Children's Books

Greedy Apostrophe: A Cautionary Tale

By Jan Carr and illustrated by Ethan Long

Picture books about conventions are popping out all over. This new one by Carr and Long is a welcome addition to the collection since most students, regardless of age, have trouble with apostrophes. Emphasizing the use of apostrophes to show possessive not plural, readers will appreciate the humor that the author and illustrator bring to the reading. And at the end? A nice summary of rules for using apostrophes.

Picture Book

 

Scaredy Squirrel

By Melanie Watt
This little find is a true treasure for teachers and students looking for inspiration on procedural writing. Scaredy Squirrel makes lists, creates charts, organizes an emergency kit, keeps a calendar and schedule and a variety of other writing tasks. It’s funny, smart, and even has a sequel: Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend. My thanks to the teacher in Toronto, who is as addicted to picture books as I am, and who scoured the exhibit hall floor to find this book and give it to me. So sweet – and so very much appreciated.

Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life

Edited by Barnaby Conrad and Monte Shultz

All the cartoons that deal with writing and Snoopy's journey to write his "Dark and Stormy Night" novel are here in this one volume. More than classic cartoons, however, you'll find fascinating insights about the writing life by contemporary writers, too. I particularly enjoyed Elmore Leonard's piece. This is the perfect book to spice up a workshop or to give to a writing teacher friend. It's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud – especially if you've ever tried to get something published. The interchanges with the editor and publisher are hilarious, and oh so true!

Children's Pick

Criss Cross

By Lynne Rae Perkins

The 2006 Newbery pick has people buzzing. Some love it and others really don't get it at all. I am in the first camp. I liked that pacing of the piece, the back and forth organizational structure that explores the thinking of the characters, and most of all I connected with the voice of this fine text. The characters seemed so genuine to me, so honest, and understated that I believed them.