My Reading Life (10/17/22) #IMWAYR

Hello reading friends and happy Monday! Today I am sharing a bit of my reading life with you. I am also participating in It's Monday What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR. Here are some of this past week's highlights.

Reading Life Highlights

This past weekend my oldest daughter was home for a visit! I hadn't seen her since August. She is currently living in another state about 5 hours away. She is a pre-kindergarten teacher and is enrolled full-time in a graduate program. I talked last week about the fact that I had weeded some of my personal book collection. some of the books I donated to little free libraries around my town. I also had a large pile of books that I had set aside for Sienna to go through. I was hoping that she'd want them all. But, she lives in very small space and does not have much storage or bookshelf room.

Mother and daughter.

Photo by Amy Soto

My husband is an avid woodworker. Being that I oversee the "care and feeding" of my church's little free library, and it was in need of some care (it leaks whenever it rains and it gets moldy inside), my husband volunteered to rebuild it. He has spent time this past week rebuilding the little free library.

Mark has built the LFL's frame.

Photo by Mark Soto

What have I been reading?

Picture Book Picks

Phot by Amy Soto

Hooray for Books written and illustrated by Brian Won is a delightful celebration of books and reading! It is part of the Hooray series of picture books. Turtle is searching for his favorite book. When he can't find it in his house, he proceeds to ask his friends. Won's artwork is done in muted, primary colors adds whimsy and a festive feeling to the story. Be sure to check out the awesome end pages. I think every book lover needs a copy for their collection.

Photo by Amy Soto

The Circles All Around Us written by Brad Montague and illustrated by Kristi Montague is a sweet story about our circles and the people in our lives. Your circle begins small, with only you but can grow as your heart grows and family and community become part of your circle. Illustrations were done in both digital and analog elements. They are charming and add to the gentle spirit of this important picture book. The Circles All Around Us is the perfect book to share when working to build a community.

Photo by Amy Soto

A Story is to Share written by Carter Higgins and illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault

I love the endearing quality of Ruth Krauss' picture books, so when I saw that this picture book was coming out, I immediately pre-ordered my copy. This is a beautiful story of children's book writer, Ruth Krauss. Some of the Krauss books that are featured within this picture book are; A Carrot Seed, A Hole is to Dig, and I Write It, just to name a few. Beautiful illustrations were rendered in in ink, watercolor, and gouache, "with digital touchups." The gorgeous artwork fills double-page spreads throughout the book. If you are a picture book lover, you will want to get yourself a copy of this "tribute to a legend, as well as to storytelling and creativity of all kinds." This a book for picture book lovers for sure!

For Adults

Photo from GoodReads

This is the second Simone St. James' book that I have read. In The Book of Cold Cases, Shea is a true crime blogger. She has a chance encounter with Beth, a woman who was suspected of being a serial killer in the 1970's . She grants Shea an interview. The mystery begins there. Dual timelines, present day 2017 and historic 1960's and 70's adds to the story's suspenseful mood and eventual reveal. Elements of the paranormal also adds to the eerie atmosphere of the tale. Although this book had its fair share of creepy vibes, I personally did not find it to be as creepy as the one other book of St. James' that I have read, The Sun Down Motel. I was able to read The Book of Cold Cases at night. If you're looking to dip your toe in to the thriller genre, then you may want to give this book a try.

Jen from  Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers are co-hosting the #IMWAYR blog hop.  Check out all the links to other blogs and see what great children's literature everyone is sharing; picture books, middle grade, and young adult.  

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

YouTube        Mother Goose Librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

My Reading Life (10/10/22) #IMWAYR

Hello reading friends and happy Monday! Today I am sharing a bit of my reading life with you. I am also participating in It's Monday What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR. Here are some of this past week's highlights.

Reading Life Highlights

This past weekend, I spent some time on Saturday afternoon driving around my town to visit 4 little free libraries. At each stop I donated 2 - 4 books. If you are interested in following my journey, click on my video below. The books that I donated were part of my personal collection. My books were all new or like new. I spent some time weeding and rereading the books that I decided to donate.

My pile of books that I donated.

Photo by Amy Soto

One of the LFLs that I visited

Photo by Mark Soto

Video by Amy Soto

What have I been reading?

