Thursday, December 19, 2013

Flora and Ulysses; The Illuminated Adventures




















Hmmm--where to start with this book?  Let's try the main characters.  Flora is a young girl, living with her romance-writing mother because her parents are divorced.  Flora has withdrawn into the comic book world of The Amazing Incandesto! and has memorized much of its ongoing feature Terrible Things Can Happen to You!
Ulysses is a squirrel who has been swallowed whole by a neighbors new vacuum cleaner.  Flora rescues Ulysses; and Ulysses is transformed into a superhero who can fly, type and compose poetry, and is always hungry.
This quirky story by Kate DiCamillo (we claim her as a Minnesotan, although she isn't always residing here), with illustrations by K. G. Campbell, will appeal to intermediate readers. 

Monday, December 16, 2013

Making a Friend























Winter has returned, and the first snow is on the ground.  The first snowfall is so special to children.  It's great fun to catch snowflakes on your tongue, or make snow angels, or build the first snowman!  The boy in this story builds a snowman who becomes his best friend.  But, eventually spring comes, and the snowman disappears.  Where did he go?

This simple story by Alison McGhee with illustrations by Marc Rosenthal touches on friendship, but also shares information about the seasons and the water cycle for young readers.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

One-Dog Sleigh

















Winter is almost here, and this book will get readers in the spirit.  One Dog Sleigh is the winter companion to One Dog Canoe.  In this story our heroine sets off in a little red  sleigh; but soon all the other animals want to play/ride too - including a dog, squirrel, owl, lynx, deer, bear, and finally a mouse.  It's too much for the pony to pull, so the animals have to help push the sleigh.  A great companion, with more rolllicking fun from author Mary Casanova and illustrator Ard Hoyt.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Moo!




Is it possible to write a complete story using just one word? The answer is "yes", and this comical book by David LaRochelle, and illustrated by Mike Wohnoutka is the result. 
The farmer has a car for sale, and when cow sees it, she must take it for a little joy ride, mooing all the way (well almost---until the last page!).  This is a hilarious romp for young children.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Alan and His Perfectly Pointy Impossibly Perpendicular Pinky




















It's going to be a special day at Market Elementary School.  Alan Page, former Vikings player and Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, is coming to visit.  As he settles onto a small chair to read a story, one little boy is transfixed by Alan's little finger that points in an impossible direction.  Finally, he can't help blurting out "What happened to your pinky?" Alan has one of those special teaching moments when he explains how his finger got the way it is.  This special book, written by Alan Page and his daughter Kamie Page, and illustrated by David Geister has been published by the Page Foundation.  This is a uniquely Minnesota story, and proceeds from sales support the foundation and its programs to support education.

Monday, November 11, 2013

Scaly, Spotted, Feathered, Frilled: How do We Know What Dinosaurs Really Looked Like?


Not your ordinary dinosaur book, this new title by Catherine Thimmesh, looks at how paleoartists try to figure out what dinosaurs actually looked like?  Did they have scales?, feathers?, maybe both?  As scientists learn more about how and where dinosaurs lived, the new evidence changes how artists portray them.  Filled with historic and current illustrations, this fascinating book will appeal to dinosaur enthusiasts, and young artists alike.  It may be a resource for science classes studying dinosaurs.

Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Nothing Special



In this sequel to Stupid Fast, Felton Reinstein (whose amazing running ability stunned everyone in the first book of this trilogy) is off on a different discovery.  This story focuses on his younger brother, Andrew, who is very sad and depressed and who runs away to Florida.  This book is actually Felton's journal as he attempts to travel to Florida, retrieve his brother, and return home in time for football practice season to start.  The targeted audience here is high school boys, who like sports, have a slightly weird sense of humor, and who probably have read the first book.  Written by Geoff Herback, this won the Minnesota Book Award in 2013.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Surviving the Hindenburg




The giant airship, Hindenburg, was cruising along the East Coast of the United States on May 6, 1937.  Werner Franz was the cabin boy on board making his first trip to the United States.  Suddenly, as the ship came in to land at Lakehurst, NJ, something terrible happened and the great airship was destroyed.  Many people know the general story of the Hindenburg, but they may not know that 62 people survived the disaster, including Werner.  This picture book account is written by Larry Verstraete, with oil painting illustrations by Minnesotan David Geister; and it could be a classroom resource for upper elementary or middle school social studies classes.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Dinosaur Thunder



















