Kellee Moye, of Unleashing Readers, and Jen Vincent of Teach Mentor Texts, decided to give Kathryn’s (at Book Date) “It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?” meme a kidlit focus, reviewing books in children’s literature (picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels, or anything in the world of kidlit). If you enjoy this type of reading, join us every Monday!
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow
(Nevermoor #1)
Jessica Townsend
October 31st 2017
I THOROUGHLY enjoyed this book! Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow is the first book in a new series which follows Morrigan, a 10 year old who is scheduled to die on her 11th birthday. Morrigan is considered a cursed child because she was born on Eventide, a very unlucky day in her world. Due to an unexpected turn of events, she’s whisked away to Nevermoor by her patron, Jupiter North, where she must face four difficult and dangerous trials in hopes of being admitted into the Wundrous Society where she would be safe from her doomed fate. The story is smart and witty and honestly one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had so far, this year. The day I finished it I pre-ordered the second book (Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow), which will be released in October. TIDBIT: The plan is for this to be a nine-book series. Twentieth Century Fox purchased the movie rights and Drew Goddard is writing the movie adaptation of Nevermoor. Several publishing houses fought hard for the English-language rights to Nevermoor, but Amelia Lush was the first bookseller in the country to receive and read the Nevermoor manuscript. In the Sydney Morning Herald, she’s quoted as saying, “I am not prone to hyperbole, nor do I pay much attention to publisher hype — and as you can imagine, the Harry Potter comparison is oft-used and has little impact these days. Nevermoor is definitely one of, if not the most worthy, cases for such a claim.” With Nevermoor, Jessica Townsend has already won the Book of the Year for Younger Children (ages 7-13), the The Matt Richell Award for New Writer of the Year, and the Gold ABIA for Book of the Year.
Patina
(Track #2)
Jason Reynolds
August 29th 2017
This is the second book in the Track series and it follows Patina “Patty” (who was introduced in Ghost). The book begins with Patty having gotten second place in a race. Second is the same as not-first, so she’s pretty upset with herself and fails to support her team. For the remainder of the book she’s slowly learning about being part of a team effort, both in life and in track. This is a great addition Reynold’s track series. I went to check the three local library options I have and, much to my surprise, NO ONE has ordered Sunny yet. Boo! So I guess I need to put in a request.
Hello Lighthouse
Sophie Blackall
April 10, 2018
I was so excited to finally get to see this book for myself. My father and uncle were both in the Coast Guard and so my family always kinda had a thing for lighthouses. The story follows an unnamed man who is replacing the previous lighthouse keeper. We read of his daily responsibilities, about how he writes letters and rescues wrecked sailors, about how he receives supplies, how his wife nurses him through a serious illness, and even about a surprise visitor. Eventually, the Coast Guard install a new machine to run the lighthouse and we witness the final “goodbye” in the end. The illustrations are gorgeous and the story is quite tender. I noticed that circles (I assume in relation to the round shape of the lighthouse), are sprinkled throughout in the illustrations — circle patterns on a quilt, the shape of the carpet on the floor, and circle-shaped illustrations added to the sides of a page. In the very back, there’s a lengthy section on lighthouses which gives far more details about the historical workings of a lighthouse. The artwork was done with Chinese ink and watercolor on hotpress paper. Here are a couple spreads as examples:
Grand Canyon
Jason Chin
February 21, 2017
It has taken me quite a while to get to read Grand Canyon, but it was worth the wait. In this nonfiction picture book, we read a great deal about the past events that helped form the Grand Canyon — everything from the formation of rock layers in the canyon to the various ancient life forms that created fossils throughout the Grand Canyon. As the book come to a close, it focuses more on the current state of the land, including modern animals and their habitats. In the very back are 8 additional full pages of text, illustrations, and maps, providing even more details than what was already present in the book (which was a LOT of information, already). Also available is a detailed list of sources, websites, and “further reading” for children. The detailed artwork was created with pen and ink, watercolor, and gouache. Chin wasted no space, using borders to provide more illustrations of animals and various facts and figures. Here’s one example, below:
Grand Canyon won a 2018 Caldecott Honor, it was a Sibert Medal Nominee, and it won an NCTE Orbis Pictus Award.
