It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - November 2, 2015

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys.  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

My "IMWAYR" posts are going to be a little strange for the next few weeks. A little bit of a collection of bookish news, a little bit of what I am reading, and a little bit of celebrating things I am thankful for and spotlighting picture books. 

Here is a little of everything...

HOW TO TELL A STORY WEEK!

Tomorrow, Tuesday, November 3rd is when How to Tell a Story Week begins. I am so thankful to get to work with Jen Vincent from Teach Mentor Texts and the wonderful folks at Workman Publishing to celebrate the creative work of Daniel Nayeri and Brian Won. To further celebrate Jen Teach Mentor Texts  and I recruited Cynthia from Librarian in Cute Shoes, and Jennifer from Reederama to join in on sharing some fun #HowtoTellaStory ideas with you.

30 Days of Gratitude Day 2

All this month, I will be posting something short or sometimes a bit longer on what I am grateful for.  Today, I am grateful for the words of others that inspire me.   

I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it. - Kristen Armstrong

As I was googling quotes on gratitude, I came across this one by Kristen Armstrong. I don't know if she is still blogging for Runner's World but I remember a number of years reading a regular column that she was doing for them and always being inspired. 

I love how she writes about the "power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing". Ah failure! So important to growth and learning.  Do we allow ourselves to take the kind of risks that will help us grow? Do we allow others around us colleagues, students, friends to learn from their mistakes and grow from them? 

I am thankful for dear friends who support me through my falling down and getting back up.

Picture Book Month

Bird
by Jacob Grimm; Illustrated by Beatriz Martin Vidal
Simply Read Books (September 1, 2015)

This description from GoodReads tells it all: 

Anything is possible when you believe. The moment is coming. Be ready. To start a new path, to grow up, to change, to rise to the occasion. 
"Bird" is a stunning wordless picture book by Beatriz Martin Vidal, which brings us up to the moment of a child s flight, as she launches into life and imagination takes off.

The possibility of a new path to grow, and change and reach for the impossible, that is my wish for each of you.  

To see what I have been reading, check out my GoodReads page here. 

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 10/26/15

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys.  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

This is a bit of an odd IMWAYR post...instead of what I have been reading, it is more of a round-up of some bookish news.

HOW TO TELL A STORY WEEK! 

Don't miss HOW TO TELL A STORY WEEK! It will be here in less than 10 days.  More information will be coming in a few days.

If you missed the book trailer last week, here it is again...

It is almost Picture Book Month - well for some, November is known as Picture Book Month. Check out the post about who will be Picture Book Champions.

For others, it is PiBoIdMonth...

Check out Tara Lazar's post and consider signing up to participate.

Carter Higgins and I hosted a #MgDebuts twitter chat last Thursday.  If you missed the chat, Carter posted a Storify, here.

Since most of what I have been reading this past week is nonfiction, check back in on Wednesday for #nfpb2015. 

Speaking of Nonfiction, the CYBILS announced the books nominated in each category. Here is the link for the Elementary/Middle Grade Nonfiction category. 

So, what have you been reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 10/19/15

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys.  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

This week's "What are you reading?" is more of a romp through bookstores, a library, and a college. Last week, I had the fantastic opportunity to attend Teachers College Reading and Writing Coaching Institute for Reading. Teachers College at Columbia University is one of those places that I have always wanted to visit and also to attend one of their trainings in reading and writing.  As I wrote on my Facebook page on Saturday:

"It has been an intense week of active learning with steep learning curves accompanied by much reflection and new insight."

This past week, I grew in my knowledge and skills as a coach due to the intensive training. My brain is currently trying to process all that I learned. Outside of the training, I learned that New York City has it's own language and culture when it comes to taxis and subways. Let's just say that I have more to learn in navigating my way around the city. 

