Category: Library Activities - READING STYLE GUIDE

Applelicious

5/14/2021

Apple of My Pie by Mika Song

Norma and Belly are back with another delectable adventure. Last year the squirrels discovered donuts. Now they venture into the world of pies. Apple pies.

Gramps and Little Bee visit the local farmers' market and unfortunately Gramps falls asleep in a truckload of apples bound for the factory. This could be trouble! Little Bee enlists Norma and Belly to help rescue Gramps from what could be a dismal fate: A squirrel baked inside an apple pie.

The rescuers travel to the Crunchy Acres apple orchard and processing plant. Their search for Gramps lands them in a vat of apples that are about to become pie filling.
There is plenty of clever word play. The squirrels are dumped onto a conveyor with an incline. They note that “things are looking up.” Norma escapes from the apple peeling apparatus and exclaims “that was a close shave.”

This charming tale of friendship is jam-packed with special touches. Fans of Donut Feed the Squirrels will notice cameo appearances from some familiar characters. Song brings the story to a satisfying conclusion, tying together the worlds of humans and squirrels. Apple of My Pie is a delicious treat not to be missed.

More Yummy Books from Mika Song

Just For Fun

Why not create your own tree populated with squirrels? Author Mika Song provides a tree template to download and print. She suggests filling the tree with fingerprints.
Then add details to each tiny print to personalize the furry creatures.
Will Nora, Belly, Gramps, and Little Bee have a place on the branches?

Try making mini apples pies. Fill a small oven-safe jar with your favorite apple pie filling. I used an unusual recipe which features orange and apple juices cooked with apple slices. Details here.
Top with a circle of pie crust pastry. Crimp the edges and pop in a hot oven (about 425) until the pastry is lightly browned. For an easy version, fill jars with precooked filling and top with a crumbled oatmeal cookie. Top with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. It’s a sweet little mouthful of apple goodness.

Electronic copy accessed via NetGalley.

Pub date: June 8, 2021Publisher: Random House Grapic ISBN: 978-1984895851

Just Friends

8/31/2019

Duck and Penguin are NOT Friends
by Julia Woolf

Betty and Maud are best friends. The girls love to spend time together and always include their favorite soft toy animals. Betty brings her squishy yellow Duck. Maud has her huggable snuggable Penguin.

Because the girls are so fond of one another, they assume that Duck and Penguin share similar feelings.
Not so. Not so at all.

While the girls are having fun, Duck and Penguin are engaged in minor warfare: stomping on sand creations, hurling eggs, tagging with copious amounts of paint.

Betty and Maud are oblivious to their stuffed animals’ animosity, exclaiming, "They love each other so much."

After treating their toys to a bath and fluff up with the blow drier, the girls are ready for the ultimate activity: "itty- bitty babies." The pair are placed in miniature strollers and dressed in ruffled pink bonnets. The ultimate humiliation is when pacifiers are plopped into the mouths of the indignant duo. Duck and Penguin have had enough. They sneak away from the girls and have fun on their own. They know that time with an arch enemy is better than being itty-bitty babies.

Duck and Penguin are NOT Friends has all the elements of a memorable picture book: a plot line with a clever twist, charming characters, dialog that begs to be read aloud, and illustrations popping with personality and humor. Julia Woolf is at the top of her game. This is one of those picture books that is entertaining for readers of any age. Adults will have as much fun as children, laughing along with the exploits of this cantankerous twosome.
The end papers featuring Duck and Penguin playing together are a bonus.

When the Kids Aren't Watching

Many libraries host Stuffed Animal Sleepovers. Children are invited to bring their favorite stuffed animal for an evening of stories, crafts, and snacks. After tucking their treasured toys in for the night, kids head home. That's when the fun begins. The stuffed animals find their way into various activities throughout the building. Staff members take photos of the toys' after-dark escapades. Children return to the library the next morning to retrieve their stuffed animals and view photographs of their animals enjoying a night in the library.
This activity makes an excellent follow up to the story of Duck and Penguin.

Pub date: September 1, 2019 Publisher: Peachtree Publishing Company ISBN: 978-1682631324

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Its a Marshmallow World

4/23/2019

Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins

What inspired Rowboat Watkins to create Most Marshmallows? Was it exploring new ways of looking at the world, celebrating the wonders of creativity, or was it delight in these pillowy confections most often found floating in a cup of hot chocolate?

