Monday December 12th, 2016

Posted on December 11, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I love finding readers perched everywhere during Reading Workshop time.

There was also some amazing art produced by my students this week. So many self-portraits were incredible. So I thought I would choose the one that belongs to that reader on the small stool above. I am in absolute awe of the artists in my room.

We have continued to explore themes for our #classroombookaday titles. This week we explored unexpected friendships and belonging.

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:

25 books: 2016 Picture Books to Gift this Season Is some picture book shopping on your list? #GiveBooks

Books I enjoyed:

The Big Snow by Jonathan Bean

Yes, waiting for the snow can feel endless but when the world is blanketed in white then . . . wow. This book captures exactly that.

Tell Me a Tattoo Story by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

While I still don’t love the idea of tattoos personally, this is sure a beautiful book of the many stories that make a life.

The Blobfish Book by Jessica Olien

Oh blobfish, 2016 seems to be your year in picture books! This is very amusing and informative.

Your Alien Returns by Tammi Sauer with illustrations by Goro Fujita

There are friends and there is home. Both have lots of appeal. A playdate that involves leaving the planet? Well, that is beyond exciting! But other places can make us feel literally like the other. Thankfully, our friends know how to make us feel at home. Home and away are both celebrated here in this sweet little story.

Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer by Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrated by Ekua Holmes

The illustrations here are incredible – I am hopeful that another picture book is in Homes’ future (looks like there is one in Spring 2017: Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets). This is an incredible picture book biography told through poetic and lyrical language. Fannie Lou Hamer’s life is captured here – her struggles, her triumphs and her many inspirations.

The Memory of Things by Gae Polisner

Just an incredible read. Beautiful writing. A story about loss and hope and connection. Like a spotlight shone on one family when the world seemed to shut down. Highly, highly recommended. Gae Polisner you are a wonder. This story of 9/11 is unforgettable.

The Girl who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

In so many ways absolutely beautiful – what a story! That fantasy and nature intertwined was probably my favourite aspect. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars was the idea of audience. Some themes seemed too dark for a middle grade audience. When I think of my Grade 4 & 5 class even as readers next year, I can only think of one child who would totally devour this on her own. That being said, I would have read it to my children when they were 10 or 11 and we would have loved the experience. The characters are wonderful – I adored Luna.

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 324/400 books read

Progress on challenge: 53 books behind! Can’t break that 50 mark!

#MustReadin2016: 22/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 44/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 47/50 books read

Up next? Reading Red: The True Story of Red Riding Hood by Liesl Shurtliff

Monday September 22nd, 2014

Posted on September 21, 2014 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. You are guaranteed to find something new to add to your list.

Before I get started on sharing a number of fantastic titles, have you heard our exciting news? The strike is OVER!!! I explain it here (there is even dancing) Possibly when you read this post, I will actually be inside my school! Full days begin Tuesday! Hurray!

The “best of the week” in picture books:

Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton

First, I have to rave about the colours in this book. Shades of blue like I have never seen done. And then some reds and fuschias – wow. But, this isn’t a book you would start by describing as beautiful (even though I just did . . . ) because first it is clever and amusing and wonderfully funny!

The Zoo Box written by Ariel Cohn and illustrated by Aron Nels Steinke

I had no idea that this book was a graphic style picture book until I opened it up. What a wonderful surprise! Shades of Jumanji fantasy with lots to explore more deeply. I don’t want to spoil anything. Go find yourself a copy and jump into the book! But, be careful, something might jump back out!

The Grudge Keeper written by Mara Rockliff and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

I had this title on one of my picture book wish lists that I made this summer when all of my book shopping was put on hold. The very generous Mara Rockliff sent me a copy! I already know that this will be a book I share with the students in the first few weeks back. I think I will not talk about it here now because I have the feeling I will be sharing more of this title with student reactions quite soon.

Volcano Rising written by Elizabeth Rusch and illustrated by Susan Swan

One of the very best, if not the best nonfiction picture book I have read on volcanoes. Two layers of text (one section with more details for those who want to read more information) and incredible illustrations. A title I am making sure we purchase for our school library.

Emily and the Mighty Om written by Sarah Lolley and illustrated by Sleepless Kao

Lots to love in this book with messages about slowing down, breathing deep and yoga poses.

Penguin and Pumpkin by Salina Yoon

The ending is my very favourite part of this book. So very sweet. I do love Penguin but my favourite tale is still the first: Penguin and Pinecone.

Fox and Squirrel Make a Friend by Ruth Ohi

I loved the first Fox and Squirrel title and I adore this one too. Wonderful friendship story but light and playful. Ideal for younger students.

