Sometimes, the stretch of time in a fifth grade classroom (or any classroom I would imagine) between the end of Thanksgiving Break and the start of Winter Break can be a bit challenging. Motivatio…
What? Who? Now? Yes, if you’re checking the calendar you’ll see that three whole months of 2016 have gone by and you know what that means. Prediction time! But Betsy, you say, that is quite simply the kookiest thing I’ve ever heard. It’s March, for crying out loud. We’ve ten months until the next award […]
Before the rush of beginning-of-the-school-year book publications, I thought I'd examine some potentials for the Newbery/Caldecott 2016 published so far. Heck, I'm just guessing (although I'd like to think they're educated guesses) but I'm thinking there's some definite winners already out there. Here are my predictions. Or, favorites, more like. Caldecott If You Plant a Seed Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson Balzer + Bray 978-0062298898 Two (adorable) animals set out to grow a most delicious garden. But what if others want to enjoy the spoils of their hard work? Will the two sow a seed of friendship? Or selfishness? First of all, great lesson in the story. But of course, we're here to talk about the art. Which is AMAZING. So incredibly detailed. Really, the story is told through the art. Especially with the emotions--did you even know you could illustrate a bunny with emotions?? Just look at the cover! Now imagine the whole book. Yeah. See my original review here. Float Illustrated by Daniel Miyares Simon & Schuster Books 978-1481415248 One boy, the rain, and all the joy that comes with it. It's a wordless book that expertly illustrates the joy, action, and heartbreak of a little boy. The monochromatic scheme is poignant; the yellow rain jacket in the gray weather pulls your eye through the story. Plus, the ending is amazing. So, all around, it's definitely a favorite. See my original review here. Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution Written by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch HMH Books 978-0544130012 THE ILLUSTRATIONS ALL LOOK LIKE GINGERBREAD. Seriously, I'm that excited about it. I may or may not have drooled while reading. It's an original, well-done idea for illustrations that I think deserves Caldecott attention, especially since it's highlighting a little known story about the American Revolution. See my original review here. Newbery Echo Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan Scholastic Press 978-0439874021 This brick of a book involves three different stories all centered around one harmonica. The characters in each story each have their historical challenges, including the Holocaust, the Great Depression, and racism against Hispanics in California. Really, if anyone else had attempted it, but honestly, Ryan made it work amazingly. It's just really long. See my original review here. The War that Saved My Life Written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Dial Books 978-0803740815 This one is about disability and war—a surefire winner. Ada has been shut in her apartment her whole life, due to her deformed foot. But war means the children need to be evacuated, so Ada escapes to the countryside for an entirely different, better sort of life. It's emotional and gripping and accurate. See my original review here. Roller Girl Written by Victoria Jamieson Dial Books 978-0803740167 Going into Junior High is tough enough, but it's worse when you start to lose your best friend. Astrid is still determined to give all she's got to her new hobby: roller derby. This is a graphic novel and while the increasing popularity of this genre has garnered some recent Newbery attention (way to go El Deafo!) it's hard to say if this one will be considered, due to its reliance on illustrations. But still, the story is fantastic and I have rarely felt so connected to a story as I did this one. Really well done, see my original review here. Fish in a Tree Written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt Nancy Paulsen Books 978-0399162596 This is about a girl who struggles with dyslexia and the teacher who helps her find the confidence she needs. Is it pretty cliche? Sure, the characters don't feel all that original, it's true, but the writing is so amazing and the story is so engrossing—I'll admit. It's a major favorite, whether or not it gets considered for the Newbery. See my original review here.
