Summer! More time for reading, planning, reflecting, and (most definitely) reading!
So as I rest from the school year, I am plowing through my book stacks! I wanted to share some titles here that I have recently enjoyed -- not necessarily summer books, but books I am taking note of to share with teachers and fellow librarians -- and of course, with kids, in August.
Matheson, C. (2019). Bird Watch. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, 48 pages.
Bird Watch by Christie Matheson (Harper Children's, 2019) is a lovely nature walk captured within the pages of a picture book. If you're hiking and taking treks through woods, this is a good one to pick up and take a look at beforehand. But you don't have to be outside to enjoy it! It's also, quite delightfully, a seek-and-find sure to inspire more bird watching. This one is out now! Thank you for sending, @HarkerKids!
Quintero, I. (2019). My papi has a motorcycle. (Z. Peña, Illus.) New York, NY: Kokila Books, 40 pages.
This one brought back good memories from my childhood! My grandparents -- no matter what-- always had a fresh paper bag filled with pan dulce on their kitchen table every Sunday morning. My Papi Has a Motorcycle (Kokila Books, 2019) is a the story of a father-daughter motorcycle ride through their neighborhood, passing by a panaderia (much like the one from my memories). Their ride is joyful, and I appreciated the girl's love of her home, showing how children find good and fun things in their surroundings. I also appreciated the dynamic color palette in the illustrations!
Amato, M. (2019). Perfect. New York, NY: Scholastic Press, 48 pages.
Pencil and Eraser are always thought of as a pair! The two are definitely different!
In this adventure, Eraser learns that sometimes change is good, and sometimes getting out of your comfort zone makes for magic and fun! Also included is a subtle message about perfectionism! I'm thinking it will inspire some pencil and eraser drawings much like the ones in the book. I am definitely planning a reread of this one, and I think it's a great addition to your "back-to-school" book list!
What other picture books have I blogged about? Check out another post here!