Summer again

Here we are, knocking on the door of summer vacation. I've got a dwindling pile of books on my table for kids to take out for the summer. I'm hoping that this is the year the books really make the rounds of at least three kids before getting forgotten on a bookshelf. I didn't purchase many new books this year, but everything that came back from last summer and a few new ones are rapidly being snapped up by eager readers. I recently read one that I really liked - Book 1 in a new series called The Books of Elsewhere: The Shadows by Jacqueline West. I actually liked this one enough to finish it. That's saying something for someone trying to recommend more books than I can possibly finish before school gets out next week. Its a little scary, but at least the main character starts and finishes with both of her parents - that's not a given in a kids book. Talking cats, pictures you can crawl into, what's not to like. I'll try to post as I tackle more books, but this summer I'm actually trying to read some grownup books. I'm currently working on Cutting for Stone and really enjoying it.

Spring cleaning reminder

Hi all- There are still a few books out from the summer reading program that never came back. They should all have little Ollie Otters on the spine to help you find them quickly. If you happen to run across one - there is no shame in returning it late. I will be the last person to criticize a late return (my record of library fines is testament to that). It would be nice to have all the books back so that they can be shared as I get ready to send out books for summer 2010. Don't worry. There will be other reminders.

This is what I imagine your summer reading photos could look like, but be creative.  I rather enjoyed The Calder Game.  Now I'm hunting for a new book.....  Just back from awesome Plumas county camping adventure.

Photos

Quick note about an idea I had this weekend while camping at the beach.  If you think about it this summer, please try to take a picture of your summer reading that captures either the place you're reading it or the reader enjoying it.  I have one I'll be posting as soon as I download it from my camera to spark your creative ideas.  I may be asking for those pics when we return to school to post to a bulletin board somewhere.   

Looking For Book

Hi, We are looking for the book called, "The Name of this Book is Called Secret." If you are finished with it, please let us know. We have the book called, "The True Meaning of Smekday." We are ready to trade. Madison

The Lightning Thief

This book came back to me today.  It desperately needs a reader before you all leave for summer vacation.  If you know someone who couldn't make the meeting and still wants a book, send them my way.

Ms. Cebrian

Who has your new favorite book ever??

I have attached (to the best of my ability) what I hope to be an easy way of tracking down someone you want to share a book with.  In about two weeks, I'll be taking those names off the book list so that you aren't barraged with phone calls about borrowing a book you've already sent on its merry way.  I've heard good feedback so far.  Its such a nice feeling to match books with readers.   The next item on my agenda is to add email addresses to the list of allowed posters.  This will enable you or your kids to post to the blog about the books they've read or want to read.

The books are out there....

Thanks to everyone who was able to make the meeting on Monday morning.  Its great to see so many interested parents.  I'm excited for all the great summer reading I know your kids will be doing.  Hopefully tomorrow, I will post the list of who has which book.  In my annual effort to improve the program, I'm hoping this will aid the first round of sharing.  

I've just received word that one book has been finished and "Roxie and the Hooligans" is on its way to a handpicked friend.  Ahhh....the sweet sound of success.   

Looking forward to seeing your opinions about the books that went home.

The list is growing

I've picked up bunches of books to add to the list.  There are a few I'm still pre-reading to make sure I'm okay with the content.  I think I said it last year, but it always bears repeating:  I haven't read front to back many of the books on the list.  I read a few chapters, trust some good sources for recommendations, and rely on you to help your kiddos navigate occasionally difficult topics.  There is a benefit to the challenges faced by storybook characters - your kids can experience them vicariously and thus painlessly.  I don't think anyone was permanently marred by Where the Red Fern Grows, though I cried buckets every time I read it.  More on this later.

Marketing plug for my talented sister in law

One more thing...Anyone interested in baby shower gifts or just looking for something different for the bedtime routine should check this out.  CD's are $10 if ordered through the blog.  My sister-in-law is the artist and the music is lovely.  My daughter loves it.

http://lullabyisland.blogspot.com/