Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by The Booknosher.

My selection is Math Fables written by Greg Tang and illustrated by Heather Cahoon. A series of rhyming stories are used to introduce students to number grouping for K-3. Not only are the stories fun and visually interesting, the language will add some new words to the reader's vocabulary.

Here is the answer to Friday's Famous First:"Muchachos and muchachas, boys and girls, do you know what happened to the fearless little girl who lives in the pink stucco house behind the plaza?" is from The Dream Stealer, written by Sid Fleischman and illustrated by Peter Sis.

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted today by Book Aunt.

Today's selection is - The fastest game on two feet: and other poems about how sports began -- written by Alice Low and illustrated by John O'Brien. In addition to the often humorous verse, Low includes facts and a timeline about the origin of the sports that range from gymnastics to golf, basketball to bowling. O'Brien's lively ink and watercolor illustrations are a happy addition to the text.

Friday's Famous First: Can you identify the title and author of this first line? "Muchachos and muchachas, boys and girls, do you know what happened to the fearless little girl who lives in the pink stucco house behind the plaza?"

It's Writers Wednesday and I'm sharing this worthwhile post:

Writer's In Residence has an interview with Cheryl Malandrinos from Pump Up Your Book. Cheryl discusses Blog Tours and shares some valuable information about online book promotion.

And don't miss Tales from the Rushmore Kid: Writing Tip of the Day from Ann Whitford Paul and Alexis O'Neill.

Nonfiction Monday Roundup is hosted today at Playing by the Book.

I selected Graphing Habitats, written by Sarah Medina. The book is part of the Real World Data series of nineteen titles designed to explain, explore and illustrate how a variety of graphs can be utilized to organize information about subjects ranging from habitats to sports. Written at a sixth-grade level, this would be an excellent crossover book for mathematics and science. The book includes a bibliography, glossary and websites.

Here is the answer to Friday's Famous First: "Grandpa was a song and dance man who once danced on the vaudeville stage." is from the Caldecott Award Winning Book Song and Dance Man, written by Karen Ackerman and illustrated by Stephen Gammell.

Poetry Friday Roundup is hosted by Teach Poetry K-12.

Today's selection is Messing Around On The Monkey Bars: and other school poems for two voices, written by Betsy Franco and illustrated by Jessie Hartland. This is a collection of 19 school-related poems most of which are written as a conversation between two speakers. This would be a fun resource for readers theater or to use as an introduction to reading aloud. Students will related to the light-hearted themes that are mirrored in the whimsical illustrations.

Friday's Famous First: Can you identify the title and author of this first line? "Grandpa was a song and dance man who once danced on the vaudeville stage."

It's Writers Wednesday and I'm writing on a deadline...doing a final polish (I hope) now at chapter 18 of 22.

In the meantime follow this interesting and informative discussion on the Pros and Cons of Traditional publishing vs Self-publishing at Editorial Ass.

Regardless of how you are published, ultimately the goal is to sell books and here is a current article from the LA Times on promoting an author's brand whether it is the books or related products and services. The article discusses Open Sky a new online site designed to allow published authors and others to sell to the public. I haven't checked it out yet and this isn't an endorsement, but it might be worth a look. I'd love to hear from anyone who has done business on the site. What did you think?

Nonfiction Monday

Nonfiction Monday is hosted today by Apples With Many Seeds.

My selection is the Robert F. Sibert honor book, The Brooklyn Bridge, written and illustrated by Lynn Curlee. This beautifully illustrated book details the construction of what was once the tallest structure in North America. The text weaves together the engineering feat with the lives of John, Washington and Emily Roebling who brought this historic project to completion.

Here is the answer to Friday's Famous First: "Now don't y'all go touchin' nothin'," Stacey warned as we stepped onto the porch of the Wallace store. is from the Coretta Scott King author award winning book, The Friendship written by Mildred D. Taylor with illustrations by Max Ginsburg.