Book #17

More Than Anything Else by Marie Bradby.

One of my nieces just finished kindergarten.  She had an amazing first year of school.  She came to understand being responsible, having goals, and growing academically.  "More than anything else" she wants to be reading "chapter" books.  She knows if she can read those books, then she is a REAL reader.  For her age, she is one of the strongest readers.  However, she wants to be even better.

More Than Anything Else tells about a boy who wants to learn to read.  He wants to read like the man who reads the newspaper to others.  If he could read, he'd be the best reader and teach others to read.  Not all students have this drive to excel in their education.  I dream for the day when every student wants to be even better.  Until then...

Book #16

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aardema.

So far, this summer has had wonderful temperatures.  There have been no 100 degree days.  However, there are lots and lots of bugs.  Driving home one night, my windshield was a graveyard for insects.  Most interesting, there was a lightning bug that saw it's death on my window.  It was very strange to see it's glow last for about 15 minutes afterwards. 

I have to say that I am not a fan of mosquitoes, like the majority of people.  This book is the cumulative tale of how mosquitoes came to buzz in ears.  The animals blaming one another is hilarious, yet realistic to how humans react.  Well, I blame the mosquitoes for this buggy weather!

Book #15

The Babe & I by David A. Adler.

Being a lifelong Indiana resident and an Indiana University graduate, I love cheering on my beloved Hoosiers in all sports (especially basketball).  I have been amazed at how well the IU baseball team has performed this season.  They are making history as I type.  They are winning and reaching far into the post-season (farther than ever before).  

With baseball on my mind, I had to read a baseball themed book.  However, I love this book more for it's setting, New York during the Great Depression.  It has fascinated me how people survived during those difficult times.  This book demonstrates how heroes, like Babe Ruth, gave these struggling people hope and enjoyment during sad, sad times.  

So, here's to America's favorite pastime, happier times, and the Hoosiers!  Go IU! 

Book #14

Cookies: Bite-Size Life Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

What a creative book!  A perfect find for those who bake, create, or just consume cookies.  The book defines important words, like patient, respect, and trustworthy, with a twist in which those words are associated some way with cookies.

In the same manner as the book, here is a definition of my own:

LEARN means,  

Mastering the art of baking cookies by taking cooking classes, assisting your mother, or attempting it on your own.  So, crack those cookbooks! 

Book #13

Hurricane by David Wiesner.

I saw on the news today that hurricane season is among us.  Tropical Storm Andrea is approaching (or has approached) Florida.  Living in Indiana, I don't have much experience with tropical storms or hurricanes.  I know tornadoes.  

However, last summer, I took my first Disney World vacation.  At the same time, Debby was visiting.  Tropical Storm Debby, that is.  How rough the rain and wind were, fighting me as I attempted to have my first glimpses of that place where dreams come true.  Luckily, the storm wasn't around my entire trip.  But, for those families who lost so much from natural disasters, life is not be the same.  

This book is much more light-hearted.  It shows the before, during, and after of a storm.  It also illustrates a child's understanding of the aftermath.  You see how children cope, in a positive and imaginative way, with the storm damage.  

Book #12

This Plus That: Life's Little Equations by Amy Krouse Rosenthal.

In April, I was honored to hear Amy Krouse Rosenthal speak.  She was fascinating!  After hearing her, I was moved to be more creative and carry through some of my ideas.  

I think I was most excited to have her autograph my book!  It is such a thrill for me to have an author autograph a book written with her (or his) hands and mind.  For me, authors have a "rock star" status.

You might see a few more Amy Krouse Rosenthal books on my Book-a-Day Challenge (hey, even my first book is a Rosenthal book).

Book #11

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin.

This past school year, we all read to reach a goal of 1,000,000 minutes of reading.  We earned scales to build our Marlin dragon.  Although we didn't reach this goal, we focused so much on reading.  I read to the classes throughout the year to remind them to keep reading and earning dragon scales.  So, I read different dragon books.  I missed out on Dragons Love Tacos, though.  Funny, yet simple.  However, remember what is important!  Dragons love tacos, but beware of spicy salsa!

Book #10

Hot Fudge Pickles by Marilyn D. Anderson.

Tis the season of hot fudge sundaes!  This book tells of a new invention, hot fudge pickles.  The story is humorous, but I have always been intrigued by it because the author lives near my hometown.  To think an author could be living nearby has always mesmerized me!  It inspires me to try my hand at writing, too!

Book #9

Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.

Today, I went to a graduation party.  This book has become a standard for graduation gifts.  It is the perfect story about life's trials.  Most importantly, we must remember that WE make our own choices.  Despite "hang-ups and bang-ups", being alone or scared, and getting mixed up, we can still "move mountains."  Thank you, Dr. Seuss!

Book #8

Night of the Gargoyles by Eve Bunting.

Late night storms woke me a few nights ago.  It made me think about what happens regularly during the night, as I'm sleeping.  This book goes right along with my thoughts.  What does happen at night with museum gargoyles?  Great story from a fantastic author!

Book #7

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

I had the honor of spending time with my sweet nieces.  Miss Rumphius is inspiring as Great-aunt Alice shares her wisdom with her great-niece.  I hope I can inspire my nieces as they grow older and more intelligent.

Book #6

Santa's Book of Names by David McPhail.

In the spirit of visiting Santa Claus, Indiana, I chose to read a Santa book.  My grandparents lived in Santa Claus when I was younger.  It was wonderful to see places I have fond memories of from childhood.  Also, Santa's Book of Names celebrates learning to read (thanks to Santa).