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/

Get ready for summer reading 2009

Finally the warmer weather is here to remind us that summer is on the way.  I have some great new books to send home this year.  I chose several that are the beginning of a series, and some just plain good ones.  I will be updating the list next week.  There is a meeting on Monday, June 1 in the library at 9:00.  Between now and then, the books will be busy doing promotional tours to your child(ren)'s classroom.  Last year's books - minus the few that never made it back to my room - will be going out again this summer.  Turns out, they're still great books even if they aren't brand new.  Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting.  Happy summer reading.

Time to finish your summer reading

Hi everyone--

Thanks so much for helping make this summer's book sharing program so successful.  I'm motivated enough to do it again next summer.  I've gotten lots of books back, but sent so many out there that there are still many unreturned.  If you have any of these books (with the Read It, Rate It, Pass It On sticker inside the front cover) please bring them to Room 4:  Babymouse: Puppy Love, The Calder Game, Clementine, Horace Splattly, How to Save Your Tail, Invention of Hugo Cabret, Ivy & Bean, Legend of Captain Crow's Teeth, The Lemonade War, Max and Maddy and the Chocolate Money Mystery, Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little, My Dad's a Birdman, Phineas L. MacGuire...Erupts, Roxie and the Hooligans, Secrets of Dripping Fang, The Talented Clementine, The Cat on the Mat is Flat, Time Surfers, The Twenty-One Balloons, Varmints, The Willoughby's, The World According To Humphrey, You're a Bad Man, Mr. Gum.

Thanks again for your time, energy, and love for books.  

Rumor

So, I heard a rumor that "The Lightning Thief", book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series is available for an avid chapter book reader.  I'm not promising anything - its just a rumor at this point, but if anyone were interested in reading the first book in this very popular new series, I'd certainly be willing to look into the rumor.  Also, over shopping carts in Safeway last week I learned that "The Mysterious Benedict Society" might also be available.  If either of these titles interests you, please post something or email me.  I'll see what I can work out for you.  Happy reading.  Ms. Cebrian.

Jake Drake: Know-It-All

Tommy (going into 2nd grade) just finished this cute story -- we're ready to trade if someone is interested. It's about a 10 year old boy competing in a school science fair. Tommy thought it was pretty entertaining, he gave it 4 stars. Emily (Tommy's twin) wasn't interested at all, so the appeal seems to be male oriented.

Did Fleming Rescue Churchill?

Great shared read and good springboard for discussing how to search and use information found on the web. Paul (1st grade) did not enjoy this as an independent read but did enjoy it as a shared read. We did go to the web and look up information about Fleming and Churchill which was fun and interesting. 3rd graders have autobiographies. This book would be excellent to read before they start gathering their own research on the web. Sarah

Happy readers

I'm back from a long vacation. I did manage to check email and the blog occasionally, but without my own computer, it was somewhat sporadic. I did manage to read - and finish - "The Book of Story Beginnings". I really enjoyed it. Some thoughtful concepts about the life your story characters led before you wrote them into your story and the life they will lead after your story is over. Its a great adventure/mystery/magic book. I have to print a sticker for the inside, but its otherwise available for anyone to read. Let me know if you're interested and we can arrange a meeting. I'm curious to know where the books are - but I could probably live until school started again before finding out. I hope everyone is getting a chance to read a couple of really really great books this summer. I'm currently reading "Tale of Despereaux" because I saw a movie preview for it and thought I should get it read before that came out. I'd also like to finish "The Calder Game" but I can wait until the books come back for that. Keep up the reading.

Time Surfers Available

I am done time surfers. If Ivy and Bean is available I am ready for it.

Lemonade War Available

4 stars per Grayson. He deducted a star for "inappropriate words like stupid."

The Calder Game

Per Grayson, "In this book, Calder Pillay vanishes and his whereabouts are a mystery. Anybody will like this- 5 stars."

Lemonade War available

Hi Everyone,

Ethan is done reading the Lemonade War.  Does anyone want to swap?

Monica