Fats here.
It’s Monday, What are You Reading is a meme hosted by Jen from Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki from Unleashing Readers (new host of Monday reading: Kathryn T at Book Date). Since two of our friends, Linda from Teacher Dance and Tara from A Teaching Life have been joining this meme for quite awhile now, we thought of joining this warm and inviting community.
I’ve been reading mostly novels this year. Over the weekend, however, I decided to take a break and picked up two lovely picturebooks by wonderful storytellers. One was published this year and the other had been featured on our blog a couple of years ago. Check out the titles below as well as the other books that are keeping me busy.
Nightlights
Written and illustrated by Lorena Alvarez
Published by Nobrow (2016)
ISBN 9781910620137
Copy provided by Shaker Heights Public Library.
“Every night, tiny stars appear out of the darkness in little Sandy’s bedroom. She catches them and creates wonderful creatures to play with until she falls asleep, and in the morning brings them back to life in the whimsical drawings that cover her room. One day, Morpie, a mysterious pale girl, appears at school. And she knows all about Sandy’s drawings…”
I borrowed this juvenile graphic novel after I discharged it from a patron’s account a few months ago. (I know, it took me that long to read this!) I fell in love with the marvelous illustrations of Colombian artist, Lorena Alvarez. Sandy’s character was so adorable. I like how this book highlights a little girl’s creativity despite the few times that she had felt insecure about her work. Although the ending is rather vague, the story’s fantastical elements will most certainly appeal to younger kids.
Click here to check out Myra’s thoughts about the book. ♥
How to Be a Lion
Written and illustrated by Ed Vere
Published by Doubleday Books for Young Readers (2018)
ISBN 9780525578055
Copy provided by Hudson Library and Historical Society.
“Leonard and his best friend, Marianne, have a happy life together—until one day a pack of bullies questions whether it’s right for a lion and a duck to be pals…”
Ed Vere’s How to Be a Lion is one of my favorite picture books this year ♥ I adore the cover and Leonard is sure to warm readers’ hearts. This book is literally a ray of sunshine, with several of its pages bathed in bright yellow and orange. Leonard reminds readers that the world is not in black and white (talk about segue, eh? *wink*). The story of Leonard delivers a powerful message about courage in so many forms: standing up to bullies, trusting your heart, and believing in yourself.
This book is for those who daydream,
and those who think for themselves.
Ela loved Leah! 🙂
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I watched Love, Simon yesterday and it gave me the urge to read Leah on the Offbeat. ❤😊
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Leah on the Offbeat is on my TBR. I think it will be awhile before I get it from the library since there are like 100 holds before me, but I can’t wait to read it.
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I’m looking forward to Leah on the Offbeat. I have book #1 checked out right now. My daughter is BEGGING to see the movie, so I’d better read quickly before she brings the movie home! LOL Thanks for all the great shares!
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All new books to me, Fats. I love the idea of “How To Be A Lion” for my oldest granddaughter. She had some challenges this year with some mean kids. Dear Mrs. Byrd looks delightful! Thanks for every book!
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My heart stopped a bit when I opened your link and saw the Ed Vere Lion. How I love everything of his. All of these novels are new to me. How I wish I had more time for reading!
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I’ll be interested to hear your thoughts about Leah on the Offbeat. I’m on a waitlist for that book, but the list is so long that I’ll probably have to buy the book if I want to read it. Have a great week!
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Nightlights sounds good. Ed Vere was popular with my daughter when she was younger. My weekly update
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I love Ed Vere’s books, so I’ll have to get Lion–thank you for sharing it with us 🙂
Happy reading this week!
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