</a> | <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-8050-9911-9">Publisher's Weekly</a><br />
<br />Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-85354202386592152992014-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-05T21:21:02.628-07:00Common Core IRL: Life in Colonial America (Primary Sources)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This month, my librarian buddies and I are focusing on another installment of our Common Core IRL series. I have truly enjoyed putting these posts together and collaborating with my fellow educator/librarian/bloggers.<br />
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Normally, as part of this series, I concentrate on students in the primary grades and how teachers can adapt a topic to younger students, and what books might be effective while integrating with the <a href="http://www.corestandards.org/ELA-Literacy/">Common Core State Standards</a>. Imagine my surprise when I really could not find the right informational text books for student in Kindergarten to Second grade. What I was able to find was often culturally insensitive and particularly portrayed Native Americans in a negative light.<br />
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What can a teacher or librarian do if they are unable to find books about a topic? Aside for letting publishers know that we need more books for a particular topic, we can also focus on other sources of information. One area that the CCSS stresses is the use of primary sources. Here are a few to explore: <br />
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If you have not discovered the Library of Congress <a href="http://www.loc.gov/education/">website for educators</a>, you need to check it out and plan to spend some time exploring the features and materials available for educators.<br />
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One section to check out is the section for Teaching <a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/"><b>Using Primary Sources</b></a>.<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/">Using Primary Sources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/whyuse.html">Why Use Primary Sources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/citing.html">Citing Primary Sources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/copyright.html">Copyright and Primary Sources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/finding.html">Finding Primary Sources</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/usingprimarysources/guides.html">Teacher's Guide and Analysis Tool </a></li>
</ul>
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When you have finished exploring the section on Primary Sources, click on any of the Primary Source Sets to explore actual materials. Since this month's Common Core IRL is on Colonial America, I went to the section on Jamestown.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6jntQ2uv7XfSEKad2XHv3fkqsfu0fisaRj_S5_VCzdtZ8MiI1zzwjCdbP3cQw0_qQQ0-45e0fhgs_hEacDo9riC5yFGYNnfNawsBwDg0YOWwpz7X8Z2AR49rC66odjan_YfJILK7zqYA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-04+at+8.48.31+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy6jntQ2uv7XfSEKad2XHv3fkqsfu0fisaRj_S5_VCzdtZ8MiI1zzwjCdbP3cQw0_qQQ0-45e0fhgs_hEacDo9riC5yFGYNnfNawsBwDg0YOWwpz7X8Z2AR49rC66odjan_YfJILK7zqYA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-06-04+at+8.48.31+PM.png" height="145" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/jamestown/">Jamestown Primary Sources</a><br />
From there you can check out the <a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/primarysourcesets/jamestown/pdf/teacher_guide.pdf">Teacher's Guide</a> for Jamestown. <br />
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Another section that relates directly to our topic this month is <a href="http://www.loc.gov/teachers/additionalresources/relatedresources/ushist/chrono/colonial.html">Colonial Settlement (1492-1763)</a>, which of course then led me to a link to <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wnet/colonialhouse/">PBS's Colonial House</a>. <br />
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As you can see, there is a wealth of resources that you can utilize in creating lessons or exploring life in Colonial America including images, video, and more.<br />
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Once you have explored the Library of Congress site, you may want to head over to the <a href="http://www.si.edu/Educators">Smithsonian's Educator site</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn1-uiRqgztq5YlO4FvHS0LSwzSH2AwdoxoQKqYgitrVlDBrePlDeUInC7kxNBT8vFQIDr3DxjDhNIUzaflhnyk4MbH6DFtJrfa-AYRdT1M82rOBlgafuit3BtiIf42lUCwWfl7h0tAiK/s1600/smithsonian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRn1-uiRqgztq5YlO4FvHS0LSwzSH2AwdoxoQKqYgitrVlDBrePlDeUInC7kxNBT8vFQIDr3DxjDhNIUzaflhnyk4MbH6DFtJrfa-AYRdT1M82rOBlgafuit3BtiIf42lUCwWfl7h0tAiK/s1600/smithsonian.jpg" height="108" width="320" /></a></div>
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One feature on the Smithsonian site is a drop down menu that allows you to indicate a standard, grade and subject as related to the Common Core State Standards. You can enter in a curricular area and grade level and it will pull up the standards and resources related to that topic and grade. <br />
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You can also search by topic. When I searched for <a href="http://smithsoniansource.org/display/topic/viewdetailshis.aspx?TopicId=1004">Colonial America</a>, I was able to locate Elementary School <a href="http://smithsoniansource.org/display/lessonplan/viewdetails.aspx?TopicId=1004&LessonPlanId=1022">Lesson Plans</a>, <a href="http://smithsoniansource.org/display/primarysource/results.aspx?hId=1004">Primary Source Materials</a>, and <a href="http://smithsoniansource.org/display/dbq/viewdetails.aspx?TopicId=1004&DbqId=1001">High School DBQ's</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><u><b>Other Sources to Explore</b></u></span>:<br />
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<a href="http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/era.cfm?eraid=2">Digital History</a> Website<br />
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<a href="http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/colonial/jb_colonial_subj.html">America's Story from America's Library</a> Website<br />
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<a href="http://www.newberry.org/american-history-colonial-period-revolutionary-era-and-early-republic">The Newberry/Chicago's Independent Research Library</a><br />
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Though there are many more websites to explore, I wanted to just give you a taste of what is out there. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Check out these great posts this week for more Colonial Resources</b></i></span>:<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/2014/06/common-core-irl-colonies-and-american.html" target="_blank">The Nonfiction Detectives</a> - Comparing perspectives (grades 4-6)</li>
<li><a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2014/06/common-core-irl-life-in-colonial.html" target="_blank">Great Kid Books</a> - Life in Colonial America (grades 3-5)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/06/common-core-irl-life-in-colonial.html">Kid Lit Frenzy</a> - Primary sources (grades 4-6)</li>
<li><a href="http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Show Me Librarian</a> - Historical fiction (grades 1-6)</li>
<li><a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2014/06/common-core-irl-digital-resources-for.html">Great Kid Book</a>: Digital resources (grades 4-6)</li>
</ul>
Thank you to Mary Ann Scheuer at <a href="http://greatkidbooks.blogspot.com/2014/06/common-core-irl-life-in-colonial.html">Great Kid Books</a>, Amy Koester at <a href="http://showmelibrarian.blogspot.com/">The Show Me Librarian</a>, and Cathy Potter and Louise Capizzo at <a href="http://www.nonfictiondetectives.com/">The Nonfiction Detectives</a> for all of their work to pull the various resources together. I am honored to collaborate with such a great team of librarians. Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-57275100365742060042014-06-04T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-04T00:00:14.535-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: June Releases<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you everyone for all of the great posts each week for the <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge-2014.html"><i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014</b></i></a>. At the beginning of each month, I like to try to
do a post to spread the word about recent releases or upcoming
nonfiction/informational titles. It is not comprehensive, but I do try to include a
variety of titles that might be of interest to readers. Some of them I
