Reflecting on a Year of Reading

I thought I might do an end-of-year list for a minute. Then I realized it would be almost impossible for me to do so. I would leave something out, or not have enough time to write about each one.

I also thought about how I still have many 2016 books I still want to read -- and that every time I see one of these mentioned somewhere, I think to myself: "I have to get a copy of this book!"

I will end the year with books unread. I will just have to make peace with that.

But as I reflect on my reading this year (something I always like to do on December 31st),  I find some solace -- perhaps because I am thinking about these books in particular. As far as my 2016 reading goes, they are just a tip of the iceberg. But each possesses a quality that brings me back, rereading parts here and there, and never getting tired of doing that. So, here we go:

A CHILD OF BOOKS by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston

If I had to pick one picture book that would represent my love of reading, it would be this one! I love the red Jeffers uses here -- it's so rich and reminiscent of a thick volume one might find in an old library. I really felt as if I took a journey as I read this one. And do yourself a favor and buy a copy (after you read it at your local library) because you will want to peel off the dust jacket and see its case cover! And those endpapers! I could talk about those for awhile. 

THE POET'S DOG by Patricia McLachlan

This one gives me yet another reason to greatly admire and thank author Patricia MacLachlan. (Although I can never thank her enough for writing Sarah, Plain and Tall.) Wrapped up in a story about a dog and two children lost in a snowstorm, we get a wonderful gift: a deeper understanding of what poetry can mean in our lives. This one's short, but memorable. Do you recognize the lovely art of Kenard Pak? He also illustrated Have You Heard the Nesting Bird? and Flowers are Calling. 

SALT TO THE SEA by Ruta Sepetys 

One of the YA books I kept recommending this year -- A World War II novel about four people, each with their  own compelling story. They connect eventually, and how that happens is what makes this one particularly brilliant. I really lost myself in this book, so if you want something that will make you forget about the day, this one is it. 

I found so many reasons to keep reading and rereading this one! Of course I love Charlotte's Web, and Melissa Sweet's work is always a must-read. E.B. White's story is fascinating -- how he came to write Charlotte's Web and his life before and after the book. I especially loved seeing copies of White's manuscript with its notes, and of course, the photographs. But the way Melissa Sweet can take a story and illustrate it so creatively? Well, that is always magical! I can literally open up to ANY page and get something entirely new out of it in each reread. 

 THE WILD ROBOT by Peter Brown

This one doesn't fit in to a peg or an easily defined box. A box of robots washes up on the shore of an island, and one of them makes it out and tries to adapt to her surroundings -- and if that isn't unique enough, this robot begins to care for a little gosling! Yes, that's the story and it is also Peter Brown's first middle grade novel. The plot made me turn the page and not want to stop reading, and Brown's illustrations always added a tenderness to the story. When I think of it, I also always (curiously or not) think of Pax and Raymie  Nightingale -- two other powerhouse middle grades.

This is a short list because even though it is New Year's Eve, I am still reflecting on my year of reading. (And I am still reading!) There were many lovely and powerful books this year for me. Come back to my blog again this week. I will share more of them!

Winter Break Reading

I have been on Winter Break for three days, and I've settled in quite nicely. Of course, what I especially appreciate about the break is the extended reading time.

I have many books I want to read, so I usually have to double up and read two (novels) at any given time. I can usually do a stack of picture books in an afternoon, but if they are really standouts, I tend to reread them and pour over them for a very long time. In truth, with picture books I find particularly engaging, I am never ever quite done with them.

One of the picture books I read prior to my break (that I am rereading now) is A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards:

I don't knit at all, but I know people who do! If you have some knitters in your life, they must read this book! In fact, share the book with non-knitters as well. The main character, Sophia, admires her neighbor for Mrs. Goldman in the way she knits hats for all who need one. But when Mrs. Goldman herself needs a hat, Sophia attempts to make her one -- and has a lot of trouble doing so.  I love how Sophia pushed through and found the solution that utilized her own strength and uniqueness! I found this story to be a lovely one (note the perfectly suited pastel palette) filled with the lessons of perseverance and service to others. Check the endpapers on this one! They are a delight! 

I also read an upcoming 2017 novel by author Ruth Behar. Lucky Broken Girl (Nancy Paulsen Books) is a very moving and riveting narrative written in a compelling voice. It's the story of a girl's experience through tragedy, and I couldn't put it down. I try not to read next year's books too early, but the cover drew me in, and I couldn't resist it anymore!

