tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81113566900611449602024-03-05T02:06:10.017-05:00REBECCA HERZOGa blog about reading, writing, and telling awesome storiesRebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.comBlogger146125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-12148306113996342352018-08-31T12:48:00.000-04:002018-08-31T12:48:18.769-04:00Poetry Friday - Summer Poetry Swap: Fireflies and Tarantulas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2yTpvFKQV0qEaaRaLq0JvaqBZg9KTBKWTMopUiXP6pAJTUImfmABFawu6amVsc86LY-butSio_t5pXnThny9IvZ9NtJSp5iROypdBFL6UctZyO2qkdKAJSJiCzendIYsn1zdQ_toJ_M/s1600/8poetry+friday+-+august.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2yTpvFKQV0qEaaRaLq0JvaqBZg9KTBKWTMopUiXP6pAJTUImfmABFawu6amVsc86LY-butSio_t5pXnThny9IvZ9NtJSp5iROypdBFL6UctZyO2qkdKAJSJiCzendIYsn1zdQ_toJ_M/s200/8poetry+friday+-+august.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out <a href="http://www.robynhoodblack.com/blog/posts/12343"><span style="font-size: large;">Robyn Hood Black's amazing blog</span></a> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and happy Poetry Friday! Today is going to be a short post because I am in the process of moving my blog from Blogger over to Wordpress. My laptop is on the fritz, and I have decided to try to work exclusively on my iPad. And Blogger does not play well with iPad. </div>
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I did want to share the final two Summer Poetry Swaps that I received. It has been so much fun sending and receiving these poetry packages. I am so glad that I participated! Thank you Tabatha, for organizing the swap.</div>
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<a href="http://awordedgewiselindamitchell.blogspot.com/">Linda Mitchell</a> sent me a beautiful handmade card that went perfectly with her poem, Firefly Tea. I have it hanging on my cork board by my desk because it makes me smile every time I read it. She did a perfect job of capturing summer with my little ones. </div>
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Firefly Tea</div>
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by Linda Mitchell</div>
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Summer Night</div>
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drops of dew</div>
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camp fire</div>
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circles loved ones</div>
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a ghost story</div>
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or two.</div>
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Sun burned nose</div>
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bare feet</div>
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swim suits drip</div>
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dreams sweet</div>
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flicker...flash</div>
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set aside to steep</div>
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Drink slowly</div>
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Repeat</div>
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And <a href="http://beyondliteracylink.blogspot.com/">Carol Varsalona</a> used the Buncee platform to send me some spook-filled Floridian poetry. She even included info on one of my pets, a Lasiodora parahybana--the Brazilian Salmon Pink Bird-eating Taratula!<br />
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<a href="https://app.edu.buncee.com/buncee/858D21B0ED954C879F52FEF5CDF22F80">You can see her Spooky Floridian Poetry Swap here.</a></div>
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She also sent my daughter and I these handmade bracelets from the charity, <a href="http://www.biggerthanbeads.com/">Bigger Than Beads</a>. Needless to say, they were a big hit!</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-49617521457636153102018-08-17T00:19:00.000-04:002018-08-17T00:30:12.444-04:00Poetry Friday - The Ravens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out Christie blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/birds-of-a-feather-poetryfriday/">Wondering and Wandering</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">,</span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! Summer is winding down--my daughter is back in school, and my husband starts teaching again in a couple of weeks. While I love having both kids and my husband home, I am excited for the routine that comes with school.</div>
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Christie over at <a href="https://wonderingandwondering.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/birds-of-a-feather-poetryfriday/">Wondering and Wandering</a> put up a bird-related poem challenge. I have been wanting to try my hand again at a golden shovel poem, so I decided to pick a line from <a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/48860/the-raven">Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven"</a>. We're getting closer and closer to October, so I'll take any chance I can get to bring out the spookiness.<br />
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Originally, I planned on having my poem be informational. Did you know a group of them is called an "unkindness" or a "conspiracy"? Or that they're the world's largest songbird? Or that they play pranks?<br />
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As I started writing the poem, though, it kind of morphed into something completely different. The original poem doesn't tell us what happens to the narrator, so I decided to explore that a bit. It's a first draft, and the nature of the Golden Shovel made consistent meter quite difficult. But it was a blast to futz around with.<br />
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The Ravens</div>
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after "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe</div>
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A conspiracy of passerines perched in the potter’s field-then</div>
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startled by my passing by, this</div>
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sooty cloak whipped to the sky. Ebony</div>
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wings beat through the air, no common bird</div>
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were these. Their croaking cries, beguiling</div>
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calls, were meant to just deceive. Twas not my</div>
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name they squawked that night which stoked sad</div>
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embers in my soul. The desire for her return--pure fancy--</div>
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so now I go to my Lenore. Perched atop this precipice I gaze into</div>
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The black below. I know she waits. Lenore will greet me, smiling.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-61401407870364767592018-08-15T00:30:00.000-04:002018-08-15T00:30:08.345-04:00Sloth at the Zoom - Picture Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT8e9jjer0vCegJJBBfrYNwTfTZ5LCdjsdNItfSHlaZJ0VrHLlagE-LnVR6aTKcjPnoV0Ap5lixI-Ooy3D7JLTWnz1fEahEynUSO70Mi87JsRi09FYEDVtg2m4ESug964-WoHEEanWAA/s1600/51cLOUTaR8L._SX435_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="437" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIT8e9jjer0vCegJJBBfrYNwTfTZ5LCdjsdNItfSHlaZJ0VrHLlagE-LnVR6aTKcjPnoV0Ap5lixI-Ooy3D7JLTWnz1fEahEynUSO70Mi87JsRi09FYEDVtg2m4ESug964-WoHEEanWAA/s400/51cLOUTaR8L._SX435_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="348" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37690781-sloth-at-the-zoom">Sloth at the Zoom</a></b></div>
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written by Helaine Becker</div>
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illustrated by Orbie</div>
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Owlkids, 2018</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*</i></span></div>
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At a Glance</h2>
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Category & Genre(s):</h3>
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Picture book, humor, friendship<br />
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Age Range: </h3>
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2-7 years old<br />
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Plot:</h3>
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A sloth, heading for the laid-back Zzzzoo, is accidentally dropped off at the Zoom where zebras gallop aroud and cheetahs zip right by. How will she handle this fast paced life and will she be able to make friends?<br />
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Strengths:</h3>
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<li>clever, cute idea</li>
<li>The main character is a sloth</li>
<li>Its funny</li>
<li>Shows the benefits of slowing down sometimes</li>
<li>shows we can have friends that are different than ourselves</li>
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Would I recommend this title:</h3>
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Yes!</div>
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Full Review</h2>
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Full disclosure: I love sloths. I have a sloth stuffed animal collection. I have sloth socks. Even my roller derby name is Sloth. So naturally, I loved this book. The illustrations are really cute and vibrant. I feel like the illustrator did a good job of capturing each animal.</div>
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The premise of the book is funny and clever. A type of jungle fish-out-of-water story. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the animals zooming around--the zebras run so fast that their stripes fly off! </div>
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I think kids and parents will find appeal in the idea that it is important to slow down sometimes. I also liked the underlying message that we can find friends anywhere, even if they like different things. </div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-38892895249216235482018-08-13T00:30:00.000-04:002018-08-13T00:30:00.127-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/13/18<div style="text-align: center;">
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#IMWAYR</h3>
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The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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Picture Books</h3>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30687869-the-chupacabra-ate-the-candelabra"><b>The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra</b></a><br />
written by Marc Tyler Nobleman<br />
illustrated by Ana Aranda<br />
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017<br />
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This book was so much fun! I was looking for suggestions for spooky picture books and this one came up. I loved the bright illustrations. And the story was really funny and cute. Kids will be able to relate to the goats' fear of the legendary chupacabra--much like the boogeyman. One thing that I was pleasantly surprised at is that the text is a little longer--but it does not drag. It seems like many publishers are publishing shorter and shorter picture books, so this was refreshing. Despite the little bit longer text, my kiddos never got bored. </div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/36342048-ta-da">Ta-Da!</a></b><br />
written by Kathy Ellen Davis<br />
illustrated by Kaylani Juanita<br />