9 Books. Over 500 K-4th grade student votes. SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The winners of our 2016 Mock Caldecott are…
Fickle little me. Titles appear. Titles disappear. Many of the books I placed on my Spring 2017 predictions list are gone by June, and what has changed? Aren’t the books as wonderful now as they were when I originally propped them up? Of course they are, but I’ve done enough book discussions in the intervening […]
I always feel sad and slightly deflated around 11:50 PM on December 25. The thought of putting away my whimsical ornaments and comforting Christmas tree until November of next year leaves me feelin…
As part of the Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge, one of my favorite things is to round-up as many new quality nonfiction books for children and share them with readers of this blog. Some months, I miss the release of books and add them to the next month's post. Last month, I skipped a ne
The only thing better than a bedtime story is a bedtime story that is true. And if you’re the great-great-grandson of the man who helped inspire one of the most beloved characters in all of children’s literature, you’re sure to be treated to something fabulous. This is what little Cole discovers in Finding Winnie, the
Oh this process is a tricky one – deciding on the most beautiful of the beautiful. This year I am sharing twelve titles with my students. But if I could include Canadian illustrators, I would…
Before the rush of beginning-of-the-school-year book publications, I thought I'd examine some potentials for the Newbery/Caldecott 2016 published so far. Heck, I'm just guessing (although I'd like to think they're educated guesses) but I'm thinking there's some definite winners already out there. Here are my predictions. Or, favorites, more like. Caldecott If You Plant a Seed Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson Balzer + Bray 978-0062298898 Two (adorable) animals set out to grow a most delicious garden. But what if others want to enjoy the spoils of their hard work? Will the two sow a seed of friendship? Or selfishness? First of all, great lesson in the story. But of course, we're here to talk about the art. Which is AMAZING. So incredibly detailed. Really, the story is told through the art. Especially with the emotions--did you even know you could illustrate a bunny with emotions?? Just look at the cover! Now imagine the whole book. Yeah. See my original review here. Float Illustrated by Daniel Miyares Simon & Schuster Books 978-1481415248 One boy, the rain, and all the joy that comes with it. It's a wordless book that expertly illustrates the joy, action, and heartbreak of a little boy. The monochromatic scheme is poignant; the yellow rain jacket in the gray weather pulls your eye through the story. Plus, the ending is amazing. So, all around, it's definitely a favorite. See my original review here. Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution Written by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch HMH Books 978-0544130012 THE ILLUSTRATIONS ALL LOOK LIKE GINGERBREAD. Seriously, I'm that excited about it. I may or may not have drooled while reading. It's an original, well-done idea for illustrations that I think deserves Caldecott attention, especially since it's highlighting a little known story about the American Revolution. See my original review here. Newbery Echo Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan Scholastic Press 978-0439874021 This brick of a book involves three different stories all centered around one harmonica. The characters in each story each have their historical challenges, including the Holocaust, the Great Depression, and racism against Hispanics in California. Really, if anyone else had attempted it, but honestly, Ryan made it work amazingly. It's just really long. See my original review here. The War that Saved My Life Written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Dial Books 978-0803740815 This one is about disability and war—a surefire winner. Ada has been shut in her apartment her whole life, due to her deformed foot. But war means the children need to be evacuated, so Ada escapes to the countryside for an entirely different, better sort of life. It's emotional and gripping and accurate. See my original review here. Roller Girl Written by Victoria Jamieson Dial Books 978-0803740167 Going into Junior High is tough enough, but it's worse when you start to lose your best friend. Astrid is still determined to give all she's got to her new hobby: roller derby. This is a graphic novel and while the increasing popularity of this genre has garnered some recent Newbery attention (way to go El Deafo!) it's hard to say if this one will be considered, due to its reliance on illustrations. But still, the story is fantastic and I have rarely felt so connected to a story as I did this one. Really well done, see my original review here. Fish in a Tree Written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt Nancy Paulsen Books 978-0399162596 This is about a girl who struggles with dyslexia and the teacher who helps her find the confidence she needs. Is it pretty cliche? Sure, the characters don't feel all that original, it's true, but the writing is so amazing and the story is so engrossing—I'll admit. It's a major favorite, whether or not it gets considered for the Newbery. See my original review here.
