Summertime is the time I bury myself in picture books – frequent library visits, sifting through my class collection and reading books I haven’t read and yes, often some book buying. All in the name of stocking my classroom library because you can never, ever, have too many books for avid readers! Right?
Unfortunately, this summer a what seems to be endless teacher’s strike has given me this status: In Limbo/Book Buying Hiatus
And I don’t like it one bit.
But, book lists don’t cost a dime . . .
And if I can’t be shopping and pre-ordering titles, I can be making a list. When pay cheques are coming into our house again (two teacher family = no cheques x two), I just might be able to go book shopping. Luckily, I will have a list 🙂
My top ten list of picture books I currently covet . . .
Here I am written Patti Kim and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez (September 2013)
I read this brilliant wordless title a few weeks ago and was wowed. All about the emotions of moving somewhere new. Just gorgeous.
What do you do with an idea? written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mac Besom (February 2014)
A celebration of imagination and the courage to think big and small and everywhere in between. I sort of fell in love with this book in the bookstore and It broke my heart a little to put it back on the shelf.
Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (February 2014)
Sometimes being just who you are is the exactly right kind of extraordinary. Delightful messages of kindness and compassion.
Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman (May 2014)
There is a brilliant picture of the ocean and the boat full of bears and whales. I am such a sucker for whale illustrations that just knock you over. But then, there are a number of other absolutely stunning images. And . . . the story is lovely. Can’t lose.
Quest by Aaron Becker (August 2014)
I remember sharing Journey with my students. The wonder. The awe. The quiet. More of that in another beautiful book? Yes, please.
Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Qin Leng (August 2014)
In our house, Suki’s Kimono by Uegaki is a favourite title to read and to gift. This book promises more lovely connections to a grandparent from Japan, lessons in perseverance and the beauty of music played by a young child.
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen (October 2014)
These guys. These books. I am just automatically in!
Blizzard by John Rocco (October 2014)
Loved Blackout. Loved Super Hair-o and the Barber of Doom (Especially the station wagon capture scene). Loved them so much, I bought them both. So I think, I will love this. Look at the cover: one kid, one sled and one big white world!
The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee (October 2014)
Oh Marla Frazee. How do I love her? I can count the ways! This cover just has me so unbelievably curious. Oh and did I mention that it is wordless?
Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by G. Brian Karas (October 2014)
I don’t think I need to give any reason for wanting this book. But I will give 22. Those would be my students who absolutely shrieked when I showed them this book trailer after we read The One and Only Ivan. This book MUST come live in my classroom. I made a promise that it would.
What dream books are on your wish list? Because I could be persuaded to make mine a little longer . . .
There's a Book for That 
I LOVE Suki’s kimono!!!
I can’t wait for Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin
Ohh… But it couldn’t be better than Suki’s kimono…. Could it?
I’m sure it won’t be better. But maybe as good 🙂
IF I had to purchase any (I’ve been good, ordering from the library), it would be Interrupting Chicken. Somehow that book really pleased me, Carrie. So sorry that this big “issue” isn’t solved for you, your colleagues, your family. Ugh! Thanks for the list, there are new ones there I didn’t know about!
Interrupting Chicken was gifted to my classroom library by a previous principal! LOVE this title and how it never fails to produce laughter. I am often asked to read this one aloud. Glad you saw some new to you titles!
Carrie, you had me scribbling titles to borrow at my library! And I’m going to get my hands on What do you do with an idea? (Love it on the cover alone), Suki’s Kimono and Hana Hashimoto! Thanks for the lovely recommendations 🙂
You are most welcome – as you see some won’t be released for a few months – but we can do some dreaming in the meantime! Suki’s Kimono is such a very beautiful book!
Carrie – I certainly want some of these when they come out and others I will need to find. I did just read an F&G of Marla frazee’s new one. It was different than I expected. I definitely want another look at it. And hope your strike ends soon and paychecks return.
Thanks Alyson. Hoping too. The paycheques are certainly essential but so is the teaching. I feel so out of sorts not knowing when I will be working with students again. I miss it a lot and even summer just doesn’t feel right.
Extraordinary Jane was written & illustrated by my teaching partner’s cousin. She’s quite talented and I’m SO excited to see her book is getting so much book chatter! Hana Hashimoto looks lovely. All the others on my “wish list” too! Have you seen Flight School by Lita Judge yet? It’s one of my 2014 favorites.
So sorry that this strike continues! Praying for your family during a difficult financial time and that the situation will be resolved quickly so the focus can return to students and learning!
What an exciting connection! This is such a lovely book. I am already thinking about my next picture book wish list and yes, Flight School is on it! Lita Judge is so talented. Thanks for the support re this job action. Trying to stay positive and really hoping to be back in September!
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Argh, I love and hate that you published this list. My wish list just got so much longer. Sending good thoughts your way.
Thanks Pernille. The amount of amazing picture books is quite astounding. Never ending supply! Thanks for the luck. We could use it.
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I’m going to be adding most of these to my wish list too! We have the bears in the boat book. I’m a sucker for bears so I just love this text. You will too!
So glad we have some shared picture book longing – so many beautiful titles out there!
Hi Carrie,
My name is Angeline and I work for Compendium, the publisher of What Do You Do With an Idea? I really enjoyed reading your blog. We would love to send you a copy of the book. If you’re interested please send me an email. I’ll make sure that a copy is sent your way!
best wishes, Angeline
Wow – you just made it truly Christmas in July! I sent you an email. Thank you Angeline!
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