Our Library Year

Our school  -- as with all schools in Texas -- is now closed for the rest of the year as we all work to slow the spread of Covid-19.

I am now a virtual librarian -- although I have been one now for at least four weeks. 

If I would have known that March 6th was going to be my last day in my library for the year, what would I have done? I cannot be sure. 

It's fitting, though,  that my very last task that day (before kids were dismissed) was hand delivering a book on hold that became available. I took a picture of the book as I walked to deliver it at 3:00 that day. I am glad I did. (Pictured: Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel: THE LOST HEIR BY Tui T. Sutherland & Mike Holmes.) 

Looking back on that day, I feel peace in knowing that I stayed late and gave the library some much-needed attention  (even though we were beginning our Spring Break). As the school emptied, with everyone off to begin their well deserved week of rest and fun, I contentedly organized my workroom, repaired some books, pulled titles for an upcoming display, and straightened up the entire space. Chairs tucked, tables clean, trash picked up, books shelved and put away.  

I left it ready for kids and ready for learning. 

I can still remember my inner peace and quiet joy as I walked around among the shelves, hopeful for a week off, and also excited about activities planned for the rest of March: finishing up our March Book Madness, an event with the public library, etc.

This library - our library- my library - was and is my second home. I’ve spent countless hours there with classes and students - but also alone- thinking, working, and hoping.

The library - as Ranganathan said, truly is a living organism, and as I write this, the library rests and waits -- as all living things must do. 

But the library's librarian? 
She does not rest. 

She continues on digitally, virtually, and with the same hope, but also missing the space and all magic that it witnessed every school day. 

FIRE TRUCK vs. DRAGON by Chris Barton and Shanda McCloskey

Could a fire truck and a dragon be friends? What WOULD they do if they WERE friends?

These questions -- and more -- are explored delightfully in fellow Texan Chris Barton's latest picture book FIRE TRUCK VS. DRAGON (Little Brown, 2019) celebrating its book birthday today!

Illustrated by Shanda McCloskey (Doll-E 1.0 and T-Bone the Drone), this picture book follows the pair of friends as they entertain an audience of kids -- all of whom, of course, expect --what else-- fire and water!

But as the story proceeds, Fire Truck and Dragon do everything BUT ensue in the most epic of anticipated matchups. Instead of lighting up the campfire, the pair tell stories. Instead of grilling burgers at a cookout, they bring "free-range" potato salad and "firehouse" beans -- witty details from a very clever author. I won't give anymore away-- I want readers to come upon this cleverness themselves!

With each page, the kids remain hopeful that they'll witness what they came to see, but every "disappointment" is really a treat for the kids: a birthday cake, snow cones, hot chocolate and more.

Do the fire truck and dragon ever go toe-to-toe? Do they give the kids what they expect? Read the book to find out.

I would also like to add that I especially appreciated the illustrations -- with my favorite detail being the lettering perfectly suited to each character: FIRE TRUCK is spelled in rivet/nail letters while DRAGON is spelled with almost-real blue scales. McCloskey's work makes readers feel as if the two could be opponents, yet in a friendly way! I also noted wonderful use of speech bubbles, full page spreads, and eyebrows that speak volumes.

I was thinking about this book more today, and I see that's not just about unlikely friendships.
It's also about expectations. Kids deal with disappointments and "unexpectedness" every day. They know all about this. Maybe --in those times we get the unexpected-- maybe something fun can still be had- something that will make us smile -- even if it's not what we were hoping for.

FIRE TRUCK VS. DRAGON also illustrates that there is more to people than what they might best be known for. We all have hidden talents. We all can do more than others think. It's okay to surprise the world every now and then with something fun and lovely!

I can't wait to share this book with the readers in my library once I buy my final copy.
Many thanks to Little Brown for the advance copy.

Read more about the book here.

I cannot wait to read this book to classes in my library!

THE STRANGERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix

We all have a book that has been sitting in our TBR pile that we've been wanting to read, but haven't. Or maybe MANY books. One of them for me is THE STRANGERS by Margaret Peterson Haddix.

