Note: Thanks for Jen and Kellee from Teach Mentor Texts for inspiring many of us to share what we have been reading. I will try to join the fun as regularly as possible.
So this past week was not filled with as much reading as I would have hoped but I did read 3 books that were new to me. One book clearly not meant for my classroom and two that were shared in our class's exploration of what book might win the Caldecott Medal.
The Breach by Patrick Lee is a ridiculous action/sci-fi/romance/time paradox/how many people can die?/adventure story that I wouldn't recommend unless you are a fan of Dr. Pepper 10 or you just want to waste a few hours reading something that you will not even think of sharing with others. I fit both categories, so this crazy tale was just what I needed this week. Complete guilty pleasure reading.
Blue Chicken by Deborah Freedman and Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman and Beth Krommes are both delightful picture books most likely targeted for audiences younger than my 4th graders. Blue Chicken is a fun read about an illustration whose characters come to life and turn the painting into a complete mess. The artwork is fantastic and my kiddoes think it is definitely Cadelcott worthy. Swirl by Swirl is filled with stunning illustration that showase spirals in the world of nature. The text is poetic, but a little scattered in my opinion. My class was impressed with the art but did not give it as much love as Blue Chicken.
This coming week I plan on reading a new-to-me picture book as we continue to prognosticate the Cadlecott, two mysteries that come highly recommended by my 11- year- old son, and a Christmas present from my wife. Plus I am starting to read one of my all time faves as a chapter book read aloud to my class. I am looking forward to them all.
Happy Reading This Week.
Later,
Tony
Swirl by Swirl is definitely beautiful! I had fun with Theodore Boone. The Game of Their Lives looks really interesting! :)
Posted by: Mentortexts | 01/09/2012 at 07:16 AM
I read Blue Chicken last week and LOVED IT. I didn't get much reading done this week either. Hoping with the long weekend, I can catch up a bit.
Posted by: Frankisibberson | 01/09/2012 at 07:34 AM
I love Blue Chicken, just read it recently. Which chapter book is one of your favorites?
Posted by: Katsok | 01/09/2012 at 07:34 AM
I think that Christopher Paul Curtis is one of the greatest kidlit authors of all time. Enjoy The Watson's!
Posted by: Colbysharp | 01/09/2012 at 09:28 AM
One of my colleagues who teaches younger students showed me Blue Chicken-hilarious. And I love Me...Jane. I haven't heard of The Game of Their Lives-will look it up. Thanks for all the titles!
Posted by: LInda Baie | 01/09/2012 at 10:00 AM
I loved Blue Chicken as well and wrote a short review over on my new blog. A great chicken book from last year is "Interrupting Chicken" - if you haven't seen it be sure to check it out!
I also loved Swirl by Swirl and heard Joyce Sidman speak at NCTE this year. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Childrenslitcrossroads.wordpress.com | 01/09/2012 at 10:29 PM
Wow, Thanks for all of you for stopping by. It has been a busy week, so I didn't even realize there were so many comments about this post.
Game of Their lives was a fun read if you know soccer. It is the story of the USA win over England in the 1950 World Cup.
The Watson's Go To Birmingham is one of my favorite read alouds of all time. This year marks the first year in a while I have shared it with a class.
My class has Blue Chicken in the lead for our Predicting Caldecott work we have been doing. Interestingly enough, Swirl by Swirl is in last place.
Posted by: Tony Keefer | 01/11/2012 at 10:43 PM