Pickle Things

I was with my dad the other day and we got to talking about my growing up years. He started telling me about what he would do for bedtime. He then said "I read that book so much, I basically had it memorized! You loved that book!" The 'book' he is referring too is "Pickle Things" by Marc Brown.

"Pickle Things" is one of the classics that is hands-down brilliant! It is simple, silly, beyond random and wonderful. I have read it to some of the kiddos I work with, and they were laughing and saying stuff like "pickles don't take baths!"

Marc Brown also does the illustrations and those are just as amazing as the story itself. This book is one of my go-to books when working with kids. It's perfect for bedtime, a mini lesson for any grade, or for young readers to read it themselves. There are only a few words per each page so it makes them feel like that are reading super fast!

Both Barnes and Noble and Amazon has "Pickle Things" for around $17. At Barnes and Noble its a new hardcover and Amazon is used in "very good" condition. Don't forget to look at your local library! This is a MANDATORY add to any home or school library!

Now, go and READ!!!

The Mediator Series

Meg Cabot might sound familiar friend! She is the author of the very popular "Princess Diaries" series. Fun fact about me... that movie is where I learned "Shut Up!!"... classic...

"The Mediator" series is a really great series. I read them during high school and devoured them. There are 6 books in the series and each one is just as good as the last. Like I've said before, I'm not a huge fan of long series, but this particular one didn't bother me at all because of all the action and different twists and turns Meg Cabot puts into the story.

This series is about a teenage Mediator (she sees and talks to the dead) who not only has to deal with them waking her up in the middle of the night, messing with her at school and while she is driving in a car, but also living in her very own bedroom... good thing he is a cute ghost!

If these were movies I would rate them a PG-13 (maybe PG-16) just because there is some mild language and I'm over protective of young minds :) I really liked these books and I think your teenage will like them too!! If I ever had a girl, I would let her read them, once she was old enough.

Barnes and Noble has them for around $9 each and Amazon has them for $4.99 is 'very good' condition used.

Now, go and READ!!!

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch

Have you ever felt like nobody cares about you or that you are invisible? That's exactly how Mr. Hatch felt in "Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch" by Eileen Spinelli. Living day by day, Mr Hatch does the same thing and is always alone, until some one writes a letter that changes everything!

Not only is the story absolutely beautiful, the pictures, by Paul Yalowitz, are so unique and interesting that this book will be one that you and your kiddos will love to read any day of the year. Of course, it's a great book for Valentines Day, but I used it for a lesson during my undergrad and the students loved it.

Teachers: I used it for a "Making and Inference" lesson and the students loved the story and also were able to make an inference without any trouble. We even had a great conversation about it afterwards about friendship and accepting people for who they are!

Moms: Like I said before, this book is wonderful! Perfect for bedtime or morning time or lunch time or ... well... anytime!

At Barnes and Noble has it for $7.61 paperback and Amazon has it for $5.98 in paperback 'good' condition! Because this book is a little bit older, I'm sure it's at your local library. Go and check it out!

Now, go and READ!!

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Sometimes, books stay with you because they take you to a different time and place. Sometimes, it's because they are so beautiful in the writing, but sometimes it's because you read them with people that you love! "The Spiderwick Chronicles" by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holy Black falls into these categories... for me!

When I was in high school, I got really sick with the flu and was out of commission for about a week. Coincidentally, my little brother got sick at the exact same time. He was reading the first book in this series and told me how wonderful they were, so I decided to read it while he moved on to the next book. For that entire week, my brother and I sat in bed next to each other and read these books and talked about how much we liked them. Still to this day we talk about that experience and smile about the time spent with one another.

In the series, there are 5 books (all were read that week I was sick... they are super short and an easy read). At Barnes and Noble, they are about $9 hardcover, and at Amazon they are $5 paperback in 'very good' condition. While I was researching prices, it also showed that there was a movie made... I had no idea and have never seen it, but it could be fun to compare and contrast the books vs. the movie with the kiddos in your life.

Now, go and READ!!!

Elephant and Piggy Books

Mo Willems does it again!! "Elephant and Piggie" books are basically the best thing since sliced bread!! If y'all remember, Mo Willems is the same author who wrote the "Pigeon" books I talked about in an earlier post. I like "Pigeon" better than "Elephant and Piggie", but both are absolutely fabulous!

For my third semester in my Elem Ed program, I was put into a 1st grade classroom. First off, younger grade teachers are saints! Being with the youngsters is really really hard!I'm much better off with the older students! Secondly, "Elephant and Piggie" (both the books and the stuffed animals) was used almost every day to help these cuties understand different life skills like sharing, being a good friend, and telling the truth. "Elephant and Piggie" books are perfect to talk about those situations with young children. Older children love them too, but these are more suited for younger kids.

