SKUNKED by Jacqueline Kelly

I still remember when I first met Calpurnia Tate:

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate (Macmillan, 2009) was a memorable read because it was set in Texas, and because the main character is so interesting. Calpurnia loves exploring, science, and learning about animals, and her grandfather helps her do all of this, with lots of guidance and information. (I truly love how he nurtures her passion for learning!) I poured through this one very quickly, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course it also won a Newbery Honor in 2010 (the year When You Reach Me won the Medal.) 

And I blogged about the second book The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate here. 

Now there is an early chapter book series (also published by Macmillan) about Calpurnia. The first installment in the series is: 

The cover is striking both for the color and the skunks! Indeed, the cover is so striking you may not realize there are skunks right in the middle of it! (Jennifer Myer is the illustrator). The rest of the book is also illustrated, and the back cover provides a preview cover photo of the next book in the series, Counting Sheep. 

I believe this book to be a "transitional" book: plenty of white space with a comfortable vocabulary. Very readable and truly a page-turner, the story follows Calpurnia's brother Travis and his attempt to keep an abandoned skunk hidden in his house.  Of course, Calpurnia helps him, finding great satisfaction in feeding Stinky with a milk bottle.  Travis has a dear heart for animals, and Calpurnia uses this opportunity to learn more about their care. (They even bathe Stinky using their mother's "fancy" soap! 

There are plenty of exciting moments in the story, and even some laugh-out-loud ones. Calpurnia's relationship with brother Travis is also one of the best parts of the book. Readers of the middle grade books will be glad to see Grandfather is in this story, as well as a bit of Texas history. 

Also, before you cover this one, make sure to check out the case cover! 

The next installment in the Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet series is Counting Sheep (Macmillan, 2017) and is due out in April of this year. 

YOGA BUNNY by Brian Russo

If you read my previous post, you know that I have set a goal for 2017 to exercise more. And while this exercise plan mainly involves treks on the treadmill, perhaps one day it might include yoga. Perhaps this thought was inspired by a certain picture book I read recently:

Russo, Brian. Yoga Bunny.  New York: HarperCollins Children's, 2017. Print.

In this picture book, Bunny is very much into yoga. He starts the morning off with the forward fold. Then a few animals come by (Lizard, Fox, Bird) and each of them has a different problem (Lizard isn't a fan of mornings, Fox is in a rush, and Bird has the hiccups). To each of them, Bunny suggests yoga. But each refuses. Bunny is discouraged, but continues anyway. Eventually, each of the animal comes back to Bunny to try out yoga, feeling much better afterward. 

As I read the book, I noted the endpapers consisting of Bunny giving examples of yoga poses such as upward pushup, tree pose, boat pose, etc.). The dedication page "for my dad" is also lovely, showing a father and young bunny heading off to play baseball. 

The illustrations capture movement, and the pastel colors are suited for the yoga concept. 

Above all, this picture book shows the importance of taking a minute to pause in life and be mindful. 

Setting My Reading Goal

I've been visiting the gym almost every day of my winter break, with the exception of a day here there and  Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was never packed, and finding a place to walk/run was never a problem. But when I visited today, nearly every treadmill was occupied and the parking lot was full! I found my spot and noted about how January makes us all want to get healthier and keep moving!

January is indeed a time many set goals in various areas of their lives and I have definitely set a goal to eat healthier and exercise more. I have decided upon a set number -- a set destination. When I get there I will know it. I am looking towards it and marking my progress along the way.

I have also set my reading goal. I set it for myself, and I find comfort in knowing that I can adjust it as needed throughout the year. I have set a goal every year for the past five years, and I have met my goal every year. (In 2016 my goals was 400 books and I surpassed that with 420!)  I have had friends cheer me on and encourage me, and when I hadn't made significant progress, I pushed myself. It was never a chore because I enjoyed the challenge. Now, I am hoping to apply the same determination and outlook to exercise. I am hoping there are parallels in reaching both goals!

My goal for 2017 is 500 books. I based that number on 2016's total, and my hope is that I can do better.

My exercise goal is to be consistent and stick to my program, and make exercise a part of my day.

So with this special time of year, I have begun working towards my reading goal of course, and I find that it is not difficult for me to remember the first books I completed the first few days of January. Here are my first three books of 2017 (in order of completion):

The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle by Janet Fox

Skunked: Calpurnia Tate, Animal Doctor in Training by Jacqueline Kelly 

Gone Camping by Tamera Will Wissinger, illus. by Matthew Cordell 

These books were a great way for me start the year. I am still thinking about each of them and plan to blog about them soon. 

If you have set any reading or exercise goals, I wish you the best in reaching them! 

And I wish us all a great year of reading in 2017! 

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.