As my Spring Break began, I decided to FINALLY finish it and I was rewarded with a very solid story of a family struggling through loss, siblings pulling together, a mystery I couldn't figure out, and a tale of "alternate worlds". All of that in one book! THIS book!

Of course, the other factor that makes this book a must-read is its author! Haddix is a master of writing mysteries that aren't like any other -- with pages and events that compel wonder and the turning of pages -- from her series THE MISSING to CHILDREN OF EXILE.

This latest series (Greystone Secrets) with the introduction of a family of endearing siblings (Chess, Finn, and Emma) seems more poised towards upper elementary. Haddix gave each member of the family a unique voice, with alternating chapters told from their point of view. All want to help their mother and figure out why she has disappeared --

Other characters are also noteworthy: Natalie, the seemingly surly teen with a backstory who becomes part of their lives as they search for clues to their mother's disappearance; Natalie's own mother, Ms. Morales -- an acquaintance of the Greystones' -- but close enough to take care of them if their mother is gone forever.  Does she have a story, too?

This first installment in the series is satisfying-- and made me -- once again-- appreciate and be thankful that we have writers like Haddix who create exciting books for kids that aren't predictable -- and -- even in their fantasy-like qualities -- still make me wonder about my own ordinary life, too.

Many thanks to @HarperChildrens for the review copy!

Read more about the book here.

Frank and Bean by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar

I love finding clever early reader books that make me laugh and that I know my learners will enjoy! 

That's why I'm so glad to share FRANK AND BEAN by Jamie Michalak and Bob Kolar today. (I believe it will be the first in the series. At least I hope it's a series!)

To start, who DOESN'T love hot dogs? (Well, I am sure there are some people who don't, but I consider them a treat and really love them! (I put mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish on mine, but after traveling to Chicago multiple times, I discovered I love their style of hot dog, too!)

P.S. Reading this book led me on a research trail of wanting to know where the concept of "frank and beans" originated and who exactly was the first person to put frankfurters in their baked beans. I still don't know the answer, but think this could be a great tie-in with the book.

And yes, - THE BOOK! 

No matter where the research takes you, though, this little book is delicious! Frank (a hot dog) likes quiet and spending time writing in his notebook. (Frank, I "get" you!) When the other creatures in the forest try to connect with him, he pushes them away, preferring his routine and his established sense of order. 

But then BEAN shows up -- in a noisy bus filled with musical instruments -- and yes, he "toots"-- bringing laughter, mayhem, and general joviality to Frank's world. They come together eventually to combine talents (Frank's writing, Ben's music) and the result is not only a tasty friendship but a fun song about doughnut holes! 

I truly enjoyed this delightful story and as I read it, I thought of so many connections we could make in the library: friendships, cooking, writing, collaborations, and mindfulness. 

This book is out now from Candlewick! Read more about it here. 

I will definitely be buying this book and recommending it! 

Nina Soni: Former Best Friend

Three-day weekends are great for tackling your TBR pile. Today, as I was going through my stacks, I picked up NINA SONI: FORMER BEST FRIEND (written by Kashmira Sheth and illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky). Published by Peachtree Publishing Company, It's been out since Oct. 2019 so you can get this right now!

First thing I need to say: I truly enjoyed this book! I swallowed up the pages fairly quickly, but so many good points in the book made me stop and take note.

Nina is forgetful so she makes lists in her notebook (which she has named ❤️📒), and she doesn't feel like her family is very exciting at all. She's having trouble getting along with her best friend Jay, Dad is out of town too much, and she's got a big writing project at school she hasn't even started. Add a very active little sister to the mix and that makes her life super busy.

I jotted down so many aspects of the story to connect with: writing assignments, science experiments, recipes (roti and kachumber) and even social emotional learning! I like to make books come to life by pulling out aspects of the book to connect to other books and activities. I have TONS of ideas for this one. And I think I will use it for a book club in 3rd grade!

I am one of Nina's fans now, and I can't wait to bring this chapter book series into our library. Ordering and recommending!

Lucky for me, Peachtree Publishing Company just sent me the second installment of this one so I'm going to read that one next!