five fun fiction books for friday

The end of the first round is near, and I'm desperately trying to get my hands on the last few nominated books that I can, but I'm held to the slowness of the interlibrary loan system... best case scenario, I'll be able to read 252/262, but I'm not sure that all the books will come in by the end of the month. 

Still, I'm quite happy with the amount of incredible new books that the kids and I have been exposed to as a result of my involvement with the Cybils.  Fun, fun, fun!  Here are five more you might want to check out for yourself:

1. Around Our Way on Neighbors' Day by Tameka Fryer Brown, illustrated by Charlotte Riley-Webb -- This book shows the best of what urban living can be- a vibrant and diverse neighborhood community where everyone respects each other and lives peacefully.  The acrylic painted illustrations are super cool, and bring the story to life wonderfully.  I'm happy to show this book to my children, who don't know much about city living.  What better example to show what it can be like?

2. Just Like Mama by Leslea Newman, illustrated by Julia Gorton -- At first glance, I didn't think I'd like this one, but I have to admit to being charmed by it.  The illustrations appeal to Red, my girlie little girl, and I really like the realistic portrayal of a mom and daughter at home together (especially the multitude of barrettes in the little girl's hair and the two of them conked out for a nap in the living room easy chair!). This subject of daughter appreciation for her mother is well-played out in kids' books, but this one has a little bit of a different flair.  I'm glad that I gave it a try past my first impression!

3. Dotty by Erica S. Perl, illustrated by Julia Denos -- I had an imaginary friend when I was young. I loved her, even though I didn't know anyone else who had one.  I adore this book as a result.  As a little girl grows older, her love for her imaginary friend doesn't diminish, even as other children are no longer interested in these types of games.  Thank goodness for an understanding adult in her life, one who isn't just kind, but actually gets it.  This book went over Red and Pudge's head a little, but I know it will be understood more in coming years, especially for my very imaginative little girl.

4. A Fabulous Fair Alphabet by Debra Frasier -- Alphabet books can often be tedious and boring, two words that cannot be applied here.  The pictures are bright and eclectic, with collage images and words.  For fans of summer fairs, this book will be a wonder to look at.  My kids love to look at this on their own and excitedly point out all the images they recognize, and with the sheer number of letters appearing on each page, this is a great book to have for my letter learning little ones.

5. Spork by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault -- I've been anxiously awaiting this title after seeing the incredible and beautiful book trailer earlier this year.  I love this tale of not fitting in, for all the ways that it can be applied to kids' lives.  This is a book that I plan to always have in my classroom when I go back to teaching preschool!

For more fun picks, check out the list of picture books that have been nominated for the 2010 Cybils Award.


With love for the joy found in a picture book,