If You Come to Earth

Oh boy. Three times could be a charm, right? 

In my mind, Sophie Blackall has done it again.

Thanks to Day of Dialog, Chronicle and Edelweiss, I was able to read and share the digital F&G of Sophie's newest fabulousness, If You Come to Earth, with a few of my 5th grade Reading Ambassadors today.  It was my first time looking at it as well and together we dropped our jaws, examined the beautiful masterpiece and yeah, even got a little teary.  The colors. The message. The inclusivity. The details. No beat was missed. She even tipped her hat to her beloved lighthouse and sea.

But don't listen to me.  This is what the kids had to say:

"This should be read to the whole school.  It's beautiful. The wording is very nice. Even kindergarteners will understand what it means and what the main thing that it is all about.  I think teachers will like it, too...The message is that people on Earth can do lots of things together and apart...working together is always better instead of hurting each other."-MH

"The message is that we should take care of our planet and cherish it more than we do."-SS

Here's a simple but to the point review, 

"👍👍👍Great book."-NR

"Accept who you are and what you are are.  People can be sick and cured and then climb mountains.  Some things are hard but nothing can be impossible."-MH (She is reading All the Impossible Things right now by Lindsay Lackey. Lindsay and Sophie inspired her to say this.)

I know what I will be doing on September 15th.  Getting out my birthday candle for a party with blue "Earth" cupcakes, of course. That celebration cannot come soon enough. 

From the chat box during our meet

 

STAMPED

I'm going to make this brief and to the point.

Everyone (young people, old people, parents, educators, administrators, stakeholders, everyone) needs to read this book. I mean, look what I wrote in my book journal after I listened to the it.  No notes. No quotes. No review, really. Believe me, I could have filled many pages with quotes but yet, just this:

Jason Reynolds was an amazing morning and luncheon keynote yesterday at the School Library Journal's Day of Dialog.  Jason with Ibram X. Kendi, the adult STAMPED author, kicked off the day inspiring us all.  "Words matter," Jason said. "Strive in each moment to be anti-racist," Kendi plead. Jason described racism as a virus. People can be asymptomatic and still pass it on.  STAMPED is the vaccine and we all need to ingest it. He said it. I say it. Everyone needs to read this book.

My 17 year old daughter sat with me for the lunch keynote and didn't move until Jason disappeared. All I wrote in my notes was, "AMAZING! IMPORTANT!" He became the topic of our dinner conversation that turned to the current events then anger and ultimately, tears. She wants to make a difference. She wants Jason's and #OwnVoices books to be a part of our curriculum. She feels so passionate about this that she wants to do the research and present to the BOE and I support her.  I just forwarded her this article from SLJ and this one.  

I can't speak to the print version of the book, but I will say, the audio of STAMPED is so powerful.  Odyssey and Grammy worthy for sure. Jason reads it and I felt like he was reading to me. I'm sure the print is just as good.  I'll let you know because we'll be getting a copy delivered to my house. I can safely say that my daughter doesn't read my blog so I can share that I ordered her a copy as a graduation gift. I may just slip in a few pages (or the whole book) myself sometime this summer before she embarks on her next chapter. I wouldn't be surprised if she packs STAMPED in among her toothpaste and extra long sheets.  It's that essential.

#CarleArtInPlace

Like everything else, my son's 8th grade field trip to Philadelphia was canceled. Today is the virtual visit.

If it is a fraction as good as the #CarleArtInPlace exhibit, then it will be a worthwhile day.

I just sat and soaked in all the art in this virtual exhibit. Elisha Cooper shared the link on his Instagram so I initially went to view his page only. I couldn't figure out how to click on the "chapters" or "rooms" until the end and am very grateful for that.  Every time I turned the page I wondered if it would be him.  

Surprise. 

But ahhhhhh....

Not yet. 

My eyes widened.

It was just another fabulous artist, sharing beautiful art and thoughtful messages in an enviable space . Take my advice and don't skip.

Grab a drink (almond milk for me) and a treat (bookbirthday chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting), a cushy-comfortable spot and enjoy. 

#CarleArtInPlace

I loved Sandra Boynton and YoYo Ma's collaboration.

It was wonderful to see Ashley Bryan. I hold a special place in my heart for him.

When I walk through my neighborhood and observe the only children playing alone or with parents, I can't help but feel for all of them. I want to share Carson Ellis's Only Children Hang Tight to these kids.

Like Dan Santat, I, too want to learn how to play the ukulele but I promise I will not be building my own.

Elisha and I are both planning to send our daughters off to college this fall. Spending all this extra time with her is going to make the separation even harder. Back home, I will look up from my desk and see us in Dublin, NYC, Spain, the beach...the many, many places we traveled together.  I might cry but ultimately, I know these memories, like those around me, will save me from falling deep into my sorrow.

Melissa Sweet.  Ryan T. Higgins.  Peter Sis.  Fellow Cincinnatian with Loren Long, Will Hillenbrand. LeUyen Pham. And more... 

