Monday August 7th, 2017

Posted on August 6, 2017 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week.

This week, I would like to instead share an article. I had the honour of sharing a student’s story – first with author/illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo and then with writer Alexandra Alter about Suzanne’s incredible book My Beautiful Birds. Alexandra included this story in her New York Times article:

Children’s Authors Take on the Refugee Crisis

It was an unforgettable experience to organize a Skype with Alexandra and Nour and listen as Nour told her story. It will be something that I think about forever – the resilience and hope and love in this young girl’s voice as she talked about everything that she’s lost and found.

I am sharing this here with the #IMWAYR community because I know all of you know the power of books to change lives. This book told Nour’s story and gave her truth voice and audience. So powerful.

If you haven’t yet read this book – buy it! It’s a must have for our school and classroom libraries.

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:

Summer Maintenance in the Classroom Library. Step 2: Weed

This is the second in a series of posts about working in the classroom library over the summer break.

Books I enjoyed:

I had a bookstore visit and read a lot of picture books and nonfiction titles this week. Some even followed me home. Surprise, surprise!

Some of my favourites:

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken

This title is an incredible celebration of looking at “mistakes” as opportunities instead of something purely negative and wrong. A creative and inspiring journey. Such an important title to share in our classrooms.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist written by Jess Keating and illustrated by Marta Álvarez Miguéns

Eugenie Clark is some kind of incredible! A scientist. A risk taker. A creative thinker that allowed the world to look at sharks through a different lens. Jess Keating shares Eugenie’s story to honour and celebrate curiosity and perseverance. Lots of additional information in the back pages including a detailed time line of Clark’s life and accomplishments. Gorgeous end pages too!

Teacup written by Rebecca Young and illustrated by Matt Ottley

This is a somewhat haunting and extremely beautiful story about a boy who must leave his homeland in a boat clutching a teacup full of soil The ocean journey brings peace, drama and unexpected surprises as he sails in search of a new home.

Samson in the Snow by Philip C. Stead

Gentle and sweet. A book about compassion and care.

Owl Bat Bat Owl by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick

A lovely little wordless title with lots of room for talk and questions. What is community? Who should we care about? What matters?

Jabari Jumps by Gaia Cornwall

A completely endearing title about one little boy’s route to being brave. Loved.

A Squiggly Story written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Mike Lowery

Perfect for writer’s workshop. Clearly sends the message that all writing is story telling – marks on the page, drawings, words (regardless of spelling). I I were a K or Grade 1 teacher, I would be snapping this one up. As a Grade 3 teacher, I am also pretty tempted.

Rulers of the Playground by Joseph Kuefler

Power plays on the playground have lots of dynamics. Creatively explored in this little gem.

This Beautiful Day written by Richard Jackson with illustrations by Suzy Lee

This beautiful book. Wow is Suzy Lee talented! A celebration of rainy days and optimistic attitudes. Lovely all around.

If Found Please Return to Elise Gravel by Elise Gravel

So I am calling this a favourite, fought over classroom book for 2017/2018. And I KNOW I am going to be right. This book will be inspiring some funky sketchbooks in my students’ futures. Again, guaranteed.

Clayton Byrd Goes Underground by Rita Williams-Garcia

So I kind of love everything about Clayton Byrd. And Williams-Garcia, whoa, can this woman write! A must read middle grade title.

Alvin Ho (Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things) by Lenore Look with illustrations by LeUyen Pham

I was pretty thrilled to find this title as I think it will be my first classroom read aloud in the fall. A lot of things in the world frighten and overwhelm Alvin including speaking out loud at school. So wonderfully portrayed in a humorous, relatable way by Look. I am buying the series!

Patina by Jason Reynolds

I share all of my book love for this title (released later this month) here.

Reading Progress updates:

2017 Chapter Book Challenge: 43/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 185/365 books read

Progress on challenge: 32 books behind schedule (ten better than last week!)

#MustReadin2017: 18/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 25/50 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 31/50 books read

Up next? I am reading The Someday Birds by Sally J. Pla

Monday July 11th, 2016

Posted on July 10, 2016 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Each week I share a reading photo of the week. These were taken during our last week together in June. And these mark the last photos I will take at the school I have taught at for so very long. A little bittersweet.

