THE DIGGER AND THE FLOWER by Joseph Kuefler

THE BOOK: 

Kuefler, Joseph. The Digger and the Flower. New York: HarperCollins, 2018. Print.

Big trucks Crane, Dozer and Digger are busy in the city, building bridges, tall buildings, and roads. When break time comes, curious and dutiful Digger makes a discovery: a small blue flower growing out of the debris. Engrossed with the flower, Digger waters it, shields it from the wind, and sings to it at night. For a bit, Digger keeps the flower safe from the other trucks, but soon there is no other space to build, and the determined (and seemingly sinister) Dozer mows it down. Kuefler adeptly illustrates Digger's sadness with dark smoke clouds looming around him and a single gray filled-with-soot tear. After the smoke disappears, Digger finds the flower's seeds and transports them out of the city, setting out to make things right. The ending is a new beginning for Digger, shown in a new setting with added colors on the illustration palette. The broad square trim size and orientation (and the predominantly yellow, black and gray palette) suit the expansive, imposing urban feel of the story, with brightly colored work trucks standing out amidst the stark cold skyline. Kuefler's use of scale (Digger is the grandest in the spread in which he finds the flower) and white space combine to endear readers to Digger, and sympathize with his cause.

Digger is a character who takes a risk, setting himself apart from his peers to do a good thing. Digger isn't afraid to be himself, and to care about something tiny and fragile in his rough and tumble world of tearing up and tearing down. The flower is a character, too--changing Digger and leading him to the altered, warmer, for-the-better human-like machine he becomes. But Digger's caring for the flower isn't all about nurturing the bloom. Readers will realize that the flower gave Digger the permission and the reason to step out of the environment he very clearly did not belong in anymore.

Before I end this post, I must mention two things:
1.) I appreciated the textures Kuefler uses for the ground/earth -- similar to texture rubbing with crayons, and so real I wanted to move my hand over them.
2.) The double page spread in which the machines take a break at the whistle is the first place that Digger goes a different way and begins his story.

I will be sharing this book with readers in my library as spring approaches. I cannot wait to see what they see when I do. What will they learn from Digger? They will tell me.

*Update: I read this book to 3rd graders the day after I wrote this post. They noticed how much work the trucks had done as the story moved forward. "Lots of progress!" Also, they noticed at the end just how far the flowers had reached! See the final spread!

Here are two other picture books by Joseph Kuefler that I recommend as well:

THE SHOES:

Today I am wearing my comfy white Converse sneakers! I don't wear these often, but when I do, I appreciate them!

The Backup Bunny by Abigail Rayner

Rayer, Abigail. The Backup Bunny. Illus. by Greg Stones. New York: NorthSouth Books, Print. 


Do you know a child who has a favorite stuffed animal? Do they carry it around everywhere? Do they depend on it and need it almost 24/7? Now: what happens when they lose this stuffed animal? 

This is exactly what The Backup Bunny is all about! 

The narrator in this book is a "backup bunny" - a bunny who waits in a sock drawer ready to take over if Max (the boy in the story) loses his main bunny. This backup bunny is suddenly put into service when Max indeed loses his stuffed friend. But Max can tell this backup isn't the real thing, tossing him out, taking him back, and generally not taking very good care of him. 

One day, the Backup Bunny finds Bunny -- and keeps it a secret from Max, hoping to remain his best buddy. How long can Backup Bunny keep the secret? 

I won't reveal the ending here, but I will tell you that Backup Bunny shows his love for Max! 

What I enjoyed most about this story is the premise of the story, and the way the plot is revealed through surprise and humor. 

The Backup Bunny will be published on March 6th, 2018. Read more about the book here! 

I look forward to sharing this story with 1st graders tomorrow! 

Looking Back: Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell

On Monday, the 2018 Youth Media Awards were announced! Such a special day for librarians! And although it was the first day of my Book Fair, I tuned in to hear the titles of the winning books. 

In particular, I was very excited to hear the winner of the 2018 Caldecott Medal announced! 

The 2018 Caldecott Medal winning book is Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell (Feiwel & Friends).

As the day went on, I recalled when I'd first heard of Wolf in the Snow, and I remembered that it was in March of 2017. I searched for this photo in my cameral roll from that time. 

Here, at the 2017  Tucson Festival of Books, I attended a panel with author/illustrators Chris Britt, Jessixa Bagley, and Matthew Cordell. Matthew shared Wolf in the Snow which had been published earlier that year. I bought a copy of this book at the Festival. 

