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.

I LOVE This Quote.....

“You may have tangible wealth untold; Caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be— I had a mother who read to me.” (Strickland W. Gillilan, The Reading Mother.)

I just read an article about Piggie and Elephant books on the Mommy and Me blog and found this quote...I love it!

Perfect quote for today as I was one proud mommy last night!!! Carson "read" me the entire book Shoe La La by Karen Beaumont. This is not a short book and she pretty much "read" it to me word for word. Now...of course I know my 2 year old is not looking at the words and sounding them out but I was so proud that she listened when I read it, paid attention, and used the pictures on the pages for clues. She even read with my same expressions. Carson is on her way to reading and I am so so so proud! (We made such a big deal about it too....laughing, yelling out, clapping...I can't wait to see what she will read me tonight!)

Life-Size Farm

Life Size is back...and this time we go to the farm! These are some of the most popular books in the library. I do not think I ever put one on the shelf this entire year....they were simply snatched up by the kids. Now there is a new farm book and I know it will be an instant hit! Students will get a chance to get close to a cow, chicken, donkey, pig, turkey, duck, goat, and more!

With more than 200,000 copies in print and Parents' Choice Gold Awards for each of its first three titles (Life-Size Zoo, More Life-Size Zoo, and Life-Size Aquarium) the Life-Size series moves to the barnyard to get readers closer than ever before to 19 of their favorite animals.

With informative facts and fun illustrations accompanying the superlative photographs that depict the animals at features in their actual life size (or at least as much of it that fits on the page!), Life-Size Farm brings readers eye to eye with an alpaca, chicken, dairy cow, donkey, duck, ferret, goose, horse, llama, pig, pony, goat, rabbit, sheep, turkey, and more!

Show Me a Story: Why Picture Books Matter: Conversations with 21 of the World's Most Celebrated Illustrators

A must read for me this summer!!!! Not a book for children but rather a book for teachers and parents to read about why reading is so important! And of course I was drawn to that crazy Pigeon on the cover!!

Max and Mickey; Miss Nelson; Pack, Quack, and Mrs. Mallard; Pigeon; Sylvester; John Henry; and a very hungry caterpillar — these are just a few of the beloved picture book characters discussed in Show Me a Story. Renowned children’s literature authority Leonard S. Marcus speaks with their creators and others — twenty-one of the world’s most celebrated authors and illustrators
— and asks about their childhood, their inspiration, their determination, their mentors, their creative choices, and more. Why do children love and need picture books so much? Recasting and greatly expanding on a volume published in 2002 as Ways of Telling, Leonard S. Marcus confirms that picture books matter because they make a difference in our children’s lives.

Christmas in June???

Ok, I just love Christmas books...especially with some of our favorite book characters. Be on the look out for these holiday books- most of them coming out in September. They will be popular in the library and perfect for Christmas gifts for your little ones...especially Pete the Cat! I can't wait to hear what song goes along with that book!!!!

Also be on the look out for Scaredy Squirrel Christmas! Cover not available yet.

Seasons Readings!!!

Faster Faster

My daughter will LOVE this book! A sort of sequel to Higher Higher...Carson's favorite book when she was 18 months old. Better for toddlers. I would not order for school. Words simply say- Faster Faster on each page. But Carson likes to think she is reading the whole book- which is great for her age!

Hang on tight for more comic joy in this companion to the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor winner Higher! Higher!

A day at the park. A ride on Daddy's back. Run, Daddy! Faster! Faster! How fast can Daddy go? Faster than a dog? A horse? How about a cheetah? Must his feet even touch the ground? Leslie Patricelli reprises the duo from Higher! Higher! in another humorous riff on a favorite pastime — a laugh-out-loud-funny tale of few words about doting dads and high-energy kids whose imaginations know no bounds.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid 7- Nov. 13

I will have to plan a party in the library for November 13....the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid is coming!
My kids love to guess the color of the next books but no one had ever guessed brown. (We were all thinking black or lime green.) The Third Wheel is sure to be an instant hit...so I am going to pre-order my copy right now!

Love is in the air -- but what does that mean for Greg Heffley? Find out in Jeff Kinney's seventh ''Diary of a Wimpy Kid'' entry, sure to be on every young reader's list this fall!



There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books

This is the perfect back to school book! The kids in my library just LOVE all of the "There Was An Old Lady" books and this is a fun school edition!

There was an old lady who's ready for school!

That lovely old lady has returned just in time for the first day of school. Now she's swallowing items to make the very best of her first day back. And just in time for the bus...

It's Summer Again.....I'm Back!

Let the summer reading begin! I am very excited for this summer as Carson is almost 3 years old and we are involved in Mommy and Me gymnastics and she is going to take ballet and tap lessons. You will also find us at the beach and pool this summer...with a stack of good books. I will let you know what we are reading and what we come across!

Seasons Readings :)