That Book Woman gets 4 Stars {picture book, historical}

Happy Labor Day!  Most libraries are closed today, but I figured I'd share with you a story of some librarians that seriously labored no matter the day or weather.  The Pack Horse Librarians during the 1930s in the Appalachian Mountains are pretty much rock stars in my eyes.  They are the toughest librarians around.

That Book Woman by Heather Henson is a fantastic historical picture book that will teach you more about these amazing librarians who brought books to the people.  Even the people that lived. "So high, we hardly a sight, a soul."  The Pack Horse Librarians traveled miles upon miles through sunny weather as well as snow storms to share the joy of books with anyone and everyone.  Those librarians effort and love for sharing literature was truly powerful and impactful to even the most stubborn, like Cal.  I like to think librarians today can have similar influence on the Cals of the world with how they share their passions and love for reading and books with everyone.

I give That Book Woman 4 out of 5 stars.  It's a great book.  It's beautifully written and the illustrations are fantastic.  I feel the message the story shared was great and would entice the reader to want to learn more about these super tough and awesome Pack Horse Librarians.  

This book is best suited as a read aloud for 4th through 8th grade in my opinion.  It's a great book, but I don't see students gravitating to this book on their own.  I also see few students wanting to read the book on his or her own even after a teacher or librarian reads it aloud.  It's a great book, but it is limited in it's audience.  I think this limitation is the main reason this book lost a star in my rating.  It's a good historical picture book, but it isn't a great book that will be read over and over again.  

A great teacher and/or librarian could use That Book Woman to spark a study on life in rural settings during the great depression.  They could research more about life in the mountains, education for children during that time, and how the Pack Horse Librarians started.  Overall, it's a book with a lot of educational value, but a limited audience.   

Have you ever heard of the Pack Horse Librarians?      

Happy Inspiring Historical Fiction Picture Book reading! 

That Book Woman by Heather Henson
Rating: 4/5 stars
Best For: 10 - 13 year olds, 4th through 8th grade.
Worth a Check Out: Yes.
Buy It or Not: Librarians should definitely have this in their collection, and possibly their personal collections as well. 
Read Aloud: Upper elementary and middle school librarians and teachers could use this in many historical lessons.  
Lesson Ideas: History, 1930s West Virginia, Pack Horse Librarians, Power of reading, Great depression. 

That's NOT How You Do It! gets 5 Stars {picture book}

 

Fork or chopsticks?  Gymnastics or yoga? Xylophone or mandolin?  Which are better? 

That's NOT How You Do It! is Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar's second book, and I'm a big fan of her work.  The simplicity of the story and the cute and creative illustrations she does herself reminds me of Mo Willems' books... and that is huge compliment coming from this self-proclaimed "Willems' Biggest Fan!"

I give That's NOT How You Do It! 5 out of 5 stars.  Really, this book is great, and it comes out Wednesday, March 1st so order it now for only $8. 

A story of friendship, diversity, and understanding done in a super cute and simple manner with fantastic illustrations makes this 5 star rating well deserved. 

Amazon has the following book description, and an awesome price for this great book. 

"Lucy knows how to do everything. She knows how to eat with a spoon and fork, play the xylophone, paint elephants - and lots more besides! All her friends ask her for help if they need to know the right way to do something. When Toshi arrives, Lucy thinks he can't do anything properly at all. He eats differently, plays strange music, and he definitely can't paint elephants. She can barely hide her frustration. And when she finally tries to teach Toshi the right way to do things, she learns a very important lesson herself. A simple, funny tale about understanding, respecting and enjoying our differences."

Lucy does it one way and Toshi does it another way; how do you do it? 

Personally, I choose chopsticks as often as I can, yoga is my kind of fun, and mandolin just looks a lot more fun.

Happy Cute Simple 5 Star Picture Book Reading!


That's NOT How YOU Do It! by Ariane Hofmann-Maniyar
Rating: 5/5 stars
Best For: 3 to 7 years old, preschool to 2nd grade
Worth a Check Out: Yes!
Buy It or Not: If you have young kids, yes!
Read Aloud: Yes! 
Lesson Ideas: diversity, friendship, culture differences


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review and honest opinion.  All of my thoughts, opinions, and words are my own.

Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics gets 4.5 Stars

I was pretty darn excited to finally get this book from the library.  I loved Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library; it earned a 5 star review for it's creative, fun, and witty storyline with great character development.  Plus, it was about children's literature and libraries; this previous elementary school librarian was a big fan.   

