MotherReader

When we go out to elementary schools to talk about the summer reading program, I share three or four books per class. Now that's assuming I am working with a partner who is booktalking the same amount of titles, and leaving time in our presentation to talk about the program in general and take questions. ("And remember first graders, a question is something that needs an answer.") I mix up the type of booktalking I do, but I always have a few picture books for the younger grades that I just read. No props. No fancy intro. In keeping with my booktalking series, these are the three books I just read aloud.

Pirate vs. Pirate
by Mary Quattlebaum, illustrated by Alexandra Bioger
Hyperion Books, 2011
Why do anything else but add a pirate accent and read: "Bad Bart was the biggest, burliest pirate this side of the Atlantic. But he wanted to be the biggest, burliest pirate in the world. And the richest. So one day he roared, 'Hoist anchor, me hearties. Raise high the flag. We sail till I be the best.'" Believe me, you get one attentive group of children with a start like that.

Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Balzar & Bray, 2012
This is not my regular kind of read aloud book, which tends to have bright colors, funny bits and a chance to do voice acting. But I like having a quieter choice for pacing - especially bringing back a boisterous crowd to listen again. This title starts gentle with, "On a cold afternoon, in a cold little town, where everywhere you looked was either the white of the snow or the black of soot from chimneys, Anabelle found a box filled with yarn of every color." Sometimes when waiting for all the classes to arrive I'll read an 'extra' book. Now doesn't Extra Yarn seem perfect?

Pest in Show: The Buzz of Broadway!
by Victoria Jamieson
Dial Books for Young Readers, 2013
One of very few books I'm using not from our "official" Summer Reading Program list - the one I helped create, btw - I couldn't resist bringing a Broadway themed book along. There is even singing, and boy do I love books that let me sing. It's hard to beat a start like this: "Ladybug was born to be a star. Her kid brother, Fly, was born to be a pest!"