Chronicle Books, 2018<br />
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I picked this one up because of the cover. The story is very creative and clever. I think most kids will be able to relate to the back and forth that happens when you are playing with friends. I especially liked the repetition as my toddler would giggle and even repeat parts. Highly recommend. </div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/26393358-the-bath-monster">The Bath Monster</a></b><br />
written by Colin Boyd<br />
illustrated by Tony Ross<br />
Andersen Press, 2016<br />
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Another fun read. I love this twist on the monster under the bed. I am all for age appropriate spookiness and this is great. I could also see it being a motivator to get kids to take their baths--it keeps the bath monster well fed! </div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/9537703-creepy-monsters-sleepy-monsters">Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters</a></b><br />
written by Jane Yolen<br />
illustrated by Kelly Murphy<br />
Candlewick, 2013<br />
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I guess I have been on a monster kick this week! The illustrations in this one are great. The monsters are super cute and Jane's rhyme is fantastic, as always. My two little monsters thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now if I can just get them to go to bed the 1st time I ask!</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-53850240902444139072018-07-30T00:30:00.000-04:002018-07-30T00:30:05.478-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/30/18<div style="text-align: center;">
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#IMWAYR</h3>
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The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">BookTube-A-Thon starts today and runs through August 5th! You can <a href="https://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/07/booktube-thon-2018-tbr.html">see my 7 book TBR here.</a> </span><br />
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Picture Books</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/2237864.Boogie_Knights">Boogie Nights</a></b></div>
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written by Lisa Wheeler</div>
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illustrated by Mark Siegel</div>
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Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2008</div>
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I am always on the lookout for great spooky-funny books. This one had be belly laughing. I loved the illustrations and the rhyme was spot-on. Highly recommend. </div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/31213594-on-duck-pond">On Duck Pond</a></b></div>
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written by Jane Yolen</div>
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illustrated by Bob Marstall</div>
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Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2017</div>
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I love it when Jane Yolen comes out with a bird picture book (and she's got <a href="https://amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=jane+yolen+birds">a few</a>) because I know that the writing will be top notch and there will be fantastic nonfiction back matter. <i>On Duck Pond </i> does not disappoint. The illustrations are beautiful too. </div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/36580639-twig">Twig</a></b></div>
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by Aura Parker</div>
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Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018</div>
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Oh my goodness! What a cute book! I loved the illustrations. There is just so much to see and discover on each page. And the story--one of going unnoticed--is something that I think many kids can easily relate to. </div>
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Poetry</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/23129974-beastly-verse">Beastly Verse</a></b></div>
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by JooHee Yoon</div>
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Enchanted Lion Books, 2015</div>
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JooHee Yoon has selected a fantastic set of animal poems for this book. Her wonderfully colorful artwork is just amazing. This would make an excellent addition to any poetry classroom. </div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-88130779935239821312018-07-28T00:27:00.000-04:002018-07-28T00:27:12.911-04:00BookTube-A-Thon 2018 TBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's that time of year again! Booktube-A-Thon--the week-long read-a-thon! I stumbled across this last year and had a blast. I didn't even know what BookTube was (it's a whole slew of YouTubers that talk books on their channels, and it's marvelous.) </div>
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There are daily video challenges that you can do (like spell out your current read using other books) as well as Instagram challenges. I am still debating on whether I am going to put in the time and energy to make any videos--I did last year, but it takes so much time to film and edit! </div>
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My 8yo daughter and her friends really want me to make them because "they've never lived next to a YouTube star" before. Yes, one of them really said this to me. For the record, my top viewed video from last year has 24 views--I'm pretty sure 22 of those were my daughter and her friends sitting around and giggling at me.</div>
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So the read-a-thon goes from midnight on July 30th and goes through August 5th. There are seven reading challenges that are totally optional, but a lot of fun. my 7 books that I have chosen total up to just over 1700 words for the week! It's a tall order, but I can't wait to dive in. Just for fun, I have decided to have a horror theme for all my selections.</div>
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So, without further ado, here are my book choices.<br />
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Challenge 1: Let a coin toss determine your first read</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/36739466-the-frightful-ride-of-michael-mcmichael">The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael</a></b></div>
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written by Bonny Becker</div>
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illustrated by Mark Fearing</div>
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Candlewick, 2018</div>
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I am SO excited for this one. I will definitely be cracking it open at the stroke of midnight.</div>
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Challenge 2: Read a book about something you want to do</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/36423688-hwa-poetry-showcase-volume-iv">HWA Poetry Showcase Volume IV</a></b></div>
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edited by David E. Cowen</div>
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Horror Writers Association, 2017</div>
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I really enjoy writing poetry, especially for kids. While this isn't a book of children's poetry, I am excited to see and learn how to incorporate more spookiness into my own work. </div>
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Challenge 3: Read and watch a book to movie adaptation*</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/31213185-night-of-the-living-cuddle-bunnies">Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies</a></b></div>
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by Jonathan Rosen</div>
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Sky Pony Press, 2017</div>
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*I am interpreting this challenge a bit broadly, as there isn't a movie adaptation (yet!) BUT the title is FANTASTIC and I'll be going off of that for the challenge. I know the book nods to all sorts of excellent films, so I'll be picking one after I read it.</div>
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Challenge 4: Read a book with green on the cover</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91J1IRz384pCBLGDlciDq1YxvP7VU83l11CvfvjjN9QGsxOX5effUmVPxo7usXItEhb64XVGKkRXotW3R2mCQ2WNmyiE0ueALg6q9kBMt2fyPDTpmbm3eBOTgkA6lzjCqEEq9pqQPmZ4/s1600/617MToyZFAL._SX405_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="407" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91J1IRz384pCBLGDlciDq1YxvP7VU83l11CvfvjjN9QGsxOX5effUmVPxo7usXItEhb64XVGKkRXotW3R2mCQ2WNmyiE0ueALg6q9kBMt2fyPDTpmbm3eBOTgkA6lzjCqEEq9pqQPmZ4/s320/617MToyZFAL._SX405_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://goodreads.com/book/show/30687869-the-chupacabra-ate-the-candelabra">The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra</a></b></div>
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written by Marc Tyler Nobleman</div>
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illustrated by Ana Aranda</div>
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Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017</div>
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I am fascinated by horror in young children's literature. I think it is an art form to get just the right spookiness to humor ratio for kids. This one looks way fun.</div>
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Challenge 5: Read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9qmwyogS_ma6lO9rUviYOuaGJOVFW4l-d0mVq6xjTcImCLm7sZlRW7aL9_rGU5_QEbLnuhH78Jf99443_Mbb2cW6E2fYsUWxJLBR34AaoyKvis35peHJ4X1RRpnmcmjdC8kQ57SCo8Q/s1600/61qYUbHTH1L._SX378_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="380" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9qmwyogS_ma6lO9rUviYOuaGJOVFW4l-d0mVq6xjTcImCLm7sZlRW7aL9_rGU5_QEbLnuhH78Jf99443_Mbb2cW6E2fYsUWxJLBR34AaoyKvis35peHJ4X1RRpnmcmjdC8kQ57SCo8Q/s320/61qYUbHTH1L._SX378_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29069374-my-favorite-thing-is-monsters-vol-1">My Favorite Thing Is Monsters</a></b></div>
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by Emil Ferris</div>
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Fantagraphics Books, 2017</div>
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This graphic novel was nominated for a Bram Stoker Award last year and I am so excited to read it (in my roller derby trucker hat).</div>
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Challenge 6: Read a book with a beautiful spine</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiM4mlIy1YONoPJHToaosyeUtLFMHXdpGdoBRMEBIrSyeBpvD6K1uwP8b3DCy45yxzCEiv2v1srna0dTzSywrqEIndZSxquBW76DrvbsVt0utCLsayBDxWvMYUX32YgELkzDtAlrHs_A/s1600/51cWLa5bFxL._SX342_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="342" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBiM4mlIy1YONoPJHToaosyeUtLFMHXdpGdoBRMEBIrSyeBpvD6K1uwP8b3DCy45yxzCEiv2v1srna0dTzSywrqEIndZSxquBW76DrvbsVt0utCLsayBDxWvMYUX32YgELkzDtAlrHs_A/s320/51cWLa5bFxL._SX342_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/30285766-the-hunger">The Hunger</a></b></div>
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by Alma Katsu</div>
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read by Kirsten Potter</div>
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Penguin Audio, 2018</div>
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So I don't have an image of the spine of this one because I am listening to the audiobook. But I did look it up and it really is a pretty spine.<br />