This week, we observed the special 73rd anniversary of the publication of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol. So it was particularly fitting that -- by sheer randomness and not be design -- I reread the Magic Treehouse installment (#44) in which Jack and Annie go back in time to help Mr. Dickens. My time with this book helped me appreciate the other story so much more. 

And I FINALLY had the chance to read the latest Mo Willems book Nanette's Baguette (Hyperion, 2016). I have only read it twice, but truly enjoyed the silliness and rhyming of the name Nanette. I haven't even begun to fully appreciate its design, but during winter break, I plan to do just that. 

Samurai Rising (Charlesbridge, 2016) by Pamela S. Turner is my current read. It's Young Adult nonfiction, and a very intriguing book so far. I've traveled into the world of samurai and warriors! When I first started reading it, it felt like fiction. The storytelling is quite intense and powerful. I'm reading this one on e-book.

I'll be posting more during my break about my reading, although I am not quite sure what I will read next. I will have fun figuring it out, though! And one of the very best parts of winter break reading is that there is no worry about an alarm clock. I can happily read late into the night!

If you have a winter/holiday break, I hope you can enjoy a book or two as well!

Books in My Holiday Book Basket: Part 1

One of the very best parts of the holidays is pulling out all of those favorite decorations. I have a vintage Santa that I purchased over fifteen years ago, and when I free it from its bubble wrap, I get as happy as I did when I first saw it in the store all those years ago.

I feel the exact same way about my holiday books! 

Every year, right after I decorate my fireplace mantel, I also bring out a basket that I fill with my stack of holiday books. I really don't have as many as I'd like,  so I try to buy a few every year.

I have read the stories in this books over and over again, but when I open them for the first time in the holiday season, it is like they are brand new first reads. I cannot explain why.

Here are just a few of the books in my holiday basket: 

Agee, Jon. Little Santa.  New York: Penguin Book, 2013. Print. 

Wonderful story about Santa as a child and how he reacts when his family declares they will all move to Florida. Isn't that a fabulous cover? 

Desjardins, India. Marguerite's Christmas. Illus. by Pascal Blanchet. Brooklyn, NY: Enchanted Lion, 2015. Print. 

A picture book perhaps geared for adults more than children, this one is a very thought-provoking story about a woman who wants to spend Christmas alone. It is a standout in design, and I still think about the story -- which is entirely unexpected and unusual. I especially loved the illustrations reminding me of vintage holiday ornaments and Christmases long passed.

Barton, Chris. The Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-Loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2015. Print. 

How did the famous Nutcracker productions in the United States come to be? Read about how it all began in this solid, interesting work of nonfiction from Chris Barton. Very popular in my library -- especially with young dancers performing in local productions of The Nutcracker. 

Moore, Clement C. The Night Before Christmas. Illus. by Roger Duvoisin. New York: Knopf, 2014. 

It's the classic poem by Clement C. Moore, except this one is illustrated by one of my favorite illustrators, Roger Duvoisin. Duvoisin was a Swiss author/illustrator of children's books, and the winner of the 1948 Caldecott Medal for White Snow, Bright Snow. Note the tall orientation of the book resembling a chimney. 

Raczka, Bob. Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole. Illus. by Chuck Groenink. Minneapolis, MN: Lerner, 2014. Print. 

One MUST have poetry around the holidays! This picture book contains works of haiku written by  Santa himself! We hear it all straight from Santa -- and the illustrations are lovely! 

These aren't all of the books in my holiday basket! I will share more soon! 

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading! 

WHEN GREEN BECOMES TOMATOES by Julie Fogliano

I recently shared this poetry book in my library with fourth grade classes, and even though I had read it months ago and appreciated it, I never actually got around to blogging about it. I decided to fix that today.

Fogliano, Julie. When Green Becomes Tomatoes: Poems for All Seasons. Illus. by Julie Morstad. New York: Roaring Brook, 2016. Print. 

I read this book aloud on a rainy day, long planned on my calendar.  And though I wish I could say that was intentional, it wasn't. (Sometimes, perfect things work out perfectly!) Why was this a fitting selection as a read-aloud on this particular rainy day? Well, the poems are about the seasons-- and the wonderfully delightful things that happen because of the changing weather and advancing of the months.

So that was my entry point with classes. "Who had trouble getting to school today? Who had to go back inside and grab an umbrella? Who got wet coming entering the building?"All of these were valid questions related to: How does weather affect our day?

And then I introduced this book, showed readers the wraparound cover, and gave my book talk. I read the "november 20" poem because it was closest to the date, and it WAS about showers.

