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 noticed about a week ago that I was behind on my Goodreads goal by 16 books. I had a few picture book reading blitz days and am almost caught up So . . . catching up on my reading means that I have many picture books I could share here. I narrowed it to my ten favourites of the week. Sometimes, it really is about a week where picture books have a hugely starring role!
Emily’s Blue Period written by Cathleen Daly and illustrated by Lisa Brown
Cathleen Daly just kind of knocks me over. Her book Prudence wants a Pet is a “I want a pet book” done that much differently that it feels unique even though the story premise seems to have been told over and over. Here is a picture book that touches on the emotions and confusion of a family separated by divorce. Such a common lived experience for so many children – the unanswered questions, the frustration, the living between two homes – yet captured in a picture book? Not so often. More often these themes are tackled in novels for middle grade readers. Here, nothing feels off limits and we truly are privy to the raw and the difficult that is divorce through the eyes of young children. Throw in some cool references to Picasso and his Blue period and wow, what a picture book.
Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison
Sometimes, it is not a talent or exceptional skill that makes us special. Sometimes it is just enough, and even quite extraordinary, to be that one that offers connection and affection. A tribute to special pets but also to the virtues of kindness and companionship.
The Day I Lost my Superpowers written by Michael Escoffier and illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo
I found this book particularly charming. It is absolutely representative of the naturally egocentric nature of a preschool age child – who feels magical and mighty and all powerful. When the limits of their own power confront them, they are able to honour the power of those around them – like the super powers of Mom!
A Lion in Paris by Beatrice Alemagna
Begin reading this book and be instantly surprised. It is wide and extra big and it opens bottom to top so you are flipping up instead of turning pages. Gorgeous illustrations in this tale set in Paris of a lion trying to find his “place” in this beautiful European city. Eventually, he finds a spot where he is meant to be. Unique. Much of the appeal of this book is the format and the Parisian vibe.
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc
Wow. This story is told through minimal text, beautiful illustrations, pauses and space. Sometimes what is held in the silence and few precious seconds of a blank page turned or a page that holds just one simple image has huge impact on the overall story. Just so very well done. Themes of friendship, kindness, hope and the passing of time. Did I say wow?
Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman
Please go read this book – there are so many reasons – a wonderful story about siblings and mistakes and owning up and doing what’s right. Some forgiveness thrown in. Can’t go wrong. But let me tell you about the right – just page through again and again and travel through illustrations that will knock you over, make your heart sing, force you to have too many favourite pictures so you just have to love and savour each page. Oh please, Mr. David Soman be working on a new book right now I just can’t wait!
Starring Me and You by Genevieve Cote
A sweet little title for younger readers learning how to navigate the world socially and with friends through compromise, patience and acceptance.
Little Mouse by Alison Murray
I can imagine that if this book had existed when my children were very small that we would have read it endlessly. Sometimes, an endearing name doesn’t seem to fit. Other times, it is perfect. Through a parade of animals, we learn about all the aspects of one little girl’s personality – she is brave like a lion, can stomp like a bear and be hungry like a horse. And of course, she can be quiet and cozy like a little mouse. Adorable.
One is a Snail Ten is a Crab: A Counting Feet Book written by April Pulley Sayre and Jeff Saryre and illustrated by Randy Cecil
This counting book is hugely entertaining. It allows children to think about numbers in a variety of ways. After learning about how many feet many different creatures possess, the reader is ready to think about larger numbers like – 60 – 60 is six crabs (6 groups of 10 feet) or 10 insects (10 groups of 6 feet). Playful, creative and wonderfully amusing.
Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors written by Helen Khan and illustrated by Mehrdokht Amini
Stunning illustrations introduce young readers to the culture and beauty of Islam through descriptive pages about a variety of things representative of Muslim culture and religion. A glossary in the back helps for those not familiar with all of the things described in the book.
Thank you to everyone who has shared their #MustReadin2014 July updates. Many are linked here or shared through the #MustReadin2014 hashtag via twitter. So interesting to see what everyone has been reading and enjoying.