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Challenge 7: Read seven books</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioPIW5bYg_8WIPHQp1BVidw_HaRMZzYEt_zy6xslW6J3328poFWqFi4oNwfH6z0cGGmnVanqEGoweYj-07eLLhl7hMQ4FY7PPxIYmtRc-YfF6hmm9KohJGeViEHgq-XnKSemQ_xBE2D8/s1600/51yr9k3Ei7L._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="331" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjioPIW5bYg_8WIPHQp1BVidw_HaRMZzYEt_zy6xslW6J3328poFWqFi4oNwfH6z0cGGmnVanqEGoweYj-07eLLhl7hMQ4FY7PPxIYmtRc-YfF6hmm9KohJGeViEHgq-XnKSemQ_xBE2D8/s320/51yr9k3Ei7L._SX329_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/28954124-scary-out-there">Scary Out There</a></b></div>
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edited by Jonathan Maberry</div>
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Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016</div>
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I have been on a short story kick lately and I have high expectations for this one.<br />
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So there you have it! I'm hoping to have a wrap up post when I come up for air after the read-a-thon. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-49802237322288989982018-07-27T00:30:00.000-04:002018-07-27T00:30:11.366-04:00Poetry Friday - Artichoke Poetry Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiad1zCUjqsKB3uoKJZBV0qSnj5VU5a2SrfrDVpWfU_u1eZsAWF8b_lDvQLIsbYc3MpAIaeGtRifqGA7CQHHRntMAcHtShojF9rjLRhIWmdwyk0PxV3pa96BS5N3aw3Nwm10Hbugj6hW8/s1600/poetry+friday+-+July.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiad1zCUjqsKB3uoKJZBV0qSnj5VU5a2SrfrDVpWfU_u1eZsAWF8b_lDvQLIsbYc3MpAIaeGtRifqGA7CQHHRntMAcHtShojF9rjLRhIWmdwyk0PxV3pa96BS5N3aw3Nwm10Hbugj6hW8/s200/poetry+friday+-+July.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://readingtothecore.wordpress.com/">Reading to the Core</a></span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday everyone! I hope that you have had a marvelous week. Mine has been filled with ups and downs, but mostly ups. </div>
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One of the highlights of my week was the poetry swap package I received from <a href="https://deowriter.wordpress.com/">Jone Rush MacCulloch</a>. She wrote me a beautiful poem about artichokes. I had no idea that the artichoke was a species of thistle! And the thistle is my 2nd favorite flower (behind the dandelion). I just love how prickly they are, but how vibrant and beautiful the purples can be. </div>
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Thank you, Jone for the poem! I am keeping it on my fridge so I can smile everyday. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR5i_NfdY8vtMuf5_MnNhntTOFtjZoKLYUig0ERskSwJhJbsDG4Y8xDsYZVRPM3kvASjCdYtwVgmabT20TgWs0hv2MxWGuNtgw88uN_FYovjHs3tw_YnTNblAsuQKH9MLnQErdtNt2F0/s1600/IMG-1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYR5i_NfdY8vtMuf5_MnNhntTOFtjZoKLYUig0ERskSwJhJbsDG4Y8xDsYZVRPM3kvASjCdYtwVgmabT20TgWs0hv2MxWGuNtgw88uN_FYovjHs3tw_YnTNblAsuQKH9MLnQErdtNt2F0/s320/IMG-1609.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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artichoke</div>
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purple glory globe</div>
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hidden bee</div>
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seeks pollen</div>
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explorers on our journey</div>
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seeking life's nectar</div>
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--<i>jone rush macculloch</i></div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-22076858591480041742018-07-23T00:30:00.000-04:002018-07-23T00:30:09.884-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 7/20/18<div style="text-align: center;">
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#IMWAYR</h3>
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The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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Board Books</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DDRaylLROkaHvIU_W26Guk94PVT2AR_nokoZJndrp1KHZ1mLgbA_EraL3UPGQwRwhyphenhyphenXKfN0Pr-63OpDn9fkaqyO-bYNGNYYeHYSTL80D1-QhB3NHJALf3C7K76xrYv2JHzuOuQF3a9o/s1600/51687hAi6eL._SY496_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="498" data-original-width="500" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1DDRaylLROkaHvIU_W26Guk94PVT2AR_nokoZJndrp1KHZ1mLgbA_EraL3UPGQwRwhyphenhyphenXKfN0Pr-63OpDn9fkaqyO-bYNGNYYeHYSTL80D1-QhB3NHJALf3C7K76xrYv2JHzuOuQF3a9o/s200/51687hAi6eL._SY496_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/35541268-la-catrina">La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones</a></b></div>
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by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein</div>
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Lil' Libros, 2017</div>
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We. loved. this. book. The illustrations are so bright and wonderful. Each page has an emotion in both Spanish and English. In the 3 weeks that I had it home from the library, I bet I read it at least 50 times (I'm not kidding). Now my 20 month old son toddles around the house making all the hand motions to accompany the emotion (hand to the cheek with a shocked expression for surprise/sporendido, scratching his head for confused/confundido). He even walks up and says "amada" while giving us hugs. We will be buying this one for our home.</div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/35297328-animal-colors">Animal Colors</a></b></div>
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by Christopher Silas Neal</div>
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little bee books, 2018</div>
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This was a fantastic read and a very creative color concept book. I love the mash up of both the colors and the wacky animals. What does a blue whale and a yellow lion make? A green whion of course!</div>
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Picture Books</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUGcWRidQVUfSd5r5I4VNkdJJ4vVtyM7yjsF43QPN6RNZFGigXBqJXukT4eyJI3zeKAcWYA8qHjskNF8hwRSI-xK0tp1e-M5V_ORdMGKd_I4JrG-3cnHellfMZV0-jhi4QZvMwDYLxg/s1600/HaSiSfN+-+Front+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="1360" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUGcWRidQVUfSd5r5I4VNkdJJ4vVtyM7yjsF43QPN6RNZFGigXBqJXukT4eyJI3zeKAcWYA8qHjskNF8hwRSI-xK0tp1e-M5V_ORdMGKd_I4JrG-3cnHellfMZV0-jhi4QZvMwDYLxg/s200/HaSiSfN+-+Front+Cover.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://hankandstellabooks.com/">Hank and Stella in Something For Nothing</a></b></div>
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by Damian Synadinos </div>
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Proving Press, 2018</div>
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I haven't ever seen a book that introduces kids to improv before. It was a fun read that would make for a great rainy day book. I especially like the improv games included as back matter to get the creative juices going. You can read my <a href="https://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/07/something-from-nothing-by-damian.html">full review here</a>.</div>
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Poetry </h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/31145158-cricket-in-the-thicket">Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs</a></b></div>
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poems by Carol Murray</div>
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illustrations by Melissa Sweet</div>
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Henry Holt and Co., 2017</div>
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This was a wildly fun read. The poems were playful and informative. And the illustrations were fantastic too. My daughter and I both loved the nonfiction tidbits that accompanied each poem. </div>
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Middle Grade</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/26030734-the-wild-robot">The Wild Robot</a></b></div>
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by Peter Brown</div>
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Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016</div>
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I cannot heap enough praise on this book as a read-aloud. My daughter and I read this together and it is simply wonderful. The chapters are super short, which make bedtime (or classroom) reading perfect because there is always an easy stopping point. The characters are all so lovable. My daughter especially enjoyed Chit Chat, the squirrel, who talks exactly how you'd picture a squirrel to talk. We cannot wait to pick up the sequel.</div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/23281919-circus-mirandus">Circus Mirandus</a></b></div>
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by Cassie Beasley</div>
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Dial Books, 2015</div>
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Cassie Beasley is one of my new favorite authors. I read <i><a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/03/tumble-and-blue-by-cassie-beasley.html">Tumble and Blue</a> </i>earlier in the year and thought it was wonderful. <i>Circus Mirandus </i>is just as good. I love a good circus story and Beasley does such a fantastic job of bringing the magic to life. She also does a magnificent job of taking serious, sorrowful topics (like the death of a loved one or a parent abandoning a child) and wrapping it in a story filled with magical realism and tangible characters so that the topics can be easily digested by a young reader. She doesn't pander, but delivers real emotions in a way that young readers can understand.</div>
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Young Adult</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give">The Hate U Give</a></b></div>
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by Angie Thomas</div>
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Balzar + Bray, 2017</div>
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narrated by Bahni Turpin</div>
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HarperAudio 2017</div>
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I feel like I am late getting to this one, but I am so glad I finally read it. This book needs to be read and anyone and everyone. Sometimes I worry when tons of hype is put into something but the hype is absolutely well deserved. I listened to the audiobook and it was one of the best performed audiobooks that I have ever listened to. So so good and impactful. This book has the power to make change happen. I cannot wait to see the movie. </div>
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Adult Fiction</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/18782854-the-supernatural-enhancements">The Supernatural Enhancements</a></b></div>
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by Edgar Cantero</div>
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Doubleday, 2014</div>