have read and some I have yet to read. Often I include reviews in later
posts.<br />
<br />
Here are some June titles and a few books that I missed posting last month. If you missed the posts from the past five months, I have included them below.<br />
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Link to January & February Releases <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday.html">Post</a><br />
Link to February & March Releases <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/02/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday.html">Post</a> <br />
Link to March & April Releases <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/03/nonfiction-picture-book-wednseday-march.html">Post</a><br />
Link to More April Releases <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/04/nonfiction-picture-book-wednesday-new.html">Post</a><br />
Link to May Releases <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/nonfiction-picture-book-release-for-may.html">Post</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Releases this month...</b></i></span><br />
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June 3, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWTkqUbH5JGvEfwWJMBNspr0Uab8ZrZvhUk-npTw0kpDo106BffIXh7ooPycRJ_Ep7Boe3bC619Az5iEQIownDVVYD-kZtCnXRlu89fHw4-EPQLJj6m0PeRvUCfgbPmcA5MpSMWR_UnTV/s1600/mycountry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWTkqUbH5JGvEfwWJMBNspr0Uab8ZrZvhUk-npTw0kpDo106BffIXh7ooPycRJ_Ep7Boe3bC619Az5iEQIownDVVYD-kZtCnXRlu89fHw4-EPQLJj6m0PeRvUCfgbPmcA5MpSMWR_UnTV/s1600/mycountry.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18490675-my-country-tis-of-thee"><i><b>My Country 'Tis of Thee: How One Song Reveals the History of Civil Rights</b></i></a> by Claire Rudolph Murphy; Illustrated by Bryan Collier (Henry Holt and Co.)<br />
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June 5, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6RWZT-QXU08I0mfK8eMw4rWqTDgSOJeSmvmrJscMBU-j1w6ZxWfV_I_Jrunmg4BNRh3UVzCbpnep8JVhlkN2lTCTbHbkQn0QmBA1I4rgwqvd0SEMxLNtHCkuQcA8ZH80E0f3psb7fW1k/s1600/tinymicrobes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6RWZT-QXU08I0mfK8eMw4rWqTDgSOJeSmvmrJscMBU-j1w6ZxWfV_I_Jrunmg4BNRh3UVzCbpnep8JVhlkN2lTCTbHbkQn0QmBA1I4rgwqvd0SEMxLNtHCkuQcA8ZH80E0f3psb7fW1k/s1600/tinymicrobes.jpg" height="320" width="275" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20621462-tiny?from_search=true"><i><b>Tiny: The Invisible World of Microbes</b></i></a> by Nicola Davies; Illustrated by Emily Sutton (Walker Books)<br />
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June 17, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG5PPbh1XktkRliPcMFKrWbKGf5S8YyaVqPV2fcsGM24_lq-2H3ssDTxEwbTIg2M9uyuqyf5X5PkXrEOTEzpY5PmXaiux71aYOWib-IUsPQdQO9FsUYmQntuKv6x5iLDJvffXbAMT5YM6/s1600/rosaparks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwG5PPbh1XktkRliPcMFKrWbKGf5S8YyaVqPV2fcsGM24_lq-2H3ssDTxEwbTIg2M9uyuqyf5X5PkXrEOTEzpY5PmXaiux71aYOWib-IUsPQdQO9FsUYmQntuKv6x5iLDJvffXbAMT5YM6/s1600/rosaparks.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18554575-i-am-rosa-parks"><i><b>I am Rosa Parks</b></i></a> by Brad Me<i><b>ltzer</b></i> (Dial Publishers)<br />
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June 24, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ3eXFJvPMPK4txcwBIrS_zGFXbyAf-c0StETOBV3B-XZ_kiP24QzyUAYDwX_Okf1scBdYQKFkIsLyQt5jSmFayStiIONmFOzSH0Gq1fDXnmDkTh9BlIOL_xgImWHKlPMK9zWaaFlUjOc/s1600/newzoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitQ3eXFJvPMPK4txcwBIrS_zGFXbyAf-c0StETOBV3B-XZ_kiP24QzyUAYDwX_Okf1scBdYQKFkIsLyQt5jSmFayStiIONmFOzSH0Gq1fDXnmDkTh9BlIOL_xgImWHKlPMK9zWaaFlUjOc/s1600/newzoo.jpg" height="320" width="261" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18636904-what-s-new-the-zoo?from_search=true"><i><b>What's New? The Zoo!: A Zippy History of Zoos</b></i></a> by Kathleen Krull; Illustrated by Marcellus Hall (Arthur A. Levine)<br />
June 26, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnNeVAfoZAl2REdcgpFCuP4p8tN8h64xzDHFTIlmQ_WOLQhzaMHdNb8hDJNWHhrQlDks8O7HDd3f0yo2iaOCktH9FWnFIXh07XRap3rtlDXbCPKgi0XW8jzF9qp8nnGMw919MmT7DqHqG/s1600/georgeferris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCnNeVAfoZAl2REdcgpFCuP4p8tN8h64xzDHFTIlmQ_WOLQhzaMHdNb8hDJNWHhrQlDks8O7HDd3f0yo2iaOCktH9FWnFIXh07XRap3rtlDXbCPKgi0XW8jzF9qp8nnGMw919MmT7DqHqG/s1600/georgeferris.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693877-george-ferris-what-a-wheel"><i><b>George Ferris, What a Wheel! </b></i></a>by Barbara Lowell (Grosset & Dunlap)<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Some previous release...</b></i></span><br />
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March 18, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmj7oqemqOQfd-xG3yVWeCbNcs1ISE563AKUkMjr4HNmhBecPGNzVIksxu2vl8UqQhPX_vUzYvu7UcNArW0NUo2sH92TodzIFAqEZZte2jvwhQkeyEOPkaEKvR-2e0Ff6FqLBA6eTUq5/s1600/babyelephantwild.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWCmj7oqemqOQfd-xG3yVWeCbNcs1ISE563AKUkMjr4HNmhBecPGNzVIksxu2vl8UqQhPX_vUzYvu7UcNArW0NUo2sH92TodzIFAqEZZte2jvwhQkeyEOPkaEKvR-2e0Ff6FqLBA6eTUq5/s1600/babyelephantwild.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18149041-a-baby-elephant-in-the-wild"><i><b>A Baby Elephant in the Wild</b></i></a> by Caitlin O'Connell (HMH Books for Young Readers)<br />
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May 27, 2014<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_awmbrS7pA_TSzQsRO6UnlRMx0pSrRvuS4u1uRV1-qWRS7fnxtrysD_nkqY6M6Ol8QDPfdQSIzgVbe2r-55eOBcvtPcRW_R3fwmheOW3avoxplsDy4kwzA4chRqmPynUltZtdpe0-mqF/s1600/tuesdaytucksmein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_awmbrS7pA_TSzQsRO6UnlRMx0pSrRvuS4u1uRV1-qWRS7fnxtrysD_nkqY6M6Ol8QDPfdQSIzgVbe2r-55eOBcvtPcRW_R3fwmheOW3avoxplsDy4kwzA4chRqmPynUltZtdpe0-mqF/s1600/tuesdaytucksmein.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465502-tuesday-tucks-me-in?from_search=true"><i><b>Tuesday Tucks Me In: The Loyal Bond Between a Soldier and His Service Dog</b></i></a> by Luis Carlos Montalván; Photographs by Bret Witter & Dan Dion (Roaring Brook Press)<br />
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<i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews... </b></i><br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=kidlitfrenzy&postid=04Jun2014" type="text/javascript"></script>
Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-91934929714087517282014-06-03T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-03T00:00:04.431-07:00Interview with MOUSEHEART Author, Lisa Fiedler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ8qvEiKwL8c6CwuTW5YrrD1GFcN8rCev8UWG1JIVV_bT5WAGLktKp7N4aGZK5m2J1makAi3XjHXZfNJ_L0PKz1NymPG6JCLjxz7gg7KcaOBv2dpcHqr7fo3niZ52vWuhLntqkJA_5fWc/s1600/Mouseheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQ8qvEiKwL8c6CwuTW5YrrD1GFcN8rCev8UWG1JIVV_bT5WAGLktKp7N4aGZK5m2J1makAi3XjHXZfNJ_L0PKz1NymPG6JCLjxz7gg7KcaOBv2dpcHqr7fo3niZ52vWuhLntqkJA_5fWc/s1600/Mouseheart.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a></div>
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I am excited to welcome author, Lisa Fiedler to Kid Lit Frenzy. You can check out more about her new fantasy adventure, <i><b>MOUSEHEART</b></i>, <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/mouseheart-review-giveaway.html">here</a>. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>How did you wind up writing a Middle Grade adventure novel featuring a mouse with less than adventurous tendencies as the main character? Seems like a bit of a departure from your previous novels?! </b></i></span><br />
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Nobody is more surprised than I am, but here we are. <i><b>MOUSEHEART</b></i> is a perfect example of how, with the support of a wise and imaginative editor, a writer can explore all sorts of new themes, settings and characters. Ruta Rimas and I worked closely in creating this trilogy. We knew animals would figure in somehow and agreed that swords would be a nice touch. But it wasn’t until one morning when Ruta spied a rat scuttling along the subway tracks and disappearing mysteriously into the darkness that we realized we had our setting ... and our species! I credit her with so much of this story—it’s been a true exercise in teamwork and I think it’s all that much stronger because of it. Of course there are still plenty of elements in <i><b>MOUSEHEART</b></i> that make it not entirely unlike the books I usually write--the humor, for example, and that little hint of romance between Zucker and Firren, which may or may not become a bigger factor in book two ... stay tuned!!!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>There have been a number of comparisons between MOUSEHEART and the REDWALL series by Brian Jacques. Comparisons can always be tricky. What are your thoughts on this? </b></i></span><br />
