Once Upon MacDonald's Farm

Gammell, S. (1981). Once Upon MacDonald's Farm. New York:  Simon & Schuster.

Everyone knows the story of Old MacDonald's Farm with the cows and the chickens. But what about MacDonald before his farm had cows and chickens? He had an elephant, lion and baboon; believe it or not.

The Book at Eats People

Perry, J. (2009). The book that eats people. Berkeley:  Tricycle Press.

I have seen these kind of books before, the books that tell a story about the book itself. This particular book is very cute in a strange sort of way. The Book that Eats People shares the story of the book and how it has a ravenous appetite for its readers. People have tried to retain it in libraries, prison, and even a zoo. But somehow the book keeps fulfilling its desire for flesh and succumbs to such tactics as disguising itself in order to be checked out the library.

Ivan the Terrier

Catalanotto, P. (2007). Ivan the Terrier. New York:  Atheneum Books.

Peter Catalanotto's picture book, Ivan the Terrier is a play on the viking by the similar name "Ivan the Terrible."  However, Catalanotto's Ivan is not a viking; he is a small dog.  Yet, like his namesake, Ivan likes to cause trouble and wreak havoc.

The Outcast

Petersheim, J. (2013). The Outcast. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers. 

I have the pleasure of personally knowing the author of the debut novel The Outcast. I had many, many classes with Jolina Petersheim, before she married and become a published author. Once upon a time I was an editor of my college newspaper and Jolina was a writer. Now, I'm not sure how I feel about editing such a talented writer's work.

All joking aside, The Outcast is a wonderful first novel for Jolina. It is subtitled "A modern reselling of The Scarlet Letter."  Yet, while Jolina's novel has a basis and allusions to the American classic, The Outcast stands on its own without the endorsement. 

Mister Seahorse

Carle, E. (2004). Mister Seahorse. New York:  Philomel Books.

Eric Carle's beautiful book art has done it again.  This time Carle takes his readers under the sea to explore the world of marine fathers.  Most know that the father seahorse cares for the eggs before they hatch. Carle educates his audience on other sea animals that are similar to the seahorse in that respect, such as the tilapia, pipefish, bullhead catfish, etc.

The Help

Stockett, K. (2009). The Help.  New York:    Putnam.

I have to admit, I'm a very bad reader sometimes. Sometimes I watch a movie then read a book, and sometimes I take a long time to read a book. Both of these confessions are true with The Help. I first watched the movie, which I love, then I bought the book on my e-reader, two years ago.  I was never able to read past the first 100 pages or so. I was determined to finally actually read the novel. And since I'm at a training without TV or real responsibilities, I did. And I'm so glad I did. 

The Bluest Eye

Morrison, T. (1970). The Bluest Eye.  New York:  Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

The Bluest Eye has been on my reading list for a while. I read Beloved back in college and enjoyed Morrison's writing then. I'm currently preparing for my AP summer training. I received a list of books that the trainer wants us tone familiar with (one was The Great Gatsby! Surprise). The Bluest Eye happened to be on the list. So I thought, "Why not?"