Hey everyone.
I know, I’m slacking on the reading roundup.
I’m not sure if I can keep it up in the summer.
I’m still reading a lot…if you want to follow everything that I’m reading, head over to my goodreads page.
I’ll let you know what #bookdare books I’m reading each month,
and I think I’ll focus on some closer inspection of some picture books,
and making lists to recommend books.
Here are the challenges for July, taken straight from Adam’s blogpost.
Check back there to play next month!
The Dare: Read a book about the beach or the ocean.
My pick: The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau by Dan Yaccarino
I loved the pictures in this one,
the actual quotes from Cousteau,
and how kid friendly and accessible it was.
The Dare: Here comes the 4th. Read a book with a Red, White, or Blue cover.
My pick: Hippopposites by Janik Coat
I loved the opposites in this board book,
and how the same hippo helps explain them all.
Also, it’s really big for a board book and the pages are super sturdy.
The Dare: It’s summertime, go outside. Read a book that features an adventure or trip.
My pick: Amy and Roger’s Epic Detour, by Morgan Matson
A road trip is the setting in this awesome YA book.
I loved the fact that there was a journal throughout,
as well as postcards and receipts from where they stopped,
and playlists that they listened to on the way.
The whole thing takes place over four or five days.
A really good YA book.
The Dare: July is National Parks month. Read a book the features nature or animals.
My pick: I say, you say, Animal sounds by Tad Carpenter
This board book about animals is really fun,
while also encouraging kids.
First page:
I say dog, you say…
you lift the flap and there’s a ton of dogs and a big WOOF!
Bonus themes!
The Dare: It’s hot. Read a book that reminds you of cold or winter.
My pick: One cool friend by Toni Buzzeo, illustrated by David Small.
I read this one back in October for 31 in 31,
and loved it as much now as I did then.
I was able to pick it up half off at a bookstore recently,
because it was a copy WITHOUT a sticker.
(It won a Caldecott Honor this year)
The Dare: July 1st is International Joke day. Read a book that makes you laugh.
My pick: Count the Monkeys, by Mac Barnett and illustrated by Kevin Cornell
This book is HILARIOUS!
It will keep you guessing the whole way through,
and there’s lots of fun interactions.
Before you turn the page,
sometimes you have to say, “thank you,”
high five a lumberjack,
or roar to scare away some animals.
Absolutely great!
The Dare: July 28th is Parents Day. Read a book that includes parents.
My pick: When a Dad says “I love you”, by Douglas Wood, pictures by Jennifer A. Bell
This is a very sweet picture book.
Do you have a dad who says “I love you” in lots of ways!
These animals do!
It could be lifting you up on his shoulders so you can see the parade,
or spinning you around,
or cooking you lots of pancakes for breakfast.
Loved this one!
The Dare: Read a book that released in 2013
My pick: The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Random fact: Crayons are my favorite art medium.
In fact, they were the only thing I used until a few years ago.
And I still have my childhood crayon box.
Well, the crayons in this book decide to write letters to their boy.
And tell them exactly how they feel about what they have
or have not been coloring lately.
It’s very funny and very cute.
Make sure you check Adam’s Blog to see the August Dare!
Until next time,
Kathy Ellen and Singe Singe
