A few of my favorite books!

OK, I did it. I made the list. I'm often asked for book recommendation lists for students. Since I find my recommendations need to be tailored to each student's interests, age and reading level, I redirect parents to the King County Library System. KCLS has loads of lists- recommendations by award winners, genres, and grade levels. Here is my list. My ten most favorite books in the Bennett Library. These are the books I've made my husband and mother read, the books I've read at the dinner table, or the books I've woken up my son on a weekend morning, saying, "You will love this book." In order of difficulty level, (drum roll please....)
1. Harold and the Purple Crayon, 2. Skippyjon Jones, 3. Traction Man, 4. Cowboy and Octopus, 5. Clementine, 6. The Word Eater, 7. Diamond Willow, 8. Love that Dog, 9. Petey. I know that's only nine. I realize that there are no non-fiction books on the list and cannot think of my one and only favorite. So in spot 10 on the list, I'm going with any book written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins. (I've added all these books to my book shelf, so click there for author and cover information.)


Try making your own list, it's hard. Try making a list that's balanced by genre, boys, girls, ethnicities, and reading levels; it's almost impossible. Reading my recommendations is just a start. Oh, and there are over 100 new books available for check out in the Bennett Library. Come make yourself a library account and discover books to add to your list!

Kindergartners learn about David Shannon

While learning about the author David Shannon and where his books are located in the library (The Everybody Section). Students have read along with No David! and Good Boy Fergus. They've watched a film of David Shannon reading his book Too Many Toys and teaching them to draw David.  The kids begged me to read The Bad Case of Stripes. I think this book would be better understood if students could ask clarification whenever the text gets complicated. You can enjoy the book being read online by the actor Sean Astin (Sam from Lord of the Rings) at this fabulous website- Storyline Online.