It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to Young Adult - July 31, 2017

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.

It has been a crazy few weeks, but I managed to get a post for #IMWAYR each Monday in July. However, this week may not have a ton of titles but there are some fabulous ones. 

This weeks titles are from a stack of F&G's I received from my wonderful, local Penguin Publisher Sales Rep, Nicole White. Look for these books this fall.

Cancer Hates Kisses by Jessica Reid Sliwerski; Illustrated by Mika Song (September 19th 2017 by Dial Books) - I wasn't sure that I could read this book when I saw it in the stack and yet it was the first book I read. As a breast cancer survivor celebrating my first year cancer free, I was touched by how Silwerski took the process from diagnosis to surgery to chemo to radiation and made it more understandable for young children. Silwerski is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed shortly after the birth of her daughter. May she celebrate many more years with her family.

Hoot and Peep: A Song for Snow by Lita Judge (November 14th 2017 by Dial Books) - Hoot and Peep are back and Peep is trying to figure out the sounds of snow and winter. I may have loved this one even more than the first one. I, also, really loved all of the sounds in the book, which will make it a fun read aloud (but practice first). 

Sarabella's Thinking Cap by Judy Schachner ( September 5th 2017 by Dial Books) - Oh I loved this book. I would love to use this as a first of the year read aloud to teachers and just may do that at a New Teacher Orientation I am doing this Wednesday. I think we need to understand our kids who daydream and are easily distracted and find a way to affirm and celebrate them. 

Come With Me by Holly M. McGhee; Illustrated by Pascal Lemaitre (September 5th 2017 by G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers) - In a world that feels a bit scary and uncertain, this book celebrates going out, doing all of the every day normal things, and sharing it with a friend. Another good one for reading aloud to children. 

Smoot: A Rebellious Shadow by Michelle Cuevas; Illustrated by Sydney Smith (September 12th 2017 by Dial Books) - Lots of books focusing on emotions, risk-taking and living. In Smoot, a shadow breaks off for his own adventure and then comes back to bring his other half into the fun. 

Snappsy The Alligator and His Best Friend Forever! by Julie Falatko; Illustrated by Tim Miller (October 3rd 2017 by Viking Children's Books) - Snappsy is back and this time he doesn't think he wants or need to do all of the things his best friend wants to do but of course, at the end, Snappsy realizes that doing things with a friend is really the most important thing of all.

What I am currently reading with my ears....

Vincent and Theo: The VAN GOGH Brothers by Deborah Heiligman (Audiobook: Dreamscape Media, April 2017, Book: Henry Holt & Co., April 2017) - For some reason, I really enjoy reading long-form nonfiction with my ears. I have been listening to Vincent and Theo on my short commute so it will take a bit to get through the audiobook. I am so glad I am listening to this one because I am learning the correct pronunciations of so many of the names and words. I would highly recommend this one. 

In case you missed it....

#Road2Reading Challenge: What have I been reading? 

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Nonfiction Read Alouds, Part II

Hello Goodbye Dog Blog Tour

So, what are you reading? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - July 24, 2017

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.

Check out the posts over the next couple of days for additional titles. Here is what jumped out of the pile this week...

Max and Bird by Ed Vere (September 5th 2017 by Sourcebooks Jabberwocky) - I love cats and I love Max. This time Max and Bird learn about perseverance and friendship.

Say Zoop! by Hervé Tullet (August 1st 2017 by Chronicle Books) - Similar to PRESS HERE! but with a focus on sounds. Tullet has created probably one of my favorites since PRESS HERE! 

Daddy Long Legs by Nadine Brun-Cosme; Illustrated by Aurélie Guillerey (May 2nd 2017 by Kids Can Press) - Whether the question is "Do you love me?" or "How will you come and pick me up?" young children are still learning about how dependable a parent will be. This book the father shares all the ways he will come to pick up his child even if the car does not work. 

Flora and the Ostrich: An Opposites Book by Molly Idle (September 5th 2017 by Chronicle Books) - I really love Molly Idle's Flora books and this is probably one of my new favorites and very well done as a book of opposites. 

Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds; Illustrated by Peter Brown (August 22nd 2017 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) - I started out wondering about this book and whether it would be too scary but by the end I was laughing out loud. May want to do a preview of the book before sharing it with any children that may scare easy but know that the ending wraps this one up perfectly.

In case you missed it these posts...

#Road2Reading Challenge: Secrets of the American History Series

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Nonfiction Read Alouds Part I

So, what are you reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - 7/17/17

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.

Since this past week was the first week back from vacation, my list is a bit short. Check out the posts on Tuesday and Wednesday for additional titles.  Here is what jumped out of the pile this week...

Ghost by Jason Reynolds (Simon & Schuster Audio, 2016) - I had heard so many things about this book and about the audio which won an Odyssey Honor Award. The audiobook was fabulous and so glad that Reynolds is writing for Middle Grade readers. 

Real Friends by Shannon Hale (First Second, May 2, 2017) - Fans of SMILE or EL DEAFO will enjoy this memoir graphic novel by author Shannon Hale. The focus on first friendships will resonate with many readers. 

Our Story Begins: Your Favorite Authors and Illustrators Share Fun, Inspiring, And Occasionally Ridiculous Things They Wrote and Drew as Kids. by Elissa Brent Weissman (Atheneum Books for Young Readers, July 4, 2017) - Twenty-six unique reflections by kid lit authors and illustrators. I will be sharing more on this later in the week.

Writing Radar: Using Your Journal to Snoop Out and Craft Great Stories by Jack Gantos (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux, August 29, 2017) - This book in some ways pairs nicely with the previous title. I will be sharing more on this one also later this week.

