A Hat, A Lump, And Four People

It all started with a hat.  Not a top hat or a straw hat or even a cowboy hat but a baseball cap.  Without any observable effort on the part of anyone in particular, baseball caps have risen to the status of talisman.  Representative of a team, person, event or place, they hold significant meaning for the owner.  Each person has a unique way to wear their prized possession; even to the point of having the bill trained to a specific shape.

When you are seven years old vacationing on a family summer road trip before your second grade year, a black cap with silver letters reading Black Hills is like pirate's treasure.  If a strong wind should happen to blow said cap off your head, you might do something foolish without thinking to get it back.  This is why the main character of Kevin Henkes's new book, The Year of Billy Miller (Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers) has a lump on his head.


It was the first day of second grade and Billy 
Miller was worried.  He was worried that he
wouldn't be smart enough for school this year.

Billy's mother, an English teacher at the local high school, is upbeat, cheerful, dedicated and she kisses the bump on his head before leaving.  An artist specializing in turning what others see as trash into treasure, Billy's father stays at home taking care of Sal, his younger sister.  A letter from Billy's new teacher, Ms. Silver, says this is the Year of the Rabbit but Billy's father assures him, in reply to Billy's question, this is the Year of Billy Miller.

In response to more than one unkind remark from an irritating new girl, Emma, Billy makes a drawing which he fears Ms. Silver thinks is about her.  His plan to assure his teacher how nice he really is involves a safety pin, a paper clip, a dime, a nickel, a quarter, a nail and a small rabbit figurine.  Ms. Silver's words in acknowledgement of Billy's gesture make the second day of school shine and his heart sing with happiness.  We readers know Ms. Silver is the perfect person to be teaching a classroom of second grade students.

While a Saturday morning, later in the fall, making dioramas with Papa, Ned, Billy's best friend and Sal, does not go as expected for Billy or his father, a shift in a bedtime ritual depicts the respect the two have for one another.  Glitter, a hair dryer and a quick-thinking adult save the day and pave the way for an after school discussion and welcome revelations.  We readers know, without a doubt, Papa is an unforgettable person giving and receiving unconditional love.

Sal can be downright pesky.  Her favorite friends are five pale yellow, plush whales she has named the Drop Sisters, Raindrop, Snowdrop, Gumdrop, Lemondrop and Dewdrop.  They get carted around in a much-loved pillowcase.  We readers know from a wintry adventure to a favorite restaurant, the lure of a magic pearl, a night of frustration and fright and a dragon-stamped letter, although he would rather not admit it, Billy cares deeply for Sal.

As the school year draws to a close, Ms. Silver has a plan for a special night.  Students are going to read original poems written about a member of their family.  Having decided to feature his mother, Billy is having a hard time putting any thoughts on paper.  An unexpected late night excursion to the back yard gives Billy all the words he needs.  A nudge to Billy's elbow, a necessary souvenir, and observed words said into a silenced microphone are the quintessential ingredients in this mother's love.  We readers know this is the Year of Billy Miller.


Having read The Year of Billy Miller twice and most of it a third time, the staying power of this book is Kevin Henkes's masterful writing.  Henkes divides Billy's school year into four parts represented by four people, Teacher, Father, Sister and Mother.  Five chapters in each depict moments over the course of a day or two or a little bit longer.

What elevates these seemingly ordinary, everyday episodes into treasures for our reader's heart is the portrayal of the interactions between Billy and these four people.  Henkes invites us, with his words, into pivotal conversations.  Realistic details, richly stated, bring us into each intimate instant endearing us to these fully human people.  Here are a few examples from this book.

Papa seemed to have a window into Billy's 
thoughts.  "If you pick Mama, that's fine with
me.  And if you pick me, it will be fine with
Mama.  Remember that."
"Member what?" asked Sal. who'd just
popped up behind Papa like a Whac-A-Mole
at the county fair.
Papa turned.  "Remember not to touch anything
until you wash your blueberry hands.
And don't you dare kiss me with those 
blueberry lips."  He snatched up Sal and hauled
her off to the kitchen, her giggles trailing 
behind them.
Billy sat alone, considering the choice he
had to make.  He sucked the web of skin
between his thumb and pointer finger, his
hand falling across his chin like a beard.

The air in the auditorium was heavy, but it
was not still---it was electric.  At least, that's
the way it felt to Billy.  Parents, brothers, sisters,
grandparents, aunts, uncles, neighbors, 
and friends were filling up the room.  People
were talking and fanning themselves.  Little
kids were chasing up and down the aisles and
climbing on the seats.  Eruptions of laughter
came and went in waves.


From working with elementary students for thirteen years, I can't think of a more heartwarming, true-to-life depiction of a second grade boy than readers find in The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes.  The personalities of Ms. Silver, Papa, Sal and Mama developed by Henkes make you wish they were in your world.  Small black and white drawings sprinkled throughout the text highlight memorable points of time.  This title is one to be enjoyed over and over.  Whether you share it with a few or many, it will leave a lasting impression.

The link embedded in Kevin Henkes's name above will take you to his website.  This link takes you to a printable PDF file, an author study of Henkes's titles including The Year of Billy Miller. To access the publisher's website and look inside the book (forty plus pages) follow this link.