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I read Cantero's <i>Meddling Kids </i>last year and really enjoyed it--it's probably my favorite adult fiction book from the last few years. So I picked up this one and really liked it as well. It is basically a Victorian gothic horror story set in Virginia in the 1990s. Cantero walks the line of giving the reader just enough information to push the story forward while leaving a lot in the dark until the end. All around a fun read. His next book, <i><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/38350571-this-body-s-not-big-enough-for-both-of-us?ac=1&from_search=true">This Body's Not Big Enough for the Both of Us</a>--</i>a hard boiled mystery where the protagonist detective is a set of twins stuck in one body--comes out in two weeks and I'm really excited to pick it up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJvW3ZPD8JfClEXTVqosADl2d7gKC1RsrcT7birDgGpvFvqpWoMCZ9IAbMBwZ5aHw6gTs2h5FhZNr2c8GyhyOhMNfbmWshgjiqnvKmmYw3du5w1K70ctztU8TDGF0KDfq7489U1-Bd2Q/s1600/511Dl74cE9L._SX328_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="330" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJvW3ZPD8JfClEXTVqosADl2d7gKC1RsrcT7birDgGpvFvqpWoMCZ9IAbMBwZ5aHw6gTs2h5FhZNr2c8GyhyOhMNfbmWshgjiqnvKmmYw3du5w1K70ctztU8TDGF0KDfq7489U1-Bd2Q/s200/511Dl74cE9L._SX328_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/34912895-the-great-alone">The Great Alone</a></b></div>
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by Kristin Hannah</div>
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St. Martin's Press, 2018</div>
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Excellent, excellent book. A lot about this struck home for me, which made it quite personal. I could really relate to Leni's circumstance. The descriptions of the Alaskan frontier were beautiful and wild. I felt like I was right there with the Allbrights. I especially liked how it is a very satisfying ending , but it's not wrapped up in a pretty bow and perfect. It felt real. Highly recommend. </div>
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Nonfiction - Craft</h3>
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<b><a href="https://goodreads.com/book/show/13665361-writing-irresistible-kidlit">Writing Irrestistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers</a></b></div>
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by Mary Kole </div>
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Writer's Digest Books, 2012</div>
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One of my writing group members lent me this book and it is fantastic. Because I have such a small amount of time to write, I have been looking for a book that could help me outline my current work-in-progress. This book was helpful during the planning stages of my novel and I believe it will also be very helpful during the revision stages as well. I will be adding this to my bookshelf for future reference. </div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-22175524187999961042018-07-20T00:00:00.000-04:002018-07-20T00:00:04.088-04:00Poetry Friday - Lake Poetry Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out Heidi Mordhorst's blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2018/07/poetry-friday-roundup-pofo-summer.html">My Juicy Little Universe</a>,</span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Poetry Friday! I'm so glad that you stopped by. Things have been hectic with both the kiddos and my husband home for the summer. I love them all to death, but it feels like I am getting nothing done! I am still trying to savor it because I know school will start back up here in about a month. </div>
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With all the craziness of summer, it was so nice to receive a summer poetry swap package from <a href="https://irenelatham.blogspot.com/">Irene Latham</a>. Not only did she send a wonderful poem, but she also sent me this adorable turtle. He has found a comfy home with my other slow-moving stuffed animals. </div>
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Knowing that I enjoy horror, Irene sent me a spooky poem about swimming in a lake. Little did she know that lakes really do give me the heebie jeebies! I live close to the ocean and don't think twice about all the sharks, jelly fish and rays when I go for a swim. But there is just something creepy about lakes. I just know that a monster tentacle is going to curl around my ankle one day and drag me down! Thanks, Irene for the fantastic poem.</div>
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<b>Swimming in the Lake</b></div>
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by Irene Latham</div>
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It starts with a whisper</div>
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on my ankle,</div>
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a tickle on my thigh --</div>
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I kick and shiver:</div>
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<i>are there alligators nearby?</i></div>
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Something bubbles,</div>
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something pops.</div>
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I see a head --</div>
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my heart squeezes!</div>
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-- and a pair of eyes.</div>
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my body freezes!</div>
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<i>Help!</i></div>
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<i>Get me out of here, quick!</i></div>
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What? It's just a stick?</div>
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Not a snaketurtlepirhanasharkALLIGATOR</div>
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hunting me now</div>
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for a feast later?</div>
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I wish I knew what to believe...</div>
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It ends with me</div>
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climbing the ladder,</div>
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crying, <i>No more!</i></div>
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I think I like the lake better</div>
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from the shore.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-63707940448062484462018-07-19T14:31:00.000-04:002018-07-19T14:31:11.099-04:00SOMETHING FROM NOTHING by Damian Synadinos - Informational PB Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><a href="https://www.hankandstellabooks.com/">Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing</a></i></b></h3>
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by Damian Synadinos</h3>
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At a Glance</h2>
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Genre(s):</h3>
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Informational picture book<br />
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Age Range: </h3>
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ages 5-10, but can be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in improv<br />
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Plot:</h3>
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"Hank and Stella in Something from Nothing" is an engaging story with cute characters that introduces children to improv principles and skills that are as useful on stage as they are at play and in life" (<a href="https://www.hankandstellabooks.com/">source</a>).<br />
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The story follows two stuffed animals as they make a boring rainy day more fun by learning about imrov.<br />
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Strengths:</h3>
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<ul>
<li>makes improv easy to understand for young children</li>
<li>illustrations are bright and engaging</li>
<li>a great tool when children say "I'm bored"</li>
<li>a great tool to teach that it's okay to make mistakes</li>
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Would I recommend this title:</h3>
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Yes, especially to those who are interested in improv</div>
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<h2>
Full Review</h2>
I have seen various books on how to do improv, but they have always been geared towards adults or older teens. Enter <i>Something from Nothing</i> by Damian Synadinos, a picture book that teaches children the principles of improvisation in a fun and engaging way.<br />
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Hank and Stella show young readers how to play together, how to build their confidence and how to develop their imaginations. I especially like the fact that the book teaches children that it is okay to make mistakes and that we can grow and build on those small accidents.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6AkWM_QHIzvklBK9pmLpUcmoJmNf8zAs7wWb_WxI_iC00-YxTdciNi1-nAphhYGjbjD6IPgBThbNwLW-qN8M41aJPBtdbfZLEnNAg3Jl3tKi8ht61rMU4FNpP3LzEfz9RrPh68IktU/s1600/pages2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmZ6AkWM_QHIzvklBK9pmLpUcmoJmNf8zAs7wWb_WxI_iC00-YxTdciNi1-nAphhYGjbjD6IPgBThbNwLW-qN8M41aJPBtdbfZLEnNAg3Jl3tKi8ht61rMU4FNpP3LzEfz9RrPh68IktU/s400/pages2.jpg" width="400" /></a>One concept in the book is the "Yes, And" rule. It teaches a skill that I think is invaluable throughout life. Part of creativity and brainstorming in a team is building on what others say. Instead of shooting down and idea, you say "yes" and then continue to add your own input. This promotes innovation and collaboration.<br />
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I also love that the book comes with a list of improv games to get kids going. I can't wait to try them out with my own kids as I think that they will have a blast trying them out.<br />
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Overall, this is an excellent book for showing kids how much fun improv can be, and that it doesn't have to be scary. The idea of standing up and performing on the spot kind of terrifies me. Maybe it wouldn't be so scary if I had something like this when I was a kid.<br />
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<br />Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-23650413025434531352018-06-22T01:03:00.001-04:002018-06-22T01:03:45.823-04:00Poetry Friday - Sloth Poetry Swap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkVzJ-1vAHpq1rsa8DSFjmIuFeXE7mNPWgSwvqUyraeoFP3yiegeQQPo2wkE7eoMfvIlvF2LkjhBLTV_Yg4iRDi0yHDN1Rs_7UPxnegVLDNFf72eqUou-_arI4anRxcIKXO7SbdpsXas/s1600/poetry+friday+-+June.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkVzJ-1vAHpq1rsa8DSFjmIuFeXE7mNPWgSwvqUyraeoFP3yiegeQQPo2wkE7eoMfvIlvF2LkjhBLTV_Yg4iRDi0yHDN1Rs_7UPxnegVLDNFf72eqUou-_arI4anRxcIKXO7SbdpsXas/s200/poetry+friday+-+June.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://moreart4all.wordpress.com/2018/06/21/poetry-friday-bayou-song-book-review-roundup/">Michelle Kogan's blog</a></span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and happy Friday! I joined the Poetry Friday community last July and I had just missed the Summer Poetry Swap. So I have been looking forward to participating for nearly a year and I just sent off my 1st poem.</div>
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A word to the person who receives mine: I decided to do a concrete poem, and I hand wrote it. I apologize for my tiny chicken scratch! I do have a digital copy for you as well, so just let me know when you get it (I don't want to email early and ruin the fun) and I'll send it your way. I did write my email on the postcard, but I don't even trust my trying-to-be-neat handwriting. :)</div>
