Recent Reads

Hello, readers!

I really enjoyed the books I am sharing with you here today! I have a picture book, an early reader, and a novel. It's a mini-buffet of books with a little something for everyone! 

Houghton Mifflin has a new imprint called Versify, founded by Newbery Winner Kwame Alexander. I received a few Versify books recently, and had to share this one. Vamos! Let's Go to the Market! is a sprawling, colorful picture book about a trip to the market. The characters are a wolf and a dog, and the journey,  though short, is filled with many interesting tidbits, people, scenes, objects, etc. It's worth many rereads, and I especially appreciate the Spanish used throughout, including the extensive glossary as back matter.

This one is a beginning reader for all of those Pete the Cat fans -- turning the time machine back a bit. Pete is a kitty, and in this first installment, he is trying to get rid of a bad case of hiccups. We've all been there! He gets advice from Callie, Gus, and Bob but in the end, Mom has the answer. D

Doesn't she always?

I enjoyed Pay Attention, Carter Jones (Clarion, 2019). Gary Schmidt gives us a humorous coming of age story that is also about one family's hard times. What would YOU do if a butler showed up at your door just when you needed him? This one also has a dog named Ned who will make you laugh, the game of cricket, and a main character who will steal your heart. Thank you, @hmhkids! 

I'm reading alot of other books, too. Can't wait to share them with you here soon!

P.S. Have you read Kevin Henkes' latest picture book? Whether you have or you haven't, click HERE to learn more. 

Speaking of SHOES: :-) 

The next pair of shoes on my shopping list is a pair of leopard slip-on sneakers similar to these. 

I think they will be perfect for the library! Don't you? 

WHAT IF. . THEN WE. . . by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and Fred Koehler

Have you ever been on a blog tour? Well, guess what! You are on one now! 

I am the third stop on this literary journey for What If. . .? Then We. . . (Boyds Mills Press, 2019). Written by Rebecca Kai Dotlich and illustrated by Fred Koehler, this picture book is sure to get readers thinking, imagining, and wondering!

Two bears become lost on an icy journey at sea. But rather than despair, the two imagine their way through this challenge: an iceberg becomes a ship, an unknown land becomes a mountain range of crayons, origami birds brighten their sky, and more. Page by page, these two bears approach each step with optimism, using their creativity to keep a positive outlook. 

The text is a series of "What if?" questions, paired with comforting, upbeat, or inspirational "Then we " replies. Our two lost bears act out their interpretations of the text delightfully, seen in Koehler's sweet and vibrant illustrations. I fell in love with these bears and loved watching what they would do next! 

Though there is a story tied by plot and page, each "What if? Then we. ." pair could be discussed individually. Of course, the "what if?" questions themselves could be used as a stem for students' own replies, both visually and verbally. 

So many possibilities exist for this book: art, writing, thinking, predicting! I also appreciated the calming, reassuring tone of the book. Indeed, reading these pages will feel like wrapping yourself up in a soft blanket on a chilly day. 

This book is also a friendship story! To those close to us, we can be there to bear their worries, but also  remind them to see all the potential for goodness that exists, too. 

The ending of the book leave the possibility of more wonderings --- and will also make you want to enjoy the book again! 

Rebecca Kai Dotlich
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press 

Fred Koehler
Image courtesy of Boyds Mills Press

I invite you to stop at the other blogs along the way as we all celebrate this book:

Many thanks to Boyds Mills Press for including me on this tour!

BEARNARD'S BOOK by Deborah Underwood

Image courtesy of Macmillan Children's 

Underwood, Deborah. Bearnard's Book. Illus. by Misa Saburi. New York: Macmillan, 2019. 

Today, I am celebrating a book birthday, welcoming Bearnard's Book into the world! 

Bearnard (a bear) has received a special invitation from The Queen of Storybook Land. He has been invited to her kingdom because he has been selected to be the subject of a book. This prestigious offer sends Bearnard into a flurry of excitement, nervousness, and general "over-wroughtness". What will his book be about? Should he practice? Should he prepare?  He considers the possibilities with her friend Gertie by his side. Should he know how to float?  Should he practice being messy and eating marmalade (like a certain other famous bear?) Should he know how to steal porridge? Gertie walks him through these practice runs, a voice of calm reason and sweet friendship at every turn. 

When it's finally time to head to Storybook Land, Gertie helps him relax. And when they both make it there, everything works out just as it should! (No spoilers here!)

What I appreciate about this book: 

Kids will understand Bearnard's struggle to be perfect. Bearnard also wants to succeed so he starts to study! And Gertie stays right by Bearnard's side, no matter what! Gertie also took Bearnard's mind off of the event by spending time with him doing things they loved! That is a real friend! 

Ultimately, Bearnard shows us that our story is unique and special because it is our very own! This book would be a great mentor text for young authors, showing them the value and importance of telling their stories.

Also be sure to check out the book's case cover: the front and back mirror the beginning and end of the book. Saburi's use of a soft color palette (along with a floral pattern and soft storybook details) pair perfectly with the story. 

(Before I read this book aloud to a kindergarten class, I asked them to think about a book about them! What would the cover look like? What would they do in their book? It was a great starting point for the story!) 

Learn more about Deborah Underwood's books here. 

Read about Misa Saburi's work on her website. 

Authr Deborah Underwood
Image courtesy of Macmillan