And I had everyone's attention.

When Green Becomes Tomatoes (Roaring Brook, 2016) is a collection of poems centered around the calendar, organized by date, beginning with Spring. (NOT a poem-per-day, but instead the perfect amount per month, each telling a story.) The free verse poems (in singles or groups of three) float on glorious, sweet pages of gouache and pencil crayon illustrations by Julie Morstad. Feasting your eyes on the art is like witnessing little perfect outdoor moments and capturing them in your memory. Reading the poems aloud is like listening to a friend make sweet observations about the weather, and thinking that friend is so very wise.

The poems give natural scenes a sense of human-likeness: we hear about a sky "too busy sulking about the rain" ("april 3"), and how an ocean can bring "treasures to the shore" (august 5).

The poems are poignant verses of advice and noticings, lived out by a young and keen observer of nature.

The poems speak things many of us think to ourselves as a new season approaches as in ("september 2"). Some will make readers think of their relationship to nature and our surroundings, as in "august 3".

And the book as a whole will make a reader see seasons in a new and completely wonderful way.

The poem "january 30" voices my own love for cold weather -- perfectly.

A few other delightful things to notice about the book as a whole:

The endpapers are red! (See the title of the book.)
Pull the dust jacket and see that the case is green! (Again, see the title of the book!)

And some of the illustrations filled the pages -- a spread -- while some are surrounded in white space.

And some of the verses are placed gently on hillsides, or slopes, making the reader feel as if they are resting on the grass, observing it all, too. Some lay flat on ground, and you are taking the walk, too. Some appear outside the window, and some rise into the sky, leading our eyes there.

I will probably read it several more times today. And into the year, checking each season and noticing, too.

Read more about Julie Fogliano's work here. See And It's Spring (Macmillan, 2012) and If You Want to See a Whale (Macmillan, 2013).

Also see Swan (Chronicle, 2015) by Laurel Snyder, illustrated by Julie Morstad.

BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY: A New Appreciation

Sweet, Melissa. (2011). Balloons Over Broadway. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin. 

I first read Balloons Over Broadway (Houghton Mifflin, 2011) as a fourth grade teacher (before I became a librarian). I can still remember sitting in front of my class and opening the book as I shared it for the first time. 

This nonfiction picture book makes perfect sense as a read-aloud around Thanksgiving (the subject of the book, Tony Sarg, designed the first Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons). I am not the first to immediately think of this book when November rolls around. 

Last week, I brought this book out once again. And as I turned the pages to familiarize myself with the book once more,  I realized quickly that it almost wasn't the same as I remembered. Balloons Over Broadway seemed richer than I imagined. I wondered why this was. 

And then I knew. 

I was looking at this book with a different set of eyes. I was a librarian now.  After years of learning about the wonder, design, and brilliance of picture books -- I notice the details - perhaps not all of them, yet, but more than before. 

As always, the cover caught my eye first: I've since learned (from Megan Dowd Lambert) that the cover is known as "wraparound art". Open the book all the way, turn it over, and glance slowly from left to right. (The entire cover is better appreciated this way!) Even further, I noticed that the reader is given a partial underside view of the balloons, mimicking the view of a parade-goer looking upward-- authentic and tying into the real-life experience. (Before I read this book aloud, I always ask readers if they have ever seen a parade.) Next, notice also how Tony Sarg is pulling the books towards the opening of the book, inviting us to hear his story-- inviting us to open the book! 

The front endpapers reveal biographical facts about Sarg right away, with the opening of a another book about the puppeteer (details in the backmatter). And mixed in with this book are fabric scraps, letting the reader know that in this book as Melissa Sweet's creativity is paired right along with Sarg's. 

The title and copyright page should be appreciated as well: Sweet has set up a display box, filled with curious and charming objects that let the reader know the entire book will be like this: inviting, imaginative, and playful. How was this page set up? How can we do the same? (After reading it, I wanted to make my own puppets, too!)

And when we turn the page,  Sarg appears in photo form, letting readers know this book is indeed nonfiction. The placement of Sarg's quote on the opposite page, paired with this friendly-smiling puppeteer, is like a friendly introduction to Sarg -- as if we are entering his studio on a tour, and he is about to tell us about his work. 

Notice how I've spent the above four paragraphs writing solely about the cover, endpapers, and copyright page! I haven't even reached the rest of the book! 