A big thunderstorm is happening outside.  Big brother Chad is so excited by the storm that he dances in the middle of the living room floor.  Little brother Brannon, on the other hand, is so frightened of thunder that he looks for a place to hide.  It is only when Chad explains that thunder happens when dinosaurs start stomping around, that Brannon loses his fear, and the brothers do their "dinosaur thunder dance" for everyone.  Written by Marion Dane Bauer, with colorful imaginative illustrations by Margaret Chodos-Irvine, this will surely be enjoyed by young boys.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Beautiful Music For Ugly Children





















High school senior Gabe Wilson has a lot going on.  Graduation is near, he's just started a new radio show, and he has a crush on his best friend Paige.  The only problem is -- everyone still knows him as Elizabeth. His parents don't acknowledge his desire to transition from girl to guy, and he is bullied at school.

Gabe loves music and his grandfatherly neighbor, John -- a former DJ -- is a big help in starting the radio show called Beautiful Music for Ugly Children. The show is successful and soon has its own fan club (The Ugly Children Brigade); until Gabe/Liz's true identity is revealed. 

This contemporary teen problem novel is for advanced high school readers due to the amount of sexuality topics included.  Written by Kristen Cronn-Mills, it made the Best Fiction for Young Adults list in 2013 and was a finalist for the Lambda Literary Award (young adult division) in 2013.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

The Case of the Missing Donut























A young sheriff and his dog deputy have been given the task of bringing home a dozen donuts from the local bakery.  Please understand that the sheriff really loves donuts -- and when one powdered donut gets squished in the box, he can't resist eating it.  But then somehow, everyone knows he has eaten the donut -- and they look at him funny -- and ask snarky questions (like "how was that donut?") It is only when they get home, and look in a mirror that the case is solved. This humorous tale is written by Allison McGhee, and has spot-on illustrations by Isabel Roxas.  It will be great fun to share with young children, and early readers will enjoy the mystery too.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Not a Buzz to be Found; Insects in Winter




(I heard snow mentioned in the forecast today--time to add winter to our vocabulary again.)

In the warm weather, insects are everywhere. Where do they go during the winter? This book shows what twelve insects do to survive the winter; including for example, the Monarch butterfly who flys south, or the honeybees who huddle together in their hive. Written by Linda Glaser with illustrations by Jaime Zollars, this could be a classroom resource for insect units. Back matter includes additional information about each insect.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Perfect Square


















Take a nice square of colored paper.

Now do something with it!

"What do you mean?",  you ask.           Do you need some ideas?

Check out this colorful picture book for the neatest possibilities for what to do with a square.

Maybe....make a fountain, or a garden, or a park.   Maybe....a bridge, or a river, or a mountain.

Don't think it's possible?

You have got to read this book by St. Paul graphic designer Michael Hall.  It will stretch your imagination.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Some Cat!


Poor Violet! She has been at the animal shelter for a very long time.  When someone approaches, she hisses and spats; and the visitors leave with a different pet.  Finally, a man and woman taker Violet home, but she doesn't get along with George and Zippy, the two dogs who already live there.  That is until three strag dogs chase her, and George and Zippy come to the rescue.  From the team that created One Dog Canoe (Mary Casanova and Ard Hoyt), we have another rollicking animal adventure for young readers.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Hannah's Way




Hannah's father has lost his job during the Depression, and the family must move to the Iron Range so he can help in Uncle Max's general store.  Hannah starts attending her new school, only to find that she is the only Jewish girl there.  This becomes a problem when a class picnic is scheduled on a saturday, but Hannah is not allowed to ride in a car that day in order to observe the Sabbath.  A solution is found when several of her new classmates volunteer to walk with her to the picnic.  Based on a real story, this picture book by Linda Glaser, with illustrations by Adam Gustavson, will add to students' understanding of the many ethnic and cultural groups that have made their homes in small towns as well as the large cities in Minnesota.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Twelve Owls





















