All posts by tpretz

I am the elementary librarian at The American School in Japan.

Best Books of the Year 2013

book-wrap-two

What better gift to give than one that can be shared again and again?  If you’re looking for a great book for your child to read this winter break, I highly recommend the books on the lists below.

Guide Book to Gift Books (2013 update)

This is a 27 page annotated listing of books that would make great gifts for children of all ages and is issued by the highly reputable Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books.

2013 Books Buying Guide (Reading Rockets)

Lots of things go away quickly. But stories and books have sticking power and can be shared time and time again. Try a new story, revisit an old favorite. How about a story of fact or perhaps a fantasy? Stories can be read alone, together, aloud or quietly. Pick up a book for yourself and your favorite child this season.

ALA Notable Children’s Books 2013– nominees

ALSC Best Graphic Novels

ALSC – 2013 Notable Children’s Books

Amazon Best Books of the Year (Board Books)

Amazon Best Books of the Year (Children’s Picture Books)

Amazon Best Books of the Year (Chapter Books Ages 6-8)

Amazon Best Books of the Year (Fiction Ages 9-12)

Goodreads (picture books)

Goodreads (middle grade & children’s)

Kirkus Best Children’s Books of 2013

NPR’s Best Children’s Books of 2013

NY Times Notable Children’s Books of 2013

NY Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year

Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Books (Picture Books)

Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Books (Fiction Books)

Publisher’s Weekly Best Children’s Books (Nonfiction Books)

SB & F – Excellence in Science Books

School Library Journal – Best Picture Books

School Library Journal – Best Children’s Fiction

School Library Journal – Best Children’s Nonfiction

Society of Illustrator’s Best Books of the Year

"Reading in the Wild"

I am a big fan of Donalynn Miller.  Her book,  The Book Whisper, was not only inspiring, but affirmed my beliefs about independent reading when it came out a few years ago.

Donalynn Miller

From the Publisher: Reading in the Wild explores whether or not we are truly instilling lifelong reading habits in our students and provides practical strategies for teaching “wild” reading. Based on survey responses from over 900 adult readers and classroom feedback, Reading in the Wild offers solid advice and strategies on how to develop, encourage and assess key lifelong reading habits, including dedicating time for reading, planning for future reading, and defining oneself as a reader.

jim trelease

Another NEW professional book that might be of interest to you is Jim Trelease’s, The Read Aloud Handbook, seventh edition.  If you’re like me, his previous editions have been your read aloud “Bible” and go to book.

From the Publisher:  This updated edition of The Read-Aloud Handbook discusses the benefits, the rewards, and the importance of reading aloud to children of a new generation. Supported by delightful anecdotes as well as the latest research (including the good and bad news on digital learning).

NEW Wordless Picture Books

Some incredible wordless picture books have been published this year. These books can be used to support literacy in a variety of ways.

Supporting Emergent & Beginning Readers

While “reading” a wordless picture book children practice literal and inferential messages, evaluate a character’s actions, understand the interrelationship of concepts presented and increase vocabulary.

Develop Story Lines

Wordless picture books or Stories without Words can be used to help children who struggle with story ideas and topics for writing.  Children can be encouraged to create story lines orally and in writing.  Instructional strategies could include:  dialogue, setting development, character descriptions, sequencing of events, and story development.

Here are a few of my NEW favorites:

mr. wufflestortoise and the hareflora flamingojourney.wordlessdaisy gets lost

bluebird

For more information about using, exploring and enjoying wordless picture books go to:  My Little Bookcase

 

Summer Reading – Books with a Sense of Humor

There’s no better way to kick off the summer than by reading a humorous book. Dr. Seuss might have said it best when he said, “I like nonsense. It wakes up the brain cells.” So, this summer keep on reading and keep those brain cells active!

PICTURE BOOKS WITH A KICK

FUNNY TRANSITIONAL TITLES (beginning chapter books)

MIDDLE-GRADE MALARKEY

NONFICTION THAT WILL MAKE YOU GIGGLE

Source:  http://www.slj.com/2013/05/books-media/collection-development/focus-on-collection-development/humor-that-is-seriousl-funny-focus-on/