#Road2Reading Challenge: I Can Read! Series by HarperCollins 60th Anniversary

HarperCollins I Can Read! Series is celebrating their 60th Anniversary. You can check out the 60th Anniversary timeline here and the tips for reading with your child, here. Below are some of the I Can Read! books that I recently read. 

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur: Perfect Pumpkin by Kallie George; Illustrated by Oriol Vidal (HarperCollins, July 25, 2017)

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur began as a picture book and have evolved into an early reader series. Though not as simple in text pattern that I would like to see in the most basic early reader, it does have repetitive language and a simple story line. 

Clark the Shark and the Big Book Report by Bruce Hale; Illustrated by Guy Francis (HarperCollins, June 20, 2017)

Similar to Duck, Duck, Dinosaur, this level 1 early reader also began as a picture book series. Picture book fans of Clark the Shark can enjoy the series in a more easy to read size than a picture book. Clark continues to be his lovable self and his foibles make him more relatable. 

My Weird School: Class Pet Mess! by Dan Gutman; Illustrated by Jim Paillot (HarperCollins, June 20, 2017)

I was certainly curious about this new early reader based on Gutman's My Weird School chapter book series. There are a lot of similarities between the early reader and the chapter book. However, for students not quite ready for the length and more complex language, the new early reader makes for a nice transition text. 

In a Dark, Dark Room And Other Scary Stories Retold by Alvin Schwartz; Illustrated by Victor Rivas (HarperCollins, July 25, 2017)

In time for Halloween is the reprint of In a Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories in a full color version. Though it isn't super complex or scary, it does have an element of quirky scary that children will enjoy. 

Look for these and other titles in the I Can Read! Series at your local book store or community library. 

All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

Each week, Michele Knott and I post about new early readers and transitional chapter books. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Two Books I am Excited About

The Quest for Z: The True Story of Explorer Percy Fawcett and a Lost City in the Amazon
by Greg Pizzoli
Published June 13th 2017 by Viking Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * History * Exploration
Audience: Ages 7 to 10 year olds
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
British explorer Percy Fawcett believed that hidden deep within the Amazon rainforest was an ancient city, lost for the ages. Most people didn't even believe this city existed. But if Fawcett could find it, he would be rich and famous forever. This is the true story of one man's thrilling, dangerous journey into the jungle, and what he found on his quest for the lost city of Z.

Quick thoughts on this book:
Both books being featured here today are ones that I have been eager to read, but I have unfortunately been crazy busy and only now getting to these books. 

The Quest for Z by Pizzoli is his second biographical title. With the first book, Tricky Vic, Pizzoli had to guess at some of the information about Robert Miller's life. However, with his newest biography on Percy Fawcett, Pizzoli had more research and documents to work with. The biography on Fawcett flows on several levels. First, there is the narrative story that tells about the life and work of Fawcett. Second, there are expository text facts shared with readers on various pages. Finally, there is an element of humor in the dialogue bubbles. This may be one of those things that can be a point of discussion with young readers. There is a cartoon style about the characters and the dialogue bubbles and for most readers, they will pick up on the fact that this is not actual dialogue but a splash of humor. 

At the end of the book, Pizzoli includes an author, glossary, and selected sources. 

Check out Greg Pizzoli's website and blog. 

What Makes a Monster?: Discovering the World's Scariest Creatures
(The World of Weird Animals)
by Jess Keating; Illustrated by David DeGrand
Published August 8th 2017 by Knopf Books for Young Readers
Nonfiction * Science & Nature * Zoology
Audience: Ages 6 to 10 year olds
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Monsters are real--and they're everywhere in nature! Animal Planet meets Godzilla in this nonfiction picture book that puts the "Ack!" into backyard science.

Some people think monsters are the stuff of nightmares--the stuff of scary movies and Halloween. But monsters can also be found right in your backyard. Animals like aye-ayes, goblin sharks and vampire bats may look scary, but they pose no threat to humans. Others, such as the prairie dog, seem innocent--cute, even--yet their behavior could give you goose bumps.
What makes a monster? Read this book to find out, if you dare. . . .
Jess Keating and David DeGrand, the author illustrator team behind Pink Is for Blobfish will have readers shrieking with laughter at this latest installment to the World of Weird Animals series.

Quick thoughts on this book:
Keating's first book in the World of Weird Animals series, Pink is for Blobfish, is one of my favorite books. I new if the latest book was even half as good as the first book that I would love it as well. From the moment, I flipped through the book, I knew I had another favorite book. Fans of Pink is for Blobfish will be thrilled to read the newest book.

