Great Texas Mosquito List 2019-2020
Name that Book K-2
The Little Red Fort
Maier, Brenda. (2018). The Little Red Fort. Scholastic Press.
Ruby's mind is always full of ideas.
One day, she finds some old boards and decides to build something. She invites her brothers to help, but they just laugh and tell her she doesn't know how to build.
"Then I'll learn," she says. And she does!
When she creates a dazzling fort that they all want to play in, it is Ruby who has the last laugh.
With sprightly text and winsome pictures, this modern spin on the timeless favorite The Little Red Hen celebrates the pluck and ingenuity of young creators everywhere!
-Google Books
Book Trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKNZ1T4FbKE
Book Connection: https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/17-18/the-little-red-fort-teacher-s-guide/
We Forgot Brock
Goodrich, Carter. (2015). We Forgot Brock. Simon & Schuster.
The importance of imaginary friends is very real in this picture book adventure from the author of Say Hello to Zorro! and lead character designer for Despicable Me, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc.
Phillip and Brock are best friends. Everyone can see Phillip, but only Phillip can see Brock.
A night at the Big Fair is all fun and games until Phillip gets sleepy, heads home, and forgets Brock!
Brock misses Phillip. And Phillip misses Brock. Will they reunite? With the help of another pair of pals, they just might. Because even imaginary friends get lost sometimes. Finding them is part of the adventure.
-Google Books
The Lion Inside
Bright, Rachel (2016). The Lion Inside. Scholastic.
From the creator of the known and loved Bright Side lifestyle brand, Rachel Bright, and the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, Jim Field, comes a feelgood rhyming story about one little mouse trying to make himself heard and discovering along the way that even the smallest of us has the heart of a lion.
- Google Books
Book Connection: http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/library/books/the-lion-inside
After the Fall - How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again
Santat, Dan. (2017). After the Fall, How Humpty Dumpty got back up again. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press.
How Humpty Dumpty got back up again is a story behind the scenes on what happened after Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. The artwork has 3D quality, it is attractive and captivating. Humpty Dumpty is now afraid to go back on the wall so high but loves looking and being close to the birds. He has to figure out a way to fill his desire to be with them again. Will he be content to watch them from afar or conquer his fears? Santat’s Humpty Dumpty is melancholy but triumphant in which many can identify with as they struggle through hurt and frustration. The story is multi-layered and all can enjoy the simple story of the age of the familiar character of Humpty Dumpty with a twist.
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue2jS4wUBVs
Book Connection: http://afterthefallbook.com/
What If...
Berger, Samantha. (2018). What if. Little, Brown & Company.
Creativity, the power of imagination, and the importance of self-expression are celebrated in this inspiring picture book written and illustrated by real-life best friends.
This girl is determined to express herself! If she can't draw her dreams, she'll sculpt or build, carve or collage. If she can't do that, she'll turn her world into a canvas. And if everything around her is taken away, she'll sing, dance, and dream...
Stunning mixed media illustrations, lyrical text, and a breathtaking gatefold conjure powerful magic in this heartfelt affirmation of art, imagination, and the resilience of the human spirit.
-Little Brown Book Group
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEMXjBz1DCU
The Book of Mistakes
It starts with a mistake, but page by page, one slightly too large eye, a wonky elbow, and feet a little too far off the ground transform and combine into a larger picture—one that not only is functional but also works perfectly. Illustrations rendered in ink, colored pencil, and watercolor are the focal point. They start small—just a circle, a few lines, a dot on the page, a subtle bit of color here and there—but they slowly grow, flowing across one page and onto the next before reverting back to a smaller image that begins to slowly grow again. Each page shows one small glimpse of the final picture, inviting readers to turn the page to see the rest. The simple text draws readers' attention to the illustrations, and thorough examination is rewarded with playful little details. This is a story about how mistakes can change us all for the better if we are brave enough to face them and march ahead. Readers will love following along as the small spots and smudges on each page change the work in fun and unexpected ways, and even younger readers will finish with fresh optimism and a new idea of what mistakes may become. -School Library Journal
Book Connection: http://www.designofthepicturebook.com/the-book-of-mistakes-an-interview-with-corinna-luyken/
Mae among the Stars
A beautiful picture book for sharing, inspired by the life of the first African American woman to travel in space, Mae Jemison. When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering.She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible." Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. -Google Books
La Princesa and the Pea
Elya, Susan Middleton. (2017) La Princesa and the Pea. Putman.
