It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers have adapted it to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.
I continue to say that my April mantra is "May is coming." This month has been so busy and there have been so many book events that my book buying is out of control but I have not been able to keep up.
I carved out some time on Sunday to at least get to a stack of picture books that has been growing in my house.
Here is what jumped out of the stack...
Emily's Blue Period by Cathleen Daly, Illustrated by Lisa Brown (Roaring Brook Press, June 17, 2014) - Since this one doesn't come out until June, I will encourage you to place it on your "to-read" list. It is a story of a little girl, who makes a connection with Picasso and his art. This connection also inspires her as she tries to figure out what is home when she spends part of the week with both her mother and father in different homes.
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat (Little, Brown Books for Young Children, April 8, 2014) - I love Dan Santat's artwork. The vivid illustrations support a story of friendship between a little girl and a very special friend.
Abuelo by Arthur Dorros; Illustrated by Raúl Colón (Harper Collins, April 22, 2014) - Colón's illustrations are beautiful in this book. A story of a boy and the memories he is building with his grandfather, which sustain him when he moves to the city. Just a sweet story and nice use of Spanish words and phrases.
The Grudge Keeper by Mara Rockliff; Illustrated by Eliza Wheeler (Peachtree Publishers, April 1, 2014) - This seems to be the week of illustrators I like. Wheeler illustrated Miss Maple's Seeds last year. Though she did not write The Grudge Keeper, her characteristic illustrations fill this fable-like tale of a town's transformation from holding grudges to releasing them.
Jumping Jack by Germano Zullo; Illustrated Albertine (Chronicle Books, May 13, 2014) - Both Zullo and Albertine are from Switzerland. Chronicle has published several of their joint projects. I have come to really like Albertine's artistic style and this book is no exception.
Lately Lily: The Adventures of a Travelling Girl by Micah Player (Chronicle Books, March 25, 2014)- I first came across Micah Player's art in Chloe, Instead. I knew he was doing another book and excited to finally see it. A fun story for children who will be taking a trip in the summer.
So, what are you reading?
