Thursday, January 08, 2009
Newbery
A little Sneak Peek into the Newbery process--what it must be like in the room as they are deciding on the winners! Thanks Nina at Heavy Medal!
Central Ohio Bloggers Gathering
First of all, we're going to have to find a new name, because Central Ohio Bloggers doesn't quite cover it anymore. It occurred to us that the Kidlitosphere is more than just bloggers -- it is authors and illustrators and poets, too. In keeping, we expanded our invitations this time. I'm thinking: Our Local Kidlitosphere. Any other suggestions?
Our next gathering is January 26 -- Newbery Announcement Day. We will meet at 5:00 at Cover to Cover to dish with Sally and Beth and Karen (the CTC crew) about the winners and the honor books and the how-could-they-not-have-picked-that-ones, and then at about 6:00, we will head over to the NorthStar Cafe on High near Henderson for a yummy dinner.
Here's our rsvp list so far:
The Usual Suspects
A Year of Reading
Literate Lives
Creative Literacy
Talkworthy
bestbookihavenotread
Our next gathering is January 26 -- Newbery Announcement Day. We will meet at 5:00 at Cover to Cover to dish with Sally and Beth and Karen (the CTC crew) about the winners and the honor books and the how-could-they-not-have-picked-that-ones, and then at about 6:00, we will head over to the NorthStar Cafe on High near Henderson for a yummy dinner.
Here's our rsvp list so far:
The Usual Suspects
A Year of Reading
Literate Lives
Creative Literacy
Talkworthy
bestbookihavenotread
Authentic Learner
Local Authors
Amjed Qamar
Linda Staneck
Julia DeVillers (unless she has to go to D.C. to do some research for her next book)
Trying to Finagle Her Work Schedule
Caterwaulling (CML Librarian)
Waiting to Hear
Tim Bowers
Can't Come This Time, But We'll Keep Them on the List For Next Time
Read,Read,Read
My World-Mi Mundo
Pat Lewis
Margaret P. Haddix
Nancy Pimm
People Who Are Wondering Why They Weren't Invited
You? (If so, you are now officially invited, and we apologize for our goof. You may leave your rsvp and contact information in the comments, or you can contact us off blog -- our email is in the sidebar.)
Local Authors
Amjed Qamar
Linda Staneck
Julia DeVillers (unless she has to go to D.C. to do some research for her next book)
Trying to Finagle Her Work Schedule
Caterwaulling (CML Librarian)
Waiting to Hear
Tim Bowers
Can't Come This Time, But We'll Keep Them on the List For Next Time
Read,Read,Read
My World-Mi Mundo
Pat Lewis
Margaret P. Haddix
Nancy Pimm
People Who Are Wondering Why They Weren't Invited
You? (If so, you are now officially invited, and we apologize for our goof. You may leave your rsvp and contact information in the comments, or you can contact us off blog -- our email is in the sidebar.)
SKELETON CREEK by Patrick Carman
We received an advanced copy of Patrick Carman's upcoming book, SKELETON CREEK. This is a middle grade novel--a ghost story and mystery. I am thinking 5thish through 8thish grades. (I am never sure when it comes to ghost stories.)
SKELETON CREEK is a format that is totally different from anything I've ever seen. As Patrick Carman says, "It is a book and a movie at the same time." Here is how it works. The main character in the story, Ryan, has had an accident and is stuck at home in bed recovering. The accident occurred when he and his friend, Sarah, were exploring the spooky dredge in their city, trying to uncover a secret. It helps Ryan to write about his experiences and thinking, so the book is actually Ryan's journal.
Because of the danger that Patrick and Sarah seem to get into, they are now forbidden to see each other anymore. But with technology, they communicate via email. Then Sarah begins to send Ryan videos of her own findings.
Here's the way it works. You read about 20-30 pages of Ryan's journal, emails, etc. Then, as Ryan checks his email and notices another video from Sarah, you go to your computer to watch the video.
