Poetry Friday - Summer Poetry Swap: Fireflies and Tarantulas

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Robyn Hood Black's amazing blog to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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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. 

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.

Linda Mitchell 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. 

Firefly Tea

by Linda Mitchell

Summer Night

drops of dew

camp fire

circles loved ones

a ghost story

or two.

Sun burned nose

bare feet

swim suits drip

dreams sweet

flicker...flash

set aside to steep

Drink slowly

Repeat

And Carol Varsalona 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!

You can see her Spooky Floridian Poetry Swap here.

She also sent my daughter and I these handmade bracelets from the charity, Bigger Than Beads. Needless to say, they were a big hit!

Poetry Friday - The Ravens

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Christie blog, Wondering and Wandering, to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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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.

Christie over at Wondering and Wandering 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 Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven". We're getting closer and closer to October, so I'll take any chance I can get to bring out the spookiness.

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?

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.

The Ravens

after "The Raven" by Edgar Allen Poe

A conspiracy of passerines perched in the potter’s field-then

startled by my passing by, this

sooty cloak whipped to the sky. Ebony

wings beat through the air, no common bird

were these. Their croaking cries, beguiling

calls, were meant to just deceive. Twas not my

name they squawked that night which stoked sad

embers in my soul. The desire for her return--pure fancy--

so now I go to my Lenore. Perched atop this precipice I gaze into

The black below. I know she waits. Lenore will greet me, smiling.

Sloth at the Zoom - Picture Book Review

Sloth at the Zoom

written by Helaine Becker

illustrated by Orbie

Owlkids, 2018

* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

At a Glance

Category & Genre(s):

Picture book, humor, friendship

Age Range: 

2-7 years old

Plot:

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?

Strengths:

• clever, cute idea
• The main character is a sloth
• Its funny
• Shows the benefits of slowing down sometimes
• shows we can have friends that are different than ourselves

Would I recommend this title:

Yes!

Full Review

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.

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! 

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. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 8/13/18

#IMWAYR

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.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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Picture Books

The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra
written by Marc Tyler Nobleman
illustrated by Ana Aranda
Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017

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. 

Ta-Da!
written by Kathy Ellen Davis
illustrated by  Kaylani Juanita
Chronicle Books, 2018

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. 

The Bath Monster
written by Colin Boyd
illustrated by Tony Ross
Andersen Press, 2016

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! 

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters
written by Jane Yolen
illustrated by Kelly Murphy
Candlewick, 2013

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!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/30/18

#IMWAYR

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.

Be sure to check out Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers to see what other Kidlit readers are reading. Because, you know, we can never have too many books in our TBR piles.

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BookTube-A-Thon starts today and runs through August 5th! You can see my 7 book TBR here. 

Picture Books

Boogie Nights

written by Lisa Wheeler

illustrated by Mark Siegel

Atheneum/Richard Jackson Books, 2008

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. 

On Duck Pond

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Bob Marstall

Cornell Lab Publishing Group, 2017

I love it when Jane Yolen comes out with a bird picture book (and she's got a few) because I know that the writing will be top notch and there will be fantastic nonfiction back matter. On Duck Pond  does not disappoint. The illustrations are beautiful too. 

Twig

by Aura Parker

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2018

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. 

Poetry

Beastly Verse

by JooHee Yoon

Enchanted Lion Books, 2015

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. 

BookTube-A-Thon 2018 TBR

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.) 

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! 

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.

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.

So, without further ado, here are my book choices.

Challenge 1: Let a coin toss determine your first read

The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael

written by Bonny Becker

illustrated by Mark Fearing

Candlewick, 2018

I am SO excited for this one. I will definitely be cracking it open at the stroke of midnight.

Challenge 2: Read a book about something you want to do

HWA Poetry Showcase Volume IV

edited by David E. Cowen

Horror Writers Association, 2017

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. 

Challenge 3: Read and watch a book to movie adaptation*

Night of the Living Cuddle Bunnies

by Jonathan Rosen

Sky Pony Press, 2017

*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.

Challenge 4: Read a book with green on the cover

The Chupacabra Ate the Candelabra

written by Marc Tyler Nobleman

illustrated by Ana Aranda

Nancy Paulsen Books, 2017

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.

Challenge 5: Read a book while wearing the same hat the whole time

My Favorite Thing Is Monsters

by Emil Ferris

Fantagraphics Books, 2017

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).

Challenge 6: Read a book with a beautiful spine

The Hunger

by Alma Katsu

read by Kirsten Potter

Penguin Audio, 2018

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.

Challenge 7: Read seven books

Scary Out There

edited by Jonathan Maberry

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2016

I have been on a short story kick lately and I have high expectations for this one.

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!

Poetry Friday - Artichoke Poetry Swap

It’s Friday! And you know what that means: Poetry! Want to know more about Poetry Friday? Click this link right here. And be sure to check out Reading to the Core to see this week’s round up of wonderful poetry related posts, blogs and goodness. 

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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. 

One of the highlights of my week was the poetry swap package I received from Jone Rush MacCulloch. 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. 

Thank you, Jone for the poem! I am keeping it on my fridge so I can smile everyday. 

artichoke

purple glory globe

hidden bee

seeks pollen

explorers on our journey

seeking life's nectar

--jone rush macculloch