Welcome readers! It's #IMWAYR time again, when bloggers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. These are fabulous places to start your search for what to read next.
I don't know about you, but I am getting exhausted from living in interesting times.
Thankfully we had a delightful respite last weekend when my sons brought the two eldest grandchildren up for a visit. It was pure joy to watch the almost five year old cousins build magical worlds together. Also, I got to read books with them.
Titles with a 🍁 indicate this is a Canadian or Indigenous Canadian Author and or Illustrator.
Clicking on the title will take you to the Goodreads page of the book.
PICTURE BOOKS
Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd June 13, 2020 🍁
This board book is a perfect example of what happens when rhyming poetry works in a picture book. Children will love the bright illustrations and the sounds that nature makes.
The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson & Rafael López (Illustrator)
It was interesting to read this to my two grandkids. To be honest, I think it was over their heads. I tried to unpack it for them, but I'm not sure it worked. I suspect this would be a better book to read with older readers who would have enough background knowledge to find more meaning in it.
Grumpy Unicorn: Why Me? by Joey Spiotto September 03, 2019
I read this with my granddaughter. It didn't do much for either of us. Maybe I'm to old and she's too young.
We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier (Illustrations) December 28, 2021
Grumpy Unicorn: Why Me? by Joey Spiotto September 03, 2019
I read this with my granddaughter. It didn't do much for either of us. Maybe I'm to old and she's too young.
We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier (Illustrations) December 28, 2021
Collier's artwork gives new meaning and power to this classic song. I made a few connections while reading the book, but was happy to have more pointed out to me in the notes in the back matter.
The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear & Gracey Zhang (Illustrator) November 16, 2021 🍁
My grandson, granddaughter, and I really enjoyed this book. Nobody was concerned about the nudity and we all appreciated the many different body shapes and sizes. They made connections to visiting with their grandparents and going to the swimming pool.
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles & Erika Meza (Illustrator) Sepember 07, 2021
A boy and his father travel across the border to the town next to it. They have a list of things to purchase and spend some time visiting family. I was completely surprised by the stop on the way home that put much of the purchases of the day into perspective.
A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young July 05, 2016
My Two Border Towns by David Bowles & Erika Meza (Illustrator) Sepember 07, 2021
A boy and his father travel across the border to the town next to it. They have a list of things to purchase and spend some time visiting family. I was completely surprised by the stop on the way home that put much of the purchases of the day into perspective.
A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young July 05, 2016
Lucy sees an ad for a unicorn - only 25 cents, and sends in her order. While she waits she fantasizes about all the things she will do when it arrives. When Sparkle arrives, he isn't exactly what she expected. "He had spots. His ears were too long. He smelled funny. Oh, and he had fleas." On top of all this, he has a propensity for eating everything nearby. He does not act like a unicorn at all. She decides to send him back. Of course, Sparkle, a very special kind of unicorn, ends up worming his way into her heart.
Bowwow Powwow : Bagosenjige-niimi'idim by Brenda J. Child, Jonathan Thunder (Illustrator) & Gordon Jourdain (Translator) May 01, 2018 🍁
This bilingual picture book (English and Ojibwa) educates readers about Powwows. It's told through the perspective of Windy Girl and her pet, Itchy dog. Uncle tells her stories about Powows and she finally gets to experience one. In the evening she dreams of dogs participating in the different kinds of dances. The cartoonish art is bold and full of joy.
Princess Hair by Sharee Miller
I read this with my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter. We loved the different kinds of hairstyles highlighted for black girls. Like her father and mother, she has straight hair. Unpacking this book required me explaining that most black children have very very curly hair and these are styles for them. We both wished we could do some of these styles with our own locks.
NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS
I introduced my two oldest grandchildren to Mary Anning. Both were fascinated by this simple biography. The next day when it was time to read more books, my grandson wanted to read it again.
Now that's a sign of a great book.
I think I have become a fan of this series of nonfiction for young readers.
Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo & Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator) May 9th 2006
The grandkids are fans of Mercy Watson. So am I.
Mercy ends up trying to take control of Mr Watson's convertible while Mr Watson is driving it. Disaster is averted with the aid of Baby Lincoln, who stowed aboard in search of adventure and folly.
I think I have become a fan of this series of nonfiction for young readers.
CHAPTER BOOKS
Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo & Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator) May 9th 2006
The grandkids are fans of Mercy Watson. So am I.
Mercy ends up trying to take control of Mr Watson's convertible while Mr Watson is driving it. Disaster is averted with the aid of Baby Lincoln, who stowed aboard in search of adventure and folly.
I would certainly purchase this book for my Canadian school library. Some of the other books in this series focus primarily on American history, but this one is global in its scope. I appreciated the humour in spite of the essentially dark subject matter. The last section on covid is really well done.
The book is full of all kinds of nonfiction text features that make the book a pleasure to read and add to the understanding of the topics.
NOVELS
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo & Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator) January 19, 2021
I pretty much adored this book.
I am in awe of how Malinda Lo has integrated real people and historic events into this gripping historical fiction.
