27
Apr
Novels in Verse for Kids
This month, I’ve found that a great way to introduce poetry to the reluctant poetry reader is through novels in verse.
With this confession…
I actually had not read a children’s fiction novel in verse until more recently when I read the National Book Award Winner and Newbery Honor Medalist, Inside Out & Back Again. My co-worker, who also shares a fondness for novels in verse, has turned me on to titles ever since. And with the end of National Poetry Month in plain view, I thought I’d share my top novels in verse picks for kids:
For readers age 8 and up:
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Winner of the 2012 National Book Award and a 2012 Newbery Honor Medalist and my gateway into reading novels in verse. I adore this book and I think it would be a great book for teachers to add to their curriculum for 3rd/4th grade classrooms.
Love That Dog and Hate That Cat and Heartbeat by Sharon Creech
A huge fan of Walter Dean Myers, naturally I Love That Dog. I also think Love that Dog and the follow-up title Hate that Cat are great picks for boys hesitant or maybe even embarrassed to read poetry.
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Won the Newbery Medal in 1998 and is a favorite of my fellow librarian co-worker (children’s librarian for 20+ years.. She knows what she’s talking about!).
All the Broken Pieces by Ann E. Burg
A William Allen White nominee 2011-2012 and ALA best book for Young Adults. Has been a popular book among the boys 10 and up at the library.
The Dancing Pancake and Summerhouse Time by Eileen Spinelli
I found Eileen Spinelli’s novels in verse very sweet. Definitely something I would have enjoyed reading as a girl. Looking forward to recommending them this summer.
Really enjoyed reading this book a couple months ago, especially because it takes place in Kansas. Also, think it would be a great nominee for the 2013 Schneider Award.
For readers a little older (ages 13 and up):
New Found Land and his latest The Watch that Ends the Night by Allan Wolf
New Found Land is a lyrical account of the Lewis and Clark expeditions and The Watch that Ends the Night is inspired by passengers of the Titanic. Good for the middle school/high schooler that enjoys historical fiction.
Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall
Winner of the 2012 Pura Belpre Award and 2012 William C. Morris Finalist, Under the Mesquite is an elegant, emotional read about a family, specifically a daughter coping with her mother’s cancer.
image sources: inside out and back again, love that dog, out of the dust, all the broken pieces, the dancing pancake, may b, new found land, under the mesquite
10
Apr
National Library Week
Since this week is National Library Week, I decided to put together an extended list of my favorite read aloud books about the library and reading. A few weeks back, I read these picture books for Library Day Storytime and recommend you check out those selections as well. All are a great way to share the library love this week and every week.
Picture Books:
The Library by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small
Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen, illustrated by Kevin Hawkes
Quiet! There’s a Canary in the Library by Don Freeman
Baby Bear’s Books by Jane Yolen
The Library Dragon by Carmen Agra Deedy, illustrated by Michael P. White
Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk
The Little Red Fish by Taeeun Yoo
The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians by Carla Morris, illustrated by Brad Sneed
Homer, the Library Cat by Reeve Lindbergh, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf
Lola at the Library by Anna McQuinn, illustrated by Rosalind Beardshaw
The Wonderful Book by Leonid Gore
Wild About Books by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Marc Brown
But Excuse Me, That is My Book by Lauren Child
The Day Dirk Yeller Came To Town by Mary Casanova, illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Miss Brooks Loves Books! by Barbara Bottner, illustrated by Michael Emberley
Reading Makes You Feel Good by Todd Parr
Winston the Book Wolf by Marni McGee and Ian Beck
Easy Reader Books:
Amelia Bedelia Bookworm by Herman Parish, illustrated by Lynn Sweat
Library Bear: 10 Words by Janet Spaht Gill, illustrated by Bob Reese
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Mitchell Sharmat, illustrated by Jody Wheeler
We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems
Annie and Snowball and the Book Bugs Club by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Sucie Stevenson
Non-Fiction Picture Books:
The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter
Miss Dorthy and Her Bookmobile by Gloria Houston, illustrated by Susan Condie Lamb
Waiting for Bilioburro by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra
The Inside Outside Book of Libraries by Roxie Munro, illustrated by Julie Cummins
No storytime post this week– The library was closed Sunday for the Easter holiday. Sunday Storytime will be back next week!