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I think if you’re going to be compared to something, it’s always nice to be in the company of greatness … and <i><b>REDWALL</b></i> is without a doubt great fiction. I’m flattered that my work is rubbing elbows with that series. I’ve also heard positive connections made to <i><b>THE CRICKET IN TIME SQUARE</b></i>, <i><b>THE TALE OF DESPERAUX</b></i>, <i><b>THE WARRIORS </b></i>and even <i><b>STUART LITTLE</b></i>. Wow! I’m absolutely thrilled even to be mentioned in the same breath as such wonderful books as these. Hey, wouldn’t it be fun to gather together all the great rodents of children’s literature together and throw a party for them? Can you imagine the cheese budget!?<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>In MOUSEHEART, the story begins in modern day Brooklyn, and ends up going underground but almost back to a medieval setting (without time travel)? Was there a particular reason for this decision? </b></i></span><br />
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For me, giving Atlantia a medieval vibe lent a sense of timelessness to the story. I wanted readers to imagine that this sort of thing has been going on for ages. The presence of an Emperor, an evil queen, and a host of sword-wielding foot soldiers also heightened the fantasy factor. And the incredibly talented Vivienne To was able to really capture this mood in her gorgeous illustrations. As if talking rats weren’t extraordinary enough … let’s put them in a jerkin and really make it interesting!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>MOUSEHEART is the first in a trilogy. Are there any secrets that you can reveal to us about what is in store for our friends in the next book? </b></i></span><br />
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Pup is going to figure very prominently, but I don’t want to spoil it by revealing exactly how. Let’s just say he’s going to discover his rebellious streak. Hopper is going to find himself in unfamiliar territory once again … this time on a very famous bridge in a certain borough of New York. He’ll also make a new friend … one who is every bit as brave and loyal as Zucker only this friend isn’t a rodent. What is he? Hint: Meow!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Though I like everything from children's picture books to young adult novels, middle grade novels may be some of my favorite books ever. What drew you to writing for this age group? Have you always wanted to write for children? </b></i></span><br />
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I agree … middle grade novels are the best! I still read them, and not just as ‘market research’ or to ‘check out the competition.’ Kids are such a great audience … a discerning audience to be sure ... which is why those of us who write for them need to be on our toes. I worry that people think a novel for a ten-year-old is somehow less valid than ‘grown up’ fiction but nothing could be farther from the truth. I always knew I would write but I never made a conscious decision to write for children. That was kind of a magical thing that happened. I was driving in my car and the first line of a novel just sort of came to me out of nowhere. And it was pretty obvious that it was a line that would be the beginning of a book for young people. It’s almost as if I was ‘invited’ by the story to be the writer of children’s fiction. And when you receive that invitation there’s only one possible response: Yes, thank you!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What was your own book journey like as a child and teen or did you find books later? Do you have particular books that acted as the backdrop to your life as a child and teen? </b></i></span><br />
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My mother read to me a lot when I was little and I learned to read before I went to kindergarten. So while the other kids had nap time, I was allowed to sit off by myself and read! It was awesome. In third grade I discovered <i><b>HARRIET THE SPY</b></i>. Harriet was my hero! She wanted to be a writer, just like me. I didn’t have the guts to climb through my neighbor’s windows and spy on them (probably a good thing) but I did feel a real kinship with Harriet. I also loved all the magic-themed books by Edward Eager, especially <i><b>KNIGHT'S CASTLE</b></i>, which I read four times in one summer. I would get to the last page, close the book, then open it up again to page one and start reading it all over again. As a teenager I read Judy Blume (and blushed) and S.E. Hinton (and cried).<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Okay, time to fess up, did you ever "borrow" permanently a book from the library or your classroom that you simply failed to return? What book was it? </b></i></span><br />
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Yes, but not on purpose! I took out <i><b>Bulfinch’s Mythology</b></i> from my high school library. That thing wasn’t just a book, it was a TOME!! Nine or ten zillion pages! But it told the story of every single mythological god and goddess and I found it fascinating. I’d borrowed the book at the very end of the school year, and forgot to return it before summer vacation. And then I was too embarrassed to bring it back in September. I still have it. And I still read it!<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What is in your TBR pile currently?</b></i></span> <br />
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I was lucky enough to be on a panel at <a href="http://www.booksofwonder.com/">Books of Wonder</a> in New York recently and met all of these fabulous authors of middle grade fiction. I bought a signed copy (love those!) of each book and I plan to read them on the beach this summer! The list, in no particular order: <i><b>The Ninja Librarians</b></i> (Downey) <i><b>The Tomb of Shadows</b></i> (Lerangis) <i><b>We Hold These Truths</b></i> (Clements) <i><b>Lantern Sam</b></i> (Beil) <i><b>Space Rocks</b></i> (O’Donnell) and <i><b>The Door</b></i> (Marino). <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What is/are your favorite indie bookstores and why?</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="http://news.hamlethub.com/newtown/archive/22839-newtown-welcomes-the-dinosaur-s-paw"><i><b>The Dinosaur’s Paw</b></i></a> in Newtown, Connecticut! It used to be in Fairfield and about twenty years ago I wandered in and met the owner … who just happened to be the wonderful Patricia Reilly Giff! She taught a writing workshop … it was amazing. Pat really helped me perfect the manuscript of Curtis Piperfield’s Biggest Fan which would become my first published YA novel. That wasn’t the only thing I got from that workshop—I found some wonderful writing buddies and we still meet for ‘writing group’ to this day!<br />
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I also love <a href="http://www.andersonsbookshop.com/"><i><b>Anderson’s Book Shop</b></i></a> in the Chicago area and <a href="http://www.rjjulia.com/"><i><b>RJ Julia</b></i></a> in Madison Connecticut. I love people who love books! And that’s what the indies are all about.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>If you could do a book tour with another author (living or dead) who would it be and why?</b></i></span><br />
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William Shakespeare. Talk about talent … and staying power! I love that he had such a sense of how we human beings operate. His characters are deliciously complex. And the language … amazing! Just being in the presence of that kind of genius would be a thrill.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>What is the view from where you write? </b></i></span> <br />
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My office is off my kitchen (convenient for frequent coffee re-fills). Our golden retrievers, Montague and Capulet (Monty and Cappy for short) hang out with me while I write. The window overlooks the backyard, which on spring mornings is like bunny-rabbit rush hour. And occasionally a black bear (yes … really!) ambles across the lawn. I write best when it’s raining. Why? No idea. I just do.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>About Lisa Fiedler</b></i></span>:<br />
<i>Lisa Fiedler is the author of several novels for children and young adults. She divides her time between Connecticut and the Rhode Island seashore, where she lives happily with her very patient husband, her brilliant and beloved daughter, and their two incredibly spoiled golden retrievers. </i> Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-59170373448040870742014-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:002014-06-02T20:32:12.212-07:00It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - June 2, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><b>It's Monday! What are you reading? </b></i>is hosted by Sheila of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/category/its-monday-what-are-you-reading/">Book Journey</a>. Jen from
