Books of Friendship: Picture Book Month #IMWAYR Nov. 4, 2013

It's Monday! What are you Reading? is a meme began by Sheila at Book Journeys as a way to share what you read and/or reviewed the previous week and what is in store for the upcoming week. It's also a great chance to see what others are reading. I first learned about it at Teach Mentor Texts. 

Day 4 theme: Friendship

Find out more about Picture Book Month here

Download the daily themed Picture Book Month Calendar. 

Become a Picture Book Ambassador or Blogger 

There is nothing like a good book about friendship to make you feel all warm and cuddly on the inside. Unintentionally, I read many books about friendship this week and the many forms friendships can take for better or worse. 

Friendship Picture Books I have read this week: 

Loula Is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loula is tired of the behavior of her three triplet brothers so she decides to pack her bags and head to Africa. Gilbert, her opera singer mother's chauffeur, is sympathetic when her parents don't seem to notice Loula's plight and since he knows the way to Africa, he offers to take her. The two travelers embark on an imagination filled and exciting journey.

Loula is such a sweet story and I was glad Gilbert was the type of grown up who understood the frustrated little girl and respected her decision to escape from her horrible brothers even if it were only for a day in Africa.

Daisy Gets Lost by Chris Raschka

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Another beautifully created Daisy story. Poor Daisy become lost in the woods while chasing a squirrel and becomes frightened. In this nearly wordless picture book. There are so many emotions to consider and questions to ask while exploring the gorgeous watercolor illustrations. This is a perfect book to share during Picture Book Month in November. 

Stick! by Andy Pritchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Stick is too adorable not to read. Puppy loves his stick but needs a friend to play stick with him. He tries to engage animal after animal until he finally succeeds. Stick will make you smile. It's that cute.

Pirates vs. Cowboys by Aaron Reynolds

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very funny tale of pirates, cowboys, body odor, and miscommunication. There were some pretty funny lines such as "His gang of rip-roarin' rustlers were nastier than week old chili, and twice as gassy." I think I would like the challenge of reading this aloud to my students but it would take a lot of practice to get the voices down just right. i bet it is exhausting as a read aloud. The illustrations were terrific with my favorite being the little boat with the big eyes and toothy frown carrying the pirate and a shark ashore. A shark as a passenger? That will get kid comments. In fact, it might be a struggle to get through a read aloud because all the kids will be wanting to start to talk like pirates and cowboys immediately creating chaos. Sounds like a fun time!

Splat the Cat with a Bang and a Clang by Rob Scotton

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A Splat the Cat easy reader. Kids love Splat which motivates them to read his stories, so I love Splat too.

Splat can't sing or play an instrument well but the Cat Gang want him to join their band and they need a special sound. In typical Splat behavior, through mishap after mishap, he discovers the perfect sound and joins the band.

Novels I read this week:

Texas Bluebonnet Award nominee

Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet and charming are two words to describe Waiting for the Magic. Anyone who has ever had a pet that truly touched their heart will tell you animals can talk in their own way. I enjoyed reading this simply satisfying story of love and healing.

Teen Book Festival by the Bay

I love to read YA FIction I am really looking forward to a meeting tonight. Literacy advocates from the Texas Coastal Bend are joining forces to plan and implement a Teen Book Festival by the Bay. We hope we can get several authors and publishers to join forces with us to help promote a love of reading to teens and young adults. The literacy levels in our communities are alarming and we are working together to help bring about a positive change. If you have any suggestions or ideas to help us plan or support our book festival, please leave me a comment in the comment section. Suggestions will be shared with our committees. 

The List by Siobhan Vivian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Once a year a list is posted all over Mount Washington High listing the names of the prettiest and ugliest girl in each grade level. It is a school tradition that has taken place for decades yet the author of the list remains shrouded in mystery year after year. Jennifer, now a senior has made the list as ugliest for four years-a school record. Whether a girl is listed as ugliest or prettiest, her life is about to undergo a roller coaster of a week as everyone begins to treat them differently for better and worse. Who would create such an awful list?

The List is a good glimpse into high school life, although it portrays many stereotypes. Upon reflection though, high school is often filled with stereotypes just as the adult world is too. I would have liked the storyline to have offered a bit more closure but then life neglects to tie things up nicely so why should a realistic fiction story? The list is an entertaining book and I plan to read more of Siobhan Vivian's novels.

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...and here is how I looked for our Literature Parade this past week. Honk Honk!

Mother Goose