It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 12-7-15
Thanks to our dynamic hosts: Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kelle at Unleashing Readers. Head to either blog to find reviews as well as dozens of links to other blogs filled with reviews!
Books I've Recently Read:
Feeding the Flying Fanellis: And Other Poems from a Circus Chef by Kate Hosford
Illustrated by Cosei Kawa
Carolrhoda Books, 2015
Poetry
32 pages
Recommended for grades 2-6
A collection of poems that leads readers into a whimsical lives of a group of circus performers. The poems are quirky yet flowing, full of upbeat language. Though all the poems center around the foods that are going to be served at a feast, I didn't become tired of the theme, nor did it feel forced. The illustrations are incredibly intricate and fun to look at.
Feel inspired to make one of the recipes? :) Try The Flying Fanellis Lemon Cake (and send me a piece)!
The Marvels by Brian Selznick
Scholastic, 2015
Fiction/Mystery
672 pages
Recommended for grades 5+
From the moment I picked up Hugo Cabret I have been in awe of Selznick. The works of art he creates are so unlike any other literary experience. With his latest book, Selznick is writing to an older reader than Hugo was aimed at. Selznick has kept with his style of half illustration, half text, but unlike both Hugo and Wonderstruck, The Marvels continues to use that technique in yet a different way. Once I finished reading about the real people and places that inspired the story, I immediately looked up the house at 18 Folgate Street...and you should, too!
Avis Dolphin by Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Willow Dawson
Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press, 2015
Historical Fiction
164 pages
Recommended for grades 3+
Here is the story of a girl aboard the Lusitania, the ill fated ship that met its end on a final voyage from New York to England. So many students I've taught have had an obsession-or strong interest-in The Titanic, but many young people have yet to be exposed to the Lusitania. Though the story is simple, the day to day doings of a young girl, Avis, on board, there is the side story that develops as a fellow passenger begins sharing a story with Avis. This second story is told through wordless graphic novel style pages. I found myself to be oddly interested in what Avis would do each day, and was sorry to see the story end!
I'm Currently Reading:
(Listening To)
Thanks for stopping by!
I just love how beautiful children's book covers are right now!! I always see kids wanting booms about the Titanic, so Avis Dolphin might be a nice read alike. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun collection of books, Nicole. If you read such, I know you must be a good teacher with the kids you teach. You, most likely, draw them in! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete~ linda @ The Reader and the Book
I've been saving The Marvels for a reading emergency, but I think I'm about ready to cave and dive in! That lemon cake looks quite good!
ReplyDeleteHi there Nicole - I was equally fascinated by The Marvels and will be posting my review soonest. Had I known about 18 Folgate Street a few months ago, I would have definitely visited that place while I was in London.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicole, I love to give my partner a 'childrens' book each year. I think you have convinced me that The Marvels might be this year's choice. He loved Hugo Cabret, but then my guy is a filmmaker so...
ReplyDeleteI loved Castle Hangnail! Hope you like it as well.
ReplyDeleteI just finished The Marvels and now I absolutely need to read Wonderstruck.
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