It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - June 9, 2014

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.

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.

          11 - nonfiction or informational text
            2 - Early Readers
           25 - picture books
            2 - Adult graphic novels
Total: 40 books 

As with last week, much of what I read this week has come from checking out the What are You Reading? and Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday posts from all of you.

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

The Herd Boy by Niki Daly (Eerdman's Books for Young Readers, 2012) - A young boy has dreams of becoming a great leader. A powerful message.

The Silver Button 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.

Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth Traditions from Around the World 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. 

Windblown by Édouard Manceau; Translated by Sarah Quinn (Owlkids Books, 2013) - A few shapes and a concept that is pulled off marvelously.

Mister Bud Wears the Cone by Carter Goodrich (Simon & Schuster, June 3, 2014) - Dogs and the cone. A fun story that pet lovers will enjoy!

The Red Book by Barbara Lehman (HMH Books for Younger Readers, 2004) - Wordless but filled with perspective. Love this book.


Adult (or  at least 16+)...

Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughn; Illustrated by Niko Henrichon (Vertigo, 2006) - I am a fan of Vaughn's work with Runaways and his new series Saga.  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.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - June 2, 2014

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.

This week was an awesome reading week.  I started book-a-day a bit early and have read over 50 books this past week.

          16 - nonfiction or informational text
            1 - poetry
            6 - Early Readers
          30 - picture books
            2 - MG graphic novel
Total: 55 books 

Much of what I read this week has come from checking out the What are You Reading? and Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday posts from all of you.

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

New Releases...

Camp Rex by Molly Idle (Viking Juvenile, April 1, 2014) - I love Molly Idle and Tea Rex is back and this time camping.

Number One Sam by Greg Pizzoli (Disney-Hyperion, May 13, 2014) - A great story about learning how to loose.

The Day I Lost My Superpowers 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.

This is a Moose 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.

Upcoming books...

Hunters of the Great Forest 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.

Kid Sheriff and the Terrible Toads by Bob Shea; Lane Smith (Roaring Brook Press, October 7, 2014) - One pint-sized sheriff take on some big bad "toads".

Sebastian and the Balloon by Philip Christian Stead (Roaring Brook Press, October 7, 2014) - Stead has a new book coming out.  His storytelling is quiet but special.

You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang; Illustrated by Christopher Weyant (Two Lions, August 5, 2014) - A fun look at size and perspective.

Nonfiction books...

Best Foot Forward by Ingo Arndt (Holiday House, 2013) - A fun exploration of animals based on their feet, paws, flippers, and claws.

How Big Were Dinosaurs? by Lita Judge (Roaring Brook Press, 2013) - Judge introduces the size of dinosaurs by comparing them to current day animals and objects/things.

Manfish: The Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne; Illustrated by Éric Puybaret (Chronicle Books, 2008) - A wonderful introductory biography to Jacques Cousteau.

What to Do About Alice? How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Teddy Crazy by Barbara Kerley; Illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Scholastic, 2008) - Alice Roosevelt was a firecracker of a personality and this book captures her spirit.

Miscellaneous...

The New Girl...and Me by Jacqui Robbins; Illustrated by Matt Phelan (Atheneum, 2006) - A wonderful story to have in a classroom when talking about introducing a new student.

My Father's Arms are a Boat 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.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/26/14

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.

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. 

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

Zoe's Jungle 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.

The Scraps Book: Notes From a Colorful Life by Lois Ehlert (Simon & Schuster, March 4, 2014) - 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. 

Big Bug by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster, April 15, 2014) - Beginning with a bug, Cole takes readers on a journey of big and little and how perspective can easily change.  Perfect for younger readers. 

Little Elliot, Big City by Mike Curato (Henry Holt and Co., August 26, 2014) - A small elephant, an even tinier mouse, and cupcakes...do you really need more?! Loved the artwork and this story on perspective. and friendship.  

So, what are you reading? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/19/14

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.

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.