Owls are fascinating predators found in many Minnesota locations.  This book includes profiles of twelve owls known to live in or migrate to Minnesota; ranging from the tiny saw-whet to the magnificent great gray owl.  In addition to general identification and habitat information,  the book includes information on how the environment affects each owls' life pattern and habitat. Written by Laura Erickson, with life size paintings of each bird by Betsy Bowen; this will be a good resource for predator units in science or biology classes.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Birds in Our Backyard















Minnesota is home to over 400 species of birds throughout the year.  This book will help young readers learn about Minnesota birds as they are seen during the four seasons.  They will also learn about travel and migration, nests, habitat, and the favorite foods of various birds.  The text, in poetry form, is written by Adele Porter, and the beautiful color photographs by Bill Marchel bring to life the world of Minnesota birds.  This is an excellent resource for elementary bird units, and can be enjoyed by readers any time of year.

Friday, September 20, 2013

How Martha Saved Her Parents from Green Beans





Every Tuesday evening, Martha's family has green beans for supper.  Martha HATES green beans!  Nothing will ever make her eat them.  But, when some beady-eyed black-hat-and-boots-wearing beans storm into town, and begin causing trouble, Martha knows she must do something.  When the beans kidnap her parents, she hunts them down and ............. (I won't give it away--you have to read the story!)
Written by David LaRochelle, with delightful illustrations by Mark Fearing, this will have young readers laughing out loud at the story and the spot-on funny illustrations.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Wild Boy: The Real Life of the Savage of Aveyron
























In 1798, woodsmen in southern France captured a seemingly wild boy in the woods and marched him to the town square.  So begins the story of the Savage of Aveyron.  Who was this boy? How old was he? Why didn't he speak? No one knew the answers.  Eventually the boy was taken to Paris where he lived in a home for deaf children. He attended the Institute of Deaf-Mutes, where a doctor tutored him intensely.  Although he never learned to speak, he was always drawn to the outdoors and to the woods; and it became clear that he did feel emotions.  Written by Mary Losure, with black and white illustrations by Timothy Ering, this very readable story will interest students at intermediate and middle school grades.

Friday, September 13, 2013

The Survivors




 

This is a sequel to Memory Boy (published in 2001) by Will Weaver.  Memory Boy is the story of sixteen year old Miles, his sister Sarah, and their family who had to flee their suburban Minneapolis home and move to the north woods after several large volcanic eruptions in the western United States changed the environment for everyone.  (It's a great story, and you must read it if you haven't.)

Survivors picks up the story after they arrive at a remote cabin (the location feels like it might be in the Lake Itasca or Bemidji area), and must find a way to survive the winter.  They also must avoid being identifed as homeless "Travelers", as that could put them in more danger.  Everyone relies on Miles for his commonsense outlook, ability to hunt, and other general knowledge about survival.  But when Miles gets a concussion in an accident, the family is forced to make new adjustments in order to survive. It's a very worthy sequel to the first book.  Don't miss it. 

Thursday, September 12, 2013

The Last Day of Kindergarten


















This feels like a book that should be read in the Spring (graduation time and all that), but I'm going to mention it now since many children are just starting first grade.

This is the story of a little girl experiencing the last day of kindergarten. She is sad at first to see her friends and teacher for the last time.  The children spend their time cleaning the room, meeting for a last circle time, and going to their graduation.  By the end of the day our young heroine is all ready to start first grade! Written by Minnesotan Nancy Loewen, and illustrated by Sachiko Yoshikawa, this was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2011.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Minnesota Bug Hunt


















What is that fearsome creature on the cover of this book?  It's a Red Milkweed Beetle, and it lives on milkweed in the prairie/grassland habitat.  This book will provide readers an up-close-and-personal look at some of Minnesota's most interesting and unusual insects.  It is arranged by habitat (backyard, grassland/prairie, forest, pond, and oak tree), and provides information on three to six insects from each habitat.  Author Bruce Giebink (aka 'Bruce the Bug Guy') introduces readers to fun facts about each insect.  The detailed photographs by Bill Johnson allow readers to really see the features of each insect.  It will be a great resource for elementary insect units.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Sparrow Road


