Monday February 8th, 2016

Posted on February 7, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. Again, I have had a 2 week gap so I might have to share a few photos!

First, I always love to share our #classroombookaday Friday vote results (fewer voters this week as many children away ill)

#classroombookaday

I loved this photo of one of my students reading her book review to an adult visitor.

#IMWAYR

I also love this reading moment – picture walking a wordless book together.

IMWAYR

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:

A nonfiction post about our Mock Sibert group on Goodreads

Two Celebration posts Last week’s The Moments and this week’s Proud!

A Sunday Reflection post thinking about relationships in the classrooms: 6 hours x 5 days x 10 months

My very first Slice of Life post: Should Be

Books I enjoyed: (2 weeks worth so just my favourites)

Worm Loves Worm by J.J. Austrian and illustrated by Mike Curato

I think this picture book has shades of pure perfection within it. A spotlight on the ridiculous must be wedding planning that occurs when love should just prevail. And please note, this is love for love’s sake. Not love that fits in any cookie cutter mold. I adore this book. I see much raving in my future.

WormLoves Worm

Be a Friend by Salina Yoon

Well, I am absolutely smitten. This book speaks of friendship and individuality and acceptance and patience. I am kind of in love.

Be a Friend

I thought this in process picture drawn by my newly arrived from Saudi Arabia student was particularly meaningful after reading Salina’s Nerdy Book Club post

BE a FRiend

Many students drew and wrote about this title this week when we voted for our favourite picture book of the week.

Be a Friend

The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, & Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore by Vaunda Micheaux Nelson and illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

Well, well, well. A celebration of books, of voice, of change. Such a book.

The Book Itch

Funny Bones:Posada and his Day of the Dead Calveras by Duncan Tonatiuh

The 2016 Sibert medal. An incredible biography of an artist who spoke to and of the people of Mexico.

Funny Bones

Lickety-Split by Robert Heidbreder and illustrared by Dušan Petričić

Nonsense words can be ever so delightful.

Lickety-Split

What this Story needs is a Hush and a Shush by Emma J.Virján

These Pig in a Wig titles are must haves in a primary classroom. This one explores the necessity and challenges of bed time.

What this story needs is a hush and a shush

Sprout Helps Out by Rosie Winstead

Helping is not always a neat and tidy thing.

Sprout Helps Out

A Night Divided by Jennifer A. Nielsen

I read this aloud to my family and all of us were addicted. Absolutely engaging and fast paced. Highly recommended.

A Night Divided

Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

Wow. This book hits on so many themes: perseverance, coming of age, friendship, finding one’s place. All with a roller derby backdrop. Pretty spectacular.

Roller Girl

More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera

So, hmmm. I did really like this book. 4 stars and lots of thinking worth of liking. But, I didn’t like the main character all that much. I liked him less and less and less as the book went on. That doesn’t make a book not great for me but it leaves me unsettled. However, I loved many of the other characters. A lot. A LOT, a lot. This book rotates around some serious depression and in such a long title, I found it exhausting. Again, not a reason to not like a book. But I would say the reading experience is more unhappy than not if truth be told. Also, there are some wild kind of plot lines here. It all works but it is a journey. So in the end, would I highly recommend this title? Not so sure. Glad to have had the experience. Glad to put it down.

More Happy Than Not

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 6/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 38/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 5/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 11/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 6/50 books read

Up next? I am reading The Unlikely Hero of Room 13B by Teresa Toten

Monday January 25th, 2016

Posted on January 24, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I haven’t blogged for a while so I will share a few . . .

Here we are pointing to titles we would like to read after participating in a book sharing circle.

IMWAYR There's a Book for That

Buddy reading moments are amazing to capture.

IMWAYR There's a Book for That

This story is a special one. These two are taking turns reading aloud to each other. At the beginning of the year, one student read and one listened. Now they both have the skills to share in the oral reading together. A beautiful supportive reading experience that I was thrilled to capture.

