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 Concrete Garden by Bob Graham

After a very long and tough winter, children in an urban neighborhood go outside and draw on the pavement with chalk. This is a sweet story about community, healing, and optimism. 

A Story No One Has Ever Heard Before by Avi Steinberg

The narrator declares that the reader is going to be the one to tell the story which leads to an explanation of how this can be done. Examples, in a comic-like style, show different elements to include in a story. This is a humorous book that gives readers a framework that they can use to write their own stories. I'm sure it will inspire some writers.

A Voice in the Hollow by Will Hillenbrand

The library closes early because of a blizzard, and with the storm getting worse, a mouse decides to take a shortcut through the spooky hollow. A winter-themed story that is both enchanting and a little suspenseful. 

Wintergarden by Janet Fox and illustrated by Jasu Hu

This beautifully illustrated book shows the joy of growing plants on a windowsill in winter. It's really lovely and many readers will be eager to grow their own indoor gardens after reading it.

Hidden Truths by Elly Swartz

Dani has finally made the boys' baseball team, but when she is injured in an accident she is unsure if or when she will be able to play. She was camping with her best friend Eric at the time and he believes the accident could have been his fault. This heartfelt story explores how Dani and Eric navigate their friendship with each other, as well as others, after the life-changing incident. There are lots of layers to this story and it is an engaging read with realistic and relatable characters. A great middle grade read about friendship and moving forward in the face of challenges. 

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 Big Cheese by Jory John and illustrated by Pete Oswald

The seventh book in the Food Group series is filled with puns and humor. The Big Cheese is used to winning, but learns he doesn't always have to be the best. 

Books Make Good Friends by Jane Mount

Books make good friends, as do other kids. Lottie is a shy kid who prefers to be reading a book. Her love of books opens her eyes to new possibilities. There are lots of different books featured within the story, to inspire kids' reading, too.

Brave Little Bear by Steve Small

It is time for a mother bear and her cubs to leave the mountain and travel to Spring Valley where they will live. Arlo doesn't feel very adventurous and isn't as brave as his sister Eva who always does things first. When a snowstorm comes, Arlo has no choice but to be brave for his sister. 

The Magical Snowflake by Bernette Ford and illustrated by Erin K. Robinson

Ori plays outside with her friends in winter, wishing that it would snow. One snowflake finally falls and, as Ori follows it, the streets seem to become magically covered in snow and the community comes out to celebrate the wonder and joy of winter.

The Three Little Mittens by Linda Bailey and illustrated by Natalia Shaloshvili

Mittens find themselves without a match and feel left out. When two non-matching mittens are paired together, it feels weird, but The Little Girl wonders why they have to match. In this story about inclusion and accepting oneself, a girl starts a new trend.

The Twelve Hours of Christmas by Jenn Bailey and illustrated by Bea Jackson

A spin on "The Twelve Days of Christmas," this story shows how a girl and her family spend Christmas day hour by hour. The family is missing their kitten, but observant readers will enjoy noticing the pet throughout the pages. 

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.

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...

Lila and the Jack-o'-Lantern: Halloween Comes to America by Nancy Churnin and illustrated by Anneli Bray

In Ireland, in celebration of Halloween, Lila and her family always carved a face into a turnip to trick a clever spirit named Jack. In America there aren't any turnips, but Lila has decided she is going to find a way to continue the tradition. The story and the note from the author at the end gives insight into how Halloween came to be celebrated in America.

Oh, Panda by Cindy Derby

A panda wants to climb a big, icy hill, but isn't having success. The narrator who suggests other activities eventually realizes panda's determination and offers a helpful solution. A book that highlights empathy and the power of being supportive and encouraging. Gorgeous illustrations.

Ploof by Ben Clanton and Andy Chou Musser

This book invites the reader to interact with a cloud, named Poof, that shows a variety of emotions throughout the story. It's a cross between a board book and a picture book. Poof is a cute character and readers will enjoy the interaction. 

Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman and illustrated by Christian Robinson

Amanda Gorman's poem and Christian Robinson's illustrations showing a young child making the world a more beautiful place are a powerful and lovely combination. The message that a small act can have a big impact is sweet and inspirational. We could always use more hope in this world!

Just a Pinch of Magic by Alechia Dow

In the enchanted town of Honeycrisp Hill, two twelve-year olds become friends and work together to save the town from a curse. The magic and a bit of spookiness, as well as the mention of yummy pastries make this a fun read. It's also a heart-warming story about friendship and family.