The picture book’s introductory pages characterize marshmallows as common folk, born as sweet little puffs into homes with loving parents. They celebrate birthdays, watch TV, play outdoors. Weekdays are spent in school where they learn to be squishy and stand in rows. Evenings, the family sits down to dinner before young ones are tucked into bed. It’s a pleasant, predictable existence.

At night, a wondrous full page spread changes the narrative. Some marshmallows can be found traveling beyond the constraints of the daily routine. They are the dreamers. They travel into space, explode out of canons, and even joust with fire-breathing dragons. These are the marshmallows that dare to imagine. They inspire infinite possibilities.

It's a Marshmallow World

Watkins mixed media illustrations featuring cut paper, cardboard, and other materials along with line drawings are irresistible. Of special note: tiny dinner plates filled with assorted decorative candies and adorable backpacks strapped on the backs of student marshmallows.

Taking my cue from Watkins carefully arranged settings, I decided to try making my own surrealistic scenes.
I discovered these amazing big boys: Giant Roasters aka jumbo-sized marshmallows. The photo at right gives a sense of just how large these puff balls are.
With a few craft supplies, a handful of old F&G's (unbound, not-yet-published picture book pages), and my trusty glue gun I was ready to create my own marshmallow worlds.
I imagined my own fantastical scenes.
This was so much fun!

See marshmallows clowning around, soaring across the sky in a parachute, and bravely befriending a dragon.

This book and the accompanying activity would make a good project for classrooms and after school projects.

Taking it one step further, it would make a terrific summer camp program.
After reading, try making whimsical marshmallow scenes and then celebrate your creation by toasting up some gooey treats. Triple the fun by adding chocolate and graham crackers for s'mores.

Disclaimer:
Several marshmallows were mutilated during this activity. Sadly, many of the marshmallows are no more. They were consumed. They were delicious!

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: April 30, 2019 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452159591

Book Fandom

3/26/2019

The Book Hog by Greg Pizzoli

"You'll...read a book...with me?"

What's with all the pink? Lately there has been a resurgence of pink, strikingly pink books. For the record, I like pink books. In fact, pink book cover groupings were one of our most popular library displays. People seem to like their book covers pink.

But let's get back to Greg Pizzoli's latest title for young readers. This charming little piggie travels around town on his Vespa, searching for books. (Okay the vehicle is green. But is serves as a nice color contrast to the omnipresent pink.)

But here's the kicker: although he has an extensive collection of books, Hog doesn't know how to read.

One day, he happens upon a long low building filled with books. He's in hog heaven! When he attempts to abscond with an armload of books, the gentle librarian, Miss Olive offers to read with him.

He has found unlimited books and a caring person who will share books with him. He is hooked. He brings books from home, borrows books from the library, and with the patient tutelage of the librarian, Hog learns to read. Readers will find several PIzzoli books make cameo appearances: Owl, Number One Sam, Templeton, The Watermelon Seed. The bedtime stack of book spines reveal an extensive reading assortment. Everything from classics such as Harry Potter and Charlotte's Web to the graphic novel El Deafo and picture book Du Iz Tak? Readers may choose to create their own visual stack of favorite books.

The Book Hog is a celebration of books, stories, reading, learning to read, libraries, librarians, storytime, and Summer Reading. Let the good times begin. Note: Contrary to Hog, it is best not to read while operating a moving vehicle.

Go Hog Wild for Pizzoli Books

Can't stop with just one book by Greg Pizzoli? Try these classic picture books. Also be sure to check out his illustrations for the My Little Cities board book series by Jennifer Adams. The San Francisco book is featured in the Spring 2019 Reading Style Guide.

Bonus: Buttons!

The children that I often work with adore buttons. They can't get enough of them and I'm always running out of buttons to hand put into little hands.
This Book Hog button is the best! I wish that I had a wholesale account and could order a dozen dozen, i.e. a gross.
My little readers would snatch them up in a heartbeat.
Any way to get these from a retail source?

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: March 26, 2019 Publisher: Disney-Hyperion ISBN: 978-1368036894

Book It

10/20/2018

It's that time of year. Time to think about a costume. You can drag out that tired old black cape and plastic vampire fangs... again. Or you can try for something different. Looking for fresh costume ideas? Books for youth can be a source of inspiration. Check out these creative costumes and the books that inspired them.