IMWAYR There's a Book for That

On the blog:

I have been absent from this blog for just over a week (illness, busy, stuff . . . ) so just one post to share:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Whose Hands are these?

Books I enjoyed:

Rufus the Writer written by Elizabeth Bram and illustrated by Chuck Groenink

What a very special title. It’s all about stories and creativity so it’s an automatic wow. But, what I love most is that the stories are so accessible. They whisper to children, “You could do this too . . . come on, try!”

Rufus the Writer IMWAYR There's a Book for That

If I had a Million Onions by Sheree Fitch, with illustrations by Yayo

Fun, wonderful poetry! Fitch is a master of word play!

If I had a Million Onions

Dear Hot Dog by Mordicai Gerstein

I love both the illustrations and the poetry here. Poems that are ode to everyday things. Toothbrushes, drinking cups, the rain and of course hot dogs.

Dear Hot Dog

Sing a Season Song written by Jane Yolen with illustrations by Lisel Jane Ashlock

A gorgeous lyrical title about the seasons. The illustrations have a timeless feel – like they could have been lifted from a book of fine art.

Sing a Season Song

Fat Angie by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo

This book is “issue-y” What doesn’t it address? It hits almost everything. Self harm, dysfunctional relationships, bullying, grief, young romance, self-worth . . . I was a little bit irked by “teenage speak” because really, do people talk like that? Maybe . . . Thank god I’m old. But there were many powerful, heart wrenching pages which make it a title well worth reading.

Fat Angie by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 3/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 26/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 3/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 8/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 3/50 books read

Next up? I continue reading More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera and have almost finished reading A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen aloud to my family. We are all addicted! Just a few more chapters!

Monday January 11th, 2016

Posted on January 10, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This week, it was all about #MockCaldecott joy! Here are our winners! 3 honor ttiles and the medal went to The Bear Ate Your Sandwich!

Our #classroombookaday titles were gorgeous this week – all about the forest and animals in the woods Next week we will be reading a number of nonfiction titles about animals in winter. These books helped build our background knowledge and vocabulary.

On the blog:

Ready for a year of reading? I am with my Must Read novels of 2016

Would you like to make a list and join the community? Link up here: #MustReadin2016 So far there are 24 lists!

For my first Nonfiction Picture Book post of 2016, I shared some #MockSibert predictions

My Celebration post was all about our #MockCaldecott 2016 results

Books I enjoyed:

I am reading for the Cybils (nonfiction titles) and readjusting to being back at work (Anyone else finding this exhausting?) but I did manage to read some lovely books I would like to share.

Who’s that Knocking at My Door? by Reinhard Michl and Tilde Michels (1993)

A colleague lent this to me as she said it reminded her of Out of the Woods by Rebecca Bond – another interesting animal encounter with animals that typically aren’t near each other. This is a rhyming book and a work of fiction but if you can get your hands on it, it pairs wonderfully with Out of the Woods.

Beautiful Birds by Jean Roussen and E. Walker

A stunning, poetic ABC book by Flying Eye Books – a publisher I adore more and more. This title is simply stunning. A perfect gift for bird lovers.

Separate is Never Equal: Sylvia Mendez & Her Family’s Fight for Desegregation by Duncan Tonatiuh

I finally got my hands on a copy of this title and shared it with my family over dinner one evening. We talked for a long time about just the cover which I think is so striking. Such an important story about a family’s fight for their children’s equal education.

Tad and Dad by David Ezra Stein

A cheerful little title of parent/child attachment.

Her Mother’s Face by Roddy Doyle with illustrations by Freya Blackwood

Blackwood’s illustrations are the perfect complement to this story of trying to remember details of a mother who has passed away. Honest, real and important. Tells the story of a little girl who experiences sadness and grief as she grows from a child to an adult. While sad, it also offers hope and promise of healing.

Once Upon an Alphabet: Short Stories for All the Letters by Oliver Jeffers

Really? Really, how great is this?! An absolutely unique and amazing alphabet story book.