Official Book Trailer:

Keating features 17 creatures in What Makes a Monster? and each animal is featured on a two page spread. Each spread includes basic facts about the animal being featured, a written description, and a little fact about each animal that may provide humor or another level of knowledge about the featured animal. 

At the end of the book, readers there are several pages of additional information including a glossary. 

Check out this video interview:

Check out Jess Keating's website for lots of great resources.

Pick up both of these books at your local bookstore or community library.

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

#Road2Reading Challenge: Early Readers to Check Out from Simon Spotlight

Batman is Fast!
by Maggie Testa; Illustrated by Patrick Spaziante
Simon Spotlight, May 23, 2017

Description from GoodReads: 
Now very new readers can reach for the stars with Batman in this book that’s part of an all-new Ready-to-Read level, Ready-to-Go!

Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Batman Is Fast! was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story with words they can actually read and starring their favorite super hero?

Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains no more than 100 words and will feature sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn seventeen sight words and five words from two word families. So come on and get reading with Batman!

BATMAN and all related characters and elements © & ™ DC Comics. 

I am a fan of the Simon Spotlight Early Reader nonfiction titles. However, today, I wanted to share a couple of titles from their new series of Ready-to-Read New Readers. I really appreciate that both of the titles that I am sharing in this post are much more accessible for very beginning readers. 

In both books, you will notice larger font and limited text per page and repetitive language patterns throughout the pages. This is not typically what you will find with commercial early readers. Often time, I will pick up a reader marked "Level 1" or "Level 2" and think that it is really a book written for students with more skill in navigating text and vocabulary. 

Who Can? Daniel Can! 
by Maggie Testa; Illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Simon Spotlight, May 2, 2017

Description from GoodReads: 
Now very new readers can reach for the stars with Daniel Tiger in this book that’s part of an all-new Ready-to-Read level, Ready-to-Go!

Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, Who Can? Daniel Can! was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story with words they can actually read and starring their favorite tiger star?

Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains no more than 100 words and will feature sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn twenty-three sight words and eight words from four word families. So come on and get reading with Daniel!

© 2017 The Fred Rogers Company

Another feature I appreciate about the books include the addition of a key terms at the beginning of the book and discussion questions listed at the end of the book. Both of these are nice features for parents sharing the book with children. 

Look for these and other titles in the Simon Spotlight New Readers series at your local bookstores or community libraries. 

All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

Each week, Michele Knott and I post about new early readers and transitional chapter books. 

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Her Right Foot

Her Right Foot
by Dave Eggers; Illustrated by Shawn Harris
Chronicle Books (September 19, 2017)
Nonfiction * History * Monuments
Audience: Ages
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: If you had to name a statue, any statue, odds are good you'd mention the Statue of Liberty. Have you seen her?

She's in New York. 
She's holding a torch. 
And she's in mid-stride, moving forward. 
But why?
In this fascinating, fun take on nonfiction, Dave Eggers and Shawn Harris investigate a seemingly small trait of America's most emblematic statue. What they find is about more than history, more than art. What they find in the Statue of Liberty's right foot is the powerful message of acceptance that is essential to an entire country's creation. 

My thoughts on the book...
It is hard these days not to get a little political with some of my nonfiction posts. As I wrote this review, we were waiting to hear whether the president would end the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. A few weeks ago, White House spokesperson Steven Miller and a journalist had a heated exchange about Emma Lazarus' famous poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty. And issues surrounding immigrants and immigration laws have been in the news constantly the past several months. 

Eggers likely envisioned this book and began work on it long before the current political climate and didn't expect how timely it would be, and important. Learning about our history and the symbols that communicate much about what our country stands for. 

In HER RIGHT FOOT, Eggers and Harris have created a book that not only shares the history of one of our most famous statues but also reminds us of the need for diversity and inclusion. 

I hope that as children read through this book they will learn new facts about the Statue of Liberty and her origin and journey from France to the United States. 

And I am thankful for Eggers's focus on "her right foot". I like many others are accustomed to seeing the upper body of Lady Liberty holding her torch up high. It never occurred to me to think about her feet and the sense of movement conveyed by her one leg and foot. 

Though The New Colossus poem by Emma Lazarus was added later, it cemented the role of Lady Liberty as a symbol welcoming immigrants. 