Little Elliot display at Books of Wonder

When I travel, I love visiting bookstores that I have heard about from friends. While in New York City this past week, there were no shortage of bookstores to visit. One of my favorites is Books of Wonder.  I met up with my Nerdy Book Club friend, Susan Dee and we were immediately off book talking favorite titles. I couldn't help but pick up some signed copies of books that I had already ready. And a new one to read.

Picture from Susan Dee

Book Talking Halloween Tree at Books of Wonder.

All but The Whisper I found at Books of Wonder.

My book purchases from Books of Wonder.

Later that same day we wandered into Book Culture's children's section. I finally found The Whisper by Pamela Zagarenski, which I had been looking for.  I knew it had to come home with me. 

A must have book purchase. 

Hanging in front of the NYPL with colleagues.

On Saturday, I stopped by the New York Public Library.  I knew I had to see this famous library and visit their Children's Center, which was the first children's room created in 1911. Though I didn't pick up any books, I did enjoy spending time in such a wonderful place.

Later that afternoon, I met up at Bank Street Books again with Susan Dee and we were joined by JoEllen Of course more book talking ensued and though I didn't purchase anything, I did read a couple of books and made note to pick up a few more. 

Reading at Bank Street books with Susan Dee and JoEllen McCarthy

Reading with friends at Bank Street Books. 

Other Book News!

How to Tell a Story Week is coming!

Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and I are thrilled to announce the official countdown to How To Tell a Story week! In fifteen days we'll kickoff How To Tell a Story week where we celebrate this unique story-telling set from Workman Publishers that comes with a book of story-telling activities from Daniel Nayeri and colorful, illustrated blocks from Brian Won. Mark your calendars because we'll be sharing some great activities, interviews, giveaways, and even a way to get your students writing and involved in the fun. Curious already? While you wait for November 3rd to come around, you can watch this video about what How To Tell a Story is and how it works!

So, what are you reading? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 9/21/15

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys.  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

September continues to be extremely busy for me. This past weekend, I didn't get to read as many books but I did get to an author event and discovered a few great blog posts, too. Here is my week in books.

Author Event:

The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury; Illustrated by Gris Grimly (Knopf Books for Young Readers, August 4, 2015) - I am looking forward to re-reading this book with the illustrations by Gris Grimly.

Here are a couple of sneak peeks at Grimly's art:

I love this image, and this one too.

My niece, Jax, is 14 and when she was 4, she loved Boris & Bella by Carolyn Crimi and Illustrated by Gris Grimly. I took Jax to see Gris Grimly at Once Upon a Time Bookstore six years ago when she was 8.

On Saturday, she got to see him again at Once Upon a Time, and this time she picked up her own copy of Boris and Bella. I love these two pictures of her with Gris. 

What jumped out of the pile this week:

Bird by Jacob Grimm, Beatriz Martin Vidal (Simply Read Books, September 1, 2015) - This nearly wordless picture book has gorgeous illustrations and should be read slowly. 

Moletown by Torben Kuhlmann (North South, October 1, 2015) - A cautionary tale in the form of a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book.

In a Cloud of Dust by Alma Fullerton; Illustrated by Brian Deines (Pajama Press, March 15, 2015) - This narrative story of a young girl's surprise about a bicycle. This would pair nicely with The Red Bicycle by Jude Isabella, or Pedal It! by Michelle Mulder.  

Don't miss the Max the Brave giveaway:

Max the Brave by Ed Vere (Sourcebook/Jabberwocky, September 22, 2015) - Click on the title to check out the post and giveaway.

Blog posts that caught my eye:

Celebration: From Here - Carrie Gelson, blogger and teacher extraordinaire, had a great post on Saturday about her new class and creating a reading community and the urgency to help her students grow as readers. Definitely a must read post.

From Telling Stories to Writing Stories: It's All in Respecting the Process - Deb Frazier, over on the Two Writing Teachers, had a timely post that I can share with some of the teachers that I am working with. 