Little You written by Richard Van Camp and illustrated by Julie Flett

The perfect baby gift for first time parents. Flett’s illustrations are so stunning and the spirit of this book is pure celebration.

Hostage Three by Nick Lake

This book was great. So gripping. Emotional. Intense and beautifully written. The characters were so raw and vulnerable which compounded the intensity. A highly recommended young adult read.

Next up? I am reading All the Truth That’s in Me by Julie Berry

A kind of yikes: I was 54 books behind on my Goodreads goal this a.m. Now I am 42 books behind. Many picture books today! Trying to get this down to zero – recording it here and making it public, will be motivation. Would have thought a strike would have given me more time to read, but it just kind of froze the world. Piles of books did not get read. After just this weekend, I feel my reading spirit returning.

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 62/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 427/650 books read (currently 42 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 20/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 107/65 complete

Picture Book Wish List: August 2014

Posted on August 7, 2014 by carriegelson

Well, it’s a new month. Teachers in B.C. still don’t have a contract. Not sure when a pay cheque with my name on it is ever coming my way again . . . Sigh.

So I am making another picture book wish list! (July’s version is here) It’s supposed to be helping me not want to buy books for my classroom. (It doesn’t!) It does help me stay convinced that picture books are one of the best things in life. They bring much joy. Joy that is multiplied with rereads. 🙂

So, this month’s picture book dreaming includes these ten titles (some not yet released)

Knock Knock My Dad’s Dream for Me written by Daniel Beaty with illustrations by Bryan Collier (December 2013)

Loss. Hope. Upset. Deep love. All in 32 beautiful pages. I can’t recover from this book. I think I need to own it. And read it to children and let their responses and observations work their magic.

Flight School by Lita Judge (April 2014)

Seriously, I can’t get over how adorable this little penguin is – the turned in toes, the aviator glasses, the multi-coloured feathers (would be wings). And that he claims he has the soul of an eagle? Melt.

The Grudge Keeper written by Mara Rockliff with illustrations by Eliza Wheeler (April 2014)

Work with seven, eight and nine year olds and you experience drama – small things can become big things quickly. We work to keep perspective. A book that allows us to think about holding on when we should be letting go, about forgiveness and the power of blame. Yes, please. One for us.

The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett (April 2014)

I am still in awe of just how brilliant The Boy and the Airplane was. Some say that they like this title more. And “well done wordless”? It is a weakness of mine . . .

Julia, Child written by Kyo Maclear with illustrations by Julie Morstad (July, 2014)

Read it. Loved it. Left it at the bookstore. Now I keep thinking about the potential as a read aloud. How it would inspire children to conjure up recipes and concoctions for helping adults stay true to what’s important. Can’t you just imagine? The writing. The list making. The art. Oh. Oh. I am so easily convinced.

My Teacher is a Monster (No, I am Not) by Peter Brown (July 2014)

September is around the corner. We all need some laughs. And oh how I adore Peter Brown!

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo (September 2014)

My Mom is one funky, energetic Nini (what my children started calling her and it stuck) who adores her grandchildren. I love stories with relationships that span the generations. I love the spunk of those a little wiser and more experienced and the adventures they can invite little ones to join. I also love every illustration by Lauren Castillo. Clearly, this book is meant for me.

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle (September 2014)

Because really – graceful penguins and Flora? We loved pink and flamingoes. Can’t wait for blues and a little ice.

Julia’s House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke (September 2014)

I just love how this sounds. Don’t you want to own a house by the sea and fill it with creatures when you need to spice up your world. Noisy, odd creatures? All the better!

A Perfectly Messed up Story by Patrick McDonnell (October 2014)

Well, first, Patrick McDonnell is brilliant. Second, we all need to embrace mess a little more. Stories – the writing, the reading and the telling don’t always go as planned. That’s the beauty of them, after all.

As I have said before, wish lists are a safe bet. They only become dangerous when we put them in our pocket. Which I am not going to do . . . Really.

What picture books are you dreaming about?

Monday October 21st, 2013

Posted on October 20, 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 reads! Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read!

I read many picture books this week. Unfortunately, many were just okay. Yet, many were wonderful. These picture books stood out:

Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

Just. Delightful. And then some!!! Oh, do I love this book! I love the quirky teacher – her style, her passion, her celebration of just about everything! I love Ralph’s avoidance strategies. I love Daisy’s ability to see a story in everything. I love that Ralph spends lots of time lying under his desk. And I love the story of the inchworm. Inspiring for little writers? Oh yeah! But also just such a warm representation of a primary classroom. Swoon.

