It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. You are guaranteed to find something new to add to your list.
I thought I would have finished many more books this week. Problem is I can’t sit still. If I am still, I think. I think about how we are still on strike. How September is going to begin with us in limbo here in B.C. No teaching, no learning. Just sad. So I spent time I would usually be reading, doing other things. Sorting. Organizing. Puttering about to keep moving. And less reading was the result. Ridiculous really because reading is one of my favourite things but it’s been a hard week knowing that there is no resolution in sight. Taking a deep breath and trying to dive back into books.
Still, I read some great titles!
The picture books I loved:
A Boy and A Jaguar written by Alan Rabinowitz and illustrated by Cátia Chien
Oh wow. This book. It’s gorgeous. It’s special. It’s a must own and must share. A story of a boy who finds his voice and shares it in the best of ways.
Hooray for Hat! by Brian Won
This book was sent to me by the wonderful Alyson Beecher and it marched into my hands and begged to be read. Delightful. Charming. It whispers, “Hey, there is an art project just begging to happen here don’t you think?” Yep!
The Long, Long Journey The Godwit’s Amazing Migration written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Mia Posada
I am always fascinated by migration stories. This title highlights the journey of the godwit’s migration. Almost unbelievable. Beautifully illustrated.
Chamelia and the New Kid in Class by Ethan Long
Perfect read aloud for little ones – addresses feelings of jealousy, wanting attention, accepting the new kid. Always relevant.
In New York by Marc Brown
A great introduction to an incredible city.
I also finished
A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
Reading this book was kind of like stumbling into an eclectic antique store and picking up interesting items to examine. Stacks of sentimental. Little bowls of charm. Artifacts full of whimsy. Sorrow. Longing. Joy. Magic. What a book.
Up next? I am now reading Okay for Now by Gary D. Shmidt with my children and plan to start Revolution by Deborah Wiles later today.
Reading Goal Updates:
2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 60/100 novels complete
Goodreads Challenge: 394/650 books read
#MustReadin2014: 20/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 100/65 complete
There's a Book for That 
The beginning of your post made me sad too…I hate all of this strike stuff! I’m also finding it difficult not to dwell on it, so here’s hoping we’re back before we drive ourselves crazy (although maybe with much cleaner, more organized houses)! I am definitely going to pick up A Snicker of Magic…have seen it a few times now and am intrigued.
It’s almost impossible not to dwell. We can’t escape it. I would like nothing more than to be back in my classroom next week and to have my children in school. Best wishes to you!
I love your description of A SNICKER OF MAGIC. Glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Thanks Beth. What a lovely little book.
I know of some of the picture books, but still haven’t read them. Will look for Hooray for Hat. Need also to find Revolution-had to return it before I read it! Sending my best wishes, Carrie!
Thanks Linda. It is getting to the point of ridiculous. But in the realm of books, yes excited to read Revolution!
I am so sorry that there is no resolution yet with the strike. I’m stunned that the govt hasn’t resolved this to ensure the start of school. There is really no excuse. I understand your need to putter. I have been thinking about rereading Okay for Now this semester. My library has it on audio, and I am always looking for new audios for my commute. I loved Hooray for Hat, and A Boy and a Jaguar is definitely a must own and must share. The Long Long Journey looks incredible. Just added it to my list!
It is kind of stunning except when you live it day by day and then it is just deplorable and so so sad. Okay for Now is a favourite of mine so I am thrilled to be reading it to my kids. Enjoy it as an audio title. I bet it would be great. I am really enjoying reading it aloud.
I loved the way you shared Snicker. Your description made me smile with your comparison to the antique shop and your fun word choices. When I am upset, I often clean and organize too. Keeping busy holds the bad feelings just at bay a little. I’m sorry your schools are in that situation and I hope that a solution is found soon.
Thanks Crystal. Sometimes, I get lots done. Some days I am just numb. Today we went to the forest and then the bookstore – 2 places to make me feel calm.
I can’t wait to see what art project you do with Hooray for Hat! Your students always come up with the most amazing art and that means you’re back to school, Hooray!
Oh how I would love to actually be doing art projects. Really hope the first one we do doesn’t feature pumpkins . . .
Just love your description of A Snicker of Magic – so apt!
Thank you – it had to be described with lots of juicy words don’t you think?
I’ve seen A Boy and A Jaguar on a few posts recently and now your review has made me put it at the top of my list! I love how you love migration stories and have followed your posts about this topic with much interest. A bit like me and my obsession with seasons! Camelia looks adorable but makes me sad that we won’t be able to read it to our new class because there will be no new class! What a strange feeling not knowing what, when, why and how can this happen?
Strange feeling indeed. I am just sick about it honestly. We did a family walk in the forest and landed at Kidsbooks today. Ways I calm down. This is just too ridiculous for words. The trees, the full air and the great books did help! And yes, A Boy and A Jaguar -it’s a WOW!
Hi Carrie, I just requested Hooray for Hat. If Alyson sent it to you and you loved it, that’s good enough for me. I agree wholeheartedly about A Boy and a Jaguar. I will be requesting a copy of The Long, long Journey for my partner teacher who teaches science. Thanks for these.
Gigi- so glad that you found some titles of interest. Hooray for Hat! is so much fun – I think it’s one of those books that can be enjoyed by little ones right on up to older students. It is just joyful!
Hi Carrie,
We loved A Boy and a Jaguar too – It is definitely a “must own and must share” text. We put The Long, Long, Journey on our to read list – Thanks.
So pleased so many agree that A Boy and A Jaguar is such a special title.
Hi there Carrie. I am sending you lots of positive energy, fairy lights, and a whisper-ful of warm wishes – hoping that things get better for you and the rest of the teachers in BC.
I am pinning your picturebooks here. The Long Long Journey sounds like a book that I would fall in love with. 🙂 I am also glad to hear that you enjoyed Snicker of Magic – your sparse description of what the book is about perfectly captures its ‘whimsy.’
Myra – thanks so much – maybe it is truly magic we need. Or a lot of goodwill. Do you think the Beedle travels?
The more I read about Snicker, the more I know I need to read it sooner than later. I am trying to get NEED TO reading done so I can get to want to reading.
I have Boy and Jaguar from the library–it will be read soon 🙂
Happy reading this week!
And happy reading to you! Snicker is quite delightful. It will be a lovely read when the time is right.