Twelve year old Raine lives with her mother and grandfather in Milwaukee, and she's never known her father. Her life is happy until one day her mother takes a job as a cook and maid at Sparrow Road, a remote colony for artists.  Raine resents the move, and especially all the rules ("no talking" during the day, except for Sundays, is really hard!). Gradually the enchanting aspects of Sparrow Road grow on her as explores the grounds, swims in the lake, explores a nearby town, and hangs around with the artists.  New questions arise when she learns that Sparrow Road used to be an orphanage; and as she searches for answers to those questions, she learns a secret about her own life.  Written by Minnesotan, Sheila O'Connor, this book was selected by the International Reading Association as its Intermediate Fiction Award winner in 2012.  It's a very nice "growing-up" story (not quite the same as coming-of-age) for middle school and junior high readers.

Monday, September 9, 2013

City Chickens

In this book, readers will learn about a unique animal shelter in North Minneapolis, called Chicken Run Rescue.  It provides shelter to chickens who may have been abandoned, maltreated, or have escaped from someone's yard.  Written by Christine Heppermann, this book tells the story of several chickens who have lived (or may still be there) at Chicken Run.  It also describes how the shelter got started, and how it operates each day.  Excellent color photographs and a colorful layout enhance the enjoyment of this book.  It could be used in classes studying farm/city animals; or as a model text for writing nonfiction at the upper elementary or middle school level.  It even offers food for thought for educators with a page discussing alternatives to baby-chick hatching units.  Overall, it is an excellent book on a unique subject.

Saturday, September 7, 2013

Frozen


 
Sixteen year old Sadie Rose hasn't said a word in eleven years--ever since the day she was found lying in a snowbank next to her mother's body during a howling snow storm. Set in the 1920's in far northern Minnesota, this is Sadie Rose's story--how she was found in a snowbank, couldn't speak, and had only fleeting memories of her mother.  She is taken in by a corrupt state senator, and has a good life until she stumbles onto some pictures of her mother.  Who was she, and how did she die? There is evidence her mother worked in a brothel, but why? This story is set in a time of historical drama--prohibition, women's right to vote, political corruption, and a fight over lumbering and the use of the wilderness all come into play in this story. This is a suspenseful story about how Sadie Rose finds her voice again; and has several themes including power, corruption, class inequality, the environment, and the strength of family.  Written by Mary Casanova, it is recommended for readers in junior and senior high school. A trailer is available here.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Dolores Huerta; A Hero to Migrant Workers


 

This picture book biography of Mexican American labor leader Dolores Huerta describes how she helped organize migrant farm workers to protest poor wages and working condition.  She became a co-founder of the United Farm Workers, and has worked tirelessly for workers, immigrant and women's rights throughout her life.  This is a first book for Minnesota teacher Sarah Warren, and is illustrated by Robert Casilla.  Backmatter includes a timeline and list of other resources about Huerta.  The book was selected as a Jane Addams honor title in 2013. It might be used as a classroom resource for a unit on labor relations and treatment of workers.

Friday, August 30, 2013

Minnesota in the Civil War


 
The exhibit at the Minnesota History Center entitled Minnesota and the Civil War will be ending soon (September 8).  Hurry and see it if you haven't.  After it ends, here is an excellent resource for American and Minnesota history classes. The book includes many contemporary accounts of the war from diaries, letters, newspaper accounts, photographs, portraits, and pictures of many artifacts from the War that are in the Minnesota Historical Society collection. A great resource for social studies classrooms. 

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Hoop Genius; How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball



It's hard to imagine how a new gym teacher with a rowdy class of boys could invent a game of international popularity--yet that is exactly what happened to James Naismith in 1891 at a school in Springfield, Massachusetts. Written by John Coy, illustrated by Joe Morse, this picture book vividly shows how the first game was played, and how the sports world changed as a result.  A copy of the first draft of rules is printed on the endpapers, adding a primary resource to the story.  This could be the starting point for students to do historical research on their favorite game.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Happy Birthday, Hamster




We first met this engaging hamster in Hot Rod Hamster. He's back, and looking forward to his birthday party. His friend, Dog, is busy shopping for things (but they don't seem to be birthday things). Poor Hamster thinks everyone forgot about his birthday, and gets a big surprise in the end.  With rollicking rhyming text by Cynthia Lord, and colorful illustrations by Minnesotan Derek Anderson, this will be a good read-aloud to share with young children or early readers (might even be good for a birthday party selection).