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I received my first poem of the swap this week and it was from none other than the amazing <a href="https://tabathayeatts.blogspot.com/">Tabatha Yeatts</a>. She wrote me a sloth-themed poem and she even put cute sloth tape on the envelope. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIWP-bvcr_jd80PFHiZ3H8SOSHfhINzH9GxfdoxCnQShomF4cxTP21H3Zy56QToFg7zRIosRYGAFeKykxw5X2fkeqJud9PRafxlltDM0L8FFC_bFfATOPgg7iosZA84jnz5Cs3uErXzk/s1600/IMG-1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="1600" height="76" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieIWP-bvcr_jd80PFHiZ3H8SOSHfhINzH9GxfdoxCnQShomF4cxTP21H3Zy56QToFg7zRIosRYGAFeKykxw5X2fkeqJud9PRafxlltDM0L8FFC_bFfATOPgg7iosZA84jnz5Cs3uErXzk/s320/IMG-1527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>SLOTHS</b></div>
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<i>by Tabatha Yeatts</i></div>
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<i>for Rebecca</i></div>
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A sloth has fur so thick it lends</div>
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itself to sheltering small friends</div>
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Their shaggy selves might turn pea green</div>
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when algae is the friend who's seen</div>
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then they match the leaves they eat</div>
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and their homey tree retreat.</div>
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Since they create a habitat</div>
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for beetles, moths, and things like that,</div>
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though people say they're solitary,</div>
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you might want to say "Not very!"</div>
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I loved her poem not only because it has to do with sloths, but she also included a little note about the community connection to our Poetry Friday community. She did say, though, that "that makes poetry the sloth and we're the bugs." That image makes me smile. Thank you, Tabatha.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-9570795318311137492018-06-11T00:11:00.001-04:002018-06-11T00:11:06.360-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 6/11/18<div style="text-align: center;">
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The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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Picture Book </h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BAgyGu8FFcMxmIeR2saqu6lZxiVt9WUuQuh1g8zf7QYczmw3-PhdUmRKHdfPauHxgAX1z2izfoXvxd07vOf88s5QkzmEiITwR7cab9cQsz18HYKtOmZPQ0sulI77oHVlOkIq5HNgXjk/s1600/61q2YNvu08L._SX396_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_BAgyGu8FFcMxmIeR2saqu6lZxiVt9WUuQuh1g8zf7QYczmw3-PhdUmRKHdfPauHxgAX1z2izfoXvxd07vOf88s5QkzmEiITwR7cab9cQsz18HYKtOmZPQ0sulI77oHVlOkIq5HNgXjk/s320/61q2YNvu08L._SX396_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34227840-maurice-the-unbeastly?from_search=true">Maurice the Unbeastly</a></i></b></div>
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written by Amy Dixon</div>
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illustrated by Karl James Mountford</div>
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Sterling Children's Books, 2017</div>
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I absolutely love this picture book. It is funny and heartfelt and just great. Both of my kids sat through multiple readings. Mountford's illustrations are fantastic. Highly recommend. </div>
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Middle Grade</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-9kQrLdmbw6kL4eQnydswcu-qR209i_zjD2N9V-wh60i_N-N3eZ5rJJPqu5YYNIJNIDEEu9RnDPvlpJOj2zb9gLzIT3SElQERrTjhUV1Jn7pBbXQFTU5wwYWvjthwZ8hEXtRstr22f8/s1600/51fuyTDBWTL._SX349_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs-9kQrLdmbw6kL4eQnydswcu-qR209i_zjD2N9V-wh60i_N-N3eZ5rJJPqu5YYNIJNIDEEu9RnDPvlpJOj2zb9gLzIT3SElQERrTjhUV1Jn7pBbXQFTU5wwYWvjthwZ8hEXtRstr22f8/s320/51fuyTDBWTL._SX349_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35230450-evangeline-of-the-bayou">Evangeline of the Bayou</a></i></b></div>
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written by Jan Eldredge</div>
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illustrated by Joseph Kuefler</div>
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Balzer + Bray, 2018</div>
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Another fantastic read. I love excellent kidlit horror, and this one grabbed me from the get go. Highly recommend. Read my <a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/06/evangeline-of-bayou-by-jan-eldredge.html">full review here</a>.</div>
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Young Adult</h3>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18367581-afterworlds">Afterworlds</a></i></b></div>
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by Scott Westerfeld</div>
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Simon Pulse, 2014</div>
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Scott Westerfeld is always so consistent in his ability to tell a great story. This one was particularly fun because of the NaNoWriMo component. As an aspiring writer, I found myself easily cheering for the writer protagonist. The format of <i>Afterworlds </i>is pretty unique because it is essentially two books/stories wrapped together. Recommend. </div>
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Adult Fiction</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWfH9ZBrt-p8ghAy6QwgvdCZyqMv6RNq6pRJtqSP4OF5b8YDILKQzssWE7rq_CoXOXjuM2dA4RGj6QAUSGR8VVsxaCaVnBXp0ZTbeinm-HAmkdwfhX8mUNP7Frwa4H35Z6LEdE820Rm0/s1600/51G%252Bb7IQQpL._SX326_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="328" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWfH9ZBrt-p8ghAy6QwgvdCZyqMv6RNq6pRJtqSP4OF5b8YDILKQzssWE7rq_CoXOXjuM2dA4RGj6QAUSGR8VVsxaCaVnBXp0ZTbeinm-HAmkdwfhX8mUNP7Frwa4H35Z6LEdE820Rm0/s320/51G%252Bb7IQQpL._SX326_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34964828-glimpse">Glimpse: A Novel</a></i></b></div>
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by Jonathan Maberry</div>
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St. Martin's Press, 2018</div>
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I really enjoyed this book. It is creepy and unsettling and wonderful. The story is essentially about what happens when nightmares and reality collide and spill into each other. Jonathan Maberry, with all his amazing skill, has written a book about dreams that actually makes you feel like you are in a waking dream. And it's just fantastic.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-58952863071832289312018-06-10T23:45:00.001-04:002018-07-19T13:42:53.239-04:00EVANGELINE OF THE BAYOU by Jan Eldredge - Middle Grade Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohv3AiggxJ6EOzk2k-e1shN65oqWbGRiJjTbB6CINS0ODIpvw75JjuBnwX6CAIqMpsYJ12F3JKs0XfOvqY15Ru6TFjOFOyFOpa20vMyvPvZhGe2bzPPrHwHbsko2RplzNJLIRO3srSCI/s1600/51fuyTDBWTL._SX349_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="351" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohv3AiggxJ6EOzk2k-e1shN65oqWbGRiJjTbB6CINS0ODIpvw75JjuBnwX6CAIqMpsYJ12F3JKs0XfOvqY15Ru6TFjOFOyFOpa20vMyvPvZhGe2bzPPrHwHbsko2RplzNJLIRO3srSCI/s320/51fuyTDBWTL._SX349_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35230450-evangeline-of-the-bayou">Evangeline of the Bayou</a></i></b></div>
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by <a href="http://www.janeldredge.com/books.html">Jan Eldredge</a></div>
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illustrated by <a href="https://josephkuefler.com/">Joseph Kuefler</a></div>
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Balzar + Bray, 2018</div>
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At a Glance</h2>
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Genre(s):</h3>
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supernatural, folklore, horror</div>
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Age Range: </h3>
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8-12 years old (middle grade)<br />
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Plot:</h3>
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"Twelve-year-old haunt huntress apprentice Evangeline Clement spends her days and nights studying the ways of folk magic, honing her monster-hunting skills while pursuing local bayou banshees and Johnny revenants."<br />
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"But when Evangeline and her grandmother are called to New Orleans to resolve an unusual case, she uncovers a secret that will shake her to the soles of her silver-tipped alligator-skin boots." (<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35230450-evangeline-of-the-bayou">source</a>)<br />
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Strengths:</h3>
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<li>excellent overall storytelling</li>
<li>the mix of folklore was fantastic</li>
<li>I liked Evangeline's character and I think kids will relate</li>
<li>Just the right amount of creep factor for the age range</li>
<li>Werewolves!</li>
<li>illustrations were so much fun</li>
<li>a twist actually surprised me </li>
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Most definitely yes!</div>
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If you have read my blog for any length of time, you'll know that I am always on the lookout for good kid appropriate horror. <i>Evangeline of the Bayou </i>totally fits the bill. I love all the folklore that Jan is able to pull into the novel. Her descriptions actually have me wanting more, in a good way. I want to go on every single hunt with Evangeline and her Grandma to see how each baddie--big and small--is handled. I hope that there will be a sequel.</div>
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Joseph Kuefler's black and white illustrations throughout the book are fun and add a bit to the creep factor without going overboard. </div>
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I feel like Evangeline's character is relatable, especially to the target age group. That is what makes the book so great. Growing up, living up to expectations--both internal and external, death, and loss are all artfully intertwined into a story about a young girl fighting monsters. What is not to like?</div>
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One thing that I give total props to Jan for is getting me with a few twists. I usually have things all figured out by the end, but she got me. I tip my hat to you, Madam. </div>
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I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys folklore, spooky stories, or just great storytelling.</div>
Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-84404504210757416502018-06-08T00:30:00.000-04:002018-06-08T00:30:16.787-04:00Poetry Friday - A Is for Alvarezsaurus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3lqwTQNfDFV5rwfq_IOr0Zc9Jghf7S3xMcq1C0-ThHljzgs8LuwQ0alCe5KmykNwF-GRdvwxuTbPjA0c6PdmTRCjW2g4dM-B5qJ8Qg7aj73LqvBAL1fMqchFoEErsY3pebaVRN1H_BM/s1600/poetry+friday+-+June.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3lqwTQNfDFV5rwfq_IOr0Zc9Jghf7S3xMcq1C0-ThHljzgs8LuwQ0alCe5KmykNwF-GRdvwxuTbPjA0c6PdmTRCjW2g4dM-B5qJ8Qg7aj73LqvBAL1fMqchFoEErsY3pebaVRN1H_BM/s200/poetry+friday+-+June.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. Be sure to check out Keisha Shepard's blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://whispersfromtheridge.weebly.com/blog/poetry-friday-summers-song">Whispers from the Ridge</a>, </span>to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Friday! I am back from my fun (and exhausting!) trip to Tennessee. 13.5 hours driving (not including stops) in one day is a lot to do with two little ones in tow. But we made do. It is always great to see family and watch the cousins play together.<br /><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/AnimalAlphabets">Animal Alphabets</a> (an A-Z twitter drawing prompt, but I use it as a poetry prompt) just started fresh with a new theme of extinct animals. A was for Alvarezsaurus (which <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Alvarezsaurus?src=hash">posted this past Monday</a>) and I had some fun writing an acrostic for it. I meant to do a little sketch to go along with the poem (as it primarily is an illustration prompt) but I ran out of time. I am kind of glad that I did, because now I don't feel so much pressure to accompany each letter with a poem <i>and </i>a drawing. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Rebecca Herzog 2018</td></tr>
