What Wyatt's Reading

It's been so long since I have done of these posts! There is no way I would be able to post everything we have read so I am going to share just some of our recent highlights from May.

No, No, Gnome! by Ashlyn Anstee: This book was so cute and Wyatt just cracked up while I was reading it to him. Like really really laughed. Lol.

Hector and Hummingbird by Nicholas John Frith: I loved this book - just the colors alone were amazing.

 Verdi by Janell Cannon: I had read Stella Luna before but never Verdi. I enjoyed this book about growing up and this book made me realize Wyatt is really listening to me when I read to him, because when I read a part about Verdi biting a fish on the nose, Wyatt turned around to show me his nose. It was cute. I love that kid. Lol.

The Umbrella by Jan Brett: One of Wyatt's grandmothers went to Costa Rica for two weeks so we checked this book out to read about the types of animals she might see. We will find out soon if she saw any of these guys! I love Jan Brett.

 If I had a Gryphon by Vikki Vansickle: LOVED this book!!! So fun and imaginative.

  

If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur by Linda Bailey and Colin Jack: Much in the vein of If You Had a Gryphon, but with dinosaurs. I loved it but then I love dinosaurs. Wyatt seemed to enjoy the illustrations.

Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner: A very quiet, gentle book. Wyatt and I read it in the evening after his bath. It was the perfect time to read although before an afternoon nap would work too.

What Wyatt's Reading- February Edition

Wyatt and I have just been reading through this cold month! There are so many holidays in February that we were not able to cover them all - a goal for next year! After Groundhog Day, we moved on to President's Day, Black History Month, and of course Valentine's Day - next year we will definitely be adding Chinese New Year and Mardi Gras, if it is in February again.

Speaking of Mardi Gras, Detroit has its own Fat Tuesday tradition - Paczki Day! This is traditionally a Polish celebration and we have a large population of people of Polish descent in our area of Michigan. Naturally, a holiday as delicious as Paczki Day is enjoyed by everyone - everyone is Polish on Paczki Day! A paczki is similar to a jelly donut, and come in many flavors: custard, lemon (my favorite), raspberry, chocolate, strawberry, and prune are top choices. Yes, prune. Lol. I bought Billy and I each a paczki, and also, one for Wyatt. He only got a little taste, but his tiny taste buds were blown.away.

 

Anyway back to the books!

This is what we have finished:

 Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith: I'm not sure what I thought of this book. It was kind of weird. I did learn that Ronald Reagan's dog would drive everyone crazy by barking at the Lincoln bedroom door all day...

The Ballad of Valentine by Alison Jackson: I loved this book, and so did Wyatt. You can sing it to the tune of Clementine, and I dare you not to. You just can't help yourself! It is designed to be sung and it is very well done. Wyatt loved it - he loves all things music.

John, Paul, George and Ben by Lane Smith: I liked this book much better than the Lincoln book. It was pretty cute, and would be a good way to introduce history to kids.

Llama Llama I love you by Anna Dewdney: Super adorable board book. Short and sweet and good for gnawing on as well. I am sure it comes in a less durable format as well for those children who have moved beyond eating their reading material.

Madam President by Lane Smith: LOVED this one! It mixes fact with fiction in a good way, through the imagination of a little girl who dreams of being President one day. 

Porcupining: A Prickly Love Story by Lisa Wheeler: Not technically a Valentines Day book, but this is an old favorite. This poor porcupine is just looking for love in all the wrong places - until he finally meets his prickly match! Lisa Wheeler is also a local author, and I love that too. 

A Boy and a Jaguar: I picked this one up because I loved the cover, but what was between the pages was a much more beautiful story. A little boy who stutters makes a promise that if he ever finds his voice, he will speak for those who can't speak for themselves - animals. This book is wonderful and I think it is a story for all ages to enjoy, honestly. It's a true story, as well. I teared up a little, just an FYI.

Still to Read:

We are working on these this week!

What Wyatt's Reading: Fall/Thanksgiving Edition, Part 1!

This month I am still reading autumn and Thanksgiving themed books to the kiddo, with a few extraneous books thrown in for fun. I mean, when you are shopping the library shelves, the books just beckon like jewels sometimes, am I right?

Thanksgiving in the White House by Gary Hines: This book was a lot to read but fascinating! I am not sure how much a small toddler would enjoy it, but maybe an older kid would. Briefly mentions the possible execution of a Civil War soldier so if that sort of thing bothers you, stay away from this book. I really enjoyed this book! 

The Busy Little Squirrel by Nancy Tafuri: Wyatt loved this one - it had huge illustrations and quick little sentences. Fun, simple read for a child, or for a read aloud. 

The Squirrels' Thanksgiving by Steven Kroll: This was a bit longer picture book as well. It was a little dry, but had a good message overall, to be kind  and thankful for other people, especially the ones we love.

What is Punk by Eric Morse:  My husband found this one but we both loved it! We are adding it to Wyatt's permanent library - if you grew up listening to punk or still listen, you will like this book too. It mentions all the big names, including Iggy Pop and Detroit. 

Little Owl's Night by Divya Srinivasan: Probably got the biggest reaction from Wyatt out of them all. He squealed, smacked the pages, scratched them (didn't damage them) - I would say this book was a success. Another book we are adding to our own library. I love to read owl books in November - this is when all the owl prowls start! We are going  to one in December (without Wyatt) - be on the lookout for my recap of that night.