Just a note...

I've now posted 101 book titles, though I do not have 101 posts due to a couple of my posts containing information about a series. I haven't yet decided what I'm going to do with this blog from here on out. It will probably remain dormant for awhile as our lives have done the seemingly impossible and have grown to be even crazier than they were a year ago.

Whether or not I pick up posting about books again soon or in the much later future, I am going to continue to challenge myself to read 100 books every year. It is my hope to begin having my kids set their own goals for how many books they want to read each year when they get old enough to read on their own. Hopefully, the Vanderwall household will be filled with some great book talks for many years to come! If you've kept up with my blog, thank you, and I hope you found it to be meaningful and/or informative, at least a time or two.

If You Give a ______ a __________ Series (6 books)

If you Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff

These books are so popular, most people have heard of them, if not read them for themselves. We own 6 of them (which actually puts me at 101 books :)): If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, If You Give a Pig a Pancake, If You Give a Pig a Party, If You Take a Mouse to the Movies, If You Give a Moose a Muffin, and, my personal favorite, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake. There are more of these books, but I'm only listing the titles I've recently read.

The books are very simple and cute. They are easy for young readers to follow and a wonderful way to teach prediction in the classroom. They would also be a great way to teach beginning, middle, and end to young readers. All of the plots are straightforward, relate-able, and funny. Kids seem to eat these up!

Veggie Tales Series (4 titles)

Bob and Larry's ABC's by Phil Vischer

Noah has 4 different educational Veggie Tales books: ABC's, colors, opposites, and numbers. These short little reads are especially fun for kids who watch Veggie Tales and who know the characters. This is one of Noah's favorite ways to review all the aforementioned topics. He even pulls that out and "reads" them to himself every once in awhile. They are very small and lightweight, easy to take on the go.

Bedtime Stories Collection Book

I'm not listing a specific title here, but just giving a suggestion. Noah has a bedtime stories collection book that contains 16 titles, all classics. This book is really nice to have on hand for travelling - you can pack one book, but you don't have to endure the same bedtime story every night that you're away from home. Well, that is if you can talk your toddler into reading more than one of the stories which can be extremely different to do. I've learned this the hard way. Even though there are 16 titles in the book Noah has he won't let me read past the first 2: Goldilocks and the 3 Bears and Hansel and Gretel. And, if I'm being honest, I've only got to read Hansel and Gretel because I've forced my will upon him a time or two. I'm hoping that we'll eventually get through all the stories because there really are some in there that I'm aching to read!

Dream Big, Little Pig

Dream Big, Little Pig by Kristi Yamaguchi

This is a really fun book to read aloud to your kids because it is written by an Olympian ice-skater: Kristi Yamaguchi. Some kids haven't heard of her, but when you tell them who she is and that she wrote the book they get extremely excited.

You get the impression that this little pig tells the true story of Kristi Yamaguchi and some of what she went through to get where she did with ice skating. It is a heart-warming story about never giving up and learning to lean on those you love the most.

13 Little Blue Envelopes

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

Virginia "Ginny" is a 17 year old from New York who has a crazy artist aunt. This aunt left to travel overseas with not so much as a goodbye and this upset Ginny a lot! They were so close. In the first few pages of the book you discover that Ginny's aunt has passed away from cancer, which makes a package arriving from her quite mysterious. Within the package are 13 little blue envelopes. Ginny quickly discovers she is about to go on the scavenger hunt of a lifetime and she's been given some money and very specific directions by her aunt. She isn't sure what the purpose is, but she loved her aunt and is ready to take this adventure on, no matter what she may encounter. 

This book was a really easy read. It is 300+ pages, but it is a bit of a page turner and it uses language that is very easily understood. Even though this book is YA (17 year old protagonist, parents who are only mentioned a couple times who probably think they're the greatest parents of all time, but who obviously don't have much a of relationship with their daughter, romance, no time wasted getting to the plot) I would recommend this for middle grade readers as well - the content is very mild. I think that anywhere from 6th grade - 12th grade students would relate to this book and enjoy it. I would think it would particularly suit female readers as the protagonist is a female and it involves her crush - it is kind of like a "chick flick," but in book version.

There are a few content things to note, but I didn't find anything offensive about this book and, as I mentioned before, I wouldn't have a problem handing this to a middle school student. There is some profanity, but it is incredibly rare and very mild. Ginny meets a family overseas that she travels with for a few days. She learns that their daughter is a lesbian, but hearing the daughter say so is as far as that content goes. One of Ginny's other newly-made friends goes skinny dipping, but it isn't described in a graphic way. Ginny does have one Italian guy make try to make sexual advances, but he doesn't get very far. She also kisses her English crush a time or two. This crush does reveal a past of drugs and jail, he's turned his life around though.

The book is broken down in sections like chapters, but in between these chapters are the letters from Ginny's aunt. It makes you want to keep reading because you're always wondering what the next letter is going to say and what new destination Ginny is going to be whisked away to. Also, at the back of the book there is a section called "Extras." Inside these few pages you get to meet the author (Maureen Johnson), hear what she has to say about herself and the writing of this book, and read an interview with Ginny's English crush. 