Which artist or art spoke to you the most?

PS-Be sure and visit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for ideas on how to do art at home, virtual storytimes, and more!

Bicycle, Bicycle

The weather was pretty fabulous this weekend.  The sun was out.  The sky was blue. It wasn't too humid or hot. Perfect for a bike ride.

When I graduated from HS, my parents got me a brand new bike. A ten speed! I know. It's crazy to think about now but back then it was SO exciting! I signed up for a biking class in college and had dreams of being a super star.  I was about to say "the next Lance Armstrong" but the world didn't really know who he was yet in 1987 (Did you watch the 30 for 30 on him Sunday night?  It's really good but rated PG-13 at least). Well, my dreams got shot pretty fast, if dropping out after the first day is fast, and I didn't really get on a bike again until graduate school.  No Tour de France for me. My daughter says there's an essay in this whole story so stay tuned.

Anyway, if it's a rainy day and you want to teach yourself how to draw a bike, check out this video:

Whenever I think of biking and books, believe it or not, I think of Major Taylor.  There's a story behind that, too.

When the current juniors were in fifth grade, we had our first gala.  We were still in transition from our "phenomenal people project" to "author gala".  Back then we came up with this project based learning idea that Mr. Lemoncello was opening up a new wing of his library dedicated to phenomenal people. Students researched and came up with extraordinary displays for this wing of the "library."  I wore my first gown and Mr. Reischer a donned his tie.  We invited Chris Grabenstein.  "We're only a 2 1/2 hour train ride up from the city," I practically begged.  Unfortunately, he couldn't make it but he did put a gala in his third book AND dedicate Book 2 to us.  I guess I forgive him 😉.  Speaking of Chris Grabenstein, did you know Book 5 will be out in August? Mark your calendar.

Oh, but I digress.  Justin did his phenomenal people project on Major Taylor after reading the Lesa Clines-Ransome and James E. Ransome biography, Major Taylor: Champion Cyclist. What was he going to do for the gala?  No worries. He figured it out. I still remember his dad hauling in his bike for his display. (I just spent too much time trying to find a picture but my phone and google photos don't go back as far as March 2015. Where could they be???)

Check out the book and then read this resource guide from the Major Taylor Association. The resource guide is chock full of information and activities, including a word search.

Last year Mrs. Kelliher's Newbery book group was The Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle by Christin Uss.  This means we have multiple copies of the book in our library (check them out before tomorrow!).  Since it was on the Texas Bluebonnet List last year, there are a ton of resources on this page including a printable bike craft.

When I started thinking about this post, bike songs keep rolling (all puns intended) into my head.  Of course, Queen, but what about this Sesame Street one? It will surely make you giggle and smile.

 Now...go get your red (or 17 year old orange Trek, in my case) bike, enjoy your ride and may your tires always stay filled with air...

Happy Birthday, PACMAN!

Today was PACMAN's 40th birthday. Wow. Like other birthdays, this meant I was thinking about him and the MS all day long.

Of course, this also reminded me of Erin Entrada Kelly's We Dream of Space. Yes, I am still thinking about that book.  Fitch is really into pinball in 1986 and pinball machines were definitely losing their momentum by then. Probably Pacman and the Ms had something to do with that.

We all know kids who love video games whether they are our own (not mine surprisingly), our students, our kids' friends.  You know who they are.  How are they spending their time now since school is virtual?  More video playing time? Less? Do they want to read books about video games or something entirely different? I know I want to just plain read.  Doesn't matter what it is as long as it grabs me and I can escape for a bit. I'm SO looking forward to an extra day to attack my TBR pile this weekend!

Speaking of the weekend, a few of my students and I went to a bedtime story hour tonight with Angela DiTterlizzi compliments of Wellesley Books.  It was great! SHE was great! I want her to come to CES!  She read her brand new book, The Magical Yet. I can't wait to share this book with all my students.

 

"There's a place beyond where we are now."

-Angela Diterlizzi 

(I want to print that out and hang on my wall of inspiration.)

Then, we got a bonus read aloud of her book, Just Add Glitter.

I am thinking of sending some glitter to the three kids who attended tonight. Their parents won't mind too much, right? I mean, we could all use a little glittering up these days.  If you have some around, break it out and sprinkle it as your leap.  Just blame Pacman. Birthdays always deserve glitter.

Hot Potato

Thanks to Lindsay Lackey I introduced myself to Arianne Costner. Not important why or how but just that it happened and for that I am grateful.  I always love making new literary friends.

Arianne's book, My Life as a Potato, sounded like the perfect middle grade read.  The first chapter is posted on her website and a bunch of us read it today at what I called an "Un-Birthday" party.  In hindsight, maybe I should have said it was a "Spud Birthday." I brought a bag of potatoes. One boy showed me his potato plant and encouraged me to grow some, too.  If the first chapter was engaging and funny, I can't imagine why lies ahead.  We were all hooked.  So much so that I promised them I'd get the ebook between now and Friday at 2pm so we can read on. 

