Monday, March 25, 2013

Reading Slices, & A Few Books! 25 of 31




It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a kidlit meme hosted by Jen and Kellee at TEACH.MENTOR.TEXTSVisit to find posts about terrific books!  Plus, there is a terrific 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



                 Have you found a book this week that fits this description by John Green?

“Sometimes, you read a book and it fills you with this weird evangelical zeal, and you become convinced that the shattered world will never be put back together unless and until all living humans read the book.” 
― John GreenThe Fault in Our Stars

And-it’s slice 25 of 31 in the March Slice of Life Challenge at TwoWritingTeachers.   

     Reading this week has consisted of loads of blog posts,  which I’ve enjoyed very much, half of Bomb, by Steve Sheinkin (marvelous) and a few picture books.  I’m on spring break, so hope to have much reading time this week too.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies – written and illustrated by Jan Thomas
         I can’t imagine anyone not breaking down into hilarious laughter after reading this, where the dust bunnies show the fun part of rhyming, all except Bob, who just cannot seem to get it right.  He does save the day in other ways, however, so all ends up happily, just as it should be.  This could be a good addition for poetry, easy to understand for younger readers, but it’s also a good example of laugh-out-loud silliness.  The illustrations just enhance the story.  They are bright, colorful and full of action! If you think your class needs a good boost of happy, have this book ready!


Open This Little Book – written by Jesse Klausmeier, illustrated by Suzy Lee
          It’s just wonderful to discover another book that celebrates books and reading.  This book does more, it shows how enticing a book is because each time one turns the page, another surprise is there.  The circular organization of the book pleases, along with the happiest of endings.  Suzy Lee’s illustrations change as the book itself changes, and offer new looks on every page.  I wish I could frame that final page.  Readers need to read this book!

Animal Poems - written by Valerie Worth, illustrated by Steve Jenkins
           This is a wonderful discovery to me, another book with those gorgeous collage illustrations by Steve Jenkins and he’s illustrating exquisite poems about animals by the late Valerie Worth.   She writes of a whale floating easily in the sea, “light as dust in sun-baths”, a wasp as a ‘sharp flake of night” and a porcupine “held fast in the thicket of its own thorns”.  Her poems don’t just teach us the basics of the animals, but hold questions to consider.  It’s a book of poems that older students could enjoy and study.




Infinity and Me - written by Kate Hosford, illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska
           A little girl gets new red shoes, is excited and cannot sleep, goes outside because she believes looking at the sky and the stars will help her get sleepy.  It doesn’t, but only creates questions about infinity.  Uma, the little girl moves through her story, asking many  others about their thoughts on infinity.  There are some wonderful and thoughtful replies, and Uma also comes to her own conclusion about infinity.  In the backmatter, the author suggests thinking of one’s own creative way to imagine what infinity is.  This is a thoughtful book that I can imagine using for a variety of ages.  

              My TBR List is long, it is spring break, so I'll finish Bomb, move on the The False Prince, then Navigating Early plus I have a new pile of picture books from the library!  I hope I'll have time to read a lot!  

48 comments:

  1. All these books look good, Linda. I don't think I've seen a book about dust bunnies before!

    Infinity reminds me of the book "This is a Poem that Heals Fish," in that the main character goes around asking people what poems are.

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    1. I don't know that book, Tabatha. It's one I definitely will look for. Thanks for the connection.

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  2. I always look forward to hearing about what you are reading, Linda. The blog posts definitely was the bulk of my reading, as well! I will look for Infinity and Me and I can't wait for you to read NE and the False Prince. Enjoy your week!

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    1. Thanks Melanie. I'll be over to see your list too!

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  3. I have Bomb in my classroom. I may have to read it next just so some of my students try it!

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    1. I should have said something about it; I just haven't had time to keep up, but it's fascinating, lots of intrigue. They should love it, Deb.

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  4. I always love to see your list of books. I now have a number of picture books to add to my TBR list. I think Dust Bunnies looks like so much fun! Have a great break full of reading!

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    1. Thanks Andrea. I found Dust Bunnies because of someone else who posted. It is fun!

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  5. What a wonderful resource Linda. I love these reviews even if I'm all about adults fiction. :)

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    1. Thanks Bonnie. I know it doesn't fit everyone. You might enjoy Bomb, however.

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  6. Linda,

    I added Dust Bunnies and Animal Poems to my library list. Thanks for the recommendations. :) I also have Navigating Early close to the top of my shelf, but there are several books there fighting to be read next. Not sure which will win. I hope you have a great spring break!

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    1. Thanks-break is certainly welcome! It's such a hard choice, what to read next, isn't it? Guess we all just keep plugging away!

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  7. Thanks Linda for these titles and for your ongoing commitment to literacy and teaching. I feel a bit behind in my reading with all my time writing and reading blogs. I usually make a list for summer reading.

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    1. I have quite a list, ever growing. How fun-I just read & commented on your poem! Thanks Margaret!

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  8. I LOVED Open This Little Book. Simply beautiful. You have some other great books here - and on your list to read. Looks like it will be a good week!

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    1. I'm excited to have some free time to read. It's just lately so busy. I hope you had a great snow day!

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  9. Rhyming Dust Bunnies and Infinity and Me sound so cute! Can't wait to check them out.

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    1. I hope you do find them good, Stacey. They were so cute, in different ways!