At Barnes and Noble they are no more than $10 per book (each book had a different price on it) and Amazon has them for as low as $5 used in good shape. Because these are so popular, they should have them at your local library too!!  These are perfect for a class or home library. Go out and grab them now and let me know what you think!

Now, go and READ!!

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

I have always said that there are two sides to every story. The story of the Three Little Pigs has been told at story time for years, but now we know the other side of that classic tale. In "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs" by Jon Scieszka and illustrated by Lane Smith, the wolf tells us his side of what happened that fateful day.

This book is perfect for bed time, or, looking through my teacher eyes, it's perfect for teaching students different points of view. This book is one that students/ kiddos love because it's hilarious and helps clarify what happened to those poor little piggies. Read this book! Trust me, you and your child/ students will fall in love with "The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs". 

Barnes and Noble has it for $7 paperback (it also comes in different languages like Spanish and Chinese, but these cost more money) and Amazon has it for $5.19 used, in good condition. This is one that is perfect for any home library.

Now, go and READ!!!

The Hourglass Door Trilogy

Fun fact about me... I'm a secret nerd... well it really isn't that secret. I love sci-fi, time travel, different worldly dimensions, stuff like that (you should see my car... it's Star Wars themed). If you are like me then you will love "The Hourglass Door" trilogy by Lisa Mangum.

I loved this trilogy! Not only is it a cute, clean romance, but it's fast paced, exciting and there are unexpected twists and turns on every page. I read them my freshman year in college and looking back now, I might read them again because they were that good.... and I have a horrible memory on the details of the book. This is one that will be perfect to read on a long weekend :)

Lisa Mangum is a wonderful author. On top of this trilogy, she has written a book called "After Hello" which is also amazing. All her books are perfect for teenagers, 14 years old+. The books in the trilogy are called #1: The Hourglass Door, #2 The Golden Spiral, #3: The Forgotten Locket.

Barnes and Noble has the trilogy for $8 paperback, $18 hardback. Amazon has them individually for around $5 used, in good condition.

I hope you enjoy reading this trilogy as much as I did. Sometimes I find trilogies long and boring, but this one doesn't end up on that list!

Now, go and READ!!!

Ivy and Bean Book Series

Ok friends! If you like Junie B. Jones then you will love the "Ivy and Bean" series by Annie Barrows and Sophie Blackall. Both stories have adorable, spunky girls that get into some hilarious situations.

"Ivy and Bean" is about two, unlikely friends who like to experience new adventures together. Whether it is racing through back yards trying not to get caught, making secret potions or playing tricks on Bean's older sister, these two wound never be seen sitting on a couch!

I first read "Ivy and Bean" for an Elementary Ed Children's Lit class... I needed something short to read, cause it was due the next day ;) and I loved reading it. I thought it would be perfect for a read-a-loud for younger grades (Pre-K-2 ish) or even to put a little one down to bed. You could read a chapter (very short) to your kiddos each night. I know both girls and boys would love this series.

As I was researching, I found that there are 10 "Ivy and Bean" stories. I've only read one all the way through, but it was absolutely wonderful and will keep your kiddos busy for a while.

At Barnes and Noble, each book is $5 or $18 for a pack of 3. On Amazon, individually, they are around $5 used in good shape or around $11 for a used set of 3. I also found a website called thriftbooks.com (I've never used it myself, but I've heard good things about it so use at your own will) and they have "Ivy and Bean" for $3.79 individually and $18 ish for a box set of 3.

These books are a wonderful addition to any home library and will be loved for generations.

Now, go and READ!!!

The Seven Silly Eaters

THIS BOOK IS A MUST!!! Y'all... you should see my copy of this book. The cover is almost falling off, the spine is shot and the corners are all curling in. It's been a loved book at my childhood household. I've had it read to me probably one thousand times and I, myself, have read it at least half of that to students, tutor clients and my nanny families! 

"Seven Silly Eaters" by Mary Ann Hoberman (illustrated by Marla Frazee) is a classic from my childhood library. Like I've said in past posts, my parents would always read us to sleep and this book was always on the "Mommy read me a story" list. 

"Seven Silly Eaters" is about a growing family. Each child (and there are 7 of them) have very picky taste buds. One day the poor parents are at their wits end so the kiddos try to pitch in with the cooking... Now I"m not going to spoil the ending, but trust me, its good... you'll just have to read it to see what I'm talking about :) 

Now mom's/ dad's/ teachers (etc) this book is a little longer for bed time or read a-louds, so you'll have to read it when you're not too tired or short on time. And if no one has told you lately, thanks for all you do!

