Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

My Two Border Towns by David Bowles and illustrated by Erika Meza

This is the story of a father and son who cross over the U.S.-Mexico border for a day of errands. Their day becomes even more meaningful and important when they make their last stop to share items they've gathered with a family waiting to be allowed entry into the U.S. This is a timely story with a message of kindness and empathy.

Negative Cat by Sophie Blackall

After asking for a cat for many days, the narrator of this book is finally allowed to get one. The family is unhappy with the cat whose behavior they determine to be negative. The narrator does not give up on the cat and figures out what to do to cheer up not only his cat, but others at the shelter. This is an amusing and sweet book about the joys and benefits of reading to an animal.

See the Dog: Three Stories About a Cat by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

The book starts, "See the dog," but a cat takes the dog's place. The cat follows along with what the book says to do until a lake and a wolf become part of the picture. Very humorous and entertaining. The previous book, See the Cat: Three Stories About a Dog was a hit with my early readers and I'm sure this one will be, too.

Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt and illustrated by Miranda Harmon

Greenwood has a new mayor and the mayor is...a dog! Siblings, Abby and Aaron, are offered jobs working for the mayor. This is a silly and humorous graphic novel with a message about helping one's community. 

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

How to Apologize by David LaRochelle and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka

This book offers a straightforward explanation of why it's important to apologize and how to do it. The illustrations add humor. Readers will be entertained while learning a useful lesson.

The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess by Tom Gauld

This is a charming and quirky fairy tale about two inseparable siblings who have an adventure that takes them far from their kingdom, to the frozen North, and back again. With bravery and kindness, they step in to help when the other needs it. This imaginative picture book is written in graphic novel style.

Norman Didn't Do It!: (Yes, He Did.) by Ryan T. Higgins

Norman, a porcupine, and Mildred, a tree, are best friends who do everything together. When another tree pops up and their twosome turns into a threesome, their friendship gets complicated. Norman's jealously leads to behavior that he later regrets and needs to make right. An amusing story of friendship.

Rissy No Kissies by Katey Howes and illustrated by Jess Engle

Rissy is a lovebird who does not want any kisses. The others think something is wrong with Rissy and even Rissy begins to feel this way, too. With the help of her mother, Rissy learns that there are other ways to show one cares. The author's note at the end includes information for kids about using their voice to tell how they feel and information for parents about bodily autonomy, consent, and boundaries.

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson

The men in Ant's family have always been champion spades players and Ant is determined to measure up. As he practices for the annual tournament, he also is navigating new and old friendships and trying to figure out what is going on with his father's peculiar behavior. This is a heartfelt book about friendship and family that will give those who are unfamiliar with it an introduction to the card game spades. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.

Recent Reads

Every Monday, I share books I have recently read. I also participate in It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, a community of bloggers who link up to share what they are reading. To find out what other bloggers are reading, check out the host blogs, Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers, or follow on Twitter at #imwayr.

Recent Reads...

The Froggies Do Not Want to Sleep by by Adam Gustavson 

The Froggies do not want to sleep so they hop out of bed and engage in a variety of more preferred activities. The things they do want to do get more over-the-top with each page. Readers will be amused with the frogs' antics and the humorous illustrations.

Not Now, Cow by Tammi Sauer and illustrated by Troy Cummings

This is a fun exploration of the seasons. Preschool and kindergarten readers will enjoy the silliness as cow figures out what to wear. With rhyme and repetition, kids will want to join in on the reading. 

Friends do Not Eat Friends: Ready to Read Graphics (Thunder and Cluck) by Jill Esbaum and illustrated by Miles Thompson

Thunder believes his roar should scare others. Cluck does not run away and avoids getting eaten by convincing Thunder they are actually friends. This is an amusing graphic novel. After reading this, I think early readers will be asking for more adventures about Thunder and Cluck.

Barakah Beats by Maleeha Siddiqui

Nimra starts going to a public school for the first time after attending a private Islamic school. She is excited to be in school with her best friend, but instead of becoming closer they seem to be moving apart. When Nimra has the opportunity to join a band she takes it, but has to keep it a secret from her parents who would not approve. This is a sweet book about making friends and learning the importance of being true to oneself. Thanks to Scholastic for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishes in October.