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Monday, May 7, 2018

#IMWAYR - Great Books

          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.  

Still Reading - From my #MustRead list:  Scythe - Neal Shusterman   Oh my, what an interesting concept this is. And now, Thunderhead the next one is already out! 

I was so busy last week but did finish The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. You can read my review on Goodreads. 


         It really is a new way to look at the word, yes, that word, NOTHING! The endpapers offer a lot of synonyms for it first, like nada, nil, zilch, zippo! I won't give much away this time, nearly writing "nothing", but it does include a delightful mix of animals and illustrations by Hugh Murphy, like that hippo on the cover. It is fun to read, a LOUD story. My youngest granddaughter took it immediately from me after we read it, and started over again! She's six.

         Another wonderful book just right for spring when insects, those "crawly bugs" seem to appear immediately, and then, according to David L. Harrison, they go to school! "Come by air/hop or crawl--/Crawly School/welcomes all!" This opening poem is wonderfully illustrated by Julie Bayless in a woodland setting that shows each "student" journeying to school, bag or backpack with each. Considering that these insects have poems that show their school actions, some not so good, it will be great fun to learn about the insects and compare what David has written, and Julia Bayless has illustrated to verify the truth, or what can be interpreted in a different way. The poor tick has a people problem: "She [the teacher] says they hate it when we bite/hide our heads and dig in tight." In "What's Left of Termite Class" - not much, because "We ate the walls/and foundation, hungry for more/alliteration." The school nurse, of course, is a mosquito, who "always takes some blood". You'll need to see this page, with other classmates leaving unhappily! Among other tips, there also "What We Learn in Bird Class". Imagination rules this school, and kids will love comparing it to their own!



         Well, at first I thought this would be for the youngest readers, but now after reading, it actually poses an existential question, "Do I have a greater purpose?". For the younger readers, it's a story of a machine turned into someone that cares, this time about a little flower. For older readers, what have I missed noticing in the world where I can make a difference? The story has the flavor to me of an old picture book by Virginia Lee Burton, The Little House. The illustrations too are big and bold, simply drawn, adding to the simplicity of the story.

         For older readers, this is all about semantics. There's "this" and "that", "one" or the "other" and when someone is "neither", the "others" believe that one doesn't fit. I imagine some good conversations happening when this is read to a group, or to one. It does end with the "Land of All", and quite a few other words to know about. The pictures are simple and colorful, will be engaging to young readers.

         I know that all of you who teach are in the midst of crazy end-of-school time, and wish you wonderful weeks of saying goodbye!

24 comments:

  1. All new-to-me picture books! Thank you for sharing. I am especially interested in The Digger and the Flower.

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    1. Each one is a clever view, each in its own stance, Elisabeth. As you read, I was most intrigued by The Digger and The Flower. Sometimes I do read too much into a story, but I loved reading these kinds of books to my middle school students to learn their thoughts of the stories. Thanks!

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  2. I'm excited about Scythe -- I feel late to join that game, but at least I'm not alone. :) And The Digger and the Flower looks very interesting. I bet my kids would enjoy working through that one and asking that important question, together. Thanks for sharing and have a wonderful reading week, Linda!

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    1. I know what you mean about Scythe, I feel behind, too! Enjoy The Digger and The Flower!

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  3. The Digger and the Flower definitely reminds me of The Little House and also of The Curious Garden.

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    1. Yes, The Little House holds a conversation about change, too, glad you agree. And I had forgotten The Curious Garden, another lovely story. Thanks!

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  4. The Digger and the Flower really has such a lovely vintage feel to it, doesn't it?

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    1. Yes, it does, even in the illustrations. I liked it a lot!

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  5. The Digger and the Flower is now on my reserve list at the library. I was already keen from reading your comments, but comparing it to The Little House sold me completely.

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    1. I can't wait to see what you think, Cheriee. Hope you enjoy it!

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  6. The Digger and the Flower is going on our TBR list - we just loved your description!

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  7. The Book About Nothing sounds like a kid appealing read!

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    1. I think it's very clever, Lisa. Hope you like it, too!

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  8. The Digger and the Flower looks amazingly beautiful!
    And I enjoyed Crawly School also :)

    Happy reading this week!

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    1. Thanks, Kellee, yes, both are good ones to have for a variety of reasons!

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  9. Great looking picture books. I enjoy a loud story too, but I am scared of what my kindergarten teacher will do to me if I read one in the library. I will save that for the classes that come right at the end of the day.
    I am a big fan of Scythe, but its a heavy read so it needs to be at the right time.

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    1. You're quite thoughtful in those readaloud choices! Yes, end of the day is probably best! Scythe brings so much to consider, touches on a few actions happening now, makes me wonder how students are feeling about it? Thanks, Aaron!

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  10. I loved The Digger and the Flower. I think it's wonderful to share books that encourage good stewardship of our environment. Have a wonderful week!

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    1. I agree, glad that you liked this book, too, Jana. Wishing you a great week, too!

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  11. I have both Scythe and Thunderhead, but still waiting for the third book to come out before I begin tackling the entire series! :) I have yet to find The digger and the flower - lovelovelove picturebooks with an existential theme.

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    1. I have some other books that I need to read, yet I think I might want Thunderhead right away! Hope you will find The Digger and The Flower soon, Myra. Thanks!

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  12. I will have to find Neither :)
    Scythe is coming up in my TBR. I think it's my July mustread book!

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  13. I just loved Neither and the kids did too! The Digger and the Flower was also a favorite. The Book About Nothing seems a fun read!

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