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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

There is no doubt that humor can hook readers.  Many of my elementary readers are attracted to books with characters who say funny things or that have plot lines that are ridiculous. Sometimes I don't quite get the humor in the books my students enjoy.  But if they like them and it gets them reading then I'm all for it!  When looking for something new to read, sometimes I just want a book that I can read without thinking too much.  My shelves have several humorous memoirs that fit this bill.  Similarly, sometimes students just need a book that gives them a good laugh.  The two books I read this week definitely will be good additions to my student library because they will make kids chuckle.

What I Read This Week…

Night of the Living Worms: A Speed Bump and Slingshot Misadventure by Dave Coverly

A title with the word "misadventure" in it is a hint that a book will be a humorous one.  The characters in this book do have an adventure that will make readers laugh, but the word play also contributes to the humor within this story.  Speed Bump is a bird with very tiny wings who can't fly very fast and feels inferior to his brother Early Bird.  Early Bird always gets the worm and is admired by all the other birds.  Speed Bump would love to be the one to get that delicious (or so he imagines) worm. There are black and white illustrations on every page of this text and dialogue bubbles throughout that tell part of the story.  This book is funny, but it also contains important lessons about friendship, loyalty, and bravery.  This is the first in a series that I think will be engaging for elementary readers.

Timmy Failure: Sanitized For Your Protection by Stephan Pastis

This is the fourth book in the Timmy Failure series, but the first that I have ever read.  I can't say how this one compares to the earlier books in the series, but there is lots of humor and absurdity that will engage readers.  In this book, Timmy Failure is on spring break and traveling to Chicago while he uses his detective skills to solve a case of stolen money.  The adventurous antics of Timmy, his schoolmate, Molly, and his polar bear, Total, will amuse readers.  The twist at the end also brings some humor to the story.  While much of the plot is ridiculous, Timmy is facing challenges of childhood to which students may relate.  Timmy's parents are divorced and his apprehension about his mother's relationship with her boyfriend becomes apparent.  The ending of the book is just sweet, too.  I want to read some of the other Timmy Failure books after reading this one and I'm sure some of my students will want to as well.   

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

I love picture books for many reasons.  The fact that the picture book is a work of art is just one of those reasons.  This week I was especially charmed and captivated by the art in the picture books I read.  

The Bear and the Piano by David Litchfield

A bear finds a piano in the forest and learns to play.  When he is invited to the city to play he is hesitant, but goes along for the journey.  Although bear becomes famous he misses his friends.  The messages within this book are related to friendship, following one's dreams, and an appreciation for music.  The detailed illustrations within this book, in which the forest and the city are equally beautiful, make this book worthy of many rereads.  

Hector and Hummingbird by Nicholas John Frith

Hector and Hummingbird are best friends living in the mountains of Peru.  When Hector decides he wants some peace and quiet, he tells Hummingbird to leave him alone and goes off into the jungle.  Hector soon realizes he doesn't feel quite right all by himself.  This is a sweet book about friendship and learning to appreciate and get along with others.  The illustrations in this book are amazing because of the detail and color.   Shades of green and bright splashes of pink and blue make each page pop with color bringing the jungle to life.    

What To Do With a Box by Jane Yolen 

This is a picture book to spark creativity and imagination.  Throughout the book, a boy and girl show the possibilities for using a cardboard box.  The box is transformed as they go on imaginary adventures.  There is not a lot of text on each page, but it is poetic and captures the beauty of a child's ability to imagine.  This is another book with beautiful illustrations.  The authentic looking cardboard box adds to the charm.   

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

Normal Norman by Tara Lazar

A young scientist is trying to demonstrate the meaning of "normal" with the help of an orangutan named Norman who she thinks is just regular and ordinary.  Norman, who eats pizza, sleeps in a bunk bed, and has his own stuffed anteater, proves to be anything but normal.  The book shows a meaningful lesson - there is no definition of "normal."
 

Otto the Owl Who Loved Poetry by Vern Kousky

Otto the Owl loves poetry, but the other owls think this is unusual and tease him.  Otto stays true to who he is, makes a friend, and helps others learn to appreciate poetry as well.  The lines of poetry Otto recites are from well-known poems and the poets, including T.S. Eliot and Emily Dickinson, are listed at the end of the book.  This picture book could be used to introduce young readers to poetry.

Too Many Carrots by Katy Hudson

This is a picture book about sharing.  Rabbit loves carrots so much that he no longer has room in his burrow.  His friends try their best to help him find a place to sleep, but their generosity always ends in a disaster.  Rabbit's solution to the problem is sweet and illustrates a lesson about friendship.  The detailed illustrations of Rabbit and his overabundance of carrots are cute and humorous.