For the past 3 days, my 7th grade students have been furiously discussing the their favorite picture books as we get ready for the Caldecott awards. While we have not voted for our top 3 yet, I th…
Last year's Mock Caldecott was a huge success at our school, and we are looking forward to another vigorous discussion this year! Last year's second graders, my current class of third graders, picked last year's winner and are excited to try their luck again this year. (Note: because of the earlier announcement date, and the fact that we don't go back to school until Wed. the 6th, we will likely be running our school voting out past the actual announcement.) Our school librarian and I have been hard at work again this year to pick our favorites to share with the students. (Full-disclosure, she is a member of this year's Zolotow Award committee, and I am a Round 2 judge for the Cybil Award for fiction picture books. All books listed here represent our independent favorites, irrespective of committees and committee discussions.) In alphabetical order, here are the 22 incredible picture books that our students will be choosing between for this year's Mock Caldecott. Did your favorite(s) make the cut? Mock Caldecott Ballot, 2016 Beyond the Pond (2015) by Joseph Kuefler. Boats for Papa (2015) by Jessixa Bagley. Drowned City: Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans (2015) a graphic novel by Don Brown. (This one will be on the ballot for older students.) Drum Dream Girl: how one girl's courage changed music (2015) by Margarita Engle and illustrated by Rafael López. Read my earlier review here. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear (2015) by Lindsay Mallick and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Float (2015) by Daniel Miyares. If You Plant a Seed (2015) by Kadir Nelson. In a Village by the Sea (2015) by Muon Van and illustrated by April Chu. Read my previous review here. It's Only Stanley (2015) by Jon Agee. Last Stop on Market Street (2015) by Matt de la Peña and illustrated by Christian Robinson. (The first 2015 picture book I read.) Read my previous review here. Lenny & Lucy (2015) by Philip C. Stead and illustrated by Erin E. Stead. Leo: a ghost story (2015) by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Christian Robinson. Read my previous review here. The Moon is Going to Addy's House (2015) by Ida Pearle. My Pen (2015) by Christopher Myers. Read my previous review here. The Night World (2015) by Mordecai Gerstein. Sidewalk Flowers (2015) by Jon Arno Lawson and illustrated by Sydney Smith. Toys Meet Snow: Being the Wintertime Adventures of a Curious Stuffed Buffalo, a Sensitive Plush Stingray, and a Book-loving Rubber Ball (2015) by Emily Jenkins and illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky. Wait (2015) by Antoinette Portis. Waiting (2015) by Kevin Henkes. Read my previous review here. Water is Water: a book about the water cycle (2015) by Miranda Paul and illustrated by Jason Chin. The Whisper (2015) by Pamela Zagarenski. Wolfie the Bunny (2015) by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah OHora. Read my previous review here. Which picture books are your favorites to win this year's Caldecott?
Before the rush of beginning-of-the-school-year book publications, I thought I'd examine some potentials for the Newbery/Caldecott 2016 published so far. Heck, I'm just guessing (although I'd like to think they're educated guesses) but I'm thinking there's some definite winners already out there. Here are my predictions. Or, favorites, more like. Caldecott If You Plant a Seed Written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson Balzer + Bray 978-0062298898 Two (adorable) animals set out to grow a most delicious garden. But what if others want to enjoy the spoils of their hard work? Will the two sow a seed of friendship? Or selfishness? First of all, great lesson in the story. But of course, we're here to talk about the art. Which is AMAZING. So incredibly detailed. Really, the story is told through the art. Especially with the emotions--did you even know you could illustrate a bunny with emotions?? Just look at the cover! Now imagine the whole book. Yeah. See my original review here. Float Illustrated by Daniel Miyares Simon & Schuster Books 978-1481415248 One boy, the rain, and all the joy that comes with it. It's a wordless book that expertly illustrates the joy, action, and heartbreak of a little boy. The monochromatic scheme is poignant; the yellow rain jacket in the gray weather pulls your eye through the story. Plus, the ending is amazing. So, all around, it's definitely a favorite. See my original review here. Gingerbread for Liberty!: How a German Baker Helped Win the American Revolution Written by Mara Rockliff, illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch HMH Books 978-0544130012 THE ILLUSTRATIONS ALL LOOK LIKE GINGERBREAD. Seriously, I'm that excited about it. I