Monday April 6th, 2015

Posted on April 4, 2015 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

I have been sharing a reading photo of the week each week. This is buddy reading at its best. Kids everywhere. Engaged. Reading. Talking. Laughing. Did I say engaged? Because, really, that’s what it’s all about.

I also shared an emotional Celebration post this week. All about how very much I have loved having my current class for (for many of them) a third year. There is much to be said for teaching children over multiple years.

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.

The picture books I loved this week:

Sidewalk Flowers by JonArno Lawson and Sydney Smith

Wordless perfection. I love everything about this book. And I own it. I pick it up everyday and swoon.

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

A fantastic nonfiction picture book biography. True inspiration.

Big Red Kangaroo written by Claire Saxby and illustrated by Graham Byrne

I shared this book in my nonfiction post this week.

My Pen by Christopher Myers

I left this at the bookstore but haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. I always say there is power in the pencil (or pen, or marker, etc) – this book celebrates the creativity on the page. But on the page is so much more. I know this book will soon become part of my collection. I want to share it with each group of children I teach for forever . . .

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

I want any of these wishes to be true. Lovely, lovely, lovely.

See You Next Year written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Todd Stewart

The illustrations are beautiful – such magic in the way light is shown. Nostalgia, memory inducing book. Power in the “same every year” summer vacation.

The Cardinal and the Crow by Michael Moniz

The message? Pride and foolishness go hand in hand. Inspired by Aesop’s fables. For bird lovers, the illustrations are divine.

Chicken Big by Keith Graves

Kids LOVE silly. This book is bursting with it.

NonRandom Acts of Kindness (Life of Ty #2) by Lauren Myracle

I am so excited that this young chapter book exists. I started with #2 but will be finding number one and adding both to my classroom collection. Ty is believable, the story line is relevant and I liked the friendship/family dynamics explored.

We Were Here by Matt de la Peña (YA)

Where to begin? These characters, sigh. I feel like I could go for a walk and I might find them standing on a corner, watching people go by. I would want to run up and talk about courage and honesty and deep morals and true loyalty. I would want to buy them a sandwich. I would want to know that their worlds are all going to be okay. I’m hopeful. Which doesn’t really tell you anything about this book. I will say this, I am fast becoming a de la Peña fan. If you haven’t read any of his books, start here. Soon.

Updates on my 2015 Reading Goals:

2015 Chapter Book Challenge: 16/80 complete

Goodreads Challenge: 134/415 books read

#MustReadin2015: 7/24 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 29/100 titles

Diverse Books in 2015: 13/50 books read

Up next? I am almost finished The Meaning of Maggie by Megan Jean Sovern And then it is to Gabi, A Girl in Pieces by Isabel Quintero

Monday November 10th, 2014

Posted on November 10, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you Reading?

My favourite reading photo of the week is of these boys who discovered that I changed the books displayed in one of our picture book shelves and immediately plopped themselves down to begin reading. Book love!

It’s Picture Book Month! This week I shared two posts in celebration:

A celebration of sharing Any Questions? by Marie-Louise Gay

A conversation with a little guy about some nonfiction: Talking Spiders

I am late getting this post up as I was away for the weekend so I am only highlighting a few titles from the week:

The Conductor by Laëtitia Devernay

This book is an incredible wordless title to share with a group of creative and observant children. Nothing is as it seems and the pages fill with imagination, movement and music. It was magic in my room. My favourite exchange:

Child 1: “He can conduct birds because birds make music. They make beautiful sounds.”

Child 2: “Not crows. Crows just yell.”

Once Tashi Met a Dragon written by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg with illustrations by Kim Gamble

This isn’t a book that I would have picked up to read but I loved watching my students respond when a guest reader brought it to my room. They were intrigued by the folklore elements of dragons bringing rain, the detailed illustrations and the humour of the dragon family interactions. A lovely, longer read aloud.

Cloudwalker by Rob Henry Vickers and Robert Budd

What a beautiful book! This is the ancient story of Gitxsan hunter who is dropped into the clouds by a group of swans. Stumbling on his walk through the sky, he spills water from his cedar box (a guloonich) and new lakes and rivers are created on the land below providing life producing waters for his people. This book highlights how nature interacts and our responsibility to respect it.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm

I loved everything about this title. There are so many layers to this book and so many reasons to rave about it. The characters! Wow. The themes of science, family, friendship and the struggles of age and aging. Perfect middle grade literature. A must read.