Reading Elephant and Piggie and giggling along with Piggie and Gerald

Revisiting Dog and Bear stories during buddy reading.

On the Blog:

I have been moving: packing, befriending boxes, making messes and thinking of what’s next. So blogging continues to be only here and there but I did manage two Celebration posts in the last few weeks.

Celebration: Readying the room for students

Celebration: Moved!

Books I enjoyed:

You are One by Sara O’Leary with illustrations by Karen Klassen

Simple and sweet in a lovely not over the top way. The text captures the essence of being one – wow, a lot happens in a little one’s first year. Klassen treats us to images that breathe additional mood and joy into these snippets of this 12 month stage. Babies are beautiful, many ethnicities are captured. Would make a beautiful keepsake gift.

Ideas are All Around by Philip C. Stead

Every encounter and observation on a simple walk triggers thinking and memories and leads to stories. An ideal mentor text for idea generating.

Teachers Rock! by Todd Parr

I was gifted this at our final assembly in June and will happily include it in my Todd Parr collection. Bright, amusing and full of celebrations of the teacher/student connection.

This Journal Belongs to Ratchet by Nancy J. Cavanaugh

Ratchet has mechanical talents I know I will never have. Ever. Very wonderful to see in a female character. A story about finding many things – friends, identity, family connection and reasons to be committed. An impressive debut novel.

Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

Oh, these characters. DiCamillo’s characters absolutely charm me every time. There is sadness here but it’s life sadness and the learning and the revelations in these characters makes this such a rich MG read.

Reading Progress updates:

2016 Chapter Book Challenge: 24/75 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 179/400 books read

#MustReadin2016: 20/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 26/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2016: 21/50 books read

Up next? I am reading Upside Down in the Middle of Nowhere by Julie T. Lamana

Favourites of 2015

Posted on December 27, 2015 by carriegelson

Oh, this list. 15 of my favourite fiction titles. I started putting this together in early December and have changed it numerous times. Reading new books shifted things. Revisiting favourites and loving them even more shifted things. I was switching books on and off until moments before I hit publish.

The 15 books that made the final cut? They spoke to my heart. Sometimes happy. Sometimes hopeful. Sometimes with sorrow. But they all spoke deeply.

15 books and no more than 15 words of raving. This was my challenge last year with my Favourites of 2014 (14 books, 14 words) In 2013, it was Favourites of 2013 (13 books, 13 words) and in 2012 (12 books, 12 words) with my 2012 Favourites. Each year, I get one more book and one more word to play with!

These picture books are both beautiful and in need of many rereads. I love each of them more each time I read them and read to children? Well . . . they certainly do their picture book magic thing.

Lenny & Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Moody. Measured. Heavy but secure. Vulnerable but playful. Oh, this book.

My Pen by Christopher Myers

Celebrating the creativity on the page and endless possibility.

The Skunk written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

Quirky. Charming. This title sings to my philosophical heart.

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes

Lush and moody. Sweet and hopeful. Every shade of green gorgeous.

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

A wise nana. A regular bus ride. The importance of neighbourhood and noticing.

The Bear Report by Thyra Heder

Beautiful, playful and imaginative illustrations. Olafur is a transformative Arctic tour guide.

Boats for Papa by Jessixa Bagley

Missing and connecting. Believing and making it so. Lots of love here.

Special Delivery written by Phllip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

A big heart. A big elephant. A big journey. Large doses of joy.

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Sadie is enchanting. She embraces life – both the real and the imagined parts with gusto.

These six titles are my most favourite of many truly fantastic titles I read this year. Something about the characters in these books made them unforgettable.

Wish Girl by Nikki Loftin

The magic suggested in the story floats off the page and whispers quietly, “Immerse yourself.”

Listen, Slowly by Thanhhà Lai

The pull of home, the strength of family, the importance of culture: all rich & complex.

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Family is about who is in your corner. Beautiful. Hopeful. Heartbreaking.

The War That Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

This novel twists from the ugly cruelty of abuse to the powerful healing of connection.

The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart

Dog as hero. Boy with the weight of the world. Honest truths are the hardest.

The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

So much grief and challenge but the humanity shines bright.

Please share your own favourites of the year . . .

Wishing everyone a 2016 full of new favourites and lots of reading!

