Gerald McBoing Boing February 27, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Picture Books , 7comments
This is one of my favorite Dr. Seuss books because it shows that it’s okay to be different. More than 50 years ago, Dr. Seuss wrote a story about a boy who spoke in sound effects, not words. It was made into a cartoon which won an Academy Award in 1951. In 2000, the book Gerald McBoing Boing was published.
Yes, Gerald cannot speak words. He makes noises instead. Boom! Bang! Clop, clop! Clang! Sadly, Gerald doesn’t have any friends and decides to run away. Before he has a chance to escape, the owner of a radio station discovers him and hires him as a sound effects specialist. Gerald is happy because someone appreciates his unique talent.
March 2nd is Dr. Seuss’s birthday. Why don’t you celebrate it by reading one of his books?
~Mrs. Carlson~
For the Love of Autumn by Patricia Polacco February 23, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Animal Fiction, Picture Books , 5commentsDo you believe in love at first sight? Danielle Parks does! Miss Parks fell 
in love immediately with Autumn, her playful kitten companion. Autumn attacked her ankles, knocked over the trash, and would lie right in the middle of any papers that Miss Parks tried to grade! At the end of each day Autumn would snuggle up in Miss Park’s arms until they both fell asleep. Miss Parks seemed to have everything going for her… she loved her job teaching, her cottage by the sea, and especially Autumn. Then one night there was a terrible storm, and Autumn disappeared. Miss Parks and her students looked everywhere for little Autumn. After several weeks, they began to believe she was gone forever. They were wrong! Autumn, also known as Stormy, was living a double life! Read For the Love of Autumn to find out how Miss Parks lost her cat, temporarily, but gained a family in the end!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman February 17, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Ghosts Fiction, Horror Fiction, Podcasts , 12comments
If you want to hear about the scary book upon which the movie Coraline is based, listen to this podcast by Mrs. Carlson.
Warning: If you frighten easily, do not click the play button!
Million Dollar Putt by Dan Gutman February 17, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Realistic Fiction, Sports Fiction , 11comments
I wonder if Tiger Woods could beat a blind 13 year old boy in a round of golf. I’m not sure he could beat Bogie, the main character in Million Dollar Putt.
Bogie doesn’t let his blindness stop him from trying anything. He can ride a bike, play the guitar, and even parasail. When he visits a driving range with classmates, he discovers he has a terrific golf swing. Someone enters Bogie in a golf tournament with a million dollar prize. Bogie’s neighbor, a kooky 13 year old girl named Birdie, offers to be his coach. Bogie and Birdie become a team and best friends.
I thought this was a terrific book. It’s not only about golf and trying to beat the odds, it’s about helping a friend gain confidence. If you read this book, you’ll discover that Bogie and Birdie wind up helping each other. Be prepared for the ending. It’s exciting and touching.
~Mrs. Carlson~