Sunday, November 6, 2016

Monday Reading


          Visit Jen at Teach MentorTexts and Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders to see what they've been reading, along with everyone else who link up. I'm still in the midst of reading for the Cybils poetry, round one. I reviewed a few this week, and some picture books. My favorite PBs are below.

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          Young Noah and his grandpa have lovely times together. Grandpa asks "What's on the docket?" every day, and Noah has plenty of things to answer. But then Grandpa stops asking, and Noah wonders about that but tries hard to do things anyway. The story deepens as we see Grandpa fading away, sadly even in the illustrations which are masterfully done by Katie Kath. As Grandpa's memory fades, so does his illustration. One day, Noah wakes him from a nap and he doesn't recognize Noah. Alzheimer's is a tricky disease and no one can show exactly what happens, but in this story, there is some happiness because Noah discovers that Grandpa remembers some of their songs. Some happy times remain, and Grandma helps out too, by asking "What's on the docket?" For those who need to talk about this heart-breaking topic with family or other young children, this story will help. It's beautifully done.


           This book was published last year in Australia. I imagine a broad range of people finding something good to carry with them from it. The metaphor lies with a young boy who must leave home, carrying only a teacup of earth from that home with him. He's floating out to sea, and it's both calm and raging as he travels. Magical good things begin to happen as his story unfolds, especially sustenance held by an apple tree growing in the boat gave him shelter and a coziness "just perfect for daydreaming". When one faces hard times, daydreams might be the only path to overcoming challenges. The illustrations fill the story with varied emotions in lovely double-page spreads. I loved the idea of the story that's filled with hope.








          It's hard to imagine every classroom not having this book and returning to it more than once, for good conversations, for making plans, for savoring the story of how to live a good life. It's the second story crafted to help us all learn about Gandhi's teaching, illustrated with the warmth of his words while showing his grandson a way of living.











         What great fun that Elephant and Piggie are introducing their favorite books. Their presence is evident in the end papers, including pigeon; and in the introduction and conclusion. They only make an appearance in those places, but the story introduces four friends with a big problem, three cookies to share. It's a funny story with a "delicious" way to introduce fractional parts and how to solve them!









Still reading:  I'm enjoying learning about the life of techie Paul  English in A Truck Full of Money by Tracy Kidder. Among other things, he was the creator of the website, Kayak. I have The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan and hope to get to it soon!
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22 comments:

  1. I've heard a lot of good things about What a Beautiful morning, but haven't read it yet. Be the Change sounds like a must have. I'll definitely check it out. I read The Poet's Dog, but I just didn't connect with it. Everyone else seems to enjoy it though.

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    1. I'm glad to hear your opinion of A Poet's Dog, Lisa. I usually love Patricia Maclachlan's books. Will see! Yes, Be The Change is for everyone!

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  2. Love the choices! I have heard wonderful things about What a Beautiful Morning as well and can't wait to read it. The Cybils poetry reading sounds interesting too and best of luck with that.

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    1. Thanks, the Cybil's is lots of fun and learning too from the other group members. Hope you find and enjoy What A Beautiful Morning soon.

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  3. These books are wonderful. Thank you for all of the recommendations. What A Beautiful Morning sounds like a powerful book to have on hand when trying to explain a heartbreaking disease to a child.

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    1. You're welcome. Glad you might find What A Beautiful Morning good to share.

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  4. My hold shelf at the library grows every time I read one of your Monday posts. Requesting all of today's titles. Hope you get to the Poet's Dog soon. I loved it!

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    1. I know you loved it. I'm going to try to fit it in among the poetry books being read. It seems like a good one to add in, don't you think? Thanks, Ramona. Glad to add to that list!

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  5. These sound great. They are all new to me. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. What a Beautiful Morning looks like one of those really important picture books. It's on my list but our local library doesn't have a copy yet.

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    1. I hope you'll be able to find it, Cheriee. It is a lovely book.

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  7. I don't know why, but Teacup struck me differently than other reviewers. I get the metaphor, but I wonder how it will resonate with readers. I know I'm in the minority for this one!

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    1. I liked it, but do understand what you mean. I think it's really for older readers. I read it to the granddaughters to see and they just sat there, not understanding a thing. It feels very metaphoric for those who face big challenges to me.

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  8. What a Beautiful Morning sounds heartbreaking, but in a good way - I lost both a grandmother and an aunt to dementia, so it's a topic that strikes close to home for me.

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    1. Yes, it is a lovely book. My husband had dementia, Jane, so this was a hard book to read, but during this time I think I would have liked it for our grandson. Thanks for sharing!

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  9. I need to read The Cookie Fiasco soon but my library doesn't have it yet.

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    1. I'm not sure if mine has it, Beth. I bought it for my granddaughters. It was fun and I imagine some teachers will love using it in early math. Thanks!

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  10. What A Beautiful Morning and The Cookie Fiasco are both wonderful. What A Beautiful Morning is tough to read, as it's quite emotional, but I think it has important messages about Alzheimer's and families helping each other. I really need to find Teacup and read it. It sounds like a beautiful book. Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks, Jana. I will be interested to see what you think of Teacup. Glad you agree about the other two!

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  11. Love seeing familiar titles here. Isn't Teacup simply beautiful? I waited weeks for it to arrive in my doorstep - it was truly worth the wait.

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    1. It is beautiful, Myra, but I wonder who the best audience is for this book?

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