Book Review: Perfect Square

Perfect Square
by Michael Hall
Greenwillow Books, Publisher
Ages 2-7
Review copy purchased for my classroom library

Publisher's Summary:  A perfect square is transformed in this adventure story that will transport you far beyond the four equal sides of this square book.

"Perfect" is the perfect word to describe Michael Hall's newest picture book.  The perfect square start out perfectly happy being a square on Sunday.  But on Monday when the perfect square finds itself cut up and hole punched, it doesn't get down in the dumps! Oh no! Instead it makes the best of the situation and becomes a beautiful fountain. The week continues to bring new challenges until Sunday comes again and it realizes it's not happy just being a "perfect" square.  The ending, which relates to beginning, concludes with a wonderful surprise!

I fell in love on the very first read through.  Filled with whimsy and imagination, children will easily be drawn in to the story of how this perfect square changes itself into something new and surprising each day of the week.  Hall uses brief text to allow the geometric shapes and bold colors of his illustrations to tell the story.  When it comes to concept books, this one is jam packed with possibilities including shapes, colors, and days of the week. Offer readers the opportunity to transform their own perfect square of colorful paper by cutting, ripping, wrinkling, pasting, and punching holes to create an adapted classroom version.  This story is sure to become a classroom favorite! If you like this one then be sure to also check out My Heart is Like a Zoo, also by Michael Hall.

Don't just take my word for it! Read what other's are saying about this fantastic book:

The Page Turn
There's a Book
A Fuse #8 Production
Brimful Curiosities

Just Read! 2011 Reading Challenges

Being a reading role model to the people in my life, whether they be my own nieces and nephews, the students I encounter in my classroom, or the adults learners I interact with through courses and blogging, is an extremely high priority for me.  I'm always looking for new titles to read that I might be able to share with children or teachers.  It's a big job, but so worth the time and effort I put into it.  I can promise you there is no greater high then when I've made a match between a reader and book!  This year I decided to join three different challenges as a means of keeping track of what I'm reading this year, as well as finding new books that I might miss otherwise. 

The first challenge I'm participating in is The Centurions of 2011: 111 Books by December 2012 on Facebook.  Started by Paul Hankins (@PaulWHankins) this group includes readers who have set a goal to read 111 or more books during 2011.  Members post month by month their titles, highlighting at least one pick to total twelve favorites for 2011. Readers can read picture books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, or professional books.  There are also several age specific Discussion tabs you can participate in

I'm also participating in the   Read to Me Picture Book Challenge  over at There's A Book!     The objective of this challenge is to read picture books with the children in your life, or just to enjoy picture books in general.  I have talked about picture books as integral tools in my teaching, how I've used wordless books, and shared my favorite picture books for Kindergarten/1st grade and grades 4/5 over the past year on this blog.  Picture books aren’t just for little kids.   They are powerful and engaging texts that can help students across all grade levels succeed in language arts, math, science, social studies, and the arts. Picture books appeal to students of all readiness levels, interests, and learning styles. What I especially love about this challenge is the emphasis of reading with children!  I'm confident I will reach "Chapter Reader" level by reading  200 pictures books!  However I'm not as confident about being able to write reviews for all 200 so I'm setting my goal at the "Unjacketed" level and hope to blog about 36 of the picture books I read. 

To keep track of these two challenges I joined Goodreads 2011 Reading Challenge.  All I have to do is type in the books as I read them, set the date I finished, and Goodreads keeps track of my progress, month by month.  I can then add my Goodreads link to either of the other two challenges and all of my reading is there for anyone to see.  Isn't that great?

Have you set reading goals this year?  Maybe one of these challenges has piqued your interest.  All of these challenges have one thing is common.  They're really not about the number of books you read, but rather that you just read...and share what you're reading with others.  Won't you join me?  If 2010 was any indication, there are some awesome books to be discovered in 2011!  Don't miss out! 

#bookaday Wrap Up

I love my job but I have to admit I also loved every day of my Christmas vacation.  I took a true vacation from school.  I think this is the first time in my teaching career I didn't step foot in the building over the break.  Participating in Donalyn Miller's (@donalynbooks) Book-a-Day challenge was one of the highlights of my break. The other highlight was spending time with my family as well my dear friend, Ksenia, who was visiting from Russia. So, while I didn't make it through all the books in my piles, I did manage a nice BALANCE, and isn't that what we are all trying to achieve?

My #bookaday reads included:
Middle Grade Novels

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

What a beautiful book! Told from 12 year old Lanesha's perspective, this book captures the anxiety and fear that Gulf Coast residents must have felt during Hurricane Katrina, without resorting to overly graphic details, or laying blame for the horrific flooding that resulted. The winner of Allen Country Public Library's Mock Newbery Award, I'm surprised it's not getting more Newbery "chatter".