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<br />I was really excited when they announced the theme was extinct animals. I was thinking they would pick animals like the passenger pigeon, and the black rhinoceros. Well, next Monday, B is for Boreaspis! Boreaspis was a jawless fish from the Devonian period that had a long pointy snout. You can learn a bit more <a href="https://alchetron.com/Boreaspis#-">here</a>. Ha! Piece of cake, right?<div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-8374713060753476232018-05-25T00:30:00.000-04:002018-05-25T00:30:09.744-04:00Poetry Friday - Giveaway Winner + Tennessee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. Be sure to check out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://reflectionsontheteche.com/2018/05/24/poetry-friday-roundup-more-than-meets-the-eye/">Reflections on the Teche</a> </span>to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Friday! Last week <a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/05/poetry-friday-poetry-book-giveaway.html">I reviewed and held a giveaway</a> for Chris Harris' <i>I'm Just No Good at Rhyming: and Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups.</i></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming?ac=1&from_search=true">I'm Just No Good at Rhyming:</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming?ac=1&from_search=true">and Other Nonsense For mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups</a></i></b></div>
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written by Chris Harris</div>
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illustrated by Lane Smith</div>
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And now for the winner (as picked by the random.org number generator)! Drum-roll please!!!<br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Dani Burtsfield</b><br /></div>
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Congratulations! Please email me at <b>slothreads1985 (at) gmail (dot) com</b> to claim this awesome book. </div>
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Today My family and I are driving up to Tennessee to visit more family. So I thought it would be appropriate to share The Volunteer State's official state poem. I have included a snippit from the background of the poem, also found at the link below. </div>
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"Naval Admiral William Lawrence composed "Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee" while enduring a 60 day period of solitary confinement in a North Vietnamese prisoner of war camp. Lawrence spent a total of six years as a POW during the Vietnam War. This poem describes the love and longing he felt for his beautiful home state:"</div>
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<b>Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee</b></div>
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by William Lawrence</div>
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Oh Tennessee, My Tennessee</div>
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What Love and Pride I Feel for Thee.</div>
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You Proud Ole State, the Volunteer,</div>
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Your Proud Traditions I Hold Dear.</div>
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I Revere Your Heroes</div>
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Who Bravely Fought our Country's Foes.</div>
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Renowned Statesmen, so Wise and Strong,</div>
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Who Served our Country Well and Long.</div>
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I Thrill at Thought of Mountains Grand;</div>
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Rolling Green Hills and Fertile Farm Land;</div>
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Earth Rich with Stone, Mineral and Ore;</div>
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Forests Dense and Wild Flowers Galore;</div>
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<i><a href="https://statesymbolsusa.org/symbol-official-item/tennessee/state-language-poetry/oh-tennessee-my-tennessee">you can read the rest of the poem at this link.</a></i></div>
Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-42679435587754175512018-05-21T01:00:00.000-04:002018-05-21T01:00:06.072-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Book Giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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Happy Monday everyone! I am giving away a copy of Chris Harris' <i>I'm Just No Good at Rhyming. </i><a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/05/poetry-friday-poetry-book-giveaway.html">Click here to enter</a>!</h3>
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Today is a post of recent books that I have absolutely loved. Have you read any of them?</div>
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Poetry</h3>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming">I'm Just No Good At Rhyming: </a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming">And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups</a></i></b></div>
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written by Chris Harris</div>
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illustrated by Lane Smith</div>
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(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017)</div>
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My family absolutely LOVED this collection of poems. I cannot recommend it enough. You can read <a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/05/poetry-friday-poetry-book-giveaway.html">my full review here</a> and enter to win a copy as well!</div>
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Middle Grade</h3>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33225520-tumble-blue">Tumble and Blue</a></i></b></div>
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by Cassie Beasley</div>
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(Penguin Young Readers, 2017)</div>
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This book is absolutely beautifully written. I love middle grade because I find the stories engaging. Not only is <i>Tumble and Blue </i> a fun story, it is expertly written. <a href="http://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/03/tumble-and-blue-by-cassie-beasley.html">Read my full review here</a>.</div>
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Picture Book</h3>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25689038-nobody-likes-a-goblin">Nobody Likes a Goblin</a></i></b></div>
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by Ben Hatke</div>
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(First Second, 2016)</div>
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Another fantastic read. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys the game <i>Dungeons and Dragons </i>or just epic fantasies like <i>The Hobbit.</i> It takes the genre and turns it on its head. And Ben Hatke's illustrations are always wonderful.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-18795670507161326012018-05-17T14:02:00.001-04:002018-05-17T14:36:37.062-04:00Poetry Friday - Poetry Book Giveaway!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmpJciCy5EDUdasQdLzz2q3zv91-ebJu2_IKPoWt3dONgRTCsUMXseAj6XUMpspCFKJuy5bMoetoz45FbQRz9RdgtltZxr-KuyW9k46G9nPS1csnrU5A6gxSqJheuTdzPT-LHNEFpIM8/s1600/poetry+friday+-+May.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbmpJciCy5EDUdasQdLzz2q3zv91-ebJu2_IKPoWt3dONgRTCsUMXseAj6XUMpspCFKJuy5bMoetoz45FbQRz9RdgtltZxr-KuyW9k46G9nPS1csnrU5A6gxSqJheuTdzPT-LHNEFpIM8/s200/poetry+friday+-+May.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. I am hosting the round up today, so be sure to check out the links at the end to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello and Happy Friday! I am super excited to be hosting the Poetry Round Up today. I cannot wait to see everyone's contributions this week.</div>
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To celebrate, I have decided to do a book giveaway. Be sure to read to the end to find out how to win a copy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVG9xOON-JnSrTt4i0676fVtf8sqkKYG63y_RXqUz9-HXA7eU9sROy5rXE0nSGdb_bPaXXnIPhrpwQ2kCt4_ZFbrSg4EdK6CvbB86cnBRaQdDsunpEPi4f_8SBv0ILEVUV956IHjxN54/s1600/61Q8PKq0qYL._SX390_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="392" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVG9xOON-JnSrTt4i0676fVtf8sqkKYG63y_RXqUz9-HXA7eU9sROy5rXE0nSGdb_bPaXXnIPhrpwQ2kCt4_ZFbrSg4EdK6CvbB86cnBRaQdDsunpEPi4f_8SBv0ILEVUV956IHjxN54/s400/61Q8PKq0qYL._SX390_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming?ac=1&from_search=true">I'm Just No Good at Rhyming:</a></i></b></div>
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33245396-i-m-just-no-good-at-rhyming?ac=1&from_search=true">and Other Nonsense For mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-Ups</a></i></b></div>
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written by Chris Harris</div>
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illustrated by Lane Smith</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Hfz5jGtRQ5QPM_F1CWDxEN_pXZNolPmd1XkEc9hpDHRBvgTfs6sRn_TIWiyMuzhDPHnPu3ylg5nfQ7E1SZgpCQIzza9suu2VkQEbS4OU-i0Ibh7iHIPHGTQF-Bi2enSiFkXB5vVhY18/s1600/The_Losers_Cheer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="675" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Hfz5jGtRQ5QPM_F1CWDxEN_pXZNolPmd1XkEc9hpDHRBvgTfs6sRn_TIWiyMuzhDPHnPu3ylg5nfQ7E1SZgpCQIzza9suu2VkQEbS4OU-i0Ibh7iHIPHGTQF-Bi2enSiFkXB5vVhY18/s320/The_Losers_Cheer.jpg" width="320" /></a>I checked this one out from the library not too long ago, and my family absolutely LOVED it. I have an 8-year-old and an 18-month-old. My husband and I would each take turns reading a few poems each night before bedtime. My daughter, without fail, would beg for "just one more" poem to be read.</div>
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The poems are really funny. Like belly-laugh-my-cheeks-hurt funny. (I guess that makes me an immature grown-up? YES, I'll take it!) Not only were Harris' poems hilarious, but many of them also had a lot of heart. He does not pander to kids, but yet is able to really convey some great messages (think Shel Silverstein's "Listen to the Mustn'ts").<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpkm50SHN0_SbDEd8DbYptH1-eTkhZ9GZoQcQJOQv0v_POH5wvB16hguvnitbguQL-fTywByts7NXjnQXZF_A_soU_NeJ7NqZDj8w4dP5HYGGI1458Ga3IQzsmEH5VLfIbpB06ZYFP3A/s1600/Two_Roads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="566" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpkm50SHN0_SbDEd8DbYptH1-eTkhZ9GZoQcQJOQv0v_POH5wvB16hguvnitbguQL-fTywByts7NXjnQXZF_A_soU_NeJ7NqZDj8w4dP5HYGGI1458Ga3IQzsmEH5VLfIbpB06ZYFP3A/s320/Two_Roads.jpg" width="320" /></a>Another aspect of this book that was fantastic is that it begs to be read aloud. The poems were just the right length and the humor really popped when reading to the family. I especially enjoyed the poems that went back and forth between two characters because I would read one side, and my daughter would read the other.</div>
