It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading.  For more information and to find out what other bloggers are reading check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week...

Bunny's Book Club by Annie Silvestro

This is one of a few books that I read this week that celebrate reading. A book-loving bunny finds a way to sneak inside the library so he can get books to bring back to his home. His book joy soon spreads to his animal friends who want books of their own to read. Bunny and his friends show readers how engaging and joyful reading can be. Both the story and the illustrations are heart-warming and sweet. This is a story that I think will help entice readers into the world of books.

Dragon Was Terrible by Kelly DiPucchio

Dragon is terrible, actually super terrible. He stomps on flowers, chases fuzzy yellow ducklings, and even TP's the castle. The villagers want someone to tame the dragon. It almost seems impossible until a boy comes along with a storybook. The dragon's antics, the illustrations, and the narration all help to make this a very humorous tale. This fun read also has a great message about the power of story.

Hug This Book! by Barney Saltzberg

This ode to books is all about the many things you can do with a book. You can read the book to a hippo, wrap it in a sweater, or kiss and hug and smell it. Suggestions are humorous, but also highlight the love that readers feel for books. The illustrations are bright and whimsical. Any book lover will relate to the message of this book.

Gasparilla's Gold by Sandra Markle

I received this book from children's book author Augusta Scattergood who posted a giveaway opportunity on her blog. Gus is dealing with the recent death of his brother and is sent to an island in Florida to live with his aunt for the summer. Gus becomes involved in trying to protect animals in his aunt's wildlife refuge and search for a treasure. There is mystery and lots of adventure. Animal lovers especially will find the plot interesting. There is also factual information about the animals that appear in the story at the end of the book. 

The Playbook: 52 Rules to Aim, Shoot, and Score in This Game Called Life by Kwame Alexander

As a bonus, Augusta also sent me an ARC of Kwame Alexander's newest book. In this book, Kwame gives advice for living life inspired by the rules for sports. Along with rules which read as poems, such as "Even if you're afraid, when you get the chance shoot, launch your best shot" the book includes stories of success and inspirational quotes from famous athletes. Illustrations and photographs, mostly related to basketball, add interest to the book. The inspiration and motivation within this book will appeal to sports fan.