Penny Dreadful by Laurel Synder

This a delightful story of a rich, bored little girl who makes a wish that changes everything for her family. I loved all the mentions of other books that Penny reads, wishing her life was more like them!  With appeal to both girls and boys, I think this book would make a great read aloud!

A Tale Dark & Grimm by Adam Giwitz

When are heads are chopped of in the first chapter, kids can't help but be hooked!  This book continues to deliver blood and guts...all the way to the end...and boys especially are going to love it!   It was dark and gory with the perfect amount of humor. I love how snarky the author was and how he broke that wall between the reader and the book so often, without being annoying. His comments alone make this book stand out!

 

Forge by Laurie Halse Anderson

Although I missed Isabel (she is mostly in the background in this second book of a trilogy), I did cheer for Curzon as he ran for his freedom, fought at Valley Forge, and continued to navigate prejudice/racism. I loved the perspective of an African-American slave fighting for American freedom, and finding friendship and acceptance among his fellow soldiers. I look forward to the third book, in which I hope Isabel will be reunited with her sister Ruth. 

Picture Books
*indicates my favorites

Lost Boy: The Story of the Man Who Created Peter Pan by Jane Yolen (illus. Steve Adams)

Soar, Elinor! by Tami Lewis Brown (illus. Francois Roca)

*The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Suzy) by Barbara Kerley (illus. Edwin Fotheringham)

*Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan (illus. Brian Folca)

The Christmas Giant by Steve Light

*Switching on the Moon by Jane Yolen & Andrew Fusek Peters (illus. G. Brian Karas)

Tell the Truth B.B. Wolf by Judy Sierra

*The Incredible Book Eating Boy by Oliver Jeffers

Disappearing Desmond by Anna Alter

*Pop! The Invention of Bubblegum by Meghan McCarthy

But I Wanted a Baby Brother by Kate Feiffer (illus. Diane Goode)

Kylie made it through her entire pile...twice!  Her favorite book from her #bookday pile was The Boss Baby by Marla Frazee!  To quote her, "Auntie, Marla just cracks me up!"  I have to agree!



Beautifully illustrated biography!



A pack of bubble gum will be needed after reading this informational book aloud!

Another great read aloud!

Biography of Mark Twain using excerpt from his daughter Suzy writing.

A wonderful collection of bedtime poems, perfect for any child's bedtime routine.

Happy Haul-idays from Chronicle Books

Could your classroom or home library use a little updating? Are there picture books you have just been dying to get your hands on?  Would you like $500 in books?  Well, here is your chance...and it won't cost you one single penny! That's right...this is not a joke.  I never joke about FREE BOOKS!!!  During this season of gift giving, Chronicle Books is offering an amazing opportunity to book bloggers and their readers in their Happy Haul-idays Giveaway!

Here's how it works.  Bloggers get to create a wish list of $500 worth of Chronicle Books that they would like to add to their collections. By posting about this giveaway and listing their “wish list”, bloggers are entered to win their entire $500 list of books. Not only that…any reader who leaves a comment on this blog post will also be entered to win the same $500 in books! That’s right $500 in books from Chronicle Books.

I have carefully chosen a variety of picture books (and a few chapter books) that would be fabulous additions to any classroom or home library.  There are a total of 36 books on the list!   I can barely contain my excitement about the AMAZING opportunity this truly unique publisher is offering!  All you have to do to get in on the winning is look over my wish list and see what fantastic titles are available for grabs. Then comment on what books you would most like to win off the list. Don't forget, with just one comment…you could win all $500 worth of books!

The Book Maven's Happy Haul-idays Wish List

(in no particular order...they are ALL great!)

Spot the Plot by J. Patrick Lewis  $15.99

Out of Sight by Pittau & Gervais  $19.99

Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen  $15.99

Ivy & Bean Boxed Set 2:  Books 4, 5, & 6 by Annie Barrows  $19.99

Ivy & Bean: What's the Big Idea? Book 7 by Annie Barrows  $14.99

Lots of Dots by Craig Frazier  $15.99

The Present by Bob Gill   $15.99

A Long Piece of String by William Wondriska  $15.99

Chicken BIG by Keith Graves  $16.99

Shadow by Suzy Lee  $15.99

Day & Night by Teddy Newton  $14.99

The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter's Wonder by Mark Cassino  $16.99

Look Out Jeremy Bean! by Alice Schertly  $14.99

Manfish:  A Story of Jacques Cousteau by Jennifer Berne  $16.99

Spot 7:  School by Kidslabel  $12.95

Spot 7:  Animals by Kidslabel  $12.95

Spot 7:  Toys by Kidslabel  $12.95

The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook Boxed Set by David Borgenicht  $19.99

