Book-A-Day 62

Frog fell into a deep hole and could not get out.  "Oh no!"  Mouse came along to help.  But unfortunately, Mouse also fell into the hole.  Loris tried to help, too.  Loris fell, too.  Eventually, Sun Bear and Monkey joined the others in the hole.  The entire time, Tiger was watching and licking his teeth.  He told the animals he was there to help them.  Suddenly, the ground began to shake!  "Oh no!"  Oh, No! by Candace Fleming is a funny and familiar story with a lesson to be learned.  #BookADay62

Book-A-Day 61

Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude by Kevin O'Malley is a different type of story.  In the book, a girl and boy are telling a fairy tale for a project.  However, they cannot agree on a tale to tell, so they create their own.  The girl begins the story about a princess and her ponies. One by one, the ponies are being taken by a giant.  The boy does not like the direction of the story.  He adds a cool dude on a motorcycle to fight off the giant and rescue the ponies.  The girl and boy continue to add parts to the tale that they enjoy.  Read their fairy tale and find out how the ponies are saved.  #BookADay61

Book-A-Day 60

If you have ever been rock climbing or actually hiked up a mountain, you know it is not an easy process.  You have to carefully put your feet in the right places in order to continue moving up the rock or mountain.  In the story The Daddy Mountain, by Jules Feiffer, a girl discusses the steps she takes to climb the "Daddy Mountain" and successfully reach the top.  She warns the steps are important as it "could be a catastrophe" and one should be brave.  As she climbs the mountain, her father's figure is grayed out and insignificant.  Once she is at the top, the page can be extended to show the true height of the mountain (and we finally see her father in color).  And, then we see her mother's reaction!  An enjoyable read!  #BookADay60

Book-A-Day 59

Dear Hot Dog: Poems About Everyday Stuff by Mordicai Gerstein is exactly what the title states, poems about common things.  The poems are about things, such as toothbrush, water, hot dog, books, and pillow.  In the poem "Books", it says "Books! All sizes, all colors, whispering, 'Come inside!' 'Come inside!'"  This book is a good example of how poetry does not have to be fancy.  It can be about simple things.  #BookADay59

Book-A-Day 58

Although cherry-picking season is ending, the book Pie in the Sky by Lois Ehlert goes through the cycle of cherries growing.  As the book begins, a father tells his child they have a pie tree.  The child is confused because he sees many things, but no pie growing on trees.  The book continues through seasons as the child is observing the tree, yet there still is no pie.  Finally, cherries are seen in the tree.  The father and child pick cherries and bake a pie.

Lois Ehlert's collage illustrations are interesting as she uses different textures to create collages for the book's illustrations.  She also lists ingredients and some of the steps needed to make a cherry pie.  #BookADay58

  

Book-A-Day 57

Chick is a fan of Wonder Pug.  One day, he happens upon a "real, live Wonder Pug" as he searches for adventure.  This "wonder" pug is sleeping.  Chick wakes the pug, but the pug pays no attention to Chick.  When the pug makes a move, Chick thinks something is about to begin.  Wrong!  As the pet cat is placed near the pug, Chick tries to urge the pug to take action.  Does the pug turn into Wonderful Pug?  Check out Chick 'n' Pug by Jennifer Sattler.  Read the other Chick 'n' Pug books and visit Jennifer Sattler's website at jennifersattler.com.  #BookADay57

Book-A-Day 56

Children are often fascinated by hibernation.  Old Bear by Kevin Henkes is a story about an old bear going into hibernation.  As he sleeps, he dreams about the other seasons.  His dreams are in vivid colors and contain his favorite things.  In one dream, Old Bear is enjoying raining blueberries.  When he wakes up, it is spring and he is ready to enjoy the beautiful spring weather.  #BookADay56

Book-A-Day 55

Five months from today will be December 24.  Can you believe it?  In five months, many people will be dealing with the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  In the book December 24th by Denys Cazet, Emily and Louie bring their grandpa a special present.  They tell him it's for a special day.  Grandpa tries to guess the special day.  He guesses New Year's Day, dresses up in a Valentine's Day sash, pretends to be the Easter Bunny, and becomes a Halloween Rabbicula.  Finally, he transforms into Santa Claus.  However, none of these special days are correct.  Read December 24th to discover the special day for Grandpa.  #BookADay55

