It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen & Kellee from
Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.
Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before
and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.
Last week's book adventures:
Last week I read around 150 books to meet my GoodReads Challenge goal. And I am happy to say that I met it. WooHoo! I think I have now read nearly every Mo Willems' books (they are so funny). I read 24 Caldecott Winners (books from the 1930's & 1940's are very different from today). In that pile of 150, I also read all kinds of picture books, early readers, and early chapter books.
But here are the standouts from the pile:
Spunky Tells All by Ann Cameron, Illustrated by Lauren Castillo - I actually gave this to my dad to read when I was finished. It was pretty funny in parts. I plan to do a full review on this new 2012 release this week.
Those Rebels, John & Tom by Barbara Kerley, Illustrated by Edwin Fotherinham - I have been waiting for this one to come out and it is finally here. A humorous view of how John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson met and created the Declaration of Independence. A bit tongue in cheek and with a lot of dramatic license, but I would guess that a lot of children will enjoy this presentation of history.
My Hands Sing the Blues by Jeanne Walker Harvey, Illustrated by Elizabeth Zunon - How I missed this 2011 release is beyond me, but thank you Mr. Hankins for helping me correct this oversight. An amazing picture book about the life of Romare Bearden. I plan on reviewing this one during the week as well.
The House that Witchy Built by Dianne de Las Casas, Illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker - Why didn't I see or read this one around Halloween? A great use of the "House that Jack Built" pattern. I had fun with this one and hope to share it with students next Halloween.
Zoom by Istvan Banyai - This one was another recommendation from Paul Hankins. He read this to my students back in November, but I finally picked up my own copy this past week. This is an amazing wordless picture book that can be used on a variety of levels to discuss perspective.
Alchemy and Meggy Swann by Karen Cushman - I listened to this one on audiobook. Katherine Kellgren narrates the story of Meggy Swann and brings the character to life, songs and all. I definitely recommend listening to this one.
Upcoming book adventures:
I am starting on my new reading goal for 2012. Check in next week to see what I decided to read.
So, what are you reading this week?
Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!
Oh my...I read and loved Meggy Swan. You have me thinking I should listen to it too!
ReplyDeleteThis week is all about reading MG (I'm doing a read-a-thon on my blog). Flutter by Erin Moulton is finishing up and am going to read The Familiars next or maybe Bigger Than a Breadbox...or both if I can stay up until the wee hours after work.
Enjoy your week!
Zoom was one of my kid's absolute favorites! He also LOVED Richard Mcguire's What's Wrong with this Book and What Goes Around Comes Around - for fans of similar sort of interactive picture books. Oldies but way goodies!
ReplyDeleteDeb - The audiobook is fabulous. Bigger than a Breadbox is wonderful. And my students love The Familiars.
ReplyDeleteGae - Thanks for the book suggestions. Will check them out.
I'm still in saw of how many picture books you read last year! I'm glad you were able to reach your goal! Spunky Tells All and the Rebels book both look really good. Do you feel like you can take a breath now that 2012 is here? I'm sure you already have new books to jump into! :)
ReplyDeleteJen - Both were good. And yes, I feel like I can breathe now. I dropped my goal to 600 but have made more specific goals like a specific number of MG and YA books which will take longer to read. Unfortunately GoodReads doesn't distinguish stuff like that as part of the goal.
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog, because I learn about some picture books that I have never heard of- thank you :)
ReplyDeleteKatherine Kellgren is such a great narrator- she really makes most books enjoyable.
Happy reading this week!
Kellee - I love reading your reviews. You make it look so easy. Thanks for commenting.
ReplyDeleteOh! I like that Rebels one. Going to put it on my TBR list now. And the Spunky one. And Zoom. Sigh. For every book I get finished and OFF my TBR list I add three more. Of course that means the fun will never end.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you know. Already had Rebels on the list. Other two added though!