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 reads! The #IMWAYR crowd always has so many fantastic titles to share.
I read quite a variety of picture books this week. My favourites:
Niño Wrestles the World by Yuyi Morales
Before reading this action packed colourful picture book, I had never heard of lucha libre – the theatrical professional wrestling popular in Mexico and other Spanish speaking countries. I was very pleased that Niño with his little white boxers and red face mask was the first hero of the lucha libre world for me. The fact that he outsmarts his opponents with moves like the Tickle Tackle and the Popsicle Slick make him even more endearing. I can see this being a favourite book of many a preschooler with some wild and crazy energy. What fun!
Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes
The illustrations in this story made it quite special. It is a wonderful introduction to Hindu literature and mythology through a quite creative adaptation of how the poet Vyasa convinces Ganesha to scribe the epic poem, the Mahabharata. This story involves delicious sweets and a super jumbo jawbreaker. Part silly, part spectacular, this is a fun visual adventure.
Look, a Book! written by Libby Gleeson and illustrated by Freya Blackwood
The text of this title is simple – the premise simply – wow, look where a book might take you – on adventures and rides through imaginative landscapes. I am such a fan of illustrator Freya Blackwood and again, found her illustrations simply magic.
The Cat with Seven Names written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Christine Davenier
If you have ever had a pet that liked to share himself/herself with others very generously (and often motivated by food treats if truth be told) then this is a book to connect to. In this story, a cat wanders in and out of many different lives in a neighbourhood, eventually connecting the individuals into a community and being reunited with his owner who explains that this friendly feline will likely visit again. With themes of solitude and loneliness, this story has a happy feel good ending.
Can I keep him? by Steven Kellogg
First published in 1971 – loved the older style drawings by Kellogg. A little boy tries to convince his mother that numerous animals would make the ideal pet. Finally he finds the perfect companion to keep him occupied as Mom is busy with her daily tasks. The fantasy element made this story lots of fun as a read aloud.
One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
Really? Really! Really, Seeger is just too clever. Her books never fail to delight, engage and entertain. Such a wonderful book to share with my class. They were all completely engrossed guessing what would happen as we flipped the page – what word would the cutout reveal? What image? Amazing!
Carnivores written by Aaron Reynolds and illustrated by Dan Santat
Oh so, so good. And it scored high on the giggle meter when I read it to my children. Such a clever premise – attempting to have us see these carnivores as well meaning with lots of self control. When true natures win out, Reynolds and Santat have us smiling a little guiltily as we root for these carnivorous characters who just can’t help themselves . . .
I finished The Boy on the Wooden Box a memoir by Leon Leyson
An emotional read. Every story of the war speaks to our humanity – the cruelty and kindness of people, the devastation and hope in such horrific times. This is the story of Leon Leyson, one of the youngest members of Schindler’s list. It is the story of his childhood taken by war, his family and their love, of his time during Nazi occupation in the WWII and of his chance to actually have hope of a future. Highly recommended.
What’s up next? I just started reading The Thing about Luck by Cynthia Kadohata. Next on the list is Crazy by Han Nolan.
What are you reading this week?
There's a Book for That 
I’ve only read Carnivores on your list. Reminds me of T is for Terrible by Peter McCarthy.
It is a very fun title. I have yet to share it with a group of kids. Can’t wait!
Hi there Carrie. I’ve read and featured Look, a Book when we had our ‘books about books’ bimonthly theme. I haven’t read any of Laura Vaccaro Seeger’s picture books yet, I should catch up! The Boy on the Wooden Box sounds very powerful, I hope I can find it in our libraries here, and yes the picture book of Yuyi Morales! 🙂
Yes Laura Vaccaro Seeger is quite incredible. Very worth locating! The Boy on the Wooden Box is a book I have already leant out – an important read. I hope you can find it.
Ah! All of the tempting picture books! I put a reserve on Carnivores– I’ve seen it too many places and need to read it!
It is a fun read, that’s for sure!
Really nice list today. I enjoyed reading about each one. I also like to collect books about books, and books about libraries. Steven Kellogg has been a favorite of mine since I read my first Pinkerton book and all you have to do is mention Aaron Reynolds or Dan Santat and I am there!
I too love Steven Kellogg. I find so many of his books have such nostalgic charm.
Hi Carrie, ONe Boy looks great! I have been trying to find a copy of her Bully book also. Look, a Book looks absolutely sweet. Carvivores was just too fun! Have a great week!
Thanks Gigi. One Boy is wonderful. And yes, Bully very worth locating. So powerful in my room.
Thank you Carrie, I just requested The Boy on the Wooden Box. I caught a glimpse of Carnivores a while back, but you just reminded me that I need to read that book! Hope you have a great week!
The Boy on the Wooden Box is very worth reading. Although very emotional. I am so glad I read it and promptly passed it on to others in my family who I know will appreciate the story.
Fantastic books this week as always. I’m really looking forward to reading THE BOY ON THE WOODEN BOX.
GANESHA’S SWEET TOOTH looks like an absolutely gorgeous picture book. And I love the premise of CAN I KEEP HIM. Definitely going to be looking for those at the library this week.
Happy library searching 🙂 I look forward to seeing what you think of The Boy on the Wooden Box. What a powerful memoir.
I loved Carnivores as well! I’ll have to check out The Cat with Seven Names, especially if it’s by Tony Johnston. I really liked his book Amber on the Mountain. The Cat reminds me of Charlie Anderson, another book about a similarly conniving kitty.
Conniving kitties are pretty special. We used to have a cat that visited everyone on the block and got fed by everybody. He meowed a sad tale and was rewarded by treats! Such personality.
Lovely list of books this week! I do love, Look, A Book! Can’t wait to read some of those books in the future!
Thanks for stopping in Debbie! Have you read other Freya Blackwood titles? I am such a fan of her illustrations.
Growing to be a fan…
What a great list, Carrie! Every title sounds terrific, and most are new to me. My boys loved Steven Kellogg when they were little, but I don’t remember Can I Keep Him? I’ll definitely be stopping at the library tomorrow!
Steven Kellogg is so wonderful – I hope you can find this title. I found a paperback copy – reprinted more recently. Such a treat!
Well, you just added bunches to my wish list, Carrie. I love Steven Kellogg’s books-brought back some memories for sure. I want to read One Boy for sure, and The Boy on The Wooden Box sounds like everyone should read it, although sad. Thanks much!
Definitely sad (The Boy on the Wooden Box) but yes, I think a must read. One Boy was a really fun read aloud in my room and now the children explore the book on their own or in pairs, still fascinated by its structure.
Thanks for sharing! Lots of great books here! Thanks for posting about Carnivores! I need to hear others’ perspectives! Am finally going to review it tomorrow. 🙂
I look forward to it! I love titles like this that are fully cheeky and make no apologies!