Be sure and check out Arianne's website. You can find out what kind of potato you are (me, Russet), learn a potato dance and find a recipe for Ben's version of Potato Casserole (which I really do love and always have a bag of shredded potatoes in my freezer in case I get a craving).

Speaking of potatoes...

I love Laurie Keller's Potato Pants. We had a super fun book birthday party when it came out. All the kids brought a potato and we made our own Mr. and Mrs. Potato Heads. Did we eat some potato chips afterwards? We should have if we didn't...

Is this meant to be or what? A read aloud of the book by DayTripper, a guy that goes all around TEXAS (!) exploring every corner of the state. I'll call that fate.

So stick that rotten spud in some dirt, watch it grow and in the meantime, let me know what kind of potato you are.

And I apologize in advance for this one but...

I can't think of potatoes without the Wiggles classic, Hot Potato. I admit, I did like those guys oh so many moons ago...

Wear a Mask

I needed the Kleenex during Governor Cuomo's press conference today. Again.
This time it wasn't what he was saying but rather what he was projecting-the five top winners of his "Wear a Mask" PSA campaign.  Sigh. I wanted RTWJAZ to submit but alas, it was too late. The contest surely was meant to weed out the last minute-ers since when I went to check the deadline it had already passed. Anyway, not sure my 13 year videographers could have competed with these seemingly professionals. That's ok. They are working on a video right now for a different campaign. Stay tuned.

Anyway, did you catch the PSAs? Use this link to vote. I have two favorites.  Which one is yours?

Voting closes this Monday, May 25. I'll try not to be a procrastinator and miss out. Again.

Bonus Stuff

I think I posted this before, but Jarrett Lerner has this great download of an activity sheet with a mask. Check out his website for so many other great activities. And just a little plug for Jarrett since he is always so good to all of us--He has a book coming out soon! Something to leap about for sure! It's on my Edelweiss TBR pile as we speak.

And my cousin sent me this today about an organization in Pittsfield, MA.

Finally, Lily and Noah made masks for their National Honor Society project. Pretty cool:

Our next #NHS Service Project spotlight: Lillian Stephens and Noah Albanese!

In this time of need, these two students spent hours making 100 masks for the faculty/staff in Arbor Hill who were making & delivering food to the students! We are so proud! @SchodackCSD @MapleHill_HS pic.twitter.com/2bFaZKFA8P

— Miss Egan (@MissEgan16) May 20, 2020

So even though the contest is over doesn't mean you can't post your own #WearAMaskNY PSA on social media. What would YOU say?

Old MacNATE had a FARM

Farmer Nate Chittenden of Dutch Hollow Farm and his family were so helpful as I prepared for our Loren Long Day last week.  Since Day 1, Farmer Nate was always going to be involved. I had this crazy idea to bus our youngest learners to the farm and have them go on a tour and a listen to Loren read Otis from a tractor. Ran it by Loren and Farmer Nate back in the fall. Both were game.

Not was all lost. Thanks to 4th grader, Jonathan and 2nd grader, Anna for the virtual tour and a lovely read aloud by 7th grader, Zachary with Raspberry, I was happy to spread the #farmlove last week and always.




Here is Zach reading to Raspberry:

#CheeseLove
You can't make cheese without milk so let's talk some cheese. I love cheese.   Hard. Soft. Stinky. Holey. Creamy. Spreadable. Yumminess.

Lately, I can't get enough of local cheese from Four Fat Fowl. (Please tell me you get your milk from Dutch Hollow Farm so I can feel like we are all one family.).  But even if they don't, famous Beechers has a cheese named after the farm! Bonus, you can find it at our local Honest Weight Food Co-op.  My friend, Elisha, sent us to Murray's Cheese in the West Village when we were down in the city in December. Now that was a cheese lover's heaven.  It has a cameo in this RTWJAZ video. When I went vegan this winter, the thing I missed the very most was, you guessed it, cheese.

Speaking of Elisha...Here's his reading of his FARM:





So support your local farmer. Drink some milk. Eat some cheese. Dive into a pint of ice cream. And subscribe to RTWJAZ (Yeah, nothing to do with the dairy but just because it would make a couple of young teens so happy.)

A few websites for further activities:

https://www.visitmyfarm.org/teachers-resources (crafts)
http://www.myamericanfarm.org (games, crafts, lessons)
100 Days of Agriculture (many, many different activities)
https://www.harvestconnection-ny.com (recipes, local farmer's markets, ask a local farmer)

#farmlove   #CabotFarmers    #DutchHollowFarm

We Dream of Space

The official "Teacher Appreciation Week" has come and gone.  But isn't it kind of like Mother's and Father's Day--where we could be celebrating teachers every day? 