When we got the initial information about the book, I was not sold on it. BUT, because I have committed to "stretching my thinking" about these things AND because I know Carman's work, I decided to give it a try. The package came, I previewed the book and read the accompanying letter and was really not sold. I am a reader who likes to be lost in a book. The idea of having to stop every 20-30 pages, go to the computer, and watch a video did not appeal to me at all.
Well, my opinion changed rather quickly. I loved it right off. Funny thing was, I found myself counting the pages until I could see the next video.
The story is very well done and this format could only work with certain stories. I have seen other attempts at this book/tech connection for novels but this is really the best I've seen it done. They are so interconnected that one doesn't work without the other. The text and video work together perfectly to tell the story.
I was trying to think through the things that make it a different kind of read for me. First of all, it took me a long time to "like" Sarah as a character. Because you meet her through video and not text, you actually see and hear her--unlike envisioning her on your own if you were reading. But, I came to like her soon enough so all was well. The combination of knowing some characters through writing and others through video took me a little while to get used to but it worked.
The other difference is that the videos make the story a little bit scarier than it would be if the info was in the text if that makes sense. In other children's ghost stories, you aren't actually seeing the scary stuff. You are seeing it in your head. But actually watching a video MAY make it scarier for kids. Now, I am not a scary book/movie person. So I am a bit sensitive to this. For some readers, more scariness might be welcome. For me, I have to read things like this during the day! And the lights had to be on when I was watching the video clips!
Killer cliffhanger at the end of this book and I am a little angry at Patrick Carman for this. (I forgave him quickly when I remembered how much I love the book. ) Seems we'll need to wait 6 months for the 2nd (and final) book. So, be ready to be slightly annoyed at wondering for a fairly long time.
One of the things that Patrick Carman says about the book is that he is hoping that the 20 page read followed by video clip will appeal to reluctant readers. I have to agree with this. Having worked with many, many reluctant and struggling middle grade readers, stamina is often an issue. They like a book but interest dies out. With this book, it is very hard to lose interest because you are reading until the next clip. It could be a huge support for these kids. Even though it will certainly appeal to others.
So, I am so glad that I made a commitment to stretch my thinking a bit about 21st Century Literacies. Otherwise, I am pretty sure I would have missed this book. The concept did not appeal to me. If authors can continue to play with formats like this one--formats that match the storyline and add to the storytelling, then I am all for it. It opens up so many possibilities for publishers and for student writers.
If you are interested in reading more about this book, you can visit Patrick Carman's site and you can also read an interview with him here. There is also another site that goes along with the book that you might be interested in (although I would read the book before you visit this site--just my opinion.) It might actually be a great piece to explore while waiting for Book #2. You can also read an excerpt from the book here.
Mark February 10 on your calendar--the day this book comes out. Kids are going to love this one!
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
THREE: the third of three
THREE years ago (in 2006) on January 2, this blog was born.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THREE great graphic novels (ML)
The Savage by David Almond
Into the Volcano by Don Wood
Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
THREE reviews of a TRIO of books (ML)
Back to School Fears
Cardboard Genius
Stories that Dovetail in the Middle
THREE reviews of a TRIO of books (Franki)
Great Characters
Better Than Leveled Books
Airplane Reading
THREE new books to give at baby showers
If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
To celebrate our third blog birthday, we have prepared for you a THREE day festival of THREEs from our third year of blogging. Let DAY THREE of the triads begin!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THREE great graphic novels (ML)
The Savage by David Almond
Into the Volcano by Don Wood
Amulet, Book One: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi
THREE reviews of a TRIO of books (ML)
Back to School Fears
Cardboard Genius
Stories that Dovetail in the Middle
THREE reviews of a TRIO of books (Franki)
Great Characters
Better Than Leveled Books
Airplane Reading
THREE new books to give at baby showers
If Animals Kissed Goodnight by Ann Whitford Paul
In a Blue Room by Jim Averbeck
10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes by Mem Fox
THREE times we were interviewed in 2008
At 7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast
At Tales From the Rushmore Kid
At James Preller's Blog (okay, that's not an interview of us, but Karen and Bill mentioned us...)