I spent the majority of my reading time this past week, reading this novel. I loved Bianca Marais latest book! Her storytelling is magical. It was a heartwarming tale of found family, with elements of magic. The group of women living at Moonshyne manner are all in their eighties and are struggling to pay their mortgage. After being gone for over thirty years, the witches believe that the return of their friend, Ruby will be the answer to their problems. But they soon discover that their problems have only multiplied. This was the perfect time of year for this read! I hope you'll pick up The Witches of Moonshyne Manor.

Jen from  Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers are co-hosting the #IMWAYR blog hop.  Check out all the links to other blogs and see what great children's literature everyone is sharing; picture books, middle grade, and young adult.  

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

YouTube        Mother Goose Librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

My Reading Life (9/19/22) #IMWAYR

Hello reading friends and happy Monday! Today I am sharing a bit of my reading life with you. I am also participating in It's Monday What Are You Reading? #IMWAYR. Here are some of this past week's highlights.

Reading Life Highlights

First off, I am the Scholastic Book Fair chairperson for the school that where I used to work. As the former librarian, I was very involved in the book fair and spent library class time to show book trailers and booktalk the books that were going to be featured in the fair. I adored seeing the excitement that was generated by the upcoming fair! Kids got so excited about the books that were going to be for sale and would also end up in our library collection. I am newly retired from my positions as librarian and reading specialist. A friend and colleague invited me to lead the book fair, so I of course couldn't say no! This past week, I talked with the Scholastic rep and discussed the fair that we have coming up in October. I'm very excited to get the excitement going not only among students but also among the staff of my former elementary school. More info to come on the progress of the book fair. I also renewed my membership to ALA and ALSC - American Library Association and Association for Library Services to Children. I'm exploring ways in which I can volunteer for the association. Also, I continue to maintain and keep a well stocked Little Free Library for my church.

Photo by Amy Soto

Meanwhile, here are some of the books that I read this past week . . .

Picture Book Picks

Photo by Amy Soto

Caldecott award winning illustrator, Michaela Goade, has written and illustrated this stunning picture book about a family tradition.  A girl and her grandmother set out in the forest and near the sea to collect herring eggs, fish for salmon, and pick numerous different kinds of berries during berry season.  As they pick the berries, they take only what they need and sing a "berry song," a song that shows gratitude toward the land.  In a brilliant author's note, Goade, explains, in detail, how she and her Tlingit, grandmother, as well as previous generations, also picked berries and foraged for food on the island of Sitka, Alaska.  As they picked, they too sang the "berry song."  Stunning watercolor and mixed media artwork fill the double page spreads of this beautiful picture book.  Berry Song is a perfect read aloud when discussing families and their many different traditions.  I highly recommend this gorgeous picture book for your personal or classroom collection.  Highly Recommended.

Photo by Amy Soto

A Place to Read written and illustrated by Leigh Hodgkinson, is a perfect read aloud to kick off readers workshop, a visit to the library, or as a delightful bedtime story! In the story, a young reader attempts to find just the right place to sit to enjoy his book. With rhyming text and cozy artwork, Hodgkinson weaves a charming tale. Will the boy find the perfect spot for reading? Is that what really matters when reading a good book? Share A Place to Read with your readers to find out! Highly recommended.

Photo from GoodReads

From the creator of The Most Magnificent Thing, comes The Most Magnificent Idea. Ashley Spires has both written and illustrated the story of a little girl's struggle to create. She makes and creates all the time but one day she is uninspired and does not know what to make. The girl tries what she can to become inspired once again. It isn't until she notices a problem that she has an idea! The whimsical artwork for the book was created digitally in Photoshop. This satisfying picture book will make an excellent read aloud for children that preparing to create. Whether the creating is writing, building, making, or creating art of some kind. It also makes the perfect companion to The Most Magnificent Idea. Highly recommended.

Middle Grade Must Reads

Photo by Amy Soto

Hummingbird by Natalie Lloyd is one of my favorite middle grade novels that I've read this year. I listened to the audiobook that is narrated by the author. Twelve year-old, Olive has been homeschooled much of her life but she dreams of attending the local middle school and finding her "forever BFF." Olive's parents are hesitant to let her go because of a condition called, osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone disease.  Eventually, Olive is able to convince them and she begins school. Her first day doesn't go so well but when she learns of the legend of the hummingbird that grants a wish, Olive is determined to find the hummingbird. Heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time, Hummingbird is the perfect class read aloud for upper elementary students or a great recommendation for students in fourth grade and up. This touching novel will help students understand and empathize with students with disabilities. Hummingbird is also a great recommendation for readers who are interested in a great family and friendship story. Highly recommended.

