New Series "By the Numbers" from Steve Jenkins

I wanted to share this super-cool new series from Steve Jenkins. So far there are two in the series published by HMH Books for Young Readers. 

Earth by the Numbers

Dinosaurs by the Numbers

Each is hardcover with approximately 40 pages. They are filled with fascinating infographics and include a glossary of important terms. Kids will love examining the infographics and sharing their learning. 

These books would make a wonderful addition to your library for grades 3-5. 

Coming soon: 

The Solar System by the Numbers

Insects by the Numbers

Cowhide-and-Seek by Sheri Dillard and Jess Pauwels

Cowhide-and-Seek
by Sheri Dillard
Illustrated by Jess Pauwels
Published May, 2019
Running Press kids
Picture Book
Hardcover
Fiction
32 Pages
Review copy provided by publisher


Goodreads Summary
A fun and humorous picture book, perfect for fans of Click, Clack, Moo.
Where, oh where, could Bessie be? When Bessie hears the farmer counting his cows, she thinks he's starting a game of hide-and-seek. She hurries off to hide, determined to be the winner- but she's the only one playing! When her "hiding spot" walks away, she follows it . . . right off the farm! Ready or not, here comes the farmer! Will Bessie find the perfect place to hide?

My Thoughts

Kids love a good game of hide and seek. Imagine how they will enjoy watching Bessie and she tries to hide in plain sight. It reminds me of how toddlers play hide and seek as they crouch behind a small object and think that they can't be seen. This book is silly and fun. The illustrations are well done with mostly stark white backgrounds with colorful diverse characters. 

Kids from toddlers to age 5 will enjoy this book. 

Image from Amazon.com

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

The Baby Bookworm Blog
Visit Sheri Dillard's website
Visit Jess Pauwels website

It's Monday, What Are You Reading July 1, 2019

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here are a few books I have been able to read over the last couple of weeks. Click on the covers to go to the book's page on Goodreads. 

The second in the series from Kayla Miller.  The story is all too relatable and timeless as Olive and Willow struggle with their friendship at summer camp when their personalities and expectations differ. Great for middle schoolers. 

Reading fantasy is a book gap for me. The Storm Keeper's Island was a nice way to fill it a bit. This is the first in the series. For 5th grade and up. 

This is the first in the super-cute graphic novel series, Monkey and Cake. First grade is the sweet spot for this one.  

Crabtree Publishing has a whole series of these fractured fair tales. If you are looking for books for second graders who are striving readers, want something entertaining, but not too young looking, this one does the trick. 

I really like Scholastic's Acorn imprint for young readers. There are currently 3 in this series. They are in full color and are written in  short chapters. Perfect for grades 1-2. 

Currently Reading

and 

What are you reading friends? 

Blog Tour: Moon! Earth's Best Friend by Stacy McAnulty and Stevie Lewis

Moon! Earth's Best Friend
by Stacy McAnulty 
Illustrated by Stevie Lewis
Published June 11, 2019
Henry Holt and Co.
Fiction
Picture book
40 pages
Advanced reader's copy provided by publisher. 
A Junior Library Guild selection. 



I am thrilled to be today's stop on the blog tour for Moon! Earth's Best Friend. It releases today!!

Goodreads Summary
From writer Stacy McAnulty and illustrator Stevie Lewis, Moon! Earth's Best Friend is a light-hearted nonfiction picture book about the formation and history of the moon—told from the perspective of the moon itself.

Meet Moon! She's more than just a rock—she’s Earth’s rock, her best friend she can always count on. Moon never turns her back on her friend (literally: she's always facing Earth with the same side!). These two will stick together forever. With characteristic humor and charm, Stacy McAnulty channels the voice of Moon in this next celestial "autobiography" in the Our Universe series. Rich with kid-friendly facts and beautifully brought to life by Stevie Lewis, this is an equally charming and irresistible companion to Earth! My First 4.54 Billion Years and Sun! One in a Billion.

