March – In like a Lion?

The forecast today is between coming in like a lion or going out like a lamb. I definitely know more sunshine is needed and less cold would be appreciated. Thinking of a lion, a book came to mind by Michelle Knudsen (illustrated by Kevin Hawkes). The cover of Library Lion emulates warmth, reading pleasure and friendship.

The lion visits the nearby public library. He enjoys hearing a good story (don’t we all?) and roars when it is finished. Miss Merriweather is particular about her rules in the library. Lion knew he could follow the rules and became a big help to Miss Merriweather. One day, she has an accident and the only way to get another employee’s attention was to roar. Knowing he had broken the rules, the lion left. In the end, the lion is found and an explanation about the rules was shared:

Sometimes there was a good reason to break the rules. Even in the library.

I love how we can discuss with our children that rules are necessary, but sometimes exceptions happen for the good of those around us. As you begin your school year or even as a refresher, Library Lion opens the opportunity to discuss how rules are guidelines for a classroom, school to run smoothly. But, sometimes the circumstance changes the rules for the good of the person.

To hear the book read on Storyline Online, click the video below.

Savorings for reading and writing for Library Lion:

• Love of Reading
• Friendship
• Community Building
• Varied Sentences
• Character Traits

Slice of Life: the Library

Yesterday, I had two hours to spend at a nearby library.  My daughter had a birthday party to attend, so I waited.  Waiting was fun though.  I planned ahead with notebook and pen in hand.  I love to read children’s picture books and savor the text, thinking of ways to use the craft as lessons.  This interest of mine is why R kindly and persistently suggested I blog.  Due to still learning to juggle the family schedule, teaching, and writing, the latter seems to take last place.  I am happy to say that I was able to write about seven books that I will be posting beginning April 1.  Yesterday was a good day.  I wrote my thoughts as well.

“Today I sat in a comfy chair at the library for two hours.  I loved it.  I savored 7 children’s books and wrote about them.  I was lost in a word of words.  In the peacefulness, I drift to different places and temperatures.  I peek at history and meet people.  I spy on authors and illustrators, seeking their insights of words.  I’m focusing and practicing and dreaming.

Someday, I will be a children’s librarian.  Someday I will write a book.  Today I persevere.”

Libraries Around the World

The author shares that she read an article “about a camel in Kenya that was used to bring books to young people who lived in remote desert villages.”  Intrigued, Margriet Ruurs researched and learned of “mobile libraries.”  My Librarian is a Camel:  How Books are Brought to Children Around the World is a creation of the photos and stories shared.  Each two page spread shares about people who are passionate about reading and getting books to others.

The text layout shows the country’s physical map, flag, and some general information including basic language(s) spoken.  It’s very intriguing!!  I’m thankful that I can walk to our town’s library and drive to another nearby one.  Libraries bring so many opportunities to us, and I’m thankful we are blessed with them.

Mode of transportation for the books include the following:  camel, wheelbarrow, donkey and cart, elephant, book bus, bicycle, flat boat, and by mail. This book would be a great way to introduce other cultures around the world.  It can also be a way to talk about how special the school library is and the ones in our communities.

Check out Margriet Ruurs recommended books.  Many are my favorite too.

Read All About It

The title, Read all About It, jumped out at me when I was looking through some of the newer books at the library.  Then, seeing the authors’ names, Laura and Jenna Bush, I was intrigued a little more.  I know that the First Lady use to be a librarian and loves books, so I wasn’t too surprised to see how a library is tied into their book.  Jenna is a teacher and author, something I was enlightened on.

The story begins with Tyrone Brown.  He is more interested in playing than reading.  His teacher, Miss Libro, has a definite different viewpoint.  She sees the library as a place of adventure.  “You never know who you’re going to meet in a good book.”  He is not interested in listening to the daily read aloud until… one day,  his classmates are so attentive, he actually listens.  When he does, characters from the book begin to appear in the room.

I love the font in this book.  when a character speaks, the font is larger and in the illustration – without the  speech bubble frame.

Denis Brunkus illustrations capture snapshots of the adventurous children.  One each two page spread, you will notice a blackboard behind the teacher.  Flanked on either side, you will notice a “Read All About It Book List” and also the classroom rules.  With each new holiday, the book list has several titles listed within that category.  More rules are added to the list with each surprise read aloud scene.

Checkout the Harper Collins’ website about the book.  You will find some tips on helping reluctant readers.

Savorings for reading and in writing for Read All About It:

• Voice – Tyrone speaks to the reader in first person narrative
• Book end – the book closes with a link to the beginning; close to a circular, but not quite
• Love of Reading – you can feel the teacher reaching out to her children
• Library – and adventurous place
• Ordinary moments – taking an ordinary day at school and making it exciting with a read aloud