Mock Caldecott 2016

Posted on November 23, 2015 by carriegelson

Oh this process is a tricky one – deciding on the most beautiful of the beautiful. This year I am sharing twelve titles with my students. But if I could include Canadian illustrators, I would have fifteen titles here. Check out the bottom of the post for books from Canadian illustrators that I would love to include.

I LOVED this experience last year. Read about Mock Caldecott 2015 here and here.

This year I am extremely excited to go through this process again with my new class. I will use the same 3 questions I used with my grade 3/4 class but I have simplified the language a little bit to be more appropriate for this group of Grade 2/3 students.. Students answer each question for each book with a rating of 1 – 5,

This book is a book kids will really like. 1 2 3 4 5

The illustrations in this book are excellent. 1 2 3 4 5

The illustrations are a great fit for the story. 1 2 3 4 5

Here are the twelve titles on our Mock Caldecott 2016 list. Listed alphabetically by illustrator (as they would be shelved on last year’s Caldecott Honor artist Lauren Castillo‘s picture book shelves 🙂 )

Water is Water: A Book About the Water Cycle written by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin

Special Delivery written by Phllip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein

The Skunk written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Patrick McDonnell

Float by Daniel Miyares

My Pen by Christopher Myers

Wolfie the Bunnie written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah Ohora

Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah written by Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrated by Sean Qualls

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach

Lenny and Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski

These Canadian OMG titles are not to be missed when we are doing illustration swooning of the best of the best kind. Unfortunately, these are not eligible for the Caldecott medal.

Ask Me written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee

This is Sadie written by Sara O’Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

Which titles would you include for Mock Caldecott 2016?

Monday November 9th, 2015

Posted on November 8, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This week because it has been a while, I have more than one. And not all are reading related but humour me please, I am in a sharing mood 🙂

First – I invite you to enjoy our mural homage to “Shh! We have a plan.” by Chris Haughton. Mini trees and birds by my class. Mural design courtesy of my husband. .

We read some fantastic titles during the week before Halloween for #classroombookaday. Bone Dog squeaked in with the most love.

This art has nothing to do with any book but I just had to share – the colour, the light, the vibrancy and the joy . . . .

And finally my favourite “reading photo” of the week is all about the giggles. Happy, happy, happy.

I am committed to a return to my blog and a sharing of my reading and teaching life.

I credit Marla Frazee for this as I shared in this post: Sunday Reflections: Honest Truths, Metaphorical whales and the “in between” place

Also on my blog:

Wrapped up in shades of black and grey (in honour of Picture Book Month)

I haven’t shared a Monday post in two weeks so I have a number of titles that I am excited to highlight here!

Lenny and Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Oh my, my, my, my. And, well, wow. You might have noticed I am slightly speechless over this one. It is moody. Lonely. Emotional. Sweet. Lovely. Sigh. Of course, I had to buy it.

Shoe Dog by Megan Mcdonald

I don’t have a dog. I am not that attached to my shoes. But still – if I had a dog and if it chewed up all of my shoes, well, I am not so sure . . . This is book is about some serious pet love. And patience. And it is pretty darn cute.

A Dance Like Starlight: One Ballerina’s Dream written by Kristy Dempsey and illustrated by Floyd Cooper

Gorgeous and inspiring historical fiction. A must read.

The Color Monster by Anna Llenas

A pop up title that is all kinds of amazing. The perfect book to pair with My Blue is Happy and to break out the coloured pencils and start some really wonderful conversations.

The Hueys in None the Number by Oliver Jeffers

A Hueys tour of counting and numbers and the concept of zero. Quirky and wonderfully odd.

Mouse’s First Night at Moonlight School by Simon Puttock and Ali Pye

Shy little Mouse is always somewhere but where? Endearing.

Katie Woo No More Teasing written by Fran Amnushkin and illustrated by Tammie Lyon

I bought five of these Katie Woo titles the other day. Ideal additions to my early readers collection.

The Story of Diva and Flea written by Mo Willems and illustrated by Tony DiTerlizzi

Yep, all kinds of charming. A seriously winning author/illustrator combination. Paris! Incredible characters. Lots to love here in this illustrated chapter book. Would make a perfect read aloud in a primary classroom.

I’ll Be There by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Fast paced, impossible to put down.

