BENJAMIN BEAR in Fuzzy Thinking by Philippe Coudray BENJAMIN BEAR in Fuzzy Thinking is a book that was a satisfying match for one particular boy in my classroom this year. His reading skills were strong. He was able to read grade level material, but he was hard to please. Nothing that I came up with… Read more »
Book Room
The House on Dirty-Third Street
THE HOUSE ON DIRTY-THIRD STREET by Jo S. Kittinger, illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez, Peachtree, March 2012 A run-down dirty old house is bad enough to have to claim as home. When moving in to dirt also means “moving away” from everything that has been home, it is hard for anyone not to feel discouraged, angry,… Read more »
Summer Recommendations for the Emerging Reader
Summer days are upon us – the very best of times to slow down, stretch out, and take in the wonder of a good book. Younger readers, and those readying to start their first year of kindergarten in the fall will look forward to PICTURE MY DAY created by Séverine Cordier and Cynthia Lacroix (Owlkids… Read more »
One Day I Went Rambling Giveaway!
Parents, teachers, and librarians! Take a moment to consider the absolutely charming premise of One Day I Went Rambling, written by Kelly Bennett and illustrated by Terri Murphy, won’t you? You’ll be glad you did. In the story, Zane, the protagonist sees magic in the mundane surrounding him. Pop tops are jeweled rings. Wooden crates hold… Read more »
Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder?
Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder? by Lois G. Grambling, illustrated by Judy Love, Charlesbridge, 2012. Children are clever and convincing and comedic and Grambling showcases these qualities in Can I Bring Woolly to the Library, Ms. Reeder? How could a librarian possibly resist having a woolly mammoth in her library? Especially… Read more »
What do…
a team of brothers, a pair of heroes, and a boy in the Black Hills of S. Dakota have in common? They’re all the subjects of some of 2012’s wonderful new biographies for children. THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Scholastic Press 2012) I adored this book and so… Read more »
It Jes’ Happened: When Bill Traylor Started to Draw by Don Tate
Bill Traylor began to draw when he was in his eighties! Not as a child raised as a slave. Nor as a young adult during the ravages of the Civil War. Most certainly not as a young father struggling to feed his family by working as a share cropper. No. Bill Traylor saved up a lifetime of vivid memories – historically… Read more »
