Because Good Little Books Must be Shared; celebrating books about #booklove

Posted on August 27, 2015 by carriegelson

This week a treasure of a book arrived at my house.

The Good Little Book written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Marian Arbona

This title perfectly captures true #booklove and the notion that books must be shared. What a perfect book to get us thinking about heading back into classrooms and reading to children or snuggling up for a cozy family story time with your own little ones. Books about loving books are especially special. They celebrate the wonder and magic of reading. This title by Maclear reminds us that our attachments to certain stories can be passionate and run deep.

This book is unique. It doesn’t have a jacket (significant later in the story) and its end pages are some of the most exquisite I have ever seen. Vibrant red flowers, quirky doodles and a name plate that makes us think about a very important question: Does a book truly belong to any one person?

This book is about a boy and his book. His love for the book grows slowly. It comforts him. It transports him to new places and inspires him to experience a myriad of emotions. Soon, he is most definitely attached. And then one day, his book is missing. He worries. He searches. He mourns.

It might be that he does come across this book again. But our boy is now a reader and he knows, most certainly, that a book is a gift. A gift to be shared.

Such a gem. This good little book 🙂

This week I celebrate The Good Little Book and all of the #booklove it will conjure up in its readers.

I have also shared some of my other favourite titles that honour books, literacy and reading.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

The Library written by Sarah Stewart and illustrated by David Small

That Book Woman written by Heather Henson and illustrated by David Small

Mr. George Baker written by Amy Hest and illustrated by Jon J Muth

The Snatchabook written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty.

The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco

The Best Book in the World by Rilla

Thank you to Ruth Ayres and the #celebratelu community! Being part of a community that regularly shares gratitude and celebrations truly transforms my weeks.

Happy Reading!

Thank you to Pamela at Penguin Random House Canada for providing the copy of The Good Little Book for review!

Picture Books for New Parents: Building a beautiful collection

Posted on May 24, 2015 by carriegelson

There are so many beautiful picture books out there in the world.

Books make lovely gifts that become part of a family’s story world.

So how to choose?

Board books always make wonderful gifts but so do picture books that will be part of a child’s collection of read again and again stories. Not every book gift needs to be given thinking only about babyhood and the first few years. Give a book that can be grown into. A book that tells a story families will want to share repeatedly. Stories to be savoured and talked about and wondered about.

These suggestions have a definite theme of being in the moment and noticing the world – the big moments, the small things, the important feelings. Because childhood soars by. These titles remind us to experience it as fully as we can.

Here are 20 titles I would gift new parents and why they need to be on the family book shelf:

Listed in alphabetical order by author.

Yard Sale written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by Lauren Castillo

No matter what the journey, no matter what is possessed along the way, family matters most of all.

Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

Facing fears is a lot easier with a Nana by your side. I love what this book says about home, family and the wisdom of grandparents.

A Good Night Walk by Elisha Cooper

Simple and reassuring. The power of walking in the neighbourhood: being, noticing, connecting.

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 Snatchabook written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty

This book reminds us that everyone needs to be read to. A life with bedtime stories is rich indeed.

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley

A book about a problem that needs solving and having wonderfully, persistently, kind intentions.

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

The ins and outs of waiting. And wondering. And hoping. Patience is underrated in life but celebrated in this beautiful little book.

A Fine Dessert: Four Centuries. Four Families. One Delicious Treat. written by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

An opportunity to talk about cooking together over time. Tradition. Changes. Savouring of sweet treats.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

Read this book early and often and send the message – our life is going to be a life where we are surrounded by books and reading and all of the magic that will guarantee.

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

What is at eye level for our little ones? Flowers and many other interesting things. Children notice many things and give so freely.

Wave by Suzy Lee

There is nothing like the joy of a big expanse of beach and the waves that roll in and out. This wordless book captures all of the all the excitement, fear and wonder of a child’s beachside experience.

Sleep Like a Tiger written by Mary Logue and illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Such a beautiful book for those who appreciate the soothing power of bedtime books. Sleep is a wonderful thing!

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. Wonderful connections to favourite book characters.

The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett

There is kindness and then there is putting others’ happiness before your own. Kindness between siblings is very special.

I Wish You More written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld

This book captures hope and love in a sweet, endearing way.

Blackout by John Rocco

Time. Time together. Time together as a first priority. This book reminds us of how very important this is. Because everything can get in the way. But only if you let it . . .