This week I finished one novel:
Cress by Marissa Meyer which was my 18th #mustreadin2014 title!
I am fully captivated by these Lunar Chronicles stories even though I never thought I was going to be. I read Cinder on a whim and was hooked. I particularly love how all of the characters from previous books still play starring roles in the ongoing storylines. Dramatic, suspenseful, interesting characters. Great YA fantasy!
Next up? I am halfway through The Riverman by Aaron Starmer. What a book! Early in the week, I plan to read The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner, which is another #MustReadin2014 title for me.
Reading Goal updates:
2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 46/100 novels complete
Goodeads Challenge: 327/650 books read
#MustReadin2014: 18/30 complete
Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 79/65 complete
There's a Book for That 
What a lovely collection of picture books, Carrie. I’ve been so intent on catching up with YA and Middle Grade novels, that I’ve rather neglected picture books – and I am now inspired to catch up!
Sometimes it goes that way. When I am away in the summer I only read novels and always head off to the library to read a number of picture books when I get back! It’s nice to have time to read both. Hope you saw a title or two here that you might want to read. It was a great picture book reading week!
I liked The Lion and the Bird but I thought even the minimal text was unnecessary. Seems like it would have been told more effectively if it had been wordless.
I can totally see that. The illustrations were so powerful, they really held up the entire book.
What a fantastic reading week for you! I have Emily in my library stack. I’ve heard such wonderful things! Loved Jane, Lion/Bird and 3 Bears. I think all 3 could be Caldecott contenders! I can’t wait to get to the Lunar Chronicles. I love stories with fairy tale stories woven in!
I agree with you re the Caldecott contenders. 3 Bears is especially stunning – I just was knocked over with every page! I hope you get to and enjoy The Lunar Chronicles soon. I look forward to hearing what you think!
It’s stressful when you realize you’re behind on that Goodreads goal, isn’t it?! 😉 I do the same thing when I’m behind – gather picture books!! You’ve got some I loved (Emily’s Blue Period, Three Bears and a Boat, and Extraordinary Jane) and others that I really want to read! I combined my #IMWAYR post today with my #mustreadin2014 update. 🙂
I still need to do a bit more picture book gathering to get a little bit ahead – I’m off for a week long holiday where I plan to read many novels but my Goodreads goal is high (650) so I need to average a few books a day to keep up! I’m off to read your post and update!
What a great collection of picture books Carrie! I also loved Cinder when I read it but for some reason I didn’t continue with the series. I really should. I am way behind on my Goodreads goal and am in need of a picture book binge-reading. Enjoy your day!
It is fun to make a big pile and sit and enjoy and then presto, magic, you aren’t quite as behind. Very fulfilling. Kind of like getting multiple loads of laundry done in a day but more fun! Happy picture book reading to you!
Emily’s Blue Period looks like a great resource to have. Thank you very much for sharing it with us. I have had Cinder on my TBR list for a long, long time. Just yesterday, I was thinking about starting it. Your review is giving me the kick in the butt. 🙂
I REALLY have liked The Lunar Chronicles – all of the female characters are strong and skilled! So easy to read because you kind of can’t put these books down! Emily’s Blue Period is so well done. I hope you can find it – let me know what you think.
Like Ricki, I’ve had Cinder & the others for a while, so long I finally gave them to my school library. You’ve convinced me to find it & read! Thanks for the great picture books, have requested & found a few at my library. So many to enjoy & what fun to have the time now! Thanks, Carrie!
I am so pleased that you found some titles of interest Linda! I hope you enjoy some of these titles as much as I did. And yes, Cinder is worth a read!
So many great picture books. I’ve put Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns on my to get for the school list. How appropriate since it’s Ramadon right now. I’m heartbroken that some of your books are at school. I’d run in and get them to read if only I could. I think a half day at kidsbooks might be in order….