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/search/label/It%27s%20Monday%20Meme#axzz1qpsNJo40">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and Kellee and Ricki from <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/"><i><b>Unleashing Readers</b></i></a> have adapted it to focus on <i>Picture Books to Young Adult Books</i>.<br />
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This week was an awesome reading week. I started book-a-day a bit early and have read over 50 books this past week.<br />
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16 - nonfiction or informational text<br />
1 - poetry<br />
6 - Early Readers<br />
30 - picture books<br />
2 - MG graphic novel<br />
<b>Total</b>: 55 books <br />
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Much of what I read this week has come from checking out the <i><b>What are You Reading?</b></i> and <i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday</b></i> posts from all of you. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Here is what jumped out of the stack...</b></i></span><br />
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<i><b>New Releases...</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18012686-camp-rex?from_search=true"><i><b>Camp Rex</b></i></a> by Molly Idle (Viking Juvenile, April 1, 2014) - I love Molly Idle and Tea Rex is back and this time camping.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18453190-number-one-sam?from_search=true"><i><b>Number One Sam</b></i></a> by Greg Pizzoli (Disney-Hyperion, May 13, 2014) - A great story about learning how to loose. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18406155-the-day-i-lost-my-superpowers?from_search=true"><i><b>The Day I Lost My Superpowers</b></i></a> by Michael Escoffier; Illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo (Enchanted Lion Books, April 1, 2014) - Every child thinks that they have superpowers and even parents have superpowers. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18349886-this-is-a-moose?from_search=true"><i><b>This is a Moose</b></i></a> by Richard T. Morris; Illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May 6, 2014) - How should a moose act? Or any animals for that matter? Love the twist at the end. <br />
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<i><b>Upcoming books...</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19156005-hunters-of-the-great-forest?from_search=true"><i><b>Hunters of the Great Forest</b></i></a> by Dennis Nolan (Roaring Brook Press, October 28, 2014) - This wordless picture book has a great twist and some hidden details if you look carefully. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20518801-kid-sheriff-and-the-terrible-toads?from_search=true"><i><b>Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads</b></i></a> by Bob Shea; Lane Smith (Roaring Brook Press, October 7, 2014) - One pint-sized sheriff take on some big bad "toads". <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19156006-sebastian-and-the-balloon?from_search=true"><i><b>Sebastian and the Balloon</b></i></a> by Philip Christian Stead (Roaring Brook Press, October 7, 2014) - Stead has a new book coming out. His storytelling is quiet but special.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20917828-you-are-not-small?from_search=true"><i><b>You Are (Not) Small</b></i></a> by Anna Kang; Illustrated by Christopher Weyant (Two Lions, August 5, 2014) - A fun look at size and perspective.<br />
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<i><b>Nonfiction books...</b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17395151-best-foot-forward?from_search=true"><i><b>Best Foot Forward</b></i></a> by Ingo Arndt (Holiday House, 2013) - A fun exploration of animals based on their feet, paws, flippers, and claws. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17332239-how-big-were-dinosaurs?ac=1"><i><b>How Big Were Dinosaurs?</b></i></a> by Lita Judge (Roaring Brook Press, 2013) - Judge introduces the size of dinosaurs by comparing them to current day animals and objects/things. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3364621-manfish?ac=1"><i><b>Manfish: The Story of Jacques Cousteau</b></i></a> by Jennifer Berne; Illustrated by Éric Puybaret (Chronicle Books, 2008) - A wonderful introductory biography to Jacques Cousteau.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1582449.What_To_Do_About_Alice_?ac=1"><i><b>What to Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy</b></i></a> by Barbara Kerley; Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Scholastic, 2008) - Alice Roosevelt was a firecracker of a personality and this book captures her spirit. <br />
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<i><b>Miscellaneous... </b></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/239284.The_New_Girl_and_Me"><i><b>The New Girl...and Me </b></i></a>by Jacqui Robbins; Illustrated by Matt Phelan (Atheneum, 2006) - A wonderful story to have in a classroom when talking about introducing a new student.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13592096-my-father-s-arms-are-a-boat?ac=1"><i><b>My Father's Arms are a Boat</b></i></a> by Stein Erik Lunde, Illustrated by Oyvind Torseter, Translated by Kari Dickson (Enchanted Lion Books, 2013) - I wasn't sure what I was expecting from this one, but this wasn't it. However, this was a very special story of loss and comfort.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>So, what are you reading?</b></i></span><br />
<br />Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-20773751827091434452014-05-31T12:35:00.000-07:002014-05-31T12:35:15.069-07:00Celebrate This Week - May 31, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This year, I am trying to increase my awareness of
the many good things that happen, which are frequently overlooked by
me. To help me, I am joining Ruth Ayres' <a href="http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/p/celebrate-this-week.html">Celebrate This Week</a>.<br />
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<i><b>Here's what I am thankful for this week... </b></i><br />
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<i><b>1. My friend's first of two surgeries went well. </b></i>- I have shared in some other Slice of Life posts about my friend who has undergone some very difficult surgeries this year. For the past few months, things were settling back to normal. Recently, he was told that he was going to need a couple of surgeries. The first of the two was this past Wednesday. The surgery went well and his family celebrated that he came home on Friday evening. This week he will have the second surgery. We are continuing to pray that all goes well and also for his wife and children. It's been stressful for them all though they have been hanging in there surprisingly well.<br />
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<i><b>2. The 2013-2014 school year came to an end. - </b></i>This is the first year that we have finished school before June 1st (and also the first time we started so early in August). It was an odd year for me in some ways but also wonderful in others. I still have six more days before I am officially off for the summer so still a lot to do but I know it will be here quickly. <br />
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<i><b>3. End of the Year conversations with teachers. - </b></i>On Friday, I stopped by several classrooms to chat with teachers that I have been working with. We had some wonderful chats about the work we started this year and the work we hope to continue the next year. I am looking forward to some possible conversations over lunch this summer in between everyone's planned vacation trips. <br />
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<i><b>4. <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/slice-of-life-summer-goals.html">Summer Vacation and Summer Learning</a> - </b></i>I talked about my summer goals in my Slice Post this past week. I am so excited about the various goals and activities that I have for this summer.Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-80579018762212866102014-05-28T14:02:00.000-07:002014-05-28T14:02:11.481-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - The Scraps Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you everyone for all of the great posts each week for the <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge-2014.html"><i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014</b></i></a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://books.simonandschuster.com/Scraps-Book/Lois-Ehlert/9781442435711"><i><b>The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life</b></i></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by <a href="http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Lois-Ehlert/1877089">Lois Ehlert</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beach Lane Books/Simon & Schuster (March 4, 2014)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Audience</b>: K-3<br />