Just Call My Name by Holly Goldberg Sloan

And then there was a sequel. I had a Goldberg Sloan marathon. If you are in a reading slump, these YA novels are the perfect books to pick up. Personally I was looking for serious escapism and these dramatic stories and wonderful writing fit the bill perfectly!

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 59/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 363/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 16/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 64/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 43/50 books read

Up next? I am reading to escape so The Husband’s Secret by Lianne Moriarty is an ideal story. When do I ever ever read adult fiction? Usually never. It is wonderfully ridiculous and like zone out T.V. Perfect.

Picture Book Wishlist: July 2015

Posted on July 17, 2015 by carriegelson

Summer time is a lovely time for picture book dreaming. Don’t you think?

Last year at this time, book shopping was not a possibility for me due to a very lengthy teacher’s strike here in B.C. I am now happily back into my book purchasing groove but even us book lovers must prioritize. Unfortunately, I don’t have access to unlimited book buying funds.

Yet, these titles are calling to me! So I thought I would celebrate them in a list. Hopefully, these books will be able to make it into my classroom collection because I can’t wait to share them with students.

Shared by publication date:

Float by Daniel Miyares (June 2015)

Wordless and wonderful. Themes of discovery, persistence, problem solving and creative thinking. And simply beautiful. I would love to add this title to my wordless book collection.

The Night World by Mordicai Gerstein (June 2015)

This is truly brilliant. A dark, usually known world, is busy and alive when it is explored at night. Slowly, morning happens. And wow, does it happen beautifully. All about the magic of light.

To the Sea by Cale Atkinson (June 2015)

Teachers are always looking for amazing books that explore all there is to explore about friendship. Everywhere I turn there is book love for this title. I can’t wait to find it.

First Grade Dropout written by Audrey Vernick and illustrated by Matthew Cordell (July 2015)

I have read some wonderful reviews of this title (here and here) that have convinced me that this book needs to be in my collection. Intense emotions, Humiliation. Moving forward. Compassion and community. All of these are themes to explore in a primary classroom.

Ask Me written by Bernard Waber and illustrated by Suzy Lee (July 2015)

I read this beautiful review of this title on the blog What to Read to your Kids and I knew I had to own it. I too am a fan of Waber and Lee but I am completely smitten with stories that portray little moments of family relationship.

The Little Gardener by Emily Hughes (August 2015)

When I first read Emily Hughes‘ Wild (a library copy) aloud to my class, I admitted that I really loved the book and wished I had a copy for our classroom. One child remarked: “You really should buy it. Otherwise, you might go a little crazy.” Wise words 🙂 Wild is now a beloved book that I own. The pages I have peeked at on various blogs make it very obvious that I must also bring The Little Gardener into my collection.

The Tea Party in the Woods by Akiko Miyakoshi (August 2015)

I love fairytales and stories with nuances of fairytale elements. But . . . I am very particular. I find that I either love these titles or I find them barely mediocre. My students are always asking me to purchase more fairy tale stories for our collection and I want to find them the best. From the reviews I have read, this will be a title I will happily add to our growing collection.

Leo a Ghost Story written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson (August 2015)

I love the whole idea of this book. We don’t often meet ghosts in picture books. But many children believe they are out there. I love books that celebrate imagination and big believing. And also – Mac Barnett! Christian Robinson! No need to say more.

Lenny & Lucy written by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead (October 2015)

I think Erin Stead is one of the most talented illustrators out there. Off the charts, can’t quite believe it, oh my, oh my, talented. When the brilliant Stead duo do their thing, I need to own the book. It’s that simple.

Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler (October 2015)

I am hearing lovely book buzz about this title. Reviews contain words like imagination, curiosity, magic . . . Sounds delightful!

What picture books are you dreaming of?

Monday March 16th, 2015

Posted on March 16, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. Because I am on Spring Break and have no student photos to share, I will share a photo of part of my reading stack at the Seattle Public Library Saturday afternoon. We just returned from six days in Seattle – and spent lots of time with books – at the library, at book stores and at cafes with novels in hand. Happy, happy, happy.

I worked very hard to limit the picture books I want to share here to ten. And then I couldn’t. So there are eleven. All of these are fantastic. I will limit my comments though so that this post is not endless 🙂

In by Nikki McClure

So, well, McClure is insanely talented. I look at the images in her picture books and just shake my head in awe. This book was full of childhood passion and perseverance. Reminded me of some of the lovely long days when my children were younger.