There are many clever homemade ideas here. Don't miss the pink Darth Vader. Pair it with the new picture book Are You Scared Darth Vader for a eye-popping ensemble. Dog Man and Frida Kahlo costumes are easy to put together. The plain blue dress with stars and a planet headpiece for Miss Frizzle is perfect for the DYI designer who wants a more detailed outfit.

With a little bit of imagination, costumes will celebrate the joy of reading.

My Dog

8/21/2018

For those who have a loyal loving canine companion. For those who remember a dog who brought joy and contentment during a difficult time. For those who long for a dog but are unable to have a special pet of one’s own. For the vast community of dog lovers.
Two books to remind you of just why you love your dog.

Good Dog by Cori Doerrfeld

Who can resist this little charmer? Meet a spotted puppy, wandering alone through the streets. A young girl, securely strapped in the passenger seat of her mother's bicycle, waves to the dog. It is a mutual attraction. The determined little pup follows the youngster and her teddy bear, as the bicycle weaves its way around the city.

In the course of her travels, her beloved teddy bear gets left behind. It's up to the dog to rescue the soft-sided little plaything and return it to its rightful owner. Sweet story, right? But here's the interesting twist. The entire tale is told with only two words per page. The text consists of the word dog, preceded by an adjective. Initial pages set the scene. "Stray dog.” “Lost dog." "Lonely dog." Progressively, the dog becomes "Hopeful dog.” and "Smart dog." Eventually the canine earns the title "Rescue dog. “and the ultimate appellation "Good dog."

Cori Doerrfeld's full-page illustrations enhance the story, offering heart-warming visual insights. For example: I love the "Thoughtful dog." who constructions a shelter from a discarded pizza box to protect the tiny stuffed bear.

The brilliance of this book is in the clever use of adjectives to describe the dog while simultaneously advancing the storyline. Winsome illustrations bring warmth and tenderness to every page. Good Dog is brimming with puppy love.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: August 7, 2018 Publisher: HarperCollins ISBN: 978-0062662866

My Dog Laughs by Rachel Isadora

It begins with Rachel Isadora’s endpapers which showcase a variety of canine breeds. It's fun to linger here, identifying the various types of dogs.
A page turn leads to the title image of one cute girl and her adorable dog. Their postures and facial expressions are warm and welcoming. This duo is the perfect introduction to the joy of pet ownership.

The book is divided into six sections: I Meet My Dog, Getting to Know My Dog, I Train My Dog, Going Out With My Dog, My Dog Plays, and I Love My Dog. Within each section, readers meet a variety of dogs and their owners. While the children, canines, personalities, and circumstances vary, the bond between animal and child shines through in every image. Isadora gives each dog a distinct personality. The facial expressions of both pet and owners are priceless.

My Dog Laughs captures the close and personal relationship between dog and owner. At the same time, Isadora conveys the universal experience of sharing one's life with a dog. Dog lovers know this. That's the heart of this book.

Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: August 21, 2018 Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books ISBN: 978-0399173851

Opportunities for Dog Lovers

Consider opportunities to assist animal shelters by organizing a pet supplies drive. Contact local organizations including food banks and animal shelters such as Humane Society centers for basic donation information. Teens pictured here collected used clean blankets and towels. They donated them to a local shelter.

In addition to sponsoring drives for pet food, toys, and blankets, consider creating a photo gallery with favorite dog photos and videos. The gallery may be displayed in the library with desktop computer screensavers or the photos can be showcased online. Invite students to "like" or vote for their favorite dog photos.

Bonus

Did you know? The Smithsonian has a Dog Photo Contest.

Here Be Monsters

8/20/2018

Monster School by Kate Coombs ill Lee Gatlin

Coombs has applied her considerable talent for creating clever rhymes to the subject of monsters. In this collection, the monsters are students. Common school occurrences are given a slightly macabre twist: a science fair project created by Frankenstein’s grandson, baseball played in the graveyard, a student who constantly misplaces school supplies in addition to losing his body parts. These clever and entertaining riffs are monstrously fun.

Verses include a variety of poetic forms and rhyme schemes. Most patterns are predictable, making it easy for students to sense the rhythm and rhyme within each stanza.

Gatlin captures the zany shenanigans happening at Monster School with full page illustrations. Muted autumn shades of grays, browns, and greens make the ghostly white faces and eyeballs pop out of each page

School is in Session

These poems are too delightful to keep to oneself. They beg to be shared. How about creating some puppets based on the monsters depicted throughout the pages? Gather up a handful of craft supplies, a copy of the book, and a fertile imagination. Viola! You have the beginnings of one monstrously good puppet show. There are endless possibilities for puppets: finger, sock, glove, stick, paper sack, or create something more inventive. The choice depends on what is on hand and the skill level of the puppet makers.