10 Little Fingers and 10 Little Toes by Mem Fox
THREE times we were interviewed in 2008
At 7 Impossible Things Before Breakfast
At Tales From the Rushmore Kid
At James Preller's Blog (okay, that's not an interview of us, but Karen and Bill mentioned us...)
THREE favorite memes we did
THREE Wordles we made
The NCTE Framework for 21st Century Learning and Assessment
Our blog (okay, that's a graphic, not a Wordle. Deal with it.)
Our blog (okay, that's a graphic, not a Wordle. Deal with it.)
THREE favorite videos we shared
And, just in case you want one more from the past...
THREE favorite Poetry Friday posts
THREE elves dancing
This link will eventually expire, as the ones from December of 2006 and December of 2007 have, but ElfYourself will always be one of our favorite times of the year.
Thank you, thank you, thank you
1. for joining us for our THREE-day THREE-year celebration2. for your kind wishes and comments3. in advance for A (great fourth) Year of Reading!
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
THREE: the second of three
THREE years ago (in 2006) on January 2, this blog was born.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
WAVE by Suzy Lee
WELCOME TO THE ZOO by Alison Jay
THREE favorite middle grade novels (ML)
THREE favorite middle grade novels (Franki)
GREETINGS FROM NOWHERE
THREE favorite Kidlitosphere events we took part in
Mother Reader's 48 Hour Book Challenge
21 Day Comment Challenge
Cybils (we're just cheerleaders this year)
To celebrate our third blog birthday, we have prepared for you a THREE day festival of THREEs from our third year of blogging. Let DAY TWO of the triads begin!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THREE favorite wordless picture books (Franki)
SOUTH by Patrick McDonnellWAVE by Suzy Lee
WELCOME TO THE ZOO by Alison Jay
THREE favorite middle grade novels (Franki)
GREETINGS FROM NOWHERE
THREE new favorite versions of old favorites
THREE favorite Kidlitosphere events we initiated
Trading (our favorite) Spaces
Summer Goals (setting and reflecting and reflecting)
Central Ohio Blogger get-togethers (summer, fall)
Summer Goals (setting and reflecting and reflecting)
Central Ohio Blogger get-togethers (summer, fall)
THREE favorite Kidlitosphere events we took part in
Mother Reader's 48 Hour Book Challenge
21 Day Comment Challenge
Cybils (we're just cheerleaders this year)
THREE authors we discovered in 2008
THREE other sites that use our name
2008 was The National Year of Reading in the UK
www.ayearofreading.com (a blog that is open to invited readers only)
(My) Year of Reading (Dangerously)
www.ayearofreading.com (a blog that is open to invited readers only)
(My) Year of Reading (Dangerously)
(oops, we only had two)
Monday, January 05, 2009
My New Favorite TRIO of Books-THE ADVENTURES OF MAX AND PINKY
So, what are the chances that I would discover new favorite book characters that star in THREE books during our 3rd Blog Birthday Celebration!? What a lucky week!
Browsing blogs over break, I came across some posts of Maxwell Eaton's Blog Tour here, and here. Somehow or other, I totally missed discovering his amazing books--The Adventures of Max and Pinky. I am always looking for books in a series for young readers. I think it is so important that kids fall in love with characters who they can read about in more than one book. As much as I am totally annoyed at myself for missing Max and Pinky, I am so happy that I found them now. As soon as I read the blog tour and visited Eaton's site, I ordered all 3 books. They are even better than I expected!
Max (a boy) and Pinky (a pig) are best friends who have lots of adventures. They are great fun. Two of the best friends I have seen in books. There are lots to love about these books. First of all, the illustrations are great. Bright and simple. Clear and amusing. The text is simple and the words are large enough for new readers. There is text on the page that tells the story and there are talking bubbles on nearly every page. The talking bubbles provide an added layer of fun--the kind of humor that makes these books so lovable. There is quite a bit of sarcasm in the talking bubbles--a fun, adorable kind--that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Usually, when there are three books about the same characters, there is one that I like better than the others. Not with these book. I LOVE them all. If you teach K-2, I would suggest buying all 3 at one time. I can't wait to introduce these characters in the library. They might make my list of "Books I Could Read a Million Times" list. I'll keep you posted.