The Great Pet Escape (Pets on the Loose!) by Victoria Jamieson

This is a humorous graphic novel about class pets trying to escape.  George Washington is a hamster who invents a contraption to escape from his prison, the cage in the second grade classroom where he lives.  He sets his two friends free, but an evil mouse and his minions interfere with the plan.  As the plot unfolds there is lots of action and humor.  The book is a short, quick read and I think it will be another graphic novel that flies off the shelves.

Fenway and Hattie by Victoria Coe

This story is told from the perspective of Fenway, the Jack Russell Terrier who belongs to Hattie. When the family moves out of the city and Hattie finds a neighborhood friend, Fenway is left feeling alone and disappointed.  Fenway is determined to get his friend back.  The author has provided an imaginative and sweet look at a dog's thoughts and feelings.  This is a book I'm looking forward to sharing with my middle grade readers.  

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

Love Monster and the Last Chocolate by Rachel Bright

This is a cute picture book about sharing and thinking of others.  Love Monster knows he should share his chocolates with his friends, but does not want to risk that someone will eat his favorite - the double chocolate strawberry swirl.  When Love Monster is about to open the box and have the chocolates all for himself he gets a "queasy-squeezy feeling in his heart" which changes everything. My students enjoyed the first book about Love Monster and think he is just the cutest.  I think they will enjoy this one just as much, if not more.  

Bunny vs. Monkey by Jamie Smart

In this graphic text, scientists attempt to send Monkey into space, but instead he ends up in Bunny's peaceful forest.  Monkey decides to take over the woods, but there is a gang of forest friends who are determined to defend their home.  The battles between the evil Monkey and the other animals involve silly, often ridiculous, antics that many young readers will find hilarious.  Each page of the text is filled with detailed, bright illustrations.  Although I don't love the plot of this book, I think many readers will and it will be a frequently-borrowed book in my graphic novel collection.

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

This chapter book for middle grade readers is one that will pull at your heart strings.  It is about friendship, loyalty, and learning to survive and to let go.  Peter must return his pet fox, Pax, to the wild and move in with his grandfather when his father joins the army.  Soon after being separated, both the boy and his fox begin a search to find each other.  The chapters alternate between telling Peter's story as he runs away from his grandfather's and Pax's story as he discovers the wild.  The impact of war is an issue that runs throughout the book.  The story illustrates the heartwarming bond that can exist between humans and animals.

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

Arctic White by Danna Smith

This picture book tells about a girl hoping for color in the Arctic where everything is a shade of white.  She follows her grandfather on a secret journey to the top of the mountain where she discovers that there is color.  Together, the poetic language and lovely illustrations show the beauty of the white of the Arctic, the darkness of the night, and the dancing colors of the Northern Lights.

Be a Friend by Salina Yoon

Dennis, called "mime boy" by his classmates, is a boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways, but often feels lonely and invisible.  When he kicks an imaginary ball, his world changes for the better.  This book about friendship shows the importance of understanding one another.

Bear is Not Tired by Ciara Gavin

Bear does not want to miss out on the fun his duck friends have all winter so he decides to stay awake rather than hibernate.  When Bear becomes tired and the ducks can't keep him awake, Mother Duck has some words of wisdom and a promise for Bear.  This sweet, amusing tale shows the bond between friends.

Love is My Favorite Thing by Emma Chichester Clark

Plummie is a dog who loves many things, some of which cause him to get into mischief.  When his family is unhappy with his actions he wonders if they still love him.  Plummie is a lovable dog who learns about unconditional love.  Dog owners and those who have ever made a mistake and wonder if it could be forgiven will be able to relate to this story.

Mr. Goat's Valentine by Eve Bunting

This is a cute Valentine's story and a celebration of the love between a mother and a child.  The story is amusing, as well, as Mr. Goat sets off to find a special Valentine's gift and makes some rather interesting and very different choices - some silly, some smelly.  The illustrations are adorable - detailed, bright, and cheerful.

Bella Donna by Ruth Symes

Bella Donna has wanted to be a witch since she was a baby.  She is in an orphanage waiting for her Forever Family. When she moves to Coven Road she tries to hide her desire to be a witch, but soon learns her neighborhood is magical.  This is the first book in a series which tells about Bella Donna's adventures as a witch-in-training.  This is easy-read, middle grades chapter book.  I think this book will be appealing to those who enjoy reading about magic and characters learning to be themselves.  