Up next? I am in the middle of Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson and will likely finish it today. I then plan to read Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 71/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 513/650 books read (45 books behind)

#MustReadin2014: 21/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 119/65 complete

Monday September 29th, 2014

Posted on September 28, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. You are guaranteed to find something new to add to your list.

Picture book love overflowed. Ten favourites from the week:

The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee

I will admit that I coveted this book from first just the title and then, once revealed, the cover. Yes, of course, because I adore Marla Frazee but also because . . . what a cover. It hints at mystery and strange happenings and . . . ? This book could have been so many stories. If you haven’t yet experienced it, don’t you have numerous story lines floating about in your head? It surprised me with its tenderness, the sweet, the kind. All the more amazing of course, because it is wordless. I cannot wait to experience this next through children’s eyes when I share it with my class.

Flashlight by Lizi Boyd

My, my, my, my. What a package of brilliance and wonder and beauty. A quiet forest walk in the dark with highlights of little bits of magic. Amusing. Beautiful. Wow. And wordless . . . Yet, I imagine this in children’s hands and all I hear is natter, natter, natter.

The Best Book in the World by Rilla Alexander

All about the journey that books take us on – how it is somewhat endless and circular and full of all kinds of wonderful.

Catching Kisses written by Amy Gibson and illustrated by Maria Van Lieshout

Love these illustrations in a very big way. Gorgeous visually all around. A book that is comforting, soothing and about the power of connection.

Once Upon a Memory written by Nina Laden and illustrated by Renata Liwska

Ode to memories and inspiration for dreaming up more. The perfect book to inspire a list, a discussion, a story . . .

Rock-A-Bye Room written by Susan Meyers and illustrated by Amy Bates

I found this at the library and instantly wished I could read it multiple times to a near sleep toddler – it is the perfect bedtime book. If I find it in board book version, I will buy multiple copies to gift to new parents. Just lovely all around.

And Two Boys Booed written by Judith Viorst and illustrated by Sophie Blackall

I love books that capture what it is like to be courageous in everyday moments. This is one of the best.

The Rain Stomper written by Addie Boswell and illustrated by Eric Velasquez

I am not really sure how it is that I haven’t celebrated this book before – considering it is all about finding ways to embrace the rain and I live in the rainy Pacific Northwest. But now that I have, let me rave. This is all about powerful language, great energy and the magic of a community of children and a rainy day. Delightful.

Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman and Jacky Davis

Every time I read a LadyBug Girl title, I become more enamoured with these lovely stories and the incredible illustrations by Soman. In this title, Ladybug Girl has some big time camping adventures with her beloved dog Bingo. Of course, adventures can seem big or small according to your perspective on the world . . .

29 Myths on the Swinster Pharmacy written by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Lisa Brown

I know for sure that some people will just not like this book. It is odd. It doesn’t necessarily make sense. It can be considered confusing. For me though, it is quite brilliant. Takes me right back to being a child and imagining wild and wonderful things about perhaps the most ordinary of places. Or perhaps not . . .

I also read a sweet little beginning chapter book: Squishy McFluff The Invisible Cat by Pip Jones and illustrated by Ella Okstad

Love the rhymes and often I don’t like rhymes. This rhyming text allows for a smoother read and predictability with the text. Lots of naughty here. Is it our darling Ava up to no good? Or her sneaky invisible kitty?

Next up? I have been switching novels around a little bit and have now settled into The Spy Catchers of Maple Hill by Megan Frazer Blakemore

Reading Goal Updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 62/100 novels complete

Goodreads Challenge: 441/650 books read (currently 40 books behind which is actually progress! Last week it was 54!)

#MustReadin2014: 20/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 107/65 complete

Picture Book Wish List: July 2014

Posted on July 8, 2014 by carriegelson

Summertime is the time I bury myself in picture books – frequent library visits, sifting through my class collection and reading books I haven’t read and yes, often some book buying. All in the name of stocking my classroom library because you can never, ever, have too many books for avid readers! Right?

Unfortunately, this summer a what seems to be endless teacher’s strike has given me this status: In Limbo/Book Buying Hiatus

And I don’t like it one bit.

But, book lists don’t cost a dime . . .