Special Delivery written by Phllip C. Stead and illustrated by Matthew Cordell

Oh my goodness. How exactly does one send an elephant to a Great Aunt named Josephine? We absolutely need this picture book to help us wonder. Love!

Lucky by David Mackintosh

Kids have some very big imaginations. And once you begin to think one thing . . . Assumptions, dreams and pineapple. How I adore David Mackintosh.

The World According to Musk Ox written by Erin Cabatingan and illustrated by Matthew Myers

My students love this particular Musk Ox. His antics in this tale will need to come and be a part of our classroom library. And while we are giggling, we will brush up on our geography.

I Don’t Want to be a Frog written by Dev Petty and illustrated by Mike Boldt

I do have a thing for frog books. A frog book about a frog who doesn’t embrace the wonderful “froginess” of frogs? Oh no! But oh yes, how very, very clever! Well, well done Dev Petty.

Hunters of the Great Forest by Dennis Nolan

Let’s just say that if my children were these little hunters and they found this treat to this scale, well, a sweet kind of heaven, indeed!

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to School written by Davide Cali and illustrated by Benjamin Chaud

Benjamin Chaud. Love, love, love him. And this book reminds me in the best of ways of a favourite title of mine: John Burningham’s John Patrick Norman McHennessy – the boy who was always late So this means, a winner. Yes, I had to buy it. Did I mention that it is teeny, tiny in size? So it will be perfect for a book basket in our room labelled: A Funny Little Book Box. All kinds of meant to be.

Red, Yellow, Blue by C.G. Esperanza

A colour mixing masterpiece. Stunning visually.

The Zoo by Suzy Lee

I am not quite sure how Suzy Lee does what she does. She continually knocks me over.

Extreme Opposites by Max Dalton

Oh so very funny. Go experience this book. Simple in concept. Big on clever.

Standing in for Lincoln Green by David Mackintosh

Another Mackintosh? Yep. Because more than one is better. Or is it? Hold on, am I now talking about this book?

I read some great novels this week.

Arcady’s Goal by Eugene Yelchin

A book you can pick up and read in one sitting. But images will follow you around for days. Wow.

Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell

An absolutely lovely middle grade read. Full of imagination, hope, courage and the magic of the unnoticed.

When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

I have so much to say about this book. But I am only going to say this. What characters. What quietly bold and beautifully human characters. Jason Reynolds, these characters you write . . .

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 13/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 102/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 7/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 22/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 12/50 books read

Up next? I am reading Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms by Katherine Rundell. Loving this author. And she has a new title coming out in September.

Monday February 16th, 2015

Posted on February 15, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This was taken during buddy reading with the Ks. What I love about it? That children are everywhere. All reading. Under things. On the carpet. At tables. Walking around. Reading, reading, reading.

Loved some special books this week – here are a few of my favourites:

My Teacher is A Monster (No, I am Not!) by Peter Brown

Everyone has read this book, I know, I know. I kept not reading it thinking I might buy it. How I love Peter Brown! Then I tried to reign in my book purchasing and requested this title from the library. Now, of course, I really want it . . . My logic around not buying books usually fails. Miserably.

I adored this book. It’s sweet and funny. But also tender and kind of vulnerable. That’s how it struck me at least. All about perspective of course but also about opening yourself up to viewing someone in a new way.

Sebastian and the Balloon by Philip C. Stead

Ode to imaginations and pickle sandwiches. Absolutely charming.

Toys in Space by Mini Grey

What happens if you leave your toys outside all night? Well, they’ll be abducted by aliens of course.

Outside Your Window: A First Book of Nature poems by Nicola Davies and illustrated by Mark Heard

Oh these illustrations. This book is a treasure. The poetry is varied – many poems became my favourites. I tried to list them but kept changing my mind! A beautiful book to give, to have, to read.

I also finished Girls Like Us by Gail Giles

I find myself strangely without words on this title. The pages are seeped in vulnerability for so many reasons. There are some hard and heartbreaking pages. It’s a quick read that follows you around for days. I can see why the Schneider committee selected this book. A YA read.

Up next? I am reading The Boy in the Black Suit by Jason Reynolds

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 8/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 61/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 5/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 15/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 5/50 books read

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 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.