Sunny Side Up by Jennifer L Holm and Matthew Holm

I listened to all of the podcasts about this (The Yarn) over the summer and was eagerly anticipating finally reading this graphic novel. It did not disappoint. This book captures not just a time period that is meaningful to me but many things that I feel are brave in a novel (graphic or otherwise): intergenerational relationships, tough family dynamics, strong emotions, life that isn’t all pretty (in this case substance abuse issues).

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 2/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 12/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 2/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 2/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 3/50 books read

Next up? I continue reading More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera (so captivating) and am reading A Night Divided by Jennifer Nielsen aloud to my family. We are all addicted!

Monday January 4th, 2016

Posted on January 3, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. I haven’t been teaching for 2 weeks, so sharing from my house. This week I am sharing a photo of our Christmas book stack 🙂 Lots of reading in our house!

On the blog:

For #nfpb2015 I shared my 20 favourite nonfiction titles of 2015

Our #MustReadin2015 community shared year end update posts

Please note: If you want to share a #MustReadin2016 list, we will begin sharing lists (connect here) January 6th, 2016

My Celebration this week was all about Simplicity

On the eve of back to school, I made some wishes. Sunday Reflections: Wolves and Wild Wishes This post is inspired by the novel The Wolf Wilder (discussed more below)

Books I loved:

I read a lot of picture books this week, I am going to share just my favourites of the bunch.

Picture books:

One Word from Sophia by Jim Averbeck and Yasmeen Ismail

A superb lesson in persuasion and just the right words for the argument you are trying to make. Also a “Can I get a pet?” story with so much new and amusing. Loved this title.

Lizard from the Park by Mark Pett

I always find Pett’s illustrations very, very charming and this book is no exception. When you find an egg and vow to look after the hatchling, you just never know. Lots of fun!

Mother Bruce by Ryan T Higgins

Funny. Funny. Funny. I laughed out loud in the book store. My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. This is a serious charmer. The perfect combination of curmudgeonly and adorable characters.

Mother Bruce

The Dog that Nino Didn’t Have written by Edward van de Vendel and illustrated byAnton Van Hertbruggen

Something about this book. First of all, I would like to hang all of it on my walls. Each page. Blown up to huge proportions. And the story. . . It is a little out there. It is about lonely and longing and then having and adjusting. And then wondering. I loved it. In fact, I gifted it to myself. Couldn’t resist.

Dog that nino didn't have

The Princess and the Pony by Kate Beaton

I confess that I just never thought about picking this book up. I saw great reviews but it just didn’t speak to me. Finally, I found it at the library and started reading. It is quite wonderful and yes, I was missing out. I can see that this would have pretty fantastic read aloud appeal.

Frances Dean who Loved to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif

The illustrations are completely divine. The story, pretty cute.

Puffling Patrol by Ted and Betsy Lewin (2012)

I learned so much in this nonfiction text. Absolutely fascinating account of a the authors’ visit to a town in Iceland during 2008 to watch how a community helps young pufflings confused by the town’s lights make their way to the sea.

The Scraps Book: Notes from a Colorful Life by Lois Ehlert

Bold, full of colour. Such a fantastic autobiography!

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear written by Lindsay Mattick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

Such an interesting format. Really a lovely little book.

Finding Winnie

Novels:

The Wolf Wilder by Katherine Rundell

This book. This book. This book! I fall more and more in love with Rundell’s writing with each novel I read. Part adventure. Part fairy tale. Many parts brave and wonderful. Russia. Winter. Snow. Wolves. And beautiful, bold children. A must, must read!

Monday January 4th, 2016 The Wolf Wilder

Full Cicada Moon by Marilyn Hilton

A novel in verse. Highly recommended. What is life like when you don’t look like everyone else and your dreams and aspirations are “not what we do here”? This book, set in 1969 Vermont, is an incredible story of one young girl. Courageous, vulnerable, amazing.