What's That You Say?

Raise your hand if you've ever been told "Don't play with your food!"  I'm not necessarily talking about the same type of fun as the little rascal twelve pages into No David! by David Shannon has.  I'm thinking how you might be moving your peas off to the side of your plate as you gaze off in the distance dreaming of hot fudge sundaes or swirling around your mashed potatoes as you envision the twister in The Wizard of Oz.  At my house we never really played with our food much because it meant eating a meal would take longer.  This translated into not being able to go back outside to play until dark snuffed out the daylight.

Author illustrator Bob Shea takes this activity to a whole new level.  Buddy and the Bunnies in Don't Play with Your Food! (Disney Hyperion Books) introduces readers to the most monstrous monster of all.  What this grumpy guy cannot know is he is about to meet his match, a whole bunch of crafty cottontails.

Rahhhhh!
Don't make me come
up there, mountain!


Look out!  Flowers, trees, the lake, birds and the sun are all victims of this vile creature's verbal wrath as he strolls about the countryside. Uh, oh!  It's three sweet rabbits playing checkers.

Buddy the monster is hungry.  Buddy the monster is going to gobble up those bunnies.  Buddy the monster is stopped in his tracks.

It would seem the happy hoppers are just about to make cupcakes.  Having a fun-filled game of hide-and-seek as they bake to perfection is exactly what the foursome does.  Full to bursting Buddy, after nine of these delicious delights, promises to come back tomorrow to devour these clever chefs.

To Buddy's surprise it is much too hot to jump into his mouth the next day.  It's off to the local swimming hole for giggles and grins.  Tuckered out from all the frolic and floating, this monster softly walks away from the sleeping hares.  Perhaps another time would be better for keeping his vow.

A Stripey-Stripe Club and a visit to the carnival are Buddy's final undoing.  When he visits the bunnies again they deliver the fateful phrase.  Down in the dumps, Buddy ponders his position and makes a startling discovery.


There are words in stories, dialog and descriptions, which can be read silently with great effect but to be truly enjoyed they beg to be read aloud.  This book is one of those times when you will find it hard not to give voice to the narrative before you've even turned the title page.  Bob Shea's notable use of language shines forth as strong as Buddy's booming voice and personality.  His knack for knowing exactly what the child's ear wants to hear is exceptional.  Here's an example.

"No, please, no!
We were about to make cupcakes!"

CUPCAKES?
"What kind of monster do you
think I am?" said Buddy.
"Cupcakes first.
Bunnies for dessert."


You have to admit the large-eyed, orange-striped, horned monster feeding a cupcake into his cavernous mouth, as bunnies merrily hop among others on the front jacket and cover, is a definite draw.  On the back your curiosity is peaked by the peaceful scene of the same creature blissfully asleep as five rabbits cuddle around him.  On the opening endpapers among a forest of tiny triangular trees Buddy is roaring his way toward three smiling bunnies playing badminton.  (At this point I'm laughing already.  Badminton?) Traveling along he gives the mountains a piece of his mind.  He growls out the title.  On the verso and dedication pages his obvious distaste for flowers is shouted out among a field of blossoms.

Backgrounds in retro shades of green, orange, pink, blue, gold, rosy red (and black) highlight his vivid, bold and lively illustrations.  Heavy black lines accentuate Buddy's ravenous nature and form in contrast to the dainty white shapes of the (cough) innocent bunnies. Extra attention given to details elevates the already humorous tale; tee-hees appearing as ears pop up from behind a turtle or out of a hole, bunny grins wearing cupcake frosting, or Buddy holding a drink as he drifts in an inner tube.  You have to wonder what particular tune might be spinning on the record player as gazillions of be-bopping bunnies surround a high-stepping Buddy on the closing endpapers.

One of my favorite two-page spreads is Buddy riding The Whip with seven other bunnies.  He's looking a tad bit queasy.  They are looking pretty pleased with themselves.  The background is black with bright blue, green, red and yellow splashes of color shooting off like fireworks around the spinning cars.  A texture similar to block printing shines through in some of the elements.


Who would have thought the food you are not supposed to play with is alive?  Author illustrator Bob Shea imagined it, bringing loads of laughter to any readers of Buddy and the Bunnies in Don't Play with Your Food!  If you think your listeners are going to be content to hear this only one time, think again.  I can already hear the chorus of "Read it again!"

For more information about Bob Shea and his work please follow the link embedded in his name above.  To hear the pronunciation of his name follow this link to TeachingBooks.Net.  Julie Danielson hosts Bob Shea and artwork from this book at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast.  Enjoy the video below where we get a look at the process involved in creating this title.

Know Him, Remember Him...Our Third President

The impression made by Gary Paulsen's powerful, historical fiction title, Nightjohn, has not diminished in more than twenty years since I first read it.   At the time I was equally intrigued by the dedication,

This book is dedicated to the memory of Sally Hemings, who was owned, raised and subsequently used by Thomas Jefferson without benefit of ever drawing a single free breath.

None of the history textbooks or historical fiction I had read up to this point had ever made any mention of Sally Hemings.  I turned to other works by Barbara Chase-Riboud, Sally Hemings:  A Novel and its sequel, The President's Daughter as well as a title penned by well-known historical fiction author, Ann Rinaldi, Wolf By The Ears.  Not for the first time or the last, I found myself thankful for the endeavors of authors and their historical fiction titles.