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  10. Linda, how awesome to find Infinity and Me here - loved that book too! We hope to feature that for our oddballs theme - if Fats finds the time to do the review, that is. Haha. I am also glad to find Suzy Lee's newest book here - as you know she was one of our keynote speakers during the AFCC here in Singapore last year and is a dear friend. She mentioned this book to me. I hope I can find this in our libraries so that I can feature it in GatheringBooks too! I do hope you're not working yourself too hard and that you find the time to enjoy your Spring Break. It's curious as my own daughter (who attends an international school) just got back to school today after their Spring Break. Looks like we have it a week in advance here in Singapore, American curriculum notwithstanding. Have fun reading during your break!

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    1. Yes, I remember you speaking of Suzy Lee. I hope you can find this book! As for spring break, most school districts here are on break, but not all! My grandson had his two weeks ago (Texas). Everyone appears to do it differently. I hope I can find many hours to just read for pleasure! Thanks Myra.

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  11. Animal Poems is such a great book. I just ordered Pug and Other Animal Poems because I not only love Valerie Worth but I am a pug owner so I have to buy every pug book that is ever published. :)

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    1. And I just discovered it, & now you're saying there's another one. Thanks for telling me. I'll be sure to look for it, Beth.

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  12. Good for you that you can leep up with the Monday book share, the slicing challenge, the poetry stuff..and everything else, Linda! These books look wonderful...especially Animal poems.

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    1. I just keep going, Tara. It's a solid habit now. I am finding less time to read & do much writing of my own, though. I think I'll slow down a little after April. Thanks!

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  13. There are so many books already, and then new titles come out and I just think,"Wow, where did they get the idea?" I am very curious about the Infinity and Me book.

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    1. I know, hard to keep up for sure, Terje. The Infinity and Me was really interesting. I bet your young daughter might like it.

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  14. I think I need a trip to the book store...Rhyming Dust Bunnies and Open This Little Book sound and look like they would be fun to have in a "Nannie's Book Nook" for grandchildren!

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    1. Yes, maybe not today, but soon! Both of these are very fun to read! Thanks, Donna.

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  15. Thanks for reminding me about Rhyming Dust Bunnies! SO funny. Students also love Here Comes the Big Mean Dust Bunny by her as well.

    You're in for a great read with The False Prince! My favorite read of 2012~

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    1. Oh no, not another dust bunny book-I had no idea! What a silly topic, and yet it worked so well. Thanks Susan!

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  16. Ahhh... I love The False Prince! I have a few more days of work and then a few days off. We only get an extended weekend, not a full week off.

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    1. I'm glad you at least have a long weekend, Maria. We've had all our "bad" snows on weekends this year, no snow days at all, so we don't have to make up anything thus far. I'm looking forward to The False Prince!

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  17. I love the Rhyming Dust Bunnies! The other books are new to me. I will look forward to checking them out. I'm especially interested in the Animal Poems book.

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    1. The poetry was delightful, but no surprise since they're from Valerie Worth. Hope you like it, Robin! Thanks!

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  18. Jan Thomas books are great and so is Infinity. Thanks for mentioning Animal Poems and Open This Little Book. I need to look for these.

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    1. Hope you can find copies of those two. I certainly will look for more by Jan Thomas-a discovery for me! Thanks, Jeff!

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  19. I LOVED Open This Little Book. I've given it to several people as baby gifts.

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    1. Great idea. I have a few books I generally give, but this should be another. Isn't it just great? Thanks, Holly!

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  20. I'm impressed that you're doing all this reading in addition to so many people's blog posts, Linda! I've hardly read any books in March, compared to my usual amount of reading. The False Prince was one I read a couple weeks ago though, and it was wonderful! The 2nd book is actually sitting right beside me right now, begging me to start it!

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    1. I have both of them on my IPad, Jennifer. So glad to hear you like them-almost done with Bomb, so they're next! Part of how I do this reading is that I stay up late, always have, so I suspect I have a little extra time. Thanks!

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  21. You always have so many interesting and special books to highlight - more to add to my list! I will definitely getting some of these.

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    1. At least don't miss Open This Little Book-it's precious Beverley. Happy Reading!

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  22. You have shared so many wonderful-looking books! I'm adding the to my TBR right away. Thanks so much for always sharing. I adore the John Green quote. I have so many quotes by John Green that I love. I think I'll be revisiting his books in April when I reread favorites! I love Steven Jenkins, too, and haven't read Animal Poems but it looks sweet! Happy reading during spring break!

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    1. Thanks Jen. I know, there are many great John Green quotes, aren't there? Actually, I'm always saving quotes, can't quit! Hope you find some books you like!

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  23. Navigating Early is in my TBR pile and I'm also hoping to get a copy of Hattie Ever After for spring break. I'm requesting Open This Little Book and Infinity and Me.

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    1. Hope you enjoy them all, Ramona. I've heard so many good words about Navigating early-can't wait! Thank you!

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  24. I love the Monday "What are you reading posts"! I need to start incorporating them into my blog. First of all, you will love The False Prince. It's one of my favorites! And the John Green quote...oh I love all things John Green! I have just read a book that fits that quote perfectly: Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. It's one of those books that I didn't want to finish. I fell in love with the characters and I miss them terribly. If you're looking for a "change your life book" let me urge you to read Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe. (mshaseltine.edublogs.org)

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    1. Wow, thanks Michelle. I will be sure to look for it!

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