Full Cicada Moon Monday January 4th, 2016

Final updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 71/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 471/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 18/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 95/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 52/50 books read COMPLETE!

A WONDERFUL reading year – even though all of my goals weren’t met, they sure were inspiring!

And 2016 Reading Goals begin:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 1/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 5/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 1/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 1/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 2/50 books read

Next up? I am reading More Happy than Not by Adam Silvera

Monday December 28th, 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. This is from my final week before the holiday break. One of my little readers is proudly sharing poems from her poem book with an intent listener.

We have almost chosen our winners for our Mock Caldecott. But, not quite. It will be the first thing we do when we return. Final voting and tabulating results.

It’s been two weeks since I posted an #IMWAYR post so this post includes two weeks of reading.

And since I last posted, I blogged. A lot.

On the blog:

One of my favourite ever Top Ten Tuesday posts: Favourite Read Aloud Experiences

I celebrated after a busy last week of work: (Brief) Ramblings and the Happiness Train

I made some best on the blog lists:

Best of my Book Lists (2015)

A Year of Thinking (2015)

Celebration: Literacy to Fill the Year (2015)

For #nfpb2015, a collection of nonfiction titles I have been reading

Which ten titles would you like to find under the tree? I had a list of picture books

As I do every year, I compiled a favourites list. This year it includes 9 picture books and 6 novels. Favourites of 2015

Books I loved:

Picture books:

Stella Brings the Family written by Miriam B. Schiffer and illustrated by Holly Clifton-Brown

An inclusive solution to inviting “someone special” to a special day party.

Winter is Coming written by Tony Johnston and illustrated by Jim LaMarche

I reserve a really huge place of awe in my picture book heart for illustrator Jim LaMarche. This book is absolutely stunning. Ode to a season. Honouring nature. Celebrating quiet and focus and wonder. I had to buy this book.

Wait by Antoinette Portis

The simplicity of stopping to “be” with all that is around us. So very lovely.

Marguerite’s Christmas written by India Desjardins and illustrated by Pascal Blanchet

This was the one holiday book I purchased this Christmas. The illustrations are from another time and place. The story is about Marguerite and her quiet life that shifts a little one Christmas Eve. Loved this book.

Novels:

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Twelve year old Grayson is navigating middle grade friendships, the grief of losing his parents and the fact that, while born male, he feels female. A school play and an inspiring teacher provide opportunities for risk, change and understanding. A solid middle grade read.

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki with illustrations by Jillian Tamaki

A YA graphic novel about summer places, family changes and all of the awkward and in between of sliding into adolescence.

This One Summer Monday December 28th, 2015 There's a Book for That

The True Blue Scouts of SugarMan Swamp by Kathy Appelt

I will admit I worried as I began to read this title. Appelt’s The Underneath was just too mythical/magical/spirtual for me. So at certain early on points, I worried. But the balance between Chap’s story and the racoon scouts, soon pulled me in to this beautiful tale.

Stella by Starlight by Sharon M. Draper

I loved everything about Stella – her courage, her determination, her devotion to family and her journey as a writer. A book about some hard and ugly things (racism and prejudice) with lots of beautiful people to bring us hope.

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Whoa. A start and don’t put down until done book. Dog as hero. Boy with the weight of the world. Honest truths are the hardest because we don’t often tell them. Beautifully told. Absolutely gripping.

The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

I love historical fiction when it is really well done – when the story is enhanced by a time and a setting that literally transports you. In this book, well done is left in the dust. This is excellent writing, an incredible story rich with complex characters living in challenging circumstances. This novel twists from the ugly cruelty of abuse to the powerful healing of connection. It offers up hope and courage mixed with lots of pain. One of the best novels I have read in some time.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 70/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 447/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 18/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 78/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 50/50 books read COMPLETE!