With a great deal of interest I looked forward to reading the newest picture book by Maira Kalman, Thomas Jefferson:  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything (Nancy Paulsen Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group).  I was curious to see if she would mention Sally Hemings in this biographical piece on this multifaceted man.  As I have come to expect with books written and illustrated by the talented Maira Kalman, I was not disappointed.

Thomas Jefferson
had red hair and some freckles (about 20 I think),
he grew to be very tall
and oh yes, he was the third President 
of the United States.

We are matter-of-factly informed he was born in 1743.  When we are asked what interested Jefferson, we are told everything captured his attention.  To begin the man surrounded himself with books.  From those books he could discover anything about everything.  He could even say please in seven different languages.

(He was quite polite.)

As an architect he designed and built his magnificent home, Monticello; seventy-six windows filled the walls.  Flower and vegetable gardens spread across the estate.  Jefferson believed the largest portion of meals should be vegetable rather than meat.

Inside his beloved Monticello rooms featured gathered collections of artifacts.  His own bedroom was arranged so he could step into his study or step outside depending on which side of the bed he left.  Several hours were devoted every single day to perfecting his violin playing.

Significant people in his life, his wife, Martha, his daughter Patsy and the founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams and George Washington are recognized.  His authorship of The Declaration of Independence, his tenure as third President of the United States, his acquisition of lands from the French and his part in the Lewis and Clark Expedition are duly noted.  These pages reveal the remarkable accomplishments of this exceptional man.  But...

While Jefferson said slavery should end, he owned about one hundred fifty slaves.  Walking along Mulberry Row one could see their living quarters, tiny rooms with little belongings inside them.  His slaves worked all day long making sure everything at Monticello was exactly as he desired.

This monumental man had monumental flaws.

As we continue reading Sally Hemings is introduced to readers; first by showing us her name on his farm book, then on the opposite page with a stunning portrait and a narrative explanation.

As he ages, Jefferson's practical nature emerges in his clothing and its repair, his desire to be outdoors riding his horse or walking and in carrying his favorite penknife (interesting to see this style was available).  Given his lifetime, his date of death, his gravestone and epitaph will cause readers to pause and wonder.  As suggested, I cannot imagine those who read this picture book biography not wanting to visit Monticello, experiencing the past, gaining further insights into this striking individual.


Even without reading the acknowledgements it's apparent Maira Kalman has spent considerable time gathering information in pursuit of her passion for this subject.   All the extra details give readers a clearer vision of Thomas Jefferson the man; items in his collections, the kinds of peas in his garden and advice given to his daughter.  We are privy to his numerous lasting accomplishments and his serious weaknesses. The writing technique of including personal asides among the factual narrative creates energy not unlike that possessed by  the man being discussed. Here is a single example.

He also loved
MUSIC.
He practiced his violin
three hours a day.
HOW
did he
have TIME
for THAT?


Rendered in gouache the vibrant illustrations throughout this title begin on the matching jacket and cover.  Jefferson's portrait with Monticello in the background on the front is pulsing with life. On the back a closer view of Monticello at night greets readers.  A portion of The Declaration of Independence covers the opening and closing endpapers in shades of green on green.  Jefferson on horseback is gazing upward toward Monticello on the title page.

Maira Kalman's color palette is bold, bright, colorful and full of spirit.  Her backgrounds shift from black to white to purple to red to blue providing frames for single-page illustrations or those crossing the gutter.  At times elements will appear as cut-outs, large and small on single or double-page spreads; a shoe, the list of peas, George Washington's teeth or the map of the United States depicting Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.

 Of many favorite illustrations, one is the two-page picture of Jefferson's vegetable garden.  The many hues of green accented with pinks, yellows and blues is uplifting.  A small gazebo structure with two chairs overlooks the rows of plantings.  Toward the bottom of the page a table holds baskets of recent pickings.  On the right side is a list of peas Jefferson planted enclosed in the shape of a seed packet.  In the background at the top of the page we see the rolling hills.


Thomas Jefferson:  Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything written and illustrated by Maira Kalman is an outstanding accounting of a complex person.  Words and pictures work seamlessly together to breathe life into this man's persona, those people closest to him and his home, Monticello.  With every reading my admiration for Maira Kalman and this book continues to grow. Thank you, Maira Kalman.

At the conclusion of the book twenty-one people, places and events are further defined on two pages.  Please follow the link embedded in Maira Kalman's name to her website.  I recommend you follow this link to the Monticello website.  It is loaded with resources.


I am excited to be participating in Alyson Beecher's 2014 Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge hosted at her blog Kid Lit Frenzy.  Make sure you stop over there to see all the other nonfiction picture books showcased by other bloggers.

Cast Your Votes

Toward the beginning of July 2013 Heather Moorefield, Education Librarian at Virginia Tech and current chairperson of the American Association of School Librarians Best Websites for Teaching & Learning committee, mentioned on Twitter an application she had discovered.  Used as a polling tool, I saw it as having potential in the educational setting when students were working collaboratively on decision making.  Designed by a team in the Netherlands, it is intended for making choices in a more social setting.