At Barnes and Noble its about $7 and on Amazon its $5.99 used in 'very good' condition. Always remember to look at your local library. 

Now, go and READ!!! 

My Lucky Day

Ok friends, have I got a book for you today!!

During my student teaching semester, I was asked to create a unit for making an inference based on a fictional text (I think I've mentioned this before). For one of the many lessons I used "My Lucy Day" by Keiko Kasza. The majority of my students had never read this book before and they were on the edge of their seats. They loved this book. They were laughing and trying to guess what was going to happen next... I then told them that was predicting ;) ... a little teacher joke there.

Anyway, "My Lucky Day" is about the relationship between a hungry fox and a clever pig. Not only is the story line hilarious, but the pictures are superb, so vibrant and life like. There are twists and turns with every turn of the page with one of the best ending I've read in a very long time. And if you don't my word for it, take a group of 24, 4th graders who adored this book.

Both Barnes and Noble and Amazon have it for about $5. With some of the other books, during my research, I've found that there are Spanish versions and "my Lucky Day" has a Spanish version as well.

Moms: This is PERFECT for bedtime. Short and sweet and to the point :)

Now, go and READ!!!! 

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus

One beautiful day, my mom and I were out running errands. We had an hour to kill, so we decided to walk through our favorite store.... yep you guess it... Barnes and Noble. As we were per-oozing the many shelves with all the pretty books, we came across "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" by Mo Willems.

Not only is Mo Willems a brilliant author/illustrator, but "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" is an absolute must have in any home library. "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" is about a Pigeon who tries to convince the reader to let him drive a bus.

When my mom and I first read this picture book, we were laughing harder and harder with every turn of the page. And we both have pretty loud laughs, so not only were we having a grand ol' time, we were also getting strange looks from other costumers. All in all a successful Mother-Daughter outing. 

Mr. Willems has written more Pigeon books which include "Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late", "Don't give the Pigeon a Puppy" and "The Pigeon Needs a Bath" just to name a few. He also has a series called "Elephant and Piggie" books ... which I'll talk about in a later post. At Barnes and Noble that day my mom and I spent $16 for this fabulous book. Amazon has it $7 used and in 'very good' condition. **as I was researching prices, I found that there are Spanish versions of this book which would be perfect for English Language Learners**

Now, go and READ!! 

Cam Jansen Mysteries

As you all know, I love a good mystery series. This love started at a young age when I first read the "Cam Jansen Mystery Series" by David A. Adler.

Cam Jansen is a young girl who has a photographic memory which she uses to solve any sort of mystery that may arise. In this series there are 32 different books which are all wonderful. Ok, in all honesty I haven't read all of them, but I've read enough to feel confident in my previous statement.

Cam Jansen is perfect for all age readers. I have tutor clients who are just starting out who can read Cam Jansen, but I also have older students who love these books just as much as I do. It's one of those classics (in the same realm as Junie B. Jones that I talked about in my last post) that will be loved for many a generation.

Both Banes and Noble and Amazon has Cam Jansen books for around $4. Amazon's are used, but in 'good condition'.

These books are so wonderful. Both boys and girls alike will fall love with a Cam Jansen Mystery.

Now, go and READ!!

Junie B. Jones Book Series

Growing up, I was always a slow reader. I hated reading out loud because I got picked on by other kids. I hated reading because I was so slow and didn't comprehend what I was reading. Then I found "Junie B. Jones" by Barbara Park. I was in 5th grade when I started reading these books. Yes that was a little bit older than the intended target, but these books saved my life...well my reading life anyway :)

Junie B. Jones is about a 6 year old, very precocious, little girl who gets into all sort of mischief, for only being in Kindergarten. These books are laugh out loud funny and so well written that you feel like Junie B. could be any little girl.

In this series, there are 17 books for the Kindergarten Series. Ms. Park then goes onto write 12 books about Junie B. in first grade! That's 29 books about Junie B. that both you and your children will fall in love with. 

I've read all the Kindergarten books and one of the First Grade books and they are all FABULOUS!!! I've even started reading this series to one of my tutor clients (a little 7 year old girl) and we both were laughing so hard that we can't breathe. She loves these books just as much as I do! She is now reading them to her mom at night! They are perfect for beginning readers, like my little 7 year old, or for 5th graders, like I was, who are trying to love reading again.

At Barnes and Noble each book is about $3-$5 each. Amazon has them for around $10, but these are for a box set of 4 books, used, in good condition. As I was researching, I also noticed that on Ebay there is a Box Set with all 17 Kindergarten books for $45. I'll tell you that it will be worth it!!!