All the World written by Liz Garton Scanlon and illustrated by Marla Frazee

Simple rhyming text pays tribute to the small simple things our world has to offer like a tomato blossom or a fire to take away a chill.

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman

A wonderful story about siblings, mistakes, owning up and doing what’s right.

The Man with the Violin written by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by Dušan Petričić

This is an important story of what we miss by not being in the moment. How many beautiful experiences are lost on us as we rush through our days?

Happy by Mies van Hout

What could be better than a bright and bold celebration of our emotions?

Give books.

Read books.

Share books.

Often.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore

Posted on February 17, 2013 by carriegelson

Our BLG book this week was the amazing book by William Joyce, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore. Thank you to Magnus for sharing it with us! I have a special amount of book love for this book and included it in my 2012 favourites.

My students had actually heard this book once before – on the very first day of school because I shared it with them to share what our year was going to be about – a year surrounded by books and reading. And therefore, magic! When Magnus brought the book out of his briefcase, there was instant excitement and one little whispered comment, ” I can’t wait to hear this book again.” It is fitting, I think, to share a book that celebrates books as treasures, as friends, as world changers again and again. I was excited to sit back and be read to – when it was this book in the reader’s hands (and me in the audience)!

This book begins:

Morris Lessmore loved words.

He loved stories.

He loved books.

As soon as Magnus read these words, one of the boys in our class was up on his knees pointing at me. “Hey! Hey! Ms. Gelson loves all of those things! This book really was made for her!” I beamed through the rest of the story, watching my class literally become entangled with the ideas, the images and the love of books. What was fascinating is that they were so hooked into the story that they couldn’t stop debating whether it was true or not. Magnus read and little whispered debates persisted, sometimes becoming quite intense.

“Is this a true story?”

“No because books can’t really fly.”

“Yeah, no. Books don’t have legs.”

“But storms are real.”

“His house could go upside down in a tornado.”

“It went to colour from black and white. That means it’s made up like a movie.”

“This is so not true.”

“Yes, it could be I think.”

Students loved the story. They loved that the books were characters and that the books were Morris’s friends. When Morris got old and passed on, the debates began again.

“Now he is in heaven. And he’s younger.”

“It’s not heaven. It’s just the sky.”

Magnus shared his own love of books with us, that he has books all over his home and that books are his friends. He shared with the students that he loves the feeling of being lost in a book. We all just savoured the feeling of book love and the moments just following a beautiful book shared aloud. I think the reviews this week are particularly wonderful!

Student reviewers (little reviewers with large amounts of book love in their hearts) respond:

Gracie: My favourite part is when he flies on the books. It’s cool. Was that room full of books a library? Why did a big wind come and blow his house away? Did the guy live alone? I also liked when he got lost in the book. It looked fun. I love books !!!!!! And I loved this story!!!!! I also liked when the books read themselves to him. I liked when the little girl came in and it started all over again.

Kevin: I love books because it feels good. My favourite part was when the books read to the boy. Was the book real? The book was very good today. How could the boy be so tiny? I like when the books fly.

Ava: I like when the book took care of the old man. Ms. Gelson loves books. I love Heidi Heckelbeck. I am on number 6.

Giovanni: I love books because you can learn.

Andrew: My favourite part was when the book read to Mr. M. It made me happy. Books make me happy. Was the book real or not because Ms. Gelson reads books to us for learning. She calls them fiction and nonfiction and information story books.

Kala: I like the part when the girl came in. Did he pass away? Did you make a tornado?

Heman: My favourite part is when there was an earthquake. I liked it when Morris Lessmore found the library. It was kind when Morris Lessmore gave books to other people.

Kassidy: It was funny when Morris was upside down and when he was running and jumped. I like that he likes books. I like when the man laid on a big pile of books. I love books because sometimes, you do not know what it looks like and you have to think.

Arianne: I love books because you can learn new words. Because as you grow up, you can read more and more and more.

Kelvin: When the books started to fly was my favourite. My two teachers and Miriam love books. Because they travel in books and see everything.

Vicky: My favourite part was when the books read back to Mr. Morris Lessmore. Is the book real or not? This book made me happy because Mr. Morris Lessmore got lost in books.

Ethan: I love it because I love books. Because it makes you smart.

