Monday November 13th, 2017

Posted on November 13, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share at least one reading photo of the week. I love this one taken at 9:02 a.m. on our new reading bench my husband made for the classroom. Many students arrive and immediately find a spot in the room to read. This little space tucked next to the graphic novel shelf is a new favourite place.

Students continue researching insects for a science/poetry project we have been working on. I love listening in as they discover fascinating facts and share them with each other!

Our #classroombookaday titles allowed us to talk about war, peace and hope.

Classroom Highlights

My Monday posts now also contain some sharing from my week in the classroom.

Our class made this wreath for our Remembrance Day assembly. Poppies that didn’t fit on the wreath now wind up tiny bulletin boards between the windows.

I shared more about our discussions about peace and our reactions to our read aloud stories here: Sunday Reflections: Tuesday Crying

Some meaningful writing came out of our thinking about these #classroombookaday titles.

Math was all about getting organized as we record our counting by sequences.

This practice helped us to be more organized when we participated in counting collections activities on Friday.

Books I enjoyed:

Accident! by Andrea Tsurumi

This story is an absolute adventure. It’s all in the details and such details! Lola the armadillo spills orange liquid all over a white chair in a cart wheeling mishap. It is viewed as an absolute disaster! The end of the world! The end of everything! As she escapes her own mess, she runs into many other catastrophes. In the end, some important resolutions are explored. This title is bound to become a favourite for children of all ages.

The Prince and the Porker written by Peter Bently and illustrated by David Roberts

I really love this illustrator which is what drew me to picking this book up at my library. Such a fun version of The Prince and the Pauper. The rhyming text and food adventures will delight young readers/listeners.

Charlie & Mouse (Charlie & Mouse, #1) written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes

I am always thrilled when illustrated transitional chapter books are published that are really good. And this is really good. Sibling antics. Silly stories. Hilarious illustrations. Reading gold.

Charlie & Mouse & Grumpy (Charlie & Mouse, #2) written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Emily Hughes

I think I loved this title even more. Endearing and lovely.

Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King (A.S. King)

This is A.S. King’s first middle grade novel and as a super fan, let me say, I couldn’t be happier. This is the story of Obe, a boy who cares about the land he lives on and its history within his family. Watching the land his family once owned be developed is a devastating process and Obe finds some interesting ways to make meaning of his loss. Then he meets Marvin Gardens, a creature like nothing else that has ever existed. And . . . what a story. Would make an incredible classroom read aloud or book club selection for middle grade readers. Highly recommended.

Up next? I just picked up a stack of titles I had on hold at the public library. First one I will begin? Likely The Secret Sheriff of Sixth Grade by Jordan Sonnenblick

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 55/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 274/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 42 books behind schedule.

#MustReadin2017: 24/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 34/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2017: 39/50 books read

Monday January 23rd, 2017

Posted on January 22, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I have missed some Mondays getting back into the swing of school so I have a few photos to share.

Students were eager to check in with their reading goals and think about which genres they needed to read.

I loved reading their reflections.

When you finish a beloved series and the next book is not yet published.

Time to read everyday!

Reading to some Grade 2 students who came for a visit.

Eager audience.

Hurray for Mock Caldecott! Here are our winners.

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. It’s the best way to discover what to read next.

On the blog:

Our Mock Caldecott list for 2017

Joining in with the Nonfiction Picture Book 2017 challenge with Alyson Beecher

My Must Read in 2017 novels

I still have people sending me links to #MustReadin2017 lists Join us here

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Reflections 2017

Books I enjoyed:

I have decided to include briefer summaries/responses to the books I am sharing in order to buy more time to do more reading and more blogging. So the book love remains but it will be expressed in fewer words.

Fog Island by Tomi Ungerer

Mysterious and a little scary. Stunning illustrations.

Coyote Moon written by Maria Gianferrari and illustrations by Bagram Ibatoulline

I absolutely loved this nonfiction title about a mother coyote needing to feed her pups. Definitely reminds us how challenging survival can be.

