Sunday, February 17, 2013

More Good Books from the Library!


It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a kidlit meme hosted by Jen and Kellee at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTSCome Visit!  And, then check out this meme hosted by Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS that offers more reviews of all kinds of books, adult and children. 

Don’t forget to tweet at #IMWAYR!

Twelve Kinds of Iceby Ellen Bryn Obed, illus. by Barbara McClintock
      I imagine that Ellen Obed was thrilled when she imagined the structure her book would take when she began writing about ice.  From the beginning drop in temperature, the children in the story begin to prepare for a glorious winter of skating, on twelve kinds of ice, and we get to hear about twelve kinds of experiences!  It’s a beautifully written story of those who live in northern habitats and grow up knowing what “blades” and “pucks” mean when they’re very young.  I had one experience seeing and skating on a backyard rink, at a cousin’s house in South Dakota.  It is a wonderful childhood memory that has been awakened by this book.  McClintock’s illustrations are joyful, detailed pen and ink sketches.  I think one could use this book as a mentor text for students to write their own vignettes about different kinds of memories.  It’s longer, but belongs together with the recent picture books, Cold Snap and A Perfect Day.


Hattie Big Sky – Kirby Larson
        Oh why did I put this off? Now I’m sad that I didn’t have the new book about Hattie, Hattie Ever After, ready to start.  As everyone has said many times, it’s a treasure of a story, a character one wants to meet and definitely one wants to admire for the amazing hard work done day after day of those homesteaders proving up so long ago, and for the beautiful writing by Kirby Larson.  If you need to be reminded about the importance of home, friendship, and courage, please pick up this book if you haven’t already and read, read, read!

Olga’s Cup and Saucer – written and illustrated by Olga Bravo
      I found this book in a “free” pile at the recent conference I attended.  It’s an old book, but takes us through the seasons with whimsy, and discusses different foods with the recipes.  A Little girl named Nickel Penny wants so much to help at the bakery, she finds ways to help throughout the year like bringing  fresh fruits and vegetables from her farm, and doing little favors.  For those who love food books, this is a book to add to your collection.

Goldilocks and Just One Bearwritten and illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson
      Finally got to this one in the pile, and what a good surprise!  This cute bear ends up slipping into the city, lost and confused, and finds a place to rest, in a high-rise!  Well, the author cleverly takes us through the familiar tale, but this is the city, remember?  And there are city things involved too, and a sweet surprise at the end.  Hodgkinson’s illustrations are full of details-setting related-and they are wonderful.  It seems that they are drawings, and then parts are cut out for collage.  One can look and look at each page.  Also, there are three little birds that travel along with the reader.  I imagine this will be a delight for all kinds of readers, or for a read aloud if the group can get close enough to really see the pages (and look again later). 

Boot & Shoewritten and illustrated by Marla Frazee
        Marla Frazee’s books are always favorites, and this is no exception.  It’s a silly book where reading aloud with someone young would be wonderful.  Boot & Shoe, dogs from the same litter, have their daily habits, until a bold squirrel changes everything, and a tough day ensues.  I laughed out loud at this one!

Little Dog Lost - written and illustrated by Mônica Caranesi
           This is a non-fiction story quite simply told about a dog that was lost on the ice floes in a Polish winter, but finally saved by a scientific research vessel after already drifting 15 miles from land on the Baltic Sea.  It’s a good start to showing students how a beautiful picture book can come from a real story, not necessarily a ‘made-up’ one.  The watercolor pages are beautifully done.

Chloe and the Lion – by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
          I love when there are books that dare to be different, because that is what I want student writers to know, or unlearn—that rules they think they know as unchangeable, can be changed.  The story is about a little girl named Chloe, I think.  Really it’s about writers and illustrators and who gets to move the story along.  There are arguments and changes, and the illustrator is fired, but really he is just eaten by the lion that he has not drawn well because he thinks a dragon would be better.  There is another illustrator, and graciously, he leaves.  If you think this is mixed up, it is.  The book is very fun, and funny.  Be sure to take a look!

Next:  I have two book groups coming up in two different classes, So I’ll be re-reading Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson, and Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz.  I hope also to start Bomb: The Race to Build-and Steal—the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon, by Steve Sheinkin, and finish Book Love by Penny Kittle!

34 comments:

  1. So many fabulous books! I love Twelve Kinds of Ice, Hattie, Chole, and Baltic. Haven't read the others. Have a great week!

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  2. Well, Linda, I haven't read any of these books so I'll start by adding Hattie. Looks like a great reading week. And I can see you have another good one coming up. I loved Bomb! Thanks for all the new (to me) titles!

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    1. Can't wait to start Bomb-so many of you have liked it. Hope you'll enjoy Hattie too! Thanks, Lee!

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  3. Linda
    I must put Hattie at the top of my next buying list. I am up to the chapter on conferences with Book Love. I am going to have to reread that chapter a few times. It's amazing that the book which is really about her work with senior students, still has so much relevance to my 11, 12 year old level.
    Kathryn

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    1. Yes, I think all of the words by Penny KIttle will help us all in our teaching, Kathryn. Hope you like Hattie!

