The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

7 word review:

Billy worries: can he handle 2^nd grade?

Share with ages 4-9.  Stand-alone title.

I don’t know what I was expecting when I read this book, but I was blown away.  This is the perfect story to read aloud to late 1^st grade / beginning 2^nd grade students, and for 2^nd / 3^rd students to read independently.  It is so accessible: while it’s a bit thick, the font is large, the margins are wide and the line spacing is generous.  Billy’s voice is truly authentic – he really sounds (and thinks) like a 2^nd grade boy.  I found myself thinking that I must read this aloud with J&H when I finished.  I am: we’re over halfway through with both requesting more read-aloud time.

Best Books of 2013: Kids Choice

If left to their own devices, J-girl and my boy H would only choose books featuring superheroes, Jedi’s, Lego’s, fairies, princesses, and anything with glitter.  Lucky for them, then, that I bring home piles and piles of picture books and beginner readers for them – and me – to read.  These nine books represent the stories they repeatedly read and requested during 2013.

Favorite Books of the Year: Kids Choice

Carnivores by Aaron Reynolds

Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner

The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt

Pete the Cat: Play Ball! by James Dean

Warning: Do Not Open this Book! by Adam Lehrhaupt

Tap the Magic Tree by Christie Matheson

Thankful for Books: Day 1

Thanksgiving is in 10 days.  Eek!  However, that’s just enough time to list 10 books I’m thankful for this year!

Truthfully, there are dozens – probably hundreds – of books that could (or should) be on such a list.  Limits, though, are good.  Along with each title, I’ll explain why it landed on the list as well as give the intended audience (preschool, children’s, YA).  Please know that there is no particular order to the titles I’m listing.  Ready?  Here we go!

I’m thankful for:  National Geographic Kids Almanac 2014

This is the book I have in my car…in duplicate.  Filled with fascinating facts and full-color photographs, it’s ideal for preschoolers as well as upper elementary students.  The short text lends itself to the car environment, and the classic almanac style means that many topics are covered.  There is no need to finish a chapter…just finish the page!  Both J&H have poured over the pictures and text more times than I can count, and J lists this as her favorite book.  Ideal for ages 3+.