Pages

Monday, March 29, 2021

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...

I Am Not a Dog Toy by Ethan T. Berlin and illustrated by Jared Chapman

Bear is excited when he is given as a present to a kid, but she tosses him aside without any thought of playing with him. Dog finds him and wants to play, but Bear insists he's not a dog toy. This is a fun story about realizing the value of a true friend.

My Day with the Panye by Tami Charles and illustrated by Sara Palacios

Fallon is invited to go with her Manman to the market and she desperately wants to be able to carry the panye on her head. This is a sweet story about a mother and daughter and a beautiful celebration of Haiti. The colorful and lively illustrations are gorgeous. 

Something's Wrong!: A Bear, A Hare and Some Underwear by Jory John and illustrated by Erin Kraan

I have yet to meet an elementary-aged reader who does not giggle at the mention of underwear in a picture book. With a bear who leaves his house wearing underwear, knowing that something just isn't right, this book will have readers laughing for sure. Luckily, Jeff the bear has a good friend who helps him realize what's wrong and overcome his embarrassment.

Sugar and Spite by Gail D. Villanueva

Jolina is adjusting to her new life living on a small island in the Philippines and struggling with a girl in her Bible class, Claudine, who is bullying her. In spite of her grandfather's warning about the consequences of spells, Jolina uses a love potion to get Claudine to be nicer to her. This heart-warming book with a dash of magic explores some important themes. Both the characters and the setting will charm readers. Thanks to the publisher for providing my book review group, #BookExcursion, with an advanced reader's copy. The book publishers in April.

Monday, March 22, 2021

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...

I Am the Longest Dog by Avery Monsen

This is an amusing story about an exceptionally long dog. The surprise ending, which includes a fold-out spread, proves just how long the dog is. Since books about dogs are always a hit, I think kids will enjoy this one.

Rabbit! Rabbit! Rabbit! by Lorna Scobie

Rabbit is content being an only child. When his family grows, he asks fox to look after his rabbit siblings. Humorous and relatable for any child who has had to adjust to a new sibling in the family.

Shy Willow by Cat Min

Willow is a shy rabbit living in an abandoned mailbox. When a letter addressed to the moon is dropped in her mailbox, she decides she must be the one to deliver it. This is a fanciful and sweet story of adventure, courage, and resilience. Enchanting illustrations.
 

J.D. and the Great Barber Battle by J. Dillard and illustrated by Akeem S. Roberts

J.D. realizes he has a talent for cutting hair and begins his own business. When a local barber wants J.D. to shut down his operations, J.D. challenges him to a competition. This is a really fun and sweet chapter book. 

The House That Wasn't There by Elana K. Arnold

This is a heart-warming and magical story about a fifth-grader named Alder and Oak, his new next-door neighbor. Although they don't hit it off at first, they begin to discover that their lives are connected in mysterious ways. A unique story about friendship, family, and coincidences. Thanks to the publisher, I read a digital review copy. The book publishes at the end of the month.

Monday, March 8, 2021

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...

Daisy by Jessixa Bagley

Daisy was named after her mother's favorite flower, but when she's around her teasing classmates she doesn't feel she lives up to her name. Because she is always looking down, she finds discarded treasures and takes joy in their hidden beauty. Daisy also discovers that she is not the only one who enjoys these treasures. This is a sweet story about feeling different and wanting to fit in and friendship.

Sunny-Side Up by Jacky Davis and illustrated by Fiona Woodcock

The child in this story is disappointed to learn there is a storm and she can't go outside to play. With encouragement from her dad, she finds ways to make the best of the day inside. The child's emotions in this story will be relatable to those who have had a day that's gone different than planned. 

The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable by Better Midler with photographs by Michiko Kakutani and illustrated by Joana Avillez

Based on a true story, this book tells about a Mandarin Duck who turned up in New York City. The duck melted people's hearts and got them to put their phones away for a bit. It's a meaningful story and the photographs are gorgeous.

Switched by Bruce Hale

Sixth-grader Parker and his goldendoodle, Boof, wake up one morning in each other's bodies. I know many students who enjoy stories about dogs and this one will definitely delight them. Very humorous. Thanks to the publisher for sharing an advanced reader's copy with my book review group. The book publishes next month.

Monday, March 1, 2021

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...

I Am Not a Penguin: A Pangolin's Lament by Liz Wong

A pangolin is giving a presentation to inform the other animals about what kind of creature he is, but they confuse him with other animals and are disappointed he's not a penguin. This is a humorous book that provides facts about an intriguing animal.

It's So Quiet: A Not-Quite-Going-to-Bed Book by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tony Fucile

Mouse's mama has tucked him into bed, but first the night is too quiet and then it is too noisy. With rhyming text and sound words, I think this will be a fun book to read aloud. 

We Wait For the Sun by Dovey Johnson Roundtree and Katie McCabe and illustrated by Raissa Figueroa

This is a beautiful story based on the childhood experience of civil rights lawyer, Dovey Johnson Roundtree. Before dawn, Dovey Mae and her grandmother go berry picking in the forest and then watch the sun rise together. The illustrations are gorgeous.

Super Detectives (Simon and Chester #1) by Cale Atkinson

Simon, the ghost, and his human friend, Chester, are back in this graphic novel spin-off of Sir Simon: Super Scarer. Although they don't always agree on everything, the two work together to solve the case of the mysterious pug. Perfect for early readers looking to read graphic novels.