To Be Read:
Our local children’s summer reading program is in full swing at the library, so our five children just checked out more books than normal. Which is A LOT! Some old, some new, and lots of super hero graphic novels. And, of course, now everyone is in a hurry to read 10+ books a day. Because prizes. That said, it looks like I have my reading work cut out for me with my younger kiddos. Nevertheless, I’m still hoping to get to some of my own reading accomplished this week, starting with Rebound by Kwame Alexander.
What are YOU reading, this week?
The Miller Memo 
I love the Track series. Sunny is a bit different from the other two – I hope you get to read it soon. I’m also itching to see Hello Lighthouse. Thanks for sharing these spreads! Sophie Blackall has been a favorite illustrator of mine for a long time.
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I keep hearing how Sunny is different, so I’m hoping to read it very soon. And Blackall’s artwork is just stunning. But the story is so sweet, too. Really an incredible combination. Thanks for stopping by, Katie!
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I still have to read Patina! Maybe this week…. I am trying to finish two books a week, and I’m discovering that it really helps if one of them is a shorter middle-grade. Just requested Nevermoor from my library. I can’t wait to see Hello Lighthouse too (also requested!). I thought Grand Canyon was superb–so glad it got some awards! My son and I are still reading Rebound out loud, and he’s enjoying it–as am I. Loved hearing about your kids wanting to read 10 books a day for the prizes. It’s always funny to me when we discuss those extrinsic reading motivators in Children’s Lit class. The kids who were already passionate readers LOVED all the prizes and competition. The ones who aren’t passionate readers found them very demotivating.
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I’m the same way with novels/novellas. I try to read at least one long and one shorter each week (along with all the children’s picture books that come with a house full of Littles). Some weeks I can pull off more, but summers mean more time outside playing or gardening or attending events. I resisted the urge to place an eyeroll emoticon after my “prizes” comment. LOL My oldest is 14 and she refuses to do the summer reading program, this year. She says that reading is its own reward and that winning prizes makes it feel wrong — like a manipulation tactic. In the past she’s won lots of prizes through this program, including a motorized rechargeable scooter. Maybe there’s some guilt there (for having won the grand prize by doing something she already does on her own)? It’s great to “see” you Elisabeth! Now if we could just plan another coffee date this summer, that would be awesome!
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I may never get to the Track series, ha! But I want to! Nevermoor sounds wonderful, too, Shaye, and I adored The Lighthouse, always love Sophie Blackall’s books! I enjoyed Grand Canyon also, have been there several times, so it was lovely to read the book and remember some of it! Thanks for all, and Happy Reading!
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I’m thinking Nevermoor was just what I needed in my reading schedule to kick off summer. I tend to read more realistic fiction on a regular basis, but I really do enjoy reading magical fantasy worlds and wish I grabbed more of them off the shelves. The track series are very quick reads, so I think my 10 year old later might really enjoy them. Thanks for stopping in, Linda!
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Jason Chin’s books are amazing. Redwoods is still my favorite. Good to hear your thoughts about Nevermoor.
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His artwork is out of this world. Per your suggestion, I checked out Redwoods from our public library. What an amazing talent he has! I love how Chin includes a child reading the exact same book that we’re reading. So creative! Thanks for dropping by my blog, Lisa. Have a wonderful reading week!
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I love the Track series and have Sunny on my phone ready to start listening to to next. Jason Chin is such an amazing writer and illustrator. I think Grand Canyon is one of his best. Thanks for the heads up about Nevermoor. I’ve just put a hold on it.
