Book of the Day: Not Last Night But the Night Before

Not Last Night But the Night Before by Colin McNaughton


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This book is perfect for kindergarten. The bouncing rhythm, the repetitive lines, and the review of common nursery rhymes and fairy tales will make is a favorite. I have a student who spend recess I the library each day, she always asks me to read this book. Each day we find more hidden details in the pictures. The crooked picture frames, the flowers that end up scattered across the floor, the final page where all the characters are at a party and we hunt for the characters from each story. I will definitely use in next year while Kindergarten is preparing for their nursery rhyme parade.




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Book of the Day: Rosa Loves to Read

Rosa Loves to Read by Diane Z. Shore


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This is a good Rookie Reader. Rosa is distracted by the loud, busy kids on her street. The first half of the book shows her trying to read while others run, bounce balls, slam doors and so on. She yells QUIET!!!, and the second half of the short story half shows Rosa turning the pages while quiet activities occur around her. The book ends with Rosa stating, “I love to read!” This would be a great book to use to introduce little ones to quiet reading time or to stress the love of reading and reading for enjoyment. The repetitive text make it a perfect choice for beginning readers.




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Book of the Day: We are in a Book

We Are in a Book! by Mo Willems


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Elephant and Piggie are back and as cute as ever. In this addition of their adventures the friends realize that someone, the reader, is watching them and that they are in a book. After laughing hysterically at their ability to make the reader say whatever words they want them to say Elephant realizes that the book will end. What will happen to Elephant and Piggie? Kids will love this book about books. As always Elephant and Piggie speak in short sentence, there are a lot of repetitive words, the words are large, this is great for beginning readers.




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Book of the Day: Princesses are Not Perfect

Princesses Are Not Perfect by Kate Lum


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Princess Allie, Mellie, and Libby are experts in their own ways, they all have their ONE specialty. Princess Allie loves to bake, Princess Libby loves to build things and Princess Mellie loves to garden. They are perfectly happy in their rolls and feel like all is right with the work when they are involved in their work. One day out of the blue they decide to switch places and DISASTER!!! They are awful at the things their sisters are so good at. Picture stirring batter on the floor with a broom, gluing crooked legs onto a sloping chair seat, and chopping down all the blueberry bushes when you are supposed to be picking berries. They are supposed to be preparing for the Summer Party, 100 quests are coming the next day but they are in foul moods all day and night, the princess can’t even sleep. When Princess Allie can’t sleep, what does she do, she bakes, Libby builds and Mellie gardens. When it comes time for the Summer Party will the disaster from the day before wreak havoc on the festivities or will everything be pull together in the end? Read Princess are Not Perfect!




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Book of the Day: The Quiet Book

The Quiet Book by Deborah Underwood


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


How many kinds of quiet are there? Have you ever pondered this question? Author Deborah Underwood has given a lot of thought to the matter. From “Coloring in the lines quiet” to “Lollipop quiet” and “Right before you yell “SURPRISE!” quiet”. Each account is illustrated beautifully with muted colors perfect for the calming theme. This would be a great was to encourage students to brainstorm how to act in certain situations or different reasons to behave a specific way. It is also a wonderful book to enjoy at bedtime or when preparing for a quiet activity.

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"The soft, matte feel of the illustrations, created with pencil, are digitally enhanced, and are priceless. The animals’ facial expressions and body language are endearing. White space is used creatively to emphasize the mostly gray or brown palette. All of the scenarios are child-centric and realistic. A delightful and enchanting choice for storytime or sharing one-on-one." - School Library Journal, starred review

Book of the Day: Can't Sleep wothout Sheep

Can't Sleep Without Sheep by Susanna Leonard Hill


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Ava’s mother told her to count sheep to help her fall asleep. But the sheep got tired of jumping night after night so they decided to quit. The sheep promised Ava that they would find her a replacement. First they thought of sending in a horse, but they were too pretty so they sent in a chicken. But Ava just laughed as the chickens tried to get over the fence. The pigs were no use because they were in no hurry to get over the fence. Several of the animals (cows, hippos, buffalo, flamingos, armadillos, beavers and more) tried to help Ava fall asleep but it wasn’t as easy as they thought. Read to find out which animal puts Ava to sleep. - Review by Cindy Tran