And if I can’t be shopping and pre-ordering titles, I can be making a list. When pay cheques are coming into our house again (two teacher family = no cheques x two), I just might be able to go book shopping. Luckily, I will have a list 🙂

My top ten list of picture books I currently covet . . .

Here I am written Patti Kim and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez (September 2013)

I read this brilliant wordless title a few weeks ago and was wowed. All about the emotions of moving somewhere new. Just gorgeous.

What do you do with an idea? written by Kobi Yamada and illustrated by Mac Besom (February 2014)

A celebration of imagination and the courage to think big and small and everywhere in between. I sort of fell in love with this book in the bookstore and It broke my heart a little to put it back on the shelf.

Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison (February 2014)

Sometimes being just who you are is the exactly right kind of extraordinary. Delightful messages of kindness and compassion.

Three Bears in a Boat by David Soman (May 2014)

There is a brilliant picture of the ocean and the boat full of bears and whales. I am such a sucker for whale illustrations that just knock you over. But then, there are a number of other absolutely stunning images. And . . . the story is lovely. Can’t lose.

Quest by Aaron Becker (August 2014)

I remember sharing Journey with my students. The wonder. The awe. The quiet. More of that in another beautiful book? Yes, please.

Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin written by Chieri Uegaki and illustrated by Qin Leng (August 2014)

In our house, Suki’s Kimono by Uegaki is a favourite title to read and to gift. This book promises more lovely connections to a grandparent from Japan, lessons in perseverance and the beauty of music played by a young child.

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Jon Klassen (October 2014)

These guys. These books. I am just automatically in!

Blizzard by John Rocco (October 2014)

Loved Blackout. Loved Super Hair-o and the Barber of Doom (Especially the station wagon capture scene). Loved them so much, I bought them both. So I think, I will love this. Look at the cover: one kid, one sled and one big white world!

The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee (October 2014)

Oh Marla Frazee. How do I love her? I can count the ways! This cover just has me so unbelievably curious. Oh and did I mention that it is wordless?

Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla written by Katherine Applegate and illustrated by G. Brian Karas (October 2014)

I don’t think I need to give any reason for wanting this book. But I will give 22. Those would be my students who absolutely shrieked when I showed them this book trailer after we read The One and Only Ivan. This book MUST come live in my classroom. I made a promise that it would.

What dream books are on your wish list? Because I could be persuaded to make mine a little longer . . .

Monday June 23rd, 2014

Posted on June 23, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. You are guaranteed to find something new to add to your list.

My favourite picture books of the week:

Here I am written by Patti Kim and illustrated by Sonia Sanchez

The wow title of the week. Wordless, graphic style illustrations that are powerful and full of emotion. All about a young boy’s journey to a new country and a new life. Highlighting the myriad of emotions involved: confusion, fear, wonder, possibility . . .

The book trailer is wonderful.

Dream Dog written by Lou Berger and illustrated by David Catrow

I was attracted to this book by this gorgeous cover and of course recognized Catrow’s unique style from Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon. When Harry can’t have a dog, he imagines one. One that is big and blue and wonderfully playful. This new conjured up canine sticks with Harry for exactly as long as he needs him.

The Very Big Carrot by Satoe Tone

Simple story about the imaginative ideas of six little white rabbits about exactly what they might be able to do with a gigantic carrot. A few pages in I can see a bunch of listeners making very persuasive suggestions. It seems by the end, that these bunnies might have heard! Would be an ideal story time title for the younger set.

The Chickens Build a Wall by Jean-Francois Dumont

A rich story perfect for philosophical discussions about paranoia, acceptance and fear. When chickens discover an unknown hedgehog, they immediately assume he must signal trouble. Their worries and anxiety grow as does the wall they begin erecting. Interesting ending that I won’t reveal here.

The Salmon Twins by Caroll Simpson

Caroll Simpson writes and illustrates such engaging Aboriginal literature.There is a fantastic glossary in the back featuring all of the mythical creatures portrayed in the story. This title is set in a Pacific coastal village and focuses on the values of family, community and ingenuity.