Ashley: My favourite part was that the book floated. But books don’t float. It’s not for real. I like the book so much. It seems like the book is kind. My teacher loves books so so so so so so so much!!!

Shereese: Is the book real? Where do you live William Joyce? I like this book. When did you make it? Even Ms. Gelson likes the book too! Do you like your book too? And Happy Valentines William Joyce.

2012 Favourites

Posted on December 29, 2012 by carriegelson

What a wonderful year of books! Quickly before I change my mind, my twelve favourites of 2012 (I divided the love evenly between picture books and novels)

Yes, I am aware that Jon Klassen takes a starring role in this list 🙂

My personal challenge here is to do no more than 12 words of raving about each book. Possible? Let’s see . . .

Extra Yarn written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen

A town styled out in multi-coloured knitwear. Justice and magic win out.

This is not my Hat by Jon Klassen

Hat thievery in the big ocean. Much humour, little hope (sorry fish)

House Held Up By Trees written by Ted Kooser and illustrated by Jon Klassen

The trees are persistent and protective of life travelling on. Stunning illustrations.

Virginia Wolf written by Kyo Maclear and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

A dark mood, a hopeful sibling, and the magic of imagination.

Little Bird written by Germano Zullo and illustrated by Albertine

A book that celebrates finding joy in the smallest of things.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce

Become swept away and entangled in book love.

Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

Choosing a friend can be an incredible act of bravery.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Be kinder than is necessary; a story to remind us how.

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

The power of unconditional love, the magic of resiliency . . .

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

A story of stories. Flies you through a myriad of emotions.

Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

A world of prophecy, desperate searches for magic, the real and unreal.

Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Funny. Brilliant. Sad. No sappy. All wit.

Please share your own favourites of the year . . .

Monday December 24th, 2012

Posted on December 24, 2012 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Join a fabulous group of readers who share their weekly reads from picture books to young adult novels by participating in Jen and Kellee’s meme. If you are looking for new book ideas, this is a fantastic place to start! Especially if you are looking ahead to some lazy reading days over the holidays!

I read a lot of picture books this week, but I must confess, I didn’t love them all. Those titles are not included here. Instead, below are the ones that stood out for me as being titles I would recommend/read again/read aloud.

The Man in the Moon by William Joyce (A Guardians of Childhood book) Confession: I don’t often know what is going on in mainstream media. Ask me about hip songs and the latest and greatest movie and I likely can’t tell you. So I did not connect these Guardians of Childhood books to the slight movie buzz I was hearing with this same title. Many of you are probably cooler than me and knew all about it.

Wow! Does William Joyce create visually stunning books! I shared this as a bedtime read aloud and the next night my children were begging me for the next title that we had just received from a lovely book gifting friend (The Sandman). I loved the images and how magical the stories felt. My children were intrigued by the whole concept of the Guardians watching over children – how they were brave and majestic yet at the same time teeny and odd. Very interesting.

The Sandman: The Story of Sanderson Mansnoozie by William Joyce (the second picture book in the Guardians of Childhood series)

If you, like me, are not so up on this series here is more information. It seems there are so far, two picture books and a handful of novels featuring different Guardian characters.

Singing Away the Dark written by Caroline Woodward and illustrated by Julie Morstad This book is absolutely lovely and a new favourite of mine. Typically I am wary of books with rhyming text but this one is done so well. A little girl, all of six years old has an early morning walk through snow banks and spooky trees on a cold winter morning to catch the school bus.

“When I was six and walked a mile and sang the dark away.”

Woodward recalls images of her own childhood walks in the Peace River region of B.C. Some of us really do have childhoods that included long walks to school and this book takes me back to all the small moments of bravery that once seemed so huge on my own walk to school on my journeys of childhood. Beautifully illustrated by Morstad.

The Golden Rule written by Ilene Cooper and illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska. This book explores this simple rule of childhood that seems so difficult for so many to follow. It is pointed out that a version of “”Do Unto Others . . . ” is in every religion for people all over the world. A little boy and his grandfather discuss what the world could be like it everyone actually followed this rule. A lovely format to make this concept accessible to children.

Wangari’s Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter The true story of Wangari Maathai, winner of the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize and the green landscapes that she returned to Africa. A book in the biography genre that explores ecology, environment and inspiration.