Browsing blogs over break, I came across some posts of Maxwell Eaton's Blog Tour here, and here. Somehow or other, I totally missed discovering his amazing books--The Adventures of Max and Pinky. I am always looking for books in a series for young readers. I think it is so important that kids fall in love with characters who they can read about in more than one book. As much as I am totally annoyed at myself for missing Max and Pinky, I am so happy that I found them now. As soon as I read the blog tour and visited Eaton's site, I ordered all 3 books. They are even better than I expected!
Max (a boy) and Pinky (a pig) are best friends who have lots of adventures. They are great fun. Two of the best friends I have seen in books. There are lots to love about these books. First of all, the illustrations are great. Bright and simple. Clear and amusing. The text is simple and the words are large enough for new readers. There is text on the page that tells the story and there are talking bubbles on nearly every page. The talking bubbles provide an added layer of fun--the kind of humor that makes these books so lovable. There is quite a bit of sarcasm in the talking bubbles--a fun, adorable kind--that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Usually, when there are three books about the same characters, there is one that I like better than the others. Not with these book. I LOVE them all. If you teach K-2, I would suggest buying all 3 at one time. I can't wait to introduce these characters in the library. They might make my list of "Books I Could Read a Million Times" list. I'll keep you posted.
THREE: the first of three
THREE years ago (in 2006) on January 2 (that was THREE days ago), this blog was born.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
To celebrate our third blog birthday, we have prepared for you a THREE day festival of THREEs from our third year of blogging. Let the triads begin!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
THREE new book characters (Franki)
Roscoe Riley
The Trucktown Characters
Amy Hodgepodge
THREE new book characters (ML)
Sassy (Sharon Draper)
Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan) [He's new to me, doesn't that count???]
Julia Gillian (Alison McGhee)
The Trucktown Characters
Amy Hodgepodge
THREE new book characters (ML)
Sassy (Sharon Draper)
Percy Jackson (Rick Riordan) [He's new to me, doesn't that count???]
Julia Gillian (Alison McGhee)
THE YEAR OF THE RAT
THREE new books about characters we already love (ML)
Chester in Chester's Back by Mélanie Watt
Connie Lionheart in Mines of the Minotaur by Julia Golding
Clementine in Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker
THREE new books about characters we already love (ML)
Chester in Chester's Back by Mélanie Watt
Connie Lionheart in Mines of the Minotaur by Julia Golding
Clementine in Clementine's Letter by Sara Pennypacker
THREE new blogs we follow (local--our district)
Literate Lives (born 2/12/08)
Talkworthy (born 5/17/08)
Authentic Learner (born 3/12/08)
THREE new blogs we follow (local--our city, a nearby city, a poet)
Bestbookihavenotread (born 8/8/08)
My World-Mi Mundo (born 4/11/08)
Florian Cafe (born 9/23/08) [okay, he's not local, but it would sure be fun if he was!]
THREE new blogs we follow (local--our profession)
on the learn (born June, 2008)
Open Wide, Look Inside (born Feb., 2008)
The Stenhouse Blog (born May, 2008)
Talkworthy (born 5/17/08)
Authentic Learner (born 3/12/08)
THREE new blogs we follow (local--our city, a nearby city, a poet)
Bestbookihavenotread (born 8/8/08)
My World-Mi Mundo (born 4/11/08)
Florian Cafe (born 9/23/08) [okay, he's not local, but it would sure be fun if he was!]