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I hope my local libraries don’t take too long to add Sunny to the collection. Maybe I should go ahead and put in a request for Lu, too! LOL I hope you enjoy Nevermoor. I needed something magical and fun, so that hit the spot for me. It’s always shocking (but exciting) when a new author hits the jackpot with their debut novel — best seller, movie-in-the-making, and 8 more books in the series, still to come. Thanks for coming by my blog, Cheriee!
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I loved Patina and can’t wait for the next book in the Track series. I have not read Rebound yet but it is definitely on my TBR list.
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I was just informed, this morning, that a friend has a copy of Sunny for me to read. So YAY — very excited!! I hope you enjoy Rebound. I finished it yesterday and think I like it even more than Crossover. Very touching!
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Wow, Hello Lighthouse looks stunning! I love Jason Chin’s books, too.
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This is definitely one I’d love to have in my own collection. So beautiful! Thanks for stopping by, Jane!
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Thank you for letting me know about the link; I fixed it. Also thanks for poppin’ in. I’m not too disturbed by profanity in a movie as my kids have heard it all come out of my mouth when my temper’s up, LOL.
Nevermoor looks like a great book; I’m happy my library has it and I’ve added the audiobook to my TBR. Off to start the movie after our homemade, egg Mcmuffin’s and lox toasts.
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No problem in the link. I was so excited to get my hands on Nevermoor. But now I have to wait for the next book in the series. Boo! 😉 Hope y’all enjoy your movie time, Stefanie! I mainly have to watch out for any with violence/gore as my younger children (4 and 7) are more sensitive. But they sure love all the superhero series TV shows and movies! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
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Oh yes, totally understandable. We were more cautious when the girls were that young. My ten year old just got used to the Harry Potter movies this past Christmas break. I would boo too on waiting for the next book in a great series. I’m waiting for my library to have the next Kate Daniels book; they’ve apparently picked up the CD version which I don’t want to listen to as I want to read it w/my eyeballs. I’m waiting for my turn for the next book in A Court of Thorns and Roses and I can’t wait for the next book in The Black Witch series! Have a great day.
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I’ve never been to the Grand Canyon, but this wonderful nonfiction picture book definitely made me want to put that trip on my Bucket List! I just put in a request for Hello Lighthouse from my local library. I’m really looking forward to reading that one. Have a great week!
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If I’ve been to the Grand Canyon, I was very, very young. This book makes me want to go with my children — and this book would be a very important read before and during such a trip! I KNOW you’ll love Hello Lighthouse. Thanks for swinging by, Jana!
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Whoa, whoa, your detailed review of Nevermoor has me NEEDING to get my hands on it! As for Hello Lighthouse, I need to own that one. I love Sophie Blackall’s work so much. Plus, living in Maine we kind of love our lighthouses 😉 Thanks for sharing!
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I was surprised at how quickly I fell into Nevermoor. I found it very engaging! And I would love to live near lighthouses (but living in Nebraska kinda prevents that – lol). After this book (and a couple movies about lighthouse living), I think it would be so cool to live in one. We seriously looked at living in an old school house and an old church building, but a lighthouse would especially be unique!! Thanks for visiting, Nicole!
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Sunny is so good. I hope you get it soon.
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I just found out that Elisabeth (of Dirigible Plum) purchased a copy and it will be ready for me to read next week. Woohoo!! I think I’ll enjoy it based on what I’ve been hearing. It’s great to “see” you, Crystal!
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Thank you for sharing! I am always on the lookout for great nonfiction books, I am adding Grand Canyon to my list of books to read this summer. Happy Reading!
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It’s so very informative — makes me want to travel there this summer! There must ALWAYS be extra room on my shelves for great nonfiction picture books (even for older readers). Have a wonderful reading week, Jeanie, and thanks for stopping by!
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I loved Nevermoor! Amazing book.
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I was really impressed… fun writing and great story line. Thanks for stopping by, Alexis!
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