The Book Stack (02.13.2012)

It’s kind of an eclectic mix tonight…

I am thrilled about this new little gem!

I can’t wait to share it with a second grade class I’ve been working in as they’ve been studying ALL ABOUT BOOKS. There’s a whole basket of Gail Gibbons’ books to use as mentor texts. They’ll be excited to see this new title.  The thing I’m most excited to share with them are the rich diagrams. There is more than just labels on the diagrams. Some of them include sentences with key points, pronunciation guides, and specific titles. I’m sure we’ll see influences of Gail on the second graders’ books. Sam and I read it tonight and he gave it two thumbs up. (“Please tell your blog readers I said that, Mom,” he said as I tucked him into bed.)

Now this one just makes me smile…

The play on words throughout the pages just makes me smile even more. And to top it all off, a pop-up page is the ultimate ending. This is a board book, but I can see it used in many grades. I’d use it in a minilesson to show the power of craft to bring smiles and to make a point. (To find out more, click on the image of the book.)

I just cracked open this professional book…

I’ve not finished it yet, but I think it is noteworthy. Just like in CHOICE WORDS, Johnston gets to the specifics of language and helps us understand the meanings our words are sending to children. It’s a short, but powerful book. I’m sure I’ll be sharing more about it as I read more. (To find out more, click the image of the book.)

How about you? What’s in your book stack? Find out what others are reading too at Teach Mentor Texts.