Coincidentally, the last two books I finished had teachers I aspire to be like: summer school teacher, Ms. J (BenBee and the Teacher Griefer by KA Holt) and 7th grade science teacher, Ms. Salonga (We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly). Can I just say--My Newbery 2021 list is quite long and it is only mid-May. Both of these books and many of the ones I have already read are at the tippy top.

Since I wrote about Teacher Griefer yesterday, I must give equal time to Space. Seriously, this is why I could never be on an ALA committee. I'd be rallying for multiple gold medals right about this time of year.

Twins Bird and Fitch and Cash are all 7th graders in Park, Delaware. Their parents are always arguing and they never eat dinner together, a small detail that is a big deal. The kids are navigating life pretty much on their own.  It's January 1986 and there is big lead up to the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger in Ms. Salonga's class and for Bird, an aspiring space explorer.

I was a senior in HS and, because of regents, was home from school that dreaded da. I know the end of that story but Bird, who dreams of space, does not. The anticipation of the actual day for me, the adult reader, was tough.  How was Bird going to handle it? Ms. Salonga?

These kids. I loved them so much.  Fitch trying to manage his anger and his attempt to make good with Amanda.  Bird accepting being "not pretty" and deeply wondering what it would be like to have a family like Dani's, who do eat together and listen. And Cash running away to something.  I love how they navigate the relationship with themselves, leaving the parents out.

Finally, it was wonderful to take a walk down the memory lane of phone books, pinball, VCRs, soap operas and Tab. And even though I wasn't in 7th grade in 1986, 1982 was close enough. I am surprised I'm admitting all this. Well, I am looking forward to my Area 51 socially distant birthday party next month.

Want more? Found on the Harper Collins Erin Entrada Kelly Educator guide, here are some extension activities for We Dream of Space:

A couple of weeks ago we had a book birthday for this book.  Only three kids showed up.  Book unread, I bought them each a copy.  I spun the wheel and got the win.  Ace showed me his copy today.  I can't wait till he finishes so we can talk ALL about it.

Get reading, Ace (and Kyle and Khloe)! And anyone else who wants to talk. Pajama Mama?

BenBee and the Teacher Griefer

Dear Chronicle,

Please, PLEASE, PLZ, move the pub release date of BenBee and Teacher Griefer up to July or August. EVERY teacher, librarian, administrator, social worker, school psychologist, parent, and middle grade learner needs this book and it would be so great for them to read before the new school year begins.

Sigh.  It is so good.  I rarely walk away from reading the last line of a book to immediately opening up my computer to reflect.  And to be completely honest, on my way, I stopped at the trash can, tossed in my used tissues, grabbed another one and then opened up the computer.

Four divergent kids.
One divergent summer school teacher "She teaches differently/She like, listens to us."
Trying to get them to pass the FART (Florida Rigorous Academic Assessment Test)
Mixed up in the Sandbox in this fantastic
Divergent GENRE of
Verse, prose, graphic novel, video game chats of the "Divergent Dingleberries"
Sprinkled with some references that maybe only adults will get (Ms. J's first avatar will have you singing a popular song from the 80s. And author, "Tennessee Williamson").

Ms. J picks up that Ben B would excel if he was able to type:

"A 504, huh?/Typing every day?/It does sound like jeans/it sounds like a comfortable fit/sized perfectly just for me."

But his dad disagrees and does not like labeling his son "special" with accommodations:

"Am I not special?/Is special bad?/Do I not want to be/special then./I don't understand." 

I told you--this book is for EVERYONE!

Ben Y stays after with Ms. J. It's been a year since she lost her brother:

"Pain/Sadness/It drips out of me/impossible to contain,/like trying to put a raw egg/back in its shell,/a shattered mess,/impossibly crushed,/broken."

I have been a fan of KA Holt since Rhyme Schemer.  She just gets better and better. Put this book on your Fall purchase order, unless dear, Chronicle, moves up the pub date 😉.

Everyone's friend, Jordan J (no relation) who I was most curious about because at the #middlegrademagic2020 event last month when Holt wondered, "What is Jordan doing during quarantine?" Now I'm curious.  Is he playing a lot of Sandbox? How are they all doing?  Talking on the phone? Staying away from chat infractions?

Javier moved from out of state and will not read aloud. "...im never gonna read out loud zero percent chance of that" With a ring of fire, that just might change...

And probably one of the best lines in the book:

I know I have jumped around a lot, but this book is important for ALL.  I cannot wait to read it with my students and get it in the hands of so many adults.

Please, plz, PLEASE Chronicle, if you can, the sooner we can get this out, the better.
THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
A troublemaking librarian 😈

 

PS: Thank you Netgalley for the digital arc!

 

 

An All Day Affair

I should be hanging up my gown right about now and thinking about what a successful gala we just had. I might even be talking to friends (Doe?) to debrief the night. Some years I have to draw a bath. Others I scroll through all the photos.  My feet are achy from the heels.  I'm starving because I didn't eat anything all day. One year our author couldn't sleep from all the adrenaline, she checked out of the hotel and drove the two hours home. I get it.