A few of the craft supplies that I assembled: foam squares, felt, yarn, pom poms, chenille stems, goggly eyes, yarn, and even some corn husks. Add some wooden skewer sticks and hot glue gun. Operation Frankenstein-esque Creature Lab was underway.

This would make an engaging activity for middle grade students. After reading Monster School, students could select verses to share with younger students. Construct puppets to match the characters in the poem. Then design a creepy-looking school backdrop and prepare for a spook-tacular performance. Tweens sharing poetry with younger students doubles the book’s potential audience.

I looked for clues in the text to help create my puppets. The head of snakes featured in "Hair Care" was made with chenille stems, shaped by twisting them around a pencil. I used tiny green buttons for the snakes' heads. The purple hair mentioned in "Monster Mash" is a scrap of tulle, tied off at intervals. The hair for "Song of the Freckles" does not follow the image in the book because.... we had some fresh corn and the husks and silk were too funky to throw away. I twisted the damp husk slivers around a pencil and let them dry. They made the perfect curls for a monster girl.

Went a bit overboard on the freckles. The text specifically mentions twelve freckles on the face. I think the marker took possession of my hand and I couldn't stop. Googly eyes provide the finishing touch to the faces. Wooden skewer sticks were glued to the back of each figure. For safety, cut or sand off the pointed end of the stick before using. These puppets are fun to make and easy to manipulate

Consider these suggestions: “Steve the Loser" would be a terrific showstopper, with body parts falling off. Maybe secure the appendages with tiny Velcro dots for easy removal. “Fernanda Kabul” poem would be another fun puppet performance. As Fernanda casts her spells, substitute the student character puppet for a puppet resembling the hexed character.
So many possibilities. So much fun!

Copy provided by publisher.

Pub date: August 28, 2018 Publisher: Chronicle Books ISBN: 978-1452129389

Get on Board

6/20/2018

In Praise of Board Games

"I can't remember the last time I played a board game." Magda pulled a rack toward her and shook the bag of letters. Rattle. Rattle. Rattle.
"It's a lost art," Charlotte said. She sat down too.

Sometimes it's good to put way the electronics, take playing pieces out of the box and go "old school" with a board game.
Featured here are some middle school books that celebrate the joy of sitting across the table from an opponent for some friendly competition. Enjoy these novels for middle-grader featuring a board game component. Along with these books include a selection of new and classic tabletop entertainment in the library collection.
Let the games begin!

Bob by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead

Meet Bob, the small green not-a-zombie creature who lives in Olivia's grandmother's closet with a Lego pirate ship and a dictionary. He has been waiting years for Livy to return to her grandmother's home in Australia.

Long ago, Livy's father taught her the basics of chess. She, in turn, showed Bob to how to play. He has practiced alone in the closet, using only the white chess pieces, as the black pieces are missing. When Livy returns she recovers the black chess pieces. They commence playing this game of thinking and planning strategically.
Together, Bob and Livy assemble collective memories into a meaningful pattern to remember about Livy's promise, made long ago. Using clues and deductive skills, the two friends uncover secrets from the past.

Check out my review of Bob.

"But chess is not about luck," Bob says. "It's about recognizing the strength of the little guy."

Pub date: May 1, 2018 Publisher: Feiwel & Friends ISBN: 978-1250166623

You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly

Charlotte's world seems to be falling apart: her dad suffers a major heart attack and her best friend wants to leave Charlotte and join another group of girls.

Ben's parents just delivered some shocking news: they are getting a divorce. Ben is floored. He has no idea that this was coming and is at a loss on how to cope. He decides that maybe what he should do is run for a student body position. He's a younger student and really doesn't have any close friends. How is this going to work?

The one thing that both Charlotte and Ben have going for them is their virtual friendship. They are serious Scrabble players. They admire each other's playing skills and their online competition develops into a support system. Each helps the other as they work through word puzzles and puzzling events in their lives.

When she was seven years old, he pulled the game board from the closet and set it on the dining room table.

