Although I love my job, weeks like these affirm for me that it is indeed time to retire.
PICTURE BOOKS
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| 4 stars |
This
book is dark and twisted and I love it! A teacher brought it in for me to read.
It's the love story between a tadpole and a caterpillar. They promise each
other they will never change, but of course they do. Eventually the caterpillar
leaves the tadpole. After it has finished its metamorphosis it comes back to
tell the frog how sorry it is. There isn't a happy ending. I laughed and
laughed.
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| 4 stars |
I'm
utterly charmed by this book. I must get it for our library since I can see so
many ways to use this book as a mentor for teaching persuasive writing. I also
adore Yasmeen Ismail's colourful illustrations!
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| 4 stars |
Where Are My Books? by Debbie Ridpath Ohi
When
Spencer's books go missing one by one, he sets up a trap to find out who is
taking them. He is very surprised to find out who the culprits are, and ends up
coming up with a plan to make them all happy. You have to pay attention to the images to realize that whoever is taking Spencer's gift, is leaving him
something in return.
INFORMATION
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| 5 stars |
The
photographs at the beginning and end of this book are a large chunk of why it
works for me. Don't get me wrong, Sally Walker's narrative and Jonathan Voss'
illustrations flesh the story out and make for compelling reading. For me, it's just these old black and white photographs say, this is real. I got this from
our public library and have added a copy to my shopping cart so we have our own
copy at school.
NOVELS
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| 4 stars |
In
this book a group of teens get contaminated flu shots. As a result, they
develop telepathy and can hear each other's thoughts. Mlynowski tells this
story from multiple perspectives so we get to understand what this means for
different characters. For some of these students it is a good thing, and for
others it means disaster. What it means for the reader, is that we get to
understand all of them more deeply. This book offers up a bit of romance, a bit
of heartbreak, and a lot of angst.
 |
| 5 stars |
This book is everything everyone has crowed
about. It is still sinking in for me since I just finished it late Sunday
afternoon, but WOW, that was some listen! Doerr's language is so lyrical and
beautiful that if I hadn't been listening to it, I'm sure my book would be marked
all over with phrases and sections that left me in awe. I'm planning on reading
this with my eyes so I can savour the writing more fully.
CURRENTLY & UP NEXT
Rabbit
Ears by Maggie de Vries, the book club book I'm into now, is a challenging story subject matter wise, but so far,
well worth the read. I've got a whole mess of books out from the VPL, so I'll
probably read The Rule of Three by Eric Walters. That will be two more book
club books finished. I'm thinking I might start The Penderwicks in Spring as my
next audiobook. but I've also got Jasper Fforde's The Last DragonSlayer waiting
for me.
Choices
choices choices!
I haven't had a book fair for the past two years, and it has been delightful. I may never have one again, and then I don't HAVE to retire! Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteOh Karen - If only I didn't have to have them. Funding for libraries is so sparse that without a book fair, I wouldn't be able to purchase the resources I want for the library. I've actually come to a place where I'm looking forward to retiring. Knowing this will be my last year is very liberating!
DeleteThe found the true story of Winnie the Pooh interesting. I had no idea there was a back story. I'm glad someone decided to share it.
ReplyDeleteI agree Lisa. I knew a bit about it, but this book is a lovely way to share the history.
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed the new Penderwicks title--maybe even best of all of them. I would imagine it would make a fine audio too. I loved the photos in the Winnie book too. I still need to read the other Winnie book as well. It's showing up on some Mock Caldecott lists.
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking that with the craziness I can expect from this year, I think I will got for The Penderwicks as a treat for myself. I'm looking forward to the other book too and have a hold on it at the library.
DeleteI enjoyed both of the Winnie books. It's interesting that they arrived the same year. And I too loved All The Light You Cannot See, will be a re-read for sure. Hope this week is a more settled week, Cheriee!
ReplyDeleteIt really is interesting Linda. You gotta wonder how that came to be.
DeleteMy big plan between Christmas and New Year's is to read All the Light We Cannot See. So glad to hear you also liiked it. I loved Winnie and will be looking for Where Are My Books at the library. I used to love book fairs when I was in school, so did my Kiddo, but I guess it can be a harrowing affair for teachers and librarians.
ReplyDeleteIt will be delightful treat for you Alex. I might ask for a hard copy for a gift. and yes, everyone loves book fairs, but they are a lot of work!
DeleteAll the light we cannot see is amazing - I read it over the summer,and the story is still with me.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is Tara. It's the kind of book I want to reread!
DeleteNice assortment of books. Why do I think I know the ending of Tadpole's Promise? I'll have to find a copy to see if I am right. This is what I read last week. Happy reading!
ReplyDeleteYou probably do know it Kathy. It's a pretty warped and twisted look at love - but eerily true...
DeleteYou have written about some of our favorite books - One Word from Sophia and The True Story of Winnie are incredible picture books. We also loved All the Light We Cannot See. Your description of Tadpole's Promise makes it sound very enticing. We are ordering a copy from the library ASAP
ReplyDeleteI need to read Winnie soon! Everyone loves it. I also haven't read any Penderwick titles--are the audiobooks good?
ReplyDeleteHappy reading this week! :)
Rabbit Ears and The Rule of 3 are both up for Stellar Awards this year (B.C.'s teen book choice award), I hope you like them! http://stellaraward.bclibraries.ca/
ReplyDeleteJane that is why I am reading them. They are part of our grade 7 book club books. So far I've enjoyed everything I've read.
DeleteI can't wait to find time to delve into All the Light We Cannot See. It's been sitting on my bookshelf waiting...
ReplyDeleteI liked Winnie a lot and have been wanting to read Where Are My Books?
I think you will enjoy both of there Holly.
Delete