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Book of the Day: The Library Pages

The Library Pages by Carlene Morton


My rating: 3 of 5 stars


K-3rd- Mrs. Heath the school librarian receives a DVD and a letter from her students at Happyland Elementary while on maternity leave. In the letter the students mention that the substitute falls asleep while reading. So it’s up to the students to make sure that the library continues to run smoothly. The DVD depicts some terrifying scenes of how the students are taking care of the library; shelving thin books together, painting bookmarkers, plastic wrapping the books, color coding the books, dog earring the book pages, duck taping the books, cutting out pages, etc. To Mrs. Heath’s surprise it was all an April Fool’s joke. The students can’t wait for Mrs. Heath to come back! - Review by Cindy Tran




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Book of the Day: The Clever Stick

The Clever Stick by John Lechner


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


K-3rd-Follow the journey of a stick that tries to make his presence be known. Without a voice the stick is unable to share all the clever things that he comes up with. With his sharp skills he could solve any difficult math problem, write poetry, or help others with their problems. But who would even notice a stick? Unable to share his thoughts with the forest creatures the clever stick drags himself home. Soon he discovers that the lines that he has created make some interesting drawings. Check out a copy of The Clever Stick to see the magnificent masterpiece that he creates for the forest. - Review by Cindy Tran




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Book of the Day: Confessions of a Former Bully

Confessions of a Former Bully by Trudy Ludwig


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Katie is a bully, or maybe I should say she used to be one. She got in trouble too many times for the way she was hurting Monica and her consequences included meeting with the counselor and finding a way to make up for the hurt she caused. Katie realized that there was a lot she didn’t know about bullying and that her way of making up for her actions was to write a book about bullying. This journal format book, complete with sketches and “Quick Fact” cards taped in, is a heartfelt introduction into a child’s reaction to bullying. Katie explains it like it is, why kids bully, what you can do if you are a bully or a victim, and how to get help for yourself and your friends. This is the perfect book for any elementary school kid, teacher and parent.




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Book of the Day: There's a Princess at the Palace

School Library Journal (September 1, 2010)


Gr 2 Up-The team who dreamed up the hilarious There's a Wolf at the Door (Roaring Brook, 2008) is back with princess fairy tales that are as fluid as they are fractured. This colorful, oversize graphic novel is packed with puns, witticisms, and sarcastic asides. It opens as Cinderella-whose real name turns out to be Ashley-tries on the glass slipper and it fits. "My princess! Marry me!" says handsome Prince Dennis. "My prince! Okay!" says Cinderella. Before you know it, they have a daughter. A certain witch who is not invited to the christening casts a spell and-voila!-Princess Dawn becomes Sleeping Beauty. She is something of a spoiled brat and wakes to the kiss of another handsome prince-one who takes himself far too seriously. But she's not ready to make a commitment, so off she goes into the woods, where she invades the house of seven dwarfs and turns into Snow White. Wouldn't you know it, the same witch who put her whole household to sleep now offers her a poisoned apple. The serious prince once again engages in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and this time S.B./S.W.'s ready for marriage. Her daughter falls in love with a frog, and her granddaughter is forced to sleep on a mountain of mattresses concealing a terribly uncomfortable pea. Two mice provide a clever running commentary in all five tales, and the witch who appears throughout gradually undergoes a dramatic change of lifestyle. Marvelous for anyone with a wry sense of humor, There's a Princess in the Palace deserves a place in every library.-Susan Weitz, formerly at Spencer-Van Etten School District, Spencer, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Book of the Day: Clever Jack Takes the Cake

Clever Jack Takes the Cake by Candace Fleming


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really enjoyed this story. With so many fractured fairy tales and retellings out there it is refreshing and wonderful to read an original princess tale. The message of the importance of stories, friends and laughter comes through strong. As does the age old saying “It is the thought that counts.”

