Joy wants a dog and Jump wants a kid; this is the story of how the two find each other. I loved how this one included two stories in one (view spoilerJoy wants a dog and Jump wants a kid; this is the story of how the two find each other. I loved how this one included two stories in one (view spoiler)[and how the book switches from mostly black/grey and white to a full-color page-spread at the end) (hide spoiler)]....more
A Juneteenth story about Houston's Emancipation Park, the oldest public park in Texas. Those who live in Texas will appreciate it. If you are looking A Juneteenth story about Houston's Emancipation Park, the oldest public park in Texas. Those who live in Texas will appreciate it. If you are looking for other Juneteenth stories to share with your children or students, give Juneteenth: A Picture Book for Kids Celebrating Black Joy or A Flag for Juneteenth a try too....more
3.5 stars, Daisy who struggles to stay focused confides in her teacher who recognizes her for her strengths instead of her weaknesses. For anyone who 3.5 stars, Daisy who struggles to stay focused confides in her teacher who recognizes her for her strengths instead of her weaknesses. For anyone who has struggled with daydreams or gone down the rabbit hole, this book will be appreciated. ...more
This is not an image of Maria von Trapp or Julie Andrews singing the classic song from The Sound of Music; it is Guido d'Arezzoa, monk from the 1000s This is not an image of Maria von Trapp or Julie Andrews singing the classic song from The Sound of Music; it is Guido d'Arezzoa, monk from the 1000s (aka the eleventh century). He came up with the idea of writing down and naming notes (tones) to teach songs;the notes that would later be used in the mid 1900s song, Do-Re-Mi. Like Matthew Kelly'sRediscover Catholicism or some of Tomie dePaola's works (i.e. Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi, The Clown of God, Lady of Guadalupe), this is a story that shows the Catholic faith in a positive light....more
Originally published in France in 2011, published in English in 2023. A sweet story about the bond behind a child and their grandparent. If you're looOriginally published in France in 2011, published in English in 2023. A sweet story about the bond behind a child and their grandparent. If you're looking for a story for Grandparents Day or like stories about nature, give this gentle story a try....more
This is the second book I have read about an artist from the Dada art movement of the 1900s this month, the first being about John Cage. Like John CagThis is the second book I have read about an artist from the Dada art movement of the 1900s this month, the first being about John Cage. Like John Cage, Marcel Duchamp saw life in a different way. His art caused people to question, "What is and is not art? Can an everyday object like a toilet be art?" For those who would like to learn more about Dada (aka Dadaism), check out Mimi's Dada Catifesto which was a lot of fun and my favorite book on this movement....more
(view spoiler)[Interesting takeaway for a middle grades book - sometimes you have to run away to find the solution to your problems. (hide spoiler)] R(view spoiler)[Interesting takeaway for a middle grades book - sometimes you have to run away to find the solution to your problems. (hide spoiler)] Rayne is slowly losing her hearing; she is starting to struggle with school. Her proactive parents have scheduled her for surgery for cochlear implants which (if all goes well) will allow her to hear again. If you think this is a story about how Rayne adjusts after the surgery, it is not. Instead this is the story of how she does everything she can to convince her parents that she does not want the surgery. She researches for other answers, contacts a lawyer, and even reaches out to a doctor to be part of a study on stem cells. (view spoiler)[In a last resort, she runs away from home to find a solution for her dilemma. (hide spoiler)] Can a twelve-year-old make their own medical decisions without parent intervention? What rights do minors have in regard to medical care? Will any of the professionals she contacts listen to her? What is the solution to Rayne's hearing loss?...more
3.5 stars. Flamingos are fascinating in this picture book that's told with humor and facts. If you or a young person in your life are interested in fl3.5 stars. Flamingos are fascinating in this picture book that's told with humor and facts. If you or a young person in your life are interested in flamingos, you'll want to give this a read....more
Irish humor, I was surprised to see that this was published in the early 2000s. This story about Rover the dog and four kids who travel with Santa oneIrish humor, I was surprised to see that this was published in the early 2000s. This story about Rover the dog and four kids who travel with Santa one Christmas when Rudolph is under the weather read more like a story from the 1980s or 1990s. The humor (IMO) is over the top. References to Guinness beer....more
