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. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 7/20/18

#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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Board Books

La Catrina: Emotions - Emociones

by Patty Rodriguez & Ariana Stein

Lil' Libros, 2017

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.

Animal Colors

by Christopher Silas Neal

little bee books, 2018

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!

Picture Books

Hank and Stella in Something For Nothing

by Damian Synadinos 

Proving Press, 2018

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 full review here.

Poetry 

Cricket in the Thicket: Poems about Bugs

poems by Carol Murray

illustrations by Melissa Sweet

Henry Holt and Co., 2017

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. 

Middle Grade

The Wild Robot

by Peter Brown

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2016

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.

Circus Mirandus

by Cassie Beasley

Dial Books, 2015

Cassie Beasley is one of my new favorite authors. I read Tumble and Blue earlier in the year and thought it was wonderful. Circus Mirandus 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.

Young Adult

The Hate U Give

by Angie Thomas

Balzar + Bray, 2017

narrated by Bahni Turpin

HarperAudio 2017

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. 

Adult Fiction

The Supernatural Enhancements

by Edgar Cantero

Doubleday, 2014

I read Cantero's Meddling Kids 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, This Body's Not Big Enough for the Both of Us--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.

The Great Alone

by Kristin Hannah

St. Martin's Press, 2018

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. 

Nonfiction - Craft

Writing Irrestistible Kidlit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers

by Mary Kole 

Writer's Digest Books, 2012

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. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 6/11/18

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 Book 

Maurice the Unbeastly

written by Amy Dixon

illustrated by Karl James Mountford

Sterling Children's Books, 2017

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. 

Middle Grade

Evangeline of the Bayou

written by Jan Eldredge

illustrated by Joseph Kuefler

Balzer + Bray, 2018

Another fantastic read. I love excellent kidlit horror, and this one grabbed me from the get go. Highly recommend. Read my full review here.

Young Adult

Afterworlds

by Scott Westerfeld

Simon Pulse, 2014

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 Afterworlds is pretty unique because it is essentially two books/stories wrapped together. Recommend. 

Adult Fiction

Glimpse: A Novel

by Jonathan Maberry

St. Martin's Press, 2018

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.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Book Giveaway!

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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Happy Monday everyone! I am giving away a copy of Chris Harris' I'm Just No Good at Rhyming. Click here to enter!

Today is a post of recent books that I have absolutely loved. Have you read any of them?

Poetry

I'm Just No Good At Rhyming: 

And Other Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups

written by Chris Harris

illustrated by Lane Smith

(Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017)

My family absolutely LOVED this collection of poems. I cannot recommend it enough. You can read my full review here and enter to win a copy as well!

Middle Grade

Tumble and Blue

by Cassie Beasley

(Penguin Young Readers, 2017)

This book is absolutely beautifully written. I love middle grade because I find the stories engaging. Not only is Tumble and Blue  a fun story, it is expertly written. Read my full review here.

Picture Book

Nobody Likes a Goblin

by Ben Hatke

(First Second, 2016)

Another fantastic read. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys the game Dungeons and Dragons or just epic fantasies like The Hobbit. It takes the genre and turns it on its head. And Ben Hatke's illustrations are always wonderful.

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 3/19/2018

#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.

____________________

Picture Books

They All Saw a Cat

by Brendan Wenzel

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!

Every Day Birds

written by Amy Ludwig VanDerwater

illustrated by Dylan Metrano

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.

My Beautiful Birds

by Suzanne Del Rizzo

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. 

Rot: The Cutest in the World!

by Ben Clanton

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.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 3/12/18

#IMWAYR

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.

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 pile.
                                         

Madness! Poetry is going on right now. If you're looking for a way to get more poetry into the classroom, check this awesome competition out.

Picture Books

Best in Snow

by April Pulley Sayre

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.

What to Do With a Box

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Chris Sheban

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. 

Poetry

An Eyeball in My garden and Other Spine-Tingling Poems
selected and edited by Jennifer Cole Judd and Laura Wynkoop
illustrated by Johan Olander

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. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 3/5/2018

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

The weekly post where I recap some of the KidLit books I’ve been reading. Occasionally, I’ll also review 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 pile.
                                         

Mouse

written and illustrated by Zebo Ludvicek

This is a delightful book. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and the story is so much fun. Very inventive way to look at the letters of the alphabet. Highly recommend.

