Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: What am I reading?

Recently, I have seen some Mock Sibert posts and I started to panic some. Though I have read a number of wonderful titles and some that I think have an excellent chance of winning a Sibert Award in February 2018, I am not ready to create my list yet. 

However, I wanted to pull together a post where I listed all of the "recent release" or "upcoming release" posts so if you are still looking for titles, they will be easy to look for. 

Click on the the links to take you to the corresponding post: 
January | February | March | April | ALA Edition

Checking out the posts of other teachers, librarians and authors who link up each week will also introduce you to new titles. 

For this week, I am sharing four 2017 titles that I missed in my release posts and wanted to get onto your radars. 

Becoming Bach by Tom Leonard (Roaring Brook Press, February 2017) - The illustrations in this book are beautiful. Though a bit simplistic, it is a nice introduction to Bach for students. The book does contain additional back matter at the end of the book. 

Birds Make Nests by Michael Garland (Holiday House, January 2017) - I was surprised by this one in a good way. In addition to beautiful illustrations, I learned quite a bit about the various nests that birds build. 

The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler (Charlesbridge, March 2017) - There are a number of toad and frog books that I like, but this is definitely a new favorite. Photographs and labels provide readers with strong visuals to accompany the text. The endnotes and facts provide readers with additional information. 

One Proud Penny by Randy Siegel; Illustrated by Serge Bloch (Roaring Brook Press, January 2017) - Narrated by the 1983 penny, readers learn about the history of the penny, as well as, the life of the penny. 

If you haven't had a chance to read these, check them out of your community library or look for them at you local indie bookstore. 

Next week, I plan on sharing some of my favorite nonfiction read alouds for the start of the school year. I have been seeing a number of posts about read alouds for the beginning of the school year and wanted to include some nonfiction titles in a sea of fiction read alouds. 

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction review posts....

Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge: What Am I Reading?

For the last six to eight weeks, life has been incredibly hectic. I have been learning a lot about myself too during this time. And one thing that I have learned is that picture book reading can be incredibly restorative and that even when things are simple out of control, I need to find time to sit down and center myself with a stack of books. 

This past weekend, I went through a large stack of picture books and here were some of the nonfiction titles that popped out....

Natumi Takes the Lead: The True Story of An Orphan Elephant Who Finds Family by Gerry Ellis, Amy Novesky (National Geographic Children's Books, 2016) - I missed this book last fall and I had it on reserve at the library and it finally came in. I love elephant stories and this one was inspiring. 

The Skydiving Beavers: A True Tale by Susan Hood; Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen (Sleeping Bear Press, April 2017) - This is one of those stories that you think would have a "mostly true" added to the title but thanks to the author's note at the end, readers learn more about the skydiving beavers and their true story. 

Animals at Night by Anne Jankeliowitch (Sourcebook, October 2, 2017) - This book is a "mark your calendar" book. It comes out in the fall. I found the format and text structure to be fascinating. And though it might be a bit wordy depending on the abilities of the reader, it is worth picking up and checking out.

Historical Fiction Titles - Old & New:

A Voyage in the Clouds: The (Mostly) True Story of the First International Flight by Balloon in 1785 by Matthew Olshan; Illustrated by Sophie Blackall (Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, October 2016) - This was another missed title from the fall. Olshan clearly indicates what parts were true and what parts were brushed with creative liberties. It was a fascinating story nonetheless and good to add to the other books about the beginning of hot air balloons. 

Miguel's Brave Knight: Young Cervantes and His Dream of Don Quixote by Margarita Engle; Illustrated by Raúl Colón (Peachtree Publishers, October 1, 2017) - I love Margarita Engle's poetry and this read beautifully. Engle, with words, paint a picture of a young Miguel Cervantes and his imagination which led to the writing of Don Quixote. Colón's actual paintings are simply gorgeous. Though not out until October, make sure this is on your "to buy" list. 

So, what have you been reading?

Artwork by Sarah S. Brannen @2017

Don't forget to link up your nonfiction reviews: