It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 5.06.19

This weekly post comes from Jen at Teach Mentor Texts

 and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers.  

It's a great source to find new books to use with your students.

Last Week's Adventures

Building my nonfiction picture book library is a priority.  Biographies and animal books are easy to find... always looking to build other parts!  This week I featured part 1 in books that teach kids about the world around them.


PIcture Books


Harold and Hog Pretend for Real!
by Dan Santat and Mo Willems
Dan Santat?  Brilliant.
Mo Willems?  Brilliant.
Together?  Mind blowing.
This book is so good.  Why?  Because it's funny.  All.  The.  Time.  Kids will laugh.  You will laugh.  
The only drawback is to really really appreciate this book, you need to have read the Elephant and Piggie books.  But you know what?  All kids should do that anyway!
Multiple copies are needed for this one.


Daniel's Good Day
by Micha Archer
Daniel is back (Daniel Finds a Poem) and he's off exploring his neighborhood again.  This time he is asking the question what makes a good day?  Everyone seems to have a different answer, but readers will understand the connections.  For example, a girl who is getting ready to fly her kite in the park is looking for a steady wind.  The bus driver is hoping for a please and a thank-you.  Daniel's grandmother wants a hug from her grandson.  And it's with these simple answers that a wonderful classroom discussion can be had - what does make a good day?  Does it have to be the big things or can the simple things make you happy?
With Archer's oil and collage illustrations, readers will love the bright and vibrant colors that illustrate Daniel's walk.
During National Poetry Month in April, a third grade class read Daniel Finds a Poem and really enjoyed everything about it - the story, the bright colors, and the idea of looking for what poetry is.  I'm excited to share this book with them!
Publishes May 14th


Noah Builds an Ark
written by Kate Banks
illustrated by John Rocco
A story that draws comparisons between a family preparing for an impending storm and animals doing the same.  Young Noah decides to build an ark for the living creatures in his backyard so they will be safe from the story.  With beautiful illustrations by John Rocco, it's a fun read to share with young children and talk about showing kindness to all creatures.


Puddle
written by Richard Jackson
illustrated by Chris Raschka
I did not know what to expect with this one and I was very pleasantly surprised.  The puddle tells the story so it is a different perspective!  Objects and people interact with this large puddle in a funny and sometimes unexpected way.  With a heartwarming ending, this is a book I definitely want to add to my collection!


The Sun Shines Everywhere
written by Mary Ann Hoberman
illustrated by Luciano Lozano
In a world that focuses on differences, it's nice to have a book that celebrates something that is the same!  Sweet book for young readers.


Underwear!
by Jenn Harney
Sure to invite lots of giggling listeners in your room while you read this book!  Perfect for your readers who love Interrupting Chicken.


Zen Happiness
by Jon J. Muth
Perfect for Words of the Wiser Moment if you use Notice and Note Signposts.
Each page has a saying that comes from meditations in Zen Buddhism.  Each illustration comes from one of Muth's five other "Zen" books.  


Sprout, Seed, Sprout!
written by Annika Dunklee
illustrated by Carey Sookocheff
A young boy (usually) patiently waits while a seed sprouts and then goes through the steps to become a tree.  Told in sparse, rhyming text, this book is perfect for young readers and used in a science unit when growing something.


My Mommy Medicine
written by Edwidge Danticat
illustrated by Shannon Wright
Such a sweet story about how a young child needs some "Mommy Medicine" - that extra attention a caregiver gives when a young one is sick.  I enjoyed the author's note at the end that reminds us that while the book is called "Mommy", any caregiver can give the love and attention a child needs to feel special.
Also love that the illustrations feature characters of color in a book that has nothing to do with race or history.  More of these, please.


Cake
by Sue Hendra and Paul Linnet
I didn't know what to expect with this one.  All I'll say is my thinking changed as I read it.  
Just go find it and read it.  You'll chuckle....

Graphic Novel


Camp
by Kayla Miller
Love this follow up to Click - I needed to see what Olive was up to next!
Friendship is always so tricky for kids - what is needed one day, is completely different the next.  Miller navigates her characters through these changes so perfectly.  Another great graphic novel to put in kids' hands!

Currently Reading


Love From A to Z
by S.K. Ali
Halfway through and I am LOVING this book.  So happy that a book like this exists that has a fantastic storyline, Muslim-American characters, and cultural discussions.  Yes, please.


I have an enormous stack of MG and picture books in front of me.  Quite daunting, actually.  Somehow I will get them read!  Have lots to share with you next week :)  Until then, happy reading!