Now, go and READ!! 

Chrysanthemum

Growing up, "Chrysanthemum" By Kevin Henkes, was another bed time story book read to me by my mother. It's one of her favorites, so much so that she would always tease that she almost named me Chrysanthemum!

I love this book on so many levels! Of course there is the self acceptance angle that Chrysanthemum gains. There is also the stop bullying angle that is so important for all children and adults a like to take to heart, but there is also another angle that I thought of during a resent read-a- loud session.

In the book, Chrysanthemum is being teased because her name is so different than all the other kids at school. She doesn't want to go back to school because of this, which I see all the time being a teacher. By the end of the book, Chrysanthemum loves her name because a TEACHER made it cool. The music teacher, Delphinium Twinkle, defuses the situation and makes Chrysanthemum feel validated about her unique name. This teacher also helped the mean girls understand that what they were doing wasn't appropriate without making them feel bad about themselves.

Sorry for the ramble moment. I just thought that was great insight not only as an adult but also as a first year teacher next year.

Barnes and Noble has it for about $6 in paperback and Amazon has it for $5 used in good condition. I'm sure your local library would have it too! This book is truly a classic. 

Now, go and READ!! 

A Lady Darby Mystery Series

Ok moms! This post is for you... so put the kiddos to bed, get in your pj's and start reading "The Anatomist's Wife, A Lady Darby Mystery" by Anna Lee Huber!!! Trust me you won't be able to put it down. So maybe send the little ones to grandmas house for the weekend so you can read this book! :)

Anna Lee Huber is one of the best authors, in my opinion. She does an incredible job with setting the stage and creating engaging characters, plots, and a setting that I wish was closer to my home!

I have always loved a good mystery! One day while per-oozing the shelves at my favorite store... Barnes and Noble... I came across The Lady Darby Mystery series. It peeked my interest. It was set in 19th Century England (which I love), it was a mystery (also which I love), but was it a clean mystery??? No foul language, stuff like that... I decided to chance it and I am soooooo glad I did. Totally clean!!

I took my new book on a business trip which was about three days. Within that three day business trip, I had to book completed and the second one on hold for me so when I got back I could go and pick it up. As of right now there are 6 books in the series. (There is a 7th book but it is an online only Novella... I didn't read it, but I was still able to understand the timeline of what happens in the books)  The 6th book left it open for Ms. Huber to write another one.. and if she doesn't I may or may not through a fit. They are that good.

Mom's you are going to love these novels. I am always craving a good book where I know nothing immoral will be on the next page. I'm so glad that I found these books and y'all will thank me for recommending them!

Barnes and Noble has them for about $12 ish each and Amazon has them for as low as $7 used. Trust me... they are worth every penny.

Now, go and READ!!! Seriously, you'll want too :)   

MINE!

When I was little, every night, my mom or dad would read me bed time stories. One of our favorites was "MINE" by Hiawyn Oram and Mary Rees, who does the adorable illustrations.

"MINE" is about a little girl who has a hard time sharing.. and eventually gets what she deserves! It's absolutely hilarious and one that holds a special place in my heart. Not only does this book promote sharing for all ages, but it shows that every choice has a consequence. 

"MINE" is perfect for bedtime, in a classroom to help students with sharing, or even for beginning readers to read themselves. I've read it to many a child over my time working with them in different capacities and every time they are laughing at the crazy antics the two friends in this story come up with.

The ending is priceless... but you will just have to read it to find out why. As I was researching the prices, I found it very difficult to fine this book. HINT: if you type in 'MINE by Hiawyn Oram' you will find it easier. It must be out of print (which is beyond tragic), because Barnes and Noble is out of stock, but Amazon has it for about $7 used paperback. If you can't wait for it to come by mail (which would be me...) see if your local library has it. 

This book is the perfect addition to your home library! Adults and children alike will fall in love with "MINE".

Now, go and READ!!

Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing!

During one of my undergrad classes, my professor would have raffles for us students. It was really incentive to come to class on time ;) Normally, I never win such raffles, but the book genie was on my side and I won "Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing" by Judi Barrett and Illustrated by Ron Barrett. Boy oh boy am I glad I was on time for that class.

"Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing" is an absolutely hilarious picture book about... well..why animals shouldn't wear clothes!

Last year, during my student teaching semester, I taught my 4th graders about making an inference and I used this book as part of my lesson. Not only did my students understand making an inference, but they absolutely loved the book and adored the pictures!

