Chapter books
We continue with The Moffats. It is fun. Each chapter can really stand on its own, and the adventures these kids get themselves into are really very amusing. The kids, especially Gemma, are liking this one.
Gemma and I read The Courage of Sarah Noble at bedtime. It was a simple, beautiful read. I love books that have a historical aspect to them. We had a good chat about seeing people for the content of their character not by the color of their skin, and how just because some Indians were "bad guys" you can't judge them all to be so, just like you can't call all those with light skin "good guys". This was a short yet very profound read.
Now we are back to American Girl and Kit. Sigh. Oh well. It has actually been bringing up some interesting conversations about the Depression. I need to request book two for her.
We may start Pioneer Summer tonight in the meantime. Lots of historical things. Part of me feels a little badly that there is not a whole lot of order, rhyme or reason in what we read...but if I analyze things too much I just become paralyzed and then we don't do anything. Sigh.
Kolbe had gotten several Berenstain Bears books from the library about a month ago, and asked me to request more, and one of the ones I requested was The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Coughing Catfish. I had no idea the Berenstain Bears had chapter books until it showed up on the hold shelf (because I pay attention when I request things, but not super close attention. After accidentally ending up with a gigantic version of Bread and Jam for Frances, I have learned to be a bit more careful though). Overall this one was a pleasant surprise. Not fine literature by any means, but was great for my Kolbe as his attention span for books grows.
Speaking of, I sure wish DiCamillo would write more Mercy Watson books.
Now we are back to American Girl and Kit. Sigh. Oh well. It has actually been bringing up some interesting conversations about the Depression. I need to request book two for her.
We may start Pioneer Summer tonight in the meantime. Lots of historical things. Part of me feels a little badly that there is not a whole lot of order, rhyme or reason in what we read...but if I analyze things too much I just become paralyzed and then we don't do anything. Sigh.
Kolbe had gotten several Berenstain Bears books from the library about a month ago, and asked me to request more, and one of the ones I requested was The Berenstain Bear Scouts and the Coughing Catfish. I had no idea the Berenstain Bears had chapter books until it showed up on the hold shelf (because I pay attention when I request things, but not super close attention. After accidentally ending up with a gigantic version of Bread and Jam for Frances, I have learned to be a bit more careful though). Overall this one was a pleasant surprise. Not fine literature by any means, but was great for my Kolbe as his attention span for books grows.
Speaking of, I sure wish DiCamillo would write more Mercy Watson books.
From the bookshelf
Mix It Up is a cool book. (It and Mouse Paint are my faves when it comes to colors). But I have read it toooooo mannnnny times recently. (Ahem, Clement.)
Apparently we've been reading a lot of library books of late, because I'm not coming up with much here. Gemma was reading our copy of Corduroy to the boys the other night though. That is one book that I just never tire of.
Apparently we've been reading a lot of library books of late, because I'm not coming up with much here. Gemma was reading our copy of Corduroy to the boys the other night though. That is one book that I just never tire of.
From the library
Violet Comes to Stay and Violet goes to the Country - We unknowingly read these out of order but they were still just beautiful.
Good Night, Good Knight - anyone who has ever put kids to bed would find this book amusing.
The kids made a list of books for me to get from the library yesterday (we are still quarantined a bit longer) and there were several Helen Lester titles on it. Gemma spent probably half an hour reading these to the boys before bed last night (she even put Clem to sleep!! I told her she was hired), so apparently they were a hit.
The kids made a list of books for me to get from the library yesterday (we are still quarantined a bit longer) and there were several Helen Lester titles on it. Gemma spent probably half an hour reading these to the boys before bed last night (she even put Clem to sleep!! I told her she was hired), so apparently they were a hit.
Weekly theme books
The kids and I decided to have a theme each week (ish) this Summer to give us a bit more direction in our book checking out. I just love this. During the school years that we've done Letter of the Week, I always love the sense of purpose I have each week when I sit down to request books. Because I am just that big of a nerd. But anyways, our first weekly theme was "CHICKENS". Some notable faves:
One Little Chicken - we've had this before. It's a classic that every child should read.