As I was exploring the application this past fall, one of the examples contained material which might have been viewed as inappropriate in classrooms.  After several email exchanges with parties at the site in November, I was pleased to see this appear on their blog.  When members of an administrative team are willing to work with educators (and promptly), this is a huge plus.

Stickymoose is defined at the site as:

a voting tool that can be used with full anonymity because email and password are not mandatory.

As soon as you access the site, you can begin to create your poll.  No registration is required making this application available for students under the age of 13. 

Across the top of the page is a thin tool bar.  On the left you can click Create new Stickmoose.  On the right you can select the language, English or Nederlands. On the left-hand side is a tab when clicked opens to offer users Feedback.

In the center of the page you can begin to create your voting document.  Enter in your first question and click the blue Go! button.  You are then taken to the same page which would have appeared if you had originally selected the Multiple questions? option.  You have the optional choice to give your poll a title.

As the questions are entered in additional blanks are added so you can include more questions.  At any time you can click on the Previous tab to edit.  When you have completed your questions, simply click the blue Next button.

At the Ideas screen you can enter in possible answers to the questions you have asked.  Type in an example and choose the blue Add button.  They can be edited or deleted.  At this point you can begin to see how the voting will work.

Moving along the tool bar, your next preference is a Deadline.  A specific date can be chosen or no date at all.  Your final step is to click on the Done button.  When you do this you are asked for your name and email address as an option.

I entered in a nickname.  You could have your students do the same thing or only given a portion of their first name.  I have included an image of why they ask for an email address.  It is not necessary.  You can still monitor the activity on your poll by using the link provided.

When you click the blue Next button this final time, a screen appears providing you with two URL links.  The first is to access your poll.  The second is for you as the creator/administrator of the poll to have the ability to edit your poll and to follow the progress of any voting/changes made by participants.

When you enter in the administrator link you can view the participants' link, add a new question, change the deadline, close the Stickymoose or edit any of the other elements in your poll.  Any of them can also be deleted.  When you access the Stickymoose poll as a participant you can also see who has voted.  It is here, once you have clicked the final done, that Ideas are added.  Here is the link to my Stickymoose titled Read Aloud. Here is a link to a Stickymoose titled Book Club.  Here is a simple Stickymoose titled Iditarod.

One of the valid reasons to use a polling tool like Stickymoose in the classroom is not only as a decision making/collaboration tool, but it causes the users to think about the steps necessary to complete a project; what do I (we) need to do, who is going to do each part, where will I (we) work on this or when do I (we) need to have it done.  The simplicity of using this application, not needing to register, the ability to collaborate and receive feedback are all huge advantages.  I recommended Stickymoose and invite you to try it yourself.  Have fun!  

In The Year 1812

Until we all have the ability to move back and forth in space and time, we rely on primary sources of fact to give us insights into the events which comprise history.  From these records authors and illustrators provide readers with nonfiction and fiction enlarging our understanding based upon their interpretations.  If not for these books our perceptions of the past would be greatly diminished.  

During the course of my reading life, historical fiction has continually provided the impetus for me to dig deeper into the truths presented in those titles.  In December of 2013 a book, a novel in verse, appeared on the nominations list for the 2013 Nerdy Award Finalists.  Recently I completed my reading of this book, Salt:  A Story of Friendship in a Time of War (Frances Foster Books, Farrar Straus Giroux) written by Helen Frost.  Presented through the voices of two twelve-year-old boys, we are given a possible, personal perspective of two life-changing months in the autumn of 1812.

A shallow sea

moves over the earth,

salty, sun-warmed.

Water rises

as mist,

fog, clouds,

leaving a thin coat

of salt on the ground.

Anikwa lives with Old Raccoon, his father's younger brother who he calls Father, Mink, his wife, Wiinicia, Old Raccoon's mother who Anikwa calls Grandma, fourteen-year-old Rain Bird and six-year-old Toontwa, children of Old Raccoon and Mink.  They make their home in the community of Kekionga at the juncture of three rivers.   James Gray lives with his parents and younger sister, Molly, within the stockade surrounding the fort in a house next to the trading post run by his father.

There is a bond, generations' old, between the two families; James' great-grandfather traded with the Miami (Myaamia).  For the first six one-page chapters we become acquainted with the relationship between Anikwa and James, the sharing of adventures in the surrounding woods and fields, food and fun between the two young men.  They each know a few words of the other's language.  It is in the seventh chapter speaking in James' voice, the conflict, the tragedy to come, is introduced. 

Isaac, an eleven-year-old boy, the son of soldier lives at the fort.  Unfortunately, he joins James one morning as he walks to catch some fish at the river.  Isaac's conversation is constant describing the conflict predicted to come and his distrust of the Native Americans.  An incident at the river highlights the disparity in beliefs of people like Isaac and James and Anikwa.  

In another series of chapters we are given a picture of the daily lives of both families.  We realize the ethical standards which guide the actions of both groups.  Woven among the conversations and thoughts of Anikwa and James are several additional incidents portraying the increasing tensions in the area.

