It's Monday! What Are You Reading? 7/14/14

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It's been two weeks since I wrote an IMWAYR post. Sorry ;( I was not able to do one while I was at #nerdcampmi - too much learning and fun was going on! I followed the tradition of checking out a book stack of 10 books which were picture books or graphic novels. It was a fun two weeks of reading! 

My favorite reads of the past two weeks were Gaston and Jellaby. Check out my reviews below!

Books I Read The Past Two Weeks...

The Great Fuzz Frenzy, by Janet Stevens

(4 out of 5 stars)

This is a darling book about some lucky prairie dogs who come encounter a fuzzy tennis ball. Suddenly, the fuzz becomes a precious commodity! There are some colorful characters and lots of fun dialogue in this picture book. It would be a great read aloud ;-)

Scaredy Squirrel Has a Birthday Party by Melanie Watt

(5 out of 5 stars)

Um, Scaredy Squirrel is one of my TOP FIVE favorite picture book characters ever! I think it's because Scaredy reminds me so much of my young self - anxious and worrisome. I spent many a night unable to sleep worrying about tornadoes, criminals breaking in, and other frightening things. I just love how prepared Scaredy is to make sure he feels no worry or anxiety, but does his birthday party end up the way he plans? (Thankfully, for us the readers, the answer is NO!)

President Taft is Stuck in the Bath by Mac Barnett

(3 out of 5 stars) 

I liked the book for being about a historical figure (President William Howard Taft) and the pictures are amazing! I thought the focus on the weight of the President overtook the book a bit and wish it could have included some of his more distinguishable, non-nude achievements. But, the funny was there, and I think my students would really like it, especially as a read aloud. 

Gaston by Kelly DiPucchio 

(5 out of 5 stars)

This book was a true delight - one of my favorite picture books of the year so far! Gaston feels as if he may not fit into his family upon visiting a local dog park one day. But, Gaston realizes that what may look right doesn't always feel right. The art in this book is beautiful and the story is truly heartwarming. Read it soon!

Jellaby #1 by Kean Soo

This graphic novel has been a hit in my classroom for several years and for some reason I had not yet read it. Now I see why my kids love it. Jellaby, a very strange creature, changes a little girl's life (Portia) by appearing one night outside her window. Jellaby may also hold some clues to Portia's past. The book is such fun, especially when the three main characters go looking for a secret door and are chased by a creepy man. Jellaby ended with a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait to read the next one! (It's currently packed in my classroom, but come August I will dig it out!)

Other Books I Read These Past Two Weeks...

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman (4 out of 5 stars)

Julia, Child by Kyo Mclear (3 out of 5 stars)

Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague (4 out of 5 stars)

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner (4 out of 5 stars)

Skippyjon Jones: Lost in Spice by Judy Schachner (3 out of 5 stars)

The Hello, Goodbye Window by Norton Juster (5 out of 5 stars)

The Frog and Toad Treasury by Arnold Lobel (5 out of 5 stars)