It's Monday! What are you reading? - From Picture Books to YA - September 3, 2018

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date.  Kellee Moye, of Unleashing Readers, and  Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts decided to give It's Monday! What Are You Reading? a kid lit focus. We encourage everyone who participates to visit at least three of the other kid lit book bloggers that link up and leave comments for them.

Before I share what I have been reading, I just want to remind everyone that the application process for the call for CYBILS judges is now open. 

If you are a teacher or librarian and blog and thought you might be interested in being a CYBILS judge, check out the FAQ on the CYBILS website, here and the application here. 

Here's what jumped out of the pile these past couple of weeks....

Good Rosie by Kate DiCamillo; Illustrated by Harry Bliss (Candlewick Press, September 4, 2018) - A new early reader chapter book by DiCamillo. Sweet story of friendship between three dogs. 

The Stuff of Stars by Marion Dane Bauer; Illustrated by Ekua Holmes (Candlewick Press, September 4, 2018) - I think I was completely dazzled by the illustrations in this book. Holmes makes the text sparkle. 

The Day the War Came by Nicola Davies; Illustrated by Rebecca Cobb (Candlewick Press, September 4, 2018) - A powerful and emotional book about the impact of war. Important to read the author's note at the end. 

Night Job by Karen Hesse; Illustrated by G. Brian Karas (Candlewick Press, September 11, 2018) - Touching story of a father and son and what happens on the night shift as a janitor. 

Two Problems for Sophia by Jim Averbeck; Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail (Margaret K. McElderry Books, June 12, 2018) - Sophia is back with a new set of big words and a problem to solve. 

I Hate My Cats (A Love Story) by Davide Cali; Illustrated by Anna Piroli (Chronicle Books, October 2, 2018) - Oh this captures what it is like to be owned by cats. 

The Patchwork Bike by Maxine Beneba Clarke; Illustrated by Van Thanh Rudd (Candlewick Press, September 11, 2018) - The street art in this book is wonderful. A look at life of two brothers at the edge of the desert in Australia. 

In case you missed it...

Book Review & Giveaway: ERASER by Anna Kang and Illustrated by Christopher Weyant

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: What Do You Do With A Voice Like That? The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes. 

#Road2Reading Challenge: Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagner by James Howe and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. 

So, what are you reading? 

#Road2Reading Challenge: Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagster

Houndsley and Catina and Cousin Wagster
by James Howe; Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Candlewick Press (September 4, 2018)
Fiction * Early Reader * Friendship
Audience: Kindergarten to 3rd grade
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: Does Catina like Houndsley's larger-than-life cousin more than she likes him? The charming friends return in this relatable tale.

When his cousin Wagster comes for a visit, Houndsley is excited. Wagster is all adventure and enthusiasm and razzle-dazzle, and all his friends love him. Even Catina thinks Wagster is fun and good at everything, and pretty soon Houndsley is starting to feel a little bit invisible. But Houndsley and Catina are best friends, and certainly Cousin Wagster won't change that -- right? James Howe and Marie-Louise Gay have created a tender and funny story about some of the ways that friendships can change, and how they also stay exactly the same.

Quick thoughts on the book:
Houndsley and Catina are back and this time they have a visitor. Houndsley's cousin Wagster has come into town and spending time with Houndsley and his friends. 

Wagster is quite the character and within three chapters Howe does a nice job in capturing all of the emotions of having someone "bigger than life" visit. Houndsley especially feels the strain of Wagster's visit and at times feels inadequate. Of course, Houndsley and the others learn that some people are a "beautiful butterfly that makes your world brighter but then flies off" and others are "beautiful butterflies that make your world brighter and stay". 

Friendship stories are always a fund read and typically very relatable for children. The latest Houndsley and Catina book is no exception. 

If you want more Houndsley and Catina check out Houndsley and Catina: Through the Seasons. 

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.

Do you work with readers who are starting their journey on the road to reading?  Join Michele Knott from Mrs. Knott's Book Nook and myself every Thursday as we explore books and ideas to help readers have a successful start to independent picture book and chapter book reading. If you blog or have a Goodreads page, please link up with us!

Book Review & Giveaway: Eraser by Anna Kang & Christopher Weyant

Eraser
by Anna Kang; Illustrated by Christopher Weyant
Two Lions (September 1, 2018)
Fiction * Humor * Purpose
Audience: PreK to Grade 2
Amazon | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads: Eraser is always cleaning up everyone else’s mistakes. Except for Ruler and Pencil Sharpener, none of the other school supplies seem to appreciate her. They all love how sharp Pencil is and how Tape and Glue help everyone stick together. Eraser wants to create so that she can shine like the others. She decides to give it a try, but it’s not until the rubber meets the road that Eraser begins to understand a whole lot about herself.

Inspired by a school essay their daughter Kate wrote in the third grade, the author and illustrator behind Theodor Seuss Geisel Award–winner You Are (Not) Small have created a desktop drama about figuring out who you are, finding happiness, and the importance of second, third, and maybe even fourth chances.

Check out the official Book Trailer:

Quick thoughts on the book:
I am a huge fan of Kang & Weyant and each book that they release. Though ERASER is quite different than YOU ARE (NOT) SMALL, the humor and bold illustrations are still there.

For fans of underdog stories, ERASER will resonate deeply. Eraser is feeling under appreciated despite all of her hard work. And who can blame her. 

However, what happens when Eraser goes away and leaves pencils and pens to fix their own mistakes? 

ERASER does a fabulous job of getting across the message that we need to appreciate everyone for the work they do even if it isn't always as visible to everyone. Young readers will enjoy this funny and entertaining read aloud and teachers will appreciate the book's ability to communicate an important message about how everyone contributes to the team without coming across as preachy. 

For more information, and to download a free activity kit, visit annakang.com, or download here.