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  4. Hattie is a favorite of mine. I am interested in Twelve Kinds of Ice and Goldilocks. I am also starting Bomb this week. Enjoy your week.

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    1. Looks as if it'll be a good week of reading Gigi. I'm excited about Bomb!

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  5. I read Hattie this week also and I just ordered Hattie Ever After! I miss Hattie! You have a few others that I will add to my list as I haven't heard of Twelve Kinds of Ice and I love the idea of the idea for Little Dog Lost. You give such great recommendations, Linda. Thank you.

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    1. Thanks Melanie. We are definitely on the same page, aren't we? Twelve Kinds of Ice was a lovely surprise. I imagine you'll love it, too!

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  6. Hi Linda, I am so glad you enjoyed Chloe and the Lion - definitely one of my favorites from the Cybils finalists. Isn't it just hilarious? Absolutely brilliant, I thought. I haven't read any of the books from the Hattie series yet and I feel so remiss. I literally have two boxes of books I have to get through for work and other tasks, all delicious, yes, but can be exhausting too on occasion. I have just recently discovered Marla Frazee's works through All the World - and I fell in love - will definitely look for this one. Thanks for sharing all these, Linda. And again, thank you so much for being our Featured Academic in GatheringBooks. :) Have a great reading week!

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    1. Thanks Myra-I always love hearing from you! And yes, I thought Chloe and the Lion was fantastic, a very fun & inventive book. Best to you in your busy week, reading and giving talks! Thank you for having me as a guest!

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  7. I read Hattie Big Sky a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. I didn't realize there was a second book about her. I will have to go see if the library has it now. :) Enjoy your books!

    What the Book Monsters are reading

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    1. Our library has it, so hope yours does too, Kristen. Others say it is good, too! Thanks for stopping by!

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  8. Allow me to join the chorus of people who love Hattie! One of my top ten favorite books of all time. The sequel is utterly sensational as well!

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    1. I still can't believe I put it off for so long! But, so glad I now have read it, & am looking forward to the next! Thanks!

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  9. Fantastic books this week Linda. I loved, loved, loved Chloe and the Lion. Such a fantastic book to read aloud. Even reading it to my own children I got the instant "Read it again," request. It's a read aloud favourite of mine. Like you I read Hattie and wondered how I had yet to read this amazing book! I am #1 on the request list for Hattie Ever After from our local library but the book is on order so won't be in for a bit . . . I have no patience! I just ordered Little Dog Lost to round out my Scholastic order - happy to see a positive review here. I also have Bomb on my shelf - it just came in from the library but I have so many holds in at one time I am trying to read them all without any needing to go back too quickly. Happy Reading this week!

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    1. My copy should be in today, because it was at my library according to a search, but the library wasn't open so I could run right over! Lots to read, right? Will you be doing the 10 for 10 non-fiction book round-up? Hope to see you there?

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    2. Yes, currently working on my post!

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    3. Terrific, Carrie-should be lots of fun & learning! I'll certainly look at your list; you read much more non-fiction than I do.

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  10. I LOVED Chloe and the Lion and Little Dog Lost. Such great picture books. Have you seen the trailer for Chloe and the Lion? Always makes me laugh:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-QLaSrYl1o

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    1. Thank you Beth-I'll go check it out now. What a fun and creative book it is!

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  11. Ooh lots of great books and we have the same one on the list.

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    1. I suspect since we all share, we begin to read the same books Jone. I'll come visit to see what you have! Thanks!

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  12. I haven't read any of these books - but you make them sound like must reads. I will definitely be getting Hattie Big Sky. That and the sequel sound liojke wonderful reads.
    Hope you have had a wonderful long weekend. Lovely to have an extra day for relaxation.

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    1. I hope you enjoy Hattie Big Sky. It's for older readers, but reminded me of the Little House books. Thanks Beverley, here's to holidays!

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  13. You've inspired me to put Hattie Big Sky up higher on my reading list! Thanks for the great reviews.

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    1. You're so welcome! Hope you like Hattie Big Sky!

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  14. Thanks for these mini-reviews, Linda. Twelve Kinds of Ice sounds fascinating. I read Fever 1793 a few years ago. Great book!

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    1. I do love Laurie Halse Anderson's books; she does a great job for the young adolescents. I hope you'll find Twelve Kinds of Ice--beautifully creative & a lovely sentimental memory! Thanks, Laura!

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  15. I loved Hattie Big Sky - a wonderful book for our girls especialy. I hear that the sequel is just as good.

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  16. If you love books that are quite different, this list maybe useful: http://100scopenotes.com/2012/07/18/the-wildest-childrens-books-of-2012/ That's how I found out about Chloe and the Lion. My fave of the bunch was Leo Geo and The Onion's Great Escape is so unique! Have a great reading week!

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