Monday, August 12, 2013

BookSpeak! Poems About Books


 
In this poetry picture book, Laura Purdie Salas has collected a group of fun, slightly wacky, but engaging poems for young readers--and the subject is BOOKS.  There are numerous literary allusions; for example, in "Cliffhanger", a dog is clinging to rocks while a whale swims below, and the words plead: "Please, author, write a sequel fast!".  "The Middle's Lament" is a three-voice poem where the beginning, middle and end of a book discuss who's best and most important to the story.  People who produce books are honored in "This is the Book".  With its variety of poetic forms, and effective use of several language arts terms, this is a sure thing for elementary language arts classes.  The mixed media illustrations by Jose'e Bisaillon fill the pages with color and imagination.  A teacher's activity guide can be found here.  This won the Minnesota Book Award in 2012.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

T is for Twin Cities; A Minneapolis/St. Paul Alphabet






















 This is not your average alphabet book.  Written by Nancy Carlson and Helen Wilbur, with illustrations by David Geister; this book brings together information about historic landmarks, famous Minnesotans, and natural beauty to introduce young readers to what makes the Twin Cities a wonderful place to live.  James J. Hill, Garrison Keilor, and Elizabeth Quinlan, Minnehaha Falls, The Chain of Lakes, and the Mississippi River join the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, Guthrie Theatre, and the Minnesota Orchestra among the featured people and places in this introduction to the Twin Cities. In addition to a brief poem, each page includes two or three paragraphs telling readers more about what is featured there. The illustrations also capture the spirit of each topic.  This could be a classroom resource for upper elementary social studies and Minnesota history classes.

Friday, August 2, 2013

When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky


This may be my most favorite picture book of 2013 so far (but there are many I haven't looked at yet).  This book tells the story of the ballet The Rite of Spring, composed by Igor Stravinsky and choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky; and first performed in 1913 in Paris.  Using alliteration, onomatopoeia, and other musical language, author (and illustrator) Lauren Stringer, tells the story of the collaboration of these two musicians as they created this famous ballet.  The illustrations reflect the influence of cubism (a new artistic movement in the early 1900's).  Careful study of the illustrations will reveal hints of Matisse and Picasso, as an added treat.  The words and pictures fit together perfectly to make this a very special book.  There will be opportunities to use this in music, art, and language arts classes at the elementary level. An activity guide is available here; and a more detailed curriculum guide from Carnegie Hall can be found here

Thursday, August 1, 2013

It's Milking Time


Oh my, does this book ever bring back memories! This story was my life as the daughter of a dairy farmer until about 8th or 9th grade.  The author, Phyllis Alsdurf, grew up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota, and tells the story of a young girl and her special relationship with her father as they milk cows, and also with young calves (that she must feed and tend) and other farm animals.  The illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher, are spot-on in depicting life on a dairy farm. This could be a classroom resource for teaching a unit on where food comes from, and also for showing city kids different lifestyles that they may never see. It's a wonderful story!   

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

A Leaf Can Be




Leaves are an important part of our ecosystem.  The can provide shade from the sun, or shelter from the rain, they clean the air, and help plants make food. In the fall, they can glide on the wind, turn the hillsides into beautiful colors, and catch the frost.  This simple picture book by Laura Purdie Salas helps children understand the many functions of leaves in our world.  Brief descriptions in the back provide additional insight on the function of leaves. The gentle collage-like illustrations by Violetta Dabija not only fit the words on the page, they also help ones imagination to take flight. The text received a Golden Kite Honor in 2013, and the book was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2013.  This could be used as a supplementary resource for science units on plants and trees at the primary level.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Shadow on the Mountain

















The setting is Norway in 1940.  Although Norway is a neutral country, the Germans invade and take control under the guise of protecting it from invasion by the British or Russians.  This book tells the story of Espen, his family and friends, as they join the resistance movement.  Espen becomes a skiing courier who delivers food, secret documents, guns, illegal radio parts, and more to resistance workers in hiding. The story has elements of a spy thriller, a coming-of-age story, and is a tale of bravery against difficult odds. It is based on real events, and a real young man, Erling Storrusten, who was a teenager in Lillihammer during the years 1940-1945. This is excellent historical fiction for middle school students, and could be used as a classroom resource when studying World War II.  Written by Margi Preus, it was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2013 (young people's literature category); and was selected for the Notable Books for a Global Society list (IRA) in 2013.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

It's a Tiger!