About the author & illustrator: 
Anna Kang and Christopher Weyant are the creators of Theodor Seuss Geisel Award winner You Are (Not) Small and its follow-ups That’s (Not) Mine and I Am (Not) Scared. Christopher’s work can be seen routinely in The New Yorker magazine and his cartoons are syndicated worldwide. As an author, Anna regularly goes through first, second, and third drafts. Chris wears down many erasers while making his art. This husband-and-wife team lives in New Jersey with their two daughters and their rescue dog. Visit them at www.annakang.com and www.christopherweyant.com.
Twitter: @annakang27 @christophweyant
Instagram: annakangbooks; christopherweyant   
Facebook: Anna Kang - Author; Christopher Weyant

Giveaway!
One lucky winner will receive a 7-piece school supply kit along with a copy of ERASER, courtesy of Two Lions (U.S. addresses).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: What Do You Do With a Voice Like That?

What Do You Do With A Voice Like That?
The Story of Extraordinary Congresswoman Barbara Jordan
by Chris Barton; Illustrated by Ekua Holmes
Beach Lane Books (September 25, 2018)
Nonfiction * Biography * Politics * Women's History
Audience: Grades 2 to 5
Indiebound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:
“When Barbara Jordan talked, we listened.” —Former President of the United States, Bill Clinton

Congresswoman Barbara Jordan had a big, bold, confident voice—and she knew how to use it! Learn all about her amazing career in this illuminating and inspiring picture book biography of the lawyer, educator, politician, and civil rights leader.

Even as a child growing up in the Fifth Ward of Houston, Texas, Barbara Jordan stood out for her big, bold, booming, crisp, clear, confident voice. It was a voice that made people sit up, stand up, and take notice.

So what do you do with a voice like that?

Barbara took her voice to places few African American women had been in the 1960s: first law school, then the Texas state senate, then up to the United States congress. Throughout her career, she persevered through adversity to give voice to the voiceless and to fight for civil rights, equality, and justice.

New York Times bestselling author Chris Barton and Caldecott Honoree Ekua Holmes deliver a remarkable picture book biography about a woman whose struggles and mission continue to inspire today.

Quick thoughts on the book:
As I read, WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A VOICE LIKE THAT? THE STORY OF EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA JORDAN, I realized I had never heard her speak. I was too young when she was in Congress and in my small New England hometown, the activities of a Texas Congresswoman never made it to me. Of course, I went to youtube to see if I could find Jordan's July 25, 1974 Watergate Articles of Impeachment speech that Chris Barton references at the end of the book. 

Wow! We need more politicians like Jordan. Her speech is about 13 minutes long but it is worth listening to. 

Barbara Jordan grew up in Texas in a time when simply seeking to get an education was a challenge for a black woman, and becoming a lawyer could be near to impossible. And yet, she not only became a lawyer but with perseverance and hard work, she went on to become a Senator. Sadly, her challenges with her health forced her to leave the Senate and return home where she channeled her energy into teaching college students to use their voices. 

Jordan was a powerful force for good throughout her life and left an amazing legacy in how she changed people's lives. 

At the end, Barton includes an author's note, timeline, and suggestions for further reading. 

Ekua Holmes' artwork is absolutely stunning. The more I see of her work the more I am blown away. Holmes captures the spirit and emotions of Barbara Jordan's life and work on each page. 

Look for WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A VOICE LIKE THAT? THE STORY OF EXTRAORDINARY CONGRESSWOMAN BARBARA JORDAN by Chris Barton and illustrated by Ekua Holmes in her local indie bookstore or community library when it comes out in September 2018. 

Artwork by Sarah S Brannan ©2017

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

#Road2Reading Challenge: Good Rosie!

Good Rosie!
by Kate DiCamillo; Illustrated by Harry Bliss
Candlewick Press (September 4, 2018)
Fiction * Animals * Dogs
Audience: Grades K to 3
IndieBound | WorldCat

Description from GoodReads:
Beloved storyteller Kate DiCamillo and cartoonist Harry Bliss introduce some delightfully doggy dogs in a warm, funny tale of a timid pup who needs a friend.

Rosie is a good dog and a faithful companion to her owner, George. She likes taking walks with George and looking at the clouds together, but the closest she comes to another dog is when she encounters her reflection in her empty dog bowl, and sometimes that makes Rosie feel lonely. One day George takes Rosie to the dog park, but the park is full of dogs that Rosie doesn't know, which makes her feel lonelier than ever. When big, loud Maurice and small, yippy Fifi bound over and want to play, Rosie's not sure how to respond. Is there a trick to making friends? And if so, can they all figure it out together?

Quick thoughts on the book:
I have been looking forward to this book and recently had a chance to read it. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect. The size was not quite a standard picture book nor was it a typical early reader. It happens to be somewhere in between. 

Once you open the book, you realize that it defies further classification.  Inside the book, it was also not quite a picture book and not quite an early reader and not quite a comic book format, but really a little of all of it rolled into one. 

DiCamillo, in nine short chapters, tells the story of a dog named Rosie. Initially, Rosie is lonely. She likes her owner George but something is missing. At first, Rosie isn't sure that the dog park was the solution to her loneliness. However, over time, Rosie develops an unlikely friendship with Fifi and Maurice.  

Fans of dog books, especially ones where the dog does not die, will come to love Rosie and her friends. I do look forward to possible future Rosie books. Now is it too much to ask for a second book that features cats? 

Look for a copy of Good Rosie! at your local independent bookstore or public 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.

Do you work with readers who are starting their journey on the road to reading?  Join Michele Knott from Mrs. Knott's Book Nook and myself every Thursday as we explore books and ideas to help readers have a successful start to independent picture book and chapter book reading. If you blog or have a Goodreads page, please link up with us!