Two in the mail that I can't wait to read:

The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems and Tony DiTerizzi (Disney-Hyperion, October 13, 2015)

Tiara on the Terrace by Kristen Kittscher (HarperCollins, January 5, 2016) - Can't wait to read this second Young and Yang book.

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 9/14/15

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journeys.  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee Moye of Unleashing Readers decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kidlit focus. It is a great way to recap what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and to plan out your reading and reviews for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading right now...you just might discover your next “must-read” book!

August and early September have continued to be extremely busy for me. This past weekend, I sat down with a stack of picture books and remembered how restorative it is to just read for fun. It had been too long. Required reading, even fun required reading, is not the same as just browsing through titles and picking up one that just speak to you. 

Though I read a number of book over the course of August and early September, there were too many to list below.  Instead, I carefully selected the ones that really stood out from the pile:

BirdCatDog by Lee Nordling (Graphic Universe 2014) - a multi-level wordless, comic-style book that will amaze you. 

Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina; Illustrated by Angela Dominguez (Candlewick, August 25, 2015) A young girl and her grandmother learn to bridge the gap between two languages and the bird that helped them. 

Two Mice by Sergio Ruzzier (Clarion Books, September 1, 2015) - A numbers concept book that is executed perfectly. 

In! Over! And On! (the farm) by Ethan Long (Putnam Books for Young Readers) - Long is back with another early reader filled with humor and fun.

This is Sadie by Sara O'Leary; Illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books, May 12, 2015) - I love books that celebrate imagination and creativity and this one does it beautifully with text and then illustrations by Julie Morstad.

Bug in a Vacuum by Mélanie Watts (Tundra Books, August 25, 2015) - A fly experiences the five stages of grieving while stuck in a vacuum cleaner. Laugh out loud funny.

Say it! by Charlotte Zolotow; Illustrated by Charlotte Voake (reprinted Candlewick, September 8, 2015) - Lovely reprint of Zolotow's 1980 classic.

I (Don't) Like Snakes by Nicola Davies; Illustrated by Luciano Lozano (Candlewick, September 8, 2015) - Davies takes fiction and nonfiction and combines it into the perfect hybrid. And you may just discover that you do like snakes. 

Recently, I had a chance to look through a pile of advanced picture books. Mark your calendar! 2016 is already looking like it has some good coming out:

Miss Mary Reporting: The True Story of Sportswriter Mary Garber by Sue Macy; Illustrated by C.F. Payne (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, February 16, 2016) - Macy brings us the story of one of the first female sportswriters.

The Wildest Race Ever: The Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon by Meghan McCarthy (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, March 1, 2016) - I love McCarthy's books and this is a humorous look at the first Olympic Marathon. It's amazing anyone survived.

Dig In! by Cindy Jenson- Elliott; Illustrated by Mary Peterson (Beach Lane Books, March 1, 2016) - Jenson-Elliott has a new book for young readers that encourages children to "dig-in". 

Hop by Jorey Hurley (Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books, January 5, 2015) - Hurley's third book in the series is just as beautiful as her previous ones. 

Oh No, Astro! by Matt Roeser; Illustrated by Brad Woodard (Simon & Schuster, April 19, 2016) - A fictional tale of an asteroid followed by true facts.

Bear & Hare - Where's Bear? by Emily Gravett (Simon & Schuster, April 26, 2016) - Gravett is another favorite of mine and this tale of hide 'n seek and friendship is charming.

Mine! by Susie Lee Jin (Simon & Schuster, January 5, 2016) - The perfect toddler/preschool book - not a lot of words but then Jin puts just the right twist on the end.

Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole (Simon & Schuster, March 1, 2016) - A beautiful wordless book about the day in the life of Spot, the Cat.

The Night Gardener by Terry Fan; Illustrated by Eric Fan (Simon & Schuster, February 23, 2016) - If the Fan Brothers were from the United States, I would be making a 2017 Caldecott prediction but alas they are from north of the border and this beautifully illustrated book will not be eligible. Still pick this one up for both story and illustrations.

So, what are you reading?