This week, I dove into a pile of picture books. A few older ones. A couple of new releases. And a stack of 2014 releases.
Here's what jumped out of the pile from this past week...
The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow, September 17, 2013) -I loved this early middle grade novel about a 2nd grader. Can't wait to use it as a read aloud.
Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner (Clarion, October 1, 2013) - Not sure that we have another Caldecott winner but I really enjoyed this story about a cat, some very tiny aliens, and a mysterious language.
The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown, October 1, 2013) - With very few words, and classic Pinkney illustrations, this version of The Tortoise and the Hare is marvelous.
A Very Witchy Spelling Bee by George Shannon; Illustrated by Mark Fearing (HMH Books for Young Readers, July 2013) - A wonderful spin on the classic spelling bee in time for Halloween.
Year of the Jungle by Suzanne Collins; Illustrated by James Proimos (Scholastic, September 1, 2013) - Collins has created an autobiographical picture book of the year that her father served in the military during the Vietnam War.
On My Way to Bed by Sarah Maizes (Walker Childrens, September 17, 2013) - Just one very fun story about the struggles to get a child to bed.
Some 2014 releases...
Shoe Dog by Megan McDonald (Atheneum, March 2014) - I don't know if this is McDonald's first picture book, but she is best known for the Judy Moody books. Dog lovers will particularly enjoy this.
Weeds Find a Way by Cynthia Jenson-Elliott; Illustrated by Carolyn Fisher (Beach Lane Books, February 2014) - Informational text for young children about weeds. Very interesting.
Nest by Jorey Hurley (Simon & Schuster, February 2014) - A very simple story told in single words per two-page spread.
Tippy-Tippy-Tippy, Splash! by Candace Fleming; Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Atheneum, March 2014) - A cranky old man and 3 mischievous bunnies and some fun at the beach.
So, what are you reading?
