WHAT THIS STORY NEEDS IS A MUNCH AND A CRUNCH by Emma Virján

Virján, Emma J. What this story needs is a much and a crunch. New York: Harper, 2016. Print. 

I really look forward to every PIG IN A WIG book. Rhymes are fun to read aloud, especially when they're paired with bright illustrations that you will want to look at again and again. This is the case with the Pig in a Wig series (all are Early Readers).  The plot is relatively zany -- and very appealing because it is often very offbeat and random.

The latest book, What This Story Needs is a Munch and a Crunch (HarperCollins, 2016) has the most tied-together story of any in the series. The book opens as Pig in a Wig works in the kitchen, prepping for a picnic. She isn't taking any shortcuts, either -- baking bread from scratch for the meal.  Turn the pages and you'll see that she's meeting friends: a rabbit and a squirrel, who both some fairly happy to join in the picnic. And why wouldn't they? Pig has brought along pies, and sandwiches (and carrots for the rabbit), and there's a kite, too (which they do fly). 

Then, in the middle of their fun, a storm breaks -- and the rest of the story is about Pig saving the day, and making it all good again.

There are rhymes, alliteration, and even a "dash" of onomatopoeia, all rolling of a reader's tongue with ease. 

On the cover, notice how both of Pig's friends are waving. Truly, there is joy in every bit of this book. And within the pages there are little bits of cleverness along the way: three bees and two ladybugs that join along in the ride, and Squirrel and Rabbit have catcher's mitts!! 

A book filled with simple delights -- a book perfect to take along with you an any picnic! 

Make sure to read all of the Pig in a Wig books! 

End-of-Year in the Library

The end-of-the-year in a school library comes just as fast -- and proceeds with as much activity -- as the beginning of it. A librarian has to be ready to serve, and the support is needed just as much in June as it was in August (only in different ways). The book returns, the summer reading flyers, the reminder to read daily everyday while out of school, the tidying up and the cleaning out -- and more. Truly, there aren't enough to-do lists you can write to keep up with everything.

As I wrapped up this myriad of tasks (inventory, repair, reorganization, etc.), I could not believe that it was truly June -- although the calendar surely claimed it. As with every year, I felt that I was just here, figuring out schedules, meeting new teachers, and getting everything spiffed up again. I say it every year, but time does indeed fly. 

And though the time has flown, there are moments that will stay with me. 

The first time kindergarten came to the library (and I wore a cape). 

The day I dressed up like Rapunzel for a kindergarten's fairy tale unit. Here is my yarn braid. 

The excitement when our new books arrived -- Always a joy! 

The fun frenzy of book fairs -- Families celebrating books! 

The countless book recommendations--I am privileged to give them--

The volunteers who helped in so many ways -- I am so grateful! 

The database lessons -- Information available to us! 

The read-alouds -- With laughter and surprise and suspense! 

The countless books! The wonderful, rich, and life-changing books -- 

I really couldn't name every special moment -- each is beautiful in its own way. Surely, my memory will fail me because there are so many -- but most definitely each one remains a part of me and the walls and shelves and empty spaces of the library. Some will come back to me when I least expect it. 

As my summer begins, I will continue to share books here. And look expectantly towards the busy beginning of another year -- and more treasured moments.

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Legos in the Library

Legos just generally make kids really happy.

Legos were definitely a library staple this year! Sometimes they were part of our Makerspace, and sometimes they were stations for use after checkout. During our #geniushour, Legos were especially popular!

This week (the second-to-the-last week of school), I once again set out three boxes of Legos as an invitation. I have three boxes of donated Legos on a table, and when students spot them, their eyes light up like the brightest of lights. Sometimes they ask if they can play. When I say "yes", it's like I've given them a key to unlock a door!!

Prior to the beginning of the year, our staff met at our area Legoland to play with Legos  (as play would be an area of focus for us). We indeed played and explored! It was a really fun day! We carried this feeling throughout the year, and remembered what play meant for us as children.

I took this learning experience and made it a part of my library plans. Throughout the year in the library, our readers created a variety of Lego structures/creatures/etc. and I saved a few of them. (I took pictures of the rest.) I set them out on the shelves as memories - akin to the treasures and artifacts one might have in their living room or study. It brought me joy to see them at the end of the day, when everyone had gone home as worked by myself in the library.

I walked by the shelf yesterday morning before the day began, and I decided to film this simple Vine video. When I look at all of the Lego creations together in this way, I can't help but smile.

There are many ways one could incorporate Legos in their library. (I have this Lego Pinterest board with ideas I look through from time to time.) I will implement more of these next year, but for now, I am happy that our readers will now associate the library with the joy Legos bring. And it is all a part of transforming our space -- but keeping learners right at the center of it!

Of course, I couldn't blog about Legos without posting my favorite Lego of all: Lego Librarian!

Book Connections

One of the books I read last month was set in Maine. Among the descriptions of the setting, the book also mentioned crab cake sandwiches. This sounded delicious to me, and I thought I would like to try this meal one day.

A few days passed and we went to a seafood restaurant for dinner JUST so I could try a crab cake sandwich. Once again, my life was revolving around a book. :-) 

After I ordered, I became very excited about tasting the sandwich. I thought the taste might bring me right back to the story. Since I have been to Maine, I also hoped it would make me feel like I was right back there. I was hoping for a lot!

