It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey. Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers have adapted it to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.
I have been trying to track down some of the picture books on the BEST OF lists as well as some others in my TBR pile. There were some awesome reads including one that will be coming in 2015.
Here is what stood out in the pile this week:
Abayomi, the Brazilian Puma: The True Story of an Orphaned Cub by Darcy Pattison; Illustrated by Kitty Harvill (Mims House, March 2014) - I would probably never have discovered this one if I hadn't checked out NSTA's Outstanding Tradebooks of 2015. A wonderful story of an orphaned cub.
Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle by Cheryl Bardoe; Illustrated by Alan Marks (Charlesbridge, March 2014) - This was also on the NSTA list and what a fascinating story about beetles.
The Princess in Black by Shannon Hale, Dean Hale, Illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Candlewick Press, October 14, 2014) - Shannon and Dean Hale work well together as writers and this was a fun story that 1st and 2nd graders will certainly enjoy. Pham's illustrations compliment the story.
Batman Science: The Real World Science Behind Batman's Gear by Tammy Enz, Agnieszka Biskup (Capstone, 2014) - I enjoyed learning so much about the science behind all of the gear that a superhero without special powers might need in order to fight the bad guys. Fourth graders on up will enjoy this one.
A Rock Can Be by Laura Purdie Salas; Illustrated by Violeta Dabija (Millbrook Press, March 2015) - I love this series and so excited to see the advanced copy of this book. Can't wait until it is out.
On the Wing by David Elliott; Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander (Candlewick, September 2014) - A beautifully illustrated collection of poems about birds.
A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, October 2014) - Children are going to enjoy this story about a reader who is pretty sloppy in how he handle the book, which makes the main character pretty upset.
Matisses's Garden by Samantha Friedman; Henri Matisse; Illustrated by Christina Amodeo (Museum of Modern Art, October 2014) - Recently, there are have been some wonderful picture book biographies about Matisse and this is one of them.
Bow-Wow's Nightmare Neighbors by Mark Newgarden; Illustrated by Megan Montague Cash (Roaring Brook Press, November 2014) - This wordless book was quite enjoyable and provides enough entertainment for multiple reads.
Harlem Hellfighters by J. Patrick Lewis; Illustrated by Gary Kelley (Creative Editions, August 2014) - Beautiful illustrations and free verse text tell the story of war, racism, and courage.
Attack! Boss! Cheat Code! by Chris Barton; Illustrated by Joey Spiotto (POW! October 2014) - An ABC book for gamers or those who would like to understand them.
So, what have you been reading?