I have so much more to say about the delightful Sweet-style and perfect illustrations -- but this post would be too long.  If I continued to write here, I would tell you about the sketches that layout Sarg's plans, or the bold, standout typography, emphasizing important points. I would tell you about Sarg's "what if" questions and think-alouds, giving readers a glimpse into the problem-solving and creative thinking of this artist and puppeteer. (This year, I know librarians with makerspaces -- like me -- found yet another way to connect with this book.) 

And if I continued to write, I would tell you about how perfectly perfect it is that Melissa Sweet is the author telling this story -- one artist introducing us to another. Sweet and Sarg both defer to each other, though one isn't physically present. 

I would tell you that this entire book involves exploration and deserves every accolade it received. 

And, so, I reach my main thought about Balloons Over Broadway -- one that initially brought me to this post:

One can appreciate a beloved book in different ways at different times. 

I was able to see so much more into this book after having read so many books in between, having heard Melissa Sweet speak at various conferences, knowing more about Sibert Medal winners, paying close attention to other books, and asking myself questions about picture book design. 

What will I see next when I read this book again? I am not entirely sure, but I am eager to find out. 

Read more about Melissa Sweet's work here! 

And if you celebrate it, have the loveliest Thanksgiving holiday! 

Texas Book Festival

Over the weekend, I attended the Texas Book Festival -- which is where you might expect to find a librarian or two -- or more! Although it was a rainy morning, the book excitement was unhampered. 

I wanted to take a minute here to tell about the session I enjoyed the most -- a panel of picture book illustrators moderated by Austin Kleon (author of Show Your Work and Steal Like an Artist). 

Panelists included:

Brendan Wenzel, author/illustrator of They All Saw a Cat (Chronicle, 2016),

Lauren Castillo, illustrator of It is Not Time for Sleeping (Clarion Books, 2016),

Carson Ellis, author/illustrator of Du Iz Tak? (Candlewick, 2016)

and Michael Hall, author/illustrator of Wonderfall (HarperCollins, 2016).  

The panelists talked about their materials and process, and Kleon kept the conversation flowing smoothly by connecting one response to another, even giving the session its own hashtag: #tbfprocess. For anyone interested in illustrations or picture books, it was an hour well-spent. As for me, I had never heard any of these illustrators present before, so I definitely considered this a treat. 

I've been studying picture books with more intent lately, so this session came at the perfect time. After I left, I promised myself I'd reread each of these books when I returned home. 

I hope to return to the Texas Book Festival next year! 

Blog Tour: Waiting for Snow by Marsha Arnold

Today is Halloween. The weather where I am is still in the 80s. Thoughts of winter are distant --though some store displays say otherwise.

But now there is WAITING FOR SNOW (HMH Kids, 2016)-- a picture book that may be able to take me to a winter wonderland after all.

I'm featuring Marsha Arnold's latest picture book on my blog today. 

Badger has been hard at work using charts and reasoning to figure out why it hasn't snowed yet. Hedgehog reassures him that snow will come, but, unconvinced, Badger takes matters into his own hands, trying everything from creating noises, throwing pebbles, and dancing to cause snowflakes to fall. Badger's friends Rabbit, Vole and Possum join in, but none of these efforts prove successful. Hedgehog continues to remind Badger of an inevitable snowfall, but joins in with the other animals in trying to fool Badger anyway with a faux snow sugar storm. When snow finally comes, the event itself isn't the main story; the highlight instead is the delightful friendship of these furry creatures, and the lengths they go to help one another. 

Interior image from WAITING FOR SNOW
Image courtesy of Marsha Arnold 

Children must wait for so many things (birthdays, holidays, summer, etc.) Readers will identify with Badger easily, not only in the waiting, but also in the comfort and companionship only steady friends provide.  As with Badger, friends bear with us through our struggles and frets, but because of their loyalty, indulge us and make anxious moments pass. 

Two other features of this book I noted: bite-size text presented in manageable paired or single lines (nestled unobtrusively within Liwska's comforting illustrations) as well as the trim size of the book (perfect width and height for a young reader to hold - big like a picture book, but smaller too like a book for older readers). 

Liwska's pencil-drawn illustrations use an appropriate wintery color palette of muted blue and cottony white, and Badger, Hedgehog, Vole, Possum, and Rabbit appear soft enough to hug. On the cover, the five animals look up expectantly at the sky, waiting for snowflakes, but also invite the reader kindly into the book. Tender details throughout the story add a layer of happiness, such as Vole licking the sugar spoon surreptitiously, or his napping during Hedgehog's engaging science lesson. 