image sources: the library, library lion, quiet there’s a canary in the library, baby bear’s books, library dragon, library mouse, that little red fish, boy raised by librarians, homer the library cat, lola at the library, the wonderful book, wild about books, but excuse me but that is my book, the day dirk yeller came to town, miss brooks loves books, reading makes you feel good, winston the book wolf, amelia bedilia bookworm, library bear, nate the great, we are in a book, annie and snowball, librarian of basra, miss dorthy, waiting for biloburro, inside outside book of libraries
5
Apr
Reading Together
Been awhile since I’ve posted about what L and I are reading lately..
Here are our most frequently read books over the past few weeks:
Winnie the Pooh’s 1, 2, 3 by Ernest H. Shepard
The more recent character obsession, Winnie the Pooh. We love reading the older picture books illustrated by Ernest H. Shepard.
Toot Toot Beep Beep by Emma Garcia
After reading this book dozens of times, L enjoys pointing out what colors the cars are she sees on the street. A great book for toddler age children. I also recommend Tip Tip Dig Dig, the construction site version.
Go Away, Big Green Monster! by Ed Emberley
A bedtime must every day for the past few weeks. Such a creative, yet simple cut-paper book.
Old Hat, New Hat by Stan & Jan Berenstain
Jan Berenstain passed away in February. Her books were always a favorite of mine growing up. The Berenstain Bears books are a little on the long side for an almost 2-year old, but this easy reader is a fun, quick read.
I Am a Bunny by Ole Risom, illustrated by Richard Scarry
For some reason Nicholas, the bunny in this book, reminds me of L. Not sure why, but I found it at a local bookstore and we’ve been reading it ever since.
Whimsical book with… well… lots of dots.
Baby Bear Sees Blue by Ashley Wolff
This is a nice springtime book about colors found in nature.
Marshmallow Kisses by Linda Crotta Brennan, illustrated by Mari Takabayashi
A book about two sisters and the most perfect summer day.
Ernest, the Moose Who Doesn’t Fit by Catherine Rayner
Poor Ernest the moose is so big, he can’t fit in the pages of this book. I’m a softy for books where a situation doesn’t particularly work for one character and other characters help to make it inclusive, a comfortable environment for everyone.
Wow! Ocean! by Robert Neubecker
Very simple story, very colorful and elaborate pictures of life in and around the ocean.
Five Little Ducks by Raffi, illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey
A co-worker used this song for stortyime last week. L really likes singing it, so we checked out the book and sing-a-long while reading it.
Hugs from Pearl by Paul Schmid
L likes this book for 2 reasons. 1) There is a picture of a swing. 2) There is a picture of band-aides. Sold.
I Had a Favorite Dress by Boni Ashburn, illustrated by Julia Denos
These last two picks are my picture book picks. They are too long to read with L, but we look at the pictures. If you have a 4-year old or older, I highly recommend both. They are a couple of the sweetest books I’ve read all year. I Had a Favorite Dress is about a young girl and a dress her mother keeps up-cycling into different garments. Because like all kids, they grow and grow and nothing seems to fit for very long.
Kali’s Song by Jeanette Winter
Like I Had a Favorite Dress, this book is more appropriate for a 3 or 4-year old, but I included it because I think it’s such a good book. Even if a book is on the longer side, L and I find it enjoyable to look through the pictures if she gets squirmy while reading. Kali’s Song is about a young boy who was supposed to practice hunting with his bow, but instead turned his weapon into a musical instrument.