Today was virtually different, surprisingly mentally exhausting (did I really only cry only twice?) and still pretty great despite the circumstances.

I was getting tree drawings emailed to me before I even finished my first cup of joe.  Parent questions trickled in but with a little guidance, all was good.  Kids without tractors ran around cars, houses and bushes for PE.  They got to know more about a local treasure, Dutch Hollow Farm. Read alouds. Mindful nature walks. Music composing. Research. Science. Something for everyone.

Our finale was a google meet with Loren at the end of the day.  He pulled out his ukulele for a rendition of There's a Hole in the Log at the Bottom of the Lake  for 130+ unmuted people which equals feedback and delays to sing along.  For the older kids, Reds centerfield hopeful, Loren, gave out wise advice on living life while we toured his studio and artwork.

It was a day to remember for sure. When he is able to visit in IRL (next spring?), it will be even more memorable.  Perhaps a bit less work on my end?  The prep is already done, right?  Ha.  Check in with me early next spring. Pretty doubtful.

And this my friends, is a my brief but I hope, spectacular, summary of the day. Not as good as IRL but pretty darn good nevertheless. And blister free. I do always look forward to donning the gown, though.  Next year.

And that's not even everybody at the meet!

I love this one because it shows her working so hard with the Choice Board handy!

PS-Proof I had ice cream for breakfast and it was delicious!

YUM! Next Up: Black Raspberry Chip!

Ice Cream for Breakfast

A styrofoam cooler was delivered on my doorstep yesterday filled with a dozen pints of ice cream straight from Cincinnati. I know. I know. Do you need ANY more proof that I am insane? Yeah, so when I found out that Loren Long painted the famous hippo, Fiona, for one of the pints of Graeter's ice cream I just went a little crazy.

Shhh...don't tell anyone but Loren and I filmed a short bit for the morning announcements right after the box arrived and since it was "morning" I ate the Chunky Chunky Hippo for breakfast. Super Yummy.  I can't wait to try Loren's favorite, Black Raspberry Chip.

What else is there to say?  Sigh.  I wish Loren could come to Castleton IRL but this will definitely do for now.  Grade level choice boards are posted and kids have the opportunity to draw trees, visit a local farm, watch read alouds, create music, problem solve a hole in the log, run around a tractor, and so much more!

We'll conclude the day with a visit by Loren himself. Yay! Fingers crossed technology cooperates and all goes according to the best laid plans.  A huge thank you to Loren for putting up with all my craziness.  Just think--most visitors only have to put up with me once.  He will have to twice! How can I make it up to him?  A styrofoam box on his doorstep, to start?

And if all goes well, I will look forward to a celebratory pint (no shortage of those in my freezer). Ice cream for breakfast and dinner? Most definitely!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow!

The big notification on my phone this week is "Dinner at Doe's" for tonight.  Every time an author or illustrator visits, my fabulous volunteer hosts a delicious and most memorable meal at her home for our guest of honor and others. We've had a chicken BBQ and smores with lots of kids with Sarah Weeks to an intimate table for four with Elisha Cooper and everything in between.  Kwame Alexander. Chris Grabenstein. Jewell Parker Rhodes. Emma Virjan. Even an Italian pastry afternoon snack for Adam Gidwitz.  No one can come to Castleton without tasting Doe's cuisine.

Why didn't I think of this before today?! I should have had Doe whip something up and ship it out to Loren?! Agh! I was too focused on ME. On selfishly ordering my ice cream from Cincinnati. Sigh. I hope Loren forgives me. Oh dear Doe.  Please advise next steps. I hear he loves NY style pizza.  

So tomorrow is our day!

Castleton Elementary Families: You will find the Choice Board on my resource page.  Try and do any as many activities as you can and know that this is only a small glimpse into Loren's books.  Then please join us WITH Loren at the end of the day.  Get dressed up! Wear a tie with PJ bottoms! Put on a fancy scarf! Our gala even made it to the Schodack calendar this year--that's how far in advance we have been planning for May 14.  But all is not lost and I'm excited to hear what you do and for all of us to meet with Loren LIVE.

Want a taste before the Choice Boards get released?

Here's Matt de la Pena reading his LOVE illustrated by Loren:

How many times have you read Goodnight Moon?  Loren illustrated a book by the same author, Margaret Wise Brown, titled, Good Day, Good Night.  Here's the book trailer:

What does your day and night look like? How different is it today than from before?

How can anyone not love Otis the Tractor's courage and heroic acts in every book.  Otis and the Puppy is no exception. Did you hear? Loren just got a new rescue dog, Charlie.  He and Charlie have started to run together.  I want a dog so badly...All tips to help me convince my family to get one are encouraged and welcome.

So we have a lot in store for tomorrow! Anyone can join in--Get up early! Paint trees. Eat ice cream in fractions. Share your love. Sing about a hole in a log. Run around a tractor.  And don't forget to set a reminder on your phone so you don't miss our party with Loren. You know YOU CAN. xo

Introducing Michael Arndt!