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of Stacy McAnulty and the "Our Universe" series so I was so excited to see a third book in the series. The entire series, including Moon! Earth's Best Friend, is super informative and entertaining. Readers (including me!) learn so much about Earth's moon in this book. 
Did you know that the moon was created 4.5 billion years ago as the result of Mars crashing into Earth? McAnulty has a way of tucking facts into the Moon's first person narrative that makes it easy for readers to understand. I have a much greater appreciation for Moon and what it does for Earth after reading this book. 

The illustrations, created by Stevie Lewis with colored pencils and digital tools, are fabulous and really make the information come alive. Readers will love the relationship between Moon and Earth!

Picture taken by me of a page from the advanced reader's copy. 

This book, and this whole series, is a must-have for elementary classrooms and libraries. 

Visit Stacy McAnulty's website for more information on her books. 

Visit Stevie Lewis' website  to learn more about her illustration work. 

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? April 22, 2019

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

I have not posted an IMWAYR post in ages. 

Here are some books I have read recently. 

Currently Reading

A Couple of New Titles Perfect for Spring!

A Little Chicken
by Tammi Sauer
Illustrated by Dan Taylor
Published March, 2019
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
Picture Book
Fiction
32 pages
Review copy provided by publisher.




Goodreads Summary
Dot is scared of lots of things: wolves, bears, the occasional lawn ornament. But when one of her mother’s eggs rolls out of the nest, this nervous chick must find the courage to save the day—and her new sibling! So she bravely ventures down the steep hill, into the deep pond, and into the dark woods. Perfect for any kid who needs a little encouragement to face the challenging world, this story proves that sometimes a big hero is just a little chicken.

My Thoughts
This fun read will appeal to little ones as they read to see if Dot can save the her future sibling even though she is scared. I loved the illustrations and page layouts. The repetitive phrase, "CLUCK-CLUCK. No luck." will invite kids to read along. 

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Katie Reviews Books

Visit Tammi Sauer's website

Visit Dan Taylor's website

Growing Season                    

by Maryann Cocca-Leffler

Published April, 2019
Sterling Children's Books
Hardcover
Picture Book
Fiction
40 pages
Review copy provided by publisher.

Goodreads Summary
El and Jo are the smallest students in their class—and best friends, too, like peas in a pod. Even their names are short. But in springtime, something BIG happens: Jo starts growing like a weed, while El feels smaller every day. On the last day of school, their teacher asked every child to pick a plant to care for over the summer. All the other kids reach over El to grab their plant, and she has to take the very last one: a tiny, flowerless aster. At first, she’s disappointed. But as summer progresses, the aster begins to bloom—and so does El!

El and Jo are the shortest kids in class, and they’re inseparable. But what happens when Jo starts to grow? This sweet picture book explores the joys and challenges of friendship and growing up. “A sweet story with emotional depth.” —Kirkus

My Thoughts

This story is perfect for spring time. Just as flowers are starting to bloom, our students have grown in many ways as well. 

When Jo starts to grow taller than El, she experiences many feelings that would make for great discussions. 

The illustrations are very sweet with adorable culturally and physically diverse characters. It would make an excellent addition to your library!

See what others have to say about this book:

Kirkus

Publishers Weekly

Katie Reviews Books

Visit Maryann Cocca-Leffler's website .

It's Monday, What Are You Reading? January 14, 2019

Please visit the amazing blogs: Teach Mentor Texts and Unleashing Readers who host this terrific meme each week.

Here is my reading from the past few weeks. Click on the book covers to learn more about the books.

I LOVED the character of Little Charlie. 

I listened to this one on audio. So good! Grades 5+

Merci has a lot to deal with including navigating middle school and her grandfather's advancing Alzheimer's Disease. Grades 4-6.

I enjoyed this story and kids will like it as well. I wanted a bit more development and felt it moved a little too quickly. But you will want it for your classroom. Grades 4-5. 

Isabella's family becomes "blended" after her parents' divorce. She feels "blended" with a white mother and black father. Draper explores both of these aspects well. It ended abruptly in my opinion, but I did enjoy it. Grades 5-8. 

Currently Reading

Listening to...

What are you reading friends?