I had to stop reading every once in a while because I was terrified of what would happen to Lily Hu should she get caught at the Telegraph Club. Mostly, I couldn't stop listening.
I am in awe of how Malinda Lo has integrated real people and historic events into this gripping historical fiction.
I had to stop reading every once in a while because I was terrified of what would happen to Lily Hu should she get caught at the Telegraph Club. Mostly, I couldn't stop listening.
Everyone expects Luka, Marya Lupu's brother, to be chosen to become a wizard. On the day someone comes to test him, it turns out to be a disaster and Marya is blamed. The next day she is told that she must attend a school for troubled girls. Something diabolical is going on at the school and it's up to Marya and her friends to figure out just what it is.
I loved this so much I'm desperately hoping for a sequel!
The Smartest Kid in the Universe by Chris Grabenstein & Kirby Heyborne (Narrator) December 1, 2020
I loved this so much I'm desperately hoping for a sequel!
The Smartest Kid in the Universe by Chris Grabenstein & Kirby Heyborne (Narrator) December 1, 2020
This is part science fiction, part mystery, and full on hilarious.
State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Louise Penny & Joan Allen (Narrator) October 12th 2021 🍁
I enjoyed this fun, albeit at times terrifying, political mystery. I especially liked the ending that connected to Louise Penny's fictional community of Three Pines.
Spílexm: A Weaving of Recovery, Resilience, and Resurgence by Nicola I. Campbell September 28, 2021 🍁
Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen (Illustrator) & Michael Curran-Dorsano ( Narrator) 🍁
ADULT NON FICTION
Spílexm: A Weaving of Recovery, Resilience, and Resurgence by Nicola I. Campbell September 28, 2021 🍁
"Spíləx̣m are remembered stories, often shared over tea in the quiet hours between Elders."
I now live on the traditional lands of the Syilx people. I'm doing my best to learn more about who they are and what they have endured.
Nicola I. Campbell integrates family, community, culture, land, and Canadian history into this personal memoir. The labyrinthian interconnections are articulated through poetry, prose, journal entries and essays. They are imbued with raw honesty. Many of the poems are stand alone stunning.
Throughout her work Campbell addresses living with and overcoming loss and grief - a grief deeply embedded into a culture through systemic racism and violence. At the same time, it's a story of rejuvenation, healing and moving forward.
Nicola I. Campbell integrates family, community, culture, land, and Canadian history into this personal memoir. The labyrinthian interconnections are articulated through poetry, prose, journal entries and essays. They are imbued with raw honesty. Many of the poems are stand alone stunning.
Throughout her work Campbell addresses living with and overcoming loss and grief - a grief deeply embedded into a culture through systemic racism and violence. At the same time, it's a story of rejuvenation, healing and moving forward.
CURRENTLY
Mary Anning's Curiosity by Monica Kulling 🍁
Powwow, A Celebration Through Song and Dance by Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane 🍁UP NEXT
The Red Tent by Anita Diamant
Whatever else strikes my fancy - maybe more books about Mary Anning.
READING GOALS
#MustReadFiction 4/24
#MustReadNonFiction 1/18 one in progress
Canadian Authors 13/100
Canada Reads shortlist 5/5
Indigenous Authors 5/25 one in progress
Cheriee, I really appreciate the way you share when books don't really work, and when you have to explain certain parts when reading the books with your grandkids. Reviews from adults are helpful, but there's nothing quite as useful as finding out how actual kids react to a book written for kids! I often find that my son's reactions to a book will surprise me!
ReplyDeleteThanks Jane. From working in the library I learned that just because I liked a book, didn't mean it would work for students. The thing I miss most about being retired is being able to read to kids and have conversations about books. I sure wish I lived closer to my grandchildren!
DeleteHi Cheriee, that quilt is really special, a "loving quilt"! I've read some of your books, also if you remember my struggle with Telegraph Club, the tension. I love the Mercy Watson books, too, and the Collier, plus My Two Border Towns. I'll look for that History Smashers. You might like Jeannine Atkins' two books about Mary Anning, Finding Wonders & Mary Anning & The Sea Dragon. Thanks for all, glad you had that special visit!
ReplyDeleteA "loving quilt" is a good way to describe this quilt. I am hoping to see the new baby soon and drop it off. I have Finding Wonders in a pile here and will see if I can find a copy of Mary Anning and The Sea Dragon.
DeleteI can relate to your statement about feeling exhausted living in interesting times. I feel like it's one thing after another! The Smartest Kid in the Universe sounds fun and I could use a hilarious book right now.
ReplyDeleteIt really is one thing after another. With the Ukrainian situation I am horrified and feel helpless to do anything about it.
DeleteI did not get a chance to comment on anyone's posts this week, but I stopped by to get the link to your review of a book I'm recommending this week, and I HAD to comment after seeing you read Last Night at the Telegraph Club—the last 100 pages were some of the most emotional, powerful pages I've ever read! Also, the very first sentence of this post pretty much sums up my mindset too, and it's so lovely that you finished your aunt's quilt for the new baby in the family! Thanks so much for the wonderful post, Cheriee!
ReplyDelete