It's Monday! What are you reading? Picture Books to YA (9)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

Last week's book adventures:

January has been an incredibly strong reading month.  I had another great week, and have discovered some fun new reads.

Here are some of my favorites from the week:

Favorite Caldecotts of the week:
Over the course of last week, I managed to find and read 23 of the Caldecott winners spanning from Mei Li (winner of the 1939 Caldecott Medal) to So, You Want to be President? (Winner of the 2001 Caldecott Medal).  It was interesting to consider the social, political and economical factors that may have contributed to the stories that were published in those times. It is amazing to see how many books featured characters or story lines for other cultures/countries.  Mei Li was in some ways an amazing choice for the Caldecott Committee.  The story is about a young Chinese Girl who wants to join her brother in the city for the New Year's Day festivities. Though relatively free of stereotypical images, the story strongly communicates that a girl's place is in the home/kitchen.  I found myself struggling to know how to rate or judge a book that would be seen as unacceptable in it's message today but would not have been questioned at the time of publication.  My favorite picks were books that have managed to remain relevant despite the passage of time. 





Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendack won the Caldecott Medal in 1964.  The story and vibrant illustrations are still relevant for 48 years later and Sendak's book was truly advanced for picture books of it's time. 

Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say won the Caldecott Medal in 1994.  This autobiographical story reflects back to the author's memories of his grandfather who journeyed to California in the early 20th century.  Though this book is one of the more recent winners (just less than 2 decades ago), Say's storytelling and text compliment each other beautifully.  I can see this standing the test of time as well. 

As a runner up to my favorites from the week, I would add one more.

The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats won the Caldecott Medal in 1963 the year before Where the Wild Things Are.  This story about a little boy who plays in the snow is one that I know is still used in classrooms all around and I still enjoyed reading it again.

 
Picture Book:

Duckling Gets a Cookie by Mo Willems
Pigeon and Duckling are back.  This one will be released on April 3, 2012.  Add it to your TBR list if you are a Mo Willems fan.  He has another book that is sure to make fans laugh.  And Duckling is the perfect match for Pigeon.

Early Readers:

Dodsworth Series by Tim Egan
After reading Dodsworth in Rome, I had to go back and read the rest.  I finished reading the other three books in the series and definitely hope there will be a new one soon.  Check out my review here. 

Early Chapter Book:

The Legend of Diamond Lil: A JJ Tully Mystery by Doreen Cronin and Kevin Cornell
Last year, Doreen Cronin came out with The Trouble with Chickens for her first chapter book.  It was a hit with my 2nd and 3rd grade students.  J.J. and the chicks are back and they have new trouble brewing.  Release date: February 28, 2012

Middle Grade Books:

May B. by Caroline Starr Rose
This novel in verse will appeal to fans for the Little House on the Prairie Series.  Times are tough for Kansas homesteaders.  May B's family hire her out to help a young couple homesteading 15 miles away.  When the couple she is working for, don't return one day, May B has to figure out if she should try and manage until the couple returns or find a way home.  Rose's use of verse emphasizes the emotions experienced by this young protagonist.     

The Mighty Miss Malone by Paul Christopher Curtis
I mentioned that I was reading this one in my post last week.  I won't say much about this book here because I am planning on reviewing it this week.  However, I will say the book definitely deserves all of the buzz it is receiving.  I certainly expect it to be on a short-list for the 2013 Newbery.

Professional Text read:

Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning by Peter H. Johnston
Several of my Twitter pals had been discussing this last week on Twitter.  I decided to listen to the audiobook which was wonderfully narrated by the author, Peter H. Johnston.  However, despite how great the audiobook is, you will need a print copy as well.  I kept finding myself wanting to highlight and star important points.  I think every teacher and administrator should read this one.

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week is finish up the first part of the Caldecott Challenge.  I have 9 more Caldecott Winners to read.  Once I am done with those, I will start in on all of the Caldecott Honor books.  Additionally, I am still aiming for one Middle Grade Novel and one Young Adult novel to read.  And don't forget to check in on Wednesday for the non-fiction picture book version of What are you reading?