This is the final #IMWAYR posts of 2015. Happy New Year and Happy Reading to this wonderfully generous community of book lovers. Like many of you, I will miss the participation of the passionate reader, educator and blogger Debbie Alvarez (Styling Librarian) who passed away last week after a three year battle with cancer. Debbie was one of the first bloggers to welcome me when I dove into sharing my reading life in the blogging world. I learned much by sharing with her and I will miss our book conversations.

Monday December 14th, 2015

Posted on December 13, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. Often two. So why not three? Sometimes, the mood hits. Finally, finally, our Reading Workshop is consistently working! So I have to share!

Here are my students singing and reciting poems together at the end of Reading Workshop this week. Completely unexpected and spontaneous. A beautiful thing.

There's a Book for That

Book sharing circles are the best. 90 seconds. Two books. Pass them on. We have 3 circles at a time going on like this every Wednesday morning.

There's a Book for That Book Sharing Circles

And then we share our might be favourites.

There's a Book for That

We have continued to read #MockCaldecott titles for #classroombookaday

Mock Caldecott titles IMWAYR

On the blog:

Gift Books: 25 picture books to give this season

Gift Books 2015

Books I loved:

Bird by Beatriz Martin Vidal

This is a wordless wow and then some. Absolutely beautiful. I don’t even want to write anything to spoil the experience. This is a book to sit with and savour.

Bird

What Forest Knows written by George Ella Lyon and illustrated by August Hall

Ah. This book is meant for me. The forest is my favourite place. With lyrical language, with wanderings through season, travelling through trees, just beautiful. Captures the mysteries and the wonder of the forest.

What Forest Knows

The Goodbye Book by Todd Parr

Yes. This book. It hits everything about grief in the most true and genuine ways. Todd Parr, I am impressed.

The Goodbye Book

A Chicken Followed me Home! by Robin Page

Fantastic nonfiction title to explore the lifecycle of a chicken. Will be using in January with my class. Great for a primary classroom!

A Chicken Followed Me Home

I ~~Don’t~~ Like Snakes by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Luciano Lozano

So wonderfully clever! Numerous snake facts interspersed with the story of a little girl who wants you to know that she REALLY does not like snakes. Snakes are slithery, slimy, with eyes that hold you in a stare. Or is there more to these creatures? LOVE these illustrations by Lozano!

I Don't Like Snakes

Out of the Woods: A True Story of an Unforgettable Event by Rebecca Bond

Based on a true story, this title goes back to Ontario forests of 1914. It is a memory, a story. And what a story. How incredible to think about this experience where a fire caused humans and animals to connect in an incredibly quiet, necessary way. The illustrations here are stunning. I read this book just this weekend and placed it on my gift book list for 2015. It captures a powerful story in its 32 pages. History. Nostalgia. Amazing.

Out of the Woods

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner and illustrated by Mark Siegel

So, this is the best “how to” book ever. Enough said.

How to Read a Story

Job Wanted written by Teresa Bateman and illustrated by Chris Sheban

Absolutely charming. Persistence. Creativity. Diligence. You need to meet this dog.

Job Wanted

Winter’s Child written by Angela McAllister and illustrated by Grahame Baker Smith

This book arrived in my room via a guest reader. The children were fascinated by the fantastical storyline of Winter’s child preventing Spring from arriving because he wants to play with a human boy. Some gorgeous illustrations.

Winter's Child

The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

From the first line, I was hooked. This novel explores grief, loyalty, redemption and friendships. I loved Arthur. I loved his vulnerability, his mistakes, his raw emotions. This is a beautiful book with numerous surprises. Hope it begins to get lots of buzz. It is a book to seek out.

The Seventh Most Important Thing

Up next? My #MustReadin2015 list is calling and I have started with The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt in the attempt to get the last eight titles read before 2016 rolls in. Stranger things have happened . . .

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 63/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 424/415 books read COMPLETE!

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 74/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 48/50 books read

Monday December 7th, 2015

Posted on December 6, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week I have two.

First, this little reader who needed some help with new shoes. But, you see, he found a book he wanted to read and couldn’t help with the shoes because he HAD to read the book! Thankfully, Miriam also puts #booklove above all else and helped him out! 🙂 She tied laces and got to listen to silly poems!

IMWAYR There's a Book for That

And in honour of all of the Caldecott titles we have been reading, I have to share this photo of 3 girls taking in the amazing illustrations of past winners. This bookshelf has been very popular.

Celebration: Mock Caldecott moments

So exciting to enter into #MockCaldecott territory for #classroombookaday Lenny & Lucy was particularly charming in my room. The children adored it.

On the blog:

Cover Reveal: Dario and the Whale – to be released in March 2016

Celebration: Mock Caldecott Moments

Books I loved:

Toys Meet Snow written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

I have to confess I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book – just from the cover. But, oh how I was wrong. I loved the quiet magic of winter snow and exploration. And how incredible are the different perspectives shared by each character. I can see that this would have been a book my own children would have requested over and over when they were younger. A perfect book to gift.

Toys Meet Snow

What Floats in a Moat? written by Lynne Berry and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Silly. Full of science and what happens if . . . ? And Matthew Cordell! Such fun. Would love to read this aloud to kids! I actually giggled just reading it myself.

What Floats in a Moat

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold

Fly Guy in picture book form. It works!

A Pet for Fly Guy

Use Your Imagination by Nicola O’Byrne

Children love fairy tale twists and anytime the bad guy might get outsmarted. This book was a fun read aloud!

Use Your Imagination

Swan: The Life and Dance of Anna Pavlova written by Laurel Snyder and illustrated by Julie Morstad

So beautiful. The story, the illustrations, the inspiration. Wow.

swan the life and dance of anna pavlova

Green is A Chile Pepper: A Book of Colors written by Roseanne Greenfield Thing and illustrated by John Parra

This is a gorgeous book of colours. Colour, culture, family, traditions. Just wonderful.

Green is A Chile Pepper

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Isn’t it interesting how books read at certain times hit us in different ways? This book came to me just as I am in the middle of worry about a student I know. A student who told me that she wishes for more food. Food insecurity is always a reality for the children that I teach but sometimes I worry more than other times about particular children. A child should not be worried about hunger, about a home, about being able to stretch out on a bed. The existence of Crenshaw makes a lot of sense and, at the same time, none at all. Beautifully written by Applegate. I found this to be quite an emotional read.

Crenshaw

I am currently reading The Seventh Most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 62/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 412/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 71/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 48/50 books read

Monday November 30th, 2015

Posted on November 29, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week I have a wonderful moment from buddy reading – sisters – one in Grade 2 and one in kindergarten, totally engrossed in their book. Elephant and Piggie are early reading heroes!

There's a Book for That IMWAYR

We have been reading previous Caldecott titles in preparation for our Mock Caldecott this week. Students loved the whimsy of the hedges in Grandpa Green.

There's a Book for That IMWAYR

I am also celebrating this little moment.

This. Makes my heart melt It is desperately trying to say “I love Ms. Gelson.” It says so much more. pic.twitter.com/jTFQAMmqd3

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) November 28, 2015

On the blog:

I am about to begin Mock Caldecott with my class! Here are the 12 titles we will be considering. I am fantastically excited! Mock Caldecott 2016

An important celebration: Happy, happy, joy, joy for #celebratelu hosted by Ruth Ayres This post is about everything finally coming together for my class. It also represents some bigger things for me: knowing what the truth means and where my heart truly is. This isn’t in the post, but it is out there in my world.

Report cards are handed in tomorrow so I am hoping to be sharing lots of book love and other thoughts on the blog in weeks to come!

Books I loved:

Here’s a Little Poem collected by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters and illustrated by Polly Dunbar

Some of my very favourite poets. Polly Dunbar. This is heavenly. Made for younger listeners but perfect for my little readers embarking on their reading lives and looking for lots of repetition, delightful rhymes and comforting, familiar topics.

