New Year, New Books

Image from www.mycutiegraphics.com

I'm sorry that I haven't posted in a while. It has taken me a long time to get healthy.  I think (knock on wood), that I'm finally healthy.  One thing that I have learned about myself is, when I'm sick I don't read. So when I start reading again, I know I'm feeling better.  With the snow days and delayed openings I was able to get some reading done.  I've been reading quite a few picture books.  These are ones that have been talked about online as possible Caldecott Winners.  The Caldecott Medal is given annually by the American Library Association (ALA) to the illustrator who had the best illustrated book of the year.  Every year I wait with anticipation for the announcement.  Last year I was thrilled because I had actually read the Caldecott Winner before it won.

I'm going to list a few of the ones that I've read and let you know my favorites.  All of these books I got from the Tri-County Public Libraries.  I just put them on hold, which is very easy to do.  I'll add to this list later on in the week.

The first book is Bluebird written and illustrated by Bob Staake.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  This is a beautifully illustrated wordless picture book!  I just love the friendship that develops between the boy and the bluebird.  I will offer a word of caution, it does have a somewhat sad ending. I would read it before you read it to your child(ren), just so you are not caught unaware.

The second book is Steam Train, Dream Train written by Sherri Duskey Rinker and illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads. These are the same two who brought us Good Night, Good Night Construction Site.   After reading this book, I just wanted to curl up in bed and go to sleep.  This is a wonderful bedtime story.  I loved how the illustrations had dark blue overtones to make you consistently think about nighttime. 

The third book is A Splash of Red:  The Life and Art of Horace Pippin written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet.  Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  Wow, I can't say enough good things about this book.  I had a little background knowledge of who Horace Pippin was and his paintings, but I learned so much more with this book.  I loved how the illustrator didn't just create illustrations to go with the text, she also added Pippin's own words into the illustrations.  This is one book that I will be adding to my personal collection.

The fourth book is Mr. Tiger Goes Wild written and illustrated by Peter Brown. Click here for a summary on Goodreads.  I loved this book!  I love anything that Peter Brown creates!  If you have ever felt like there was a lack of excitement in your life, then you know exactly how Mr. Tiger feels.  One day he decides that he needs more fun in his life and he goes wild.  this book really spoke to me and my inner child.  The illustrations made me feel like I was right there in the jungle watching Mr. Tiger going wild!

I'll add some more titles later on this week.  If you read any, please leave your thoughts in the comment section!  Also don't forget to check out our first two students book reviews below this post.

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda

Excitement in the Book World Today!

Today is one of the most exciting days, because it was the day that the Newbery Award, Caldecott Award and many other awards are handed out.  I am so pleased with so many of the decisions that the committees made this year.  For this post I'm just going to talk about the winners of the Newbery Award and Caldecott Award.  I'll follow up soon with a post about some of the other awards and the Newbery and Caldecott Honor Awards.


To say that I am pleased with the winner of the Newbery Award, is an understatement!  I am over the moon with the award going to The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate.  If you or your child haven't read this book I highly recommend it.  Click here to see a summary of the book.  I recommend this book for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade students.  With 3rd grade students it might be a good idea for you to read it with your child or before just so you have an understanding of the story.  See the book trailer below to see a bit about the story.

The Caldecott Award was given to This is Not by Hat by Jon Klassen.  I love this book as well.  Click here to see a summary of the book. Th illustrations in this book are incredible!  The story which was written by Jon Klassen, really added to the illustrations.  There is a moral to this story.  It is a great one that both kids will like, and parents will enjoy.  This is a companion book to his earlier book I Want My Hat Back, which in 2012 was a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award winner.  See below for the book trailer for This Is Not My Hat.

Hope you enjoy these books as much as I have.  If you read them, please post a comment and let me know what you thought of the books.

Happy Reading!!

Miss Hazuda