Wolf in the Snow was part of our Mock Caldecott this winter, and so I have had time to read it aloud and share it with third grade classes. 

In thinking about this book, I came to a realization that is meaningful to me:

All of my book experiences, memories, and readings connect or come full circle eventually. Every book event I attend. Every book I read. Every post I write. Every speaker I hear. And I love realizing that! 

Also, pursuing my passion means I never stop. 

It means there isn’t room for much more. 

It means that if someone asks me what my weekend plans will be, it will always be about reading or learning or pushing myself to achieve a goal I have set.

But it also means I will find my best and true self in the mix of it, happy in books.

What I've Been Reading Lately

January has come and gone. I still can't quite believe that. As I work on my library #happyplanner, I see the month will be busy with Valentine's Day and our Scholastic Book Fair. March cannot be too close behind, and before we know it, it WILL be Spring Break.

No matter what month it is, I always have stacks of books to read. I enjoy the variety, the discovery, and the possibility between the pages. So many types of amazing #kidlit to read, I know I will never run out.

Here are the books I want to share with you today on my blog:

(Hover over each book title to learn more about the book.)

Hello Lighthouse by Sophie Blackall
Publisher: Little Brown.
Publication date: 4/10/18

This is a truly lavish and lovely picture book with stunning colors and vibrancy! A touching story of a family's life in and around a lighthouse, each page turn envelopes you and makes you never want to leave. Did you love Blackall's Caldecott-wining Finding Winnie (also by LittleBrown)? Then you will love this, too. I especially appreciate that the book's trim size is "tall" -- just like a lighthouse. I can hardly wait to buy a final copy!

Tumble & Blue  by Cassie Beasley

Publisher: Penguin Random House 

Publication date: 8/29/17

This is a magical middle grade, as I like to call it! Named for the main characters, this is a story of two friends trying to fix things in their family -- and take the curses away from their lives. I enjoyed the storytelling, the curiosity of it, the quirky characters, and wondering how it would all end. If you loved Beasley's Circus Mirandus, you will love this, too. 

The Digger and the Flower by Joseph Kuefler 

Publisher: HarperChildren's 

Publication date: 1/23/18

Before I opened this book, three aspects of it captured my attention: its trim size, typography, and cover layout. Yellow and black make for complimentary colors and I have seen them together before in picture books of course, but in this combo and in this presentation, the pairing seems never-before-done. I will blog about this book in a separate post coming soon, but this story works because of its ingenious simplicity, repetition, and endearing character, Digger. The dirt on the pages and soot of the machines seems real, and Kuefler has given these machines emotions and character. I felt Digger's sadness (no spoilers here!) as well as the meanness of Crane and Dozer. As I mentioned before, I will blog about this one separately because so much about it intrigues me. 

Of course there are many other books in my stacks, but these are the ones I wanted to share with you today. 

And before I close, here is the book I am currently reading: Children of Exile by Margaret Peterson Haddix--

and here is the book I just finished: 

Last: 

The shoes: (because that IS my blog's name!) 

I can't find them on the Nine West website anymore because I bought them last summer, but I always love when I have the chance to wear my black leather slip-on sneakers by Nine West. According to the box, the style was "Oops DaisyO". They are fashionable, flat, and comfortable, and they survive a busy day in the library! 

What I've Been Reading. . . Lately

We are more than halfway through January, and I am putting away the snowman decorations in the library. I am getting ready for February displays, pulling fairy tale and rock books, and implementing Makerspace once a week during Genius Hour. It's really busy, and I have to keep track with TWO Happy Planners (one for me and one for the library). 

Throughout it all, I am always reading (of course)! These are the titles I have been reading and I am grateful to their publishers for sharing them with me. 

The Books: 

Thank you, Workman Publishing, for this nonfiction book that comes complete with a kit to help solve a mystery! (Did I mention this was a TRUE story?) 

Thank you, Little Brown, for sending Sophie Blackall's upcoming picture book Hello Lighthouse (which publishes in April). Her art is absolutely stunning!! 

Thank you, Peachtree Publishing, for sending Leslie Bulion's upcoming Leaf Litter Critters -- a collection of poems about decomposers! I am reading it now! This one publishes in March. 