<i>Memoir * Women Illustrators * Art </i></div>
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781442435711"><b>IndieBound</b></a> * <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/-scraps-book-notes-from-a-colorful-life/oclc/813415650&referer=brief_results"><b>WorldCat</b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18049044-the-scraps-book?from_search=true"><i><b>Description from GoodReads</b></i></a>:<br />
<span id="freeText3214699441292550787">The renowned Caldecott Honoree and illustrator of <i>Chicka Chicka Boom Boom </i>provides a moving, intimate, and inspiring inside look at her colorful picture book career.<br /><br />Lois
Ehlert always knew she was an artist. Her parents encouraged her from a
young age by teaching her how to sew and saw wood and pound nails, and
by giving her colorful art supplies. They even gave her a special spot
to work that was all her own.<br /><br />Today, many years and many books
later, Lois takes readers and aspiring artists on a delightful
behind-the-scenes tour of her books and her book-making process. Part
fascinating retrospective, part moving testament to the value of
following your dreams, this richly illustrated picture book is sure to
inspire children and adults alike to explore their own creativity.</span><br />
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Reviews: <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lois-ehlert-2/the-scraps-book/">Kirkus</a> | <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2014/03/choosing-books/review-of-the-week/review-scraps-book/">HornBook</a> | <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4424-3571-1">Publisher's Weekly</a> | <a href="http://100scopenotes.com/2014/02/24/nonfiction-monday-the-scraps-book-by-lois-elhert/">100 ScopeNotes</a> <br />
Extra Material: <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2014/03/authors-illustrators/five-questions-lois-ehlert/">HornBook's 5 Questions Interview with Lois Ehlert</a> | <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>My thoughts on this book</b></i></span>:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"When I was little, I read all the books on the library shelf and I thought maybe someday I could make a book."</i> - Lois Ehlert, The Scraps Book</div>
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When I began teaching my first books were by author/illustrators such as Tomie dePaola, Eric Carle, and Ezra Jack Keats. My collection also included dozens of books by Lois Ehlert. As part of my curriculum, I created many learning activities tied into Ehlert's books. Though I never thought to do an author study on Ehlert, with the release of her incredibly creative memoir, <i><b>The Scraps Book</b></i>, I am already itching to do exactly that.<br />
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Today, Lois Ehlert is 79 years old and still creating art and books. Frankly, amazing anyway you look at it. When I opened up this book, I knew within a few pages that it was coming home with me. Ehlert shares with readers how her family inspired and supported her art. Readers are treated to little facts about the art and ideas she used to create her books. I loved that she explains that "<i>I'm mess when I work.</i>"<br />
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<i><b>The Scraps Book</b></i> celebrates the life and art of Lois Ehlert in only the way that she can do it with mixed media and scraps of all kinds and the images that made us love her over the years. As I mentioned earlier, I already want to create lessons and an author study with this book as the center of our inspiration. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>An interview with Lois Ehlert (Reading Rockets)</b></i></span>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zkdjSSmskcw" width="420"></iframe><br />
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<span id="freeText3214699441292550787"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews</b></i></span>:</span><br />
<span id="freeText3214699441292550787"> </span> <br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=kidlitfrenzy&postid=28May2014" type="text/javascript"></script>
Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-73930266562466801282014-05-27T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-27T00:00:00.424-07:00Slice of Life - Summer Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Slice of Life is hosted by <a href="http://twowritingteachers.wordpress.com/">Two Writing Teachers </a>on Tuesdays. Join us each week and come to love this awesome writing community.<br />
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Summer goals are different than New Year's Resolutions. First, I don't think I ever manage to maintain any of my New Year's Resolutions. However, with summer goals, I usually do a pretty decent job completing them. <br />
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Some of these goals or activties are things that I look forward to doing each year because the schedule in the summer is so different. Other items are things that I want to learn but have difficulty making time for during the school year. All of them provide a sense of structure for my summer. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>This summer, I am looking forward to the following things...</b></i></span><br />
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1. <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/the-sixth-annual-book-a-day-challenge/"><u><b>#Bookaday Challenge</b></u></a></span> - This will be my fourth year participating in Donalyn Miller's <a href="http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/the-sixth-annual-book-a-day-challenge/">#bookaday challenge</a>. I have met so many amazing teachers and librarians who have become a significant part of my <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3828382-tribes?ac=1">tribe</a> through this challenge. They have all made me a better educator and thinker. <br />
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2. <span style="color: purple;"><u><b>Presentations, Conferences, and Trainings</b></u></span> - From June to July, I will be doing a couple of presentations, attending the American Library Association Annual Conference, and also a training on Project-Based Learning. <br />
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3. <a href="http://www.katemessner.com/teachers-write/"><span style="color: purple;"><b>Teachers Write!</b></span></a> - <a href="http://www.katemessner.com/">Kate Messner</a>, <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/#axzz32tIPxv1o">Jen Vincent</a>, and <a href="http://gaepolisner.com/">Gae Polisner</a> started this as a virtual writing camp a few years ago. I have always been a bit afraid to participate, but after doing this year's March Slice Challenge, I think I am ready. I may have to keep saying this to myself so I won't lose courage, but it's my goal for now. <br />
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4. <span style="color: purple;"><u><b>Mock-Newbery Club</b></u></span> - One of my favorite Indie Bookstores is <a href="http://www.shoponceuponatime.com/">Once Upon a Time in Montrose</a>. I will be helping out one of the staff lead a Mock-Newbery Club with students ages 9 to 12. I have been working on a list of books to share with them and we have some special surprises. <br />
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5. <span style="color: purple;"><u><b>Reading & Writing Project </b></u></span>- Based on all of my recent work, particularly with first graders, I will be planning for a series of workshops and trainings that I will be leading. Additionally, I want to set up a space on our District's website for providing resources for the teachers that I am working with. I have wanted to do this during the school year but unfortunately, kept running out of time. Additionally, I would like to play with some apps that might benefit teachers as they work on reading comprehension and writing with students.<br />
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Finally, on the personal end of things...I have two simple goals...to get back into a regular exercise routine, and tackle a few household organization projects. <br />
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With summer vacation nearly upon us, I would love to hear what others are planning on doing? <br />
Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-55196942519235380792014-05-26T09:21:00.000-07:002014-05-26T09:21:13.059-07:00It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/26/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>It's Monday! What are you reading? </b></i>is hosted by Sheila of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/category/its-monday-what-are-you-reading/">Book Journey</a>. Jen from