Adult discussions are overheard and decisions are made, some confusing to the boys.  Due to restrictions placed on their lives by the upcoming arrival of the American and British soldiers, the confidence and trust grown over their shared lifetimes is threatened.  Literal and figurative fires are set destroying decades of growth.  Will those things which brought them together before be strong enough to do so again?

During the moments it took me to read the opening quote by Mihsihkinaahkwa, Miami Chief (Little Turtle) to William H. Harrison, Governor of the Indiana Territory, look over the Miami Homeland map, study the two page introduction by Helen Frost and the explanation of character names, I knew I was going to be taken back in time by an author who had done extensive research in support of her passion for this project.  This was further confirmed on my completion of the story by the author notes, glossary of Miami (Myaamia) words and acknowledgments. The opening poem I included above is the first of ten depicting the area containing the salt deposits necessary to the lives of many.  Frost uses them to delineate certain aspects of her story.

Within the confines of her poetic prose Helen Frost breathes beautiful life into the two boys' voices. Anikwa's pages are in the shape of traditional Miami ribbon work.  James's pages began in the shape of stripes on the American flag.  Frost says:

As I discovered the two voices, the pulse-like shape of Anikwa's poems wove through the horizontal lines of James's poems, and the two voices created something new that held the story as it opened out.

 Readers cannot help but be drawn into the circumstances surrounding the lives of both.  I remarked to a colleague as I was nearing the end of the story, how I was afraid to finish.  I could feel the tension increasing as I was filled with an overwhelming sadness.  Here are a couple passages of many I marked as exemplary. 

Two fish arc out of the water near

the eddy, showing us exactly where they are.

Then, over by that sycamore that fell last year, a big

bullfrog starts up talking like a drum.  I answer, and he

answers back.  And then we hear something else---

James's quiet voice, Isaac's scratchy loud one.

It sounds like they're arguing.  Everything

except the river and the frog stops

talking.  The bluebirds fly

away, the ducks dive

underwater.

Anikwa plays a tune on a willow whistle.  Could I make one?  I point to the whistle

and take out my knife.  We go find a willow tree, and Anikwa shows me how

to cut a stick at an angle, make a notch through the bark, and tap the stick all over

so the bark comes loose and slips right off.  After I slice off a piece of wood

to make a mouthpiece, he helps me cut another notch and slide the bark back on.

I put the whistle to my mouth and blow---it works!  The sound it makes is lower

than Anikwa's.  He plays fast, and I play slow; soft, loud, then soft again.

We sound so good, two yellow birds stop to listen and sing along with us.

I believe Salt:  A Story of Friendship in a Time of War written by Helen Frost is a significant work of historical fiction for the audience in which it is intended.  It is not only valuable for the story it tells but for the discussions I know it will generate.  What each individual takes away from the reading of this book depends on what they bring to it originally.  Personally, I am deeply moved by the accounting created by the impressive research and lovely writing of Helen Frost.

For more information about the title with multiple resources please follow the link embedded in Helen Frost's name to her website. Anita Silvey author of the print and online Anita Silvey's Children's Book-A-Day Almanac wrote a review linked here.  For a review of the book from a Native American perspective along with the continuing conversation in the comments, please follow this link to Debbie Reese's blog, American Indians In Children's Literature.  Please follow this link to the publisher's website to read further excerpts from the book.

It's A Challenge--2013-2014--Let The Sun Shine In

As 2013 came to a close an honor was making its way through the blogging community.  In some posts it was listed as a nomination for the Sunshine Award.  In other posts it was listed as a blogging challenge.  How fortunate for me, I received attention from both Amy Rudder, blogging at The 'Rudd'er, and Michelle Haseltine, blogging at One Grateful Teacher.

The guidelines are:

• acknowledge the nominating blogger
• share 11 random facts about yourself
• answer the 11 questions the nominating blogger creates for you
• list 11 bloggers and 
• post 11 questions for the bloggers you nominate to answer and let all the bloggers know they have been nominated.  Don't nominate a blogger who has nominated you.

Eleven Random Facts About Me

1.  The first time I ever got to drive the boat home after my Dad and I went fishing, I ran it up on the dock.

2.  I got my picture in the Benzie Record when I was nine years old for catching a four pound- two ounce small mouth bass.

3.  When in junior high school I was a teen reporter for the Lansing State Journal.

4.  My first job was working in a flower shop.

5.  I have a lilac bush I've moved twice because my eighth grade home room class gave it to me more than fourteen years ago.  Where I go, the bush goes.

6.  Before there was digital photography, I had a darkroom in my home.  I won a blue ribbon in the black and white division at the county fair.

7.  Almost as much as books, I love movies.  There are several hundred in my collection.

8.  Winter is my favorite season.  Hiking or snowshoeing through drifts of snow in the silent woods with Xena, my chocolate lab, is a slice of heaven.

9.  During the first part of March, I will be glued to my computer screen for most of the day.  I am a huge fan of the Iditarod.

10.  Cooking for others makes me happy.  There are eighty-one cookbooks in my collection.

11.  I pretended to be one of the Power Rangers for months one year when a colleague's son was extremely ill.  I wrote letters and left gifts.

Amy's Questions

1.  What's your most favorite children's book ever?

What I can remember the most about reading when I was younger is waiting anxiously for the next Nancy Drew book to be released.  I also still have my set of The Tall Book Of series.