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!

Book Review - Dodsworth in Rome

Author/Illustrator: Tim Egan

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Audience:  1st to 3rd Graders (and the adults who read with them)
Source:  Check them out at your local library or your favorite Indie Bookstore
Fiction * Travel * Early Chapter Books * Friendship * Humor

Description of Dodsworth in Rome from GoodReads:
With trips to New York, Paris, and London under their belts, it’s now time for Dodsworth and the duck to visit Rome! From throwing coins into the Trevi Fountain to winning a pizza-dough-throwing contest to looking up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Dodsworth and his misbehaving duck take a tour of their oldest city yet. With Tim Egan’s snappy words and playful illustrations, it will surely be a spaghetti-twirling sight to see. 

My thoughts on the Series:
Would declaring my love be too strong a reaction over an early chapter book series?  Hmmm...maybe, but I will risk it.  I will confess that I started this series with the most current book, Dodsworth in Rome.  It turns out that it is helpful (though not necessary) to read them in order.  As soon as I finished Dodsworth in Rome, I started recommending the book.  I read parts of it aloud to my office manager.  I handed it to one of my students and had her read it.  Then I gave it to my niece and told her mom to read it to her.  I even went into my local indie bookstore, pulled the series off the shelf and plunked it down in front of one of the staff in the Children's Department and told her she needed to read it.  Hey, I hand sold a few copies that day in the bookstore.  Yes, I am in love with Dodsworth and his buddy the duck.  

Maybe you think this is absolutely silly, but you need to understand that there are few early chapter books that are actually enjoyable to read.  Sure there is Frog & Toad, and Mouse & Mole, but there are many that are way less memorable.  So, when I find a new series that I really enjoy, I get a little giddy over it.  

Dodsworth's adventure begins in New York (Book 1) where thanks to a crazy duck, he gets to visit all kinds of fun places in the Big Apple.  Just as he thinks he is about to return duck to his owner, then their real adventures seem to just be starting.  In Book 2, Dodsworth finds himself in Paris accompanied by his crazy friend, duck, who had great difficulty staying out of trouble.  After some humorous times in Paris, Book 3 finds the friends in London, where more hilarity ensues including a case of mistaken identity.  Though I loved the first three books, I think Book 4's adventures in Rome is still my favorite.  Silly word plays, crazy antics, and visits to famous places will have developing readers eager to read more.  Additionally, these books would make for great read alouds in 1st and 2nd grade.  

I don't know where Dodsworth and duck will end up next but I can't wait to read about it.  


Check out a couple of animated short videos by creator Tim Egan:

 

Check out this great blog post from Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast as he interviews Tim Egan. 

For more information about author/illustrator, Tim Egan, check out his website: http://www.timegan.com/

Book Review - Jessica Rules the Dark Side

Author: Beth Fantaskey
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books
Release Date: January 10, 2012
Audience: Young Adult
Source: ARC for review
Reviewed by: Kate
Fiction * Paranormal Romance

Description from GoodReads:
It’s one thing to find out you’re a vampire princess. It’s a whole other thing to actually rule. Newly married Jessica Packwood is having a hard enough time feeling regal with her husband, Lucius, at her side. But when evidence in the murder of a powerful elder points to Lucius, sending him into solitary confinement, Jessica is suddenly on her own. Determined to clear her husband’s name, Jessica launches into a full-scale investigation, but hallucinations and nightmares of betrayal keep getting in her way. Jessica knows that with no blood to drink, Lucius’s time is running out. Can she figure out who the real killer is—and whom she can trust—before it’s too late?

Jessica’s journey is about what happens after the happily ever after. She’s surrounded by men (befanged men) and politics, and in the way of most people starting a new life, needs to find this ‘new’ self. Is it all of the old self, just in better attire? or is it parts of the old self, with new thrown in? 