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut

written by Derrick Barnes

illustrated by Gordon C. James

Another beautiful book. The detail in the illustrations is astounding. The rhythm of  the text is so perfect and it really pulls you right into the barber's chair. Highly recommend. 

Night Light

written and illustrated by Nicholas Blechman

I picked this book off the shelf on a whim and ended up loving it. The die-cut lights throughout the book are seriously fantastic. Great for little fingers and kids who are into vehicles. Recommend to anyone looking for an inventive counting book.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 2/12/18

#IMWAYR

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.

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 pile.
                                         

The Cybils round 2 judging has been taking up a lot of my book-reading attention lately--and I'm loving it. I am so excited for the winners to be announced on Wednesday. . Seriously, all the picture book and board book finalists were fantastic! It was hard to just choose one!

Dear Girl, A Celebration of Wonderful, Smart, Beautiful you!
written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal
illustrated by Holly Hatam

A few weeks ago, I read Plant a Kiss by Amy Krouse Rosenthal. It was the first book of hers that I have ever read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. So I decided to read a few more of her books. This one came out just this past December and was brand new at the library. It did not disappoint. 

I think that this is the type of picture book that is appropriate for the entire age spectrum. I could have seen myself reading this to my squirming toddler to begin instilling a positive image early. I fell it is spot on for my daughter, who just turned 8, as she enters these pre-teen years and will soon be dealing with all sorts of inner and outer changes. I can see getting this book for a daughter who is graduating high school and getting ready to head off on her own.

The illustrations are just as beautiful as the text. The black and white characters with the splashes of color are fantastic. It is fun and cute and wonderful.  I would highly recommend this book. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 1/29/2018

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.

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 pile.
                                         

This past week I've been taking care of sick kiddos and now I have got the stomach bug too. So a short list for this week.

Picture Books

Plant a Kiss

written by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Like so many picture books, I grabbed this one off the shelf because of the cute cover. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The cute illustrations have actual glitter! And rhyme in pictures can be a tough thing to get right. Amy Rosenthal did an amazing job and was a joy to read aloud to the kiddos.

Sad, the Dog

written by Sandy Fussell

illustrated by Tull Suwannakit

I picked this one up because we are a house full of dog people. I liked that the story was from the perspective of the dog and how his interactions with people shaped how he viewed himself. Overall, a good story. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - 1/22/2018

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.

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 pile.
                                         

Picture Books

The Twelve Days of Christmas in Florida

by Frank Remkiewicz

I recently attended a writing conference where Frank Remkiewicz was attending, so I wanted to read one of his books. This was a really fun read. Frank actually lives in the next town north from me, so many of the settings in the book were local. I liked the humorous "12 Days of Christmas" format (12 panthers purring, 11 grannies golfing...) but I also enjoyed the nonfiction parts as well. Each day has a letter from the main character's cousin where he describes some factual things about Florida. 

My Father Knows the Names of Things

written by Jane Yolen

illustrated by Stephane Jorisch

To celebrate Jane Yolen's 365th book being published, I have set a goal to read at least 24 of her books. I enjoyed My Father Knows the Names of Things. the illustrations are fun and whimsy and and the text is fun.

How Do Dinosaurs Say I'm Mad

written by Jane Yolen

Illustrated by Mark Teague

 My children love ever iteration of the How Do Dinosaurs books. Mark Teague does a fantastic job of drawing all the different dinosaurs. I imagine that my son will like these more and more as he gets older. Jane's rhythm is spot on, as always. 

You Forgot Your Skirt, Amelia Bloomer

written by Shana Corey

illustrated by Chesley McLaren

I had no idea that this was a nonfiction book when I picked it off the shelf. I liked the illustrations on the cover and grabbed it. I had no idea where Bloomers came from before reading this, but I do now. I enjoy reading books with my daughter about women who bucked current trends and struck out on their own. Good overall read.