Sunday, December 31, 2017

Monday Reading - the new year!

              Visit Jen at Teach MentorTexts and Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders to discover books you'll love!  Thanks to Jen, Kellee, and Ricki who share their own reading lives and support this meme, too.


         It's 2018! Happy New Year! And it's my 1600th post! Lots of words have passed through, and books and pictures. It's rather hard for me to believe I've written so many posts. I wrote my #MustReadIn2017 yesterday, didn't really do very well, completed 16 of 26! But, I read more than my Goodreads goal, 364 over a goal of 350! I imagine you will all agree that it's been a fabulous year for children's lit. My new list will have books that just came out, which I have, and still have not read! I'm excited to get started! I also have some of the Cybil's poetry finalists to read or to re-read. You'll find the lists posted this first day of January, 2018! 

      I have a few books to share:


           Ada says toward the end of this book: "Fear and what you did with it were two separate things." Perhaps these wise words can teach all of us? War is a hated thing by everyone in this continuing story of Ada that began with "The War That Saved My Life", but in this story, World War II, horrible as it is, is not the only war Ada is fighting to win. Susan's home has been destroyed and fortunately, though it's not easy, she, Ada and Jamie are allowed to move into the cottage on Lord and Lady Thornton's estate. Luckily, too, Butter the pony gets to live in their stables. Ada's learning, Jamie is happy with chickens and pigs, friendship with Maggie growing, and new challenges appear both when Ruth, a German Jewish girl moves in along with Lady Thornton. Kimberley Bradley has created a story about new ways to make a family when fear and discomfort give way to love and respect. As sad as some parts of our lives are, life can be bearable when family and friends sit right there beside you. I raced through the book, but then held it off for a few hours because I didn't want it to end. 

      It's an older picture book by the fabulous Patrick McDonnell, but I want you to know it if you don't already. I have never read this wonderful fall book and now am happy I did. A little bird appears sad that he's lost and has missed his chance leaving with his flock to fly south for the winter. Mooch the cat, another who proves to be a fine friend, helps the bird on his journey, though Mooch is sad to wave goodbye. It is a simple story that brings deep layers of feelings.
       Another fairy tale brought to us by two great friends, two sheep, who manage to add a third. Unfortunately, this time it's a "wolf in sheep's clothing" and in quite hilarious ways, that turns out to be okay. The relationship isn't always perfect but this time the three work it all out beautifully. With some sarcasm that isn't always understood by young readers (read to my younger kindergarten-age granddaughter), I found it delightful with David Elliott's story-telling and Melissa Sweet's unique illustrations, both always create entertaining picture books! 
         Yes, it's older and yes, Christmas has passed, but I just discovered it at the used bookstore where I work and it is wonderful. With Peter Malone's distinctive illustrations, eye-catching portraits with fascinating details and expressions (in the animals, too), Kevin Crossley-Holland tells the story of Christmas from the POV of all the important players. Mary begins, worried that she and Joseph are 'so far from home' and wonders "Where can I lie down?" The innkeeper shares the ox's stall yet that thoughtful ox says she will be "better off with that silly donkey" who has more straw. There is the star, guiding shepherds and wise men, and angels circle round, too. Herod sneaks in to say he's old to find Jesus, and "rip him away from his mother".  It could be a book for older children and up, and could serve as a mentor text for story-telling from different points-of-view. 

Still Reading:  Both adult books - Badenheim1939 by Aharon Appelfeld, pre-World War II, a town slowly changing to be occupied by Nazis with vacationers ignoring the danger. and have almost finished  The Paris Architect by Charles Belfoure, a book centered in Paris/Nazi occupation - a good and nerve-wracking story. Next: I'll be reading for the Cybil's poetry and will start Train I Ride by Paul Mosier.

14 comments:

  1. I wrote about Baabwaa and Wooliam, too! Great minds think alike! I love the quote at the top of your blog! Happy New Year!

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    1. Thanks, Susan and Best wishes for a good new year to you as well. Yes, Baabwaa and Wooliam was very fun!

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  2. The War I Finally Won is just as fabulous as the first. That's a great quote you chose. Happy New Year!

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    1. I was sad to end The War I Finally Won, just a perfect wrap-up for Ada & for us readers! Thanks, Lisa, and Happy New Year, Happy Reading to you!

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  3. Your 1600th post! Wow! Congrats!! And that's wonderful to read that you work at a used bookstore-- I've always thought we should consider used books as "new to me" books instead.

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    1. Thank you, Jeanne! Love that "new to me" title! I'll remember when I post for the store!

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  4. Congratulations on the blogging milestone. I'm so glad you're hear sharing your thoughts, photos, poetry, and yourself in many ways.

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    1. Thank you, Crystal, it's been quite a wonderful journey, meeting so many online like you and some, as you mentioned on your own post, in person, a marvelous treat!

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  5. I'll have to remember How Many Miles for this Christmas.

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  6. Wow what an incredible blogging achievement!! I love Patrick McDonnell's gentle, charming style. And thank you for sharing older titles!! I so often see the same new books appearing on blog after blog, but it's so great to discover older titles I've missed over the years!!

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    1. Thanks, Jane. I think it would be nice to look back over all the 'older' books I own and maybe share one Monday. I have many favorites, but these are two I just discovered, too! I agree, perhaps time for re-visiting? Happy New Year!

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  7. How many miles to Bethlehem is perfect for our Celebration of the 3 Kings - usually on the 6th of January - I hope I can find that in our libraries here in Singapore. Have an awesome 2018 ahead of you, dear Linda!

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    1. I hope you can find it, Myra. It is a beautiful book. Thank you, and Happy New Year to you and your family!

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