-State Library of Victoria*

This was a highly anticipated sequel for me. I am completely in love with the journey I took in Beth Fantaskey’s first novel, Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side. Beth’s characters are three dimensional. I really enjoyed getting to know them as they got to know each other. I couldn’t imagine what would be next for Jessica and Lucius.

Fantaskey answers this question in Jessica Rules the Dark Side. The tone and mood is unexpectedly a lot darker. I had a bit of trouble getting into the change but I was soon rewarded for my patience. This new direction gives us readers a great chance to see Jessica come into her own as a woman and as a princess. She is dropped in the middle of this world full of old traditions, rituals, rites, and grudges. Jessica is forced to navigate these new waters on her own terms. Will she succeed? Don’t despair, dear readers. Beth gives Jessica some new friends along with her wise-cracking, no-nonsense, bit grumbly best friend, Mindy for help; keeping any Fantaskey fan avidly reading along as Jessica challenges this new world.

Here’s a heads up. Keep a lookout for Raniero, especially. I love characters and Raniero is definitely one to cherish. When you meet him, cliches will abound but persevere. He was one of the best book friends I meet last year. YES, I have book friends. Doesn't everyone?

**Check out The Wedding Chapters for the scoop on Jessica and Lucius’ paranormal and unconventional Wedding, found here:

http://www.bethfantaskey.com/wedding/wedding-chapt1.html

For more information about author Beth Fantaskey, check out her website here: http://www.bethfantaskey.com/

Or you can follow her on twitter: @bethfantaskey

*Quote above used with permission

Nonfiction Picture Book Reviews

As part of the Non-Fiction Picture Book Challenge 2012 (Twitter: #nfpb2012), my goal is to read and review as many of the new non-fiction picture books that are released this year.  Wednesdays will be my primary day to post the reviews.  Don't forget to stop by The Nonfiction Detectives for their review and giveaway of A Nation of Hope by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Kadir Nelson.

If you are participating in the challenge and would like to link your recent reviews, please add your link to the Mr. Linky below.

As I started to read through several of the books on the January release list, I began to realize that many of them were filled with accurate facts, but were more a fictionalized account of the lives of famous individuals or retelling of a significant tradition set during a historical time period.  Some present things in a somewhat humorous manner and others take a more serious look at the event or person.  Each of the books listed below did include either a list of factual dates and other important information, or included reference material.  I am excited to add each of these to the school library, and believe that teachers and students will enjoy sharing them in class.
 

A Boy Called Dickens
Author: Deborah Hopkinson
Illustrator: John Hendrix
Publisher: Random House (January 10, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Ever wonder who was Charles Dickens as a child and where he got his ideas for all of his books, Deborah Hopkinson obviously has.  In her book A Boy Called Dickens, she takes facts about Charles Dickens' childhood and creates a fictionalized story for those facts.  Written almost in the manner of a Dickens' book, Hopkinson captures the essence of Dickens' little known younger years and helps readers develop a connection as to what life experiences may have resulted in material for his future books.

I really loved John Hendrix's illustrations which complimented the text and conjured up images of how I imagined Dickens' London to look like if it were given an almost cartoon-like twist to them.  The additional layer of words and illustrations that incorporated images from scenes from Dickens' books made this enjoyable picture book more of a winner for me. 

Looking At Lincoln
Author/Illustrator: Maria Kalman
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Starting with the penny and a five dollar bill, Maria Kalman introduces children to the 16th president in quirky but factual manner.  As with the previous title, there is an element of the story being fictionalized but there is accuracy in the facts of the story.  It was particularly interesting for me to pick up a couple of other picture books written at very different times and by very different authors and find that certain aspects of Lincoln's life was prominent in each of the books. 

The often humorous, yet touching look at the life and habits of Lincoln, including his relationship with his wife, and how he stored notes in his hat, made this important president seem even more humble and significant.  The illustrations also done by Kalman add to the feeling of the book, and I especially liked how she tied the story together at the end with the Lincoln Memorial.  Though I believe children ages 7 and up will enjoy the book, I do think the 2nd and 3rd graders may particularly connect to the illustrations and story format.

