It’s Monday and I’m happy to be participating in a weekly event with a community of bloggers who post reviews of books that they have read the previous week. Check out more IMWAYR posts here: Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers
I’m a bit late with this Monday post but excited to be sharing my first post featuring books published in 2016 that I have recently read…
Batman’s Dark Secret – Illustrated by Jon J. Muth
Oh, how I love anything Jon Muth illustrates. So when I saw his name on this Batman Book, I knew I had to read it. I’m not exactly a Batman expert but would say that, while rather dark, this is an excellent re-telling of Batman’s origin from the perspective of a young Bruce Wayne. Jon J. Muth’s life-like watercolor illustrations are nothing less than phenomenal.
Be a Friend – Salina Yoon
This is a must have book for 2016! Heart-felt story of Dennis – an “ordinary boy who expresses himself in extraordinary ways” – through miming. So much heart leaps out the the pages of this book. Love the conversations it can start about how we can communicate without words by listening with our hearts.
Ballet Cat – Dance! Dance! Underpants! – Bob Shea
Poor Butter Bear does not want anyone to see her underwear! I didn’t think the follow-up could be as funny as the Ballet Cat , but this second book in the series will have beginning readers rolling on the floor with laughter.
Worm Loves Worm – J.J. Austrian
This one took me by surprise. Sweet and simple, this book manages to discuss gender, sexuality and “changing the way things have always been done” in a natural, lovely way. (My T-T Connection: And Tango Makes Three)
Bear is Not Tired – Ciara Gavin
Adorable. Bear Bear lives with the Ducks and sometimes he forgets he is not a duck. But then winter comes, Bear does not want to hibernate because he does not want to miss out on any duck adventures. But can he stay awake? Great for younger ones to make connections to trying to stay awake and also for the season cycle of a bear.
Pax – Sara Pennypacker
Haunting, moving, poetic, powerful. Gorgeous illustrations by Jon Klassen and extraordinary writing by Sara Pennypacker. Wow. I sobbed. My heart broke and then reassembled. As soon as I finished I wanted to start over. It’s now under my pillow. Pax is a fox who was rescued and raised by 12 year old Peter. They are inseparable friends and depend on each other for everything. But when war breaks out, Pax is returned to the wild and, soon after, Peter sets out on a journey to reunite with his beloved friend. So many layers of heart and thought in this book. It will be on many people’s top reads of 2016 – and right now it’s on the top of mine.
Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Olympics – Chris Grabenstein
The much-anticipated, puzzle-packed sequel to the New York Times bestselling, award-winning Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library! Inventive, fun, and MORE puzzles!
Cockatoo, Too – Bethanie Deeny Murguia
Silly word play and very cute birds! Fooling around with words is the fun in the book. There’s Cockatoos in tu-tus and toucans who can can-can in tutus, too. You get the idea!
When Mischief Came to Town – Katrina Nannestad
A little girl from Copenhagen comes to live with her grandmother, on a small island after her mother dies. A touching book about grief and healing. I LOVE this character. She is fun and full of life and helps the traditional islanders “loosen up” and enjoy life. This would be a great book for grades 3 and 4 and a wonderful book to help anyone who has lost someone dear to them.
Thanks for stopping by! Which title has caught your eye?
Adrienne Gear - Reading Power Ltd. 