Little Elliot’s Big Fun by Mike Curato

Friendship and fun. But sometimes big fun can be a little intimidating and we really need our friend.

Goodbye Summer, Hello Autumn by Kenard Pak

Just incredibly illustrated. An ideal seasons book full of so many sensations.

I am Not a Number written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer and illustrated by Gillian Newland

This will be a title I share with my students as we start to read about the residential school experience next month. Heartbreaking.

Everyone . . . by Christopher Silas Neal

Everyone feels all kinds of things. Simple with the power to soothe and remind us how similar we all are.

Ada’s Ideas by Fiona Robertson

LOVED this biography of Ada Lovelace. I learned so much.

Ada Twist, Scientist written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

This is my favourite in the series!

Saving Red by Sonya Sones

YA. A novel in verse. Many themes are covered. Mental health, homelessness, family. Really enjoyed this title.

The Serpent King by Jeff Zenter

YA. Easy to fall hard for the characters here.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 4/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 18/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 3 books behind schedule

#MustReadin2017: 2/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 6/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 2/50 books read

Up next? I am almost finished reading The Inquisitor’s Tale by Adam Gidwitz

Monday August 22nd, 2016

Posted on August 21, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. During the summer, these photos will be about getting my classroom library up and running for a room full of readers in September.

Here is my read aloud by theme collection nicely tucked into a cabinet.

Nonfiction? Yes! One area (still missing labels) sorted and ready for readers. Working on another area tomorrow.

This week, I started labelling spines by genre. Getting there literally one book at a time.

Books I enjoyed:

Pirasaurs written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Michael Slack

Huge kid appeal in this title. I featured it earlier this week here.

The Knowing Book written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich with illustrations by Matthew Cordell

When this book was first published, someone said it was my kind of book. It is most definitely my kind of book. Gently perfect. I think I need to own it.

A Beginner’s Guide To Bear Spotting by Michelle Robinson with illustrations by David Roberts

This is funny – funny while all the while worried about a child actually getting mauled by a bear – funny. Very interesting to use as a mentor text for writing – how are facts and humour woven throughout? Would love to read this aloud to a group of students.

Ooko by Esmé Shapiro

The perfect kind of quirky, charming story line and illustrations. Lots of humour. And a dose of what to look for in a friend advice. Pay close attention.

The Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman with illustrations by David Roberts

How had I missed reading this one? Love David Roberts’ illustrations here. .

This is NOT a Cat! by David Larochelle with illustrations by Mike Wohnoutka

This would be a very fun and loud read aloud experience with little listeners who would soon become active participants. Such fun!

Clara Humble and the Not so Super Powers by Anna Humphrey with illustrations by Lisa Cinar

This is the first book in a new series perfectly suited to readers Grade 3 and up. Clara Humble is convinced that she has super powers. More and more things happen that make it seem perfectly plausible. And if you have super powers, you really should use them . . . Right? This title has much young reader appeal: interesting comic drawings featuring @Cat (Clara’s very own comic strip), an honest, mistake making character full of creative plans and imaginative thinking and a plot full of action, adventure and friendship mishaps. Like many chapter book series for younger readers, this title is fast paced and funny but it doesn’t shy away from allowing the reader to experience some of Clara’s challenges and blunders and what she needs to do to make things right. I look forward to introducing this series to my new class this fall.

Nine, Ten: A September 11th Story by Nora Raleigh Baskin

Told from the perspective of four different young characters in the few days preceding September 11th, 2001, this novel weaves themes of human connection, vulnerabilities and emotions. Powerful, honest and important. Beautiful writing by Baskin.

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 34/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 231/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 20/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 32/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 29/50 books read

Up Next? I am reading The Land of Forgotten Girls by Erin Entrada Kelly

Monday May 30th, 2016

Posted on May 29, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week or two (or three . . . )

Book sharing circles were a big hit this week.