Yet again, (I feel like I've said this in most of my posts, but it has been true a lot), this book would make a good read aloud. It would easily capture and hold the attention of students. I could also see it being used in a social studies class or even a geography class during a unit on different cultures or different countries - Ginny experiences a lot of these along the way. The author leaves the book a bit open-ended so students in an English class could be assigned the task of writing the end of this novel.

Keeping the Moon

Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen

This Contemporary Realistic Fiction book is about 15 year old girl, Colie (short for Nicole), who is sent to live with her aunt for the summer while her mom is overseas for work. Colie has had more than her fair share of struggles in life. She was raised by a single parent, both her and her mom were obese until her mom got a job at a gym and became famous for her classes and infomercials, and product line, etc. Colie's never had any real friends and she's been made fun of at every school she's ever attended (which has been a lot because before becoming skinny, rich, and famous, Colie's mom would move her around from state to state to try and escape their problems of no money, no friends, and obesity). During Colie's stay with her aunt she learns a lot about herself, makes some friends, and begins to transform her life. She realizes she was always capable of being a likable, fun girl and that she needed to have some confidence in herself in order for others to see that as well.


Novel is the style of this book. There aren't any abnormal formatting choices to note. It is written in first person all the way through. In the very front of the book there is a printed excerpt taken from the book. It doesn't have a heading or anything so I thought I might be reading an excerpt from one of Sarah Dessen's other books, but I found out I was wrong. The back of the book does give a preview of one of her books that came out after Keeping the Moon.

Classroom applications for this book could take a few different forms. It could certainly be used during an anti-bullying campaign, even just as a book in a literature circle. I think it could really encourage some kids who feel that they don't have friends and maybe don't have a lot of support at home. It could be used in a unit on friendship as well. 

Big Chickens Go to Town

Big Chickens Go to Town by Leslie Helakoski

This book is very similar to Big Chickens (see my previous post) only it is placed in a different setting. It is just as hilarious and clever. Still a must-read!

Big Chickens

Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski

One of my college professors read this book aloud in one of my classes. I don't know if it was the way she read it that made me love this book so much or if the story line is just that funny, but it has been one of my favorites for several years.

Four chickens are on a journey and at every point along the way they continuously realize what chickens they are - everything scares them! Alas! How easily they forget this. As soon as they "conquer" a fear they are on cloud 9, thinking they are the biggest, baddest chickens around, until they happen into the next "scary" circumstance.

The dialogue between the chickens is what makes this book. Such clever writing! You really need to read this one!

Dog Heaven

Dog Heaven by Cynthia Rylant

If I'm being honest, this is one of those books that makes me extra thankful for the library. We checked it out, brought it home, and only read it once in the 3 weeks we had it because neither Noah or I really liked it.

Overall, I found the tone of the book to be too sad. That being said, it might be just the thing that a pet lover would need after losing a beloved friend. It suggests that dogs get to experience many wonderful things and places in "dog heaven" where they are very happy after they leave us. Kind of strange in my mind, but I know some people use similar explanations for the children if their family pet dies.

I won't recommend this one, but if you'd like to try it out, be my guest.

Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest

Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest by Dan Farr

This is another yard sale find of ours. When I was little my mom always had this special basket of books that she would only pull out around Christmas time; books that contained, in one form or another, the story of Christmas. I've been working to establish this same sort of collection for my own kids and when I happened along this one, I knew I had to have it.

Mr. Finnegan's Giving Chest does, lightly, parallel the Gospel Christmas story. It teaches selflessness, giving, and tender care for others who don't have much of anything or anyone in their lives. It is a touching story of a couple of kids who are taught by Mr. Finnegan (Dick VanDyke) how to think of others before yourself and how to give with all you've got. It is a beautiful book with gorgeous pictures and a wonderful story line to match.

Geraldine's Baby Brother

Geraldine's Baby Brother by Holly Keller

Similar to Arthur's Baby this book is a great read for a family who has welcomed a new baby into their home. While Arthur's Baby is something I might read to kids who have an expectant Mommy, Geraldine's Baby Brother is something I'd read to kids who have recently had a baby brother or sister brought into their home.

Geraldine really can't stand her baby brother. After all, he is constantly whining and stealing the attention of every adult in her life. Her routine and home seem ruined and she's sick of it. Until, one night, she begins to form her own little relationship with her little brother and begins to realize he isn't so bad after all.

Spike the Mixed-up Monster

Spike the Mixed-up Monster by Susan Hood

Spike has made up his mind that he is a ferocious monster and he expects all those around him to quake in their boots upon the sight of him. So, you can imagine his frustration when all the other animals call him "cute." He begins to feel a little confused and isn't sure where his true identity lies. Eventually, he gets it figured out and finds himself to be completely content with his reality.

This fun read introduces some exotic characters (for which there is a glossary) as well as a few Spanish terms. Partly educational, partly just plain fun. Kids will get a kick out of this one!

