What is new

Everything is going well with myself and my family. We have settled into the new house and our new jobs. The girls are thriving at school and I have returned to school myself. It is much harder going to school and working/mothering full-time, but with the support of my family we are making it work. Life is going to start getting crazy again when softball starts up for Emma tonight. Mom's Taxi Service is officially open for business.

I have been reading a TON of great books lately. The 2012 award winners and nominees are out. Two great new titles to check out are listed below. If you get a chance, let me know what you think. I know that my students LOVED hearing me read them in the last few weeks.

I Broke My Trunk by Mo Willems: A great story in the Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems. Elephant shows up to meet his friend Piggie and a long story is given as to how he broke his trunk. Telling this story in a nasally voice is a real winner with the younger crowd.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein: Bedtime is difficult for any parent. Imagine trying to settle your child down for bed, reading a bedtime story, and being CONSTANTLY interrupted. That is how Chicken feels in this book. Only his adorable daughter keeps changing the endings to their bedtime stories, because she doesn't like the way they end. This book won a Goldfinch Award from the State of Iowa Library Association. Great story about father/daughter bonding time.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aaredema; Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon - Winner of the Caldecott Medal for its illustrations.

Why Mosquitoes is a West African Tale about how an annoying mosquito causes a chain reaction that ultimately ends in a baby owl being killed. Because the baby owl was killed the Mother Owl would not raise the sun to start the day. Leave it to a mosquito to ruin an life. How many times has a mosquito ruined your day?

Instead of facing the animal counsel the mosquito runs away and hides. He decides he needs to spread his message to the only ones left that will listen to him, humans. Can you guess what happens?

The tale itself was amusing and my daughter thought the ending was funny. I can see why this book one the award for illustrations. The illustrations were done in watercolor with a technique that provided a color variation that made the characters come alive. The details of each of the animals make this book a must read.

Need Your Help

Hello All,

As I start my new Media Specialist career I will be returning to school to acquire the endorsement. While doing this I will be asked to read and review several Children's and Young Adult literature. Most of my reviews will be from the award lists, i.e. Newberry, Caldecott, Scott O'Dell, Coretta Scott King and the Iowa Children's Choice Awards. However, my reviews are not just limited to those lists.

If any of you know of some good books or someone who may be a good contact for me, please do not hesitate to let me know. From what I understand I have to read one book a week for this class. Stay tuned for reviews.

Random Thoughts

Good Evening All,

As summer winds down and a new school year fast approaches, of one thing I am sure. I am really going to miss my kids when they return to school. For the first time in their lives, I will not be there to witness their firsts. First day of Third and First grade, first time arriving at school on the bus. It seems weird to me that I will miss those. After all, isn't that why Ed and I have sacrificed over the last 8 years, so that one of us would always witness the "firsts".

I know that the decisions that we have made in the last few months will lead to even more "firsts" for our family. However, it still makes me want to witness them.

I want to thank my husband and daughters for allowing me to be there for so many firsts already. I want you all to know that I know you will all be there for me as I start to experience some of my own firsts.

As an added note: one of my classes this fall is all about how to determine what makes a "great book". I will be reading and reviewing several books over the course of the semester. Make sure to check back from time to time. Who knows, you may find one that you and your children may enjoy reading together. Or just you for that matter. I know I still love to read children's books from time to time (with no kids present). :) Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Exciting News

Hello All,

As of August, I will be the K-5 Media Specialist with the Clear Creek Amana School District. As I embark on this new journey, please check back on this blog. I will be reviewing books that will hopefully be found in my new library. I will also be providing suggestions on helping children become more diligent digital citizens. Also, I would love any suggestions for ideas to try in my classroom. I hope everyone is having an amazing summer.

Jen

Castle

This is more for the adults who follow. The newest season of "Castle" has started. Currently I am reading the novel published from Richard Castle's first go round with Detective Beckett. When I am finished I will let you know how it was. I am predicting good things though. If you haven't had a chance to view "Castle" yet, please do so. It is on Monday nights at 9 p.m. I don't usually recommend shows but this one is a MUST SEE.

Have a great weekend and GO HAWKS!! BEAT MICHIGAN!!

Checking In

I know that it has been awhile since I have posted on here. However, I am hoping to change all of that. Just to give an update. . . . . I graduated in May with a degree in Elementary Education with emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. I was unable to find a full time teaching job so I am subbing right now. I am fortunate enough to have several WONDERFUL school districts within decent driving distance. Between all of my friends in Iowa City, Clear Creek/Amana, Solon and Regina, I have been staying VERY busy. While subbing is not my ideal situation, it is allowing me the opportunity to see how I would and would not want my classroom to run. It is also giving me strength in my Classroom Management.

On a personal note, my girls are in school full time now. Emma started 2nd grade and Jillian started Kindergarten at Regina Elementary this fall. Ed is very busy with work and is traveling much more than he did when he worked with Monsanto.

My main goal of this blog is to keep everyone posted on Children and Young Childrens Literature. I will do my best to post about books that I have read, any recommendations that I receive regarding new books. I may also post, from time to time, on books that I have personally read for adults. These books may be teaching books or adult books read for leisure (you know FUN!). Please let me know of any books that you may have heard of or read. I would love to have them included on my blog.

Have a great week,
Jen