P is for Palmetto: A South Carolina Alphabet written by Carol Crane and illustrated by Mary Whyte

I think this is a very cool idea for a book. It tells a story about South Carolina: their history, places, agriculture...etc. On each page there is what the letter stands for but also in the corner it gives a description of why it is important to South Carolina. When I first looked at the book I thought it was going to be about a boy named Palmetto. I thought to myself, who would name their child Palmetto but then I started reading and realized this had nothing to do with the child on the book. I wanted to look and find out what Palmetto stand for.

I believe that the pictures make the book come alive. We not only get to learn about the state of South Carolina but we also are able to see visually this great place. I think these types of books would be very useful in the classroom. They can help students learn about other places throughout the United States and throughout the world. It gives students another place to research and learn. I think it's very important to understand and learn about the history adn unique characteristics of a certain place throughout the world.

Here Comes the Strikeout by Leonard Kessler

I thought I should read a picture book with sports because I am a huge sports fan...especially baseball/softball. My Aunt also gave me this book after one of my softball games. She wrote this inside of the book. "You have inspired hundreds of kids by working hard toward your goals." I think that is why I love this book so much. Even though I know what is going to happen at the end of the book before I even opened it up to the first page. It's the middle of the book that really inspires me.

Leonard Kessler did a great job of first starting off with the lucky bat. Many people think they can become successful or fulfill a dream by luck (some of it can be luck) but there has to be hard work put forward. Just like his mother said in the book, " you must work until you are a good hitter."

The illustrations and text work hand in hand in the book. The text is much larger and takes up more room but there are also many different pictures placed on the page. I think this makes it focus on both parts of the book. They are both essential to the story.

Fancy Nancy written by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

I first saw these books and learned about Fancy Nancy from my nine year old sister. She loved reading these books at school and at home. I think what caught her eye was the front cover of the book. It attracted most girls because it was sparkly, pink and very fancy. What I really enjoyed from the book was that the pictures were not just "fancy" the words were printed in a very unique style of font instead of the regular block font. The whole book had a type of aura about it, which really creates a fun atmosphere for young girls.

The plot line of the book was put together very well. It's about a young girl who uses fancy words when she talks but then tells the audience what they mean. My favorite part of the book is when Nancy's parents are putting her to bed and they say I love you and she says I love you back becuase there is no fancy or better way of saying that. It shows that no matter how you look at things: in a "fancy" or "normal" way I love you always means the same.

Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Growing up I loved reading Amelia Bedelia books. When I saw this one in the library I knew I had to read it again. They made me laugh and realize that there are many different meanings to sentences, thoughts and words. These were my favorite parts about the book: dust the furniture, draw the drapes, and dress the turkey. First of all how can someone think of that? It is too funny!

I didn't remember how it ended but I thought Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were going to be really upset with what she did. They might have been but because she was trying her best, working hard and did a little something extra for them they forgave her and made sure to explain what they wanted done in a way that Amelia Bedelia could understand.

The Missing Piece by Shel Silverstein

By reading The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein many times starting at an early age I knew that this book would have a life lesson. Once he found his missing piece he realized he wasn't able to enjoy the little things that made him happy.

What I love most about this book is the simplicity. There are not many pictures, no color, and short/to the point sentences throughout the book. As I started to read this book I started to wonder...is this considered a picture book? I thought, just like the book is trying to teach us, that there are different things about each and every individual that makes us...well us. Just like this book. It's unique. It might not have the most pictures, the most colors, or the most sentences. But it is still a book with pictures that tells a story.

The Tin Forest by Helen Ward and Wayne Anderson

I received this book last spring from my Aunt Pat who teaches 6th grade and I am not going to lie; I had mixed thoughts about the book before I even opened it to the first page. I questioned the plot and how can someone write about a Forest full of tin, I wondered how this could be exciting and why would anyone want to read this book.

I really enjoyed this book because it can relate to many different aspects of life. Dreams can come true if you put in hard work and effort into what you are striving for. This man was forgotton and surrounded by thousands of pieces of tin. Instead of wishing and hoping he could life in a beautiful forest full of life he put his dream into action. He used what he was given and didn't stop believing in himself or his dreams.

The illustrations used in this book described the forest better than the words. There was so much effort and detail that put into each page. From the tin in the forest where there was a scratch, nail, chipped piece, to the old man's beard, and colorful forest. The illustrations made this book come alive. It is a great book for all ages becuase it encourages everyone to..." never stop dreaming."

Hello:-)

I have just started in the class Reading and Responding to Children's Literature. In class we are now learning how to blog about the picture books and novels we will be reading throughout the semester. I am excited and ready to read:-)