Back in the spring of 2014, I was at the NYS School Library conference and a guy threw M&Ms at me.  I know. I know.  Maybe not the best introduction for all, but certainly a good one for me.  I'll take free chocolate, especially M&Ms any day! They were muted yellow, white and that blueish-grey M&Ms specifically in the colors of his debut book, Cat Says Meow: And Other Animalopoeia.  The guy was Michael Arndt, who crazily lived in Castleton for some time and all of his siblings attended CES before they moved to Columbia County.

Today he has his second book birthday! I'm excited to celebrate it with my K/1 students and be the first ones to wish him a happy virtual book birthday.  Can you believe we were his first school visit way back when!  And after today, Michael tells me he has THREE new books coming out in the next TWO months!  

Mark your calendar:

Today, May 12

My Heart Grows

June 30

An adult book that this Queens girl will love, Minimal New York City

July 14

One Yellow Sun 

(another die cut board book on counting and colors)

And next Spring a picture book, Thoughts are Air written in verse by Michael and illustrated by Irena Freitas. Wow!

How exciting! 

Michael is a graphic designer by training so he would be great inspiration for older kids, too.  How do you do that?  Where do you get your ideas? How can that shape become something else? Michael is also a big proponent of school librarians (who isn't lol?). A few years ago, he made a wonderful poster about his love for librarians that we still have hanging behind our circulation desk.  

So...Introducing Michael Arndt! Tell everyone you heard about him first here!  Oh, and come to the book birthday party at 12:30.  It's not too late! 

Unicorn Rescue Society PARTY 5

Tomorrow we'll be celebrating our third book birthday for the Unicorn Rescue Society. Yeah, we're fans.  I love these kids and their "twitchy" Professor Fauna. It's like Magic Tree House and Miss Frizzle conquer the Koch Brothers.  I hope that sounds like a super fun read to you because it most definitely is!

In this "episode" Uchenna and Elliot are in Havana to find the mysterious Madre de Auguas of Cuba, the "Mother of Waters."  Could this magical creature responsible for the drought on the island? Hmmm....or could it be related to something else?

The Unicorn Rescue Society regulars fly to Havana in the Phoenix (oh my!) picking up their new friend, Yoenis, on the way in Miami.  A little Cuban history and literature (Jose Marti) are sprinkled throughout as well as environmental and capitalism messages, with bouts of humor, making this enjoyable for kids and adults alike and opportunities for many kinds of conversations.

While reading I thought of other books about Cuba and Havana that I have loved:

Margarita Engle and Mike Curato's, All the Way to Havana:

(The RIF website is helpful again! Here's a word search to pair with the book.)


I was also reminded of a book that we'll be celebrating in August, Letters to Cuba by Ruth Behar. I loved this book filled with hope, perseverance, acceptance and diversity with quotes, like URS, from Jose Marti.  I even wrote in my notes about it to pair with Emma Otheguy's beautiful Marti's Song for Freedom and the already mentioned Engle/Curato book. We'll all be Marti fans before the end of the summer, if we weren't already.

Remember the Pura Belpre honor winning book, The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora by Pablo Cartaya? Poetry and Jose Marti make an appearance in it, too, and delicious Cuban food!  If this video doesn't get you hungry for food and parties, I don't know what will!

So let's PARTY!
See you tomorrow at 1:30 to celebrate it up with the URS kids, friends and antagonists.

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

I've been craving ice cream.  Right at this moment it's a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Sundae from our local soft serve seasonal place, Lickety Split. Ahhh...But I could for anything.  Down the shore, I love Peanut Butter Ripple--vanilla ice cream with frozen ripples of peanut butter throughout. Ahhh...Last weekend I treated myself to Brew Ha Ha from Stewarts and it was quite refreshing.  And in honor of our upcoming "Loren Long Day" on Thursday, I'll be splurging later today and buying a half dozen pints from his local ice cream shoppe, Graeters.

Monday is Peter Sis's birthday so we'll begin with a read aloud of his book, Ice Cream Summer.

Here are a couple of activities to go with the book thanks to RIF: A word search that can be used on the computer or printed out, a memory match and a crossword puzzle. RIF also has this one page activity guide with more ideas to do at home. 

Here's another fun ice cream read aloud:

Want to make your own ice cream at home? Follow this  recipe  or this video:

I can't write a post about ice cream without including a shout out to my friend, Elisha Cooper.  Have you checked out his Instagram lately? He posts short, fun videos daily about painting, his cats, the ocean, his cats...https://www.instagram.com/elisha__cooper/ Maybe he'll do one on ice cream for us?

If you weren't craving this treat before, I'd be surprised if you aren't now. For your sake, I hope you have some stashed in your freezer.  

