It's Monday! What are you reading? was started by Sheila at Book Journey and was adapted for children's books from picture books through YA by Jen of Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee of Unleashing Readers. You can visit either site for a round up of blogs sharing their weekly readings and thoughts or search Twitter for #IMWAYR.
Last Week's Posts
- Poetry Forms and Gone Fishing. Great book for introducing a wide range of poetry forms and literary devices.
- Interview with Debra Sweeting. Includes review of Inclusion Island.
- Diverse Books for Children: bilingual book edition. Great theme for the newest #diversekidlit!
Picture Books
What a Beautiful Morning (2016) by Arthur Levine and illustrated by Katie Kath. This is a gentle story about a young boy named Noah and his relationship with his Grandpa. But this year, things are different. Grandpa doesn't remember things as well anymore, and on one scary occasion he doesn't remember Noah. This is an important story to talk with kids about Alzheimers, although an author's note about the disease would have been a welcome addition too. Another to add to my text set of books featuring diverse grandparents.
I am a Story (2016) by Dan Yaccarino. This is a loving tribute to the power and longevity of the story. Narrated by the story itself, the book traces the history of storytelling and the evolution of the written and printed word. Astute readers will enjoying following the progress of the red bird through the book as well as the shout-outs to a wide range of books and libraries (even the "Little Free Libraries" first started here in Wisconsin). Definitely a book that could lead to some great discussions about books and stories.
Happy Reading!
I am a Story sounds like a wonderful book to add to our collection of texts for launching a personal narrative unit of study in writer's workshop!
ReplyDeleteI also like What a Beautiful Morning and just put I am a Story on hold at the library thanks to you.
ReplyDeleteThese both are on my list, and I'd love to have them now! Thanks, Katie.
ReplyDeleteOh wow....both my aunt and my grandmother had dementia, so What a Beautiful Morning really touches close to home for me. It can be such a scary experience for a child when a family member starts losing their memory, I'm glad stories like this exist to help families work through this time.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these look like they are important picture books. I love the cove of What a Beautiful Morning. Have you read Tomie dePaola's books on grandparents?
ReplyDeleteI LOVED What a Beautiful Morning! It's very sweet and tugs at your heart a bit. But I think kids need to hear stories about close relationships with relatives. I still need to read I Am a Story. Have a terrific week!
ReplyDeleteBoth look like books I will need to have. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI ordered I am a Story a few weeks ago and really looking forward to receiving it soonest. Will borrow What a Beautiful Morning from the library soonest. :)
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