Poetry Break!

Photo by Amy Soto

For Every Little Thing Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day selected by June Cotner and Nancy Tupper Ling, illustrated by Helen Cann, is a delightful collection of poems and prayers. It celebrates the little things in life and captures the moments that seem ordinary and makes them extraordinary. Featured poetry is from poets both new and classic. Some of the poets included in the collection are; Walter de la Mare, Emily Dickinson, Ralph Fletcher, Charles Ghigna, Helen Keller, and many more! Poems and prayers were collected from many different religions and cultures. Charming illustrations are done in watercolor, collage, and colored pencil. With a focus on gratitude, the poems and prayers are arranged from beginning of the day to end of the day and offer readers inspiration and provide opportunities for discussion and celebration. For Every Little Thing will make a great addition to a Sunday school library collection and for a parent and child to share together. Highly Recommended.

Mother Goose Minute

Photo by Amy Soto

I'm always on the lookout for Mother Goose books and paraphernalia. The older, the better! On a recent antiquing excursion, I was so excited to find this gorgeous, vintage, 1933 Mother Goose Rhymes. It was It is in pristine condition. I am thrilled to add this treasure to my collection! This particular nursery rhyme collection was edited by Watty Piper and illustrated by Eulalie and Lois L. Lenski. You may recognize Lenski as the author/illustrator of the 1946 Newbery Medal winning, Strawberry Girl.

For the Bibliophile

Photo by Amy Soto

Like many of you, I am a true bibliophile! One of my favorite kind of books to read is books about books, reading, and libraries. So, in this section of my reading, I like to feature these types of books. Picturebook Makers by Sam McCullen is a real treat for those who are lovers of the picture book and its beautiful art. As a result of Picturebook Makers, a blog by dPICTUS, the book was created. It features some of the world's most well known picture book creators. The artists weren't interviewed. They were asked to tell the story behind the story of their picture book creation. Some of the picture book creator's featured in the book are; Jon Klassen, Shaun Tan, and Eva Lindstrom, and others. Grab a coffee, tea, or other beverage and take a behind the scenes look at the creation of some favorite picture book creators. Sam McCullen writes in the book's introduction, "this book is intended for publishing professionals, illustration students, and anyone else with a passion for picturebooks and a curiosity about the different approaches taken to make them" (5). Highly Recommended.

Jen from  Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers are co-hosting the #IMWAYR blog hop.  Check out all the links to other blogs and see what great children's literature everyone is sharing; picture books, middle grade, and young adult.  

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

Some Books I"ve Been Reading (#IMWAYR 8/29)

Hello reading friends!  It's Monday, what are you reading?  Here are some great picture books

that I've been reading and loving!

 

Mr. Wrinkles loves this picture book!

Photo by Amy Soto

This adorable picture book gives a humorous introduction to different dog breeds, as a young girl goes in search of her missing pug. Meanwhile, Kirby the pug is causing traffic jams! Bright, bold, and whimsical artwork and speech bubbles tell the “tail” of how one, little pug can cause such havoc! The illustrations were done in pencil, pencil crayon, procreate, and Photoshop. Pugs Cause Traffic Jams will make a great read aloud. Kids will be shouting, “Pugs cause traffic jams!” at the appropriate spots as the book is read aloud. Pug lovers and dog lovers alike will delight in this picture book!

Photo by Amy Soto

A story of love, hope, and perseverance. Noemi and her mother leave their home in Mexico to come to the US. They must wait for their turn to cross the border. Belinda, the notebook keeper befriends Noemi. A perfect read aloud for many different kinds of discussions, including what it means to be kind no matter the circumstances. Beautiful and gentle illustrations were done in colored pencil, pastel, gouache, and photoshop collage.

Photo by Amy Soto

Jasper rabbit is back! This time he is haunted by a purple crayon that is perfectly pointy and smiles at him. When he begins to use the crayon, Jasper is acing his school work and is masterful in his art. Soon he becomes creeped out about the crayon. Jasper tries to escape the creepy reminders that he “needs” the crayon. Will he ever be able to outsmart the crayon? Brown’s signature shadowy, dark artwork, paired with Reynolds’ intense, creepy, yet funny writing, create the perfect atmosphere this humorously scary story. Creepy Crayons will have readers laughing out loud. 

