Sunday, November 16, 2014

Monday Reading

Sheila at Book Journeys started It's Monday! What are you Reading?, a meme where bloggers share recent books read.
             Then, Jen of Teach Mentor Texts and Ricki and Kellee at Unleashing Readers started one with a children's focus.  Reading everyone's posts of the books they're sharing is such a gift every week. I would never have discovered so many wonderful books without you all! 
                I just finished my Goodreads' goal for the year, 350 books!! I increased it a few months ago, but am still ahead with a month to go. However, since I'm busy with my new classroom, perhaps it's a good thing. My reading has really slowed, sad to say. I have two books to share today.

Thanks Jen, Ricki and Kellee for hosting us.


Tweet at #IMWAYR

You Can't Ride A Bicycle To The Moon - written by Harriet Ziefert with pictures by Amanda Haley
                Filled from back to front about the space program, beginning with all about the moon, this is a terrific non-fiction book that is so friendly and fun. Harriet Ziefert shares the factual information and history in clear explanations, and she adds in cute and fitting poems that fit the content along the way. Here's a taste: "Moon Rover, Moon Rover,/Won't you come over/And take me someplace cool to play?"   The pictures by Amanda Haley enhance the story with comic-type illustrations. For those kids who love space, this is a great book. 






Little Elliot Big City - written and illustrated by Mike Curato
        This sweet little elephant lives in a big city, but has much challenge because he is so small. He can't catch a cab, he can't get noticed by the counter man at the cupcake bakery in order to buy a cupcake, and he can't wash the dishes without getting right into the sink! The very hardest part is that Elliot's alone, until a chance encounter, where he discovers a new feeling, the goodness of being helpful. You'll have to get the book to discover the "just right" ending.

Still enjoying, still reading The Boys in the Boat, Nine Americans and their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Olympics by Daniel James Brown.  And, I am reading The Van Gogh Cafe by Cynthia Rylant to my new class. It's fun to share such a good story with them. 

25 comments:

  1. I enjoyed Little Elliot very much. The nonfiction book looks really interesting!

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    1. Thanks, Gigi. Little Elliot is just a lovely story, and the space book is so good for younger readers.

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  2. I need to lay my hands on Little Elliot, it looks so sweet and I keep hearing amazing things!

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    1. It's always fun to find a story that works, but at first appears so quirky. I mean, this is about a tiny elephant navigating a city! But it's delightful! Thanks, Carrie.

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  3. Little Elliot is one that I very much want to read--hoping to find a copy to look at when I'm in DC this week. I had a slow reading week too--and doubting very much that this week improves my numbers any. I am usually so exhausted at the end of a day at NCTE that I fall asleep without even reading a word!

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    1. I agree about the NCTE stuff-lots of talking, walking, listening. Fun, but... Have a great time, Elisabeth. Hope you do get a peek at Little Elliot!

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  4. You've reached your Goodreads goal already?! Good for you!! I'm a little behind right now. I hope to catch up over the holidays!

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    1. Well, as I said, it's really slowing down now. Just have too many other things on my plate! Thanks, Holly!

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  5. I know how reading slows down! What's important is we still get to it when we can! I adore Little Elliot. Love the story love the artwork!

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    1. Yes, it's great, Michele. And yes, I never leave reading out, but just don't have as much time. Thanks!

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  6. I have done Van Gogh cafe as a read aloud and it works so well. I love how each chapter leads to the next, so you can leave the class hanging. I also love to read aloud Cynthia Rylant's The Islander. It is not very well known. It is magical realism, and I love the small magical elements.
    I also enjoyed Little Elliot. What a cute little elephant!

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    1. Thanks for telling me about The Island. We are loving The Van Gogh Cafe, just such a sweet and relaxing read. And Little Elliot is a "just right" story. Have a terrific week Margaret!

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  7. We loved Little Elliot too. It is a sweet story with an important message for readers. Thanks for telling us about You Can't Ride a Bicycle to the Moon. We can't wait to read it.

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    1. This space book surprised me with its inclusion of so much information as well as a fun light-hearted look at space travel. Hope you enjoy it!

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  8. Thank you for reintroducing me to Elliott. I've been meaning to read his book.
    The other NF/poetry mix book sounds very interesting. I hadn't heard of it--thank you for sharing it.

    Happy reading this week! :)

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    1. Thanks Kellee, both worth a look when you find time.

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  9. I absolutely loved Little Elliott! Have a great reading week!

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  10. My husband would love You Can't Ride A Bicycle To The Moon. Perhaps, I will get it as a holiday gift! Thank you for sharing, and I hope you have a great week!

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    1. That's great, Ricki. Have a terrific week too!

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  11. Can't wait to read Little Elliot! :) Hooray for You Can't Ride a Bicycle to the Moon, enjoyed that one... Happy reading week to you!

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    1. Thanks, Debbie. Little Elliot is terrific! Glad to hear you liked You Can't Ride A Bicycle... And hope your reading week is good, too!

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  12. Hi there dearest Linda! Just catching up on two weeks' worth of posts! And I'm so glad I learned about what the story is behind Little Elliott - sounds like a book for me! :)

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