#IMWAYR time again, when readers
share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in
the past week. 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. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read,
these are fabulous places to start your search.
Today I'm sharing two weeks of reading because last week we were celebrating Canadian
Thanksgiving. I couldn't get it together with all the food preparation. We feasted on the usual turkey and trimmings but added a kimchi
dish this year to celebrate our Korean daughter in law and some of her friends
who came for dinner.
Other than that and reading, I've been subbing in school libraries and working on another
quilt. Cutting out all the different sized pieces turned out to be the most
challenging aspect to it, although I admit that squaring it up is turning out
to be more difficult than I anticipated. I might just send it off to be quilted
as it is and trim it later. I'm also in the middle of planning another couple of
quilts. There are many new babies in our world.
BLOG POSTS
PICTURE BOOKS
 |
| 4 stars |
I Hate Everyone by Naomi Danis & Cinta Arribas (Illustrator)
This book reveals the complicated feelings of a young child at her birthday
party. When I read these kinds of books I always try to make connections to my
own life and the children I know. I live with a toddler and see this tension
between the need for closeness and the desire to have things their way. Even
though she can't explain what's going on, we try to reflect her feelings back
to her. I wish I had had this book when I brought my second child home from the
hospital. It makes my heart ache to see how this book captures my older son's
conflict.
Give
this book to parents of young children.
My
daughter in law just told me it reminded her of herself at 14, so maybe just
give it to parents with children at all ages.
 |
| 5 stars |
Jerome by Heart by Thomas Scotto & Olivier Tallec (Illustrator)
Raphael loves his friend Jerome unabashedly. This book pays homage to these
kinds of close friendships.
It's
beautifully written and translated.
"But
she never says anything about how warm his smile is. She doesn't seem to notice
that I have a secret hideout there, where I feel protected by Jerome's two
eyes."
Olivier
Tallec's illustrations have a warm tenderness that captures this relationship.
This
is a feel good book, but there is also a bit of tension in the parent's
inability to fully understand how and why Jerome is so important to Raphael.
 |
| 4 stars |
You're Finally Here! by Mรฉlanie Watt
I read this one at work this week. What can I say? It's Mรฉlanie Watt so it's
hilarious. As someone who hates to wait, I feel much compassion for this
overwrought bunny.
 |
| 5 stars |
Orca Chief by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd
This beautifully illustrated book reminds all of us to be mindful of the world
around us. It shows us how connected we are to the rest of the planet and to
give thanks for what we get from it.
 |
| 3 stars |
Beyond the Pond by Joseph Kuefler
A boy dives deep into a pond and discovers an unimaginable world on the other
side. Upon his return home, he sees his ordinary world isn’t so ordinary after
all.
 |
| 3 stars |
In the Middle of Fall by Kevin Henkes & Laura Dronzek (Illustrator)
Gorgeous
illustrations take the reader through the beginning to the end of fall.
 |
| 4 stars |
Moon Glowing by Elizabeth Partridge & Joan Paley (Illustrator)
The art in this is just stunning! With simple poetic text, it shows animals
getting ready for winter. At the back of the book is a page of information
about each of these animals. I and the kindergarten class I read this to, had fun transforming ourselves into the animals and preparing for fall.
 |
| 4 stars |
Sun by Sam Usher
I love the granddad grandson duo in this series of books about weather. Here
they head off for a picnic on a scorching hot day. Poor Granddad has to take a
lot of rests, but they still have a fabulous adventure. The way Usher shows the
sun getting hotter and hotter is brilliant. The picture of the cover here
doesn’t show the glitter on the actual cover that makes it sparkle
and shine.
GRAPHIC
 |
| 4 stars |
Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova
I liked this a lot even if i do have problems with parts. I can't help but
wonder where staff are when bullying takes place and why something isn't done
about it. That said, I liked the way two feuding school clubs were forced to
come together to save themselves. I also loved the artwork and appreciated all
the information in the back matter about Chmakova's working process.
 |
| 4 stars |
Peanut Butter and Jelly by Ben Clanton
Jelly finally convinces Narwhal to try a taste of peanut butter cookie, and
ends up on an out of control peanut butter eating binge. Like the other Peanut Butter and Jelly books, there is plenty of humour, sweetness and even some scientific
facts. While this isn't my favourite of the series, I adore the puns on the
back cover!
 |
| 5 stars |
The Broken Vow (Spill Zone #2) by Scott Westerfeld, Alex Puvilland (Artist)
& Hilary Sycamore (Colorist)
I’ve been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. Spill Zone 1 won
the Cybil teen graphic award last year. I expect this will be a contender this
year.
It
continues where the last one ended. Addie has collected dust from the spill
zone to sell, but touching it changed her. Don Jae, a North Korean teen, has
also been touched by the zone and has super powers. When Lexa, Addie’s sister
is taken over by a being and is being stalked by another from the zone, it’s up
to them to save her.
The
colours in this are gorgeous! It’s emotional and exciting with a complex
storyline and compelling characters. Now I have to wait for the next one! I hate waiting.
NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS
 |
| 3 stars |
Ada Lovelace by Mยช Isabel Sรกnchez Vegara & Zafouko Yamamoto
(Illustrations)
This very simple biography of Ada Lovelace has charming illustrations. The additional information about her life at the end rescues it from being too simple.
 |
| 4 stars |
The Mushroom Fan Club by Elise Gravel
This delightful book will teach young readers a lot about mushrooms! The
illustrations are fun and the text is simple. It's perfect for this time of
year when mushrooms are popping up everywhere.
 |
| 3 stars |
Out of the Ice: How Climate Change Is Revealing the Past by Claire Eamer
& Drew Shannon (Illustrations)
This is more than a picture book. It is a solid information book about glacial
archaeology. There are plenty of text features. My complaint is that at no time
do they come close to addressing the serious ramifications of climate change.
NOVELS
 |
| 4 stars |
Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier
Jonathan Auxier sure can write. This novel looks at the plight of chimney sweeps
in Victorian England. It's got a bit of a Dickensian feel, but it includes a
loveable golem.
 |
| 5 stars |
Tilly and the Crazy Eights by Monique Gray Smith (for adults)
Tilly and a group of indigenous elders head out on a road trip to Albuquerque
for the world's biggest Powwow. It ends up being a coming of age novel for the
older crowd. Sure it's loaded with laughter and tenderness, but there is also
loss, heartache and romance. A lot of learning and growing takes place. Each of
them has issues to grapple with. Not the least are their histories of
residential schools. I ended up weepy at numerous points in this book.
Ultimately it's a heartwarming feel good read about a group of people who are
survivors. What more can you want?
NONFICTION
 |
| 4 stars |
A Short History of Progress by Ronald Wright
I
finished this one up for a book club and then we had to change our date. I hope
I remember what it was all about by the time we meet. I seriously doubt that is
possible. Wright takes us through the rise and fall of civilizations across
time. I found it fascinating and depressing. Ultimately he
brings us to a place where we have to face that we here now are repeating the same
patterns as humans from earlier times, only this time we are destroying the
entire planet, not just one part of it.
CURRENTLY
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is the audiobook I have on the
go. I'm reading Louisiana's Way Home by Kate DiCamillo as an ARC on my device.
UP NEXT
I have no idea, although I hope to dig into the pile of library books that I have here. I will start reading Crush, another graphic novel by Svetlana Chmakova.
PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS
#MustReadIn2018 21/25
#MustReadNFIn2018 8/12 1 in progress
25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 20/25
Goodreads Reading Challenge 349/333