Thank you to Simon & Schuster for sending me the ARC of Avi's The Player King (which is out now). Very suspenseful and based on a true story! 

I read the ARC of Tumble & Blue by Cassie Beasley (Thank you, Penguin Kids!) but this one is already out in stores now. I just finished this one and will be rereding the last chapters tomorrow to make sure I caught everything! 

I am happy to share these titles here on my blog! I am still processing thoughts on each of these, and will no doubt share more about them in the upcoming weeks. 

THE SHOES: 

Today I wore a pair of booties by Sugar. The style is very similar to this one. They are super comfortable and go perfectly with leggings!

Happy Librarian Moment

As I continue blogging in 2018, I am trying out a new format of sorts, hoping to write more regularly, share more titles, and stick to a plan. Thanks to all who stop by my little blog! This summer, my blog will turn SEVEN years old! 

At the end of each post, I will share what shoes are my current favorites, trying to incorporate my blog name and other love (of shoes)!  


The Book


One day this week I was working at the circulation desk in between classes. I had a few learners in the library working on projects and reading.  One of them walked up to me excitedly, sharing what was happening in the book he was reading and how events had been building so far. (He was throroughly enjoying the read.) I listened with intent (and happiness).

Then he said, "This book just got good!" (Which made me even happier!)

I completely understood what he meant.

As a reader, I have felt this way as well. You are going along reading a book, then from (seemingly) out of nowhere, the author puts in a plot twist and however disruptive and incredible it is, this event/detail makes the entire previous portion of the book click. As a reader, this kind of moment makes you stop and marvel. How DID the author do that? As teachers, we know it is the result of craft, skill, talent, and lots of writing!

Whatever brings about this moment, I am grateful. Readers come to this points in books with a sense of discovery, and after the awesomeness sets in, they are forever left with the understanding that these type of plot surprises (and the excitement that comes from them) comes through books and reading and connecting with story. And then they keep reading, and keep looking for moments like these, finding so many good books along the way.


What I’ve been reading:

The shoes: 

It is my day off, so for running around and doing my errands, I am wearing Skechers Microburst Supersonic Sneaker in black!

Back from Winter Break

The Book: 

When I returned to school from winter break last week,  I set out some books about snow, snowmen,  the cold, etc. (See my Dec. 21st post here.) Of course, I came across this book by Amy Hest (illustrated by Caldecott Honor Winner Lauren Castillo) about a boy and his dog who enjoy a time of sledding together. I'd read this book years ago, and thought it would make for a perfect read-aloud the first week back - especially as we have conversations with our learners about setting reading goals for the new year. 

With a title like The Reader, you might also see why I especially appreciate it! 

Yes, the boy is a reader, taking a book on his excursion. At first glance, it seems like a quiet book about a lovely time shared between "Two Good Friends" (from the book), but as I read it to each 1st and 2nd grade class, I quickly realized that it was about a lot more. I realized that it is definitely about reading and the things readers do. 

We aren't given any name for the boy except for "the reader". This is his title. This is how we will know him.

The boy has prepared for his time of reading. He brought along snacks, dressed warmly, and chose the perfect book. (See title in the book.) 

Do we prepare ourselves for our times of reading? A cozy blanket, a cup of tea? Whatever the accoutrements, how does this help us read? And do our learners do this, too? 

"The reader" also knows where he is going, choosing a very specific destination. He has a spot to read that is perfect for him, and that he settles into comfortably. 

Do readers have special places where they like to read? 

More observations: 

To get to this special place takes effort. The boy has to coach himself, understanding the obstacles, setting out on his course, and pushing through what might stop him. Do readers set goals and push through obstacles? Whether they are about reading or other things? 

When he reaches his goal, he celebrates with raised arms, joy, and by making a few snow angels. Do readers celebrate milestones and achieving goals? Do we celebrate ourselves when we read? 

And as the reader enjoys the book with his dog, he makes a connection with the story. He pronounces this connection proudly to his dog. 

As you can see, I found a lot of gems in this delightfully illustrated picture book. (Lauren Castillo takes us softly into the reader's snowy world, and we experience what he experiences.) And I discovered more of them the more I read it. One reading -- two readings -- never enough! 

Other Books I have read recently:

Coming in June 2018 from Little Brown! 

The Shoes:

Lately, I have have been LOVING my brown waterproof tall boots from Rockport. They have a low wooden heel, my jeans fit into them, and I love wearing them with leggings!