2.  What's your favorite young adult novel?  

One of my favorite young adult novels is The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater.  It's tied with Seraphina by Rachel Harman.

3.  If stuck on an island, would you rather have books to read or paper to write on?

I would rather have books to read.  I could always write somewhere on the books if I choose to do so.

4.  What's your favorite electronic device/techie tool?

My favorite techie tool is my laptop.

5.  How do you prefer to read books, paper or electronic?

I would rather not read on an electronic device.  I prefer traditional books in all their creative beauty.

6.  What do you think is an important trend in education now?

An important trend in education now is the ability to use technology to make connections and enhance learning.

7.  What is your favorite family pastime?

 My favorite family pastime is playing card or board games.

8.  Favorite snack food?

My favorite snack food is popcorn.

9.  Do you prefer Apple or PC?

I am PC all the way.

10.  Tell about 3 highlights of 2013.

Three highlights of 2013 were attending the Michigan Reading Association annual conference in Grand Rapids, meeting many Nerdy Book Club members, attending the ALA Annual Conference  and Exhibition in Chicago meeting more Nerdy Book Club members, authors and illustrators and living through an automobile accident which totaled my car.

11.  What will be your "One Little Word" for 2014 and why?

My one little word for 2014 is now.  Life is short.  Surround yourself with positive people now.  Look for your dream job now.  Look for the joy in each day now.  Be kind now.  Don't wait.  

Michelle's Questions

1.  What's your favorite quote?  Why?

My favorite quote is When love and skill work together expect a miracle (John Ruskin) I believe that hard work and practice make us better at our particular passion but when love is added good goes to great.

2.  What's your theme song?  Why?

I don't have a particular theme song.  I play different music depending on what I am doing.  Different music inspires different things.

3.  Who inspires you?

Children inspire me.

4.  If you had a weekend (and money was no object), what would you do?  Who would be with you?

I would like to go back to the Library of Congress.  Any Nerdy Book Club friends that wanted to go would be welcome.

5.  What's the best part of your day?

When I wake up knowing I have another day.

6.  Three high point of 2013?

See question 10 above.

7.  Secret guilty pleasure?

I like to eat whipped cream squirted right out of the can into my mouth.

8.  If you could spend time with anyone living or dead, who would it be?

I would like to spend time with my Dad again.

9.  What are you reading right now?

I just finished Salt by Helen Frost.  

10.  All-time favorite book from childhood.

See question one above.

11.  What's your one little word for 2014?

See question 11 above.

Now is the time when I am supposed to nominate other bloggers to participate but I am going to follow Katherine Sokolowski's suggestion on her blog Read, Write, Reflect.  I welcome any blogger who wants an opportunity to allow their PLN or blogging community to get to know them a little better to create a post answering my eleven questions.  Be sure to begin with eleven random facts about yourself.  Let me know in the comments below if you are participating.  Leave a link.  Have fun because you deserve it.

My Eleven Questions For Anyone Who Wants To Join The Fun

1.  What's the best reading experience you've had sharing a book with a child or children?

2.  What's your favorite Newbery book?  Favorite Caldecott book?

3.  Where would be your perfect place to read a book?

4.  What book are you most looking forward to reading in 2014?

5.  What's the most popular blog post you've ever written?

6.  What do you think makes a person rich?

7.  Every day has one good thing in it.  What is the one good thing in your day today?  

8.  What meal do you like to cook the most?

9.  What is your favorite comfort food?

10.  What's your favorite color?  Why? 

11.  What place do you long to visit?  Why?

Thank you all for stopping by my blog.  Don't be shy.  Give this a try.

Twitterville Talk #135

The best part of winter is snow storms followed by snow days.  For readers it equals more time to spend in the worlds created by authors and illustrators.  It also means time to chat with your PLN on Twitter.  It can mean taking a moment or two to follow a conversation, usually humorous between authors or illustrators or both.  May your weekend be wonderful.  Take time for reading and make sure to look for the giveaways.





Let's start this post off with 15 Things That Happen When You're a Speed Reader.  How many of these apply to you?

I guarantee you will never forget visiting this place.  It's been fifty years and I still remember.  Cool Bookish Places:  The Library of Congress

In case you might need some help---How I'm Repairing My Reading Habits

Thanks to Book Riot for these tweets.





Who wouldn't want to travel to these places?  Fans of Harry Potter are already buying tickets.  Hogwarts Travel Posters

Thanks to Donna Baumbach, formerly edtech/edmedia professor at UCF in Orlando, for this tweet.






There's Snow much happening at the Van Meter Library.  Check out all their activities perfect for wintry fun.

Let's keep it together---What Are Librarians In The Digital Age?


Thanks to Shannon Miller, teacher librarian and blogger at the Van Meter Library Voice, for these tweets and for sharing her activities.





According to this post, Teach Copyright Basics with a Cool Interactive Tool,  you can never teach copyright enough.  I would have to agree.

Thanks to Gwyneth Jones, teacher librarian, Library Journal Movers & Shakers, and blogger at The Daring Librarian for this tweet.







Make sure you have your calendar marked and post-it notes hanging about to remember January 27, 2014 as the date for The 2014 Youth Media Awards Press Conference.