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

Mouseheart by Lisa Fiedler; Illustrated by Vivienne To - Click on the title to go to my post on this book.  There is also a giveaway happening.

The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw 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.

The Return of Zita the Spacegirl 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.

If I Had a Raptor 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. 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.

The Cosmobiography of Sun Ra: The Sound of Joy is Enlightening 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.

It's An Orange Aardvark 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.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/12/14

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 have been steadily getting back into the swing of things with books.  It feels good!  This week, I have a really variety of books that I read.  I did try to squeeze in more picture books but some of them did not jump out at me and for that reason I am not including them in this post.

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

Happy Birthday, Babymouse (Babymouse #18) by Jennifer L. Holm and Matt Holm (Random House, April 22, 2014) - I love Babymouse and I love when a new book comes out.  Babymouse has some competition for her birthday party. Fun story, and love the ending. 

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan (Holder's Children Division, June 1, 2014) - Tan's books are always a bit trippy but I do love them so much.

The Most Magnificient Thing by Ashley Spires (Kids Can Press, April 1, 2014) - I really loved this book, and it had a great message about creativity, friendship, and also perseverance.

The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern (Chronicle Books, May 6, 2014) - Where was this book when I was a child? I would have loved a book about a character whose parent had multiple sclerosis.  Written with humor, and a lot of heart.

The Secret Hum of a Daisy by Tracy Holczer (Putnam Juvenile, May 1, 2014) - Check out my interview with debut author, Tracy Holczer here. - This is a beautifully written story that I am placing on my Mock-Newbery list.

Books I will be reading for awhile...

In Pictures and In Words: Teaching the Qualities of Good Writing Through Illustration Study by Katie Wood Ray (Heinemann, May 27, 2010)

About the Authors: Writing Workshop With Our Youngest Writers by Katie Wood Ray (Heinemann, January 14, 2004) 


So, What are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 5/5/14

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.

Though I did not have a lot of time for reading during the week, I did find some time to catch up on some reading this weekend. It feels good to get back into the swing of things. 

Here is what jumped out of the stack...

The Glitter Trap (Oh My Godmother #1) by Barbara Brauner & James Mattson; Illustrated by Abigail Halpin (Disney Hyperion, May 14, 2014) - I re-read this one in preparation for our Literacy Café with authors Brauner and Mattson. It is such a fun read and the students loved it. 
 

The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure by Doreen Cronin; Illustrations by Kevin Cornell (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 8, 2014) - I love this series and the chicks who get into all sorts of mischief.  This is a lot of fun and would make a great read aloud to first and second graders.

Lulu'a Mysterious Mission by Judith Viorst; Illustrated by Kevin Cornell (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 8, 2014) Well, Lulu is back and this time she has a babysitter while her parents are out of town.  In typical Lulu fashion, her babysitter must be a bit different in order to keep one step ahead of Lulu. Another great read aloud for first or second graders. 

Ricky Ricotta's Mighty Robot by Dav Pilkey; Illustrated by Dan Santat (Scholastic, April 29, 2014) - Dan Santat provides full-color artwork for Dav Pilkey's Ricky Ricotta series. Lots of fun and great for second and third graders.

Naked! by Michael Ian Black; Illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi  (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, April 29, 2014) - I really like the creative team of Michael Ian Black and Debbie Ridpath Ohi. This follow up to I'm Bored! will also delight young readers.

Flight School by Lita Judge (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, April 15, 2014) - Fans of Lita Judge will enjoy reading this one about a penguin "who believes he has the soul of an eagle."  With some help from friends, this penguin has his dream come true.

All Different Now: Juneteenth, the First Day of Freedom by Angela Johnson; Illustrated by E.B. Lewis (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 6, 2014) - This book imagines what it must have been like when slaves first learned that they were free.  The resources at the end were a nice addition.

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio; Illustrated by Christian Robinson (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, June 3, 2014) - This book is not just for dog lovers, but anyone interested in celebrating his or her own uniqueness.

So, what are you reading?