One other very clever detail to notice is the design and placement of the bar code on the back cover. (Lately I have been looking at barcodes on picture books, especially after discussing them with our second graders last week during library time.) The barcode for Waiting for Snow is placed within a television screen broadcasting a weather report! 

As I think about this book, I think of the following questions to discuss with readers: 

What do you do while you are waiting for something to happen? 

What type of weather is your favorite? 

Waiting for Snow is perfect for a bedtime read-aloud (any season) and a lovely addition to a winter picture book reading list. 

To read more about Marsha Arnold's work visit her website here. 

Marsha Arnold
Image courtesy of Marsha Arnold 

To read more about Renata Liwska's work, her website here. 

Waiting for Snow's official publication date is Tuesday, November 1st, 2016. Tomorrow! 

What About a Book Display?

Do you enjoy book displays? I do! I love thinking them up and wondering how others will react to them. 

I was reading online somewhere that a librarian was creating a Charlotte's Web display. I thought it was a fabulous idea! So I asked one of my wonderful parent volunteers to pull spider-themed books for me (fiction and nonfiction). She created this amazing display that I will leave all the way up throughout October. 

Since it's gone up, I have had the best discussion with staff and students both about Charlotte's Web AND spiders. Coincidentally, several of our classes are using this as a read-aloud. 

I think you can tie in several genres of books together if you find one unifying theme. Once a reader loves one book, they might consider reading another if we can find way to connect it. Thinking about these possibilities for books is something I really enjoy doing! 

Although I really don't have enough space for every display in the world, I try to make good use of what I do have available.

Another good thing about book displays is that they help readers make decisions. I've seen many this past week browsing endlessly past shelves, putting down book after book --- but then walk by a display, stop, and pick one of the books for checkout. 

I know we use book talks, book trailers, and QR Codes and other tools to help us pass on good books to readers, but I won't forget the power of a simple book display to create wonder AND recommend books. 

JOURNEY by Emma Bland Smith

The cover of a picture book has enormous power. It can drawn in a reader like a magnet. 

And the cover of Journey (Sasquatch Books, 2016) by Emma Bland Smith, (illustrated by Robin James) does just that. I could imagine being on the snow-covered field with this wolf in front of me and feeling an enormous sense of awe - and fear! 

Based on a true story, Journey (a picture book) celebrated its book birthday on Oct. 11, 2016. Today, I am happy to feature my interview with author Emma Bland Smith. (My questions are in red, and the author's are in black.) P.S. Ms. Smith is also a librarian! 

How did you come to write this book? 

Back in 2012, I’d started reading newspaper articles about this rogue wolf who’d made history by crossing the border from Oregon into California and becoming the first wolf back here since 1924. He traveled almost 2000 miles, and did not encounter any other wolves (as far as we know) for about two and a half years. He did hang out with coyotes for a while, which is pretty crazy, too. We know all this because he was one of a few dozen Oregon-born wolves (there are many more now) that wore radio collars, allowing biologists to track him. Biologists figured he was looking for a mate, but it was very unusual for wolves to travel so far from home. I thought this melancholy love story had the makings of a good book to begin with, and when I learned that he had finally settled down and had a litter of pups, the happy ending was in place. The fact that some people were unhappy about his presence, and that his very life was in danger, raised the stakes and made it an even more compelling story. Then I read about the naming contest, how children had played a role in making him safe, and that clinched it. This had to become a picture book!

How did you decide to include Abby's story? 

A group called Oregon Wild sponsored a naming contest, asking kids to send in possible names for this wolf, OR7. Their goal was to draw attention to the wolf in the hopes of making him “too famous to kill” (a phrase that quickly became associated with OR7). Two children in different states sent in the name Journey. I knew this would be a big part of my book: Kids can better relate to big subjects when viewed through a child’s eyes. So I took the two kids and turned them into Abby, a fictitious character. Abby follows the wolf’s progress on the internet and through other media sources, and the reader learns about Journey, and empathizes with him, through Abby.

How did your work as a librarian influence the writing of this book? 

Although I am a reader of fiction, as a librarian, I see a lot of kids who are super interested in nonfiction. Many of these kids will happily devour a Guinness Book of World Records, or check out the whole section on cats, and those books are important. But I also really like to see nonfiction subjects given a more creative treatment, and I was excited to be able to use lyrical language and fiction techniques to write about a real-life topic that would stimulate kids’ curiosity about the world. Another trend I’m a big fan of is picture books for older readers—and this is one of those, I think (although younger kids can appreciate it, too). I absolutely adore reading picture books to fourth and fifth graders. Don’t neglect the big kids! They deserve great art, too!