La Princesa and the Pea is a wonderfully illustrated and written book based on the classic fairy tale of the Princess and the Pea. It intertwines Spanish key words within the text. It makes a superior read aloud which is inclusive and welcoming. It is not important to know Spanish, a key is listed for the Spanish words and pronunciations. Cross studies that can be done when teaching about fairy tales.
Rescue and Jessica
Kensky, Jessica. (2018). Rescue and Jessica. Candlewick Press.
Based on a real-life partnership, the heartening story of the love and teamwork between a girl and her service dog will illuminate and inspire.
Rescue thought he’d grow up to be a Seeing Eye dog — it’s the family business, after all. When he gets the news that he’s better suited to being a service dog, he’s worried that he’s not up to the task. Then he meets Jessica, a girl whose life is turning out differently than the way she'd imagined it, too. Now Jessica needs Rescue by her side to help her accomplish everyday tasks. And it turns out that Rescue can help Jessica see after all: a way forward, together, one step at a time. An endnote from the authors tells more about the training and extraordinary abilities of service dogs, particularly their real-life best friend and black lab, Rescue. - Candlewick Press
Book Trailer:
Drawn Together
Lê, Ming. (2018) Draw Together. Hyperion Books.
When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens-with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words.
With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picturebook about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come. -Disney Books
Educator Guide: https://books.disney.com/content/uploads/2018/07/Drawn-Together-DG_v%C2%A6%C3%86.pdf
Book Trailer:The Bad Seed
John, Jory. (2017). The Bad Seed. HarperCollins
This is a book about a bad seed. A baaaaaaaaaad seed. How bad? Do you really want to know? He has a bad temper, bad manners, and a bad attitude. He’s been bad since he can remember! This seed cuts in line every time, stares at everybody and never listens. But what happens when one mischievous little seed changes his mind about himself, and decides that he wants to be—happy?
-HarperCollins
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos
Frida Kahlo and Her Animalitos (9780735842694), written by Monica Brown and illustrated by John Parra, is based on the life of one of the world's most influential painters, Frida Kahlo, and the animals that inspired her art and life.
The fascinating Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is remembered for her self-portraits, her dramatic works featuring bold and vibrant colors. Her work brought attention to Mexican and indigenous culture and she is also renowned for her works celebrating the female form.
Brown's story recounts Frida's beloved pets—two monkeys, a parrot, three dogs, two turkeys, an eagle, a black cat, and a fawn—and playfully considers how Frida embodied many wonderful characteristics of each animal. -NorthSouth Books
Book Trailer-
Nerdy Birdy
Nerdy Birdy likes reading, video games, and reading about video games, which immediately disqualifies him for membership in the cool crowd.
One thing is clear: being a nerdy birdy is a lonely lifestyle.
When he's at his lowest point, Nerdy Birdy meets a flock just like him. He has friends and discovers that there are far more nerdy birdies than cool birdies in the sky.
-Amazon
Love
From Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long comes a story about the strongest bond there is and the diverse and powerful ways it connects us all.
In this heartfelt celebration of love, Newbery Medal-winning author Matt de la Peña and bestselling illustrator Loren Long depict the many ways we experience this universal bond, which carries us from the day we are born throughout the years of our childhood and beyond. With a lyrical text that’s soothing and inspiring, this tender tale is a needed comfort and a new classic that will resonate with readers of every age.
