If only reading books got my house cleaned.......

This summer I have definitely been reading more. My flower beds are weedy and  my house is dusty! My wonderful mother-in-law informed me "Dust is a country accessory!" If that's true, my house is so stylish it should be featured in HGTV magazine! (I won't insult Southern Living.)  Hmmmm, wonder if my teenager would dust for gas money? It's really not that bad, but if you come to see my house, make an appointment.

Seriously, I read some great books last week. I couldn't pick just a couple to blog about. This might be my longest post to date.   I have to mention Monet Paints a Day by Julie Danneberg, illustrated by Caitlin Heimerl.

This one is just a terrific way to introduce art/artists to our students. Basically,  Ms. Danneberg has recreated a day in the life of Claude Monet. It's wonderful. Ms. Heimerl's illustrations are perfect. Would work well with a sequencing activity. Maybe I should make one. (Another reason not to dust!)

Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed by Emily Pearson, illustrated by Fumi Kosaka is another standout.

Our math teachers could incorporate a little multiplication with this one. Little Mary does a good deed and it spreads all around. Could be used with cause and effect, manners, multiplication... Reminded me a little of another great book that I read a couple weeks ago - Because Amelia Smiled by David Ezra Stein.

Don't Squeal Unless It's a Big Deal by Jeanie Franz Ransom, illustrated by Jackie Urbanovic

This one I have to read to a certain group of 2nd graders this fall. Oh my, they love to tattle. Our school councilor will love this one. I may just save this one for her to use first. The characters are pigs.... It's the best tattletale story I've seen a while.

King Hugo's Huge Ego by Chris Van Dusen  

Adorable little story about people who brag. Maybe they only go/teach at my school.... The class I mentioned is going to get this one read to them also! Might have to pull this one out for a certain group of 8th graders also. It's pretty funny.

Fortunately, Unfortunately by Michael Foreman

Perfect for cause and effect. I had seen this one on Pinterest. It's as cute as I had heard.

Goldie Socks and the Three Libearians by Jackie Mims Hopkins, illustrated by John Manders

Yes, it's a fractured tale of Goldilocks with a totally different ending. Librarians will love this one, but so will reading teachers. No nasty porridge, just great books in this house.

Keep Reading! I will...