The Crocodile who Didn’t Like Water by Gemma Merino

The illustrations in this story are absolutely charming. Meet a little crocodile that abhors water. He watches his siblings from afar and finally gets enough courage to dive in himself. Cured of his water phobia? Hardly. And it turns out there is a very good reason why not . .

Little Red Writing written by Joan Holub and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

I have seen much #booklove for this title so I will get this out in the open quickly: I, personally, did not love this book. I love Melissa Sweet’s illustrations as I always do. I find the storyline clever and full of possibilities for writing workshop activities. But . . . I worry that this title doesn’t have enough stand alone enjoyment factor as a picture book. Did I read it and feel transported? No. Did it make me laugh? No. Did it evoke emotions? No. Was it just a great story? Not sure. I’m reserving final judgement until I try it out on kids. There was enough to like that I am including it as a title I enjoyed but . . . jury is still out.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay up Late by Mo Willems

Not sure how I had yet to read this Pigeon title. Read part of it with a student in a reading conference this week and then nabbed it from her book box when recess started. As always, I am delighted by Willems’ ability to engage the reader to participate so actively in his stories. My students adore the Pigeon!

Toads on Toast written by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Colin Jack

I liked how Mamma Toad schemed to save her little toadlets from Fox and his cookbook full of toad recipes! In the end, we learn that a truly simple and delicious meal can truly save the day (and the toads)! Lots of humour and delightful illustrations.

Bear and Bee by Sergio Ruzzier

Some confusion. A worried bear. A clever bee. A made-to-be-friendship. Sweet and simple. Perfect for story time.

I also read two wonderful nonfiction picture books:

What does it Mean to be Present? by Rana DiOrio and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler

We practice mindfulness in our classroom (read more about the Mind Up curriculum here) so I am very excited to share this title with my students. It highlights with various daily examples what it really means to be present in the moment.

An Eye for Color: The Story of Josef Albers by Natasha Wing with art by Julia Breckenreid

I continue to be impressed with the variety of picture book biographies available to share in the classroom. This title had me stopping numerous times to carefully examine the images in the book. I learned many things about colour and can see this being a wonderful title to share with children of all ages.

Novels I read:

The Thing about Luck by Cynthia Kadohata

A quiet, introspective story about a 12 year old girl, her brother and her grandparents during a wheat harvesting season. Family dynamics are beyond believable and ring with all that is true about relationships that span generations and cultures. And wow did I learn a lot about the seasonal work of harvesters! True, the plot is not fast paced but can see this being a story that speaks to the inner voices of many preteens. A lovely book.

Girl, Stolen by April Henry

I have had a terrible cold all weekend and found this to be the perfect title to read while sick in bed. Certainly suspenseful but calm enough to put down when extra rest was needed. Still, I raced thorough this book in a day and enjoyed learning so much about being blind from the main character. Even though this is a YA title, I can see mature MG readers finding the text and story line easy to navigate and not too upsetting.

Next up from my very large TBR pile? Touch Blue by Cynthia Lord Very excited to begin this title! I also have a number of picture books and nonfiction titles I want to test out on my own children this week. I am finishing my first chapter book read aloud with my class (Marty McGuire Digs Worms by Kate Messner) and think I’m going to read them The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis by Barbara O’Connor next.

Monday April 29th, 2013

Posted on April 29, 2013 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

Join Jen and Kellee for their weekly meme and share all of your reading from picture books to young adult novels. The #IMWAYR community is always an amazing source of book ideas and inspiration!

I had a lot of fun with picture books this week. Here are my favourites:

A Girl and her Gator written by Sean Bryan and illustrated by Tom Murphy So what might happen really if you went through your day with a gator on your head? Well . . . this book makes it very clear! Written completely in quite sophisticated rhyme, this book is rather delightful!

Skunkdog written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Pierre Pratt I found the fact that this dog with such a very pronounced snout was absolutely lacking in the “sniff it out” department to be wonderfully ironic and silly. Skunkdog cannot smell. Smells just don’t impact him. And so when he tries to befriend a skunk who doesn’t hesitate to spray him repeatedly, he is not at all bothered. His owners, on the other hand, have a different opinion about his association with a skunk! Lots of tomato juice, held noses and questions about what it is to be lonely.

Me and Mr. Mah written by Andrea Spalding and illustrated by Janet Wilson This title was originally published in 1999 and while I had seen it often in our school library, I just finally pulled it off the shelf and read it. It turns out to have many elements that I love in a story – a wonderful intergenerational relationship between young Ian and his new neighbour Mr.Mah who teaches him, via gardening, about patience, holding memories close and new growth. Themes of divorce, moving and making friends.