We perused numerous picture books from our collection.

And as always, buddy reading with the kindergarten class was a joy!

For our #classroombookaday, I pulled out some older favourites and the beloved Boy + Bot which got a lot of love!

It inspired some robot drawings.

We went on to paint our robots and cut them out. This week we will be designing robot landscapes.

On the blog:

It was a pleasure to share the progress my readers have made: Celebration: Readers Happened Here

For Nonfiction Picture book Wednesday: Tooth by Tooth

Slice of Life: What I Shouldn’t Say

Books I enjoyed:

Swatch: The Girl who Loved Color by Julia Denos

This book is all kinds of bright and beautiful. It begs to inspire – numerous rereads, art projects, poems. I want to walk outside and give every colour its own special name – like bravest green (which shoots up in March). Wouldn’t you like to be a colour collector?

Finding Wild written by Megan Wagner Lloyd and illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Again, a book to inspire. Where can you find wild? What is wild to you? Why do we need wild? How is wild beautiful and dangerous all at the same time. Just so full of wow.

Whose Story is this, Anyway? written by Mike Flaherty and illustrated by Oriol Vidal

Its hard to tell your own story when other characters keep happening by . . .

One student is convinced this book is made just for him and, well, could the author make some more like this soon please? You know with pirates and dinosaurs and aliens and all? Major kid appeal here!

Solomon and Mortimer by Catherine Rayner

Oh these cheeky, sneaky crocodiles. I read this book and was convinced that these characters are actually my students masquerading as crocodiles. This book is funny and charming and will be the first book I read aloud this week.

Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle

Oh Flora, you sure can move. And this time with not one, but two, dancing partners. Stunning all around!

Charlotte and the Quiet Place written by Deborah Sosin and illustrated by Sara Woolley

A book about needing and finding a quiet place and then recreating it despite the noise. Perfect for our mindfulness practice.

Happy Birthday Madame Chapeau written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

Rhyming text and pages and pages of creative, incredible hats!

Otters Love to Play written by Jonathan London and illustrated by Meilo So

I adored this title and learned a lot about otters. Baby river otters spend the year doing all things otters do, especially the thing they do best – play! Loved the pages about otters in the snow.

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar

This book transports the reader to a time and a place and a family and a story that you want to walk around in and sense every tiny sensation – the smells of the Mexican cooking, the sound of a lone bee buzzing in your ear, the vastness of a desert ranch, the tingling feeling of a story that is wrapped up in history and magic. I don’t always love magical realism but in this story, it worked. I wanted to believe all of it. And maybe I should . . .

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 20/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 158/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 17/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 23/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 19/50 books read

Up next? I am reading House Arrest by K.A. Holt

Picture Books that model perseverance

Posted on November 15, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Picture Book Month and I have picture books on my mind. I am beginning to think in lists. Often. It may be a syndrome. Picturebooklistitis? Something like that.

On Friday, I had some parent meetings in the a.m. It was lovely to talk about students who have demonstrated improvement in goal areas due to persistence, determination and creative approaches to problems. Heading home, after school, I started thinking about picture books on this theme of persistence.

What exactly was I thinking about? All of the synonyms for perseverance: persistence, tenacity, determination . . . But also being able to solve problems with creativity or a different/unique approach. A lot of it has to do with being able to focus but also being able to think outside of the box. Sometimes it is just about, simple but tough, hard work and diligence.

I think all of these picture books highlight a particular aspect of this theme and in their own way, model perseverance.

