Sunday, June 9, 2013

Only One-But Terrific!



It's Monday! What are you Reading? is hosted by Jen and Kellee at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTS.  Head over for terrific book reviews!  And, also visit Sheila at BOOK JOURNEYS that offers more reviews of all kinds of books, adult and children. 
  
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 I loved And Then It's Spring by Julie Fogliano and Erin Stead, and now these two have published another marvelous and sweet book. This book is about patience, but watching for whales might not be the only thing one needs to wait (and watch) for. The young boy and his dog see many things on their journey of looking for a whale. There are whimsical, yet simple illustrations, a surprise on every page to delight the youngest children, in addition to serving as a mentor text to see what "other" things can complete the phrase "If you want to see..."


Reading Ahead:
          Last week was our final week of school.  This past weekend, I spent time getting ready for the day today, and didn't do much more reading.  I was very busy!  I am in the midst of reading a variety of books, including The Center of Everything by Linda Urban.  I also am reading Any Me I Want to Be by Karla Kuskin.   
          Thanks to some friends I met in Boulder today, we went to a favorite indie bookstore, The Boulder Bookstore, and had a great time.  There is nothing better (except for the money spent) than spending time in a bookstore with friends who are reading!  I came away with Quiet, by Susan Cain; The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and The Key - The Flame, by Claire M. Caterer.  The story behind this book (the beginning of a trilogy) is that one of my friends knows the author.

22 comments:

  1. Sounds like your one book was a great choice! You're absolutely right about And Then It's Spring. It is a beautiful book. Looking forward to reading If You Want to See a Whale. (Something I've always wanted to do :-) )
    Catherine

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    1. Thanks Catherine! I hope you like it, too!

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  2. Hi Linda, I know what you mean about "and then it's spring" - you are right in capturing that it's about waiting... and patience. and the quiet spaces in between. such beautiful picture books. i would definitely look for "if you want to see a whale" - I'm hoping that things have quieted down now in your end with the end of school. :) It is still quite hectic for me - I suppose it always is. Literature is my link to sanity. And yoga. :) And running. :) And a few more beautiful things besides. :)

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    1. Well, so far, I'm still busy too, Myra. I have a couple of meetings at school this week! Yes, being "quiet" and reading helps restore! Thanks!

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  3. I like the cover a lot. There's something patient and restful about it!

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    1. It's a fine book, Tabatha-hope you enjoy it!

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  4. Oooh, If You Want to See a Whale... now that sounds interesting! I have to go check that one out. I'll be we have it right here in town in our local shop.

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    1. A great one for you, Donna! Hope you can find it!

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  5. Thanks, Linda! Diane mentioned you were looking for THE KEY & THE FLAME. I hope you enjoy it. :)

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    1. It'll be next on my list, Claire. Looks exciting! Thanks for finding me!

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  6. This one has been on my radar and I put have to get it into my hands, instead. Could it be used as a how-to book, Linda? In a whimsical kind of way?

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    1. Great idea, Melanie. Yes, it could be used for a how-to. If you look on Google images, there is a page with clouds that will give you a taste for what the book is like. Thanks!

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  7. Sounds like a lovely book. I have never seen whales up close. Would love to whale watch one day.
    Sounds like a lovely day with friends as well!
    We still have almost 3 weeks of school left, but this will be my last weeks of teaching. I have decided to retire this year. I have so many plans.

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    1. Thank you for telling me about your retirement, Beverley. You have so many artistic talents that I can't believe you won't be so busy after school is out. I wish you the best, of course! It was much fun with my friends. Old friends that all live far apart and can continue conversations of months ago are just the best! I was up close to a large pod of whales one time; it was indeed a magical experience!

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  8. Oh, The Namesake is a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy it . . . her writing is so lovely and lyrical. And I agree If You Want to See a Whale is terrific! Enjoyed getting settled into your summer rhythms!

    Lorna

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    1. Has your year ended yet, Lorna? I'm just a few days finished and already so busy. I am looking forward to a few days with little to do! Glad to hear your opinion about The Namesake too. My friend recommended it highly!

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    2. My girls finish next Wednesday. Between now and then is a maddening schedule of activities, field trips, 5th grade moving up ceremony (so much for saying NO to tasks!?!), and house guests for most of it. My favorite part of summer . . . definitely the relaxed pace! :)

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    3. For us it was last week, hence my 'one book' week! I hope you have some special moments, nonetheless!

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  9. If you are going to highlight just one book - this is certainly a book to put front and center. I adore this title. I have given away two copies already and have my own in a treasured spot on my shelf. I think it is pure magic!

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    1. Yes, just like the 'spring' one, I loved it. How wonderfully creative these two are. Thanks, Carrie!

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  10. I just made a shelftalker for The Key and The Flame. I hope our customers will enjoy it and i think they will!

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    1. Thank you! I'm hoping to start reading it soon! It looks good!

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