Oh, and back to Graeters--Loren Long designed the carton for Chunky Chunky Hippo. I was glad when that flavor appealed to me lol because I knew I had to buy it. So a couple of these pints are in my cart.  Anyone want to splurge and go in for a dozen with me ;-) Happy ice cream eating! 🍨🍦

Kent State

NerdCampMI this past summer. I was SO excited to meet Deborah!
OMG! I am wearing the same shirt today!

When I flipped my author birthday calendar page to May, I circled Deborah Wiles's name on today's date. Happy birthday!

Ever since her 2014 Revolution was released, I've been a fan. We bought a class set and the fifth grade social studies teacher read it aloud as the starting block for a project based history project.  Honestly, that project began in one enthusiastic direction but after many emails back and forth with Deborah and then hitting some dead ends, it took a different turn. It's all good. We used many primary documents in our research and would have made Tom Bober proud.

Here's an audio excerpt from that book:

Book Recording | Revolution on TeachingBooks

and a link to an extensive guide to talking about the civil rights movement.

But today's post is really a belated book birthday (a few weeks late) to Deborah's new book, Kent State.  I took time out of my day (birthday present from her to me?) to take in the book. Having a 17 year old activist who we hope will be leaving for college this fall, it hit home. I queued up the playlist and read. It's a short, strong, important book in verse from many perspectives of the events leading up to the tragedy. It really made me think about government then and today, the role it has in keeping us safe and healthy and how protests have evolved (maybe?) over the years.

At a rally protesting the Vietnam War, four students were killed on May 4, 1970 at Kent State. I wasn't quite a year old at the time and never knew the details of the events.  This book takes us through that weekend in Ohio from the point of view of many: vocal students,  loud townies, members of the BUS (Black United Students), quieter townies, friends of the victims...The book doesn't just end at the conclusion of the story.  Just as important is Deborah's afterword. Not only does she go into detail about Kent State but she directs us to websites and sources because she knows we want to learn more.

Although this book will not be finding a place on my elementary shelves, I plan to pass it on to the secondary library for sure. Should I plan a reunion with the class of 2021? The timing couldn't have been better. Fifth grade 1964 Freedom Summer. Six years later 1970 Kent State.  So yes to a reunion read aloud. Get your copy now and I'll see you soon.

Happy Birthday, Deborah!

Book Birthdays Part 2

At least I knew what I was going to wear today.

Last year for Halloween, Mrs. Kelliher and I dressed up as the character from Susan Verde's I am Peace. I dug it out, donned the peace earrings and necklace and I was good to go for the day.

Party 5: The Three Little Yogis and the Wolf Who Lost His Breath: A Fair Tale to Help You Feel Better by Susan Verde and illustrated by Jay Fleck

Susan at the top left. Thanks Mrs. K for joining us and the photo!

It was so good to see some new faces at the party AND Susan!  Thanks to KidLit TV you, too, can have a little party yourself for the book.  Hey! It's not too late! A birthday lasts the whole month, you know. Mine is in June and in my family the month is renamed, Junacey.



The final party of the week was this afternoon. When I looked outside and saw clouds, I felt hopeful that some kids would stay in and join me.  Three enthusiastic (another chapter please) and grateful guests showed up and I was happy.

Party 6: We Dream of Space by Newbery winner Erin Entrada Kelly

I bought this book on libro.fm yesterday thinking I would be able to find the five and a half hours to listen. Yeah, that didn't happen.  But we still had a great party.  Having the audiobook helped.  I projected my screen with this sample from Harper Collins and paired it with the audio.  You know it's a good party when everyone wants to keep reading.

(This was a good birthday rendition. Please disregard that I got the title wrong. Ugh.)

This week, this crazy leaping librarian gave away twelve books plus two prints.  I just can't help myself. Maybe only one book birthday party next week?  Ha.  Anyone want to place a bet that will happen? I could use some extra cash lol. xo

Happy, Happy Book Birthday!

Luckily it didn't take much to convince my son to bake a cake for me last night.  I mean, I had to have cake.  We were celebrating FOUR book birthdays today and TWO tomorrow. It didn't take much arm twisting.  He even shaved chocolate on top, which after the first time blowing out the candle I realized was probably not a good idea to be close to the keyboard.  Lesson learned.   Chocolate cake. Peanut butter frosting. Doesn't get much better.

These are only a select few of the many fabulous books that came out in the world today.  Be sure and add them and all the others onto your TBR pile and then let's chat!

Party 1: Hello, Neighbor!: The Kind and Caring World of Mister Rogers by Matt Cordell 

For so long it was embarrassing to admit how big a fan I was of Mister Rogers.  Yeah, really big.  I wrote him letters.  Invited him to birthday parties.  I think (and my face is turning red now) even invited him to my Bat Mitzvah?  Those letters? He wrote me back!  If I still have them, I don't know where they are.

Matt's book is as lovely as Mister Rogers himself.  And for any adult fan, there are treasures sprinkled throughout.  When we had our party, I pulled up a video of the opening of the show and another episode.  You can tell Matt did, too, since the illustration of the boy in his shirt matches the true one.  I love the back matter.  A visual glossary. Matt's connection to Mister Rogers. Where to find out more and links to episodes.  It will definitely be included on my 2021 Sibert contender list.

