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 Christmas Pine by Julia Dodson and illustrated by Victoria Sandøy

Narrated by a Norwegian Spruce, this book tells the story of a tree's journey from growing up in the forest to being a famous Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square in London. The book is based on a poem that was written to welcome the real tree that was sent from Norway to Britain in 2020. This is an annual tradition to thank the people of Britain for their support of Norway during World War II. The rhyming text and illustrations are charming.

How to Eat a Book by Mr. and Mrs. Macleod

Three kids get eaten by a book, but the books discover that the kids are eating their words. This is a quirky book that highlights the joys of escaping into a book and the transformative naturing of reading. The text and illustrations are intriguing.

Puffin by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Jenni Desmond

In early spring, a puffin returns to the shore where it reunites with its mate, and they each take turns caring for the egg nestled away in their burrow. The narrative of how a new puffin's life begins includes many interesting facts about puffins. The illustrations of the puffin and its surrounding environment are beautiful.

Yetis are the Worst! by Alex Willan 

Gilbert sets out to prove that goblins, like himself, are more mysterious than yetis. As he roams the snowy mountainside with his camera, he thinks he sees a yeti a few times, but is disappointed when he realizes he is mistaken. Readers will be amused by the pictures which reveal that Gilbert is just not looking carefully enough. This is an amusing read about two mythical creatures which young readers will enjoy reading about.

Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Ami Bushry

Mary is about to turn eight and she wishes she could have a party for her friends like her neighbor Alexa, whose birthday is days before hers. Not wanting to be outdone by Alexa, Marya tells her classmates that she is having a fancy birthday party with fairy lights, music, and henna. Marya just has to convince her family to let her have the party. This is a fun and heart-warming chapter book.

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 Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore and illustrated by Kitty Moss

This is a poetic and magical book about the Iceland tradition of giving books on Christmas Eve. The author's note at the end tells how Jólabókaflóðið originated. Reading this book made me want to immediately go cozy up with a book. 

Cyril and Pat by Emily Gravett

Being the only squirrel living in Lake Park, Cyril is sad and alone, until he meets Pat and together they spend their days playing. Cyril is happy having another squirrel around, but the other animals know that Pat is not really a squirrel and don't think they should be friends. This is an amusing story about friendship and acceptance. 

My Fade is Fresh by Shauntay Grant and illustrated by Kitt Thomas

A little girl walks into a barbershop and states that she wants, "the freshest fade on the block." Even as others give suggestions as to how she should have her hair done, she remains true to herself and doesn't lose sight of what she wants. A fun and empowering book.

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin and illustrated by Kris Easler 

A blizzard comes early one winter, and with snow covering everything outside, a family has only soup to eat rather than the latkes and applesauce they enjoy every Hanukkah. In spite of their disappointment and having little to eat, they show their kindness to a lost kitten and dog that appear outside their door. Both the animals help the family discover a surprise that allows them to enjoy their holiday tradition. This is a sweet and fun story about kindness and traditions.

In The Neighborhood by Rocia Bonilla

The neighbors, having never met each other, are simply neighbors. One day that changes and they realize that their assumptions were not correct. This is a sweet story, with amusing illustrations, that shows what it means to be a community.

Walter Had a Best Friend by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

Walter and Xavier are best friends who hike, paint pictures, and spend quiet time together until they slowly drift apart. Now that Xavier has found a friend in Penelope, Walter's life has changed and his heart feels broken. On a sunny day, Walter's life changes again when he decides to go on a hike and take a new trail. This is a lovely story about changing friendships and moving on.