Moms: Like I've mentioned in previous posts, I love short books for bed time. This is one of them! Perfect to put the little ones down with :)

Barnes and Noble have it at around $7 for paperback and Amazon has it at anywhere from $5 used in "Good" condition.

Now, go and READ!!!

P.S. as I was researching the prices for y'all, I saw that Judi and Ron Barrett have another book entitled "Lots More Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing". I haven't read this one, but I would assume that it is just as adorable as this first one. If anyone has read it comment below and tell us if it just as good :)

Out Of My Mind

I LOVE THIS BOOK SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!

"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper is one of my favorite books I've ever read! I had to read it for a Children's Lit class I was taking to get my undergrad and I'm pretty sure I had that book devoured in 2 days!

It's from the perspective of a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. This novel takes you on a beautiful journey of this girls life in a wheel chair. It talks about communication, friends and fitting in when society tells you that you're different and have to take a "special bus".

I was an adult when I first read it and was balling because how profoundly it was written. Now y'all may be thinking that its a sad book... quite the opposite. It is hilarious! I had my 4th graders (I read it to them for a read a loud this last year) crying because it was so funny. There are some heart pounding parts, but they all add layers to the masterpiece that is this novel.

GO AND READ THIS BOOK!!!! I promise you will love it and so will your kiddos!

Barnes and Noble has it for $9 paperback and Amazon has it for around $4 used.

Now, go and READ!!

Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon

Tonight I was watching my friends three kids. I have them, one by one, sit on my lap as I read them three different books. One of the books tonight was "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" by Patty Lovell. When I was done reading it, the oldest girl gave me a big hug and told me how much she loved the book, so if you don't take my recommendation take hers! :)

This book is perfect for little ones as well as older kids too. I've read it to a group of 4th graders (I've mentioned them before in previous posts) and they loved it as much as I do! From the mouths of babes my friends!

"Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" is about a little girl who may not be the tallest or prettiest, but she knows who she is and isn't afraid to let her talents shine, which she does when she moves to a new school and gets picked on by a bully.

Not only does this children's book have a beautiful message and sweet theme, it also has some of the most stunning illustrations (done by David Catrow) I have ever seen! When ever I read it to a group of kiddos, they always tell me that their favorite part of the book was the pictures.

Moms: This is a perfect bedtime book, because it is short and sweet. Whenever I am watching my friends kiddos, and its bed time, I'm always looking for short books so the little ones will go to bed :)

Barnes and Noble has "Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon" at $15 hardback and Amazon has it at anywhere from $1.50 (paperback used) to $13 (hardback new). Don't forget your to look at a local library too!

Now, go and READ!!!

Divergent Trilogy

I just recently finished the "Divergent" Trilogy and it was an interesting read! Very thought provoking with a different take than any other book I have read before. Cliff hanger after cliff hanger.

It's about a futuristic "Faction" system in which each Faction has different attributes that contribute to society. It has non-stop action scenes with some pretty incredible places created by author Veronica Roth. Honestly, even the back of the jacket cover can't go into the depth that this trilogy contains! you will just have to experience it for yourself.

I word of warning... I would save these novels for older readers, like seniors in high school at the youngest. If they were movies (which they have been made into) I would rate the books PG-13 (which the movies are... so I'm on the right track :)

If you like action, adventure, betrayal and so epic fight scenes, all wrapped with a Sci-Fi bow, then you will enjoy this trilogy. At Barnes and Noble you can get each book for about 12 bucks each or the whole set for about $42. On Amazon, each book, from what I can see, is about 8 bucks and the whole set is around $36. Don't forget your local library. I listened to this in my car and got the disks from the library :)

Now, go and READ!!

No Talking

"No Talking" by Andrew Clements is honestly the funniest book I've ever read. I read it to a group of 4th graders I was working with and together we were laughing until our stomach hurt! As I was reading it out loud, I could barely get the words out through the laughter. This brought on laughter from the students. Truly a wonderful book. 

Obviously, as I mentioned above, I read it to older kiddos, but if you were to read it to younger children, I can guarantee that you would have the same results that I had with this particular group of 4th graders. 

The book is about a group of 5th graders who start one epic competition, boys vs. girls style! The boys challenge the girls to a no talking contest, the gender that looses.. well you will just have to see what the consequence is for loosing. 

Caution! If you read this book to active minds (which I did) they might try this "No Talking Experiment" on you... which I found very funny cause the group I was working with couldn't even go 5 minutes without talking :) 

Seriously! If you haven't read this book, correct this mistake and read it! At Barnes and Noble its $7.99 and on Amazon you can get it used for around 5 bucks. Don't forget about your local library also! 

No go and READ!!