Arthur's Underwear

Arthur's Underwear by Marc Brown

Noah doesn't love this one quite as much as Arthur's Baby, but it really does come in as a close second. Arthur's worst nightmare comes true - his pants rip at school and some of the kids see a bit of his underwear. He doesn't know how to handle the situation, but decides it is probably best to tell his parents that they need to move so he can switch schools.

We've all been there, especially as kids. That moment of total embarrassment when your only thought is wishing for the floor to magically open up and to swallow you. This story shows that embarrassing things happen to everyone and that eventually, people will forgot about it and you'll feel better.

Arthur's Baby

Arthur's Baby by Marc Brown

Noah has fallen in love with Arthur books, which is kind of interesting considering he doesn't watch the show. This summer we found several Arthur books at yard sales and used book stores, which made him very happy.

This book would be a perfect read for someone like us - a family who is getting ready to welcome a new baby into their home. Arthur learns what it means to be a big brother to a little baby and he learns how to jump in and help his mom when she's first home from the hospital. It covers an array of emotions from dread to excitement and explores the transition a child can expect to face with a new baby on the way.

Noah loves this book and for good reason!

Ballyhoo Bay

Ballyhoo Bay by Judy Sierra

This is one of my favorite classroom reads every year. This book teaches a great lesson about being environmentally conscious without going over board and being too "love the earth-y," if you know what I mean.

Mira Bella, an artist, and all her animal friends work hard to save the beach at Ballyhoo Bay when they learn that some builders intend to plop an apartment complex right there on the sand. The persuasion they have with the city council is shown tastefully and respectfully. The vibrant pictures and the rhyming story line make for an enthralling, irresistible read.

The Block Mess Monster

The Block Mess Monster by Betsy Howie

No, that's not a typo and yes, it is an intentional play on words - more of those can be found within the pages of this cute read. The little girl in this book really hates to pick up her toys and she feels that her mom just doesn't understand and that she's always ruining her creations. In the end, the mom wins, just as it should be in real life.

This book is full of imagination and leaves some guess work for older readers. It teaches the lessons of both obedience and compromise.

Snippet

Snippet by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

This is another fun library find. Snippet is an adorable little snail who happens to be quite opposite of all the other snails in his family; he's an early riser, and they are all night owls, or maybe I should say night snails ;) He works so hard every day to wake them up because he really wants them to play with him. By the time he rouses them he begins to feel sleepy and soon finds himself in bed. It's a viscous cycle, really.

The bright pictures and cute little animals found in the book are sure to be a hit with toddlers!

ABCer's

Ok, I apologize. This book (ABCer's) was a library book that I returned several weeks ago and I haven't been successful in finding a picture of the cover or the author online. However, I still wanted to post it because it is the book that taught Noah his ABC's. We have several books that teach the ABC's and I even created a game for him to do the same thing. He also has a couple of foam puzzles that contain the alphabet, but, for whatever reason, this is the book that did it for him.

If you're looking to work on the alphabet with your child, whether it be to begin to teach them, or to strengthen their current knowledge, I'd look for this book. It is really simple, really straightforward, and only takes a couple minutes to read. We read it every night before bed time for about 2 weeks and he had his alphabet down. Again, I apologize for the lack of information I'm providing you with, but maybe your local librarian can help.

Saggy Baggy Elephant

The Saggy Baggy Elephant by Gustaf Tenggren

I remember reading this book at my Great Grandma's house when I was a little girl. Someone at our church had cleaned out a bookshelf and was going to throw away a pile of books and I found this in it. I decided to bring it home for Noah and hoped he'd like it as much as I did. Turns out, he does.

This cute, short little story teaches kids that it is okay to be different, especially when being different means being yourself. It also preaches a message of anti-bullying. It is a quick, easy read, ideal for a bedtime story. Something most little ones will certainly enjoy.

Mary Poppins

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers

Ok, so I have to admit that a movie sucked me into a book. It isn't often that this happens. In fact, it is usually the other way around - I read a book, like it, and sometimes opt to see the movie when it comes out, which typically ends in grave disappointment. This time, however, was so different.

If you have not yet watched Saving Mr. Banks (the movie that tells the story of the making of the Mary Poppins movie) you must change that at your earliest convenience! It is a must-see! I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I LOVED it. After watching the movie I realized that while I loved the Mary Poppins movie as a kid, I did not recall ever reading the book. I thought that needed to change. Immediately. I quickly ordered the book on Amazon and spent the next few weeks reading it (it could be read in one sitting, but I couldn't find the time).

As enthralled as I was with Saving Mr. Banks and Mary Poppins, the movie, I was equally disappointed with the book. Perhaps, if I'd read the book first it would be the other way around, but somehow I doubt it. The Mary Poppins that is portrayed in the book is a lot harsher and less likable than I ever remember her being in the movie. There are also some parts of the book that really make you feel like you've entered the twilight zone...just plain weird. Now, I know that P.L. Travers was a bit of a character herself and that this book contains some pieces of truth from her own story, but I just didn't love it.

All in all, I still think everyone should read this book at some point in their lives and I think that every person who doesn't see Saving Mr. Banks is committing an unforgivable sin.