The Engines of Our Ingenuity is Copyright © 1988-2006 by John H. Lienhard.

For more information about the Statue of Liberty, click here. 

HER RIGHT FOOT
Children's Illustration Project

Here's How to Enter:

1. Read this excerpt from the book with a child 12 years old or younger and encourage them to illustrate something inspired by the theme or imagery. We encourage teachers and librarians to share with their students!

2. Take a photo of the illustration(s) and post on Twitter or Instagram (if your profile is public) with the hashtag #HerRightFoot. Please include the first name of the child illustrator and a few words about what the Statue of Liberty means to them. 

3. Don’t want to post on social media? Scan or take a photo of the illustration(s) and upload using the "Enter" tab.

4. Alternatively, you can mail a copy of the illustration with your contact details to:
Dave Eggers, c/o Chronicle Books, 680 Second St., San Francisco, CA 94107

Update: Chronicle Books has extended the submission deadline date until December 31st!

Look for HER RIGHT FOOT (when it comes out) at your local indie bookstore or public library.

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen ©2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews...

#Road2Reading Challenge: Blog Tour - The Adventures of Henry Whiskers

The Adventures of Henry Whiskers by Gigi Priebe; Illustrated by Daniel Duncan
(Aladdin, January 3, 2017 & August 29, 2017) Book I | Book II 
Fiction * Action & Adventure * Animals/Mice
Audience: Ages 7 to 9
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: 
Henry Whiskers must face his fears and rescue his little sister from the scary Rat Alley in this fun, fast-paced debut chapter book set in Queen Mary’s historical dollhouse at Windsor Castle.

Twenty-five generations of Whiskers have lived in Windsor Castle’s most famous exhibit: Queen Mary’s Dollhouse. For young, book-loving Henry Whiskers and his family, this is the perfect place to call home.

But when the dollhouse undergoes unexpected repairs and Henry’s youngest sister, Isabel, goes missing, he risks everything in a whisker-whipping race against time to save her. His rescue mission will take him to the murky and scary world of Rat Alley, and Henry will have to dig deep and find the courage he never knew he had in order to bring his sister back home.

Thoughts on the series....
What is it about small creatures or tiny individuals living under floorboards or in this case in a doll house that enchant readers? In the new series, The Adventures of Henry Whiskers, readers are introduced to Henry Whiskers and his many family members, who have the good fortune of living in Queen Mary's Doll House. Or at least living in the storage drawers of the dollhouse or below Windsor Castle. 

I was drawn in from the beginning of the story when I imagined Henry, asleep in the doll house library with a book at his feet. The pencil drawing came no where near to how I imagined it in my mind. What would it be like to be small enough to live in an opulent tiny castle? 

Fans of books like The Borrowers or The Littles or The Rescuers will enjoy Gigi Priebi's The Adventures of Henry Whiskers. In book one, Henry finds himself searching for his young sister, Isabel, who has disappeared. Of course a story about mice would not be complete without a few adversaries, and help coming from an unlikely source. 

As I was reading through the story, I was also reminded of that feeling as a child when I would read a story and wished the adventures happening in the book could actually happen in real life. I think that was one of the reasons I loved books. Even when life seemed boring and predictable, a book would take you on an adventure or provide some excitement. 

After reading the first book in the series, I realized that I did not know a lot about Queen Mary's Doll House at Windsor Castle. If you are like me, you may be compelled to learn more about this famous Doll House.

For more information about Queen Mary's Dollhouse, click here. 

Look for The Adventures of Henry Whiskers at your local indie bookstore or public library.

About the author: Gigi Priebe is the mother of three, the founder of Stepping Stones, an award-winning children’s museum in Norwalk, Connecticut and the author of The Adventures of Henry Whiskers, the first in her middle grade series. When she is not writing--or rewriting--she is a philanthropic advisor and community volunteer in Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she lives with her husband, a cat named Tigger, a dog named Clover, and probably some mice. To learn more and to download a free curriculum guide, visit  gigipriebe.com.

Check out the Giveaway: 
One lucky winner will receive copies of both Henry Whiskers books by Gigi Priebe--book 1, THE ADVENTURES OF HENRY WHISKERS, and book 2, THE LONG WAY HOME. (U.S. addresses)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

All journeys have a starting place.
This is a weekly place to find books and tools
that you may use with readers at the start of their reading journey.
Join in the conversation at #road2reading.

Each week, Michele Knott and I post about new early readers and transitional chapter books.