I first read or heard of this story in the mid 1990s. There was even a priest who would read it to us each year for the Christmas homily. It seemed a I first read or heard of this story in the mid 1990s. There was even a priest who would read it to us each year for the Christmas homily. It seemed a bit of a Christmas classic (as it had already been around for over 10 years when it appeared on my radar and a New York Times bestseller). It's the story of an unnamed narrator who visits his great aunt during the Christmas season out of guilt. Despite the passage of time and the fact his aunt is no longer in her prime, she is still sharp and vibrant. The house is decorated and she's quite the conversationalist. The two have a lovely time togehter. Rereading this now for probably the first time since the aughts, I was pleasantly surprised by the timelessness of the story. This is the why behind why we make an effort to make Christmas special for our loved ones; we are creating memories for the next generations. May the spirit of Christmas live on. May we continue to make memories with our families....more
If you like cats and would like a story told from that point of view, give this a try. Purrfect for fans of the Alfie series or those who enjoyed DeweIf you like cats and would like a story told from that point of view, give this a try. Purrfect for fans of the Alfie series or those who enjoyed Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World....more
If you thought cowboys no longer exist or only live on ranches on acres of land, check out this book. A young girl and her father arise early one mornIf you thought cowboys no longer exist or only live on ranches on acres of land, check out this book. A young girl and her father arise early one morning to ride in what appears to be an urban environment. ...more
Tongue-in-cheek story. Featuring a monster and 10 children, who's the real liar in this story? The monster or one of the children (view spoiler)[the gTongue-in-cheek story. Featuring a monster and 10 children, who's the real liar in this story? The monster or one of the children (view spoiler)[the girl reading the book (hide spoiler)]? Children who like monster stories or those with a dark sense of humor will appreciate this one. Similar stories include Maurice Sendak's Pierre: A Cautionary Tale in Five Chapters and a Prologue or Jon Klassen's Hat trilogy....more
Sports meet the humor of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Last Kids on Earth book. Best friends Tommy and Pel are both trying out for the traveling baseball Sports meet the humor of A Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Last Kids on Earth book. Best friends Tommy and Pel are both trying out for the traveling baseball team, but there's only one spot open. Who will get it? Will it be Tommy who love all things baseball, Pel who until his Mom makes him try out would rather have been playing video games or another kid? ...more
Delightful collection of short stories and folktales from around the world; it's hard to pick a favorite. It includes classics like E.T.A. Hoffmann's Delightful collection of short stories and folktales from around the world; it's hard to pick a favorite. It includes classics like E.T.A. Hoffmann's The Nutcracker, Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen. The Mitten will remind some of Jan Brett'sbook for the same title or her other similar title, The Hat. Perhaps it was part of her inspiration for both stories. This would be a wonderful family read aloud for the winter or holiday season....more
If you're looking for a book to gift a family or elementary classroom teacher, look no further. This book with a poem for each day of the year is perfIf you're looking for a book to gift a family or elementary classroom teacher, look no further. This book with a poem for each day of the year is perfect. Reading only a poem a day for about two weeks, I found all the selections amusing. For those wondering about the title, checkout the poem for January 2, Although* by Tony Langham. I even read a poem by one of my old favorites, Ogden Nash, Good Riddance, But Now What?** for December 31. Yep, Nash still makes me chuckle. Since I did not read this book in its entirety, I am giving it 4 stars at this time. Star rating will be adjusted if I finish it in the future.
*Although by Tony Langham Although I had
butterflies in my stomach
and ants in my pants
and a bee in my bonnet
and a flea in my ear —
I had a whale of a time.
**Good Riddance, But Now What? by Ogden Nash Come, children, gather round my knee; Something is about to be.
Tonight’s December thirty-first, Something is about to burst.
The clock is crouching, dark and small, Like a time bomb in the hall.
Hark! It’s midnight, children dear. Duck! Here comes another year....more
Cute Pete the Cat story, who knew there were so many different foods you could put in a taco shell? This story may inspire you to try something new thCute Pete the Cat story, who knew there were so many different foods you could put in a taco shell? This story may inspire you to try something new the next time you're in the food for a taco or wrap....more
Fantasy stand alone for all ages, this story of Marigold who isn't exactly good not exactly wicked is delightful and a hoot. If you like stories with Fantasy stand alone for all ages, this story of Marigold who isn't exactly good not exactly wicked is delightful and a hoot. If you like stories with wizards, witches, spells and princesses; you'll enjoy this....more