Frog on a Log- My New Fave

I love a good rhyming book and I have a new favorite. Frog on a Log is such a fun read aloud and the kids really enjoy it. After we read the book- we came up with different animals and different rhyming objects for them to sit on.

"It's very simple, really. Cats sit on mats, hares sit on chairs, mules sit on stools, gophers sit on sofas, and frogs sit on logs."

Each animal's designated seat rhymes with that animal's name. "It's not about being comfortable," explains the cat. "It's about doing the right thing."

This book reminds me of a Dr. Seuss book with the style of silly rhyming text! Sure to be a hit with kids. 

I'm Back!

I have not blogged for a long time but I want to start posting again. I would like to make this an open blog for my students to visit, as well as parents, to get ideas about great books! So let me catch up....

I was late reading The One and Only Ivan and I can't believe I waited so long to read what is now one of my favorite books of all time. This is the Newbery Award winning book about the Shopping Mall Gorilla Ivan. This book is based on the true story of the gorilla that lived in a cage in a shopping mall for 27 years. All he did was sit in the cage alone, watch tv, and paint. It was a lonely life for Ivan. The fiction book gives the animals character and heart as Ivan can talk to the elephant in the cage next to him and the dog Bob who sneaks in at night to sleep with Ivan. This is a story about friendship,  love, animal rights, and protecting the ones around you. I am in love with this story and Ivan! The author also made a picture book for younger students (a SC Award Nominee this year). Ivan also has his own website!

Big Nate Comes to CFE

We were lucky enough to have a visit from the Big Nate author Lincoln Peirce last week. It was such a nice visit and the students at my school were very excited!

 

The author said in his presentation that when he started making comics- he had adults in mind. So I purchased one of his comic books and read the entire book in one night. I LOVED it. I could not put it down. It was very appropriate for kids but I also loved it. I ordered another one on Amazon that night and it comes tomorrow. I can't wait :)

 

What do you think about the Big Nate books? Who is your favorite character? 

Lego Man in Space- A True Story

The cover of this book will attract reluctant readers but there is a very interesting story that goes along with it. This is the true story of the lego man that was sent into space by two students with a plan and an imagination. Not only will readers enjoy the story- they can also see video of the actual lego man in space on YouTube. The lego man even has his own Facebook page.
This is the 21st century Flat Stanley.

 

 

Actual Photo

With over 3 million views on YouTube and covered by almost every major news outlet in the world, the story of how two boys launched a Lego man 80,000 feet into space using a weather balloon, a homemade parachute, and a video camera is truly an inspirational story for all ages. Now you can follow along with the plucky little "Legonaut" as he explains just how he became the very first Lego Man in Space.
With bright, original illustrations and loads of fun space facts and activities, kids everywhere will go wild for this true tale of a Legonaut legend and his space adventure. A triumph of science and curiosity, this children’s book is the first and only book to tell the story of how Mathew Ho and Asad Muhammad accomplished this amazing feat.

How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow

A fun fall pumpkin story that takes you around the U.S. I like this book for a few reason...1. It makes a cute story for even younger children, 2. It has bold vocabulary words for you to tie in with perhaps a writing lesson (such as Immense, Astronomical, Stupendous), 3. and the pumpkins in this book take us to different monuments throughout the US and at the end there is a list of all of them with more information. This is a great book for a variety of ages in the library.

Every year, giant pumpkin contests take place at fairs across the country—the 2012 record-holder weighed over a ton! The latest craze is to carve the most enormous pumpkins into racing boats. But what’s next? Why not think really big? Award-winning artist Wendell Minor does just that as he imagines larger-than-life pumpkins decorating some of America’s favorite places—as immense as the Capitol dome, Mount Rushmore, the Brooklyn Bridge, even the Grand Canyon! This celebration of famous landmarks and landscapes plays with concepts of size and scale and is full of fun facts.

Black Rabbit

A Great New Book About Shadows....

This is a new book I just ordered for my library. I thought it would be a great book for Kindergarten to use when they learn about shadows.

Rabbit has a problem. There’s a large black rabbit chasing him. No matter where he runs — behind a tree, over the river — the shadowy rabbit follows. Finally in the deep, dark wood, Rabbit loses his nemesis — only to encounter a real foe! Kids who like to be in on the secret will revel in this humorous look at shadows and friendship, brought to light by a talented animator.