Twenty favourite titles:

These ten beauties:

And ten more:

Twenty picture book titles that model perseverance:

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

The Curious Garden by Peter Brown

Prudence Wants a Pet written by Cathleen Daly and illustrated by Stephen Michael King

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley

Papa’s Mechanical Fish written by Candace Fleming and illustrated by Boris Kulikov

If You Want to See a Whale written by Julie Fogliano and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Rosyln Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth by Marie-Louise Gay

Ice by Arthur Geisert

Flight School by Lita Judge

A House in the Woods by Inga Moore

The Mighty Lalouche written by Matthew Olshan and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires

A Home for Bird by Philip C. Stead

Oscar and Hoo written by Theo and illustrated by Michael Dudok De Wit

Queen of the Falls by Chris VanAllsburg

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

Ten Birds by Cybèle Young

In case you’ve missed them, I have been making more lists:

Picture Books that celebrate courage

Picture Books to make you giggle

Happy Picture Book Month!

As always, please share your favourite titles on this theme!

Monday May 12th, 2014

Posted on May 11, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Hoping all Moms had a lovely Mother’s Day yesterday! Here is one of the gorgeous bouquets that went home to Moms and Grandmas in my class:

My own children made me lovely cards. How well my son knows me! 🙂

I read a variety of picture books this week. Here are my favourites:

The Girl with the Brave Heart: A Tale from Tehran written by Rita Jahanforuz and illustrated by Vali Mintzi

Readers will notice similarities to well known folktales and fairytales. An important story that highlights how our true spirit shines through when we trust our heart. I imagine this story would be very popular in my classroom. Students love to learn from tales from around the world.

Baby Bear by Kadir Nelson

These illustrations are powerful – some pages almost overwhelming in their intensity. Baby Bear is lost and finds his way home through the wisdom of his fellow forest dwellers. Advice is soothing sometimes more than specifically helpful – “Hug a Tree” but Baby Bear manages to find his way.

Missuk’s Snow Geese written by Anne Renaud and illustrated by Genevieve Cote

A beautiful story of a little girl who wants to be a carver like her father. When he is lost in a storm, it turns out that Missuk’s creations helped bring him home.

A Packet of Seeds written by Deborah Hopkinson and illustrated by Bethanne Andersen

Historical fiction with much melancholy. A family travels west to settle in a new place and new home on the prairie. This book highlights the physical and mental courage and energy it took to be able to make a home in a new place. The promise of a flower garden and the memories the blossoms might evoke makes all of the difference for one Mom.

The Apple Orchard Riddle written by Margaret McNamara and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

A riddle weaves its way through this story all about a visit to an apple orchard. Much to learn and much to wonder.

Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney with Plan International

This book is a photographic thank you letter to Malala Yousafzai for her courage and her determination to speak up for the rights of girls to have an education. Both text and photos (of girls all over the world) are powerful. I highlighted how I shared it in my class in this post.

The Troll written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by David Roberts

I love David Roberts as an illustrator. This story is very amusing. It mixes some pirates up with the Troll from the Billy Goat’s Gruff story in very delightful and silly ways. Comical and creative.

Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

I started to smile on the first page and I was more delighted and amused with each page I turned. Beautifully odd and quirky. Rich images. I am of course convinced that I must own this book. I want to make my way through the pages time and again.

In other reading . . .

I am pages away from finishing Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

I adore being lost in the other worldly ways of this novel. Magical. Mystical. Mysterious.

Up next? I plan to start Nightingale’s Nest by Nikki Loftin

Reading Goal updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 36/100 novels complete

Goodeads Challenge: 239/650 books read

#MustReadin2014: 15/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 61/65 complete

Monday December 9th, 2013

Posted on December 8, 2013 by carriegelson

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! This is always my favourite way to discover what to read next.

Here are my favourite reads of the week:

Gracias Thanks written by Pat Mora and illustrated by John Parra

A dual language book written in Spanish and English. All about gratitude and celebrating all of the moments that make up a wonderful life. I plan to share this with my students before our Gratitude Circle this week. Each page shares a Gracias/Thanks:

For the ladybug that landed on my finger, a little red flying surprise, thanks.

At Our House written by Isabel Minhos Martins and illustrated by Madalena Matoso

A new math inspiring book that I just discovered at the bookstore this weekend. And of course, I had to buy it! A counting book for the older set. How many people in your household? You too can count along like this book – how many teeth, nails, tummies, bones, pieces of hair exist under one roof? Such fun and fully bright and colourful graphics on every page.