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
image source: winnie the pooh’s 1 2 3, toot toot beep beep, go away big green monster, old hat new hat, i am a bunny, lots of dots, baby bear sees blue, marshmallow kisses, earnest the moose who doesn’t fit, wow ocean, five little ducks, hugs from pearl, i had a favorite dress, kali’s song
23
Mar
13 in 16
Alright..So this is the thing. Had a few hiccups in the plan and I didn’t read all 16 Tournament of Kids Books in 16 days.
I know. I’m so ashamed. So, so ashamed…
If you haven’t the faintest idea of what I’m talking about, here’s what’s going on. In honor of the Tournament of Kids Books at the Lawrence Public Library, I made the goal of reading all 16 books in 16 days. 16 in 16. Mostly I was doing this because the 16 books selected to compete were the top circulating books in our children’s department in 2011 and I had previously only read one (Harry Potter). Quite a big disconnect between what I’m reading and what’s being read.
But I did complete 13 of the 16 books in 16 days, and have what I think are some good reasons for not finishing the last three. 13 in 16 isn’t that bad after all.
Below are the books I read and those I wasn’t able to finish. Overall, it was a great exercise and am really glad I did it. I feel much more connected with with the interests of the kids who visit the library and have a better understanding of the books they just can’t get enough of.
Happy Birthday Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel
I really liked Bad Kitty. I’m familiar with the picture books, but this was my first time reading the young fiction series. It was actually really funny goofball sort of humor, and this particular book had interesting cat facts intertwined. Large type and lots of pictures, I look forward to recommending this series to readers ready to step up to chapter books.
Big Nate Strikes Again by Lincoln Peirce
This was one of the books going into it I thought was going to be “meh”. I was so wrong. I loved this book. A cleaver and humorous book alternating between text and comic strip layout, Big Nate Strikes Again also integrates interesting historical tidbits. For example, main character Nate is working on a research project about Ben Franklin and starts to create his own take on ‘Poor Richard’s Almanac” with “Poor Nate’s Almanac”. Did you know Ben Franklin was also a cartoonist? I didn’t. Big Nate was by far my favorite title in the 16 in 16 challenge. Well, other than Harry Potter.
Geronimo Stilton: Mummy With No Name by Geronimo Stilton
Kids love Geronimo Stilton. Like the Magic Tree House series, they carry stacks of these books to their parents, pleading to checkout more. Personally, I’m on board with Geronimo. It’s not my #1, but it was a fun read with lots of colorful font types and pictures. I also liked that in the back of the book there was a how-to guide to throwing you’re own “Chilling Mummy Party”. It, also, is loaded with side historical facts relevant to the story being told.
My Weird School: Mr. Tony is Full of Baloney by Dan Gutman, illustrated by Jim Palliot
Eh… I can see why kids like the My Weird School series. It is goofy. I get it. But even so, I thought it was pretty flat compared to a lot of the other young fiction books in the tourney.
Junnie B., First Grader: Dumb Bunny by Barbara Park, illustrated by Denise Burkus
I’m 50/50 about Junie B. She’s alright. Don’t hate her, but I don’t love her. Like the My Weird School Series, I can see why kids would like reading this series. And if it gets kids to read books I’m 100% on board with that.
Ivy and Bean by Annie Barrows, illustrated by Sophie Blackall
I really liked Ivy & Bean. I thought it was a great story that young readers, especially girls, could really get into. Really glad I finally got around to reading this great series by Annie Barrows, who also wrote the widely popular adult book, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society.
Summer of the Sea Serpent by Mary Pope Osborne
I’m already a fan of the Magic Tree House series, and Summer of the Sea Serpent is no exception. Kids learn so much from reading this series and enjoy it to boot; one reason why so many teachers and librarians are Magic Tree House fans as well.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney
Diary of a Wimpy Kid The Ugly Truth was good. I didn’t like it as much as I liked Big Nate, but I liked it a lot. Author Jeff Kinney has harnessed an incredible voice that speaks to so many kids. Girls or boys. Old or young. And when I say old, I mean parents. Just the other day a dad was commenting on how he felt the scenarios in the Wimpy Kid series were just the kind of things he would get himself into as a child.