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The illustrations are great too, and add a lot to the humor. Not only do the they support the poems, but they are actually vital to some of them. I liked the banter back and forth between poet and illustrator too.<br />
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This is they type of collection that inspires me to sit down and write. The poems read so effortlessly that I think, <i>Man, I want to write a collection of poems. </i> And then I sit down and try, and realize how hard it is to write something so good. But it still makes me want to keep trying! Chris Harris really is a great children't poet.</div>
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And now for the giveaway! </h3>
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All you have to do to enter to win a copy of <i>I'm Just No Good at Rhyming </i>is comment on this post below by Thursday, May 24th at 5:00pm EST. You can get a bonus entry if you share this post on social media too (just let me know where you shared it--facebook, twitter, etc--in your comment). The winner will be announced next Friday. Good luck! And be sure to check out all the other Poetry Friday posts too!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blenza.com/linkies/links.php?owner=slothreads&postid=17May2018a&meme=fuf" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="//www.blenza.com/linkies/graphic.php?owner=slothreads&postid=17May2018a&meme=fuf" /></a>Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com66tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-3062941934420151672018-05-11T15:01:00.001-04:002018-05-11T15:01:26.342-04:00Poetry Friday - Student Postcard Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlGetLaBxJF3IWbXmuZksIFr6YFOt4aybT-LrxWqWSIiQyGuU819YAg6mOM6uKcJseWgRkP5CxtcivhEYicpYwIe2BCNa93cJBVORWzZAmPozLmC5yNKHMFLtkzt6a_EG06S68KJc8SI/s1600/poetry+friday+-+May.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGlGetLaBxJF3IWbXmuZksIFr6YFOt4aybT-LrxWqWSIiQyGuU819YAg6mOM6uKcJseWgRkP5CxtcivhEYicpYwIe2BCNa93cJBVORWzZAmPozLmC5yNKHMFLtkzt6a_EG06S68KJc8SI/s200/poetry+friday+-+May.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://jamarattigan.com/2018/05/10/poetry-friday-roundup-is-here-8/">Jama's Alphabet Soup</a></span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello everyone! I am finally back from a longish break of blog posting. Do you ever just need to step back for a bit? Now I'm feeling refreshed and ready to get back into the swing of things! </div>
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This week I am sharing a fantastic poetry postcard that I got from Emily B., who is in 5th grade. Thank you, Emily, for sharing your poetry talent, and thank you to<a href="https://maclibrary.wordpress.com/"> Jone MacCulloch</a>, the amazing media specialist at Silver Star Elementary, for organizing the postcard project. It was a real treat to open the mailbox and see the poem.<br /><br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqrGAYrFwY8XjbpW0v40pQWXINTDEg8Jy5HAVqRv4Pv14s7YrLdi7OmYmUQ0e6IZtPhAMAoonMms51YmKbrkFlIhAWUuTtGdZra0qN6Hsyark26MlB4UE9a7LeDrBEtpnI2Lr2ebrJyQ/s1600/IMG-1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqrGAYrFwY8XjbpW0v40pQWXINTDEg8Jy5HAVqRv4Pv14s7YrLdi7OmYmUQ0e6IZtPhAMAoonMms51YmKbrkFlIhAWUuTtGdZra0qN6Hsyark26MlB4UE9a7LeDrBEtpnI2Lr2ebrJyQ/s400/IMG-1309.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Zebra drinks</b></div>
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<b>Crocodile chomps</b></div>
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<b>Zebra gone</b></div>
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(c) Emily B.</div>
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5th grade</div>
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I love the imagery of the poem. I can totally see the crocodile sneaking up on the crocodile. And I love her artwork on the postcard. I especially like how she added the lion's shadow on the savanna. So great.<br /><br />This week, the poetry round up is over at <a href="https://jamarattigan.com/2018/05/10/poetry-friday-roundup-is-here-8/">Jama's Alphabet Soup</a>, so be sure to check it out. And make sure to stop back next week, because I'll be hosting the round up!</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-81659789334938282032018-03-30T17:31:00.000-04:002018-03-30T17:31:56.264-04:00Poetry Friday - A Snowflake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out Heidi Mordhorst's blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://myjuicylittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2018/03/pre-progressive-poem-pre-poetry-month.html">My Juicy Little Universe,</a></span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Hello Poetry Friday Friends! We're in the tail end of spring break here. It has been a fun week of relaxing and sleeping in (a little--the toddler doesn't understand that concept yet).</div>
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I've been meaning to share a little poem my 8 year old daughter brought home, but I kept forgetting to ask her permission. She brought it home back in the middle of December so it has a sort of winter feel. I told her I'd let her know what everyone thinks, so be sure to leave her a little note in the comments if you have a second. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD_ckwlrI_8thXCqZw1kJc6Y6-A0nV0zZMSch3likW51OSEqIMJDi6hQkwZn9SugiNyzeFzqEz44eecwegro772xj6G4LOA8unpR8sNVaxgVlojeJUJcre0paDjMLYjFAfSJkld2KRt8/s1600/IMG-1161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpD_ckwlrI_8thXCqZw1kJc6Y6-A0nV0zZMSch3likW51OSEqIMJDi6hQkwZn9SugiNyzeFzqEz44eecwegro772xj6G4LOA8unpR8sNVaxgVlojeJUJcre0paDjMLYjFAfSJkld2KRt8/s320/IMG-1161.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>A Snowflake</b></div>
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by Samantha Herzog</div>
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A Snowflake is a</div>
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Warm cuddle from my mom</div>
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In the cool morning</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-14996320598003688372018-03-23T00:01:00.000-04:002018-03-23T00:01:08.835-04:00Poetry Friday - Golden Shovel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out Laura Purdie Salas' blog, <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://laurasalas.com/nonfiction-books-for-kids/join-the-poetry-friday-roundup-and-meet-my-family/">Writing the World for Kids</a>,</span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Happy Friday, everyone! The wonderful Laura Purdie Salas, who is hosting this week's <a href="http://laurasalas.com/nonfiction-books-for-kids/join-the-poetry-friday-roundup-and-meet-my-family/">round up</a>, is one of the "elite 8" authletes still in the Madness! So be sure to check out her <a href="https://madnesspoetry.com/match/blistered-1519617459394x936048753326758800">firefighter poem</a>!</div>
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By way of announcement, I have revealed my theme for the April A-Z Blogging Challenge. This will be my first year and I've decided to collaborate with my eight-year-old daughter and write 26 flash fiction stories for kids. You can read more about my theme <a href="https://rebeccaherzog.blogspot.com/2018/03/2018-to-z-challenge-theme-reveal.html">here</a>.</div>
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For my poem today, I decided to give Michelle Barne's Ditty of the Month a go. This month, the challenge was to pull one line from one of the poems Michelle shared and create a golden shovel poem. You can read her post and selected poems <a href="https://michellehbarnes.blogspot.com/2018/03/classroom-connections-with-nikki-grimes.html">here</a>.</div>
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<b>Your Time Is Up</b></div>
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-a Golden Shovel from the 13th line of Tyrone Bitting’s poem, <i>Truth</i></div>
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Pack your bags. Go on, <b>Leave</b>!</div>
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What do you want? A gold star? An “<b>A</b>”? </div>
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I’m tired of your games. They’re<b> messed-up</b></div>
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Brain games toying with my <b>mind</b>. </div>
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I’m done with your abuse. Vamoose. Am I <b>clear</b>?</div>
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After trying my own hand at one, I can't imagine writing a whole book of golden shovels! That's exactly what Nikki Grimes did in her award winning poetry collection, <i><a href="https://www.nikkigrimes.com/books/bkonelastword.html">One Last Word:Wisdom from the Harlem Renaissance</a>.</i> In it, her golden shovel poems are paired with and inspired by poets of the Harlem Renaissance. I can't wait to check it out.</div>
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Until another week, poetry friends!</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-7881384601502880372018-03-21T00:20:00.000-04:002018-03-21T00:20:00.278-04:00TUMBLE AND BLUE by Cassie Beasley - Middle Grade Book Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33225520-tumble-blue?from_search=true">Tumble and Blue</a></i></b></div>
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by <a href="http://cassiebeasley.com/">Cassie Beasley</a></div>
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(Dial Books, August 2017)</div>
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At a Glance</h2>
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Genre(s):</h3>
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Magical Realism, Adventure</div>
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Age Range: </h3>
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Middle Grade<br />
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Plot:</h3>
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"When the red moon rises over the heart of the Okefenokee swamp, legend says that the mysterious golden gator Munch will grant good luck to the poor soul foolish enough to face him.<br />
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But in 1817, when TWO fools reach him at the same time, the night’s fate is split. With disastrous consequences for both . . . and their descendants. Half of the descendants have great fates, and the other half have terrible ones.<br />
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Now, Tumble Wilson and Blue Montgomery are determined to fix their ancestors’ mistakes and banish the bad luck that’s followed them around for all of their lives. They’re going to face Munch the gator themselves, and they’re going to reclaim their destinies." (source: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33225520-tumble-blue?from_search=true">Goodreads</a>)<br />
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Strengths:</h3>
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<li>Absolutely beautifully written</li>
<li>The pacing is excellent - no slow parts</li>
<li>The magical part of the magical realism was woven so expertly that everything felt natural</li>
<li>The two main characters felt real and distinct</li>
<li>Munch, the gator</li>
<li>The opening!</li>
<li>The ending!</li>
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Weaknesses</h3>
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Would I recommend this title:</h3>
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100% yes! </div>
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Full Review</h2>
