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 Bookshop Mice by Robert Starling

Astrid tells her new classmates about her adventures, but they don't believe her. Astrid, who lives in the Book Nook, invites the other mice over for tea so they can understand how she is able to have her adventures. A delightful story about the power of books to take you places. 

Bubbie and Rivka's Best-Ever Challah (So Far!) by Sarah Lynne Reul

Rivka and her Bubbie decide to start a new tradition and make challah every Friday even though neither has experience baking it. Their challah is not exactly right the first time or even the second time, but they continue to work on perfecting it. This is a really sweet and joyful book about spending time with a grandparent and baking that shows the rewards of practice.

Just One Flake by Travis Jonker

Readers will be able to relate to the joy of a snowfall as they follow the child in this story on a mission to catch a snowflake. The story and illustrations are both amusing.

Once, a Bird by Rina Singh and illustrated by  Nathalie Dion

This lovely wordless story shows the joys of connecting with nature. The illustrations are charming.

Otto the Ornament by Troy Cummings 

The ornaments on the tree are all content, but then Otto, a new ornament, shows up and insists he deserves a place on the top of the tree. When the ornaments deny Otto's wish, he goes in search of a tree of his own. Otto's adventure finding his true place is amusing and sweet. 

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel by Chris Grabenstein and illustrated by Douglas Holgate

All the fun, adventure, and quirkiness of the first book in the Mr. Lemoncello's Library series has been captured in this graphic novel format. I know lots of readers who will only pick up graphic novels so I love that they can now get to know Mr. Lemoncello's Library. 

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...

Benita and the Night Creatures by Mariana Llanos and illustrated by Cocoretto

Benita is so engrossed in her book that even the night creatures that try to scare her can't distract her. Soon the night creatures become curious about reading and books. An amusing story about the joy of books.

I'm Going to Build a Snowman by Jashawr Awan

A child wakes up to snow and imagines making the best snowman ever. Although the snowman does not turn out quite as imagined, the child gives it just the right touch. This is a sweet and joyous book that shows how imperfection can be perfection.

Pepita Meets Bebita by Ruth Behar and Gabriel Frye-Behar and illustrated by Maribel Lechuga

A dog named Pepita is used to being the baby of the family and has to adjust once a new bebita arrives. Although Pepita is a dog, those who have a new sibling in the family will be able to relate. A very sweet book. 

The Power of Yeti by Rebecca Van Slyke and illustrated by G. Brian Karas

A child meets a yeti, along with some of his mythological creature friends, and learns that instead of being frustrated with what he can't do, he can use the power of "YETi." The fun play on words will help readers understand, in a fun way, what it means to have a positive learning mindset.

The Real Story by Sergio Ruzzier

Cat wants to know how the cookie jar broke. Mouse has many stories, but Cat, not believing any of them, keeps demanding the real story. A fun story about storytelling.

Turbo's Special Delivery by Jean Reagan and illustrated by Eduardo Marticorena

Turbo is really good at super-speedy deliveries, but one day he has a special delivery that requires a slow and careful pace. Turbo decides to take on the challenge. Truck lovers will enjoy this book, but it also has a sweet message about the joys of slowing down that many can appreciate.

Adult Reading Recommendation

The Other Mothers by Katherine Faulkner

I haven't read a psychological thriller that I've really enjoyed in a while so I was glad to pick this one up. A journalist investigates the death of a nanny that seems suspicious even though a coroner declared it an accident. The further she digs into the mystery, the more connections she finds between the mothers, as well as their husbands, of children in her son's playgroup. This is the type of book in which it's not clear who can be trusted. As I really wanted to know how it all tied together in the end, it turned out to be a page-turner. Thanks to the publisher for an advance reader's copy. The book publishes in December.

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 Bright Side by Chad Otis 

The boy in this story lives with his family in an old school bus. He finally gets to go to school, but has difficulty fitting in. Knowing what it means to look on the bright side, he uses positive thinking to help the class with a disappointing situation. This book highlights creative thinking and optimism while also giving a glimpse into the life of a character who is homeless. 

Chip by Federico Gastaldi

Atticus wakes up one morning to find that Chip is not in his fishbowl. This book about loss shows the power of memories.    

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh by Mo Willems

While Santa goes to wrap some gifts he gives the reader a reminder that the pigeon is not to drive the sleigh. Another humorous pigeon story!

Mole is Not Alone by Maya Tatsukawa

A shy mole heads off to Rabbit's party but worries the whole way there about whether it's a good idea or not. Mole is clearly an introvert not interested in being in a crowd, but finds himself in good company. Readers who can relate to Mole will enjoy this story.

Patchwork Prince by Baptiste Paul and illustrated by Kitt Thomas

Based on the author's childhood in St. Lucia, this story tells of a boy whose mother makes him a cape out of pieces of discarded fabrics. Feeling like royalty in what some would consider trash, the boy is joyful and confident. This sweet story is full of love and positivity. 

Detective Duck: The Case of the Strange Splash by Henry Winkler and Lin Oliver and illustrtated by Dan Santat

A duck named Willow is involved in solving a mystery and removing a tire, irresponsibly disposed of by a human, from Dogwood Pond. This is a cute chapter book with some humor and suspense and a message about caring for the environment.

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...

Penguin Huddle by Ross Montgomery and illustrated by Sarah Warburton

Penguins huddle together to keep warm and end up frozen together. When friends can't help them they get unstuck, they travel across the ocean to find someone who can help. This book is both amusing and sweet and includes some fun use of interesting words.

Santa's Gotta Go! by Derrick Barnes and illustrated by Courtney Lovett

Monte and Mabel want Santa to hang out at their house, but once this happens they start to have some regrets. This is a very humorous story featuring a modern version of Santa. Love the ending.

The Welcome Home by Amy June Bates

Mr. and Ms. Gargleson-Bittle feel that something is missing from their lives so they welcome one animal after another into their home. Even when the animal is not exactly what they wanted, they show acceptance and love. A sweet book about a home that grows not just in number, but also in joy.

When the Fog Rolls In by Pam Fong

A puffin makes his way through the fog in spite of stumbling, getting confused, and running into obstacles. This metaphor for getting through the uncertain parts of life shows that there is power in continuing to move forward.

The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale by Jon Klassen

This is an interesting and quirky story of unlikely friendship. It's a bit dark, but will definitely appeal to those who enjoy reading stories with some creepiness.