Sunday, January 11, 2015

It's Monday!

        Time to share the latest books and link up with our hosts: Jen at TeachMentorTexts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing ReadersSheila at Book Journeys started a meme to share all kinds of books read each Monday, then Kellee, Ricki and Jen formed theirs for only children's lit. Come visit, and tweet at #IMWAYR.


  I read a few books this week thanks to my colleague who loaned them to me. I’m in the midst of reading and making notes for the Cybil’s poetry group, so my reading time for extra reading, in addition to school, is much less. But the poetry is wonderful!



The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop - written by Lewis Buzbee
              It's been a read to savor, a few weeks reading, but I did enjoy this book about book stores, including the history of long ago merchants who spread their few 'hand-written' scrolls on a rug at the market places of the east, the changes made with the discovery of sheepskin versus papyrus, and then of course the printing press. It was also interesting to hear how bookstores and sales reps really work, and throughout the book, the sheer love of books was there, and the love and description of book stores and small tales of big acts in them. Over and over again, Lewis Buzbee returned to book love. I suspect if you are reading this, you too love books, and will love this one.




     


Thank You, Santa – written by Margaret Wild, illustrated by Kerry Argent
            Samantha writes a sweet letter to Santa “after” Christmas, to thank him for the gifts. She’s not bored, but has a bad cold, and tells Santa she’s knitting squares, but maybe soon something will change?  Thus begins a delightful correspondence between Samantha and Santa, for Santa gets many letters from children “before” Christmas, but never “after”.  The relationship progresses and they continue to exchange notes and little gifts month after month. This is so cute, certainly a wonderful book for young children whose families celebrate Christmas.

Max and the Tag-Along Moon – written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper
             Pages filled with beautiful illustrations, nearly always helped by that bright yellow orb we count on, the moon. And the story, from saying goodbye to his granpa, who says: “That ol’ moon will always shine for you…on and on!” As Max rides home, he follows the moon, in and out of trees, appearing after driving through a tunnel. At last they arrive home, but clouds have blown in, and the moon has disappeared. The ending is touching. This book has a broader message. I’ve heard many tell about sharing the moon no matter where they and their loved ones live. And this is a sweet story that connects Max to his granpa.

Homemade Love – written by Bell Hooks and illustrated by Shane W. Evans
              Evans’ collage/paint illustrations fill the page with Mama’s “girlpie” and Daddy’s “sweet,sweet honey bun chocolate Dew Drop” and all the love that happens in the home of a really sweet little girl. Even when a bit of a sad time comes with an accidental breakage, all is forgiven. Fun and life goes on, cart-wheeling through the day to sleep time. It’s a cute book full of happiness, few words, and a story that’s like a hug.



Lizzie Nonsense, A Story of Pioneer Days - written and illustrated by Jan Ormero

              Oh wow, this is one gorgeous book set in the Australian bush, based on the lives of the author’s mother and grandmother, a sweet story about a mother, a father, Lizzie and a baby. Lizzie’s always dreaming, thus her mother calls her Lizzie Nonsense. Alone for days while the father takes wood to sell in town, her mother does the regular chores and Lizzie helps, but does it with a large imagination. We see her playing in the woods, pretending to drive a buggy, she says the baby is “afloat in a boat on a big, wide sea” when he’s being bathed, and she pretends to be a bride when she picks flowers from the garden. Although it must have been lonely, the story would start a good conversation with young children about what to do when they feel lonely themselves.  Having a good imagination like Lizzie Nonsense helps a lot.

Still reading:



I’m reading The Port Chicago 50 at school during silent reading, and loving it, although I’m not very far. Steve Sheinkin’s books are indeed worth reading! Not sure what’s next at home!

21 comments:

  1. Linda, I loved The Yellow Lighted Bookshop. Just like you said, a book made for fellow bibliophiles! I pulled The Port Chicago 50 for our Mock Newbery display in the library. Love your PB recommendations - off to request some of them. Have a great week of reading!

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    1. So happy to hear that others love this book, too. Have fun with the library these next weeks! Thanks, Ramona!

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  2. Excited to take a look at The Yellow Lighted Bookshop. I have not read this one. Thanks

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  3. Linda, thank you for sharing about The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop. It sounds like one that I will definitely enjoy. Have a great reading week!

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  4. Joanne and Andrea, hope you can find the book and enjoy it! Thanks!

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  5. Ooooo, The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop looks so good. Your little taste made me want to read it! Like you, I love anything related to books, so I am definitely going to have to find this one. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks Ricki, it was a great read, full of history and this author's personal experiences. Hope you can get to it some day!

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  6. The Yellow-Lighted Bookshop is a book I want just for me, Linda! I do love book shops, and make a point to visit as many as I can when I travel - so far, it's been a wonderful series of adventures. Not surprising, right?!

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    1. I rather thought everyone linking today would want this book, Tara. It was a delight. Hope you'll find time for it soon!

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  7. Thanks for the heads up about these picture books. I went to order Thank You Santa (I love Margaret Wild) and was sorry to see that it is out of print. Homemade Love sound delightful also.

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    1. Perhaps you can find Thank You Santa on another site, like Better World Books. I've had good luck there! Thanks, Cheriee.

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  8. Thanks for the titles, many new ones for me this week! I haven't read the Sheinkin books because they are really for older readers than the kids I have at school, although there are so many people that say how wonderful they are! One day :)

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    1. I understand, Michele, I'm now reading fewer middle grades because I'm teaching the students who're reading mostly YA. Hope you'll find a good picture book here to enjoy! Thanks!

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  9. Great list! Port Chicago 50 is staring at me from the top of my TBR pile - must - find - time!

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    1. I know-time is so valuable. I have a stack of student work waiting... Best wishes to get to Port Chicago.

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  10. I really enjoyed Port Chicago 50. I added that memoir to my TBR. I love books about book love. Homemade Love looks amazing. Thanks!

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    1. All good, I agree, Crystal. I am really liking Port Chicago-may have to bring it home to finish! Thanks, & have a good reading week!

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  11. Isn't Lizzie an amazing picture book. I found this title really touching.

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    1. Yes, it was a sweet story, and the illustrations-extraordinary. Thanks, Carrie!

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  12. The Yellow Lighted Bookshop sounds like a great companion novel to AJ Fikry - will definitely be on the lookout for that one and will suggest to our book club for our next read - is it an old title? First I'm hearing of it. Would try to find the other picturebook titles you shared here, dear Linda. :)

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  13. I love books set in or about the outback so I'm going to have to find Lizzie Nonsense. Thanks for sharing it! I'll probably start the Steve Sheinkin next week during silent reading too.

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