When the Bees Fly Home written by Andrea Cheng and illustrated by Joline McFadden

A many layered story about a young boy and his family who raise bees. Jonathan feels like a disappointment to his stressed out father (a drought does not fare well for the bees) but is able to put his creative energy into making wax creatures. Helping his mom with candles that can be sold at the market turns out to bring many surprises. There are facts about bees woven into the pages through the illustrations but this is really a story of family dynamics. I loved the character of Jonathan – quiet, gentle, thoughtful and vulnerable.

Penguin on Vacation by Salina Yoon

Penguin is an adorable story time character and his adventures and spirit are hugely appealing to children who love these stories. My favourite is still Penguin and Pinecone but this title is also enjoyable.

I also finished two novels

The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage

So first of all this is one wonderful story. Full of humour, mystery and southern charm. Second, Turnage writes so well. The kind of writer where you must stop and reread a sentence and think, “Well, well, well that was just brilliant.” Often. If you have read Three Times Lucky, you will love this title with many of the same characters. If you haven’t read either title – read them both! Middle grade perfection.

Jinx’s Magic by Sage Blackwood

I have been reading this title aloud to my children. If you know the story, you know that much of it is set in the Urwald – a magical forest where trees are not quite like the trees you might be used to. So . . . we took this book along on our forest walk today and found a small clearing to stop and read the final chapter. The story was already very good – this setting made it . . . well, magical. What I love about Blackwood’s Jinx stories is their humour, the unexpected and multi-layered magic and how the fantasy is so unique. For middle grade readers who love fantasy, both Jinx and Jinx’s Magic are ideal recommendations. Jinx is a character with total kid appeal. And as an adult, I must admit to rooting for him throughout! This book was on my #mustreadin2014 list!

Next up?

Our family read aloud will be The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel. For me? Cress by Marissa Meyer.

Reading Goal updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 44/100 novels complete

Goodeads Challenge: 299/650 books read

#MustReadin2014: 17/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 73/65 complete

Monday January 20th, 2014

Posted on January 19, 2014 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult novels. Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

This week I had serious plans to read a number of novels. These plan got put on hold when I went to the library Tuesday evening and came home with stacks and stacks of nonfiction picture books. I fell into a kind of nonfiction reading marathon. I share some of these titles here and some I will share on Wednesday for Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday hosted by KidLit Frenzy.

Here are the picture books (fiction and nonfiction) that I loved this week:

Harlem’s Little Blackbird: The Story of Florence Mills written by Renee Watson and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Not only a glimpse into the life of Harlem Renaissance singer Florence Mills but a story of courage, commitment and the power to make change. Really enjoyed this picture book biography.

Sophie’s Squash written by Pat Zietlow Miller and illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf

This book passed the “it’s so funny/charming I can’t help giggling” test when I read it aloud to my son. Cute, cute, cute. Charming and then some. A beautiful story about a child who does things a little differently. Not enough books celebrate persistence, creativity and passion in children so well. And whoa . . . the ending! LOVE.

The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jaques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino

After reading Manfish to my class, I had to read this title! We spent Friday afternoon reading this book and filling out a Knew/New sheet to reflect our learning. (Thanks Adrienne Gear! Love all of the BLMs for reflecting about thinking/learning) Another fantastic picture book biography sharing the life of the inspiring Jacques Cousteau.

My students adding some pictures to their thinking:

This is the Rope: A Story from the Great Migration written by Jaqueline Woodson and illustrated by James Ransome

Lyrical and lovely. A story of family across generations as they move to the big city from the South. The Great Migration represented the movement of African Americans from rural Southern towns to the cities in the North. This migration was inspired by the hope and promise of better treatment, better opportunities and better education. This story weaves a rope through one family’s experience and tells a beautiful story of connection, love and new beginnings.

Brownie Groundhog and the Wintry Surprise written by Susan Blackaby and illustrated by Carmen Segovia

A delightful winter story – full of humour, charm and spectacular surprises. Read my students’ reviews here. The illustrations are absolutely stunning.

The Raven and the Loon written by Rachel and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley and illustrated by Kim Smith

In the time of before, both raven and loon had all white feathers. They decide to make beautiful coats for each other. The process and the result does not play out perfectly smoothly. An energetic and entertaining Inuit tale.

The Umbrella by Ingrid and Dieter Shubert

I adored this wordless fantasy title. A little bit of fear, a big bit of adventure and the largest bit of flying over stunning landscapes all over the world. I want my own copy of this book . . . Or at least a red umbrella that can take me travelling!

Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace by Anna Grossnickle Hines

Well to begin with – these illustrations are vibrant, saturated with colour and interesting design. I read a few poems, really liked some, kept reading and soon realized, I liked a lot of these poems. And the why is the important part. They aren’t generally preachy and unrelated to the everyday. They are about the here and now. There are poems that reflect mindfulness (being in the moment), poems that talk about anger, poems that talk about PTS after experiencing war. A lot in this little book of poetry. Some of my favourite lines?

I have never fired a gun

but have shouted words

that pierced and stung.

Boot and Shoe by Marla Frazee

How have I not read this book sooner than this? I adore Marla Frazee. Adore. So I’m not sure how I had yet to pick this title up. Now it is heading off to school with me tomorrow to provide some Monday morning giggles for my students! Let’s just say when a “pee tree” is the cause for a happy ending, this title is guaranteed to have high levels of kid appeal.

Jemmy Button by Jennifer Uman and Valerio Vidali

Quite a title. The whole process of creating this book between two illustrators who didn’t share a language and talked via an online translator was fascinating to my students. The images are powerful and full of symbolism at every turn. This title is inspired by the true story of Orundellico (named Jemmy Button) who was taken from his home in Tierra del Fuego to England to experience “civilization.” I think this book is so well done and don’t want to say anymore – go into it with eyes wide open

Miss Moore Thought Otherwise: How Anne Carroll Moore created Libraries for Children written by Jan Pinborough and illustrated by Debby Atwell

Well. . . Anne Carroll Moore now has superhero status as far as I am concerned. Loved this story of how one woman acted as a champion for children’s access to books, libraries and beautiful spaces.

I also finished one novel:

Prodigy by Marie Lu

I am quite hooked into this fast paced dystopian tale. Drama. Psychological twists and turns. Unexpected outcomes. I plan to read the final book in this trilogy during the next few weeks.

What’s next? I think I will return to my list of novels from last week that I need to get to – Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick and The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour.

Reading Goal updates:

2014 Chapter Book Challenge: 5/100 novels complete

Goodeads Challenge: 46/650 books read

#MustReadin2014: 3/30 complete

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: 17/65 complete

Happy Reading everyone!

Monday December 23rd, 2013

Posted on December 22, 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. One of the very best ways to discover what to read next!

A favourite comment I received last week was from Elisabeth Ellington who after reading that I had had a week full of 2/5 and 3/5 books, wrote:

Enjoy your week! Hope it’s filled with 5/5 books!

Such a lovely wish and I am happy to report that it certainly was a week full of wonderful books! And so, please pardon the large number I will be sharing here – I narrowed it to my ten favourite picture books of the week!

I had a lot of book celebration this week. Earlier in the week I met my Chapter Book Challenge goal and finished my 95th novel of the year! (Now I am going to try to reach 100 by the 31st! Thankful for the #bookaday challenge!) And this morning I completed my Goodreads goal of 625 books read this year! Now I have just one more reading challenge – to read the last 2 titles on my list of My Must Read Novels of 2013. These two titles are on my shelf as I type ready to be devoured by December 31st! Much to celebrate 🙂

I feel grateful for the wonderful #IMWAYR community that makes celebrating reading such a priority. Such a honour to be part of this passionate community of readers.

So . . . back to the books! My top ten picture books of the week:

These first 6 titles are all about finding joy, honouring acceptance and celebrating calm. It is an understatement when I say the last few weeks in my classroom have been challenging. These books all found me at just the right time.

Red Sled by Lita Judge

A little red sled brings an evening of adventure for some adorable forest creatures. Basically wordless except for the delicious sound effects

Scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch scrinch scrunch

Gadung Gadung Gadung Gadung

Whoa!

My children and I Ioved the illustration of the porcupine clutching on to the antlers. Delightful!

Homer by Elisha Cooper

I don’t have a dog. But this book is not just a dog lover’s book. It is also a book about family. About spending happy time. About waiting for everyone to return and about knowing someone is waiting. Love, love, love Cooper’s soothing illustrations.

A Funny Little Bird by Jennifer Yerkes

A funny little bird who learns to appreciate his “invisibility” as an asset rather than a deficit. Unique. Definite book I want to share with a group of children to see what is discussed.

