It's Monday!! What Are You Reading?

This meme was started by Sheila at Book Journey. The kid's version was started by Jen at Teach Mentor Text and Kellee at Unleashing Readers.

This week is Book Fair week in my library. Well actually, Thursday and Friday of last week started Book Fair. I get so excited over new books! My students know how excited I get over the Book Fair. It gets them even more excited.

Since I was prepping for the Book Fair last week, I didn't do a lot of reading. I did a lot on Saturday when I was recovering from Friday. This day was packed with six scheduled classes, students coming in from recess, 2 huge family events, and two emergency drills. I didn't get to each lunch until 3:30 pm after we dismissed the kids. I read three picture books, two nonfiction picture books, and one chapter book.

The first picture book was Rodeo Red by Maripat Perkins and illustrated by Molly Idle. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This book was a fun read. I just loved the whole cowboy theme to it. The book would be a great book for those who are getting a new sibling. This is Maripat's first picture book! I can't wait to see what comes next from her. I can't say enough good things about Molly's illustrations. Different from her Flora books, but still has that whimsical elements that I have come to love.

The next picture book was Marilyn's Monster by Michelle Knudsen and illustrated by Matt Phelan. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This is just such an awesome book! I loved how Marilyn didn't settle for waiting for her monster to find her, she broke the mold and went after what she wanted. Even when everyone was telling her to be patient, Marilyn decided to listen to herself. This book lends itself to so many great lessons. And everyone loves a good monster stories. Matt's illustrations are very soft and really fits with the whole tone of the book.

The last picture book that I read was Finding Spring by Carin Berger. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This is an absolutely gorgeous paper collage illustrated book. I am such a sucker for paper collage illustrations! This was such a great story to read just when spring was starting where I live. After the long hard winter we have had, I really was happy to read a spring tale. Maurice, the young bear, is like any young child and wants to find spring after his mom tells him it is coming. This is a great story for that time when we are transitioning from winter to spring. 

The chapter book that I read was Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon. Click here for a summary on Goodreads. This was such a great transitional chapter book. Dory is the typical little sister that lives to play with her older siblings. Though, they don't feel the same way. I loved how there was a mixture of "made up" adventures and events that I have seen happen with my friends kids. This is one book that everyone will want to check out. I can't wait to see the next Dory adventure. This book was sent to me by Penguin Young Readers to review.

Check back on Wednesday for my reviews of Nature's Perfect Package Egg by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page and Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker and Jonathan D. Voss. I would do it tonight, but my eyes are starting to grow heavy.

Happy Reading!!

Stacey (@libraryjo92)