It’s Monday! What are you reading?
Join Jen and Kellee’s meme and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult reads! The #IMWAYR community is a fantastic community of readers with many wonderful titles to share.
My favourite picture books of the week:
Trains Go written and illustrated by Steve Light A fantastically colourful and loud (when it is read) board book about various trains and the wonderful sounds that they make. Love that this book is extra long in its shape – adds to the visual appeal. This book will be ideal for our board book collection for when Kindergarten buddies visit. Really – who doesn’t love to make loud train noises? Whoooooooosh!
Yoon and the Jade Bracelet written by Helen Recorvits and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska A beautifully illustrated picture book about a little girl from Korea who is struggling to feel part of the friendship and social groups at her new school. When another girl borrows her jade bracelet and then won’t give it back, Yoon must find a way to deal with this very real friendship/bullying issue. An important multicultural story about the challenges of finding one’s place in someplace that is new.
A Little Book of Sloth by Lucy Cooke An engaging and adorable photographic tale of the sloths that live in a sanctuary in Costa Rica. Full of information and hilarious, endearing photos.
Iggy Peck Architect written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts The illustrations in this book are so wonderful – I must admit I was a little disappointed to learn that the text was in rhyme. It didn’t ruin the story by any means – but . . . I am not usually much of a fan of rhyming text. Still – I would recommend this title that celebrates creativity, passion and ingenuity. Perfect way to launch a study of structures, bridge building or architecture.
The Table Where Rich People Sit written by Byrd Baylor and illustrated by Peter Parnall Such a wonderful reminder to celebrate the riches of family, nature and the wonder of the world. Beautiful.
The Great Snortle Hunt written by Claire Freedman and illustrated by Kate Hindley A fun book for a younger story time. Loved the illustrations. More rhyming text – but suits the playful story of a serious search for a Snortle.
Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt My class absolutely adores Melanie Watt. Somehow, I had missed reading this title. Very funny as most Scaredy Squirrel titles are. Some kind of amazing beach phobic suit! Loved the feared creatures that inhabited the waters of Scaredy Squirrel’s imagination!
I also finished two novels
Paperboy by Vince Vawter An eleven year old boy has his life thrown for a loop when he takes over his friend’s paper route for the month of July. Trying to navigate the world with a strong stutter is a theme in this story but there is much happening. All about relationships, choices and discovering who you are. Set in Memphis in 1959. I enjoyed this novel on many levels – for a window into the life of a boy who stutters, it’s a great piece of historical fiction and an important middle grade read that teaches students more about the racism that was so prevalent at these times in the South. Read Vawter’s Nerdy Book Club post that discusses this novel (his first).
Falling for You by Lisa Schroeder I must admit that while reading this novel I was constantly irritated by the cover because . . . well, I tend not to read novels that look like sappy romance stories. This looks like one but it certainly isn’t. More of a story of relationships gone wrong – a controlling and obsessive boyfriend, an abusive step father . . . I didn’t love this young adult novel but I appreciated that it tackles the topic of realizing that a relationship isn’t safe and drawing a line.
Next up? Twerp by Mark Goldblatt
There's a Book for That 
I want to read Iggy Peck Architect. And I’ve seen other books by Byrd Baylor but haven’t read any. I don’t usually like historical fiction but Paperboy has been recommended to me.
Paperboy is historical fiction but so much more. Fantastic.
You always give me ideas for picture books to read that I’ve never heard of or seen before. The Table Where Rich People Sit sounds intriguing and I just love the cover of The Great Snortle Hunt. 🙂
So pleased that you found some new possibilities here!
Yoon and the Jade Bracelet looks appealing to me and the Little Book of Sloth definitely has the “Awwww” factor going. How cute is that little patootie? Where else did I see this book? Was it recently on Net Galley? I have jotted both titles down as purchase considerations. Happy reading!
This is the second Yoon title. The first being My Name is Yoon. Also excellent.
I had added Iggy Peck Architect to my list! My five year old tells everyone he wants to be an architect, when he grows up. He will be so excited for this one!
Will he ever! The perfect inspiration!
I’m really looking forward to The Paperboy . . . can’t wait for the hold to show up at the library. And, boy do I need to get a sloth now. That cover is so cute. And of course, all those other picture books I’m adding to the pile . . . 🙂
Yes, my daughter instantly wanted a sloth too! Paperboy is fantastic. Reminded me a little of Crow.
Paperboy is certainly on my summer list. I think I would enjoy The Table Where Rich People Sit and Yoon and the Jade Bracelet. Thanks for the great titles. Now, off to Goodreads.
Enjoy all of the reading! Paperboy is a MUST
Just love the look of The Great Snortle Hunt-sounds fun! And the Yoon book seems to be one I should have for sure. As I said on Goodreads, The Table Where Rich People Sit is awesome, as are all Byrd Baylor’s books. I’m looking forward to The Paperboy, sounds quite wonderful, Carrie. Thanks!
Linda, I think you will really love Paperboy – as it is autobiographical in nature it is such a personal and raw reflection. I have been wanting to read The Table . . . for ages. Did not disappoint.
Paperboy looks good. I agree with you that the cover of Faling For You is annoying. Thanks for sharing about that book though, because it sounds like a book that tackles some real issues. I would have been turned off by the cover and never discovered this.
Paperboy is SO worth a read. Isn’t it funny how we really do judge books by their covers . . .
Wow! You are quite a busy reader. I really enjoyed reading about all of these great books. 🙂 Happy reading this week!
Thank you! And happy reading to you as well 🙂
What a nice mix of books. Several are on my TBR list. Enjoy!
Thanks for stopping by!
The sloth book looks adorable. I will be watching for Joon and the Jade Bracelet for sure. Thanks!
Who knew that sloths were this cute? I have only seen them far up and dangling at zoos/Aquariums! this book gives you many pictures to oooh and ahhh over.
Oh, so excited to see the Yoon book. Every Christmas I share Yoon and the Christmas Mitten, which is an amazing story. I will certainly be ordering this for my classroom 🙂
It’s really a wonderful title. I think you will really like it. So perfect for discussing topics in the classroom.