Augustus and his Smile by Catherine Rayner

Stunning bold black lines on the gorgeous Augustus. This tiger discovers in his smile, the simple hidden happiness we carry with us always as long as we let it in. An important message about how we all navigate the world.

All in a Day written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Nikki McClure

Truly a book that highlights the importance of being mindful – of understanding that each day is a gift of multiple small and meaningful moments. Would be wonderful to share with All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee.

Whimsy’s Heavy Things by Julie Kraulis

A quirky little title I have never heard of – a true find at my public library. Some fairly hefty themes here of facing what weighs us down, of rethinking obstacles and finding ways to cope with what is heavy in our lives. Much to ponder. I am still thinking about how I might share this with a class.

Other titles I loved:

Toot & Puddle – Let it Snow by Holly Hobbie

I am always a sucker for Toot and Puddle. The comforts and coziness of home are always depicted in the most soothing of ways by Hobbie. Thinking about Christmas gifts. Quiet time. A beautiful winter ski through freshly fallen snow. A beautiful holiday book!

Spuds written by Karen Hesse and illustrated by Wendy Watson

A serious title in many ways. A family who has little has each other and big plans. Maybelle leads her two younger siblings into the night and into Kenney’s potato field. The children dig up potatoes and drag them home. When they arrive and stack their loot on the kitchen floor, they have quite a surprise.

Sophie’s Fish written by A.E. Cannon and illustrated by Lee White

This is a hilarious story that grows more and more funny and finishes with a bang. Jake has huge worries about looking after Sophie’s fish Yo-Yo. Why, oh why, did he agree to take care of him in the first place? Do fish need stories read aloud? Do you need to play games with them? What if they cry? My, oh, my the things to wonder about. The last page of this book makes it absolutely awesome! Such fun.

The Long, Long Line by Tomoko Ohmura

What a wonderful book for the younger set – a great way to learn animal names. Amusing. Interesting. Lots to look at on every page. What is this line up for? An amusement ride you certainly were not expecting! And one younger readers will want to visit again and again!

Novels I finished:

The Fire Chronicle by John Stephens

I finished this sequel to The Emerald Atlas with my children as a read aloud. Hugely suspenseful. Full of adventure, mystery, intense drama and intrigue. The perfect family read aloud. We are eagerly anticipating the third book in this trilogy which now finally has a release date!

Crossed by Ally Condie

I don’t often get to read a trilogy one title after another but that is exactly what I am doing with this set of YA dystopian titles by Ally Condie. And it’s kind of great! Matched hooked me with the characters and philosophical questions. Crossed is full of much more adventure, drama and survival – a perfect set up for the third novel which I am just about to start.

What’s next? My children and I are reading Rump by Liesl Shurtliff I have launched into the final book in the Matched trilogy, Reached by Ally Condie. I then plan to read the last two titles on my Must Read for 2013 list: The Hero’s Guide to Saving the Kingdom by Christopher Healy and The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.

Happy reading and Happy holidays to all!

Gift Books 2013 – twelve picture books to give this season

Posted on December 8, 2013 by carriegelson

I spent close to three hours at my favourite bookstore yesterday – Vancouver Kidsbooks selecting books for a donor that wants to gift our primary students with new books to take home this holiday season. Books in hand and in home make so much difference! While my Teacher Librarian and I shopped, we were privy to many conversations between customers and the very knowledgable Kidsbooks staff. And it got me to thinking . . . Which 2013 picture books would I recommend for a gift list?

Of course, there are many amazing titles to choose from. I narrowed it to twelve. Twelve books I think are absolutely worth owning and therefore, worth gifting. My criteria? Is it a book that can be shared multiple times? Does it inspire creativity, thinking, inspiration? Does it make the readers think differently about something? Does it celebrate something important? Is it a book that brings joy? With those questions in mind, here is my list:

The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life of Paul Erdos written by Deborah Heiligman and illustrated by LeUyen Pham

This is a fascinating biography that not only makes math seem absolutely engrossing but gives us a glimpse into a mind that was truly one track. A beautiful balance between the mathematical life and the other life of Paul Erdos.

$Gift Books 2013 There's a Book for That$

On A Beam of Light- A Story of Albert Einstein by Jennifer Berne and illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

A wonderfully accessible biography of Albert Einstein. This title has all the perfect themes of wonder, curiosity and thinking outside of the box.