Pub date: April 10, 2018 Publisher: Greenwillow Book ISBN: 978-0062414182

Me and Marvin Gardens by Amy Sarig King

Eleven-year-old Obe Devlin has always been a loner, spending hours at Devlin Creek, picking up trash. One day he encounters an animal never seen before. He names it Marvin Gardens because his dad is obsessed with the board game Monopoly.
Obe is fascinated and escapes to the creek spending time with this strange creature. To his amazement, he learns that Marvin can consume plastic. While it might be considered a good thing, this also presents a tremendous cost to the environment. What will become of this creature? What will happen to the land that Obe loves?

Monopoly is a game of acquiring and selling real estate. This dovetails with the loss of the Devlin family's 175 acres and the construction of a housing development on the property.

Read my review of Me and Marvin Gardens.

I didn't believe stories about ghosts -- not even the one about spirits who were angry at the developers for growing houses instead of crops.

Pub date: January 31, 2017 Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Book ISBN: 978-0545870740

Sunny by Jason Reynolds

Sunny has lost interest in running. Yes, he is lightning fast. Yes, he has a fistful of medals. But he doesn't want to run any more. Coach suggests that discus might be more to his liking. It's a whole new sport and requires an entirely different sets of skills. It combines his love of dance with his desire to stay connected with the team. Sunny decides to give it a try.

Sunny has his share of conflicts at home. His mother died during childbirth and Sunny blames himself for his mother's death. He lives with his father Darryl, who often seems detached from his son.

One thing that they share is a love for jigsaw puzzles. They are currently working on a complicated puzzle that is an image of Sunny's mother's face. Will putting the puzzle together help to resolve the missing pieces in Sunny's life?

Yes, Diary, we still do puzzles together. It's our way of, I guess, bonding.

Pub date: April 10, 2018 Publisher: Atheneum/Caitlyn Dlouhy Books 978-1481450218

Bookjoy!

4/30/2018

El día de los niños

"Hooray! Today is our day, ¡El día de los niños!"
"¡Viva! Hoy es nuestro día. El día de los niños!"

It's April 30. That means its time to celebrate the joy of sharing books with youngsters. The amazing Pat Mora has developed an annual celebration of books for children everywhere. It is based on the the traditional Mexican holiday, El día delos niño, the celebration the child. Mora expanded on this concept and has developed a festival honoring the joy of books and literacy for children and their families.
Join the celebration!

Looking for resources to help you celebrate? Pat Mora and ALSC have created a booklet packed with ideas to help keep the bookjoy going all year along. Find crafts, games, downloadable posters, ways to involve families and much more.

Try this sample of picture books and middle grade readers.
Bonus: many are bilingual or have both Spanish and English editions.

A day of reading, singing, and dancing call for a grand finale. Cap off the day of festivities with paletas. Frozen treats made with fresh fruit come in a variety of flavors. This recipe uses strawberries and mangoes. But combinations are limited only by one's imagination and available fruit. Easy to make.
Está buenísimo.

Let's Get Crafty

12/7/2017

Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis by Charise Mericle Harper

First Second has done it again. This publisher has its finger on the pulse of young readers' interests, moving beyond the genre traditionally found in comics and exploring fresh concepts to offer in graphic format. Recent examples: The Science Comics series features a wide array of fascinating nonfiction in panel form. Also consider the brilliant journal/comic book hybrid CiCi's Journal: The Adventures of A Writer-in-Training.
Now this leaders in children's comics turns its attention to the Maker Movement with a series of graphic novels for young readers featuring Crafty Cat, the fearless alter ego for somewhat timid Birdie. Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis finds Crafty Cat preparing for Monster Craft Camp. She has the right tools, plenty of skills and the "crafty feelings" needed to create a winning project. Best friend Evan, requisite "mean girl" Anya, and a school janitor who serves as craft instructor attend this camp. Each chapter is devoted the escapades surrounding the creation of a monster-related craft. Bonus: Birdie's imaginary friend Cloudy. Love this!

Take note. There will be a CRAFT-MERGENCY; plenty of drama from Anya; a healthy snack "another way of saying it's good for you and tastes bad" which, by the way, is enjoyed by everyone; and an important lesson learned about friendship.
Back pages include directions for making each of the six monster crafts described in the text. With great characters, clever dialog, and simple craft projects, Charise Mericle Harper has a created a graphic novel series for young craft and comic enthusiasts.

I followed the directions for making mini monsters. This is a fun and easy-to-do project. These would be great as place cards. They would also make terrific cards to top a gift. Think fun reminders for table tops too!