may or may not have drooled while reading. It's an original, well-done idea for illustrations that I think deserves Caldecott attention, especially since it's highlighting a little known story about the American Revolution. See my original review here. Newbery Echo Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan Scholastic Press 978-0439874021 This brick of a book involves three different stories all centered around one harmonica. The characters in each story each have their historical challenges, including the Holocaust, the Great Depression, and racism against Hispanics in California. Really, if anyone else had attempted it, but honestly, Ryan made it work amazingly. It's just really long. See my original review here. The War that Saved My Life Written by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Dial Books 978-0803740815 This one is about disability and war—a surefire winner. Ada has been shut in her apartment her whole life, due to her deformed foot. But war means the children need to be evacuated, so Ada escapes to the countryside for an entirely different, better sort of life. It's emotional and gripping and accurate. See my original review here. Roller Girl Written by Victoria Jamieson Dial Books 978-0803740167 Going into Junior High is tough enough, but it's worse when you start to lose your best friend. Astrid is still determined to give all she's got to her new hobby: roller derby. This is a graphic novel and while the increasing popularity of this genre has garnered some recent Newbery attention (way to go El Deafo!) it's hard to say if this one will be considered, due to its reliance on illustrations. But still, the story is fantastic and I have rarely felt so connected to a story as I did this one. Really well done, see my original review here. Fish in a Tree Written by Lynda Mullaly Hunt Nancy Paulsen Books 978-0399162596 This is about a girl who struggles with dyslexia and the teacher who helps her find the confidence she needs. Is it pretty cliche? Sure, the characters don't feel all that original, it's true, but the writing is so amazing and the story is so engrossing—I'll admit. It's a major favorite, whether or not it gets considered for the Newbery. See my original review here.
Next up in our countdown of the top posts of 2016 on The Logonauts: the most-read book review and book recommendation posts from this year! Click here for more Top Posts of 2016 or click here for more book recommendations. Top 5 Book Review Posts of 2016 #5: Wordless Wonders: Picture Books to Ponder This post highlights some of my favorite wordless (and nearly wordless) pictures books published in the last few years. These are fabulous books for readers and nonreaders of all ages! #4: New Book Alert: The Girl Who Drank the Moon (Definitely near the top of my list for our school's Mock Newbery as well! I love this book.) #3: Great Graphic Novels for Middle School (part 1: realistic, part 2: fantasy) This two-part series covers some of my must-have graphic novels as I was assembling my classroom library for middle school. These titles have proven to be quite popular with my students as well. #2: Mock Caldecott 2017 (part 1 and part 2) Counting down the days until our school will vote in our own Mock Caldecott. These two posts lay out my favorites. Which are yours? #1: Malala Yousafzai: Warriors With Words #ReadYourWorld I received a copy of this book to review for last January's Multicultural Children's Book Day. If you are interested in finding out more about the wonderful one-day event, click here for details and mark your calendar for January 27, 2017. What are your favorite book review posts? Click here for more book recommendations or click here for more Top Posts of 2016.
Mock Caldecott is one of my very favourite things to do in the classroom! This year, with a Grade 4 and 5 classroom, I was able to stretch the analysis process further and deeper with my students. …
They All Saw a Cat By Brendan Wenzel Chronicle Books $16.99 ISBN: 978-1-4521-5013-0 Ages 4-7 On shelves now It’s funny. Unless you’re a teacher or librarian, a grown adult that does not work or live with children will come into very little contact with picture books. Then, one day, they produce a few kids and […]
9 Books. Over 500 K-4th grade student votes. SCROLL TO KEEP READING THIS POST ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The winners of our 2016 Mock Caldecott are…
Sometimes, the stretch of time in a fifth grade classroom (or any classroom I would imagine) between the end of Thanksgiving Break and the start of Winter Break can be a bit challenging. Motivatio…
Mmmm. It’s that time again. The summer is beginning to cool its jets and with fall on the horizon I need to present the third in my yearly four-part prediction series. What was that fantastic quote Travis Jonker came up with the other day? Ah, yes. “Those who have knowledge, don’t predict. Those who predict, […]
