A brief post to link-up at Teacher Mentor Texts, and then I’m back to wiping little noses, soothing overtired babies, and wiping down every surface with disinfectant. I wish I had more time to chat about these books, but since I don’t, let’s just say that they’re all ones I’d recommend. Click on any of the images to read more on Goodreads, since I’m short on time today!
Mom read:
(Look at me! Three books this week! This should say something about how good they were, right? Lots of late nights this past week.)
Preschooler read: 
Thanks for stopping by! Please let me know what you think, and I’ll be around to visit you all soon!
15 Comments
Join the conversation and post a comment.
You can also find me monthly at
Writing, Writing, Writing
Second Round Judge for Middle Grade Fiction!
Forget NaNoWriMo! November is Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo)!
Let’s Keep In Touch!
ooo, I like so many of these books! One Cool Friend is still one of my favorite picture books of the year. It’s so adorable. I was really impressed by both Breaking Stalin’s Nose and Bigger than a Breadbox.
I LOVED the ending to One Cool Friend. I had to go back and reread the book again to pick up on all the clues I’d missed. Very clever!
I think I could repeat what Hannahlily said. I loved One Cool Friend-great to ‘see’, & also Breaking Stalin’s Nose and Bigger Than A Breadbox. Really enjoyable to read.
My boys love all the Kevin Henkes books.
Bigger than a Breadbox is on my son’s nightstand so it hasn’t made it to my TBR pile, yet.
We love Kevin Henkes too. His stories have great messages, but without sounding preachy.
It only took me a couple days to read Bigger than a Breadbox. And that’s with 2 small kiddos at home. It’s a really interesting read! Enjoy
I want to read all of the first three books you mention, the first two have been on my list for awhile and I also like Jerry Spinelli
Breaking Stalin’s Nose is unique. At first, I found the narrative a bit choppy, but it works, once you get used to it. It’s a topic I don’t know much about, I don’t know too many middle grade books that look at Stalin’s USSR from a youth perspective.
One Cool Friend was definitely a fun book. Thanks for sharing!
Two of the books you’ve read I LOVED- Breadbox and Cool Friend. I have been wanting to read Stalin and Jake & Lily since I have heard about them. Will have to look into the other picture books.
Happy reading this week!
I enjoyed Bigger Than a Bread Box and I think many kids making similar transitions can related to that hopeful, albeit sometimes unrealistic, wishing. I’m eager to check out your other novels too. So is Stalin’s Nose worthy of it’s Newbery honor after reading it? We had some of the early Little Quack books when they first came out at our house, but I haven’t seen that one–cute. And you can’t go wrong with Henkes! Have a great week!
I think Stalin’s Nose is worthy of a Newbery in that it’s very tightly written, and about a topic (Stalin’s Youth, Communist USSR) that does not get alot of attention, at least not in terms of children’s books. I wouldn’t say it was my favorite novel, but it definitely has value, personal opinions aside.
Breadbox is definitely on my list. And since I’m doing the Newbery Challenge I’ll be reading Stalin’s Nose at some point soon as well.
Hope everyone is feeling better soon
Thank you! Going by their energy levels, I would say everybody is on the mend
Stalin’s Nose was an interesting read. It felt a little choppy at first, but once I adjusted to the (first-person) youth perspective, it became easier. Be interested to see what you think!
I want to read One Cool Friend after your review!
Do! I was sort of ho-hum about it as I was reading it…until the ending. I love when a book catches you off guard like that!