Dragonbreath: Attack of the Ninja Frogs by Ursula Vernon
This was another young fiction series I had never cracked open, but I’m glad I finally did. The illustrations are great and the story is equally so. And I now can see why so many kids had such a hard time choosing between Dragonbreath and Diary of a Wimpy Kid in the first round of the tournament.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
This was the one book I had already read. The first time I read it was in high school, and like most who have been bit by the Harry Potter bug it remains to be the most loved series I’ve ever read. I’ve actually been surprised it is still doing so well in the tournament because it was one of the lower”seeds”, ranking number 15 in the top 16 most circulated children’s books in our library in 2011. The kids keep voting it into the front line and it continues to dominate.
Eleven by Lauren Myracle
I had never seen or heard of this book until I received the list of most checked out children’s books for 2011. The second of The Winnie Perry series, Eleven reminded me exactly what it was like to be an eleven year old girl. I thought it extremely well written, main character Winnie Perry lovable, and am thankful to have another solid book to recommend to middle grade readers.
Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane by Suzanne Collins
I read Gregor the Overlander some time ago, and remember enjoying it very much. I regularly recommend the series at the library, but I haven’t read beyond that first book. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane, the second book in the series, was outstanding.
The ones that didn’t make it…
Fading Echoes by Erin Hunger
Warriors: Omen of the Stars: Fading Echoes is the second book in the fourth (FOURTH!) series of Warriors books. I had to read the prologue three times and the first chapter twice, because I had no clue what was going on. Hawkfrost, Ivypaw, Ravenpelt, Yellowfang, Jayfeather… all cats of clans I could hardly keep track of. So, I decided to return Fading Echoes in exchange for the first book in the Warriors series, Into the Wild. Hopefully, that will go a bit more smoothly.
The Icebound Land by John Flanagan
Not to the severity of the Fading Echoes, but I also had a difficult time getting into The Ranger’s Apprentice, book 3, The Icebound Land. So I traded this one in as well, waiting for the first title of the series, The Ruins of Gorlan.
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
My problem with The Lost Hero was I waited to read it until the 16th day. It’s 551 pages. That’s like, Harry Potter thick. As a bookseller, I read The Lightning Thief, which The Lost Hero is a continuation of. An action-packed book laden with Greek mythology for today’s young reader. This was the first seed in the tournament and is still going strong in the brackets.
Below is the current progress of our Tournament of Kids Books bracket.
Looking forward to seeing who comes out on top!
image sources: lost hero, eleven, mr tony is full of baloney, dumb bunny, icebound land, big nate strikes again, harry potter, fading echoes, summer of the serpent, gregor, mummy with no name, ivy and bean, dork diaries, happy birthday bad kitty, dragonbreath, ugly truth
29
Feb
Recent Kids (and Teen) Reads
At the beginning of the year, I took a short break from reading children’s chapter books with these two adult books and the first book on this post is a young adult book. A brief adults only, leave the kids with grandma, sort of vacation. While I enjoyed the trip, I’m also glad to be back with kids books. And I’ve read some great ones at that.
Such a good book. A series of events all intricately interconnected starting with the disappearance of 17-year old Cullen Witter’s 15-year old brother. Existentialism. Heartbreak. Life. Death. Family. While I don’t think that kids younger than 14 should read it, I do feel it’s a teen book adults would enjoy. I happened to read it on one rainy afternoon. And I’m not a fast reader.