Party 2:  Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo

BONJOUR! HOLA! Ha! We could not stop reading this book!  It's an early chapter book so we really didn't have time to read the whole thing, but we got pretty darn close!  Each time it was the end of the chapter, we couldn't stop. Would Hedgehog find Mutty?  What about Beaver?!  A young student wrote in the chat, "Beaver is rude."  Ha! They were surely paying attention! The short chapters, words defined and happy illustrations make for such a satisfying read for emerging readers. You can't help by smile.  PS-It will be hard not to fight the urge to run to Trader Joe's for a box of hedgehog cookies. Maybe bake a batch yourself.  You definitely have some time...

Party 3: Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry and illustrated by Juana Martinez-Neal

Today was not my first book birthday celebration for Juana Martinez-Neal and won't be my last. She has a big fan base in Castleton after we championed her Caldecott Honor book,  Alma and How She Got Her Name from literally DAY 1.  So I've been waiting patiently for this book to come out. Yay!  It's gorgeous and what do you know? Another book about neighbors. You'll be dreaming of the ocean (or lake or just being somewhere peaceful) for hours.  But you know, that's not a bad thing.

Party 4: Stepping Stones by Lucy Knisley

To be completely honest, I haven't finished this one yet but I'm hooked.  This is going to be one of those graphic novels we won't be able to keep on our shelves.  Jen has moved to Peapod Farm from the city with her mom and mom's boyfriend.  Only a few chapters in and we feel for Jen as she navigates chickens, chicken poop, Walter's daughter, math struggles and more. Our Roller Girl, El Deafo, Smile fans are going to be so excited to read this one!

Party 4A (with me, myself and I): Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick

I finished this coming of age mystery last month. Neurodivergent Frankie, her twin, Tess and Collette used to all be best friends until Mia came along. "Friendships aren't about fault...they're about forgiveness...and they're tough, especially when people grow up and change. You kind of have to keep getting to know your friends all the time." This is a hard lesson for any of us.  When Collette goes missing, Frankie's the first to put it together where she might be and together with Tess they begin to track her steps hoping to find her. Grab your your bike, some taffy and your heart for this new novel perfect for grades 5 and up.

PRH Audio · Tornado Brain by Cat Patrick, read by Jorjeana Marie

There you have it--Four + one books. One day. Two more tomorrow. I love this time of year in #kidlit. Exhausting for someone like me who wants to celebrate them all but so worth it!

PS-The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate also got released today.  Needs no explanation and from all that chatter that I am hearing, it's another one surely not to miss.

PARTY PIX

Hair Love

I gave my husband a haircut last weekend.  Since then he's been wearing a hat to the grocery store. My son has beautiful curly locks.  He could use a trim but won't let me near him with the clippers.  I don't think I'd let myself near him.  The thickest hair my hairdresser has ever cut is my daughter's. We thought it couldn't get any thicker. We were wrong.  And my hair? Well, it's just getting long with "highlights."

I was looking for a read aloud from my bookshelf and came across local author celeb, Matthew McElligott's Even Monsters Need Haircuts.  Perfect!

Every full moon, the barber's young son gets out of bed to work the "midnight shift" at his dad's barber shop.  In his slippers and PJs, he treats the monsters to something we are all craving right now.

Thanks to the Indiana Library Federation (and me), here are a few questions to think about that pair with the book (and today):

1. Which monster hair would you cut? Or not cut?
2. How long does hair grow in one month?
3. Research the superstitions behind a full moon.
4. My own addition--find a picture of you close to or at the beginning of quarantine.  Compare your hair to the way it is now.  Draw or describe how you think it will look right before you end up in the barber or hairdresser chair.

I went to check out Matt's website and it's filled with activities for kids and what?! A brand new book that just came out, Do Not Eat this Game!  Matt's website is a dream for parents and teachers--games, videos, lesson plans, STEM related projects and more.

When Matt visited CES oh so many years ago, I was not a seasoned author host.  But I still decorated the Dewey Section with tablecloths to match the colors in Bean Thirteen (maybe one of my favorites of his-so much so that the cover is framed and hanging in my foyer). He came back at night and did a program with parents using his special illustrating tools and we still have his creation hanging in the library.  It was a great author visit. I have a self made rule of always having new authors and illustrators visit.  Hmmm...Rules are meant to be broken, right?

I found three of Matt's books here at home, all signed to Zack but sadly not dated.  These days I always ask for a date stamp.  I probably didn't think about that back then.

And just speaking of hair.  I'm sure most people have already seen Hair Love, but I do love the Academy Award winning animated short and the book it was based on.

Here's a read aloud and the video.  Which do you like better?

Back in February, after we read the book we made our own hair love project. Check out these first graders:

Happy Hair Love! xo