Coming Soon....

I love to wait for books like good movies! I will put them in my Amazon cart for months and I get so excited when the release date gets closer. Here are some good ones to add to your watch lists....

 

 

Pete and His Magic Sunglasses- Coming October 1st

 

I'm a Frog- Coming October 15th

 

 

 

Hard Luck- or as every child will refer to it- The Lime Green One- November 5th

Even I get excited when these come out...I love Wimpy Kid!

 

 

Every child I ever had in the library can tell you that I LOVE Pigeon books! This has already been pre-ordered even though it does not come until April 1st. (Fun Fact- did you know April 1st is the Pigeon's Birthday- He will be 11 next April) I see a Pigeon Party coming soon in my library!

 

 

All of the kids love Five Little Monkey books- and now a Halloween book!!!! A great book to go along with Click Clack Boo or the other Five Little Monkey Books. I will read this with Kindergarten and First Grade and this series will not sit on the library shelves for months. They also have some fun Five Little Monkey apps and ebooks on the iPad to go along with the stories. (I think Carson will love this one too!)

 

 

Five excited little monkeys dress up for Halloween. They are going trick-or-treating with their favorite babysitter, Lulu. “Ghost, princess, goblin, banana, and alien,” Mama reminds her. “Don’t lose the rascals!” But soon those mischievous monkeys meet other costumed friends and decide to try “the best Halloween trick ever!” Will Lulu be fooled? Or will those five little rascals get tricked by their own monkey business?  

I'm Back! Wow- It has been over a year since my last post. I have found alot of good books recently and I am excited about alot of books coming put soon. This inspired me to start my book blog again!

First on my Back to Blog list is Click, Clack, Boo! Not only do I love Doreen Cronin books but I just LOVE a good Halloween book. And this is going to be my favorite this October. It is hard to find a great Halloween read aloud but this one is perfect- and a great way to introduce the series.

 

Farmer Brown does not like Halloween. So he draws the shades, puts on his footy pajamas, and climbs into bed.

But do you think the barnyard animals have any respect for a man in footy pajamas? No, they do not. For them, the Halloween party has just begun. And we all know these critters far prefer tricks over treats.

There are big surprises in store for Farmer Brown!

 

A Carson Favorite

A new Eric Carle book that Carson just LOVES. (came out last year)
She loves to "read" this one to me and for a daughter who likes me to read her 7-8 books before bed...this is a good but quick read. "I paint a blue horse.....black polar bear.....a polka dotted donkey." Great colors book and fun story!!

Two Little Monkeys

I ordered this today for Carson on Amazon. She loves memorizing books and "reading" them to me. This is perfect since we just signed up for the library summer reading program today!
We just LOVE Mem Fox and this book is no exception....it is just fun to read. The flow reminds me of Where is the Green Sheep.

Irresistible rhythm, adorable monkeys and pitch-perfect rhyme make this a must-have for the preschool set. "Two little monkeys / playing near a tree, / one named Cheeky, / one named Chee." With the familiar rhythm of a nursery-school finger game, the text draws children into this story of two little monkeys. Playing among the high grasses and dirt, Cheeky and Chee are frightened by something prowling and take refuge in a nearby tree. Strong verbs like scramble, tremble, peep and leap are easy to decode and understand, allowing young readers to enjoy the pictures or act out the story along with these brave little monkeys.

Books to Vote For

Vote for Me! by Ben Clanton

Get your classroom libraries ready for the fall with election books. You may want to get an extra copy of Grace for President and Duck for President...as well as Vote for Me.

Vote for Me is a good book for elementary students learning about campaigns and elections.

A blue donkey and red elephant take up residence on either side of each spread and make their cases to the reader. They pander (“Yes, YOU with the great hair and that dazzling smile”), brag (“I’m a SUPER CUTE elephant”), bribe (“if you vote for ME, I’ll give you a sucker”), and inflate their connection to the voter (“I know your friend’s mother’s aunt’s gym teacher’s pastor’s duck-billed platypus. So, we’re practically FAMILY”). Eventually, they go negative and sling mud—literally—while a tiny mouse, seen scurrying in the corners, walks away with the election as an independent. Obviously adults are going to get a kick out of this, but the Mo Willems–like presentation, clever coloring (when the candidates make up, the background becomes purple), and universal anti-arguing message will tickle future politicos, too.