Here's a Little Poem

An Occupational ABC: Work by Kellen Hatanaka

Quirky, unexpected occupations featured here. Very cool graphics. Wonderful all around.

Work

The Thundermaker by Alan Syliboy

I was thrilled that Nimbus Publishing sent this title my way. My students are going to love this! I love the petroglyph inspired illustrations by Syliboy as he tells the tale of Little Thunder who will one day be the Thundermaker. Inspired by the Mi’kmaq legend of “The Stone Canoe”

The Thundermaker

Mayann’s Train Ride written by The Honourable Mayann Francis and illustrated by Tamara Thiebaux-Heikalo

Mayann’s family travels to New York City from Cape Breton. MAyann feels so very grown up with her new purse. When she loses it, she gains an opportunity to do some unexpected learning.

Mayann's Train Ride

At Night by Jonathan Bean

A Bean title I didn’t know. Soothing, nostalgic, gentle. Loved.

At Night

Oi Frog! by Kes Gray and Jim Field

I ordered this title after seeing Margie Myers-Culver tweet about it – in the U.S. it is called Frog on a Log. I got the UK version titled Oi Frog! Absolutely amusing – full of rhymes and silly. Perfect, perfect, perfect for my classroom. Thank you Margie!

Oi Frog!

How Many Legs? – another title by Kes Gray and Jim Field

Primary teachers – reach for this one for a wonderful math story and inspiration. How many legs do you have if you have . . .? So much fun!

How Many Legs?

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

I am not sure I have words for just how breathtaking I find this title. It is a book lover’s dream. Seriously. Stop dead illustrations. Of course, I had to own this one. And ahem, you should too . . .

The Whisper

With report card writing, I didn’t get to finish any novels – so hoping for a few over this week. I am currently reading Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 399/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 70/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 47/50 books read

Monday November 23rd, 2015

Posted on November 22, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. I love this scene from buddy reading. Notice how the little K is leaning right in with my Grade 3 student learning about sharks. I adore this photo as it captures so much.

There's a book for That

On the blog:

Yes, I have been blogging! 🙂

In honour of Picture Book Month: Twenty Books that Capture the Essence of Childhood

For #nfpb2015 Nonfiction on my radar: Winter 2015

My #celebratelu post this week honours the progress and positive in my classroom: Celebration: What’s Working

Books I loved:

There are quite a few because I did some picture book therapy. Anyone else do this? Often? I have a feeling I am not the only one who has figured this out!

I highly recommend “Stand in a bookstore, read some picture books, giggle, take some home” therapy #workseverytime

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) November 22, 2015

I made some great progress on my nonfiction reading:

Toad Weather written by Sandra Markle and illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez

This book is FANTASTIC! I love much about it – starting with those wonderful polka dot boots on the cover! This is a fictionalized account of an actual toad crossing that really, truly happens every year in Pennsylvania. Markle shares a beautiful story about this pretty amazing natural phenomenon and the way that people become part of the story (in a good way thankfully!) But, this story has some rich messages beyond a fascinating story. I love that it reminds us to notice and experience the natural world no matter what the weather, no matter what our mood.

Toad Weather

Drum Dream Girl: How One Girl’s Courage Changed Music written by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López

Gorgeous. Inspiring. Seriously, these colours. I loved everything about this book!

Drum Girl Dreaming

Flowers are Calling written by Rita Gray and illustrations by Kenard Pak

I particularly loved Pak’s illustrations here. Learn all about the colours, shapes and unique aspects to flowers and just who interacts with them (and why and how).

Flowers are Calling

And I read some incredible picture books:

Please, Open this Book! written by Adam Lehrhaupt and illustrated by Matthew Forsythe

This is one of the most clever follow up titles ever. First read and appreciate Warning: Do not Open this Book! You could just read it on your own, but I recommend experiencing it as a read aloud with a group of eager listeners. And then, comes this one. I giggled multiple times at the bookstore and of course, brought it home with me. Cannot wait to share all of its amusing and interactive pages with my class tomorrow. Love the mushy yellow banana.