Book-A-Day 54

Today, the Monroe County 4-H Fair begins at the fairgrounds.  So, in celebration of the fair, the book for the day is Brave Potatoes by Toby Speed.  This is the story of the county fair prize potatoes.  Late at night, they decide to enjoy the rides at the fair.  They all go out for a spin.  At the same time, Chef Hackemup is cooking up all kinds of vegetables.  The only problem is he has no potatoes!  He happens to spy the spuds having fun on the fair rides.  He heads over to the fair and begins to bag the potatoes.  Unfortunately for Chef Hackemup, these are no ordinary potatoes.  These are BRAVE POTATOES!  Enjoy Brave Potatoes and read how the potatoes prove their bravery.  #BookADay54

Book-A-Day 53

Loren Long's book, titled Little Tree, is about a small tree.  This tree is the same size as the other trees.  It grows leaves, which eventually turn from green to yellow, red, and orange.  However, when the other trees begin dropping their leaves, Little Tree holds on tight to his leaves.  Through winter, he would not let go of his leaves.  As the seasons change and the other trees grow, Little Tree remains small with brown leaves.  Until one day...  #BookADay53

Book-A-Day 52

A Is for Salad by Mike Lester is not your typical alphabet book.  Instead of each page stating the letter stands for a word beginning with the same letter, there is a mix-up.  The illustrations are used to find the object that begins with the letter.  For example, A is for salad has a picture of an alligator eating salad.  The challenge for children is to determine what in the picture is related to the letter (A is related to Alligator).  One funny part in the book is the page with the letters X and Y.  #BookADay52

Book-A-Day 51

Did you ever have an imaginary friend?  Many children have them.  The book is about an imaginary friend anxiously awaiting to be imagined by a child.  Unfortunately, while all the other imaginary friends are matched with children, this friend is not.  So, he decides to search for his friend.  As he journeys on, he meets someone who looks friendly and familiar.  Read The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat to discover Beekle's friend (who gives him his name).  This book has wonderful illustrations and won the 2014 Caldecott Medal.  Enjoy with your friends, real or imaginary!  #BookADay51

Book-A-Day 50

Clever Crow by Cynthia DeFelice is the tale of Bird.  Bird likes shiny things and collects them.  One day, he spies Mama's keys outside.  Bird swoops down to take them and add to his collection.  Emma hears her mother's surprise.  Emma has an idea.  Will she be able to get the keys for Mama?  Or, will the clever crow outsmart Emma and Mama?  This book is a rhyming book with a rhythm that makes it a fun read aloud.  #BookADay50

  

Book-A-Day 49

Lemonade and Other Poems Squeezed from a Single Word by Bob Raczka is a poetry book where each poem is created from one word.  For example, vacation action in a van.  Using only the letters in vacation, the other words were created.  This book is fascinating as one page shows a poem with odd spaces as it lines up similar letters to prove only the letters of the poem's title were used.  The next page shows the poem's letters normally spaced.  After reading this book, I challenge you and your family to create your own poems from a single word.  Try it and see what you write.  #BookADay 49

Book-A-Day 48

When it comes to reading books, do you show your manners?  Read It, Don't Eat It! by Ian Schoenherr discusses, in a humorous way, how to take care of books.  Although not specifically mentioned, many of the book manners apply to reading books in a library.  Some of the rules of book etiquette are "find someplace else to sneeze", "no dog-ears, please", "share with a friend, a sister, or brother" and many more.  Reading this book with a child (or an adult) is a great model for book care and reading routines.  Remember to read this book, but don't eat it!  #BookADay 48

Book-A-Day 47

Thunder Boy Jr. does not like his name.  He wishes more than anything he had a name of his own.  Thunder Boy is named after his father, Thunder Boy Sr.  Everyone calls him Little Thunder.  Why can't he have a different name?  Why can't he be named Touch the Clouds or something else?  As Thunder Boy Jr. gets frustrated, his father tells him it is time for him to receive a new name.  What could it be?  Read Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie to find out this name.  #BookADay 47

Book-A-Day 46

Some books are meant to be simple.  My Dog Spot, by Jack and Norma Levin, is one of those books.  In this book, a child is describing a pet dog (named Spot).  The words are not complicated and could be read by a new reader.  Although not complex, this book shows the love a child has for a pet.  My Dog Spot would be the perfect book for a boy or girl to share with a pet dog (or any other pet).  #BookADay 46