-Putman Publishing
Book Trailer - https://youtu.be/fFuNhwAI8oE
Jabari Jumps
Jabari is definitely ready to jump off the diving board. He's finished his swimming lessons and passed his swim test, and he's a great jumper, so he's not scared at all. "Looks easy," says Jabari, watching the other kids take their turns. But when his dad squeezes his hand, Jabari squeezes back. He needs to figure out what kind of special jump to do anyway, and he should probably do some stretches before climbing up onto the diving board. In a sweetly appealing tale of overcoming your fears, newcomer Gaia Cornwall captures a moment between a patient and encouraging father and a determined little boy you can't help but root for."--Amazon.com.
Bear's Big Day
It's Bear's very first day of school! He wants to be grown up, so he leaves his stuffed bunny Floppy at home along with all his familiar things. But being away from his best friend is hard--and the first day doesn't turn out quite how Bear wanted it to. Bear learns that the first day of school might not always be perfect, and growing up doesn't have to mean giving up the things he loves.
The third book in the Bear and Bunny series from beloved, bestselling author-illustrator Salina Yoon tackles big themes like starting school and being independent, even in scary new situations. -Goodreads
The Sun is Kind of a Big Deal
Did you know that the Sun never stops working to keep things here on Earth running smoothly? (That's why it's been Employee of the Month for 4.5 billion years and counting.) Learn about the Sun's big job, from giving Earth day and night to keeping us warm, and much more.
Book Trailer:
Baby Monkey Private Eye
Selznick, Brian & Serlin, David. (2018). Baby Monkey Private Eye. Scholastic Press.
Bookmaking maverick Brian Selznick and children's book debut author David Serlin create a dazzling new form with all the hallmarks of a Selznick classic, this time for a younger audience!
Who is Baby Monkey? He is a baby.
He is a monkey. He has a job.
He is Baby Monkey, Private Eye!
Lost jewels? Missing pizza? Stolen spaceship?
Baby Monkey can help… if he can put on his pants!
Baby Monkey's adventures come to life in an exciting blend of picture book, beginning reader, and graphic novel. With pithy text and over 120 black and white drawings accented with red, it is ideal for sharing aloud and for emerging readers.
Hooray for Baby Monkey! -Scholastic
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
It's the first day of school for Penelope Rex, and she can't wait to meet her classmates. But it's hard to make human friends when they're so darn delicious! That is, until Penelope gets a taste of her own medicine and finds she may not be at the top of the food chain after all. . . . Readers will gobble up this hilarious new story from award-winning author-illustrator Ryan T. Higgins. - Google Books
Book Connection: http://maistorybook.com/2018/07/27/maistorybook-library-we-dont-eat-our-classmates-friendship-sandwich-craft/
Alma and how she got her Name
If you ask her, Alma Sofia Esperanza José Pura Candela has way too many names: six! How did such a small person wind up with such a large name? Alma turns to Daddy for an answer and learns of Sofia, the grandmother who loved books and flowers; Esperanza, the great-grandmother who longed to travel; José, the grandfather who was an artist; and other namesakes, too. As she hears the story of her name, Alma starts to think it might be a perfect fit after all — and realizes that she will one day have her own story to tell. In her author-illustrator debut, Juana Martinez-Neal opens a treasure box of discovery for children who may be curious about their own origin stories or names. -Google Books
Juana Martinez-Neal Draws Alma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBu3Ci5qsR4
Activity Kit: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763693553.kit.1.pdf
Spanish Activity Kit: http://www.candlewick.com/book_files/0763693588.kit.1.pdf
Cindy Pierson McCarty
Librarian/Media Specialist
Read 20/20 Ambassador
ext. 16221
A Book in the hand of a parent or teacher is GOLD to a student.
Email: cynthia.mccarty@brazosportisd.net
Website: http://mspmlovesbooks.blogspot.com/2016/
Location: 1200 West 11th Street, Freeport, TX, USA
Phone: 979-730-7175
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Twitter: @MsMIovesbooks16