Where Things Come Back won both the William C. Morris Award and the Printz Award this year. John Corey Whaley was also the first young adult author be recognized by in The National Book Foundation’s 5 Under 35, 2011.
by R.J. Palacio
You know that feeling you have when you feel so much all at once that you don’t even want to move. That if you move all those thoughts and emotions might evaporate. That’s how I felt after reading this book. I still have a hard time putting into words the importance of kids, especially middle school kids, and adults alike reading this book. It’s a story of Auggie, a 5th grader with severe facial deformities and the people in his life. It’s a book about valuing kindness above everything. Always choose kindness.
It’s so, so good.
This is R.J Palacio’s first book. Hopefully, not the last.
by Maile Meloy
I had been listening to this book in the car for some time. We don’t drive often or far, so it took awhile to get through. There a few things I really liked about this book: 1) Janie, the main character, reminded me so much of myself at that age. I also liked that she liked Katherine Hepburn who I also like a lot. 2) I thought the premise of the the story was extremely creative. 3) If i had been reading this book instead of listening to it, I would have underlined many of the passages. Maile Meloy is such a clever writer.
I adore Emily Winfield Martin’s work on The Black Apple, so I was looking forward to reading her work as an author. Horned rabbits, a girl covered in blue tattoos, an albino, an onion-head boy, a bear drawn carriage, classes in cryptozoology, what more could you ask for in a book about an orphanage of misfits? The recommend age of reading by the publisher is 7 and up, but I think it would be a really great book to read aloud to kids 5 and older.
I was drawn to this book partially because Christopher Silas Neal designed the cover and partially because it takes place in Kansas during the 19th century. Not knowing much other than that I was so pleased to find such a delightful read. Written entirely in verse, May B. is a sensitive book about one girl’s perseverance in a series of unfortunate events.
And that’s my return back to kids’ literature. You can find more recommended reads HERE.
image sources: where thing come back, wonder, the apothocary, oddfellow’s orphanage, may b
22
Feb
Reading Together: Board Books
There have been a few… how should I say… incidences recently between L and her books.
The last was of major destruction.
With a library book. That we now own.
To fend off future sabotage, if she wants to look at books it has to be under heavy surveillance.
Or…
It has to be a board book.
Board books aren’t just for wee little babies– They’re great for toddlers too! We’ve been checking out a great deal of board books lately so she can have her independent “reading” time and I don’t have to worry about those out-of-the-blue-surges-of-page-tearing-destrution. Here are a few durable favorites:
I Like It When... by Mary Murphy
It’s easy to mimic what’s going on in the book, so we make I Like It When… an interactive storytime i.e. we hold hands when the penguins hold hand or we hug when then penguins hug.
A Magical Day With Matisse by Julie Merberg and Suzanne Bober
From the same series, I used In the Garden With Van Gough for storytime a few weeks back.
Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton
Been reading this one since before she could roll over by herself. We like Sandra Boynton so much I listed two of our top picks from her.
Oh My, Oh My Dinosaurs! by Sandra Boynton
Mary Wore Her Red Dress and Henry Wore His Green Sneakers adapted and illustrated by Merle Peek
An old Texas children’s song. A new favorite in our house.
Charley Harper’s ABC’s by Charley Harper
I adore anything created by Charley Harper. How cleaver to match his illustrations to ABC and 123 board books. We like the Z is for Zebra page.
P.D. Eastman is great fit for children being read to and, as they grow, children learning how to read.
My Car by Byron Barton
A fun, little book with bright colors about cars.
You and Me by Giovanni Manna
This was the first book I purchased for L before she was born. Whenever we read it I always remember the anticipation of wanting to share everything with a person I hadn’t even met.
Where Does Maisy Live? by Lucy Cousins
No list is complete without a Maisy book lately. The first thing she said when she woke up this morning was, “Maisy?” Girl loves her Maisy Mouse.
Little Miss Austin: Pride & Prejudice: A Counting Primer by Jennifer Adams, illustrations by Alison Oliver
Why, yes! Jane Austin, Shakespeare, and Charlotte Bronte are for children too!
Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood, illustrated by Don Wood
I loved this book when I was little. We read this one quite a bit.
