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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Monday Reading Recap

 Thanks to Jen at Teach.Mentor.Texts and Ricki and Kellee at Unleashing Readers for hosting our Monday Reading community. Come join in to see what everyone is reading!
          Tweet at #IMWAYR



             I traveled for a long weekend to see my son, daughter-in-law and grandson and didn’t read very much, just on the plane, but do have a few to share. Still reading Mark of The Dragonfly by Jaleigh Johnson. Next, hope to start The Summer of Letting Go by Gae Polisner, one of my #MustReadIn2014. Have a happy reading week, everyone.


Anna Hibiscus – written by Atinuke and illustrated by Lauren Tobia
              This is an early reader chapter book about a young girl, Anna Hibiscus, who lives in Africa with her large extended family in a compound. There may be quite a bit of prep to do with students to help them understand these cultural ways, but it is a fun book with four stories, each with a life lesson, sometimes for adults, and mostly for Anna.  Anna’s mother is Canadian, and the stories begin with her wish to go on a vacation with only her family (husband, Anna and two crawling babies-named Double Trouble). As it turns out, they miss the rest of the family who, with all the other aunts, uncles and cousins, share work responsibilities which makes everything easier on everyone. Lesson learned, family re-unites and has a great time. The other stories are similar, and all are about family and learning how to make life work comfortably. It would be fun to read this with a group.

Appalachia, The Voices of Sleeping Birds – written by Cynthia Rylant and illustrated by Barry
Moser
          This is a wonderfully sentimental introduction to the area of the U.S. called Appalachia. It tells of the simple life that those who live there have, with low clouds in the hills when waking in the morning, church community on Sunday when it’s a time for rest and visiting. There is hunting for the men and canning for the women, dogs who run free and other good parts of the life there. Each double page shows one of Barry Moser’s portrait work from photos of the life there, some of children, some adults, some dogs-all evocative of  a simple and good life. Yet there is some mention of the background of coal mining, what many of the men have done for more than one generation. Cynthia Rylant’s writing is always poetic and lovely to read.

Bits & Pieces – written and illustrated by Judy Schachner
           For anyone who is a cat lover, this book will certainly be loved. It’s about Tink, a beloved cat, who has a wonderful life, even a new kitty as a companion. But one night, Tink manages to leave his home, and has quite an adventure for the first time outside. The illustrations are beautifully sweet by this Skippyjon Jones author.






G Is For Goat – written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco


             For the younger readers, a poetry alphabet of goats and other human “kids” with Patricia Polacco’s wonderful illustrations.  In rhyme these goats and children romp and play, and there’s a sweet surprise at the 
end.

             Here’s something I also shared on Facebook, in a London bookstore window from my son & family’s recent trip. Thought you’d all enjoy it!

20 comments:

  1. Bits & Pieces- can't wait to read this! Lovely array of other titles as well, thanks for sharing... :)

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    1. Thanks Debbie-Bits & Pieces is very fun-& as I said, gorgeous illustrations!

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  2. Thanks for reminding me about Anna Hibiscus. Very popular at our store but I haven't read it yet. It seems like a great a book to know about.

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    1. It is well done, Earl, a beginning reader but lots of good things to discuss within it!

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  3. Love that Cynthia Rylant book - she is truly a poet - always something wise to share.

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    1. It really is a beautiful story, I agree, Tara. I loved the portraits too.

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  4. Glad you had some time with your family this week! Cynthia Rylant is one of my all time favorite writers - something magical happens when she writes. I thought I had ALL of her books - but don't know this one! I will definitely be looking for it this week. Anna Hibiscus looks like it would be great to share as short story read aloud. Have a great week!

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    1. Thanks, Adrienne. I'm happy to share a Rylant book you don't know about! For young children, the Anna Hibiscus is delightful. I think there is much in that book, for prediction, discussion points, and more.

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  5. I don't like the Skippyjon Jones books at all, but Bits & Pieces looks wonderful--I am a sucker for a good cat book (or even a mediocre cat book!) Cynthia Rylant is one of my all-time favorite writers too. I haven't read this particular title yet, so I will look for it. Anna Hibiscus sounds like a book I'd enjoy so will look for that one. Maybe a good read aloud with my kids too! Thanks for sharing, Linda. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. Thanks, Elisabeth. So glad you found some books to search out this time.

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  6. Hope your family visit was lovely. Looks like you have some wonderful novels on the go. I want to read both of these titles! I LOVE the look of the cover of Appalachia. How very beautiful.

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    1. Yes, had a wonderful time on my visit, went all too fast! Happy to share the Appalachia story with you, Carrie. It is the sweetest book.

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  7. Appalachia looks amazing. Ordering it at the library now. I love everything Rylant does. Thanks!

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    1. You're welcome, Kimberley. It is special! I sit with my library account open every Monday, & am lucky that we have such a good one. Hope you enjoy this book!

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  8. I really enjoy the Anna Hibiscus chapter books. The picture books are fun too. I love the bookstore sign! It's so true.

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    1. Thanks Crystal. I'm glad to find the Anna Hibiscus books & will look for the others. According to my research, there are ten! Glad you like the bookstore sign-isn't it great?

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  9. I love that London Bookstore window - seems like you had a wonderful time, Linda. It was great to see the pictures too on Facebook. :) One day, I'd have to do a Patricia Polacco reading marathon, she is just so prolific! The Cynthia Rylant book also caught my eye, I have to read more of her books soon. :)

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    1. Happy you discovered some books new to you, Myra.

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  10. I've been wanting to read The Summer of Letting Go for a very long time! Please, please let me know how it is! Sorry I am delayed in my response to your post. I wasn't feeling very well last night. I am back in action today!

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    1. Ricki, you don't need to apologize, & I'm glad you're feeling better. I'll let you know about The Summer of Letting Go!

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