Can you tell about the back matter you included in the book? I especially appreciated the timeline. 

The back matter is great, because we were able to include all the fascinating info about Journey that we couldn’t fit into the text of the story. There’s so much to learn and be inspired by here, something for everyone! There’s history—the extermination of gray wolves in America, the Endangered Species Act, the resurgence of the gray wolf. There’s geography—the way the wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone, then worked their way, over the next few decades, to Idaho, Oregon, and now California. There are photos of the real wolf OR7 and his pups (so cute!). I’m really glad you liked the timeline, too. It helps to put in perspective how long it’s been since wolves lived here, how long Journey was on the move, and also how closely biologists were able to track him thanks to his radio collar. I would love to hear of kids writing reports using the back matter!

What type of library did/do you work in? 

I work in the San Francisco Public Library system. I’m a roving sub, which means I work at a different branch every day, with different populations. No matter the branch, my favorite shifts are at the children’s desk, because I like nothing better than helping kids find the next good book to read. I also get to do story times, which is always exhilarating! The first thing I do when I get to a new site is check out the New Books shelf and read through all the picture books.

And can you complete this sentence? 

Libraries are a place where everyone is up to good! 

Thank you, Emma Bland Smith, for sharing on my blog today! 

To learn more about Smith's work, visit her website here. 

Two Middle Grade Reads

I'm sharing two middle grades today! 

(Note the appealing covers on both titles. They draw readers in!) 

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O'Connor was one of my favorite read-alouds as a classroom teacher. As I look back on what I enjoyed about this book, I realize the qualities are similar in O'Connor's latest Wish (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2016).

Charlie is the main character, and her family life is less than ideal, so she is sent to live with an aunt and uncle she doesn't know. As she begins to life this new life, she notices an intriguing stray dog -- and vows to find and keep her. Tenderly and smartly written, Wish is a middle grade story about the importance of home-- no matter where we may find it. 

Love That Dog and Hate That Cat were also two highly circulated titles in my classroom -- especially when we wrote poetry. These novels in verse are two of my go-to titles. 

And now Creech's latest book Moo (HarperChildren's, 2016), becomes another title to add to this list. In this book, the main character Reena and her family have moved to Maine, encountering a very different type of life. An interesting neighbor named Mrs. Falala (who owns a cow named Zora) adds mystery to the story, and their connection plays a part in Reena's adjustment to her new home. Moo  shows us how a change of scenery changes everything - and how the people around us each have their own rich stories to tell. 

I highly recommend both books. And as I write about them here,  I know I will be rereading these for years to come. 

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by Kate Beasley

I'm really drawn to a book by its cover.

And when I first saw the cover of Gertie's Leap to Greatness (illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Jillian Tamaki), I knew I would be reading this book.

Image courtesy of Macmillan Kids

The color palette makes the book feel like a trek into the past -- reminiscent of any Beverly Cleary book.   There's a comfort promised from the beginning.

And Gertie takes over from there. In the beginning scene, she rescues a bullfrog with a kitchen tool - on a mission to have the best summer speech on the first day of school.  This opening lets readers see just what Gertie is about: determination, spunk, and a kind of surprising originality that we look for in the people around us.

The main character of of this middle grade work of realistic fiction, Gertie is starting her fifth grade year. She lives with her Aunt Rae while her father is away working on oil rigs. Gertie's mother left their family, and this fuels Gertie's drive to excel, outshine, and compete -- in every way possible in the fifth grade.

The plot moves forward in Gertie's pace -- steady and fast. Beasley's writing is the soundtrack for Gertie's movements, actions, and thoughts. We move forward with her, watching her survive, endure, and rise above all of the daily ups and downs of a fifth grader. But complicating things is the fact that Gertie's mother still lives in their town --- though she is planning on moving and starting a new life with a new family.

This need to show her mother what she's missed out on -- is what motivates Gertie to do what she does.

I admired Gertie's focus. And it makes me think of children who --- despite challenges and setbacks and less than perfect home lives -- continue to go on and strive and do --

Gertie's Leap to Greatness is a rich novel -- skillfully paced, smartly unfolding. And Gertie is that character that we won't forget -- that character that we will see and recognize in those who are themselves -- with joy and resolution.

Gertie's Leap to Greatness by debut author Kate Beasley is set for release on October 4, 2016 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (imprint of Macmillan).

