New Book Tuesdays: Week 20
What's new in the Media Center this week...
New Picture Books
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires. This book was shared with us by our Literacy Coach at the beginning of the year, and everyone loved it. It's a great lesson is not giving up and how it's okay to make mistakes. It's also a Junior Library Guild Selection.
"Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.
For the early grades' exploration of character education, this funny book offers a perfect example of the rewards of perseverance and creativity. The girl's frustration and anger are vividly depicted in the detailed art, and the story offers good options for dealing honestly with these feelings, while at the same time reassuring children that it's okay to make mistakes. The clever use of verbs in groups of threes is both fun and functional, offering opportunities for wonderful vocabulary enrichment. The girl doesn't just “make” her magnificent thing --- she “tinkers and hammers and measures,” she “smoothes and wrenches and fiddles,” she “twists and tweaks and fastens.” These precise action words are likely to fire up the imaginations of youngsters eager to create their own inventions and is a great tie-in to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math."-KidsCanPress.com
Mr. Putter and Tabby Smell the Roses by Cynthia Rylant. This is a new book in the Mr. Putter and Tabby series, and it is a Junior Library Guild Selection.
"Mr. Putter wants Mrs. Teaberry’s birthday to be extra special this year. So how about a trip to the Conservatory to see the beautiful trees and plants and flowers? It will be heavenly. And it is! Mr. Putter and Tabby and Mrs. Teaberry and Zeke sniff the air. They smell the roses. They learn the plant facts. It’s the perfect celebration . . . until Zeke finds the banana tree. The Mr. Putter & Tabby early reader series has been long beloved by children, parents, and teachers. This new volume is as funny and endearing as ever."-GoodReads.com
New Chapter Books
Simon Ellis, Spelling Bee Champ by Claudia Mills. This is the fourth book in the Franklin School Friends series. It is also a Junior Library Guild Selection.
"The students in Miss Molina's third grade class are abuzz with excitement about the upcoming spelling bee, where they will be competing against the two other classes in third grade. Simon Ellis, who just happens to be good at a lot of other things, is also very good at spelling. But Simon's best friend, Jackson, tells him that it's getting boring losing to Simon all the time. Simon is stuck in an impossible situation: Jackson will be mad whether he spells all the words correctly for their team or if he makes a mistake on purpose and causes his team to miss out on the all-you-can-eat pie buffet. Simon's competitive spirit takes over until he realizes that sometimes the best way to win is to take a chance and let other people shine."-GoodReads.com
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate. I've wanted to read this book for months now. Librarians and Media Specialists all over have been raving about it, so you might have to pry it from my hands! This book is by the Newberry Medal winning author of The One and Only Ivan, which is also fantastic. It is also a Junior Library Guild Selection.
Check out the book trailer below!
"Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.
Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?
Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary."
New Nonfiction Books
Awesome Dogs: Beagles. This is a Scholastic Blast Off! Reader - Level 2. This is part of a series called Awesome Dogs.
These low-maintenance scent hounds are a family favorite. Beagles are happiest when meandering outside following the trail their noses lead them on. Known for their keen sense of smell, this breed has even been used for airport security. Read all about where a sharp nose can lead you in this beginner book.
Some of the benefits of the Blast Off! Readers:
Intelligence infographic rates each breed on its trainability
Evolution of breeds shown through provided background information
Identification of American Kennel Club groups
Table of contents, glossary, index
www.factsurfer.com provides age-appropriate, relevant, and safe search results
Simple informational text introduces dogs, their habits, and key physical features
The text corresponds with the provided images to describe key ideas
Index, glossary, chapter headings, and labeled photos provide text features that help students locate information.
Awesome Dogs: German Shepherds. This is another book from the same series. We'll probably be adding more if the students like them.
Often seen leading police and military action, the German Shepherd is a dependable guardian. Also known to show companionship for families, this breed is approachable and fearless. Read about the lifestyle of a great dog in this informative title for young students.