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/search/label/It%27s%20Monday%20Meme#axzz1qpsNJo40">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and Kellee and Ricki from <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/"><i><b>Unleashing Readers</b></i></a> have adapted it to focus on <i>Picture Books to Young Adult Books</i>.<br />
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As I get wrapped up with the final days of the school year, my reading for fun takes a back seat. Looking forward to starting #bookaday on June 1st. <br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Here is what jumped out of the stack...</b></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFifE5NLoUNeFU8PAAWgG2lf3Aq4OVhSg9medzYeND1x3x9SKW0ByjqaQIz3LrhO78iFlMmrw0b_QSCIZfzgHO3IfOgOf0s-Sa7cjIxSiFJDrbhFQm1xHVVxNUiiqe-MX4OzWr-z4hyphenhyphenIn/s1600/zoejungle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVFifE5NLoUNeFU8PAAWgG2lf3Aq4OVhSg9medzYeND1x3x9SKW0ByjqaQIz3LrhO78iFlMmrw0b_QSCIZfzgHO3IfOgOf0s-Sa7cjIxSiFJDrbhFQm1xHVVxNUiiqe-MX4OzWr-z4hyphenhyphenIn/s1600/zoejungle.jpg" height="320" width="288" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693359-zoe-s-jungle">Zoe's Jungle</a> </b></i><span style="color: black;">by Bethanie Deeney Murguia (Arthur A. Levine, May 27, 2014) - Zoe and her sister have more fun and this time an adventure in the park. I love how Murguia captures exactly the feelings of the children and the mother in her Zoe series. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMnSoGnqaBijeTMPSBjHyWo2jS-vl17RlSx125MH_1vDfDyVp2KSAex5i49Hzi76W4ldbTcra3EwG2HJqJn9dx6uK2MrAQXOrH6s0XO_yYBVb6_dHsaw53USWg7_Q4QhmBsO1AKexwt_H/s1600/scraps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAMnSoGnqaBijeTMPSBjHyWo2jS-vl17RlSx125MH_1vDfDyVp2KSAex5i49Hzi76W4ldbTcra3EwG2HJqJn9dx6uK2MrAQXOrH6s0XO_yYBVb6_dHsaw53USWg7_Q4QhmBsO1AKexwt_H/s1600/scraps.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/14999830-the-scraps-book"><i><b>The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life</b></i></a> by Lois Ehlert (Simon & Schuster,<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="color: black;">March 4, 2014)<span style="color: purple;"> - <span style="color: black;">Many of us have used Lois Ehlert's books in our classrooms. With her characteristic style, she has created a memoir of sorts that tells some of her life and lots of the stories behind her stories. </span></span></span></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDUAdLD0ixZociZhyphenhyphen0pmcrVTVLr3EAqidM27sItNuZIYdB8aaM7vs-n8tG2SPqToWCF0MFZpp94-LsM5nSdslVeKsMh2aSGkHqEvy4MYtxVypQFb1AZ-pmNrpcsjvbAe6BKhJjH868V8V/s1600/bigbug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQDUAdLD0ixZociZhyphenhyphen0pmcrVTVLr3EAqidM27sItNuZIYdB8aaM7vs-n8tG2SPqToWCF0MFZpp94-LsM5nSdslVeKsMh2aSGkHqEvy4MYtxVypQFb1AZ-pmNrpcsjvbAe6BKhJjH868V8V/s1600/bigbug.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18565483-big-bug">Big Bug</a></b></i><span style="color: black;"> by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster, April 15, 2014) - <span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;">Beginning with a bug, Cole takes readers on a journey of big and little and how perspective can easily change.</span> <span style="color: black;">Perfect for younger readers. </span></span> </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqoMQJUHOIP_UBC8Z6AN5MeMA-kNBT5cLn2MzN-UIXS0OnBCya-eqN6IQYBpjyrZ3YH1bY5FllyXvUXFVq7hA3vYF1hn_OS2JUNXy8Z4uDET3RUyJdtHZ5SdoAgMVy90SFtbIHSYBvLDg/s1600/LittleElliot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVqoMQJUHOIP_UBC8Z6AN5MeMA-kNBT5cLn2MzN-UIXS0OnBCya-eqN6IQYBpjyrZ3YH1bY5FllyXvUXFVq7hA3vYF1hn_OS2JUNXy8Z4uDET3RUyJdtHZ5SdoAgMVy90SFtbIHSYBvLDg/s1600/LittleElliot.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20518989-little-elliot-big-city"><i><b>Little Elliot, Big City</b></i></a> by Mike Curato (Henry Holt and Co., August 26, 2014) - </span></span><span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview945535155">A small elephant, an even tinier mouse, and cupcakes...do you really need more?! Loved the artwork and this story on perspective. and friendship. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b><span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview945535155">So, what are you reading? </span></span></b></i></span> </span></span>Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-60672096478243152612014-05-24T13:59:00.000-07:002014-05-24T13:59:08.491-07:00Celebrate This Week - May 24, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyHMEnlfPPQc6hBuJezb7IFzhWYC3gE49UCwZSUZETupsDWraKlnhQ6juUWOkJOapYupHFX7P1C4-5pZ_SQxZVHyudjhMoKMsVFyPK97leYsYnKC__-MOpNtICe1xkBEEwDm2qX1rFdUb/s1600/celebrate-image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyHMEnlfPPQc6hBuJezb7IFzhWYC3gE49UCwZSUZETupsDWraKlnhQ6juUWOkJOapYupHFX7P1C4-5pZ_SQxZVHyudjhMoKMsVFyPK97leYsYnKC__-MOpNtICe1xkBEEwDm2qX1rFdUb/s1600/celebrate-image.jpg" height="131" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year, I am trying to increase my awareness of
the many good things that happen, which are frequently overlooked by
me. To help me, I am joining Ruth Ayres' <a href="http://www.ruthayreswrites.com/p/celebrate-this-week.html">Celebrate This Week</a>.<br />
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<i><b>Here's what I am thankful for this week... </b></i><br />
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My typical <i><b>Celebrate This Week</b></i> focuses on five things that I want to celebrate. As I thought about this past week, I decided that I wanted to celebrate one thing.<br />
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Over the past few months, I have regularly referred to a class of first graders that I have been working with. Yesterday was my last time to see them for this school year. I am going to really miss these 24 kiddos. I am thankful for how the teacher and students welcomed me into their learning community. When I come on campus, and I run into one of the students in the hallway (outdoor walkways in CA), I get huge grins and big hugs.<br />
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As part of what I have been working on with them, we have done a lot of writing. And having two adults in the room, has also allowed more time to conference with students about their writing. Students have grown as writers during this time. While reading one student's reflection writing, I realized that he had gone from barely writing one line to now writing six or seven sentences. He is also willing to ask for help, and by that I don't mean that he wants me to dictate what he should write, but instead, we dialogue about options and ideas for what he can write. Also, his drawings show an amazing amount of understanding about what we have read.<br />
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I am also celebrating those students who have started to write even when there are no sentence starters or the word they are looking for isn't on the word wall. I praise their courage and willingness to take a risk.<br />
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And, I am celebrating those students who trusted me enough to dialogue about what challenges them most when facing a blank piece of paper and asked to write something down. When they get even a couple of sentences down on paper, we celebrate their words.<br />
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Though I may not be working directly with these students next year, I want to work with this teacher again. I believe we can do more to encourage authentic writing and that even our English Language Learners can become confident writers. For this, I celebrate teaching partnerships. Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-74762058486333644132014-05-22T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-22T00:00:01.226-07:00The Baby Tree Review & Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJmaiXccZai0XmSpV3cFWb1hyphenhyphenhL1YK8BOUr2yWlKueqZlDeNkbQDNg6I98isxwCCdJYbs14L0cK2ulBwvu-GL7pJgUZUL7iJ9mOcA17O3GjTrZSgMV5xICjwKxuA6UG2HpFWv4n5sOHcF/s1600/theBabytree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCJmaiXccZai0XmSpV3cFWb1hyphenhyphenhL1YK8BOUr2yWlKueqZlDeNkbQDNg6I98isxwCCdJYbs14L0cK2ulBwvu-GL7pJgUZUL7iJ9mOcA17O3GjTrZSgMV5xICjwKxuA6UG2HpFWv4n5sOHcF/s1600/theBabytree.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18635640-the-baby-tree?from_search=true"><i><b>The Baby Tree</b></i></a></div>
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by Sophie Blackall</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Nancy Paulsen (May 1, 2014)<br />
Interest Level: K-3 </div>