What is the Super Bowl? by Dina Anastasio

This book from the What Was...? series explains the Super Bowl and tells about some of the memorable games beginning with Super Bowl I and ending with last year's game.  The book provides some history about the event and informative facts about popular players, coaches, Super Bowl records, and the halftime show.  There are lots of illustrations throughout the book and a section of photographs so the text is not too lengthy.  This is a book I'll share with my reluctant readers who are footfall fans.

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

Bear and Bunny by Daniel Pinkwater

This is a heartwarming picture book of two friends, bear and bunny, who are inseparable and looking for a pet to love and care for.  Young readers will find humor with bear and bunny's misunderstanding when they think they have found a kitty.  The illustrations are lovely - bear and bunny are drawn with soft, pale colors adding to the sweetness of the story.

All Paws on Deck (Haggis and Tank Unleashed #1) by Jessica Young

This book series is part of Scholastic's Branches line of books written for readers transitioning to chapter books.  In the story, two imaginative dogs imagine a wagon is a pirate ship.  Their adventures include sailing the seas, looking for treasure, and facing a sea serpent.  The characters and the play on words make the story humorous.  Each page is illustrated and includes speech bubbles in addition to the text.  There is only a sentence or two of text on each page which makes it suitable for early readers.  

A Whole New Ball Game by Phil Bildner

This chapter book is about two boys who love and play basketball, but it is also about so much more. It's about two friends, one who has autism, and the other who understands and supports him.  It's about learning to give others a chance.  It's about teamwork.  It's about education and what's important as far as learning (the teacher in the story does not believe in test prep).  Rip and Red, the main characters, are interesting to read about.  Basketball is interwoven throughout the story, making the book appealing to sports fans.  This is the first published book in a series and I'm looking forward to the next one.

Ninja Timmy by Henrik Tamm

This middle grade novel has absolutely gorgeous illustrations.  They are detailed and colorful and bring the imaginative and magical quality of the story to life.  The tale tells the story of Timmy, a cat, and his friends who decide to become ninjas to rid their neighborhood of wrongdoing.  This is a book for readers who like reading about adventure and the world of fantasy. 

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 check out the host blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers.

What I Read This Week…

Groundhog's Day Off by Robb Pearlman

No one seems to care about Groundhog other than to ask him about the weather on Groundhog Day, so he heads off to the spa.  The townspeople try to find a replacement for Groundhog Day, but they realize that only Groundhog is right for the job.  When Groundhog hears this on the news report he returns home and basks in the attention he is given.  This book tells a humorous tale about the popular holiday.  

Groundhog's Dilemma by Kristen Remenar

Some of Groundhog's friends want an early spring and some want a longer winter.  When Groundhog's friends try to bribe him to make Groundhog Day turn out the way they want, Groundhog tries to please them all.  Groundhog has no choice but to tell his friends the truth.  Groundhog learns a lesson about making promises he can't keep.  This is a cute story for reading around Groundhog Day, but also useful for helping readers understand something about friendship and honesty.

Pirate, Viking, and Scientist by Jared Chapman

Scientist tries to find a solution when his two friends, Viking and Pirate, do no get along.  Scientist shows perseverance and flexibility as he tries different solutions.  Scientist's smart thinking and problem solving skills pay off as he decides to try one last experiment.  The story includes lots of science related vocabulary.  The illustrations are bright and fun and Scientist is adorable.  This is a great book to add to a collection of those useful for teaching the growth mindset.

Sad, the Dog by Sandy Fussell

This book tells the story of a dog who names himself Sad because his owners don't want him and constantly yell at him.  Sad's situation gets even worse when his owners move and leave him behind. When a new family moves in, Sad discovers happiness.  This is a heart-warming story about caring and friendship.  

Who Needs a Bath by Jeff Mack

This picture book about a bear who is trying to get his friend Skunk to take a bath could help children see that a bath can be fun.  The fact that Bear's ideas to get Skunk to bathe in the pond repeatedly end with Bear in the pond instead add humor to the story.  A lot of the action of the story is shown through the bright and detailed illustrations.  This would make a fun read-aloud story.

My Pet Human by Yasmine Surovec

A stray cat is the narrator of this transitional chapter book.  The cat thinks he enjoys being independent, unlike his friends who all have their own humans.  When a girl moves into the abandoned house nearby to where the cat hides, the cat tries not to get attached, but learns the benefits of having his own human.  This is a sweet story that shows the friendship that can exist between humans and their pets.  There are illustrations on every page making the book a quick and interesting read.