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Every few years, I come across a book that leaps into my list of favorite books. I will proclaim my love for these books to anyone who will listen. <i>Tumble and Blue </i>is that type of book. </div>
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First, let me talk a bit about much I enjoyed the actual writing in this book. I found myself repeatedly grinning from ear to ear at the beautiful prose. Now, I'm not saying it was flowery or gushy or showy. It was just a joy to read because of how well it was crafted. I knew after the first chapter that I wanted to slow down a bit and really enjoy the book.</div>
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Cassie Beasley's pacing was great throughout. I never felt like the story got bogged down (pun intended.) She did an excellent job at giving the reader just enough information to move the story forward, but left parts a mystery to be discovered later. </div>
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And I loved Tumble and Blue. Both of these characters were vivid and fleshed out. Their problems were real, heartbreaking problems that most kids could empathize with. I also enjoyed all entire Montgomery clan and their crazy mishaps. </div>
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One of the best parts about <i>Tumble and Blue </i>is that the emphasis of the magical realism is really on the <i>realism</i> part. Beasley doesn't rely on the fantastical parts of the story to dazzle and wow the reader. Instead, she is able to make everyday life in rural Georgia jump of the page. </div>
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<i>Tumble and Blue </i> was truly a delight to read. </div>
Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-36711447252044154062018-03-19T00:32:00.000-04:002018-03-19T00:32:06.685-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/19/2018<div style="text-align: center;">
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#IMWAYR</h3>
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The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I've been reading. Ocasionally, I'll also talk about some adult fiction books as well.</div>
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Be sure to check out <a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/">Teach Mentor Texts</a> and <a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/">Unleashing Readers</a> to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.</div>
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Picture Books</h3>
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<b><i>They All Saw a Cat</i></b></div>
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by Brendan Wenzel</div>
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This is an extremely clever and accessible way to teach children about different perspectives. And it is just all around fun. Definitely worth checking out!</div>
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<b><i>Every Day Birds</i></b></div>
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written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater</div>
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illustrated by Dylan Metrano</div>
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A wonderful read, this book introduces children to 20 common birds found in many places in the USA. The cutout paper illustrations are gorgeous and the back matter is excellent.</div>
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<b><i>My Beautiful Birds</i></b></div>
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by Suzanne Del Rizzo</div>
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Suzanne Del Rizzo captures both the heartbreak and hope so many refugees carry. The mixed media illustrations are unique and help set this book apart. </div>
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<b><i>Rot: The Cutest in the World!</i></b></div>
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by Ben Clanton</div>
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I love it when a book is able to pull off a great unexpected ending. You know a twist is coming, but then it is executed in such a great and unexpected way. We all chuckled at this one and my 8yo daughter has reread it to her little brother multiple times.</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-60251528163009894102018-03-19T00:01:00.000-04:002018-03-19T00:01:08.515-04:002018 A to Z Challenge Theme Reveal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The April <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">A to Z Challenge</a> is only a few weeks away and I will be participating for the 1st time!<br />
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If you aren't familiar with the challenge, bloggers from all over the world will post 26 topics from A to Z throughout the month of April.<br />
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And today is the big Theme Reveal Day! Drumroll please!<br />
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#Kidlit Short Stories with A to Z Words Chosen by My 8-year-old Daughter</h3>
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I am so excited to participate in this fun challenge. Most of the stories will probably be closer to flash fiction, but there may be a few that go longer. I can't wait to start sharing them with you, so please be sure to come back on April 1st!</div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-79499742476790621872018-03-16T16:20:00.000-04:002018-03-16T16:20:20.667-04:00Poetry Friday - Happy St. Patrick's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right <a href="http://www.nowaterriver.com/what-in-the-world-is-poetry-friday/" target="_blank">here</a>. And be sure to check out Linda's blog, <a href="http://www.teacherdance.org/2018/03/poetry-friday-spring-roundup.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">TeacherDance</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">,</span> to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. </div>
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Happy Poetry Friday, everyone! Tomorrow is one of my favorite holidays--St. Patrick's Day. Maybe it's because St. Patrick's Day is close to my birthday, or maybe it's because I make mounds of fried cabbage (no one else likes it but me!). But really I think it's because I like to make little green foot prints around the toilet bowl and dye the water green. I always get a kick out of my daughter being indignant that a leprechaun used our bathroom.</div>
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To celebrate, I am sharing another Shel Silverstein poem, The Search. I just finished reading Where the Sidewalk Ends to the kids and I love how fun reading his poetry aloud can be.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouVZ3OpFUltC8Q_5S4u2CgaZANjjGpbZExFPyNBNq3dTvv172Vd8Bx2GpjuF7Fyfl1QdbBGYXMqXr27bpd7nA2s7vnqsSKJ_1SbuVfEGLeU4WMOZ8F-7DQxFCjD9Ay8UFLokUS4eIrmw/s1600/10986217_843400275703723_119811228_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouVZ3OpFUltC8Q_5S4u2CgaZANjjGpbZExFPyNBNq3dTvv172Vd8Bx2GpjuF7Fyfl1QdbBGYXMqXr27bpd7nA2s7vnqsSKJ_1SbuVfEGLeU4WMOZ8F-7DQxFCjD9Ay8UFLokUS4eIrmw/s400/10986217_843400275703723_119811228_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(c) Shel Silverstein <br />Orginally published in Where the Sidewalk Ends</td></tr>
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<br />I also have a bit of good news! Two of my poems that I wrote back in October for my Poetry Inktober challenge are being published by Spaceports and Spidersilk magazine later this year. I am especially excited because this will by my first time being published. So hooray for that!<div>
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Also, Donna over at <a href="http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com/2018/03/madness-poems.html">Mainely Write</a> piqued my interest in the <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/">Blogging from A to Z Challenge</a> that starts in a few week. I am really excited to do my theme reveal this coming Monday, so be sure to come back and see what I have planned.<br /><div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8111356690061144960.post-45100886814088255562018-03-12T00:30:00.000-04:002018-03-12T00:30:44.628-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 3/12/18<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
#IMWAYR</h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px;">The weekly post where I recap all the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review some adult fiction books as well.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.3px;"><span style="font-size: 14.3px;">Be sure to check out </span><a href="http://www.teachmentortexts.com/#ixzz4n9KFB6fG" style="color: #8766dd; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Teach Mentor Texts</a><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"> and </span><a href="http://www.unleashingreaders.com/" style="color: #8766dd; font-size: 14.3px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Unleashing Readers</a><span style="font-size: 14.3px;"> to see what other kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR pile.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://madnesspoetry.com/">Madness! Poetry</a> is going on right now. If you're looking for a way to get more poetry into the classroom, check this awesome competition out.</h3>
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Picture Books</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr6fHumyZ825q0RKSMECqBSu6Ig2_MYVnzFkFaulVmSUzRpExq14aSSIYxVpzL3RcFLSQNsqbL80zvRWrrDSW1LQuXtREmTWGSQgtyNlMRKO0Q7IE49nVJRRcNRVDi5LsVp5KTdiSYHo/s1600/51e5rqPGCoL._SX407_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="409" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIr6fHumyZ825q0RKSMECqBSu6Ig2_MYVnzFkFaulVmSUzRpExq14aSSIYxVpzL3RcFLSQNsqbL80zvRWrrDSW1LQuXtREmTWGSQgtyNlMRKO0Q7IE49nVJRRcNRVDi5LsVp5KTdiSYHo/s320/51e5rqPGCoL._SX407_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">Best in Snow</i></div>
by April Pulley Sayre<br />
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I loved this book. The photos are breathtaking and the text is beautiful. It is done so well that I feel like I can hear the tinkling sound the falling snow makes. Simply stunning.</div>
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<b><i>What to Do With a Box</i></b></div>
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written by Jane Yolen</div>
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illustrated by Chris Sheban</div>
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Jane Yolen is a master at rhyme and rhythm. I love the playfulness of this story. My 16-month-old will climb into any box he can fit (and even some that he can't). The illustrations are wonderful and look like they were actually painted on cardboard. The textures in the illustrations are great. </div>
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Poetry</h3>
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<b><i>An Eyeball in My garden and Other Spine-Tingling Poems</i></b><br />
selected and edited by Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop<br />
illustrated by Johan Olander</div>
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I love anything spooky, so I obviously loved this collection of creepy poems. So often with anthologies, I find a few poems that I enjoy and then the rest are kind of just ho-hum. Not so with this collection. Was either genuinely creepy or funny-spooky. Perfect read aloud for the 7-10 age range (and beyond). The black and white illustrations also help to bring the poems to life. </div>
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Rebecca Herzoghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14384549967693583445noreply@blogger.com4