Please, Open this Book!

Little Miss, Big Sis written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Sometimes becoming an older sibling is eagerly anticipated and quite a beloved experience. This title captures just that.

Little Miss, Big Sis

Where are my Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

An entertaining reading message. Favourite books are amazing. And everyone (everyone!) needs picture books!

Where are my Books?

Something Extraordinary by Ben Clanton

Okay, this is a book I love. It speaks to wild wishes, big possibility and the amazing of the simple and natural. Love, love, love.

Something Extraordinary

Dear Yeti by James Kwan

Charming and adventurous. Two explorers set out in search of a yeti. told through a series of letters. Great mentor text for writing.

Dear Yeti

Little Elliot, Big Family by Mike Curato

These Little Elliot titles seem like they should be just too sweet and not quite work. But instead, they are absolutely sweet and completely capture the reader. No overly sugary after taste. Just big breath, full heart moments. Well done Mike Curato, you have something amazing figured out.

Little Elliot, Big Family

Miss Hazletine’s Home for Shy and Fearful Cats written by Alicia Potter and illustrated by Birgitta Sif

For the cat fan. For the extra timid. For the reader who appreciates inspired courage and stepping out of your comfort zone. Delightfully quirky.

Miss Hazletine's Home for Shy and Fearful Cats

And the amazing YA novel . . . Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

I am such an absolute fan of Schmidt. He regularly knocks me over while at the same time offering up such grounded, beautiful stories. This was an early morning read and cry book. I finished it all at once because how could I possibly put it down? Beautiful. Hopeful. Heartbreaking. A reminder that we all need each other and that family is about who is in your corner.

Orbiting Jupiter

Up next? I continue reading MosquitoLand by David Arnold because other reading ended up calling to me. Happy to be back into this title.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 61/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 390/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 70/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 45/50 books read

Monday November 16th, 2015

Posted on November 15, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week.

This week I have two. Both are all about reading engagement. These moments are everything when you are trying to grow readers.

I had to tweet about this book love shared above

The best book in the room is any book that is read 4 times in an afternoon by one happy reader pic.twitter.com/yCjfewp3ly

— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) November 10, 2015

We read some fantastic titles this week for #classroombookaday. Enemy Pie was well loved. We are reading lots of books on relationships and friendships. My students have requested it. Next week we will begin to read previous Caldecott honor and medal winners in anticipation of our Mock Caldecott in December.

I also loved how one little reader chose the simple but powerful Say Hello.

Here I am again on Monday! And I shared for #nfpb2015 on Wednesday! Getting back into the blogging groove has been wonderful!

On the blog:

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday: Counting Lions

Books I loved this week:

Fall Leaves written by Loretta Holland and illustrated by Elly MacKay

This is a wonderful nonfiction title about what happens all around us when it is fall. Stunning illustrations perfect for this title by Elly MacKay. Lots to inspire learning and questions with primary students.

Shadow Chasers by Elly MacKay

Again, these illustrations are incredible. I loved the premise of this title more than its execution.

Counting Lions: Portraits from the Wild is written by Katie Cotton and illustrated by Stephen Walton. Virginia McKenna (from the Born Free Foundation) writes the forward

I shared this gorgeous book in my nonfiction post this week – see the link above. Perfect for a discussion about endangered animals and shrinking habitats.

The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage written by Selina Alko and illustrated by Sean Qualls and Selina Alko

I read this aloud at dinner tonight with my family and it prompted a lot of discussion about laws that have over time and in different countries prohibited marriage for various reasons. We loved the collaborative illustrations and the author’s note in the back which made us a little teary. Such an important read.

Poppy’s Best Paper written by Susan Eaddy and illustrated by Rosalinde Bennet

This was a suggestion from one of my favourite booksellers at Vancouver Kidsbooks. The perfect book to talk about Writing Workshop. Also perfect to explore friendships, peer relationships, jealousy, doing our best, etc. So many great themes.