The Red Hen - yet another retelling of the perennial tale. Nothing special, but it had a recipe in the back and Gemma has had a thing for copying recipes lately, so that was a win.
Hattie and the Fox - I really do not love this book. I know it's a classic, and the repetition is good for kids and all, but still. It annoys me.
Interrupting Chicken - this is a fun one to read aloud. And we read it aloud no less than two dozen times. Gemma really got into reading chicken's part though and oh how I love to see her read independently unprompted.
Cluck O'Clock - we have checked this out dozens of time. Someday we will buy it if I can find a used, hardcover copy for a good price. It is great.
Daisy Comes Home - there's just something about Jan Brett. You simply can't go wrong.
Louise, The Adventures of a Chicken - The cover of this book was soooo familiar. I swore we'd had it before but the stories did not ring a bell. At all. But it was a keeper. We got the version with the sound recording, which is fun to do on occasion.
Our theme is "FARMS" this week. We've just gotten started on our stack, but the ones in the basket that look promising are:
Farm - This one reminded me a bit of The Year at Maple Hill Farm, which is another book I would like to own.
Duck on a Bike
Winter Wheat - We drive past a particular wheat field on a regular basis, and have been watching it since the wheat sprouted late last Fall. I am looking forward to reading this one to the kids, especially Kolbe who has taken particular interest in watching the wheat.
It Could Always Be Worse - This reminds me so much of another book we've read, about a bear maybe? Or an owl who can't sleep? I don't remember, but there is a very similar moral to the story.
Farms ABC - alphabet (and number, shape, etc. etc.) books typically annoy me, but I like this one a bunch. The real life photographs are cool and surprisingly timeless.
Aunt Minnie and the Twister
Winter on the Farm - the Little House picture books are always a hit around here. And to me, it's always fun to read about the opposite season of what we're in.
The Grumpy Morning - I am hoping Gemma will enjoy reading this one to the boys.
Just Plain Fancy - Polacco is so great. Other notable faves at our house by her are Rechenka's Eggs and Thundercake. For that matter When Lightning Comes in a Jar is pretty cool too. Read it if you have a Family Reunion coming up.
Rooster's Off to See the World made the basket as well, because it is always nice to throw a little Eric Carle in.
Least of All is one we've had before, but it is so fun repeating books for different reasons...that's usually how we find the ones we end up loving. I think we had this one as part of our virtue study one month last year, but can't remember for sure.
What is in your book basket this week?
Happy reading, friends!!
Our theme is "FARMS" this week. We've just gotten started on our stack, but the ones in the basket that look promising are:
Farm - This one reminded me a bit of The Year at Maple Hill Farm, which is another book I would like to own.
Duck on a Bike
Winter Wheat - We drive past a particular wheat field on a regular basis, and have been watching it since the wheat sprouted late last Fall. I am looking forward to reading this one to the kids, especially Kolbe who has taken particular interest in watching the wheat.
It Could Always Be Worse - This reminds me so much of another book we've read, about a bear maybe? Or an owl who can't sleep? I don't remember, but there is a very similar moral to the story.
Farms ABC - alphabet (and number, shape, etc. etc.) books typically annoy me, but I like this one a bunch. The real life photographs are cool and surprisingly timeless.
Aunt Minnie and the Twister
Winter on the Farm - the Little House picture books are always a hit around here. And to me, it's always fun to read about the opposite season of what we're in.
The Grumpy Morning - I am hoping Gemma will enjoy reading this one to the boys.
Just Plain Fancy - Polacco is so great. Other notable faves at our house by her are Rechenka's Eggs and Thundercake. For that matter When Lightning Comes in a Jar is pretty cool too. Read it if you have a Family Reunion coming up.
Rooster's Off to See the World made the basket as well, because it is always nice to throw a little Eric Carle in.
Least of All is one we've had before, but it is so fun repeating books for different reasons...that's usually how we find the ones we end up loving. I think we had this one as part of our virtue study one month last year, but can't remember for sure.
What is in your book basket this week?
Happy reading, friends!!