THREE new blogs we follow (local--our profession)
on the learn (born June, 2008)
Open Wide, Look Inside (born Feb., 2008)
The Stenhouse Blog (born May, 2008)
THREE 2008 picture books we LOVE! (Franki)
DRUMMER BOY by Loren Long
THE DOGHOUSE by Jan Thomas
OFF TO FIRST GRADE by Louise Borden
THREE 2008 picture books we LOVE! (ML)
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett
THREE 2008 picture books we LOVE! (ML)
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears by Emily Gravett
Rabbit & Squirrel: A Tale of War & Peas by Kara LaReau
Everywhere the Cow Says Moo by Ellen Slusky Weinstein
Everywhere the Cow Says Moo by Ellen Slusky Weinstein
THREE great new nonfiction books (Franki)
KNUCKLEHEAD by Jon Scieszka
GO GO AMERICA by Dan Yaccarino
THREE great new nonfiction books (ML)
One Hen by Katie Smith Milway
Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World by Roseanne Thong
Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeannette Winter
THREE great new nonfiction books (ML)
One Hen by Katie Smith Milway
Wish: Wishing Traditions Around the World by Roseanne Thong
Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeannette Winter
THREE great new professional books (plus one more for the obvious reasons)
OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE by Ann Marie Corgill
TEACHING WITH INTENTION by Debbie Miller
ADVENTURES IN GRAPHICA by Terry Thompson
Day-to-Day Assessment in the Reading Workshop by Franki Sibberson and Karen Szymusiak
OF PRIMARY IMPORTANCE by Ann Marie Corgill
TEACHING WITH INTENTION by Debbie Miller
ADVENTURES IN GRAPHICA by Terry Thompson
Day-to-Day Assessment in the Reading Workshop by Franki Sibberson and Karen Szymusiak
THREE favorite adult reads (ML)
The Moon by Whale Light by Diane Ackerman
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
The Moon by Whale Light by Diane Ackerman
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
Sunday, January 04, 2009
JOIN THE ELEMENTARY GROUP ON THE ENGLISH COMPANION NING!
We have been part of English Companion NING for a few weeks. No, we really don't know what a NING is but we played on it for a while and now we get it. (Remember, we didn't know what a blog was for a while either.) There have been some great conversations going on at the NING and it has grown like crazy since Jim Burke started it. Lots of smart people sharing their thinking.
We thought it would be nice to have a group that discussed issues specific to elementary. So, we started one! And we started a discussion there about read aloud just because it's what we've been thinking about lately.
Anyway, we hope you all join us over at English Companion (www.englishcompanion.ning.com). Here's the thing. Don't not join because you don't know what a NING is. We'll all figure it out together. And it is one of those things that you can put as little or as much time into it as you like--when the conversations interest you. Once you get on, you'll probably find 5-6 groups you'll want to join. Definitely check it out. Then, sign in and find the elementary group and then find others. Hope to see you there!
2009 Diet Plan
So, last year I committed to daily Boot Camp and did okay for a few months. Summer was hard with the travel and I ended up quitting in October. I am planning on starting again tomorrow although I am thinking up any excuse possible to not get up at 5AM. I found this great new diet from a Twitter friend that I might try instead. What do you think?
Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas
So, of course I will buy any book that Jan Thomas writes from here on out. I loved WHAT WILL FAT CAT SIT ON and I loved THE DOGHOUSE even more. This new 2009 book, is not about the usual characters that Thomas writes about. This new book, RHYMING DUST BUNNIES is about 4 character who are dust bunnies...rhyming dust bunnies. They rhyme. The illustrations in the book are clearly Jan Thomas's. Bright colors, black borders and great facial expressions. The book is square and easily recognizable as one of Thomas's. And as much as I was hoping for another story about Duck, Cow, Dog and Mouse, I loved reading about these dust bunnies.
First of all, who thinks of these things--dust bunnies as characters. And these dust bunnies are rhyming dust bunnies--well, kind of. Their names are Ed, Ned, Ted and Bob! And they rhyme ALL THE TIME! On each page, the dust bunnies are shouting out words that rhyme but Bob seems to be having trouble--he just isn't rhyming. But, don't worry. We find out at the end the reason for his unrhyming words.
Jan Thomas totally gets young children. She gets their humor. And she understands their needs as readers--she creates great books with pretty sophisticated humor. And she does it with great predictable text so that kids are quickly and easily engaged.
A fun book and another great one for early readers. The kid will be excited to hear this one read aloud and I am sure it will be a popular one in the library.
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