Odd Duck

Odd Duck by Cecil Castelluci is a wonderful find!  Written in graphic novel style with great full page illustrations, we learn about one odd duck who does things in very odd ways (like balancing a teacup on her head, even when she swims).  She is perfectly happy living her life with no friends...until one day, a new neighbor moves in next door.  Who is that odd duck with the odd colorful feathers, odd yard-art, and odd routines? 

Even if graphic novels aren't your thing, give this one a try.  It is not all villains and super heroes!  It is a celebration all our differences.

Here is a sample page. 

In Lucia's Neighborhood

In Lucia's Neighborhood by Pat Shewchuk is a fun book to get you thinking about your neighborhood.  It takes us through a typical day in 7 year old Lucia's neighborhood.  Can you find things that are also in your neighborhood?  How about the places...the celebrations?  Take us through a typical day in your neighborhood!  Or maybe even an extra fun day in your neighborhood!

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me preview this book.  It will be a great addition to an elementary library collection and is sure to become a "go-to" book for teachers. 

The Action Bible and Handbook

   

If you happen to be looking for a child friendly bible....this is it.  It includes the bible stories we are familiar with, but in graphic novel style!  It is called The Action Bible: God's Redemptive Story.  There is also a companion book, The Action Bible Handbook: a Dictionary of People, Places, and Things, both by Sergio Cariello.  The kids I have seen pick up this book, end up devouring it.  The book trailer by David C Cook and retrieved from YouTube is the perfect trailer for these books.  Thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to preview The Action Bible Handbook.  It is a great reference book as it cross references both an actual Bible verse and The Action Bible page for the term looked up.  The companion book came out on March 1, just in time for Easter!

The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen

What do Kings, Queens, & Princes; servants, orphans, & treason have in common?

...a false Prince...and in only two weeks! 

This is a must read!  It is about a deceitful man named Connor, who is supposed to be loyal to the court, who takes four boys from different orphanages to groom them into becoming the next Prince.  The trials and tribulations of this scenario make the book a page turner.  There is danger and suspense around every corner, lives at stake, and plenty of secrets.  The antics of one of the boys, Sage, will keep you smiling.  He is brilliantly cunning and defiant. 

 

The great news is that The False Prince is the first in a trilogy.  The next book, The Runaway King, is fresh out on the shelves!  I can't wait to read it!!! 

World Read Aloud Day - March 6

Following Read Across America day, we can join in on the world-wide endeavor.  March 6 is World Read Aloud Day.  Click on the picture above to go directly to their website.  

We can help celebrate this wonderful day by reading aloud, giving a book to someone, or donating money through their website.  The following is 2013's World Real Aloud Day's video, filmed around the world.  Join the reading fun that is sweeping the world!

Read Across America Day - March 2

Get ready to help build a nation of readers!  March 2nd is National Read Across America day.  It was started 1997 as a culminating event to celebrate the National Education Agency's literacy program to help our kids love books! 

 

...and what a coincidence?  It is Dr. Suess' birthday too! 

 

For our little ones - Click on the picture above to visit Seussville and have lots of fun! 

For our educators - visit here for many classroom ideas.                                                                                                          

 

 

The Fox Inheritance

 

When I received an Advanced Reader's Copy of Fox Forever, thanks to Macmillan, I realized that I hadn't reviewed The Fox Inheritance.  These are the 2nd and 3rd installments of the Jenna Fox Chronicles.  The first is The Adoration of Jenna Fox which I absolutely adored.  I decided I must go back and write about The Fox Inheritance.  I highly recommend that these books be read in order. 

 

The second book, The Fox Inheritance finds our favorite characters Jenna, Locke, and Kara 260 years later.  It is mostly the story of Locke and Kara, entering a world they no longer know, in bodies that they recognize as theirs, but they don't feel like theirs.  Where are they?  Why is everything so futuristic?   And...where is Jenna? 

 

After reading the first book, I was very satisfied with the ending.  After reading the second book...no way!  I can't wait to read Fox Forever!  It is expected to be released March 19.  Watch for my review of Fox Forever coming soon.

The Lions of Little Rock

The Lions of Little Rock by Krisin Levine appears on the Texas Lone Star reading list for 2013 and rightfully so!  This book captured my heart.  It is the tale of two best friends helping each other with their weaknesses.  Liz helps Marlee find her voice and Marlee helps Liz learn when to NOT use hers.  Their friendship finds trouble when Liz's secret is out - she is a Negro, going to a white school.  The girls decide this is ridiculous and shouldn't matter at all.  But, during the time of integration...it does.  What lengths will the girls go to see each other, help each other, and keep secrets from their own families?  What harm will these decisions bring?   This historical fiction book takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas during very tumultuous times.  This era is brought to light in a way that the reader will feel - not just read.  I can't recommend this book highly enough.  Fantastic!