Photo by Amy Soto

From the creator of Wreck this Journal, comes this interactive picture book that will have readers thinking about the books they read and love, in new ways. She encourages readers to use their senses to engage with a book and asks, "Did you know that a book is not able to be itself without you?"  Smith's book is done in her hand-lettering and a fun and unique photo design for illustrations.  Be sure to look at the book jacket (clothes for the book) for a surprise!  We are instructed that we are meant to use and interact with our books.  Share Smith's, Wreck This Picture Book older readers for a fun experience.  

Jen from  Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers are co-hosting the #IMWAYR blog hop.  Check out all the links to other blogs and see what great children's literature everyone is sharing; picture books, middle grade, and young adult.  

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

Reading & Writing Poetry Collections & Anthologies

 Happy Poetry Friday!  

  My poetry collection. 

Photo by Amy Soto

Today’s Poetry Break was inspired by Stephanie Afinito, from A Lit Life. She posed a question to her Get Lit (erate) Community.  Since it is Poetry Month, Stephanie asked members of the community to share some of their favorite poetry book recommendations. I got to thinking about my, rather large collection of poetry books (they are mostly children's poetry books).  I decided to share books that feature poems about reading and writing, a topic that is one of my very favorites!  My heartstrings are connected to these books.  If you are a book lover and writer, you're going to love this list. My curated list is in no particular order.

Amy has filled a book with a glorious collection of poems about reading!  Need I say more?  

Amy has done it again, this time she's collected poems about writing.  Perfection!  

Whether you love language, or you are a literacy educator, you will want to add this sweet anthology to your poetry collection.  As the subtitle suggests, there are poems about reading, writing, speaking, and listening.  

I love this anthology of library poetry!  It doesn't get any better than this for those who love spending time in libraries! 

I have consulted this often and always did so in preparation for National Poetry Month in my classroom and my school library.  According to my GoodReads review, I stated that every bibliophile, librarian, teacher, and reader should own a copy of this little anthology.  There are poem treasures to be discovered again and again.   

I used this poetry anthology so often in my school library, that I knew I needed my own copy!  

Book lovers, you are going to want a copy of Salas' collection of poems about books, reading, parts of the book, and more!  As a former reading specialist and librarian, I often shared the poems from this book with my students, as we learned various aspects of literacy.  

I hope that you will check out these wonderful books!  Happy Poetry Month!

Today's Poetry Friday round-up is being hosted by Margaret at Reflections on the Teache, where she has the Progressive Poem.  Stop on over for lots of poetry love.  

Book Cover credits: GoodReads

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

4/18 #IMWAYR

 Happy Monday!  It’s Monday, What Are You Reading (#IMWAYR)?

Update on my Middle Grade Must Reads

Last week, I talked about how I was in the middle of reading The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill.  Well, I finished it and have to say I gave it a rating of 4 stars on GoodReads.  The writing was beautiful and I enjoyed the character development and world building.  I do not read a lot of fantasy but this was worth the read.  

Picture Book Picks

This is a School written by John Schu and illustrated by Victoria Miller Jamison.  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been following John Schu for years and I am thrilled that his first picture book has arrived in the world.  This book will not disappoint!  It is the PERFECT read aloud to share as you kick off the school year but it is also a splendid read aloud as a reminder of the importance of a school community.  Schu’s story is an important tribute to all that a school is and can be.  Jamison’s illustrations are bright and cheerful.  They invite the reader into the book just like the happy school depicted in the book.  If you and your students want to have a conversation about the school as a community or if you simply want to feel good, read This is a School.       

Poetry Break! 

Things We Eat by Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong.  Once again, Vardell and Wong have teamed up to bring us another amazing poetry anthology.  Each letter of the alphabet features a fun food poem that begs to be read aloud.  Each poem is accompanied by cheerful 

For the Bibliophile

Writing Picture Books by children’s author, Ann Whitford Paul, is a handbook for those interested in writing picture books or just simply learning more about the writing of picture books, you may want to give this book a go.  Paul is the author of several poems and children’s books, including, If Animals Kissed Goodnight and If Animals Said I Love You.  To learn more about her, visit  her website, https://annwhitfordpaul.com/. 

Note: book images are linked from GoodReads

Jen from  Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers are co-hosting the #IMWAYR blog hop.  Check out all the links to other blogs and see what great children's literature everyone is sharing; picture books, middle grade, and young adult.  

For more “Book Love,” follow me on:

GoodReads https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/10604107-amy-lynn

Instagram mother_goose_librarian

Until next time, Happy Reading and . . . I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!