Kidsbooks is exactly where I found some of these titles. I sat with a pile and read! Had to bring Emily’s Blue period home with me but other than that, I resisted. No money in, means no book shopping unfortunately. Well, minimal book shopping . . .
Cinder has been sitting on my to read shelf for awhile. Several of my students in Adolescent Lit read it and became obsessed with the series. They were very disappointed that I couldn’t seem to get to it. The TBR list is just so long! I know what you mean about the picture books–I never include all we read in a Monday post. I’d be writing forever! I also prefer to highlight the ones we had stronger reactions to, preferably positive but occasionally negative. I loved Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns–a beautiful book and a fine introduction to Muslim culture. So many PBs in your post this week that I’m dying to read! Think I will order Three Bears in a Boat. Seems like one I’d want to share in Children’s Lit class too.
I hear you on the positive reviews – I tend not to include books I didn’t like unless it is an author/illustrator that I typically enjoy and the title was an anomaly or if I feel very differently from most, sometimes I like to start a conversation. Generally though I find that I like enough titles that I can fill up a post pretty quickly – this week there were some extra amazing books so it had to be ten! I try to never go over ten. The illustrations in 3 Bears are incredible – and there is a beautiful page with whales – I am a big sucker for beautiful pages with a whale
I think I may just add all of these books onto my TBR and get some from the library soon! They all sound wonderful. I’ve already ordered 3 Bears from them, and I cannot wait to read it.
Happy reading this week! 🙂
I hope you find and enjoy some of these titles as much as I did Kellee. Lots of wonderful picture books indeed!
I always enjoy the books you recommend Carrie 🙂
I can absolutely identify with you about the Lunar chronicles books. They seem to have a lot of elements that are not my favorite things, but Meyer makes them work and I am hooked. The bad thing is that now we have to wait for more. Have a great reading week!
True – there is the waiting – but isn’t it exciting that there will be more?!! I am willing to be patient! 🙂
WOW! This is an amazing collection of books! Some I have seen but I have added several to my TBR list! Three Bears in a Boat – possibly my favorite new picture book of 2014! I love the look of The Lion in Paris and Emily’s Blue Period is a MUST have. You are right in that there are not many books that deal with this topic and do it well. Charlie Anderson is my favorite but this one looks very good. I’ve been enjoying your posts – even though I haven’t commented in a while! Oh – one more book that looked great – the counting snail and crab book! Enjoy the sunshine!
I remember reading about Three Bears in a Boat on your post earlier this year! Thanks for the comment. Trying to escape back into the world of books and blogging to escape all of the stress of #bced Sigh.
Hi Carrie
Thanks for listing so many titles. We put so many of these on our “to read” list. Can’t wait!
So pleased that you found some titles that look good 🙂 Happy picture book reading!
Enjoy The Summer of Letting Go when you get to it, beautiful book. 🙂 Loved all the pbs this week, I have some on reserve now to read, can’t wait! Happy reading to you…
Thanks Debbie. Just reread a book for a post Thursday and then to finish RiverMan and then that’s the next title! Excited.
I took my time with Riverman, blew my mind…
Hi there dearest Carrie. Love the picture books you shared here! I just read Lion in Paris – wasn’t it just awe-inspiring. I found myself saying wow and wow again and again as I flip through the pages which open in a different orientation as you pointed out. I’ve seen that book featured in quite a number of children’s lit texts for its unique design, layout, and formatting. It’s just beautiful – and quite a testament to how much picturebooks have grown over the years. I’m glad you found Golden Domes and enjoyed it. I am now intrigued by Riverman – been reading a lot of good reviews about it. Will definitely add Emily’s Blue Period to my to-find list in our libraries.
So true – love all of the different sizes and shapes of picture books out lately – just always impressing me. Just read another of the titles you recommended The Caged Birds of Phnom Penh – wow. I think you will find Emily’s Blue Period quite wonderful. Let me know!
Pingback: Celebration: Book blogging | There's a Book for That