It looks peaceful around here.  Let's read a story. Okay?  You haven't seen any tigers lately, right?  As the reader and the main character start to read this story, they encounter a tiger on almost every page-turn.  Mildly scary, and wildly funny, this picture book by Minnesota author David LaRochelle, and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard, is a feast for the imagination in all of us. This won the Minnesota Book Award in 2013 (children's literature category).

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Bink and Gollie: Best Friends Forever













In this newest 'Bink and Gollie' book, the friends have three new adventures:  Gollie discovers that she has royalty in her blood (and risks losing her best friend); Bink wants to be taller (and buys an Acme Stretch-o-Matic to help her), and the girls start a gold-star sticker collection so they can be included in the next edition of "Flicker's Arcana of the Extraordinary".  Authors Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee team up with illustrator Tony Fucile to create another delightful collection for early readers.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Bink and Gollie: Two for One


The first Bink and Gollie story hit the streets in 2010 and won the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award for beginning reader books.  Now we have two new adventures by this pair of friends.  In this story, Bink and Gollie go to the state fair where they have three brief adventures in three chapters. In the first, Bink tries her hand at an arcade game; then Gollie decides to enter an amateur talent show, and finally they visit a fortune teller.  All of it is good fun for two best friends.  Written by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee, these books are sure to be popular with young girls, and they will be laughing out loud as they read.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

A Secret Keeps









A young boy is off on a trip to his grandparent's farm.  Before leaving home, he learned that grandpa has a secret waiting for him.  Once they arrive, he tries to figure out what the secret is, and where it might be hiding.  No one helps him, and he has to explore the house, garden, field, henhouse, pasture, and barn before he discovers the secret.  No spoilers here, you have to read it to learn what the secret is.  Written by Marsha Wilson Chall, and illustrated by Heather M. Solomon, this is a warm story of farm life that young children will enjoy.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Waking Dragons



It's morning, and time for the brave young knight to wake the sleeping dragons. Fearlessly, he climbs the ladder into their bed, pulls their covers off, puts their jammies in the hamper, and brushes their teeth.  Then it's downstairs for a waffle breakfast, and off they go flying in the sky (but not before delivering the young knight to the front door of his school).  A simple story by Jane Yolen, complemented with bright, humorous, and colorful illustrations by Derek Anderson, make this book a delight for young children.  It was a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award in 2013.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Cat Tale



Lillian, Tilly, and William J. are three inquisitive cats who set off on an afternoon adventure.  They plan to spend time snacking and reading, but soon are chasing words including homophones and homonyms, in what becomes a fabulous tongue-twisting adventure.  Written and illustrated by St. Paul graphic designer Michael Hall, this is a terrific book for preschool and primary language arts classes. Click here for a brief trailer to give you a sample of this tale.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

One Frozen Lake


Okay, I know it's hot and humid outside today (and we had a long cold winter), but this book will warm your heart anytime of year.  One Frozen Lake tells about the winter-time fishing adventures of a grandfather and grandson as they drill holes, drop a line, visit with neighbors, and wait, (yes, wait) for a bite.  Will they ever catch a fish?  Maybe that isn't the point of this wonderful picture book by Deborah Jo Larson, with illustrations by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher. To some degree, it is also a counting book; and the "flannel shirt" illustrations add extra warmth. This title was recognized by the International Reading Association, by winning the Children's Fiction Award for Primary Fiction in 2013.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Let's try this again

It's been a while since I've done any work on this blog.  It's too long a story to tell here.  But, I didn't give up, and I'm ready to pick it up again.  A little refresh on the layout, and we'll be back with new books. Stay tuned.