I was on a blog posting role this week. I've been starting to feel lately like this blog is fizzling out a bit, but this past week reinvigorated me and helped get me back in the groove of regularly posting again.
Last week I reviewed:
Burned by Ellen Hopkins
The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Dusan Petricic
I also posted:
Audiobooks are expensive. Here are some ways to bypass that expense.
Last week I finished listening to:
Bad Monkey
by Carl HiaasenI enjoy Hiaasen's adult novels, but I much prefer his kids' books. This one didn't hold my interest as much as his other books have.
Some picture books I read and enjoyed last week:
Moonday by Adam Rex
Unusual story, beautiful illustrations. This one's going on my ever-growing list of Caldecott possibilities.
The Island by Marije and Ronald Tolman
I have to admit, I didn't really get this wordless picture book, but there's something so delightful about it that I can't put my finger on. I think it was the bear.
Black and White by David Macaulay
I need to read this book with a group of kids. I have a feeling my encumbered adult brain is missing a whole heckuva lot. The four quadrants of this book, telling four seemingly separate stories, yet somehow your mind has to try to piece how they're related, was just too much for my mind to take in all by myself. Much discussion is needed with this one.
Currently (still) reading:
Smoke by Ellen Hopkins
Currently listening to:
The Real Boy by Anne Ursu
Even though fantasy is not normally my genre of preference, Anne Ursu is certainly drawing me in with her beautiful writing. I see why this one is getting Newbery buzz and was nominated for a National Book Award.
Ellen Hopkins was great when I saw her speak a couple years ago. Very supportive of writers. I'm always interested in what people think of The Real Boy, especially now that there's so much high expectations around it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot of good things to read. I just felt like I was missing something with The Real Boy. I do love her Chronus Chronicles, though!
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, I have been looking for a copy of The Man with the Violin up here, but it is not in any libraries yet. Your picture books are very intriguing. I think I will request The Island from the library. The Real Boy is so complex and a bit dark, I really liked it. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThe real Boy is on my TBR list - can't wait to tonget to it. Some arresting looking picture books in your collection, Beth.
ReplyDeleteI love sharing Black and White with children, it does take a while to read aloud. For me, two sessions to read through and then one more for discussion on style, layers, stories, hints, and more. I was always amazed what children could draw from the story. Can't wait to get The Man with the Violin.
ReplyDeleteI agree - The Island certainly didn't make a lot of sense. But I keep picking it up (I found it very on sale at a bookstore so it is mine) thinking about how I might want to share it with a class. So happy that you also enjoyed The Man with the Violin. Sigh. I LOVE this book. Moonday is a title I can't wait to read! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing all of these titles! They look interesting. I have Smoke to read but was waiting to finish To Be Perfectly Honest by Sonya Sones first! The Real Boy was an interesting read...I remember freaking out when something happens later in the book. Enjoy!
ReplyDelete