What I'm Reading: Picture Books!

I unfortunately had strep throat and a prolonged fever (SIX DAYS LONG) this week so I missed the whole week of school. I've got a lot of catching up to you! But, thankfully, PARCC testing went on without me!
Here are a three very different but absolutely delightful picture books I read this afternoon that made me happy. Unfortunately, I had them at my house the whole time I was sick they couldn't make any of my students happy. But that will change very soon. :)

Solving the Puzzle Under the Sea written by Robert Burleigh and illustrated by Raúl Colón is a wonderful book for so many reasons:

• It's a great first-person picture book biography
• The subject, Marie Tharp, is not very well known but this book makes her story extremely accessible for young readers
• A woman overcomes obstacles to do what she really wants to do: be a scientist!
• Did I mention the lovely illustrations?
• It has an informative afterward, glossary, bibliography, websites, and "Things to Wonder About and Do" section

What's not to love? So I do love it! I knew very little about Marie Tharp but this picture book has me intrigued in learning more about her life. 

Next up is Spot, the Cat by Henry Cole. I have a special spot in my heart for Henry Cole because the first "One Book, One School" program I did was with his chapter book, A Nest for Celeste. Not only is that a wonderful book, but he was absolutely one of the best authors we have ever had visit. (Not that I have favorites, but I highly recommend him!)
Spot the Cat is wordless. I will admit, I did not always appreciate wordless picture books, especially as read alouds. I just didn't know what I would say to captivate the 24 little faces looking at me, without words to read. That all changed when I took a chance and read aloud Journey and Quest by Aaron Becker and it took two library sessions to read one book! They were so entranced as we told the story together and I learned my lesson: Wordless picture books can be awesome.
Spot the Cat could be a little more difficult to read to a large group because there are some small details to spot in the black and white illustrations. These details include Spot the adventurous cat and the boy who is looking for him. Whether they are large or small on the page, the subjects show expression and life and will be fun for wandering young eyes to find. It's a charmingly simple story with lots to pour over.

Finally, another new favorite of mine is Horrible Bear written by Ame Dyckman and illustrated by Zachariah OHora, the same duo as Wolfie the Bunny. This book is picture book perfection. This would make a great read aloud for absolutely any age and I do intend to read it to as many classes as possible. There's no need for me to summarize this one, just watch the trailer (and read the book!)