I changed the name for my “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” posts to “My Reading Week.”
This week, I posted:
–Looking Forward to 2018
–Nonfiction Picture Book Challenge Wednesday
–Commitment to Literacy: Picture Book It
–January’s Picture Book of the Month– Discover what my first pick is!
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
My first read of 2018 and, if this was any indicator of how my reading will be like for the rest of the year, then I’m expecting lots of great surprises in store!
I’d been wanting to read this picture book since it came in the store but it was only after seeing other bloggers rave about it that I decided to pick it up. A great story about one friendship seen from two perspectives- the girl’s and the turtle’s. I was pleasantly surprised by how the story turned out and loved the very expressive illustrations. I can’t wait to share this with other readers!
More kidlit reviews: https://thechroniclesofachildrensbook…
Grandfather Tang’s Story by Ann Tompert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I can’t believe I hadn’t read this book before considering I love tangrams and other puzzles. (In fact, I’m sure this was a reread and I had just forgotten to include it on my blog and Goodreads feed.)
A grandfather and his granddaughter spend an afternoon playing tangrams and he uses the pieces to tell a story about a couple of playful fox-fairies who shapeshift into different creatures (with corresponding tangram set-up.) But it’s not all fun and games when the foxes encounter an unexpected danger.
The Day I Became a Bird by Ingrid Chabbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I’d been meaning to read this picture book for awhile now but I thought it was going to be super weird for some reason. But, I’m kicking myself for thinking that since this is one of the sweetest love stories I’ve read recently.
Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bravo! What a great celebratory book about something most people probably experience (even if it’s just a typical haircut) and yet not really written about that often- and definitely not in this way! I love the note from the author at the end. It got me thinking about how barbershops are kind of like community centers and a lot can be accomplished in them.
As a writer, it was a great reminder that sometimes it’s in the mundane things that we find something worth sharing.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As someone who loves lists, resolutions, goal-planning, and bullet journaling, this was something I’ve heard of a lot and familiar with what it was about even without having read the book. I listened to the abridged audio book which provided the gist of it- and pretty well, too!- so I can’t imagine anyone wanting to spend more than the almost three-hours this version provided. This would be good as the occasional reread (or re-listen) to help you feel energized about being productive again.
Review Notes
***= Recommended
****= Highly Recommended
*****= Favorite
You can view all the books I’ve read at my Goodreads page.
If you’re on Twitter, don’t forget to use the hashtag #IMWAYR when sharing your link!
— — — — — — — THANK YOU FOR READING! — — — — — — —
— — — — — — — HAPPY READING! — — — — — — —
The Chronicles Of A Children's Book Writer - Earl Dizon 
I really love Crown but haven’t figured out how best to share it yet. It’s one that will be in my January read aloud pile for sure!
I agree. The aday I Became a Bird is delightfully weird and wonderful.
I have to get to Alfie and Crown. Walter Dean Myres rights often has barbershops as being the centre of community where older men enter and support younger ones
Our libraries still don’t have Alfie and Crown – hopefully in the coming months! Happy New Year, Earl!
All of these are on my list, just need to get to them. That organization book is appealing, but I don’t have time. I will note it, though. Thanks, Earl!