From Kellee’s (Huge) Library Pile Part Two | Julia’s House for Lost Creatures by Ben Hatke, Frances Dean Loves to Dance and Dance by Birgitta Sif, Memoirs of a Goldfish by Devin Scillian, Going Places by Peter and Paul Reynolds, Quest by Aaron Becker, & Flight School by Lita Judge

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From My (Huge) Library Pile

Because of It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? posts, I find myself often with huge piles of picture books from the library that were highly recommended by fellow bloggers. I celebrate many of the nonfiction pictures books on Wednesdays, but I want to share some of the fiction picture books I have enjoyed. So, I decided to start series here on UR where I can pass on the love for these books sporadically as I read them. Here is a list of some great pictures books that I’ve read recently from my huge library pile (part 2!).

Julia

Julia’s House for Lost Creatures
Author: Ben Hatke
Published October 14th, 2014 by First Second Books

I am a huge fan of Zita the Spacegirl, and I was so happy to see that Ben Hatke had written a picture book.  I truly enjoyed Julia’s House for Lost Creatures. The illustrations are so much fun, and the story was simple yet entertaining. Julia loves her new house, but she finds that she is lonely. So, she decides to open her home to any lost or lonely creatures that need a home. Soon, though, she finds that some rules need to be set up to ensure that her house runs smoothly.

frances

Frances Dean Who Loved to Dance and Dance
Author: Birgitta Sif
Published August 26th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

Birgitta Sif’s other book Oliver really stuck with me (about imagination and empathy), so when I was told about Frances Dean, I knew I had to read it. Frances Dean is a kindred spirit who finds true joy in dancing; however, she soon notices that others are judging her, so she stops. But she then realizes that if she doesn’t dance, she isn’t happy, so she embraces who she is.  This book is about empowerment and not hiding one’s gift.

memoirs

Memoirs of a Goldfish
Author: Devin Scillian
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Published April 1st, 2010 by Sleeping Bear Press

This picture book was wonderful! It chronicles the life of a goldfish as he deals with what ends up being a quite hectic life. The illustrations were beautiful, the fish has an amazing voice, I love the premise, the theme is universal, and it would prompt great writing activities. Love it!

going places

Going Places
Authors: Peter and Paul Reynolds
Published March 18th, 2014 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Peter Reynolds has a way of making his readers feel empowered. When you finish his books, you want to go DO something. This book is no different. Going Places promotes thinking outside of the box and collaborating.

quest

Quest
Author: Aaron Becker
Published August 26th, 2014 by Candlewick Press

Quest is a beautiful continuation of Journey. Aaron Becker starts where the first book left off, but Quest is as unique as Journey was. The kids we met in the first book are swept into an adventure to save a king who has armed them with the tools to save the kingdom. I read this book over and over again because there are so many different little nuances in this adventure that promotes creativity, imagination, and teamwork. To be honest, I almost like Quest better than journey because the kids work together.

flight school

Flight School
Author: Lita Judge
Published April 15th, 2014 by Atheneum Books for Young Readers

I really enjoyed this little, quirky book! The poor penguin just wants to fly. More than anything in the world. So, he goes to a flight school that promises that they can teach any bird to fly. Though they try and try, the poor penguin just fails, but he never gives up! You cannot help but love this little penguin! In addition, the themes in this book (determination, friendship, positivity) are deeper than the funny text that accompany it.

What picture books should I add to my pile next? 

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Want to see Part One? You can view it HERE.

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