Tag: holiday books

Friday Feature (a wee bit late)

Here I was going to be good about writing a post every Friday with some of my favorites from the week.  I had a librarian’s district meeting today and completely forgot.  I don’t even know if I want to get into how the meeting was so I am just going to focus on the books. 

1.  Roses Are Pink, Your Feet Really Stink by Diane de Groat-read this to first grade students;  I love Gilbert- he makes mistakes-this time he goofs up by writing two mean Valentine poems to classmates.  This is a great book about making choices and making amends.  Kids laugh right when you read the title-you can’t go wrong with that! 5 stars

2. Louane Pig and the Mysterious Valentine by Nancy Carlson-I read this to kindergarten and first grade students and they solved the mystery!  I’m happy to report that at least one child in every class figured out just who gave Louanne her BIG Valentine.  But I have to admit I love all the other silly answers that the other kids give…like it was a DOG,  her mom (even after it states in the book that the sender was a guy, I know, crazy),  Gilbert (yes.) , oh the joy of spontaneous children.  Priceless. 5 stars
3. The Valentine  Express by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace– Her books-all of them-are beautiful.  I love their craftiness (i’m not) and their simple yet delightful themes. Valentine’s Day is not just for romance but for showing how much we care for our friends, parents, and neighbors and this book gently shares that with easily little crafts and caring bunnies.  It’s way better than Hallmark, really.  5 stars
Do you have Valentine books you love? 
 Kids love it but need to be reminded it is about caring about your friends and family not about the mushy stuff.  Leave that to the teenagers, like my son who took it upon himself to locate and send flowers to his girlfriend-arriving on the day, a mixed bouquet.  Hmmm.  On that note I’m finishing my tea and heading to bed.  Another busy Saturday awaits me.
**Stop back next Friday…I haveoh, so many  Black History books to share.
Peaceful Reading…

Halloween List

I read quite a few Halloween books over the last few weeks and I fell in love with a few.  While it is after Halloween I share them with you so you will be prepared for next year. 

Last night Peaceful girl and I read Hush, Baby Ghostling (2009) by Andrea Beaty and Pascal Lemaitre.  This writing team is also responsible for the great Doctor Ted and Firefighter Ted.  We really liked the coziness of Hush, Baby Ghostling and little girl loved comparing ghostling’s life to hers.   “Ahh, he’s going to bed during the day.”  “Ohhh, he likes the lights all out-not one bit of light.” It was cool to listen to her figure out ghost mama loves her baby too!  4/5 peaceful stars

One of my favorites this year is Boris and Bella (2004) by Carolyn Crimi and Cris Grimly.  I read this to Peaceful girl, because it is about a messy monster (like her) and Peaceful husband, because it’s a sweet love story!  Boris is neat and tidy and Bella, quite messy and they, of course, don’t like each other!  When each decide to have a Halloween party they are sadly disappointed when they find out everyone is heading to Harry Beastie’s party instead.  They can’t resist and end up there themselves-the rest is monster history!  If this book is ever made into a feature length film I vote for Helena Bonham Carter to play Bella!! 5/5 peaceful stars

I actually read Anne Rockwell’s (2001)Pumpkin Day, Pumpkin Night  a lot in the last few weeks.  It demonstrates how a fiction book, with imaginary characters, can give us true information.  This book does a great job of showing students the whole pumpkin to jack-o-lantern experience.  Not all students get to design, scoop out slimy pumpkin guts, and create a glowing pumpkin face-this book does just that.  I am a big fan of Anne Rockwell’s books.

The Perfect Pumpkin Pie (2005) by Denys Cazet is a rollicking fun time of a read with any grade.  The detailed illustrations lend a creepy atmosphere and the refrain will have kids “reading” with you.  It goes like this:

“Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkin pie! I must have one before I die.  It must be round and brown as toast, or I’ll haunt this house a hungry ghost.  It must be perfect, or a ghost I’ll stay, and haunt this house and never, ever go awaaaaaaay!” said by the creepy and dead Mr. Wilkerson.

Pumpkin Circle-great nonfiction read-aloud as well!  What were your favorite Halloween books this year?

Peaceful Reading…