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A professional review from School Library Journal
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/slj/home/885884-312/clever_jack_takes_the_cake.html.csp

K-Gr 3-A poor boy named Jack who helps a princess is a familiar trope in folklore. In this original tale, Jack accidentally receives an invitation to the princess's birthday party. He resourcefully gathers ingredients and bakes a wonderful cake. On his way to the castle, the cake is slowly demolished by crows, a troll, a spooky forest, a dancing bear, and even a palace guard, until the only present Jack has to offer the princess is the story of the cake's demise. Of course, this gift pleases her much more than the boring rubies and tiaras brought by richer guests, and she declares that her new friend will have the honor of cutting the royal cake. This entertaining adventure is packed with action. Karas's scratchy gouache and pencil cartoon illustrations are as detail-rich as the text itself. From the sly bear to the bored princess, the expressions are priceless. The endpapers provide context not included in the text: a party invitation blowing from the messenger's bag and under Jack's door at the beginning, and Jack regaling a fascinated princess with more tales at the end. A solid choice for most collections, and a good storytime choice, despite the smallish illustrations.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

The Circus Ship

The Circus Ship by Chris Van Dusen


My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This is one of my absolute favorite from this year’s 2x2 List. I read it to every Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade class and never grew tired of it. The students loved the bouncy rhyming text and the pictures are the best part.


Chris Van Drussen took the true story of a ship that sunk in 1836, and wove this rhythmic tale of circus animals that survived the wreck and came ashore in this little town in Main. The circus boss Mr. Paine is horribly mean and was willing to let the animals drown when their ship wrecks. The animals make their way to the sleepy little town and bring with them chaos. The residents are not happy to have their newest visitors but that all changes the night the Abbots shed catches fire. By the time Mr. Paine comes looking for his circus animals the town people are willing to help the animals evade their horrible boss. The double page spread when Mr. Paine is unable to find his animals is the best page of the book. Children will love searching for the animals hidden around the intricately illustrated town. Highly recommended and enjoyable!!

Here is what the author has to say about his book:


http://www.chrisvandusen.com/books/the-circus-ship



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Duck Rabbit

This thought provoking story is on this year’s 2x2 Reading List. Two unseen characters argue about whether the animal they see is a duck or a rabbit. This would be a great introduction in to optical illusions or perspectives. Different people can look at the same object and see different things.

Enjoy the video and the optical illusion websites!!


http://kids.niehs.nih.gov/illusion/illusions.htm
http://opticalillusions4kids.blogspot.com/
http://www.coolopticalillusions.com/invertedflag.htm

Check out optical illusion books from our library (Call Number 152)

Chicken BIG

Chicken Big by Keith Graves


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


“On a teeny little farm, in an itty-bitty coop, a very small hen laid a big, humongous egg.” The giant chicken that emerges is an outcast among the others and they interject ideas as to what kind of animal he truly is. He’s a squirrel? He’s a hippopotamus? When things begin to go wrong at the farm the gigantic chicken’s big heart is revealed. Will the others be able to see past his different appearance and accept him for the chicken that he is?


This is a cute twist on the classic tale of Chicken Little. Chicken Big is told with cartoon like drawings, complete with phrases is speech bubbles. The large chicken legs on the cover are eye catching and kids will ask for repeated reading of this one.






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Mr. Putney's Quacking Dog

Mr. Putney's Quacking Dog by Jon Agee


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


A pun is defined by Webster's dictionary as:


"the humorous use of a word or words, which are formed or sounded alike but have different meanings, in such a way as to play on two or more of the possible applications; a play on words."

Mr. Putney is full of puns, the smart, roll your eyes and groan kind. His animal friends all have unusual names, the quacking dog (dachshund) on the cover? A Duckshund  Study the pictures and the animal shown to determine the animal’s puny name, try to see how many you can guess!

Mr. Putney provides a fun way to get kids brains warmed up or fill a few minutes of waiting with some productive mental exercise.



