Uncle Pirate

Here's a popular book that was recommended in a recent assembly at our school. Not sure I agree with what was said about this book...

Uncle Pirate by Douglas Rees


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was clever and creative, but there were a couple of messages there that I didn't appreciate. The school that the boy attends is in chaos. The kids behave horribly and the administration behaves even worse. There are three instances where the students recite the Pledge of Allegiance--only the Pledge isn't recited. It is revised and almost mocked. I don't think kids should be reading things that downplay patriotism and paint school administrators in such a negative light. That being said, the Uncle Pirate was able to restore order to the school by giving responsibility to those who needed it, and uniting the students in a common goal--to keep their classrooms ship-shape and Bristol fashion. Clever idea. Fun "piratey" language. Easy read. Not the best book for children.

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Fancy Nancy

If you haven't met Fancy Nancy yet, you are missing out. Jane O'Connor's books about Fancy Nancy have adorable illustrations, and every book has a lesson--how to deal with disappointment, how to manage your time, how to be a good friend, how to be yourself and allow others the same privilege. Plus, Nancy uses "fancy" words and defines them! Expand your child's vocabulary and life skills with Fancy Nancy!

The Cow That Laid An Egg

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute book with adorable illustrations. I wondered for a moment if it would be like "Horton Hatches the Egg", and the egg would hatch with a cow-chick inside. The slight difference was clever and cute.

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Always in Trouble

Always In Trouble by Corinne Demas


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a fun book about a rambunctious dog who is "Always in Trouble." Toby gets into the garbage, chews up everything he can get his teeth on, and digs up petunias. Even after some time in obedience school, Toby can't behave. Finally, Toby's owners send him away for a week. You'll have to read it to find out what happens! Cute illustrations.

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Too Many Toys

Too Many Toys by David Shannon


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Spencer is spoiled. He has so many toys, and wants to play with all of them. This book reminded me of why i so often cleaned a toy closet while my children were at school. In a nice twist, at the end of the book, Spencer discovers that the best toy of all is fueled with his imagination. A funny book to read to your kids when they're getting a bit spoiled.

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Dooby Dooby Moo

Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Dooby Dooby Moo" brings the fun characters from "Click Clack Moo:Cows that Type", and puts them in a talent show. This author shows her fun sense of humor as the Farmer Brown keeps his eye on his talented farm animals, who continually outsmart him. The animals might even win a prize at the fair!

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Big Chickens

Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has fun illustrations of chickens who overreact when they are afraid. Their actions lead them straight into the situations they fear the most, and without even knowing it, they somehow survive. "Big Chickens" is a fun story about being brave!

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New Books in the Library

With the book fair, we will be getting a few new books in the library! I'll be posting about the new books, so keep an eye open for them.

Book Fair!

We will have the book fair set up in the Media Center this week! That means you won't be checking books out from the library this week, but come and see the great titles you can buy! Books make a great reward for good grades! If you see a book you really like and want the library to have an extra copy of, be sure to let Mrs. Wadsworth know!

How I Learned Geography

One of the books we will read in the library in November is "How I Learned Geography" by Uri Shulevitz. I took pictures of each of the illustrations in this book and put them into a PowerPoint presentation so the students can see the illustrations on the movie screen in the media center. Ask your students about this book! It's a Beehive Nominee for 2010, and a Caldecott Honor winner in 2009.


How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this wonderful book, Uri Shulevitz reveals how he learned Geography. In war-torn Europe, Mr. Shulevitz spent time studying, copying, and daydreaming about a wall-sized map his father bought when he didn't have enough money to feed his family. Full of colorful illustrations, this book emphasizes the power of the imagination to overcome meager circumstances. It gives a wonderful perspective for children who often take their education for granted. A must read for teachers, parents, and students alike!

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