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Please click on the picture to go to the book's page on Goodreads to learn more about it.
Picture Books
Picture Books
Spork
by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Adorable little Spork is searching for his place in the world. He's not a fork, nor a spoon and the other utensils shun him. Until one day a messy "thing" arrives.
I read this to my 4th graders and they loved it. They especially liked guessing what the messy thing was and rooting for Spork to find self-acceptance.
Not A Box
by Antoinette Portis
Oh the wonders and possibilities of a simple, empty cardboard box. In this book the rabbit uses the box as a spaceship, robot and a car just to name a few.
Good for ages 4-8.
Bob and Otto
by Robert O. Bruel
Illustrated by Nick Bruel
I was delighted to find this book at my library. I love Nick Bruel's illustrations and after looking into it more, I discovered that Nick Bruel found this story his father had written after his father passed away. He made some minor changes and did the illustrations.
This is a story of friendship. Bob and Otto are great friends and enjoy spending their days together on the ground.
You can read the book online at the site below.
Good for grades K-3
Nonfiction Picture Book
Harlem's Little Blackbird
by Renee Watson
Illustrated by Christian Robinson
This picture book biography is about Florence Mills, a singer/dancer from Harlem in the 1920's. She was lesser known than some more famous African-American performers of the time, but just as influential. Strangely enough, there are no known audio or video recordings of her voice on record, so her story has been passed down by generations of story tellers.
Good for grades 3-5.
Poetry
A Stick is an Excellent Thing
by Marilyn Singer
Illustrated by LeUyen Pham
This is a really fun book of short poetry to celebrate outdoor play. It made me want to roll in some leaves and jump off a swing. Good for grades 2-4.
Middle Grade
Fortunately, the Milk
by Neil Gaiman
Illustrated by Skottie Young
Although this book was not a favorite for me, many kids will enjoy it for it's over-the-top silliness. A father gets delayed bringing milk home for his two daughters. The tale he tells about why he is late is the basis for the book. Traveling through time, being captured by pirates and rescued by a stegosaurus in a hot air balloon are just a few events from his tall tale. The fun, messy illustrations are the best part of this book.
Good for grades 3-4.
Currently Reading
Frog Burgers
by Lee Mandel
The Graveyard Book
by Neil Gaiman
Currently Listening
Waiting for Normal
by Leslie Connor
Some good books here, Gigi. I love books based on little known historical characters like Harlem's Little Blackbird. I know the "Stick" poetry book, very fun for the young students. I enjoyed The Graveyard Book very much-such an unusual story, but satisfying.
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