The Other Side by Istvan Banyou  $15.99

Tortilla Sun by Jennifer Cervantes  $16.99

One Red Apple by Harriet Ziefert  $16.99

A Seed is Sleepy by Dianna Aston  $16.99

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Aston $16.99

A Butterfly is Patient by Dianna Aston $16. 99

Picture This:  How Pictures Work by Molly Bang  $12.99

Little Pea by Amy Krouse Rosenthal  $14.99

Little Hoot by Amy Krouse Rosenthal  $14.99

Little Oink by Amy Krouse Rosenthal $14.99

Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal  $16.99

Emily's Balloon by Komako Sakai  $14.95

The World's Greatest:Poems by J. Patrick Lewis  $16.99

Wish!  Wishing Traditions Around the World by Roseanne Thong  $16.99

So there you have it...my wish list of books!  Now don’t forget that this giveaway from Chronicle Books isn't just for me but for you, my readers too!  Just leave a comment  on this post about the book or books you are most interested in and you could win all $500 worth of the books on my wish list! Also make sure to leave me your e-mail address so that I can contact the winner! For a complete list of all the blogs participating click here.  Deadline to enter for this great giveaway is December 10th.

A Bedtime for Bear

A Bedtime for Bear

by Bonny Becker

illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

Publisher:  Candlewick Press

Ages: 3-8

Review copy purchased for my classroom library

Poor Bear is slightly stuffy, likes routine,  and needs everything just so. His buddy Mouse is politely, joyously chaotic. When Mouse arrives for a sleepover, apparently a week early, Bear finds himself all flustered as he tries to adjust his routines to accommodate his friend’s unexpected arrival. As it turns out, Bear needs absolute silence in order to fall asleep, and, well, Mouse isn’t absolutely as quiet as a … mouse.

Becker does a fantastic job of conveying her character’s personalities through their dialog, making it easy to assume their identities while reading. Even better, the rhythm of her text makes it almost impossible to mess up the comic timing.  Denton’s wonderfully simple yet sophisticated illustrations account for at least half the humor. Bear’s expressions alone are worth the price of the book – the exasperation and frustration are palpable! 

This is Bear and Mouse's third book.   I absolutely LOVE the friendship between this unlikely duo. While this book is perfect for a bedtime read aloud,  I also love the possibilities for using all three books as mentor texts for character development with older readers and writers.    You won't want to miss the E.B. White Read Aloud Award winning A Visitor for Bear and their second book, A Birthday for Bear.  All three books are guaranteed to bring lots for reading pleasure to readers of all ages.

Kindergarten ROCKS!

Today was a big day for our family.  My youngest niece, Abigail Grace, started Kindergarten today!  Now that might not seem like a big deal but let me tell you...it is!  As a former Kindergarten teacher, I remember fondly all the 'first' days I have been able to be a part of ...watching parents following the school bus, the 'mob' in the front lobby, the tears, and of course so many pictures and videos!  I have been fortunate to be able to be there for all six of my nieces' and nephew's 'first' day...and am a little sad that today was the last one!

Kindergarten is such an important year in a child's school career.  Robert Fulghum was right...everything you really need to know you learn in Kindergarten!   So, in honor of Abigail's 'first' day...and everyone else celebrating a 'first', here are a  few of my favorite 'starting Kindergarten' books to get the year started!

Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten by Joseph Slate (illustrated by Ashley Wolff)   Perhaps "Miss Bindergarten Gets Ready For Kindergarten"'s greatest accomplishment is that it really is a love letter to teachers everywhere. It shows just how hard they work, how much effort and joy goes into their jobs, and how much they care. Kids rarely get to see the behind-the-scenes toil and sweat that goes into their schooldays. "Miss Bindergarten" gives them that chance.

Welcome to Kindergarten by Anne Rockwell  Rockwell has produced a quiet, reassuring look at kindergarten routines. A little boy and his mother attend an open house, and he discovers all of the fascinating classroom centers and the activities that he will be doing in each one when September arrives. After finding a new friend and sharing cookies, he goes home contentedly with his mother, thinking that the school building doesn't look too big at all anymore, but seems "-just the right size for me!"

The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn (illustrated by Ruth Harper and Nancy Leak)  Chester Raccoon doesn't want to go to school--he wants to stay home with his mother. She assures him that he'll love school--with its promise of new friends, new toys, and new books. Even better, she has a special secret that's been in the family for years--the Kissing Hand. This secret, she tells him, will make school seem as cozy as home.  Audrey Penn has written a sweet, endearing story to help little ones face those scary feelings on their first days of separation. 

The Ticky Tacky Doll by Cynthia Rylant (illustrated by Harvey Stevenson) A little girl worries about going to school for the first time and leaving her ticky-tacky doll that Grandmama made behind. The child is unable to eat or pay attention and her teachers and family are concerned. Only her observant grandmother is able to figure out what is wrong, and she devises the perfect solution: she sews a miniature version of the doll that fits into the corner of the little girl's book bag.

A VERY proud Auntie with the Kindergartner!

Read about some of the other picture books I loved using in Kindergarten here.