To be honest, I wasn't expecting a sequel.  I probably should've because the first one was so good; of course they'd want to keep the fun going.  When I finally got a copy of the second book, Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics by Chris Grabenstein, to read I flew through the book enjoying the fun hover boards to browse the shelves, and all of the other cool stuff in Mr. Lemoncello's library.  I mean what patron and librarian wouldn't like a hover board that tracks your heart rate to know what books to bring you to?!  It just sounds super cool; can that really be invented?  I love library technology! #nerd

For the sequel, Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics, I gave this book 4.5 out of 5 stars in my review.  This book has puzzles and fun, and the same fun characters and storyline idea of sort.  I felt this middle grade fiction book wasn't predictable; there were parts of the story that I should've seen coming, but instead I was completely immersed in enjoying the story.

This book is great for 4th though 7th grade boys and girls alike.  I think bookworms, puzzle/riddle fans, and competitors will enjoy this completely clean and relatable read.  Now, you don't have to read the book in order, but it will make a lot more sense if you do.  

The only reason this book lost half a star is b/c the story was definitely more plot based.  However, I think it would've been a stronger read and equal to the first book,  if it had more character development.  

Amazon has the following book review from School Library Journal.  I share this with you to give you a better idea of the story; and book description of sort.  

"After receiving a million requests from fellow book lovers, billionaire game maker Luigi Lemoncello launches a Library Olympics open to kids all over the country to challenge the reigning literature-loving champions of Alexandria, OH. The sequel to Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library (Random, 2013) pits teams of four middle schoolers from seven different geographical regions against the reigning hometown favorites, led by Kyle Keeley. The games feature a duodecimalthon of 12 challenging library-related games, from solving Dewey-related rebus puzzles to identifying banned books, all taking place in the ultra-modern, technologically advanced Lemoncello Library. The grand prize is an all-expenses paid college scholarship, plus bragging rights. Before long, however, mysterious events threaten to jeopardize the Olympics and the library itself—books are disappearing from the shelves, and some groups or individuals may be to blame, as not everyone is a fan of the sparkling new library. Kyle and his teammates must band together with the rival teams to outwit those intent on bringing Lemoncello and the library down. Dewey Decimal aficionados, bibliophiles, and gamers will all find something to savor while trying to decipher the clues in this fast-paced sequel. At the end of the book, Grabenstein challenges kids to find quotes from banned books within the novel and to read the extensive list of titles mentioned throughout the story. VERDICT This is a successful blend of mystery, adventure, and suspense, with a sizable cast of characters, in a wholly satisfying sequel that easily stands alone."

Please tell me you've read the first Mr. Lemoncello's book?  If not, you have two great books to read.  They are both fast and fun reads that you might as well read together; two times more fun.  

Happy Bookworm Puzzle Loving Reading! 

As a librarian, this may have been my favorite quote in the book only b/c I preached this to the students at my high school library constantly. 

"Google can bring you back 100 million answers; the librarian can bring you back the right one."

May you always go to your librarian for the right answers. 


Did you read this book, what did you think of this book?  I always love to hear your thoughts/reviews. 

Written and Drawn by Henrietta gets 4.5 Stars

"A box of colored pencils is as close as you get to owning a piece of the rainbow." (pg 7) That may have been one of my favorite first lines to start a juvenile/kids book, and Written and Drawn by Henrietta by Liniers is the winner of that accomplishment. 

That line is the beginning of a fun story about how fun creating and writing a story can be.  This graphic novel/comic would be a great resource for teachers especially for second and third graders.  This Toon Book is the third one I've reviewed, and it is my favorite one as of yet.  
   
Written and Drawn by Henrietta gets 4.5 Stars in my book review. I think the story is fun, and the concept of the girl writing the story is even better.  I love that the book shows the writing process, and that writing can be a lot of fun.  I love the creativity the main character, Henrietta shows in writing her cute story. However, that is probably the teacher side of me coming out. 

The above picture shows the one qualm I have with this book.  I like that the story Henrietta writes uses drawn pictures so you can tell the difference.  However, I think Henrietta's illustrations are too rough and a little frightening looking.  The somewhat scary pictures almost pushed me away from the story, and I am not sure I would have picked this book up on my own b/c of them.  Written and Drawn by Henrietta is great, but if I were to do publish the book again I would've changed Henrietta's drawn pictures.