We’ve been slowly introducing the potty to L. So far, so good (knock on wood). Leslie Patricelli makes great board books for babies and toddlers.
Planting a Rainbow by Lois Ehlert
I know, I know… I’m always throwing in a Lois Ehlert book. But she is soooo good! I believe this book was given by one of L’s grandmas.
My First ABC’s by The Metropolitan Museum of Art
One of the first board books I checked out from the library. After it’s returned, L always finds it and wants to check it out again. Art from The Met’s collection is paired with letters in a simple book about the alphabet.
In My Nest by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich
In My Nest is one book in a series of finger puppet books by duo Sara Gillinham and Lorena Siminovich. All so very enjoyable to read.
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
image sources: i like it when, magical day with matisse, going to bed book, oh my oh my dinosaurs, mary wore her red dress, charley harper, go dog go, my car, you and me, where does maisy live?, little miss austin, little mouse, potty, planting a rainbow, my first abc’s, in my nest,
3
Feb
In An Era: The Thirties
The past couple of weeks, I’ve been on a retreat from reading kid’s chapter books. I’ve also been on a retreat from 2012. I’ve been reading, watching, and listening to the 1930’s.
Reading….
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles
A great book. It’s entertaining, rich, perfect, lovely, and well…. great. I got to where I was reading the last 1/3 of the book and started procrastinating from finishing it because I didn’t want it to end. After I finished, I made myself a Manhattan as a toast to it’s talent.
The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
I didn’t love Frankie Pratt’s story in the way I loved Kate Kontent (Rules of Civility), but she was good fun for the short time it took to read. Chock full of 1920’s and 1930’s vintage eye candy in collage format this book visually takes you back. Also, it won this year’s Alex Award, given to adult titles that have special appeal to teens.
Watching…
It Happened One Night (1934)
This one I own and for good reason. When I’m too tired to read, but not tired enough to force myself to bed I take a trip into Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert’s love affair.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Rented “Midnight in Paris” recently from Liberty Hall. We usually get all our movies from the library, but we splurge occasionally on the local movie store. This movie goes back in time to the roaring 20’s, not the 30’s, but what does it matter. It has the Fitzgerald’s, Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, and T.S. Elliot who all lived through the 30’s and that counts, right?
Listening…
“Devil Got My Woman” by Skip James
“Summertime” by Billie Holiday
…. a little blues, a little jazz.
A little break in time.
Have a great weekend!
image source: Tallulah Bankhead via Pintrest, rules of civility, frankie pratt, midnight in paris, it happened one night, midnight in paris,
1
Feb
Obsession
Elmo is my daughter’s first true love.
She likes everyone on Seseme Street. Abbey, Big Bird, Grover, Ernie, Cookie Monster……..and then there’s Elmo. She’s reeeaalllly into her Elmo. For instance, during a Halloween party last October, L saw a little boy wearing an Elmo costume, ran towards him as fast as her little legs could carry her, and proceeded to tackle him to the ground. Poor lil’ guy didn’t know what hit him.
We don’t have cable and she was never exposed much to Elmo before we started going to the more library after our move to Lawrence. There one day she saw a little girl holding an Elmo’s World DVD and just had to have it. I thought, “What’s the harm? We’ll check out an Elmo DVD. See if she likes it.”
After that, she was hooked.
We only let her watch an episode or 25 minutes worth of Elmo a day, but he remains a staple during playtime everyday.
Last fall, I bought her an Elmo doll. She was sick and I thought it would be something that would lift her spirits. But somehow since that day in October, grandparents and friends also started to give her Elmo dolls, toys, clothing, and books whether they be new or hand-me-downs. He’s all over the house. He also continues to be a must-have when we checkout items from the library.