How Rocket Learned to Read by Tad Hills I adore books that promote the love of literacy and the magic of reading. Hills captures the delight of putting sounds together to make words and the lure of a story in this lovely little book that features Rocket as student and the little yellow bird as enthusiastic teacher. I would pair this title with How to Teach a Slug to Read, a book I have used in the past to explore the process of learning how to read.

Rabbit and Robot The Sleepover by Cece Bell. A fun little story but what excites me most is that it is a fun little story in early chapter book format that can be enjoyed by students just beginning to dive into this genre There are not enough of these titles out there that have this kind of interest, humour and unique characters while still exploring familiar territory: navigating the complications of friendship. Can’t wait to get this book into the hands of students!

I read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, an adult novel. I rarely read adult novels anymore and quite honestly, I am happy to dive back into the land of middle grade and young adult novels full force. This book was just too full of ugliness. Well written but what characters . . .

I am close to finishing Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein. I cannot put it down.

Monday August 20th, 2012

Posted on August 18, 2012 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading? Participating in Kellee and Jen’s meme celebrating books read from picture books to young adult selections is such a pleasure. There is so much to learn in what everyone is reading and blogging about.

This week I read a number of fantastic picture books. I had a difficult time trying to narrow my favourites to the top five to keep this post to a reasonable size! But here they are – my top 5 picture books of the week:

Sector 7 by David Wiesner. I love Wiesner’s books but for some reason I had never read this one. When I found it at the library the other day, I was delighted. I am always using wordless books in the classroom (I posted about using wordless books in the primary classroom here) and so love finding new titles to share. This book celebrates creativity, imagination and the endless possibilities in the clouds!

Footprints in the Snow by Mei Matsuoka was in a pile of books I had ordered from Scholastic last year and hadn’t yet labelled. When I read this book I was pleasantly surprised by the clever twists. First we meet Wolf who has been reading books about wolves and realizing that wolves are always portrayed as (yes, you know what’s coming) nasty, scary and greedy. He sets out to write his own book that depicts Mr. Nice Wolf acting in only lovely ways. He continuously meets animals that seem only to have met stereotypical awful wolves and they run from him. Finally a duck indulges Mr. Nice Wolf in a bit of a conversation and . . . Here’s the twist you might not have expected . . . I won’t spoil it! It’s worth finding a copy and having your own little chuckle as you read this book.

So I’ve decided that Sarah Stewart and David Small simply have not created enough picture books together. Very soon there is going to be a week where I can’t include a Stewart/Small title here and on that day, I will be very sad. This week I read The Library. All about book love and devotion. Nothing more needs to be said.

My next two favourites were sent to me in a box of “bookly delights” by a book loving friend.

The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce I absolutely adored this book – it fast became a favourite picture book. I love that it is so whimsical, the illustrations lure you in and you feel entangled with all of the books in the pictures. Amazing. But it also reads beautifully. I read it aloud to my two children and it was so smooth, so lyrical. Cannot wait to share this with my class this fall.

Cats’ Night out written by Caroline Stutson and illustrated by Jon Klassen. This was the first picture book that Klassen illustrated and it is so fun. I love the colours – all of the dark browns, blacks and shadows. Across each page dance cats. Cats with such serious smug expressions like they are saying, “We certainly don’t see you, dear reader, up here doing the fox trot so elegantly in evening dresses or tuxedos.” The text is rhyming and one soon realizes that this is a counting book. Counting by twos! What fun and if you look carefully you can find numbers hidden in each illustration. A book that deserves multiple readings and begs to be shared with a friend to search for numbers, marvel at the pictures and reread the poetic text.

In other reading . . . .

I read Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage. This is a mystery novel that is so much more. There is definitely a mystery which keeps it fast paced and highly energized. But wow, the characters! The other story lines going on! The idiosyncrasies of a small town and its inhabitants. The power of family no matter how it is defined. If this isn’t on your TBR list, add it!

I also read The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin. Loved Kevin Cornell‘s illustrations. There were lots of funny parts in this story but I worried that it might possibly too difficult for early readers (this is an early chapter book) to follow. Different chapters are told by different characters and I didn’t think it was always clear who was who. Maybe I’m wrong. I will see how some readers handle it this fall.

I also read Kazu Kibuishi’s Amulet: The Cloud Searchers (Book Three) While I am always so impressed with the art work in Kibuishi’s Amulet books, all of the battle scenes are not my thing. But if it is your thing (my son adores these) these books are pretty amazing.