Amazon has the following book description: 

"Reading books is fun . . . but what about making them? Armed with new colored pencils, Henrietta's ready to try. Peek over her shoulder as she draws the story of a brave young girl, a three-headed monster, and an impossibly wide world of adventure. Whether read aloud to a toddler or discovered by a young reader, Liniers' celebration of the creative process is sure to make everyone want to bring out their pencils." 


If you have a reluctant reader, aka a 2nd or 3rd grader who doesn't enjoy reading or writing for that matter, then give Written and Drawn by Henrietta a check-out.  

Happy Graphic Novel/Comic/Toon Book reading! 


I received this book from Myrick Marketing in exchange for my review.  All words, thoughts, and opinions are my own. 

8 Great Rhyming Books for Phonemic Awareness (Toddlers- 2nd Grade) {Book List}

Phonemic Awareness is being aware of the sounds words make.  Rhyming words are great for developing early literacy skills and the skills before a child reads as well as when they are learning to read.  

These 8 books are great read alouds for a classroom or with your own kids.  These 8 books are fun to read b/c of their pace and rhyming words throughout each of the books.  These 8 books will help improve your child's phonemic awareness (especially if you are emphasizing the rhymes). Plus, these books can be used in a lesson on rhyming words, or any topic really.  The rhyming will just be extra bonuses.   

8 Great Rhyming Picture Books 

Bear's New Friend by Karma Wilson

All of Karma Wilson's books do a great job rhyming, but this one is a favorite b/c it is good for teaching higher thinking/reading skills like predicting. 

Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown

This simple story shows the life in a barn with all of the animals introduced with fun rhymes.  

Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

This is a fun book with even more fun illustrations about a giraffe that just wants to do what she loves and inspiring readers to reach their dreams.

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! by Karen Beaumont

This fun book is sure to get readers participating as they try and "guess" what the next body part the child paints from the clues and the rhyming words.  

Little Blue Truck by Alice Schertle

This book not only teaches a great lesson about helping others, but the onomatopoeias make it a fun read aloud as well.  It's a catchy and fun loving book for boys and girls alike.  You'll find yourself repeating lines from this book every time you see a blue truck. ;)   

Moo, Baa, La La La! by Sandra Boynton

Boynton is known for having fun rhyming books for young kids.  Her books are fun to read aloud b/c they are easy to get the kids interacting with the book making movements or animal noises. 

My Truck is Stuck!  by Kevin Lewis

Rhyming words take the readers of this fun book for quite the ride, even if "My truck is stuck. Rotten luck." 

No Sleep for the Sheep! by Karen Beaumont

This book is one of our favorites.  We love the fun story, onomatopoeias, and the pace from the rhyming words.  This book makes a great read aloud for large or small groups. 

If you are looking for a good read aloud, or you have a non-reader or beginning reader at home pick one of these, or all of them, to read.  Everyone will enjoy these 8 great books.


Happy Fun Rhyming Book Reading! 

5 Books Everyone Needs to Like Yourself and Be the Best You {Book List}

I know as a teacher I wanted my students to perform the best they could and be okay with be an individual.  At the beginning of the school year my first class read aloud was Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli.  It's a great book, and it helped me teach my students that it is okay to be an individual and to like yourself.  

As a mom to a 5, 4, and 1 year old I want my kids to learn to Like Yourself and Be the Best You!  I'm pretty sure every mom and dad want their kids to be their best.

That is where these 5 books help you out, and they are popular enough books your local library should have them.  Check them out.  

5 Books to Like Yourself and Be the Best You 

I Like Myself by Karen Beaumont

Beaumont has many great books; she is a favorite of mine.  This book is a great read aloud for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners especially.  I love how colorful and fun this book is as well as the message it loudly send.  Be you and like it! 

Max and Marla by Alexandra Boiger

This book is for your dreamer, and Olympics fan.  I love sports books, and I love the 6 steps to becoming an Olympian that they share, and I especially love the last lesson. "Obstacles turned into victories." 

Best for preschool through 3rd grade, possibly even up to 4th grade. 

     

Normal Norman by Tara Lazar

This book is fun.  The scientific side of it just makes my little science nerdy side smile, and the illustrations are fun and hard not to love as well.  Plus, who doesn't love lovable looking animals doing crazy fun things?!  Overall, I love the message, Normal is impossible to define! So be yourself!

Best for Toddlers through 4th grade.  The older kids will understand the message taught, and the younger kids will love the fun pictures.  

