The Lonely Book

By Kate Bernheimer  Ill. by Chris Sheban

Your heart will be swept away to that special book tucked away in your heart. Memories of reading the delightful pages transport you to a different time and place. Riding Freedom is one such book for me (by Pam Munoz Ryan). Its pages aren’t worn yet, but it’s set in a special place. Do you have a book that has grown old, pages worn or ripped, but the story goes on and on? The little girl finds one such book. She reads it over and over until one day, she can’t find it at the library. It’s been placed in the basement for the book sale. The book is lonely and wants its story to touch a heart.

The Lonely Book is a wonderful way to inspire children to connect with stories. Maybe you read it at the beginning of the school year and get them excited about finding books in the library. Maybe you read it on a special reading day to remind kids that they can explore worlds and gather new ideas. Maybe you read it just to let them know your readerly-life and the power reading can give. It brings your imagination to life.

Lost and Found : Three Dog Stories

Three separate short stories weaved together: Molly, Ginger, Yuki. Jim LaMarche will touch your heart and cause you to linger in the child’s moment with his/her dog. You’ll gently smile and find a spot in your heart to hold the images of his brilliant pencil drawings.

“…through the tall grass, up a rocky hill, then into the woods.”

Comfort when angry. Companion when venturing in the woods. Hiking partner. Always returns home. Strong bond. Serendipity. Homeless. Elderly. Comfort. Tension. Worry. Reunited. The love of a dog and his owner.

Savorings for Lost and Found: Three Dog Stories:

• Suddenly – tension, suspense, wondering
• Routines interrupted
• Doing what’s right
• Zoomed in box illustration
• Friendship
• Grabber Lead
• Power of Three