The Shape Song Swingalong

Some fun with shapes today!

Stevesongs. 2011. The Shape Song Swingalong. Ill. by David Sim. Cambridge, MA: Barefoot Books.
(with included DVD)

With the new year approaching, my thoughts turn to storytime series. I know that there are proponents of storytimes without themes, as well as those with themes. Personally, I often offer the themed variety, and I have great fun with the theme of "shapes." 

This new book from Barefoot will definitely be a new addition to my "shapes" session.  I never pass up an opportunity to dance in storytime. (I once developed an entire chicken-themed storytime just to accompany a "Chicken Dance" lesson. Next time they're invited to a wedding, they'll be prepared!)

So what's the big draw in The Shape Song Swingalong? Besides the brightly-colored, multicultural illustrations?  Why, it's the dance, of course!  A "YMCA" styled dance, featuring lines, triangles, circles and squares.


Pair this one with a few great shape-centered books, Hap Palmer's song, "Triangle, Circle or Square" song, and the opportunity to create pictures from pre-cut shapes.  Words, dance, music and art together - the home run of storytime!

Wish I’d read that

Today is Nonfiction Monday, and while I’m not ready to contribute today (still gathering my thoughts on Titanic Sinks! - should fact and fiction be blended so expertly?), you can enjoy today’s roundup at Jean Little Library.  I’ll be hosting Nonfiction Monday on January 23rd.

And now that the year’s end is fast approaching, it’s time to think about all the books we didn’t have time to read this year.  Bread is on my mind.  I didn’t get around to reading Bigger than a Bread Box by Laurel Snyder or Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu, though it’s on hold for me at my branch, so I may still squeeze this one in.  Are there any books on your “wish I’d read that” list?

Favorite Juvenile Fiction 2011

There were so many great books this year, but without a doubt,

my favorite Juvenile Fiction book of 2011 is:

 

 The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her own Making

 by Catherynne M. Valente ( Feiwel and Friends)

 (my reviews are linked to book titles)

"Tell me the rules," said September firmly. Her mother had taught her chess when she was quite small, and she felt that if she could remember which way knights ought to go, she could certainly remember Fairy rules.

"First, no iron of any kind is allowed. Customs is quite strict on this point. Any bullets, knives, maces, or jacks you might have on your person will be confiscated and smelted. Second, the practice of alchemy is forbidden to all except young ladies born on Tuesdays --"

"I was born on a Tuesday!"

"It is certainly possible that I knew that," the Green Wind said with a wink. "Third, aviary locomotion is permitted only by means of Leopard or licensed Ragwort Stalk. If you find yourself not in possession of one of these, kindly confine yourself to the ground. Fourth, all traffic travels widdershins. Fifth, rubbish takeaway occurs on second Fridays. Sixth, all changelings are required to wear identifying footwear. Seventh, and most important, you may in no fashion cross the borders of the Worsted Wood, or you will either perish most painfully or be forced to sit through a very tedious tea service with several spinster hamadryads. These laws are sacrosanct, except for visiting dignitaries and spriggans. Do you understand?

  

 This is a rich, complex, and thoughtful story, yet it reads as a delightful and enchanting romp through a bizarre Fairyland, where we may be frightened, but not terrified, and joyously giddy, but on guard nonetheless. Don't wait for an invitation from the Green Wind. Read The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of her own Making today.

 

... and barely missing out as my favorite are all of the following:

 Okay for Now by Gary Schmidt (Clarion)

Wonderstruck by Brian Zelznick (Scholastic)

Horton Halfpott: Or, The Fiendish Mystery of Smugwick Manor; or, The Loosening of M'Lady Luggertuck's Corset by Tom Angleberger (Amulet)

As usual, a very mixed bag.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday season.

 

Favorite Nonfiction 2011 *

At this time of year, I usually have plenty of nonfiction titles to choose from for my "best of" lists.  This year, however, my nonfiction list comes with an asterisk.

 * I'm looking forward to serving as a 2nd round judge in the 2011 Cybils Non-Fiction Picture Books category, and while I've read many of the nominated books, I haven't read them all, and won't receive the "shortlist" until next month. My personal reading list to date did not mirror the Cybils nominees and there is a possibility that I may have missed a great nonfiction title.  When the shortlist comes out, I will certainly give each book careful consideration.

That being said, to date, my favorite 2011 nonfiction titles (linked to their reviews) are:
   

• Peña, Matt de la. 2011. A Nation's Hope: The story of boxing legend Joe Louis. Ill. by Kadir Nelson. New York: Dial.

Additionally (in no particular order)

• Lewis, J. Patrick and Jane Yolen. 2011. Self Portrait with Seven Fingers: The Life of Marc Chagall in Verse. Mankato, MN: Creative Editions. 
• Gibbs, Edward. 2011. I Spy with my Little Eye. Somerville, MA: Templar. (Candlewick)  
• Yezerski, Thomas F., 2011. Meadowlands: A Wetlands Survival Story. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux.
• Bildner, Phil. 2011. The Unforgettable Season: The Story of Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams and the Record-Setting Summer of '41. Ill. by S.D. Schindler. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

 Adult Nonfiction

I read/listened to only three major works of adult nonfiction this year.  Here are the two that I loved!  They cannot be more different.

• Fishman, Charles, 2011. The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water. New York: Free Press.
•  Fey, Tina. 2011.  Bossypants. Boston: Hatchette Audio.

(I did not review Bossypants, but will mention here that it is smart, insightful and hilarious - much like Tina Fey herself.  Contrary to what one might think, there is no political agenda in Bossypants. Despite her Saturday Night Live parodies, Fey speaks well of Sarah Palin. There is, however, much adult language which may be off-putting to some.  The audiobook is read by Ms. Fey herself and contains audio clips from SNL, and numerous asides to the listener of the audiobook.  It is clear that many passages were added specifically for the audiobook version.  Very funny!)

Today's Nonfiction Monday roundup is at Practically Paradise.

Planet Middle School - a review

Grimes, Nikki. 2011. Planet Middle School. New York: Bloomsbury.

Ever since I heard Nikki Grimes read "Breathless" in New Orleans at the 8th Annual Poetry Blast, I've been waiting to read Planet Middle School, the book inspired by the poem.

Want to see Nikki Grimes reading "Breathless?"  Click here to watch the video at Poetry for Children.  Note: "Breathless" is the 4th video down from the top.

I finally received a review copy from a colleague and was pleased that the book did not disappoint!  Was is disappointing, however, is the fact that in the midst of moving between library branches, I've misplaced my book. 

So, in short, without benefit of quotes or notes, this brief review will have to suffice.

In Planet Middle School, Nikki Grimes proves that she has the gift of distilling the entire range of adolescent emotions into an easy reading novel in verse.  With a brevity of words that belies the depth of content, Nikki Grimes takes us into the heart and mind of 12-year-old Joylin Johnson as she navigates middle school, changing friendships, uncomfortable family dynamics and her first crush.

This is a short and quickly read book that contains enough intensity to satisfy older readers.  A perfect choice for poetry fans, reluctant readers, and young teens who may find themselves in similar situations. And yes -  also for the reader who waited too long to choose a book for her book report - a perfect opportunity to help out a student, spark an interest in poetry, and introduce a reader to Nikki Grimes.

Read reviews from Kirkus, Hornbook, SLJ, and Booklist on Bloomsbury's website.

Another review @
Abby the Librarian

A Teacher's Guide is available here.

ARC supplied by a colleague.