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780399257186"><b>IndieBound</b></a> * <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/baby-tree/oclc/859061440&referer=brief_results"><b>WorldCat</b></a> * <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Baby-Tree-Sophie-Blackall/dp/0399257187/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1400725816&sr=8-1&keywords=The+Baby+Tree"><b>Amazon </b></a>* <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-baby-tree-sophie-blackall/1117163932?ean=9780399257186"><b>Barnes & Noble</b></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.penguin.com/book/the-baby-tree-by-sophie-blackall/9780399257186"><i><b>Description from the Publisher</b></i></a>:<br />
<i>Cleverly revealing the basics of reproduction in an age-appropriate way, award-winning Sophie Blackall has created a beautiful picture book full of playful details to amuse and engage readers.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Sooner or later, every child will ask, Where do babies come from? Answering this question has never been this easy or entertaining! Join a curious little boy who asks everyone from his babysitter to the mailman, getting all sorts of funny answers along the way, before his parents gently set him straight.</i><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>My thoughts on the book</b></i></span>:<br />
Where do babies come from? A common question from young children especially when parents announce that there will be a new baby on the way. So, how do you answer it. In Sophie Blackall's new book <i><b>The Baby Tree</b></i>, the narrator asks several adults in his life. The responses are at times based in partial truth, and nearly always funny. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwR2hoGb0itDPkZHNGFBfHxxRLAqpi1y2l3Jg_2oEyHR3R5XApCi2fJ5js_-BagMcFsZLAQD5_xLeN4lZn8Er7i6OEZABkAsbFFw0wy5iIgnRLxhUIuolY2LKe8jSwVqrE0JrHltS8dEM/s1600/BabySpread1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYwR2hoGb0itDPkZHNGFBfHxxRLAqpi1y2l3Jg_2oEyHR3R5XApCi2fJ5js_-BagMcFsZLAQD5_xLeN4lZn8Er7i6OEZABkAsbFFw0wy5iIgnRLxhUIuolY2LKe8jSwVqrE0JrHltS8dEM/s1600/BabySpread1.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
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From his babysitter, the main character learns that <i>"You plant a seed and it grows into a Baby Tree." </i>Hospitals, storks, and even from eggs are some of the responses. And this curious little boy finds himself to be<i> "very confused". </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLFJBdIJnt_af_fOV5BoKEvceI9OE5jpTxLQIr9LxCb5ZGf-zJqJnQBkLVioN_riY938Dd9h3ZpiGsn-wWxk2QdJDyy7pKBIMPD2hv5-VzJEXEH_oiJOzxrMmNBmHL85tFZqZTzcdJb_8/s1600/BabySpread2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLFJBdIJnt_af_fOV5BoKEvceI9OE5jpTxLQIr9LxCb5ZGf-zJqJnQBkLVioN_riY938Dd9h3ZpiGsn-wWxk2QdJDyy7pKBIMPD2hv5-VzJEXEH_oiJOzxrMmNBmHL85tFZqZTzcdJb_8/s1600/BabySpread2.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, his parents provide the information that he needs in a clear, age-appropriate manner. <br />
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Blackall's illustrations bring the story to life and add to the humor of the book. She also includes some additional questions and answers at the end of the book to help parents with more specific questions that children may have. A nice addition to a library collection on explaining babies/pregnancy/sex to young children. <br />
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<b>Other Reviews</b>: <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/sophie-blackall-6/the-baby-tree/">Kirkus</a> | <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-399-25718-6">Publisher's Weekly</a> | <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2014/05/choosing-books/review-of-the-week/review-baby-tree/#_">Hornbook</a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Watch the Official Trailer</b></i></span>:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hyC15ebGK6w" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHxOtowhLfgLf00Y3Z3YpUtCIBZ2ZbEsCeAxJNzTrMJDD6vKjh_9KlPq8oGnSnrvaZ802tj20C569hzMxZcrLTfuC5SKpHwlVDtrcywuRd12V_7SDsB7vxKQt6I8CHSB50f9Nt3k_2hrL/s1600/SophieBlackall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHxOtowhLfgLf00Y3Z3YpUtCIBZ2ZbEsCeAxJNzTrMJDD6vKjh_9KlPq8oGnSnrvaZ802tj20C569hzMxZcrLTfuC5SKpHwlVDtrcywuRd12V_7SDsB7vxKQt6I8CHSB50f9Nt3k_2hrL/s1600/SophieBlackall.jpg" height="200" width="164" /></a></div>
<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>About the Author/Illustrator</b></i></span>:<br />
<i><b>SOPHIE BLACKALL</b> is the illustrator of several award-winning books, including <b>Ruby’s Wish</b> by Shirin Yim Bridges, <b>Meet Wild Boars</b> by Meg Rosoff, <b>Pecan Pie Baby</b> by Jacqueline Woodson, and the <b>Ivy and Bean </b>books by Annie Barrows. Her artwork has also appeared in various magazines and exhibitions. Previously she lived in Sydney, Australia, and has had jobs in a shoe shop and a robot factory</i>.<br />
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<b>Where to find Sophie Blackall</b>: <a href="http://sophieblackall.blogspot.com/">blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sophie-Blackall/182920768427410">facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SophieBlackall">twitter</a><br />
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Other articles of interest: <a href="http://blaine.org/sevenimpossiblethings/?p=3397"><i><b>Seven Impossible Things</b></i></a> | <i><b>The Horn Book</b></i> - <a href="http://www.hbook.com/2014/05/authors-illustrators/interviews/five-questions-sophie-blackall/"><i><b>Five Questions for Sophie Blackall </b></i></a><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Have fun with Penguin Young Readers book bundle Giveaway!</b></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHIvSfCD_0sflaiZXlA4EKAaZaL0N5sVp6iOIYvuu2G489gX1LE3KjvKIyaautxiZYmMnrNyr6kJ5YbQ3XKyX8FrLbTueepGoI3_k-zbF0dhqsNHOWwqo2Q-U39Rbr_ZVLKQFUVqDLoh7/s1600/BabyTreeBooksPrize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHIvSfCD_0sflaiZXlA4EKAaZaL0N5sVp6iOIYvuu2G489gX1LE3KjvKIyaautxiZYmMnrNyr6kJ5YbQ3XKyX8FrLbTueepGoI3_k-zbF0dhqsNHOWwqo2Q-U39Rbr_ZVLKQFUVqDLoh7/s1600/BabyTreeBooksPrize.jpg" height="193" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
One (1) winner receives <i><b>The Baby Tree</b></i>, <i><b>Maple</b></i> by Lori Nichols and <i><b>Corduroy</b></i> by Don Freeman
Prizing & samples courtesy of Penguin Books USA </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Giveaway open to US addresses only </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
You must be 13 years old or older and have a US mailing address to enter the
Giveaway. To submit and official entry, please enter the rafflecopter below. </div>
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<br />
<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/646e9a56/" id="rc-646e9a56" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-76444683501391482562014-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-21T00:00:01.879-07:00Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxcGadBIZBfcOxcrlWcAZZv1N7xTSaBPCY1RkoLMOPvYZphjKIZ0pKyExe1lJR-p2FNDNnm4ozB_9VNYnAStmpNiTXJV1KmpMGAvJ61jdcXDwjSkGBpPILOk0D2Pb-itYeZNL-99U0TaUZ/s1600/klf_nonfiction2014_medium.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thank you everyone for all of the great posts each week for the <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/01/nonfiction-picture-book-challenge-2014.html"><i><b>Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge 2014</b></i></a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.candlewick.com/cat.asp?browse=Title&mode=book&isbn=0763658065&pix=n"><i><b>Cosmo-biography of Sun Ra: The Sound of Joy is Enlightening</b></i></a></div>
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by Chris Raschka</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Candlewick Press (May 13, 2014)</div>
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<b>Audience</b>: Grades 2nd to 5th </div>
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<i>Biography * Jazz Musicians * African American Musicians</i></div>
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<a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780763658069"><b>IndieBound</b></a> * <a href="http://www.worldcat.org/title/cosmo-biography-of-sun-ra-the-sound-of-joy-is-enlightening/oclc/856977176&referer=brief_results"><b>WorldCat</b></a> * <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Cosmobiography-Sun-Ra-Enlightening/dp/0763658065%3FSubscriptionId%3D0JRA4J6WAV0RTAZVS6R2%26tag%3Dworldcat-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3D0763658065"><b>Amazon</b></a> * <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-cosmobiography-of-sun-ra-chris-raschka/1116530649?ean=9780763658069"><b>Barnes & Noble </b></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18339693-the-cosmobiography-of-sun-ra"><i><b>Description from GoodReads</b></i></a>:<br />
<i><span id="freeText469578239734908335">Jazz musician Sun Ra
(1914–1993) always said that he came from Saturn. Being from another
planet, he was naturally intrigued by everything earthly — especially
music, because music is the one thing on Earth most like the stars.