Some more resent goodies include:
Elmo’s World – Dancing, Music, & Books DVD (2002)
Elmo Loves You book by Sarah Albee
Sesame Street – Dinosaurs! DVD (2008)
Elmo’s Music Magic DVD (2011)
To break up the red monster monotony, she’s finally (FINALLY!) started to show interest in other characters like Maisy and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
I’ve read a Maisy Mouse book for storytime a few weeks ago, which was what kicked off the new Maisy obsession. If you’re looking for something other than Sesame Street for a toddler or preschool age child, Maisy is a great remedy. Here are a few books and movies we like…
Where Does Maisy Live? book by Lucy Cousins
Good Night Maisy DVD (2004)
Maisy’s Amazing Big Book of Learning book by Lucy Cousins
Maisy Big, Maisy Small book by Lucy Cousins
Another alternative to Elmo is Mister Rogers. Love Mister Rogers. Have you ever sat down and watched Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood as an adult? It’s extremely therapeutic. I highly recommend it.
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – Adventures in Friendship DVD (1968)
Mister Roger’s Neighborhood – A Day at the Circus DVD (1968)
Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood – What Do You Do With The Mad That You Feel? DVD (1968)
Needless to say, even though we are finally seeing some variety in our house, there will always be the king of the castle. A red furry king that talks like a baby.
Do your kids have character obsessions?
Did you?
image sources: elmo’s world babies, dogs, and more, elmo loves you book, elmo’s music magic, where does maisy live?, maisy’s book of learning, maisy big maisy small, adventures in friendship day at the circus, what do you do with the mad that you feel
25
Jan
Reading Together
Today’s Reading Together is a long one! There were too many good ones I didn’t want to leave any in the dark.
And before I start the list… thought I’d share this article from the Washington Post on how to choose books for kids and teens.
What resources do you use to pick out books for kids and/or teens? Whether they be your own, for family, a classroom, or library patrons?
I’d like to know!
On to the list:
Do You Know Which Ones Will Grow? by Susan A. Shea, illustrations by Tom Slaughter
A duckling grows and becomes a duck, so can a car grow into a truck? This is such a clever fold-out book about things that grow up and things that do not.
There Are Cats in This Book by Viviane Schwarz
We love this book. We read it multiple times in one sitting. A co-worker brought it to my attention a couple weeks ago and I had never seen it before then. Another fun flap book I’m hoping to introduce to my storytimers this spring.
My Name is Elizabeth by Annika Dunklee, illustrated by Matthew Forsythe
A book about nicknames and a desire for a lack thereof. Refrain from “Beth” or “Lizzie”, Elizabeth likes her name just the way it is.
If Your Hoppy by April Pulley Sayre, illustrations by Jackie Urbanovic
Read to the tune, “If you’re happy and you know it”, this books is a silly story about animal actions. A good pick for toddlers and pre-schoolers.
Melvin and the Boy by Lauren Castillo
I’m a fan of Lauren Castillo. Her illustration style is both beautiful and visually appealing to kids. This is her first book as both author and illustrator (and hopefully not her last!).
A Cat Like That by Wendy Wahman
Bright colors. About cats. Automatic seal of approval by L.
Mine! by Shutta Crum, illustrations by Patrice Barton
Parents and caretakers are very familiar with the word, “mine” once kids reach a certain age. You can view the trailer for this book here.
Say What? by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Joey Chou
A book about animal noises is also always a clear win in our house. And this one especially. When we read it, L says what an animal says at animal volume.
Train Trip by Deanna Caswell, illustrated by Dan Andreasen
I looked back to see if I’ve done this one yet. Have I? We’ve checked it out multiple times. Oh, well…
Follow Me by Tricia Tusa
Love Tricia Tusa. This is a sweet story about daydreaming.
Good Boy, Fergus! by David Shannon
Fergus is very cute and very lovable but far from the most well behaved dog.
My mom owns a westie. His name is Renfro.
Refro and Fergus are a lot a like.
Mitchell’s License by Hallie Durand, illustrated by Tony Fucile
I’ll be reading this one for Father’s Day storytime. It’s about a father’s struggle to put his son, Mitchell, to bed until he comes up with Mitchell’s “Remote-Control Dad Driver’s License”.