Book-A-Day 45

You may find ants to be a nuisance, but it is important how you treat them.  The Ant Bully by John Nickle is about Lucas, who is bullied by Sid.  So, Lucas bullies ants.  The ants are tired of it, so they shrink Lucas to their size.  The ant judge sentences Lucas to work.  He must work with the ants, gather food, and fight off wasps and spiders.  The Queen Ant asks him to do one more job, since Lucas has done so well.  He must get Swell Jell candy.  As he heads to his house to get it, his father sees him, thinking he is an ant.  Will his dad realize it is Lucas?  Or, will he swat the ant, as he usually does?  This is a funny story and was made into a movie.  Read the book and watch the movie.  #BookADay45

Book-A-Day 44

During the summer, many find the time to visit their families.  In When You Visit Grandma and Grandpa by Anne Bowen, an older sister is telling her new baby brother about visiting Grandma and Grandpa.  She describes the long car ride.  She sings songs, reads, colors, and asks, "Are we there yet?"  She tells him what happens when they visit during the different seasons.  Visiting their grandparents can be fun, no matter when the visit.  This is a good read before a long car ride to see Grandma and Grandpa (or anyone else).  #BookADay44

Book-A-Day 43

In Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner, the narrator has to play with Bootsie Barker each day.  The problem is Bootsie Barker is not nice.  Bootsie claims she is a dinosaur that eats anything the narrator likes, including turtles and salamanders.  The narrator dreams of ways to get rid of Bootsie.  One day, the narrator's mom tells her Bootsie is staying the weekend.  OH NO!  She devises a plan to give Bootsie a taste of her own medicine.  Read Bootsie Barker Bites to find out if she succeeds and gets rid of Bootsie.  #BookADay43

Book-A-Day 42

Summer brings gardens, fresh vegetables, and flowers.  The different colors and fresh food are so enjoyable.  Little Sweet Potato by Amy Beth Bloom is about a little sweet potato that gets pushed out of his own garden.  He travels throughout looking for a new garden.  However, each garden is filled with unkind, scary, and rude flowers and vegetables.  Finally Little Sweet Potato stumbles upon an sweet potato.  This potato lives in the hodge podge patch with a variety of vegetables and flowers.  They are friendly and caring.  Has Little Sweet Potato found a new home?  Will he be forced to continue his search?  #BookADay42

Book-A-Day 41

Many of Eve Bunting's books are about serious, current issues occurring in the country.  In Your Move by Bunting, James and his younger brother Isaac are heading out at night.  James and Isaac are not supposed to leave home when Mom is at work.  However, James is meeting the K-Bones.  He is proving to them that he can be in their club.  When they meet up, the K-Bones tell James to tag their club names over the Snakes name on a sign.  James has to climb an unsteady sign in order to paint it.  It is dangerous.  Isaac is scared.  James succeeded, but the Snakes meet up with the K-Bones.  They have a gun and all the boys run.  Isaac falls and get hurt.  James and Isaac make it home, but their mom is there.  Does he become a part of the club?  This book is an excellent example of the dangers of peer pressure.  #BookADay41

Book-A-Day 40

Buzz was searching for something to enter into The Amazing Pet Show.  He captures a fly, which he considers his new pet.  Buzz cannot control his excitement when the fly says, "BUZZ!"  The fly knew his name!  At home, Buzz's parents think the fly is a pest.  Then, they also hear the fly say buzz.  Buzz gives the fly the name Fly Guy.  At The Amazing Pet Show, the judges also see Fly Guy as a pest.  Will they disqualify him from the show?  Read Hi! Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold to find out what happens.  And, read the other Fly Guy books.  #BookADay40

Book-A-Day 39

Bats are fascinating animals as they have the ability to use echolocation.  Nightsong by Ari Berk is about Chiro, a small bat.  One night, Chiro's mother tells him to fly into the world.  Chiro is frightened, but his mom gives him advice.  She says to use good sense, sense which is a song you sing into the darkness.  The song will help you find your way.  Chiro starts out on his night journey.  He struggles at first, but then finds his nightsong.  Chiro enjoys his first flight, but is happy to make it to his mother's wings.  #BookADay39

Book-A-Day 38

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle has so much to offer.  Not only is it the tale of a grouchy ladybug who asks multiple animals if they want to fight, but the story also educates about aphids and telling time on the hour.  This predictable book moves from the ladybug asking a yellow jacket and gorilla and elephant to a fight.  Many Eric Carle books are great for beginning readers with their predictability and repetition.  Check out more of his books at eric-carle.com.  #BookADay38

Book-A-Day 37

A favorite childhood summertime activity was to catch fireflies, or lightning bugs, as we called them.  We would put them in a jar and take them inside to watch all night long.  The book Fireflies by Julie Brinckloe tells a similar story about a boy.  He notices the fireflies, gets a jar, and catches fireflies with friends.  Upon coming in from outside, he notices the fireflies are not lighting as well as they did outdoors.  How will the boy fix the problem?  What will he do?  #BookADay37

Book-A-Day 36

I have never been lucky enough to catch a baseball at a Major League game (although I have caught a T-shirt at an IU basketball game).  Well, Zachary's Ball by Matt Tavares tell the story about Zachary going to a Boston Red Sox game with his father.  At the game, his dad catches a ball.  This is a magical ball.  When Zachary's dad gives him the ball, Zachary is suddenly in the game pitching for the Red Sox.  He wins the game!  Just a quickly as he is in the game, he returns to his seat at the game.  From then on, Zachary dreams of playing for the Red Sox.  One day, however, Zachary cannot find the ball.  Days, weeks, and years go by.  Zachary never finds the ball.  One day, as an adult, he is walking by the ballpark.  What happens is pure magic again!  This book is a wonderful and magical story about a boy who loves baseball.  The realistic illustrations bring the story to life for readers.  #BookADay36

Book-A-Day 35

Happy 4th of July!  In honor of our nation's birth, today's book is about our first president's birthday.  George Washington's Birthday: A Mostly True Tale by Margaret McNamara is a fictional story about George turning seven years-old.  Throughout the story, we learn facts and myths about George Washington.  The end of the book gives factual information, as told by Mr. Washington.

Hope you are enjoying today and celebrating with family, as George does in the book.  #BookADay35

Book-A-Day 34

"Yankee Doodle" was one of the first patriotic songs I learned.  Although I did not understand it, it was a fun song to sing.  Who would put macaroni in a hat?  Crankee Doodle by Tom Angleberger is the tale of Yankee Doodle and his pony.  His pony wants to go to town.  Mr. Doodle does not and he proceeds to complain about town.  The pony wants to shop, but Doodle complains about shopping.  The pony explains Doodle could buy a feather for his hat.  The conversations between the pony and Yankee Doodle are hilarious as Yankee shows his cranky side.  The book even explains what macaroni means in the song.  Entertainment and education can be enjoyed from this book.  Tom Angleberger is also the author of the Origami Yoda books.  #BookADay34

Book-A-Day 33

Have you ever been told you look just like your mother or father?  Well, Ricky was always told he looked like his mom.  Ricky did not like it one bit.  He was a boy and wished he looked like his father.  At school, students were getting costumes for a play.  Ricky didn't want any of the costumes...until his teacher showed him a mustache.  He had to have it.  With a mustache, he would look just like his father.  Ricky wore the mustache home from school.  Only when he got home, the mustache was gone!  How could he face his teacher when he had lost the mustache?  What would he do?  The book Big Bushy Mustache by Gary Soto is about wishing of being more like someone else.  In this book, it was to be more like his dad.  #BookADay33

Book-A-Day 32

Cowpoke Clyde and Dirty Dawg, by Lori Mortensen, is the story of Cowpoke Clyde.  One day, Clyde had the shack all tidied up.  Then, he noticed his dirty dawg.  Clyde thought it would be an easy task to wash the dawg.  Well...Dawg didn't want to be cleaned and he ran.  As Dawg ran, he created a big mess.  Will Clyde ever get that 'ol Dawg cleaned?  This rhyming and hilarious story is entertainment for all!  #BookADay32

Book-A-Day 31

Hopefully, you have been enjoying the warm weather this summer.  It is easy to forget the cold winter during these hot days.  In Moe the Dog in Tropical Paradise by Diane Stanley, Moe is unsuccessfully dealing with the bitter cold in January.  Moe and his friend, Arlene, try to take their minds off the weather by going to a movie, but the heat quits.  They even stop by a travel agent to see about a trip, but the cost is staggering.  Moe has an idea.  He calls Arlene and asks her to check on his house.  Check out Moe the Dog in Tropical Paradise to read more about Moe in paradise.  #BookADay31