Check It Out

We are into the state assessment period and the halls are quiet except for the scritchy-scratch of pencils.  I recently read two books to classes that were sent to me by publishers.

The first is a follow-up to Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk.  In Library Mouse A Friend’s Tale, Sam the library mouse gets to secretly pair up with Tom, left over student.  All the kids have partner’s to write a story and illustrate it except Tom.  Mrs. Forrester, the librarian, suggests to Tom that they work together but them a mystery unfolds.  Sam accidentally leaves his notebook on the librarian’s desk and when he goes back to get it, he leaves tracks to his little home in the reference section.  What happens when Tom follows the track? Will he reveal the library mouse secret?  What kind of story does Mrs. Forrester and Sam write or do they?  You will have to read and find out your self. 

Kids love these two book by Daniel Kirk.  Library Mouse came in second in the Washington state Children’s Picture Book Award.  The perspectives that Kirk uses in the illustrations engage students.  It will not be on the shelf long.

The second book, Hee-Haw-Dini and the Great Zambini by Kim Kennedy has kids laughing out loud.  This is a new author for me.  It is a fun tale about the power of practice, practice, practice.  Hee-Haw the donkey and Chester the mouse practice their magic tricks all day long.  But none of the other farm animals want to see the tricks because after all, they are just farm animals.

When the Circus train comes through and a mysterious trunk belonging to the Great Zambini is left along the countryside, Chester and Hee-Haw decide its time to pull the ultimate trick. The ending has a fun trick of its own. I did not expect the ending. Students were quite engaged in this book, too. Doug Kennedy’s acrylic paintings match the vivid text.

This brother-sister team rely on family stories about magic to tell a magical story about the power of believing in your self.

I am listening to Savvy by Ingrid Law. Wow what a great story. The Beaumont family each get their special “savvy” on their 13th birthday. Mibs’s 13th birthday is no exception and the events of that day lead her, her family, and a colorful cast of characters on a wild chase.

I keep thinking about how the characters of Savvy might like the characters Spinelli’s Star Girl.  There have been a couple times where I pull into the driveway at home and have to wait until the chapter is finished. On her blog, Law invites readers to share their savvy, their special know-how.  I think my savvy just might be the my diplomaticway with people.

Overheard, Alyssa D., 5th grader, “May 1, do you know what that date means?”  That’s when the seventh book of the Sisters Grim series by Michael Buckley comes out.

What are you reading?

Happy Reading.

MsMac