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? Based on a true event where famous musician Joshua Bell played in the metro and was basically ignored. My students shared reviews here.

The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline

History, stories and memories told through unveiling of various contents of a number of matchboxes. Perfect to inspire storytelling between the generations.

Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Full of quotes to read, share and ponder. Love the message that peace needs to be everywhere (in our hearts, homes, schools, countries . . .) in order to impact peace everywhere else.

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animals’ Lives written by Lola Schaefer and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal

Gorgeous. Want to reveal how math is all around us? This is the book to do it. There is counting and estimating and wondering and a whole bunch of other mathematical applications – in addition to being a beautifully illustrated books with lots of fascinating animal facts.

The Snatchabook written by Helen Docherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Know a family with a new baby? Give them this beautiful book which sends the message loud and clear – we all need to be raised with daily read aloud moments.

Once Upon a Northern Night written by Jean E. Pendziwol and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

Lyrical, soothing and visually beautiful. Let the text lull you to sleep with dreams of the magic and quiet of winter. A perfect book to celebrate this coldest of seasons.

Journey by Aaron Becker

Grab your imagination and enter a magical world where anything might happen. A wordless treasure.

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

Papa models the curiosity and persistence of an inventor. This book is “almost true” based on the life of Lodner Phillips who really did build The Whitefish, an actual functioning submarine.

Count the Monkeys written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Because we all need to laugh together! Interactive. Will make you want to leap out of your chair in delight! Giggle, giggle, giggle.

My First Day by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Children love to hear about what it was like when they were a baby. This nonfiction title reveals what the first moments are like for different animals. So much to discuss.

Books are gifts to treasure! This season give books!

Monday December 2nd, 2013

Posted on December 1, 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.

I read many picture books this week – many aloud to my own children, all to make up for not getting to read as much as I wanted to last week while writing report cards.

I selected my ten favourites to feature here:

Hank Finds an Egg by Rebecca Dudley

Just perfectly delightful. A book about a problem that needs solving and having wonderfully, persistently, kind intentions. Sweet. Honest. So engaging. And did I mention wordless. . . ?

No Bears written by Meg McKinlay and illustrated by Leila Rudge

A wonderful book for inspiring story writing. Meet Ella, a little girl who loves a creative story but doesn’t love bears. She thinks there are far too many of them in stories today. So Ella is creating a story that will have absolutely no bears. Not a one! But is seems her story is getting a little assistance from a furry creature on the sidelines . . .

The Dirty Cowboy written by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Adam Rex

“Wow Mom, that illustrator did a really good job keeping all the privates private!” remarked my son after we read this book. My daughter said, “Disgusting!” a lot. What an amusing story of a very dirty (filthy, with his fair share of critters crawling just about everywhere) cowboy who decided to take a bath in the river. What happens when his loyal dog doesn’t recognize his clean scent? VERY amusing.

Busing Brewster written by Richard Michelson and illustrated by R.G. Roth

A picture book with many important themes: having a dream, the power of libraries to be transformative and what it was like to be black at an all white school. Set in the 1970s when integration was being “helped” along by forced busing – bringing black students into white schools, this story gives children a glimpse into the racial tensions of the time and the complexities of integration.

The Tortoise and the Hare by Jerry Pinkney

Love the desert setting of this classic tale brought to new life by the brilliant Pinkney with an almost wordless title. I particularly enjoyed the last gestures of the hare – an interesting and surprising twist with an equally important message about competition.

If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People by David J. Smith and illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong

I read this title to my children and they were absolutely fascinated by the population data conveyed through the concept in this book – imagine that the world’s population was contained in a village of 100 (each person represents millions). Facts that shocked them: how many people had some kind of faith or another, predicted population growth and the blatant inequity amongst people. Only 24 people in this representative village of 100 have enough to eat? Heart breaking message about our world.

Mud written by Mary Lyn Ray and illustrated by Lauren Stringer

Oh the messy, gloopy, squishy joys of mud – this title captures it all through lyrical language and richly coloured illustrations. Perfect to practice visualizing.

Full, Full, Full of Love written by Trish Cooke and illustrated by Paul Howard

Loved the celebration of food, family and affection as Sunday dinner with his family is seen through Jay Jay’s eyes. Language ideal for preschool, early primary children. Happy, happy book.