Chew, Chew, Gulp by Lauren Thompson, illustrated by Jarrett J. Kroscoczka
L really likes reading this book and she especially likes to point out the different foods.
And yell their names.
“Juuuu!”
(Juice)
“GreeBee!”
(Green Beans)
Petunia by Roger Duvoisin
Petunia is an old girl! Her birthday dates back to 1950. The story is a little long for L to sit through, but we like to look through the pictures. A good age to start reading this book would be around 4 or 5.
Cornelius P. Mud Are You Ready For Bed? by Barney Saltzberg
Such a cute book to read before bedtime. Especially, for those that like to procrastinate going to bed… so I guess that would mean all kids. And me…
All in a Day by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Nikki McClure
Cynthia Rylant is a household name in children’s books producing Newbery medal book Missing May and popular books like the Henry and Mudge series for early readers. Cut-paper illustrator Nikki McClure’s To Market, To Market, published last year is also a great book to put on your check out list.
My sister-in-law is a kindergarten teacher and the mother of three kids aged three and under, so I always love to hear about what books she’s been reading and Doodleday was one of them. Thanks Sarah!
***’Reading Together is a sampling of picture books I’m currently reading aloud to LBD (also known as L or Little L), my toddler daughter. As a children’s librarian, I’m always bringing home stacks and stacks of books to share together. Old and new. These are our favorites. Some of which have been read over and over and over again…. Times thirty. To the tenth power.***
image sources: which ones will grow, cats in this book, my name is elizabeth, if your hoppy, melvin and the boy, cat like that, mine, say what, train trip, follow me, good boy fergus, mitchell’s license, chew chew gulp, petunia, cornelius p. mudd, all in a day, doodleday
23
Jan
Awarded
7:23am.
The coffee was made, breakfast started, everyone was up and awake (two entirely different states of being by the way..)
The computer was powered up.
At attention.
Because this morning wasn’t our everyday morning. This morning at 7:48am, the 2012 ALA Youth Media Awards were announced live online at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, Texas.
After much review of potential Caldecott and Corretta Scott King books and potential Newbery books, for the Printz, the Schneider, the Geisel, William C. Morris, and the list goes on….. For librarians, educators, and the highly praised authors and illustrators of 2011, this morning like Christmas morning. But better.
Without much further ado…
The Best of the Best of 2012 include:
Newbery Award Winner
“For the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature”
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos
Newbery Honor Books
Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Velchin
Caldecott Award Winner
“ For the most distinguished American picture book for children”
A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka
Caldecott Honor Books
Blackout by John Rocco
Grandpa Green by Lane Smith
Me… Jane by Patrick McDonnell
Corretta Scott King (Author) Award Winner
“Recognizing an African American author and illustrator of outstanding books for children and young adults”
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Honor Books
The Great Migration: Journey to the North by Eloise Greenfield, illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist
Never Forgotten by Patricia C. McKissack, illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon
Coretta Scott King (Illustrator) Award Winner
Underground by Shane W. Evans
Honor Book
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans by Kadir Nelson
Michael L. Printz Award Winner
“For excellence in literature written for young adults”
Where Things Come Back by John Corey Whaley
(Where Things Come Back also claimed the 2012 William C. Morris Award)
Printz Honor Books
Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler, illustrated by Maira Kalman
The Returning by Christine Hinwood
Jasper Jones by Craig Silvey
The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
The entire list of award winners can be found here.
How do you feel about the results?
I’m happy Dead End in Norvelt won the Newbery, but am quite heart-broken Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt didn’t even take home an honor…
image sources: dead end in norvelt, inside out, stalin’s nose, ball for daisy, blackout, grandpa green, me..jane, heart and soul, great migration, never forgotten, underground, where things come back, why we broke up, the returning, jasper jones, scorpio races