Author Kate Beasley 

Photo courtesy of Macmillan Kids 

Busy Weeks, A Few Books

Beginning-of-the-year and Book Fair have kept me fairly busy lately, so blogging has been last on my priority list. But I have missed it very much. I miss the reflection and the feeling of accomplishment that blogging provides. So with this post I hope to get back in the routine.

I'll start by posting some titles I've been reading lately -- no reviews, just my thoughts:

Middle grade:

Did you love Holms' TURTLE IN PARADISE as much as I did? If so, then you must read FULL OF BEANS which takes us back to this world and introduces us to Turtle's cousin Beans. 

I read this one on a return flight, and was completely swept away in this touching story of a girl and a dog both looking for a home -- both needing one another. Grab your box of tissues before reading! 

Two things attracted me to this title: the fact that Gordon Korman wrote it and the cover. In this book, a boy obsessed with video games goes too far in his singular focus on playing his favorite game and he must cope with the consequences. Great storyline filled with unexpected events! 

I always enjoy reading Byron Barton's picture books -- I love their simplicity, vividness and use of scale. This one is a bilingual book and has a funny twist at the end. 

Recently I tried a new recipe for the second time. It still wasn't great-tasting. But because I read The Cranky Ballerina, I realize that this is okay. I am a better reader than I am a cook. This one's about finding your passion and how when we are doing what we love, we are truly happier.



In my library, I am getting back to my regular schedule after book fair wrapped up last week. This week I will review book care, procedures, and talk about finding books that are "just right" for independent reading. I also plan to get library centers and Makerspace started.

What books are you reading and what are you focusing on in your library?

The Haunting of Falcon House by Eugene Yelchin

Although I do enjoy a variety of genres, I am not as quick to pick up a thriller-- unless, that is,  I know the work of the author.  

I recall Jonathan Auxier's The Night Gardener and Kenneth Oppel's The Nest. Both made me hang on every word (and jump a little). Both were very well-written. But I knew Auxier's work as well as Oppel's so I was willing to push past fear to enjoy the story.

That is the case with The Haunting of Falcon House (Henry Holt/Macmillan, 2016). I know the work of Eugene Yelchin: Breaking Stalin's Nose (Newbery Honor Medal 2012) and Arcady's Goal. Both of these books engaged my imagination and attention, and I would reread both today. Happily. 

The cover drew me in first. The deep red background and gilded font evoke images of royalty -- daunting castles with thick velvet curtains, opulent crowns and gowns, and all that accompanies being a king, queen, or, in this case, Prince Lev, the royal figure in the center of the story. With his eyes turned to see something out of the corner of his eyes, and his and the dark hands reaching up behind him, readers are compelled to open the book and turn to the first page. 

Yelchin begins the story with background: an author's note with a tale from his childhood. The inspiration for the book came from drawings he found as a boy and kept until he was an adult. Yeltsin found the drawings in St. Petersburg, drawn by Prince Lev-- who Yelchin made the main character of the book. The sketches are interspersed throughout the pages, helping carry the narrative Yelchin so eloquently pens. Readers will stare at the pages in hopes of understanding them, wanting answers, and turning to Yelchin to answer them within the story. 

The Haunting of Falcon House is both mystery and coming-of-age novel. Prince Lev has been sent to Falcon House to assume his place as patriarch of the family lineage. But he is greeted with gloominess and uncertainty, and despite his dreams of taking over the bloodline and assuming his place, he must first understand exactly what is happening in Falcon House. There will be many questions, but Yelchin's narrative gives readers a reason to wait for answers. 

At the end of the story, Yelchin provides an afterword, and more notes/references.

Read more about Yelchin's books for children here.

SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Today is the first day of school for me, and for many other educators and students all over the country. So I thought this would be the perfect day to write about this picture book! 

Rex, Adam. School's First Day of School. Illus. by Christian Robinson. New York: Roaring Brook, 2016. Print. 

You'll know author Adam Rex from FRANKENSTEIN TAKES THE CAKE and COLD CEREAL. 

If you read LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET or LEO: A GHOST STORY, you will recognize the artwork of Caldecott Honor Winner Christian Robinson.

I have read this book several times, and I am not done rereading it. In taking a look at it for this post, I appreciated it even more. 

Its charm starts with the cover. This is a little town I'd like to visit. Everyone gathers around the school, the bus is approaching, and families are excited. 

When you open to the title page, see how the story starts with the construction of the school. (But don't go too fast past those endpapers! Enjoy them!) We see only the shell, but it's taking shape. As author Adam Rex writes, it is being built "Brick upon brick". 