For more information on puns see:

http://www.worsleyschool.net/socialarts/puns/pun.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pun

http://www.punoftheday.com/cgi-bin/disppuns.pl?ord=S&cat=11&sub=1101&page=1

And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon by Janet Stevens


My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Hey diddle the cat and the fiddle, the cow jumped over the moon; the little dog laughed to see such sport, and the dish ran away with the spoon. Every night this rhyme is read and every night the dish and spoon come running back until tonight. Where have they gone? Cow, Cat and Dog embark on an adventure through Nursery Rhyme land to find their friends; and as they travel they encounter many favorite Nursery Rhyme characters. Little Boy Blue is sleeping on the job, the Three Bears house must be avoided but then Miss Muffet's Spider sends them to visit Wolf. They race from one nusery rhyme to the next on an exciting journey full of puns, twists and turns.




Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel have a way with words. This tale is engaging and laugh out oud funny. I was afraid it would be over my kindergartner's heads but they eonjoyed the ride through the familiar rhymes and giggled at the conclusion. Kids of all ages will roll their eyes and love this one.




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Shelf Elf Library Manners and Book Care by 1st grade

Back to School

We are almost ready to jump into the next school year.  I hope you are as excited as I am.  I am glad to be returning to Bledsoe this year.  I have been reading, reading, reading all summer and look forward to sharing wonderful books with you all.  I am just completing Among the Hidden my Margaret Peterson Haddix.  I will post a review very soon.  I have also worked my way through almost all of next years Bluebonnet Nominees and are you in for a treat.  There are some very exciting reads on that list.

Some of the exciting things that will be happening right off the bat this year are Book Clubs with grades 3-5 and Readers Theatre Club with 2nd graders.  Look back for more information on signups and schedules for these clubs.

Please let me know about a book you read this summer or a story that you loved - see you soon!

Don't Call Him Abe.

Abraham Lincoln has long been a personal hero of mine. He served the country during arguably the most difficult period in American history. He was clever, compassionate, and honest. Over the last several weeks, I've read nearly all of our library's 30 books on President Lincoln to learn more about him. Here are my top 4 favorites, plus an honorable mention.

#1

St. George, Judith. Stand Tall, Abe Lincoln. New York: Philomel, 2008.

Booklist recommends this book for grades 2-4.

Judith St. George is known for her series of books that includes So You Want to be a President?, and I'm really enjoying this series of hers called Turning Point Books. It's about the moment or event that leads a young person down an extraordinary path. For a young Abraham Lincoln, Judith St. George believes that it was his stepmother, Sally, that encouraged his education and independent way of thinking. This story begins with Lincoln's birth and the love he received from his biological mother Nancy and continues until Lincoln left home to pursue his destiny as a young man. Illustrations by Matt Faulkner are down in gouache and help the book seem woodsy and cozy.

#2

Bowler, Sarah. Abraham Lincoln: Our Sixteenth President. Chanhassen, MN: The Child's World, 2002.

Booklist recommends this book for grades 3-6.

This book was almost my number one pick. It has the most information of any book I picked, and the nonfiction reads easily. The best parts are the photographs and the interesting facts set into the margins. For example, did you know that President Lincoln did not liked to be called Abe? His close friends knew that and never called him by that nickname. This book also explains how much the Lincoln family grieved during the Civil War, both over the state of the nation and from personal tragedy.

#3

Harness, Cheryl. Young Abe Lincoln: The Frontier Days, 1809-1837. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic, 1996.

Booklist recommends this book for grades 1-4.

If you'd like to read stories about President Lincoln's childhood, this is a great book to read first. It also has neat pages of maps and facts, perhaps those are part of the book because National Geographic published it. This book begins with Lincoln's birth and ends with his move to Springfield, Illinois with a license to practice law.

#4

Turner, Ann. Abe Lincoln Remembers. New York: HarperCollins, 2001.

Booklist recommends this book for grades 1-3.

This is a unique biography. In the words of the author, it is "intended to explore how Lincoln might have thought and felt about the events that shaped him into one of our greatest presidents." Written in poetic narrative, Lincoln speaks about his life in first person, with the last verse ending as Lincoln prepares to visit the theater on April 14, 1865.

Honorable Mention:

David Adler's biography picture books are always good and A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln is no exception. Booklist recommends this book for grades K-3.

Find these books and more about Abraham Lincoln in the Bledsoe library.