Illustration Study

The kindergarten and first grade are immersed in an illustration study in writing workshop in their classrooms. They are learning about how an illustrator makes decisions about pictures and how it is very much like making decisions about words as a writer. In the library this week, we looked closely at Emily Gravett's books. We noticed some of the techniques that she uses in her illustrations to show time passing and movement through different spaces. Her pictures capture expressions and reveal so much more of the story than the words alone provide. Her books are just fun to see and read! I bet some young writers will experiment with some of the illustrator's craft that they noticed in Emily Gravett's books as they work on their own books.

Happy Birthday, Spot!

There's always so much excitement around Blessing of the Animals at our school. I always look for favorite books about dogs and cats to read in the library. This year, Spot books by Eric Hill celebrate 30 years. The Pre-K loved looking at his books and exploring the Fun With Spot site on the SmartBoard. Happy birthday, Spot!

Boys Read

There's so much excitement for reading happening with the second grade boys this year, and they are coming to me and initiating the most fun conversation about it! I keep hearing, "Mrs. Maher, have you ever read...?" As they describe in detail the series that they've discovered, their eyes twinkle, and it is obvious that they've found books to love. Here's what they're saying...

Trading Cards by BigHugeLabs

Destiny and Dinosaurs

There's always something to celebrate in the library! This month it's dinosaurs. Did you know that our library has 210 books about dinosaurs on the shelves? Look for yourself. Our Parish libraries recently upgraded our software to Destiny. Click here and take some time at home to explore and look for books that you might want to read. The 2nd graders are doing a great job finding books in the library!

Tour of Our Library

Months ago, an elementary librarian in Bangkok had an idea that I loved. She posted a tour of the library in her International School and suggested that other librarians do the same. I used our Flip camera in a walk through our library. I'm excited that other librarians and visitors might see this place where so much happens at our school. Thanks, Tara, for this great idea and so many others!

Bruce Coville and Story Book House

I was so lucky to meet and chat with the talented and wildly successful author, Bruce Coville, this weekend at The Story Book House. Bruce has published more than 100 books. I loved visiting with this phenomenal author because he so obviously loves writing for and talking with children. His Moongobble and Me series is one of my favorites. Dragon of Doom is the first book in this fun-to-read series. Moongobble is a magician who has a lot of trouble casting his spells. Edward is a neighbor boy who works as Moongobble's apprentice. Together, they face the fearsome Dragon of Doom. This fast paced series has the magical feel of Harry Potter, but it is written for younger readers. Be sure to look for these and other Bruce Coville books in our library.

I have often dreamed of owning a children's bookstore and imagined what it would be like. The Story Book House is that bookstore of my dreams! Not only are they located in a wonderful 100 year old house that is home to a fantastic collection of children's books, they also have an amazing gallery of original illustrations from children's picture books. The owners have a commitment to literacy and so obviously share a love and excitement about reading. Their events calendar is full of fantastic author visits. You will want to plan a visit to this independent book store. You'll love it!

One Read-Aloud

Ask anyone in kindergarten, first grade, or second grade about the book that they are listening to at read aloud time in their classrooms, and you'll hear all about a little boy's quest to rescue a baby dragon from Wild Island. Everybody's reading My Father's Dragon, the 1949 Newbery Honor Book written by Ruth Stiles Gannett. Having a common read-aloud at the beginning of the school year is really a fun way to build excitement and encourage conversation about reading. Does anyone know how chewing gum, toothpaste, and hair ribbons helped the boy get closer to the dragon? How could the boy use SIX magnifying glasses? Be sure to ask a Panther reader!