The Worst Princess written by Anna Kemp and illustrated by Sara Ogilvie This book arrived home in my daughter’s backpack with an excited explanation that her Teacher Librarian had sent it on to me to read as she thought I might like it. Thank you to the wonderful Cheriee! Because like it I did! And how . . .

First of all, within the first few pages of reading this book aloud to my class, a spontaneous debate arose between the boys in my room. It sounded something like this:

E: “This is a girl book!”

K: “I have books about princesses and dragons at my house. I read them. I’m a boy.”

P: “There’s no such thing as a girl book. All books are for everyone.”

K: “Can you read the book now Ms. Gelson?”

After that debate settled itself (love when I just get to sit back and bear witness), we all settled into a charming story about a princess who was expecting much more from life once her Prince Charming finally arrived. And it certainly did not involve weary pouffy dresses and sitting around while her Prince had all of the adventures. One of my students summed this story up best:

“It started out and you thought it would be a Prince and Princess vs The Dragon story but it ended up being The Princess and the Dragon vs. The Prince and everyone else!”

One might describe this title as a modern Paperbag Princess in yellow hightops! My students certainly connected this book to the Munsch classic.

The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Well, simply summarized this story is about a thieving rat who gets his just desserts. My students wrote wonderful reviews that tell it much better than me. Please take a moment and enjoy 🙂

City Dog Country Frog written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Jon J Muth. I have actually read this title before but had yet to read it aloud to a class until this week. I confessed to my students that I had originally bypassed this book because of the cover. While I love frog books, I don’t adore dog books. But of course, this book is so so much more. I had originally (back in 2011) blogged:

“Something about the cover picture spoke dog to me and I kept missing the frog, even when I eyed the title I saw dog instead of frog. Finally, I looked a little closer and spotted the frog so perfectly plopped on the dog’s head and I pulled the book off the shelf. How could I have missed this? I was missing so much! Inside illustrations are mellow, gentle and ahh, what greens. Together with Willems’ simple text, pictures and words tell the tender story of friendship, the passage of time, young curiousity and calm wisdom. To make up for the months I haven’t been reading this book, I need to read it over and over and over again.”

So . . . I have been rereading this book over time and am now blogging about it again because it is truly special. One of my favourite book bloggers, Donna McKinnon from 32 Pages, seems to have felt something similar. A must read post from her about this wonderful title.

“I Have a Little Problem,” said the Bear written by Heinz Janisch and illustrated by Silke Leffler Sometimes, we might have a problem and everyone wants to help yet nobody truly slows down enough to listen clearly to exactly what the problem might be. This book is about exactly that – the challenges of really being heard.

Miss Maple’s Seeds written and illustrated by Eliza Wheeler There is something tender and sweet about the care that Miss Maple delivers to the seeds she collects. She nestles them in straw baskets and takes them soaring on the wind in floral “air balloons.” She reads them stories by firefly light and takes them dancing in rainstorms. Each image is magical and delightful and at the other end of this charming book, we are delivered – wiser about seeds and the seasons and content that Miss Maple is a special nature caretaker.

I was able to finish reading Requiem this week and then started and finished The Water Castle.

Requiem written by Lauren Oliver While I definitely enjoyed this final book in the Delirium trilogy, I wouldn’t rate it as highly as the first two books. Delirium absolutely captured me and I found Pandemonium to be fast paced and full of unexpected drama. This book was clearly meant to wrap things up, which, while on the one hand, I do appreciate, I felt that the whole book was geared towards an ending that was actually not as tightly woven as I was expecting. I did enjoy Hana’s story and everything going on for her inside Portland and on route to a matched marriage that seems scarier than the “on the run life” that Lena has. Maybe I just felt that this book needed more Lena. Still not sure. But – would definitely recommend reading the trilogy to fans of dystopian fantasy.

The Water Castle written by Megan Frazer Blakemore Thanks to a wonderful community of readers that I am connected with – I have heard many rave reviews of this middle grade title. And now I clearly see why . . . This is an excellent mix of mystery and adventure that would have wide appeal with middle grade readers. In fact, I have just placed it up high on the list as a possibility for my student book club. And, I want to read it aloud to my own children. This book has such wide kid appeal. It is one part science, one part mystery/adventure, one part fantasy/science fiction and one stabilizing part of family/friendship dynamics to make the unreal, part of the very real, world. There is so much I loved about this title – the relationships between the characters, the mystery that permeates everything, the fact that not everything is solved and yet, one isn’t left disappointed. And best of all, the myriad of stories that are woven together across time. Highly recommended.