Originally hosted by Sheila at Book Journey, Jen over at Teach Mentor Texts along with Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers also host a kidlit version of It's Monday! What are You Reading?
I read a lot of picture books this week. So many that I'm only going to highlight some of my favorites:
Nikolai, the Only Bear
by Barbara Joosse, illustrated by Renata Liwska
Oh my goodness!
An
absolutely beautiful story with equally stunning illustrations about the
only bear in an orphanage in Russia. As you continue reading this
unusual little story, the way Renata Liwska illustrates Nikolai in such a
human way despite the fact that he's a bear, makes you realize that
Nikolai isn't really a bear at all and this is a story about a real boy
looking for a real family. It is heartbreaking, gentle, and joyous all
at the same time. I highly recommend this one.
Just Being Audrey
by Margaret Cardillo, illustrated by Julia Denos
There's
just something about Audrey Hepburn and this simple picture book
biography is a great introduction to her life and work. For kids who are
into fashion and old-time Hollywood glamor, this is a great book for
them.
Vivaldi's Four Seasons
by Anna Harwell Celenza, illustrated by Joan E. Kitchel
Vivaldi
not only composed the Four Seasons concertos (which are some of my
favorite pieces of classical music), but he wrote a set of sonnets to go
with the music. I could see a music, social studies, and English
teacher working together on a unit that examines the history of the
time, the poems, and the music.
Lots of cross-curricular connections happening here. The book also comes with a CD of the concertos.
Good Boy, Fergus!
by David Shannon
What
can I say? I'm a sucker for dog books. I love that David Shannon wrote
and illustrated this book inspired by his own dog Fergus.
Wilfred
by Ryan Higgins
This one made me tear up at the end. What a wonderful, heartfelt story about a boy who finds a friend in a big, hairy monster.
Blue Chameleon
and Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
by Emily Gravett
Well Emily Gravett is slowly becoming one of my favorite illustrators. What clever, thoughtful books she creates!
I finished two audiobooks last week:
Monstrous Beauty
by Elizabeth Fama
Doll Bones
by Holly Black
I think I'm in the minority because I didn't love Doll Bones the way everyone else did, but I absolutely ADORED Monstrous Beauty. The audiobook is absolutely stunning. I'm posting a review of it this week.
Currently (still) reading:
Timepiece by Myra McEntire
Currently listening:
Every Day
by David Levithan
I'm enjoying Every Day but I'm having a really hard time suspending my disbelief because there's no explanation as to WHY the protagonist inhabits the body of a different person every day. At the same time, I know that's not the point of the book and I should just sit back and enjoy the beautiful writing. But still. The realistic fiction girl inside of me can't help but wonder how this is all possible.
I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had: My Year as a Rookie Teacher at Northeast High
by Tony Danza
Tony Danza will be a key note speaker at NCTE in Boston this year so I wanted to read his book before going just to see if he's legit. I'm not far enough in yet to know that for sure but I can't doubt his sincerity. He's someone who has the heart for teaching and seems to be a fierce supporter of teachers.
Last week I reviewed:
Food Rules: An Eater's Manual by Michael Pollan, illustrated by Maria Kalman
Other posts from last week:
Amelia Elizabeth Walden Award winners
A fishy comparison
Over on my other blog, Use Your Outside Voice, I write about my conflicting emotions over not returning to the classroom in September.
Current giveaway:
Two ARCs of middle grade sequels: When Did You See Her Last? by Lemony Snicket and The Lonely Lake Monster by Suzanne Selfors
Audrey was fun to read. I may have to pick up the Danza book; like you, I had my doubts about what he was doing, but it is at the very least interesting.
ReplyDeleteI abandoned Everyday for exactly that reason. I just couldn't go with the flow on that one. I loved Wilfred and think that everyone who loves The Giving Tree. I like this message so much better! Have a great week! http://www.rrpl.org/digital/index.htm
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased you liked Wilfred. I think this is such a sweet little read and yes, it can produce a tear or two! I am such a fan of Emily Gravett. FRom her simple stories for young children to her more complex picture books, always wonderful. I love the look of the first book you highlighted Nikolai the only bear. Looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteYour picture book selection was just enchanting. I tried Levithan's book with the same result, glad to hear I was not the only one!
ReplyDeleteLoved each of the picture books you highlighted & will find Nikolai for sure-sounds like a beautiful story. I think Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears looks terrific too. Thanks for all, Beth!
ReplyDeleteGreat list of picture books! And I am always interested to hear why someone didn't love Doll Bones. I tend to be extreme on the love end so like to get a balanced perspective.
ReplyDelete