   

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

Alexie is known for his award winning Young Adult (YA) book; this is the first picture book of his that I have read. I liked this story, but I really liked the colorful pictures and the message taught of finding out who you are.  The Native Americans using the name to describe who you are made for a unique story line.  

Best for Kindergarten through 3rd grade. 

The Wonderful Things You Will Be by Emily Winfield Martin

This book seems like the next best book to give a friend having a new baby.  The story of a mom telling her child that she wonders what that child will be.  I liked that it said, what you will be rather than what you will do.  This inspiring story is a definite heart warmer for mom hearts.  

Best for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergartners b/c of the characters/illustrations in the book are babies and young. 

I'm telling you these 5 books are definite winners.  They are fun reads, read alouds, and they teach such great messages.  

Happy Valuable Lessons Taught Picture Book Reading! 

Back to School Giveaway- For You and a Friend!

Before my librarian days I was actually an elementary school teacher.  My undergrad education is in elementary education.  I've taught many grades, but 5th grade is my favorite.  I love that the kids have personality and I can be sarcastic with them, but they are still young enough where I feel I can have an impact on them.  Plus, 5th grade learns about US History which is a lot of fun to me.

After teaching in the classroom did I then go back to school to get my MLS (Masters of Library Science) to become a school librarian.  I've been a school librarian at the elementary and high school levels.  I loved both library experiences, and I love YA books as much as picture books or middle grade fiction books.  However, picture books are so fun to read aloud that they have a special place in my heart.  

I got together with my friend Shannon at www.packerclan.com to do an awesome book Back to School Giveaway on Instagram.  Shannon and I were both teachers and books are kind of a big deal to not only librarians but teachers as well.  Reading aloud books in the classroom is pretty much amazing.  Reading aloud books to your kids is amazing.  Reading books in general is amazing.  

I remember laying my clothes out for the first day of school, but to be honest I only did that when I was in elementary school.  I do remember the jitter excitement that I would get for the start of the year when I was a teacher.  

Starting a new school year is exciting, and since August is the start of school (for most places) we thought we'd give you and a friend some amazing books.  On Instagram, you could win all 10 of these books and a friend could win the exact 10 awesome books.  All you have to do is head to Instagram.  Follow me, @alohamoraopenabook and Shannon at @shannon.packer, and look for the picture above. Easy and fun. 

I guarantee these 10 books are all awesome books.  Your kids will enjoy them, your students will enjoy them, and/or you will enjoy them.  Though, what better way to get you excited then to brag about each book's awesomeness. 

Back to School with

Our 10 Favorite Books Giveaway

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

David Shannon has many great books, but this one is one of the best of the best.  I love the lesson learned about being you and staying true to your self.  What a great lesson for us all. 

Bad Kitty by Nick Bruel

This book is one of my favorite alphabet concept books; Bruel tells a great story and keeps the alphabet concept unique and fun.  Young and old love this book. 

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg

Everyone gets "First Day Jitters" but this one really surprises you.  

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers

Jeffers is another amazing author and illustrator.  Fun simple pictures with a fun picture book about a persistent kid.  

My Mouth is a Volcano!  by Julie Cook

This fun book is a lesson/life skill every child and some adults ;) need to learn about how to behave in social settings.  

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz

This picture book will have the whole family gathering around to enjoy this fun story.  This book is a fun twist on a classic fairy tale.  

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

This chapter book, middle grade fiction, is a classic.  No matter the age one can't but help to laugh right along with Ramona.  

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!? by Mo Willems

There is not a doubt that I think Mo Willems is a genius.  I love almost everything he has ever done, but this one is probably my favorite Pigeon book.  Plus, I love cookies so... it makes me smile. 

The Empty Pot by Demi

The pictures are absolutely stunning in this classic book, and the story is just as amazing.  I love the detail in the illustrations and the story shares a beautiful lesson and message for both kids and adults. 

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

This fun read aloud has great repetition for the toddlers and preschoolers, but the story is just as fun for older kids.  Plus, I love the message about choosing who we will be.  

I hope you are as excited for these awesome books as I am.  I really think you will love every single one, and you will see the value of the addition to your collection.  Plus, how fun is it to win something for you and your friend?!?

So... head on over to Instagram to enter.  

Happy Back to School and Happy Awesome 10 Book Giveaway!

If you were to add a book to this giveaway, what would it be?