Those Rebels, Tom & John
Author: Barbara Kerley
Illustrator: Edwin Fotheringham
Publisher: Scholastic Press (January 1, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

Many children have heard of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, but they may not be able to tell you much about these two important men.  Part biography, part history, this story seeks to provide information for children to better understand the personalities and contributions made by these two historical figures.  The book is filled with many facts which are compiled in a manner that will provide the reader(s) with historical information layered with humor.

There are several very good Revolutionary time period picture books that seek to provide background for students in a manner that is exciting rather than dry.    Fotheringham's cartoon-like illustrations compliment the text and make this one book to consider adding to your collection.

Ellen's Broom
Author: Kelly Starling Lynons
Illustrator: Daniel Minter
Publisher: Penguin (January 5, 2012)
Audience: 2nd to 5th grade

During slavery, African Americans were not allowed to be legally married.  A ceremony involving "jumping the broom" became the traditional way that slave couples would pledge themselves to one another.  In this post Civil War story, a young girl accompanies her parents as they register as lawful husband and wife.  This touching story is based on the author's own family history and shows pride and respect for the traditional customs that were created out of necessity while showing that there was an additional symbol of freedom in being able to participate in legal ceremonies that were once prohibited.  The decorating of the broom and returning it to it's place over the hearth connects the past with the future. 

Don't forget to check in next week, when there will be a special Nonfiction Picture Book giveaway.

It's Monday! What are you reading? Picture Books to YA (8)

It's Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Sheila of Book Journey.  Jen & Kellee from 

Teach Mentor Texts have adapted this to focus on Picture Books to Young Adult Books.

Each week I'll recap what I've read/reviewed the week before 

and then look ahead to what I am planning on reading/reviewing in the upcoming week.

 

Last week's book adventures:

First week back to school and I still managed to do a pretty good job with my weekly reading.   

Here are some of my favorites from the week:

Early Reader -

Dodsworth in Rome by Tim Egan
This book is great! I love finding Early Readers that are enjoyable for both the child and the adult reading along.  I pulled copies of the series off the shelf and had my local bookseller read them.  I recommended them to lots of people this week.  This one is right up there with Frog & Toad and Mouse & Mole.  

Graphic Novels -

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton
Random House has another winner on it's hands with The Flying Beaver Brothers.  This series will appeal to fans of Babymouse and The Lunch Lady.  I can't wait to book talk this book.  I expect that it will never stay in the library for longer than it takes to check it out again by the next child in line.

Young Adult -

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cyborg Cinderella - Do I really need to say more?  Part fantasy, part dystopian, part sci-fi and all guilty pleasure.  Can't wait for the second book in the series. 

I was hoping to finish The Mighty Miss Malone by Christopher Paul Curtis this weekend, but I will certainly finish it today.  I am loving this one as well.

Newbery Challenge Update:
This week, I am finally going to start The Story of Mankind by Hendrik Willem Van Loon.  I have promised myself that I only need to read a chapter at a time.  I will do some updates as I go.

 
Caldecott Challenge Update:
As of Sunday, I have read 39 Caldecott winning picture books.  This is just a little bit over half the books.  I am hoping to do a vlog on my progress and some of my favorites this week.  My favorite from this past week was Kitten's First Full Moon (2005 Winner) by Kevin Henkes.  My favorite older one from the week was The Big Snow (1949 Winner) by Berta and Elmer Hader.  Since I am requesting these from the library, I have been reading them out of order.  However, I have tried to read oldest to newest in the pile that I receive each time. 

Upcoming book adventures:
My goal this week is to continue to search for non-fiction books that have been recently released as well as read one Middle Grade Novel and one Young Adult novel.  Check in on Wednesday to for the non-fiction picture book version of What are you reading?

So, what are you reading this week? 

Please share! And remember to check in at Sheila's or Jen & Kellee's blog to see what they and others are reading!