Are you ready to see what's up next?  Sit back and enjoy these trailers and videos.
















There are plenty of resources here.  Martin Luther King Jr.:  Everything You Need

The excitement continues to grow for our new National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Kate DiCamillo.  How Do Stories Connect Us?  A Q & A with National Ambassador Kate DiCamillo  Kate DiCamillo Sworn in at the Library of Congress

Get the latest updates---Presentations and Interviews from the 2013 National Book Festival

You might want to make sure you have one or more of these titles on hand---Presidents' Day | Books for Celebration and Study

Look at the titles nominated for the Sakura Book Award.  This is an award in Japan were the voters are children.


Thanks to John Schumacher, teacher librarian, co-host of the monthly #SharpSchu Book Club, 2011 Library Journal Movers & Shakers, 2014 Newbery Medal Committee member, and blogger at Watch. Connect. Read. for these tweets.




Did you miss the #titletalk chat last Sunday?  Never fear.  Follow the links in these tweets.

Chat about Reading in the Wild Flew Past http://t.co/VnDRwhZK6I #storify #wildreading
— Teri Lesesne (@ProfessorNana) January 13, 2014

#wildreading friends, you can see the archive for the chat at the bottom of this page. Enjoy! http://t.co/QGHsX2Fgfl
— Cindy Minnich (@CBethM) January 13, 2014

This looks like something new you might want to try to expand your reading goals, Reading Bingo Challenge 2014.

Thanks to Random House Canada for this tweet.







I can't think of a better conversation than between two Caldecott Medalists, Chris Raschka and Jon Klassen:  A Caldecott Conversation.

It's still kind of hard to wrap my mind around the idea of 3-D printers but look at this---The World's First 3-D Printed Book Cover


Thanks for these tweets go to Travis Jonker, teacher librarian, member of the 2014 Caldecott Medal Committee and blogger at 100 Scope Notes.







When this appeared in my feed, I could hardly wait to watch it.  Tim Federle Previews 'Five, Six, Seven, Nate!' With A Quirky New Trailer.

Thanks to HuffPostBooks for this tweet.








Have You Voted?  Heeere's the Voting Schedule  It's that Mock Caldecott time of year.
To the first person who can tell me the top title on the longlist I will send a copy of Whale Shines: An Artistic Tale by Fiona Robinson. Please leave your answer in the comments below or send me a DM on Twitter. (This title has been won.)

Thanks to The Horn Book for these tweets. 





This is an important article for teacher librarians---Library Signage Advice



Thanks to Naomi Bates, teacher librarian and blogger at YA Books and More, for this tweet.




Get ready for a great time.  The latest podcast is---Let's Get Busy with Charise Harper

Thanks to Matthew C. Winner, elementary library media specialist, co-founder of #levelupbc, Library Journal Movers & Shakers 2013 Tech Leader and blogger at The Busy Librarian for this tweet.





Hopefully you watched the video in Twitterville Talk #134.  Here is a follow-up article in School Library Journal, Kid Lit Authors Review Their Worst Reviews



Thanks to author illustrator Matthew Cordell (Another Brother, hello! hello!) for this tweet.






They've been announced!  The Cook Prize 2014 Finalists  This award is for the best STEM picture book. (Congratulations, Melissa!)


Thanks to author Melissa Stewart (No Monkeys, No Chocolate) for this tweet.







In case you missed it---Exclusive book trailer reveal: 'Dangerous' by Shannon Hale



Thanks to author Shannon Hale (Princess Academy) for this tweet.







It was in the Twitter feed again and again---TED Launched TED-ED Clubs For Schools


Thanks to Donna Macdonald, teacher librarian, technology integrationist, VSLA board member and ISTE SIGLIB president-elect, for this tweet.








You might want to read this great new article in The Digital Shift, Animation Made Easy:  The best tools for student projects, from stop motion to GIFs

Thanks to School Library Journal for this tweet.











Have many of the books on this list have you read?  Will you participate?  Notable Children's Books-2014 Discussion List


Thanks to the Association for Library Service to Children for this tweet.







It's back!  Battle of the Kids' Books  Who do you think will win each round?  And the 2014 Contenders Are...


Thanks to the Battle Commander for this tweet.







Don't miss this opportunity to win monies for your classrooms---The 26th Annual Ezra Jack Keats Foundation Minigrants Call For Proposals

Thanks to Julie Danielson, author, weekly writer for Kirkus and blogger at Seven Impossible Things Before Breakfast for this tweet.










If you missed the #SharpSchu Book Club chat on Wednesday the archive is here.

Most people remember February 14th as Valentine's Day but Do You Know What February 14th Is? Other Than That

Thanks to Colby Sharp, educator, co-host of the #SharpSchu Book Club, co-host of #titletalk, co-founder of the Nerdy Book Club and blogger at sharpread for these tweets.








If you are a fan of the mystery genre, you will probably be interested in 2014 Edgar Award nominees announced
To the first person who can name one of the five Best Juvenile titles I will send a copy of Water in the Park: A Book about Water and the Times of the Day by Emily Jenkins with illustrations by Stephanie Graegin.  Please leave your answer in the comments below or send me a DM on Twitter.

