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 (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!

 Happy Poetry Friday!

Today I am sharing a Poetry Break! and a poem draft.  

Poetry Break! 

(if you are not currently familiar with Poetry Breaks, check out my first blog to read about them!  For Poetry Friday, a Poetry Break is a poetry book that I am reading and loving) 

Book image from GoodReads.

I’m in love with this poetry/picture book, written by Eric Ode and illustrated by Jieting Chen. Stop that Poem! Is a poem that is constructed as the reader is taken on a whimsical journey throughout an ordinary day in an ordinary neighborhood.  A young girl wheels a wagon, full of words to a yard, where she stacks her words to make a poem.  Soon her words are carried away with the wind.  “Stop that poem!” the girl and her friend shout.  The words are scattered throughout the neighborhood and new lines in the poem are crafted at each scene; a pond, a clothesline, a tree, and other neighborhood locations.  The artwork has more muted background colors, with brighter pops of color in the foreground, that draws the reader into the illustrations.  Pair this poem picture book with word cards and a clothesline for children to craft and create their own original poems. This is the perfect read aloud for anytime but especially now, during National Poetry Month!

Stop that Poem! has inspired me to draft this poem.  It is a work in progress.  Please feel free to leave me any feedback in the comments.  I would greatly appreciate it.  

Poems

by Amy Soto

I gaze out the window

My mind wanders 

Like clouds

Poems float by 

I try to catch one

but can’t 

 no matter how hard I try.

Like clouds

Poems float by 

Today's Poetry Friday roundup is being hosted by Matt at Radio, Rhythm & Rhyme.  Be sure to stop over for a lot more Poetry Friday fun!

Until next time, Happy Reading and Writing, and . . . 

 I hope your heart strings connect with something wonderful you read!

Poetry Break (revisited)!

"Poetry Break!" . . . 

Several years ago, on my original blog, Mrs. Merrill's Book Break,  I explained and featured my "Poetry Breaks!"  If you are interested in reading about them, various ways in which I conduct them, and the impact of a "Poetry Break," click here to read more.  

Today, I'd like to share my latest YouTube video, in which I explain a "Poetry Break."  

I am no longer working as a reading specialist and school librarian.  I had to retire early due to a health issue.  I really miss sharing my weekly "Poetry Breaks" and am hoping to be able to share them again via YouTube.  Thank you for stopping by and reading and watching.  :)  

Welcome to Poetry Friday!  Today's poetry fun, round up, is being hosted by Bridget at Wee Words for Wee Ones!  Be sure to stop over to her blog for the round up!