At our house we have 40 fingers, 10 thumbs, 50 toes and 20 claws . . . That makes 120 nails to clip every Sunday.

This book begs to become a math project! 🙂

Ook the Book and Other Silly Rhymes written by Lissa Rovetch and illustrated by Shannon McNeill

This title also followed me home from the bookstore this weekend. Perfect for my students as we work on rhymes during Word Work. These little poems are perfectly absurd as they highlight rhyming word families.

I am Id, Id the Kid.

Did you see what I just did?

I hid a Squid under old Sid.

Hello, my Name is Ruby by Phillip C Stead

Little Ruby travels the world introducing herself to the various birds she meets. Brave. Sweet. Determined to make new friends. Ruby is a treasure. A wonderful way to talk about birds around the world.

Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts

This title has a beautiful lesson – our creative risks are mere steps to success but the road may be long. The point is to never give up. My students shared thoughtful reviews here.

The Big Wet Balloon by Liniers

I am a huge fan of Toon Tales and admire the diversity represented in their titles and author/illustrators. This little story is based on the author’s own two daughters and is all about the wonder and play that can be experienced by embracing a rainy day. Puddle jumping at its most adorable.

King Pig by Nick Bland

Kind of odd but I like the message – treat others with kindness. Respect is earned not demanded.

Max and the Tag Along Moon by Floyd Cooper

A reassuring and sweet story of a little boy who watches for the moon on his long drive away from Granpa’s house.

Frog and Friends written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Josee Masse

Three short tales in a beginning chapter book series. Well written and engaging. A title early readers will truly enjoy. Delightful and sweet plot lines and interesting characters. So pleased to have discovered this series.

I also read #2 and #3 in the Frog and Friends series. I want to get all of them for my class! Just a lovely little early chapter book series.

I have been reading a holiday book every night to my children as part of a book advent experience. These are the favourites we shared this week:

Reality Boy by A.S. King

A.S. King writes gritty, raw plot lines and characters. No sugar. I imagine if I were a teen reading this, I would really feel like she had captured the voice of the age group better than most writers. This story was completely engrossing. How does a boy who had his very dysfunctional life highlighted on T.V. every week fare as he grows up? The dysfunction remains and now the results of “fame” compound the stress. I was surprised throughout. Both upsetting and wonderful. Characters to root for. I will read anything King writes.

Next up? I have started reading Matched by Ally Condie

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Posted on December 7, 2013 by carriegelson

Our BLG book this week was Rosie Revere, Engineer written by Andrea Beaty and illustrated by David Roberts. Thanks to Magnus, our BLG reader this week, for sharing this title with us!

There are many reasons to treasure this book. The illustrations are absolutely fantastic. Our hero is a heroine – little Rosie who has big dreams of building, inventing and creating. It inspires the question . . . what might you want to be when you grow up? And then there are the themes that we can never have too much of: perseverance, courage, creativity, invention . . . But best of all, it reminds us that on the path to everything there are failures and mistakes and that we can celebrate the effort as much as the success.

The cover reveals one of Rosie’s inventions – helium pants! The story itself is full of amusing and unique creations dreamed up and built by young Rosie.

The plot? It is hinted at in delightful ways through these student reviews:

Student reviewers respond:

Joeli rates this book 3/5 and writes: Why Rosie calls it a cheesecopter instead of a helicopter? Why did Rosie’s Great, Great, Great Auntie make fun of her when she fell? How is falling from a helicopter funny? Then her aunt told her the first might be a mistake but the second try, the better it is.

Kelvin rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like how she did not give up. I like how she is creative. How could she build a helicopter?

Soleen rates this book 5/5 and writes: I like the part when she tried to be an Engineer. She was really brave because she kept on helping. She helped her Aunt. Rosie build a cheesecopter to try and help her aunt. She didn’t give up. She will always love to invent.