Earthlings themselves confused Sun Ra, the way they sorted themselves by
color and fought wars against one another. So he made music. And he
traveled with other musicians and singers, calling themselves the Sun Ra
Arkestra, playing, singing, and dancing for people all over the planet.
Because music, he said, is what holds us all together. Join acclaimed
author-illustrator Chris Raschka in celebrating a legend of the jazz
world who was truly one of a kind.</span></i><br />
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<span id="freeText469578239734908335"><span style="color: purple;"><i><b>My thoughts on this book</b></i></span>:</span><br />
<span id="freeText469578239734908335"> As soon as I saw the cover of this book, I knew I had to find it. On Monday's <a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-from_19.html"><i><b>What are you Reading</b></i></a> post, I said that this book was "Interesting and a bit out there. However, I suspect that Sun Ra, the
musician, was also a bit out there." After watching the video that I included below, I can certainly say that Sun Ra was "a bit out there." </span><br />
<span id="freeText469578239734908335"><br /></span>
<span id="freeText469578239734908335">Not knowing much about Sun Ra and his band, I wasn't sure what to expect. After learning a bit more and reading <i><b>The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra</b></i>, I felt that Raschka captured the personality and flare of this very unique jazz musician claiming to be from the planet, Saturn. </span><br />
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<span id="freeText469578239734908335">Since I am not sure that I can do justice to this book, I have included links to reviews by Kirkus (a starred review) and Publisher Weekly. The author's note, found on the Candlewick website, provides further information for readers. Finally, check out the videos included in this post to develop a better sense of who is Sun Ra. </span><br />
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Reviews: <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/chris-raschka-10/the-cosmobiography-of-sun-ra/"><b>Kirkus</b></a> | <a href="http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-7636-5806-9"><b>Publisher's Weekly</b></a><br />
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Additional Material: <a href="http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763658065.ban.1.pdf"><b>Author's Notes</b></a> <br />
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<span id="freeText469578239734908335"><i><b>Check out the official Book Trailer</b></i>:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SUepzInPYSc" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Sun Ra Night Music - 1989 Video Interview & Performance - </b></i><span style="color: black;">A Taste of both Sun Ra and his music.</span><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rmqe_v11q3U" width="420"></iframe><br />
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After reading Raschka's <i><b>The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra</b></i>, I would like to check out some of his other Jazz biographies.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/831865.John_Coltrane_s_Giant_Steps">John Coltrane's Giant Steps</a> </b></i><span style="color: black;">(Simon & Schuster, 2002)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1701438.Mysterious_Thelonious?from_search=true"><i><b>Mysterious T</b></i><i><b>helonious</b></i></a> <span style="color: black;">(Scholastic, 1997)</span></span></span><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews</b></i></span>: <br />
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<script src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/easylink.php?owner=kidlitfrenzy&postid=21May2014" type="text/javascript"></script>
Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7779146655196839891.post-77633832177267665022014-05-19T00:00:00.000-07:002014-05-19T00:00:05.099-07:00It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/19/14<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ1ciuOFhUkakqboVMJ4SxEjMcVNc0SjR-FGYAecqDIzsVO7pDzl_v2jeLWGPcJua-XkCPLvnphJZ7-Vczj2RdcR7BpWUXVnNtSny5qYEwiuYuBQmBH73nuw2OsShbyJ8IIp0HNkMXsxZp/s1600/IMWAYRrev.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><b>It's Monday! What are you reading? </b></i>is hosted by Sheila of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/category/its-monday-what-are-you-reading/">Book Journey</a>. Jen from
<a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/search/label/It%27s%20Monday%20Meme#axzz1qpsNJo40">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and Kellee and Ricki from <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/"><i><b>Unleashing Readers</b></i></a> have adapted it to focus on <i>Picture Books to Young Adult Books</i>.<br />
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Just as I thought I was getting back into the swing of things, I have a week where I spent nearly every night out. However, I did manage to squeeze in some fabulous books.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Here is what jumped out of the stack...</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/mouseheart-review-giveaway.html"><i><b>Mouseheart </b></i></a>by </span></span>Lisa Fiedler; Illustrated by Vivienne To - Click on the title to go to my post on this book. There is also a giveaway happening.<br />
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<a href="http://www.kidlitfrenzy.com/2014/05/the-heros-guide-to-being-outlaw-blog.html"><i><b>The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw</b></i></a> by Christopher Healy; Illustrated by (Walden Pond Press, April 29, 2014) - It is so sad that the series is ending. I have really enjoyed this one and frequently hand sell it to people wherever I am. If you click on the link, you can go to my post on this book and enter to win a copy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18465632-the-return-of-zita-the-spacegirl"><i><b>The Return of Zita the Spacegirl</b></i></a> by Ben Hatke (First Second, May 13, 2014) - I feel like I have been waiting so long for this book, and I am so glad it is finally here. It is the final installment in the trilogy, and I will miss Zita and her wonderful attitude. <br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18339694-if-i-had-a-raptor"><i><b>If I Had a Raptor</b></i></a> by George O'Connor (Candlewick Press, May 13, 2014) - O'Connor is well known for his Olympian Graphic Novels, but I have to say I really enjoyed this one. <span class="readable reviewText"><span id="freeTextContainerreview939707043">I
love the illustrations in this book, and it would be a good choice to use when
discussing with students the difference between what the text says and what
the visuals are communicating.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18339693-the-cosmobiography-of-sun-ra"><i><b>The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra: The Sound of Joy is Enlightening</b></i></a> by Chris Raschka (Candlewick, May 13, 2014) - Interesting and a bit out there. However, I suspect that Sun Ra, the musician, was also a bit out there. The illustrations are amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18377674-it-s-an-orange-aardvark"><i><b>It's An Orange Aardvark</b></i></a> by Michael Hall (Greenwillow, April 22, 2014) - Hall uses his characteristic style to create a fun story with repetitive lines and the need to make predictions.<br />
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<i><b>So, what are you reading? </b></i>Alyson Beecherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05943268196184314426noreply@blogger.com