In case you missed these past posts:

#Road2Reading Challenge: Fergus and Zeke

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: Grace Hopper Queen of Computer Code

So, what are you reading? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - July 10, 2017

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.

My goal for July is to do a weekly It's Monday! What are you reading? post for every Monday in July. Here is what jumped out of the pile last week:

Lights! Camera! Middle School! (Babymouse Tales from the Locker) by Jennifer L. Holm and Matthew Holm (Random House Books for Young Readers, July 4, 2017) - Babymouse is back and moving to middle school. The style and format of the book has changed and is similar to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Dork Diaries. Fans of Babymouse will love this book. 

Nimona by Noelle Stevenson (Harper Audio, 2016) - This book I read with my ears as I drove to visit a friend. With a full cast, the audiobook brings this YA graphic novel/comic to life for readers. 

A New School Year: Stories in Six Voices by Sally Derby; Illustrated by Mika Song (Charlesbridge, June 2017) - I love how this book looks at the lives of six students over the course of the first day of school. Looking for a read aloud for the first day of school? This one just may be the one you are looking for.

Abraham Lincoln, Pro Wrestler by Steve Sheinkin (Roar Brook Press, January 2018) - Though this book does not come out to January, 2018, it will be interesting to see what students think. Sheinkin likened it to a Magic Treehouse type book. Though a fiction chapter book, it does work to bring history alive for students.

Out! by Arree Chung (Henry Holt & Co., June 2017) - Remember Good Dog, Carl? This has a similar feel but with additional humor, great illustrations, and text that is perfect for beginning readers. 

That Neighborhood Kid by Daniel Miyares (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, May 2017) - Miyares has a new wordless picture book out. Loved the focus on friendship and collaboration in tackling a problem.

Blue Sky White Stars by Sarvinder Naberhaus; Illustrated by Kadir Nelson (Dial Books, June 13, 2017) - Okay, I admit that if Kadir Nelson illustrates it, then I will read it. This one is an interesting look at the American flag. 

I Wrote You a Note by Lizi Boyd (Chronicle Books, June 13, 2017) - An invitation to play takes a fabulous route and meets with a variety of creatures before making it to the original person. 

Did you miss last week's Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge post?

Here is a link to the post for more book recommendations. 

So, what are you reading? 

It's Monday! What are you reading? From Picture Books to YA - July 3, 2017

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.

My goal for July is to do a weekly It's Monday! What are you reading? post for every Monday in July. This post will be a bit long since I read a lot of upcoming releases at ALA last week. Here is what jumped out of the pile in the past few weeks:

Noodleheads See the Future by Tedd Arnold, Martha Hamilton, Mitch Weiss (Holiday House, January 2017) From the creator of FLY GUY, readers get Arnold's characteristic humor with a bit of a lesson. Really appreciated the author's note at the end. 

This is Not a Normal Animal Book by Julie Segal Walters, Illustrated by Brian Biggs (Simon & Schuster, October 17, 2017) - Thanks to Melissa Stewart, I intentionally tracked this one down at ALA. Not exactly nonfiction, and more than just another animal book. This one is worth exploring when it comes out in October.  

The Unexpected Love Story of Alfred Fiddleduckling by Timothy Basil Ering (Candlewick Press, January 2017) - When I was sitting in on the Notables Discussion, this one came up and I had to read it. One of those lovely stories that results in a lot of feel good emotions. 

The Book of Mistakes by Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, April 2017) - Finally got a chance to read this one. Would pair well with Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg. 

Niko Draws a Feeling by Bob Raczka, Simone Shin (Carolrhoda Books, April 2017) - Sometimes just having one person understand you is enough to feel affirmed. This would be a good beginning of the school year book to share with students. 

After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat (Roaring Brook, October 3, 2017) - I am a big fan of Dan Santat's work and I think this is his best yet. A fabulous look at "getting back up" and conquering fears. Looking forward to seeing the final version of the book. 

Draw the Line by Kathryn Otoshi (Roaring Brook Press, October 10, 2017) - I love wordless books and I love Kathryn Otoshi's work. In this upcoming release by Otoshi, readers get something a bit different but just as wonderful. I look forward to the discussions I can have with children over this one. 

All the Way to Havana by Margarita Engle, Illustrated by Mike Curato (Henry Holt & Co., August 29, 2017) - A wonderful look at a family road trip in Cuba. Looking forward to using this one as a mentor text as well.

When's My Birthday? by Julie Fogliano; Illustrated by Christian Robinson (Roaring Brook Press, September 5, 2017) - Fogliano captures the excitement that children feel when anticipating a birthday and Robinson's illustrations are delightful. 

Why Am I Me? by Paige Britt; Illustrated by Selina Alko, Sean Qualls (Scholastic, September 12, 2017) - Another book that will make a good read aloud at the beginning of the school year that will promote a celebration of our uniqueness and diversity. 

I Can Be Anything: Don't Tell Me I Can't by Diane Dillon (Blue Sky Press, January 2018) - This one won't be out until 2018 but I love the beautiful illustrations and the powerful message. 

Robinson by Peter Sís (Scholastic, September 26, 2017) - I love the illustrations in this book and the author note at the end that helps readers understand the context of the story. 

Life by Cynthia Rylant; Illustrated by Brendan Wenzel (Beach Lane Books, June 2017) - This is a special book. Not exactly sure how to describe it but I still have that feeling that I read something special and I read this one several weeks ago. The illustrations are very different from Wenzel's Caldecott Honor Book - They All Saw a Cat , yet, they are perfect for this book. 

Flashlight Night by Matt Esenwine; Illustrated by Fred Koehler (Boyds Mills Press, September 19, 2017) - I love stories that celebrate imagination and adventure and this book capture both in a book that will capture readers for multiple read alouds. 

If you missed the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge post last week, check it out here for even more titles.

So, what have you been reading?