Jerry rates this book 4/5 and writes: I liked when Rosie picked one of the old things from the garbage and she bring it home and she is gonna invent something good and new. But then her aunt said she built an airplane before when she was a pilot. Then Rosie thought of something that she want to be a pilot too. Rosie build a helicopter. She fly to the sky, then Rosie crashed down. Her Aunt laughed but she wasn’t really laughing.

Ava rates this book 5/5 and writes: My favourite part was when Rosie made a cheescopter to make her Aunt fly. There is a lesson in this book to believe in yourself. Rosie Revere was so brave to stand up for herself.

Kevin rates this book 5/5 and writes: I love that Rosie build engineer stuff so her Aunt can fly. I like that she used old stuff into new stuff and build an invention. She is a brave girl. I like when she build a cheesecopter. She is not a quitter. Rosie failed but she did not give up. She worked so hard to build a plane for her Aunt. She did a perfect job. She is a good builder.

Brian rates this book 3/5 and writes: Rosie never gave up. She made a really big cheesecopter. She builds really cool things. Rosie is really brave. The Great Aunt laughs at her.

Kassidy rates this book 4/5 and writes: Rosie was happy to be building stuff for other people. Her Aunt Rose was laughing but she did not care about that. She is shy and she still builds stuff. She helped her Aunt build stuff. She made pants to fly. Now she builds stuff with her Aunt. Her Aunt believes in her. Rosie did not believe in herself. But now she does.

Calvin rates this book 5/5 and writes: Rosie was nervous to share. But she was brave. She wanted to be an engineer. Her Gramma was proud.

Heman rates this book 4/5 and writes: My favourite part is when Rosie built a cheesecopter. I noticed that Rosie was shy. Rosie was sad when she failed and her cheesecopter broke. Rosie liked building stuff. I like the rhymes in this book. When I grow up, I will be an architect.

Steven rates this book 5/5 and writes: Rosie made a plane. She was sad because her plane broke. She is happy because she keep trying.

Monday June 24th, 2013

Posted on June 24, 2013 by carriegelson

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

Jack and the FlumFlum Tree

Posted on November 27, 2011 by carriegelson

BLG reader Deborah brought us a fabulous book to read together: Jack and the FlumFlum Tree written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by David Roberts.

How much do we love to read rhyming text together? A whole lot! Add in some quirky repetitive phrases like,

“Don’t get your knickers in a twist,” said Jack.

“Let’s have a look in the patchwork sack.”

and well, we know we have an energizing, engaging book to jump into!

Jack’s granny had great big purple spots (lots and lots). The diagnosis: the moozles! Oh no! But . . . there is a cure – the fruit that grows on the flumflum tree on the faraway Isle of Blowyernose! So Jack sets off with Rose and Stu and a patchwork sack full of an odd assortment of items (careful readers should pay attention to what is in the sack!) The journey to the Isle of Blowyernose is not an easy one. Circling sharks, a leaking boat, and Stu overboard are some obstacles that the crew must overcome. Those items in the sack are very handy and the three adventurers complete their mission successfully. Such a fun read aloud! Students were repeating reoccurring lines quickly and loved to guess which item from the sack the children might need to solve each problem. There is nothing like a room full of shrieks of “Ohhh!” and “Ahhh!” and children shouting out answers in unison. Verdict: This book is a winner! Perfect for buddy reading and sharing again and again!

Our student reviewers report:

Truman: I like the part when they sailed to Blowyernose and they blew their noses!

Khai: I really liked the illustrations because they were nice and bright!

This is a fabulous author/illustrator pair and we enjoyed another of their books – Tyrannosaurus Drip last spring with a BLG reader.

Julia Donaldson has a fantastic website to check out with information about all of her books. Exciting news?! Julia is the new Children’s Laureate. Read about her goals and passions here.

David Roberts is one of my very favourite illustrators. His website is wonderful to explore.