I have forever said just how much I love the classic There is a Monster at the End of this Book! Well, I can’t even tell you the excitement I felt when I came across a sequel featuring Grover AND Elmo! I read this with my niece tonight and did a reading on Facebook Live this past weekend – go check it out if you want – It was so much fun!

Something I have noticed over the years is that the graphic novel format has become more and more popular. This was something unheard of when I went to school and, truthfully, I could not be happier to see that this trend is becoming the preferred way to read stories. The days when I went to school graphic novels were almost looked down upon as not real reading. Thanks to some revolutionary writers they have made stories like these popular – and I know one little girl who is extremely happy about it!

I have the pleasure of executing my workshop every year at the Middleboro Schools for a special collection of 4th Graders.  One of the teachers in particular has championed for many years for me to perform at her school for her students – thankfully she was able to talk the right people into having me come to the school!  I’ve been so honored to be able to discuss the joys and importance of creative writing with this group of students!  The same teacher whochampioned for me introduced me to an amazing book – a useful tool even – that shares in the importance of writing about your feelings and teaching that there is no wrong way to write in a creative manner!

Once in a while there are new wordless picture books that just blow mind.  This is one of those books that did just that.  A great story that keeps you on your toes and at times makes you hold your breath with anticipation of what was going to happen.  Wordless picture books are amazing for children who have a great imagination but they are even better for children with a more concrete way of thinking – making them, almost forcing them, to think outside the box.

Jon Klassen has had another book appear on this site called “This is Not My Hat” which I loved.  Maybe Klassen has an affinity for stories with hats?  Either way this is a really fun story of two turtles coming across a single hat.  With two of them and only one hat what are they to do?  I love stories that may spur on real organic conversations between parents and thier children.

The day I will be able to put my own books into the Book of the Month posts will be a great day! And no, I am not above that sort of thing. Until then, I am excited to bring back the Book of the Month feature – it has been about 2 years since I’ve done one. This fantastic selection is a feel good story with fresh and snazzy fashion sense. While I myself prefer classic blue jeans I would never begrudge anyone whose pants allowed them to dunk like this:

I am happy to bring back Book of the Month this year! This past week I discovered Float at the Hingham Library. It tells the story of a little boy with a newspaper boat but realizes just how well it floats! This is a sweet and sad story of discovery with a great and useful ending. Wordless picture books have always been my favorite of the genre and so useful in so many ways. This book explores a little boy’s rainy afternoon and the reality of what can happen with a running rain water and a street drain.

Check out this book today!

This past October I spent 4 weeks in Cohasset at the Paul Pratt Library where the librarian, Sharon Moody, accepted my request to showcase her pick of the book of the month! This wordless picture book is absolutely perfect for the costal town children who know what a day at the beach means! Chasing – and being chased – by the wanes in the ocean. It’s a game I play even to this day! It’s so perfect! In fact, for all of those not close to the ocean, for those who have never had the pleasure to visit a beach, this book perectly encapsulates the best part of beach. Check it out today!

Thanks for the great book suggestion Sharon!

Sort of a treat this time around – everyone should make sure to click on the image above to be brought to a video reading of this adorable and pretty hilarious book.  Even better though, go to your local book store (not that there are many left) and purchase this great book from this humorous author!  If there is something I can relate to the most it is having a picky-eater and wanting the stubborn little bugger just to try it!

I have a severe love for wordless picture books – or as I like to call them… picture books. To tell a story without the crutch of words is a fascinating and exciting proposition. If you really think about it – it’s the exact opposite of what I do.  I like the idea of telling stories where the listener must imagine what the characters and actions look like in their own heads.  Picture books similarly forces the reader to tell the story just through what they see.  Flora and the Flamingo does it brilliantly.  A very sweet story about a little girl and a bird who are the perfect dancing partners.  Check it out today!