I Lost my Bear by Jules Feiffer

A humorous ode to the child who likes to collect. A bear is lost and it seems like all is lost as we follow this little one on a melodramatic, anxious search.

Billy Twitters and his Blue Whale Problem written by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Adam Rex

Poor Billy Twitters, his parents threaten him with a blue whale if he doesn’t do his chores and keep his room clean. Of course, this is just a ridiculous threat, isn’t it? Well . . . no. And so Billy Twitters must now be in charge of a blue whale (have you noticed just how truly big they are??) and take it everywhere he goes. Eventually Billy Twitters discovers this “consequence” has an upside. Absurd and delightful, and it just so happens, the first picture book written by Mac Barnett.

I am terrible about being ahead of the game for the holidays in terms of shopping, baking, decorating, etc but we do own a beautiful collection of holiday books. I set out 24 to read next to the Advent calendars – one for each night (and there are plenty more on the shelf for when the evening calls for a few!) The one thing in the holidays I do do well – celebrate holiday stories! Tonight’s read was a new one for me:

Winter’s Gift by Jane Monroe Donovan

A beautiful story of hope and all that is important in the holiday season as an old man faces his first Christmas alone.

I also finished The Real Boy by Anne Ursu

Magical. Lyrical. Beautiful. Mysterious. What a vulnerable, strange (in the best of ways) and hopeful of stories. On one level, this story is a fantastical tale of magic, mystery and monsters. On another, it is all about the most human element in all of us – wanting to be safe and belong. All along, I felt the story was beautiful. But by the end, I was in awe.

Next up? A.S. King‘s Reality Boy. And plans for many more holiday stories . . .

Happy Reading everyone!

Monday November 4th, 2013

Posted on November 3, 2013 by carriegelson

It’s Monday! What are you reading?

Join Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers and share all of the reading you have done over the week from picture books to young adult reads! Follow the links to read about all of the amazing books the #IMWAYR community has read!

A book filled week to be certain! Some of it was spent reading books. Much of it was reading books to my students. And laughing and wondering and being in awe. Shared a lot of our reading week on our new classroom blog in a new feature called That’s a Wrap!.

Here are my favourite picture books of the week:

Anna May’s Cloak written by Christiane Cicioli and illustrated by Susan Pearson

Isn’t this cover absolutely divine? This is a beautifully illustrated book that spans generations and weaves the importance of a blue cloak into the love of a family. Reminiscent of Something from Nothing by Phoebe Gilman.

Flood by Alvaro F. Villa

A powerful wordless title that looks at how nature can change everything for a family when a storm causes floodwaters to threaten the safety of their home. Powerful images of worry, upset and hope.

Chu’s Day written by Neil Gaiman and illustrated by Adam Rex

I always appreciate Adam Rex’s illustrations always but these are particularly adorable. A simple and exaggerated story line of a powerful little sneezer. I found this charming as I once taught a student who sneezed (always in threes) so loudly that he could be heard in every classroom on the same floor. A sneeze can be quite the thing!

The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli

This week some of my curious little students went exploring the Halloween display across the hall. The scattered candy proved too tempting and there was a little bit of tasting. Then there were rumours of the dangers of this oldish candy and oh, my, oh my! The anxiety set in and turned, for some, to full blown panic. We all calmed down, learned a lesson hopefully to not sample candy in a display but wow, did it prove that the worry of consuming something that maybe should not be consumed is a powerful stressor! This is the theme of this delightful little picture book told through sweet illustrations all pink, green and black and much humour. What happens when you swallow a seed? Will you end up as fruit salad? Sprouting vines?

Read and find out just what happens to this voracious watermelon muncher.

The Day the Crayons Quit written by Drew Daywalt and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers

I know, I know. Everyone has read this book. And I just finally did. It wasn’t for lack of awareness! It just hadn’t happened. Love Jeffers. Love the voices. Fun all around. Mostly what I love is watching students sit and share this book together. One day last week, two girls chose reading this book (taking turns as different crayons) to a classroom volunteer over play time during choices. I think they might have had the most fun in the room!

Living Sunlight: How Plants Bring the Earth to Life by Molly Bang and Penny Chisholm

Gorgeously illustrated, this book conveys so much about the importance of sunlight and green plants to our life and survival. Nicely accessible for kids with lots of relevant and additional information in the back.