Sunday, May 31, 2015

It's Monday-time for summer books!

"Reading gives us a place to go when we have to stay where we are."

           Link up with Jen at TeachMentorTexts and Kellee and Ricki at UnleashingReaders. and Sheila at Book Journeys.  Come visit, and tweet at #IMWAYR. Thanks to Jen, Kellee, and Ricki for hosting!
Courage - written and illustrated by Bernard Waber
          This could be a good book to start conversations about courage and what that means to each one in a classroom, including the teacher. Speaking from different viewpoints, human and animal, Waber's story is a succession of kinds of courage, some in the mind, some physical, and some in the heart. The illustrations are cartoon-like, small pictures by each sentence. For instance, there is a couple of boys, with one tapping the shoulder of another. The caption is "Courage is being the first to make up after an argument." Another example is a dark drawing, with only alarming looking eyes showing: "Courage is going to be without a nightlight." This is not for the very young. I'm not sure they would understand it. Perhaps middle grades only would enjoy it, and perhaps they could create their own illustrated picture of what courage means to them? 


 I Am Cat - I found this at the bookstore at my reading conference, and the gorgeous cover caught my
eye. The author/illustrator is Jackie Morris, with whom I'm not familiar. She lives in Wales, and when I researched her, found numerous other gorgeous picture books! This one's premise shows a cat that Jackie has sharing his dreams, dreams he is other "wild" cats all over the world. The illustrations fill the page with color, up close, and with those dreaming words by the domestic cat. For instance, on a double page, the cheetah says, "I dream that I am the sharp-eyed running cat, fast as the wind over the bleached plains of Africa, sleek, spotted and elegant." There are others less familiar, like the gorgeous Amur leopard, the rarest and the most endangered according to the back matter. If you love cats and want to know a bit more about ten of them, this is the book to find.
Still reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. One more week of school, then perhaps I'll have a little more time to read! I am hopeful!
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25 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 31, 2015 at 11:23 PM

    Is Courage one of those books that only seem to come out during Graduation? It sounds so familiar yet I know I haven't read it!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 5:48 AM

      It could be, Earl. It was published in 2002, & was featured on another site, so I got it from the library. Your idea fits.

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  2. Melanie MeehanJune 1, 2015 at 6:07 AM

    Courage is also great at the beginning of the year! It is a great companion to Scaredy Squirrel, Ish, and Dot.

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 7:13 AM

      Thanks, Melanie, I'll be sure to share it at school!

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  3. Andrea June 1, 2015 at 6:29 AM

    The whole time I was reading your review of Courage, I was thinking how great this book would pair with the music video for Brave by Sara Bareilles. I used that video to talk about what we do that is brave. I think this book sounds perfect to pair with it and then write about being brave or having courage. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 7:14 AM

      What a great idea, Andrea. I agree, would be fun to share music with a book-next year?

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  4. Cheriee WeichelJune 1, 2015 at 11:27 AM

    I just love Courage. It's one of those books that goes a long way! I had to go and get our copy so I could reread it. We have so many children with anxiety issues these days. One is terrified to go into the washroom alone (Zombies might be in there) I went off to give it to his teacher to read with him. That Cat on the cover of I Am Cat looks like our family pet way back when!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 12:52 PM

      I'm glad you shared the need for Courage, Cheriee. It's great that you shared the book!

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  5. Elisabeth EllingtonJune 1, 2015 at 2:54 PM

    I love Courage too--now I want to reread it too! I like your idea for using it as a writing mentor text. Will file that away for my Methods class in the fall. You know I've got to get a copy of that cat PB--what a gorgeous cover!!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 5:41 PM

      I Am A Cat was a wonderful surprise, Elisabeth. I hope you like it!

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  6. MrsB ReadsJune 1, 2015 at 6:52 PM

    I will have to look into Courage. I think it would be a perfect book to begin or end the school year with! Get those kiddos ready to take the next step!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:09 PM

      You're right, the beginning or the end would be perfect. Thanks!

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  7. Leigh Anne EckJune 1, 2015 at 7:15 PM

    Now that I am teaching 6th grade and they are new to the school, I think courage would be a great read-aloud at the beginning of the school year. it takes courage to be in a new place with so many new faces. I thought I Am Cat was a painted picture at first...thought maybe you had been busy! :) I see why it caught your eye. Have a great week!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:11 PM

      Yes, I will be sharing Courage with all my colleagues, Leigh Anne. I'm flattered that you thought I might have painted that cat. I wish I could even come close to that wonderful talent. It is a gorgeous book! Thanks, hope your week is good too!

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  8. Michele KnottJune 1, 2015 at 7:30 PM

    Courage is a new one for me! Thanks for sharing the title!
    I'll be in your neck of the woods this weekend. Keegan is swimming at the Olympic Training Plaza this weekend. It's a quick trip, in and out in 4 days. Blink and we're gone!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:12 PM

      I've been there on a tour, Michele, a special place. Hope your trip is terrific!

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  9. KelleeJune 1, 2015 at 7:41 PM

    Courage sounds powerful! I would love to see what sorts of conversations it would lead to!

    Happy reading this week! :)

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:13 PM

      Me, too, Kellee. I wish I had time to use it this week! Hope you find and enjoy it! Thanks!

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  10. Carrie GelsonJune 1, 2015 at 8:51 PM

    Courage is wonderful. I find it is a great book to prompt simple list making early in the year when I want to get the kids writing. What brave things have you done? What would you like to do? Love that this book lets kids think more broadly.

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:14 PM

      Yes, it has such varied approaches for courage that I think it lets in many ideas, Carrie. I also believe it can fit all ages. Thanks!

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  11. virginiagpJune 1, 2015 at 9:06 PM

    Hi, Linda! Both of these books are new to me, though I've loved Waber's other books. It sounds as though Courage is not only a great book for discussing the concept of bravery, but also a great mentor text. I will have to check it out! Thanks, and enjoy your week!

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    1. Linda BJune 1, 2015 at 9:16 PM

      Thanks, Virginia. I'm glad to share a couple of new books with you. Hope your week is a good one, too.

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  12. Jane Heitman HealyJune 2, 2015 at 6:18 AM

    These both look good! Thanks for introducing me to them.

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  13. Ricki Ginsberg at Unleashing ReadersJune 2, 2015 at 9:53 AM

    Courage sounds like an excellent conversation starter. I will try to get it from my library. Thank you! It sounds like you are eager for summer to begin. :)

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