After the sandwich arrived at my table, and I had a chance to taste it, I was pretty happy with my choice. Since I live in Texas, the crab wasn't probably the freshest, but it was good enough for dinner. Cruncy and perfect with a side of sciracha sauce! 

After our meal, I was asked -- once again -- why I'd ordered a crab cake sandwich. (It was probably the most unusual meal at our table.)  I had no problem saying that it was something I'd read in a book.  The look I received after my reply said: "Of course she  ordered something because she read it in a book!" It made perfect sense to my dinner companions. And to me. Eating the sandwich made me happy, and it also made me think of the book. 

This sandwich event in my life made me think about other foods I'd ordered because they were mentioned in a book. I then remembered that I sought garlic knots one day because they were mentioned in Saint Anything (Viking, 2015). 

Have you ever ordered a meal just because it was mentioned in a book of fiction?

Summer Reading: Book Lists

In my library this week, I am talking to young readers about their summer reading. I want them to maintain and improve upon the reading growth they have acquired this year, of course, but mostly, I want them to keep enjoying good books.

I know some of them will not need a book list at all. They can walk past a shelf and pick out something for themselves entirely on their own. They have heard about a particular book from a friend, or seen someone else with a certain title, and they know exactly what they want.

Sometimes readers, however, need a list -- something that serves as a starting point. For readers -- suddenly without their teachers and librarians in those summer days --  the book lists serve a purpose.

I know that as a reader, I use book lists almost as a checklist: "I've read this one, I've read that one, I haven't heard of that one", etc., etc. And then sometimes, my reading stacks become their own lists.

Summer reading lists are suggestions, and can be very interesting to readers! They lead us to books we might not have found on our own.

Two lists that I will share this week:

50 Sensational Books of Summer  (Scholastic)

and:

ALSC Summer Reading Lists-2016 (American Library Association)

Which book lists will you share?

More Learning Ahead

The end of the school year has arrived, and that means time moves faster now. Field Day, inventories, end-of-year assemblies, and farewells are part of our days.  Just yesterday we were preparing for the new year by buying new supplies and arranging furniture. Librarians are also wrapping up the year, and perhaps submitting an annual report (as I did last week). 

But though we will almost turn another page of the calendar, and June is right around the corner, I still hold on to this: 

Reading is still important. And so are the books. And so is the learning. Especially the learning. 

There are more lessons that remain. There are more opportunities to share. Finding these opportunities and moments now will be even more important and meaningful than ever. Opportunities don't always fit our calendar. 

How am I living this living this out in my own corner of the world? 

• I just signed up to participate in Global Maker Day on Tuesday, May 17th.  I'll watch the hashtag on Twitter and set out some maker challenges for readers as they come in the library. I’ve already told my staff about it, and my fellow district librarians will be participating, too. 

• On Tuesday evening, I will be joining my Texas librarian colleagues for  #txlchat. The topic is — appropriate for this post — "Librarians As Lead Learners". I know I will learn during this chat: I always do. 

• And, of course, I am still reading. Soon, summer reading will begin, and I want to get a headstart. Of course, I never really stopped.

How will you end the year? 

A FIRE TRUCK NAMED RED: Blog Tour!

De Sève, Randall. A Fire Truck Named Red. Illus. by Bob Staake. New York: MacMillan Children's, 2016. Print. 

Rowan has picked out his birthday present: a toy fire truck with all the bells (sirens!) and whistles. But instead of the smooth spinning wheels and a working siren, Rowan receives Red, the less-than-luster, worn-with-time firetruck his grandfather played with as a child. Disappointed, Rowan watches and listens as his grandfather fix up the toy and recounts exciting tales of their adventures together. With each anecdote, Rowan becomes more interested in the truck, while also connecting with his grandfather. 

Written by Randall de Sève (author of Toy Boat and The Duchess of Whimsy), this newly released picture book conveys two major themes: old vs. new, (Is the new shiny thing always better?) and the power of story to bridge gaps. At first, that huge gorgeous new truck (featured gloriously by Bob Staake in the second opening) is all that Rowan thought he wanted. But with his grandfather's stories attached, the possibilities for Red suddenly open up to Rowan. Told in perfect pace and building with excitement, Papa's stories set the stage for Rowan's own future adventures, and make him forget all about that truck in the window. 

With Red's story (and Papa's) Randall de Sève reminds us of the value in the artifacts of our past, but also alerts us to their possibilities in our present. Which of our treasured momentos (gathering dust somewhere) could bring joy to someone else? 

Illustrator Bob Staake's illustrations masterfully tell two stories at once: Papa's AND Rowan's. Through the use of sepia, Staake (Bluebird, My Pet Book)  transports readers to Papa's childhood. Wise placement of gutters (straight through the middle of Papa's garage, dividing past and present) put readers in the middle of Red's heroics. Notice how Rowan is pulled into the stories as pages are turned: Staake showing us Rowan transformed attitude and outlook. 

In this fire truck named Red, readers have a delightful story showcasing the power of memories to bring joy anew to others. 

To read more about the work of Randall de Sève visit her website here.