Upon its completion, readers see the front of the building, almost as if we are walking up to it on that first day ourselves. 

We get closer to the entry, and in this spot, readers hear the voice of the school for the first time. In this picture book, the school is the main character. Those of us who work in a school understand this. Our buildings have personality and feel like they are indeed full of life. 

We meet the Janitor, who dutifully wipes the windows and converses with the school. The school and the Janitor have a connection. The school is a child needing reassurance, and the Janitor, who spends so much time in the building, provides it.

We see the gym, wide and expansive. And a stage! 

And then the children arrive, on bikes, skateboards, in a bus, and by foot. Stare at this double page spread for awhile. There is so much to notice. 

We see children at playtime on the jungle gym. Here the children reveal the purpose of the equipment to the School. And isn't this so true about our own schools? The building comes to life with children as they use the space. 

Eventually there is discord on the playground, hurting School's feelings. And a reluctant student also causes School to be discouraged. But as the day progresses, there is remorse, joy, and laughter (see spilled milk in cafeteria). And a natural progression of a day. 

School learns shapes, and enjoys art class. And when the day is done, School debriefs with Janitor, telling him all about his day -- just like a child would, running home to tell Mom or Dad about everything. School reveals its hope and expectancy at the end. And a gratitude to be School. 

Reading this book made me more thoughtful about my own school. It comes to life with children. And has a personality to it. That's undeniable. 

I'll share this book with readers in my library during the first week of classes, and I wonder what connections they will make. I know they will be profound. 

This title will be added to the "Back-to-School" sections of libraries and bookstores, and to many, many lists heretofore -- but though it will be part of a group, SCHOOL'S FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL  stands out. 

There's more to this one. 

That's why I will probably reread it again tonight, after a great first day of school. 

Happy first day everyone! 

Back-to-School Prep (and a Few Books)

In the Library: 

Well, we're in mid-August and the year kicks into gear this coming week! Like many librarians, I am excited about seeing everyone again and playing a part in all of the awesome learning that will happen in our spaces! But I am also wondering how I will get everything done! This will require dedication (and TWO planners)! 

I accomplished a lot last week! I thought through what was coming up, and made lists about what needed to get done first. When is the best time to do something? What comes first? What is MOST important? Looking back, I figured it out for myself. Much of what I did was part of the important (and invisible) work that librarians do: mission statements, goal-setting, planning, etc. But I also fixed up my office space: it needed a bit of a touch-up decor-wise. Although I don't spend a lot of time here, having a quiet space that is nice to look at makes me happy! Also, the library is reasonably ready for teachers (and district visitors) next week. It's rather like having the entire family over for Sunday dinner for the first time! (Although I am not cooking actual food -- just great learning!) Some new posters and signs went up, although I have ordered a few more.) 

And, lastly, my bulletin boards are done (thanks to an AMAZING parent volunteer)! With guests coming into the building this week, this is important! (Also, it gives me a chance to showcase new books). 

This coming week I will get my schedule set up, talk with teachers, and map out campus and curriculum needs. The most important thing that will happen this week is that I will reconnect with everyone! I anticipate discussions about summers, families, and books! 

How will it all get done? I know it will take time, diligence, and focus. But motivating me forward is the sheer love of learning, books, libraries, and more importantly, my goal to support every learner in my school. 

On my bookshelf:

Recently I read: 

This is a middle grade fantasy with a storytelling quality that stands out -- complete with "witches", magic, moonlight, and love for family.  A nice witch named Xan rescues abandoned children and sends them to better lives --while feeding them starlight. But then comes baby Luna and everything changes. It's a fairy tale wrapped up in a story about a girl coming into her own. Devote several hours to it. The imagery is powerful! 

Marie Tharp loved maps as a child. She traveled a lot with her father, and this fed her passion for exploration. She pursued her dream of becoming a scientist, and then set on a goal to map the seafloor. Told in first person, this nonfiction picture book is engaging as well as informative, and it will no doubt inspire more research into the life of this amazing scientist!

JOURNEY and QUEST are the first two in this trilogy by Aaron Becker. How many times have I walked someone over to these books and seen their eyes light up when they look at the stunning illustrations? Countless. And how many times have I said "Wow!" when we read the wordless story together? Innumerable. RETURN (the last book in the trilogy) was released this week, and it will take readers to more joy and wonder. I can't wait to share it with readers. 

I highly recommend each of these three books! 

Thank you for reading my blog! And if you are a librarian or teacher, I wish you a fabulous year!