Thanks to author Elizabeth Wein (Code Name Verity) for this tweet.



Mark your calendars---Multicultural Children's Book Day is Coming January 27th!  This is a terrific blog post recommending some excellent titles.

Thanks to the Nerdy Book Club for this tweet.





Here are some of the special quotes and tweets of the week courtesy of Xena and myself.

KID MAIL: Can you write about cats? IF IF YOU GIVE A DOG A CAT? It's going to be very entertaining!
— Laura Numeroff (@LauraNumeroff) January 11, 2014

I read. He sleeps. pic.twitter.com/QPyCGXH6tZ
— John Schu (@MrSchuReads) January 12, 2014

As I finish my story, the wife says, “For real, or did that just happen in your head?”
— Adam Lehrhaupt (@Lehrhaupt) January 12, 2014

Best thing I told my students this week? We're stealing back wasted time to read aloud more. Everyone in! #booklove #readingcommunity
— Carrie Gelson (@CarrieGelson) January 13, 2014

A little downloadable calendar for Hot Rod Hamster Monster Truck Mania. Print one here if you'd like one. :) Vrooom! http://t.co/QW5rFnh09D
— Cynthia Lord (@Cynthia_Lord) January 13, 2014

Now you can slice/dice Google image searches by usage rights under "Search tools. Thanks to @lessig for the request! pic.twitter.com/8mQxxebTHJ
— Matt Cutts (@mattcutts) January 14, 2014

Join #virtualbookclub on Mon. 1-20 at 9 EST! We will be chatting about The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes! @epan11 @JuleeMurphy
— Niki Ohs Barnes (@daydreamreader) January 13, 2014

A momentary angel/ slips her small hand in mine/ skipping to the rhythm of joy./ Oh,the wonder of children!
— Nikki Grimes (@nikkigrimes9) January 13, 2014

Girl came to me w/ BATTLE BUNNY in her hand & concerned look on her face: "I really want to borrow this book but someone drew all over it!"
— Lauren Strohecker (@lkstrohecker) January 13, 2014

Hi, Pinners! Here's #MondayMotivation for you—dance away life's precious moments! Pin here: http://t.co/OPUI7goFIi pic.twitter.com/75COfANMPM
— Pinterest (@Pinterest) January 14, 2014

Our Lead Time quote for today: Fall seven times and stand up eight. - Japanese proverb #leaderinme
— Colby Sharp (@colbysharp) January 14, 2014

Student on CHU'S DAY: "I know why there are no words on those pages. Chu's sneeze blew them away!" @MrAdamRex @neilhimself #MockCaldecott
— Lauren Strohecker (@lkstrohecker) January 14, 2014

Psssst! Pass it on ..... #giveabook pic.twitter.com/ZSsbBa9fqI
— bookgivingday (@bookgivingday) January 14, 2014

My brain has too many tabs open....
— Lynda Mullaly Hunt (@LynMullalyHunt) January 14, 2014

When I see a kid reading in public it makes my heart happy. Love seeing what books #wildreaders are reading.
— Colby Sharp (@colbysharp) January 14, 2014

My 2YO went up to the librarian and yelled, "ROAR!!!!" Gina explained that was her way of asking for MR TIGER GOES WILD....
— Jarrett J. Krosoczka (@StudioJJK) January 15, 2014

You know who's pretty swell? You are. (Yeah, I do mean you.)
— Linda Urban (@lindaurbanbooks) January 15, 2014

Young reader: "How are you doing if you are still alive?" #iluvkids
— Sharon Creech (@ciaobellacreech) January 15, 2014

"Your characters are no longer fictional characters. They are now living, breathing people. In my heart, at least." #adorablechildemail
— Lisa Graff (@lisagraff) January 16, 2014

My sister placed this gnome door on her tree. Little kids leave notes. I love that she writes back. #halifax pic.twitter.com/rfTL0ofKzt
— Richard Levangie (@richardlevangie) January 16, 2014

3rd gr. boy walking up to my "What readers look like" mirror: "What a handsome reader! I wonder what he'll read next!" #schooljoy
— Erin Broderick (@librarybrods) January 16, 2014

I just can't work like this. pic.twitter.com/yjrvFq9ppZ
— Maggie Stiefvater (@mstiefvater) January 16, 2014

this dog saying no to his kennel is the best thing you'll see all day http://t.co/7Tv8xe29he RT @BuzzFeed
— AWSupport (@support_aw) January 16, 2014

Most opportunities don't show up on a white horse. Usually you have to pick up a pencil and draw the horse and sometimes get a cow.
— Tim Federle (@TimFederle) January 17, 2014

Book Bloggers - be sure to let us know once you have this awesome badge on your website #giveabook pic.twitter.com/GVXzNj0zZv
— bookgivingday (@bookgivingday) January 17, 2014

As students pass by the library on their way home, they are stopping in tell me that they'll be reading this weekend! #happylibrarian
— Cynthia Alaniz (@utalaniz) January 17, 2014

.@nerdybookclub rules to live by: If you want students to be better readers... #readingmatters pic.twitter.com/WkDQjRiY9p
— JoEllen McCarthy (@imalwayslearnin) January 17, 2014