Book-Related Links

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

We’ve read several articles recently about current book trends and reading behaviors. Here is a list of a few favorites you might find interesting.

 

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“Kids Don’t Read Books Because Parents Don’t Read Books”

According to a recent report, reading rates are in decline. So what’s the cause? Many people are quick to blame technology, but perhaps the problem stems more from larger cultural attitudes toward reading. “At the end of the day, how our children read and what our children read says a lot more about adult attitudes than it does about our kids’.”

 

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“The Reason Every Book about Africa Has the Same Cover – And It’s Not Pretty”

Ever noticed the acacia tree that seems to grace the cover of every book with an African author or setting? Regardless of style or subject, this tree has become ubiquitous with “African” books. The author examines why this is, blaming preferences by publishers to follow tradition and simplify the “other”.

 

 

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“How I Convinced My 8 Year Old to Choose Books Instead of Minecraft”

In this article, the writer shares a personal account about encouraging his son to read. While this includes incentivizing reading by making it a requirement before video games, he mostly focuses on how to make books appealing so that kids will choose to read. For instance, the comic book format of a graphic novel looks more like entertainment than reading, and eBooks offer both a technology aspect and the gratification of instant access.

 

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“Why You Should Avoid Best-Selling Books”

While everyone loves the glamour of the newest best seller, it might not be the best investment of your time. The knowledge it offers is ephemeral, serving as conversation fodder until the next best thing is published. On the other hand, books that withstand the test of time promise relevancy in the long term. They also offer a way to set yourself apart: “If you read what everyone else reads, soon you’ll start thinking like everyone else.”

Book Renewal Deadline for Faculty and Grad Students

Reminder:

In order to help the library keep track of its materials, all library books charged to UA faculty and graduate students need to be physically renewed by Saturday, May 31. This can be done by bring the books to any library location. For faculty members with seven or more books, you can make an appointment with one of the librarians for a staff member to renew the books at your office. Please refer to the official memo for further instructions. Thanks for your cooperation!

(Note – this does not apply to undergraduate students.)

Picture Book Series

By Leslie Grant, Graduate Assistant, McLure Education Library

We have several picture book series at McLure in the curriculum materials library downstairs. These books are great because they enable kids to read new books while still feeling comfortable with familiar characters. Also, if they like a book, you have a ready list of recommendations for further reading. A few popular series at the library include:

Olivia by Ian Falconer
“Whether at home getting ready for the day, enjoying the beach, or at bedtime, Olivia is a feisty pig who has too much energy for her own good.”

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Olivia
Dream big : [starring Olivia]
Olivia … and the missing toy
Olivia and the fairy princesses
Olivia counts
Olivia forms a band
Olivia goes to Venice
Olivia helps with Christmas
Olivia saves the circus
Olivia’s opposites

Pigeon by Mo Willems
“The bus driver turns over the duty of watching the bus to you, with one instruction, don’t let the pigeon drive the bus.”

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Don’t let the pigeon drive the bus
Don’t let the pigeon stay up late!
The duckling gets a cookie!?
The Pigeon finds a hot dog!
The pigeon has feelings, too!
The pigeon wants a puppy!

 

Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor
“A young girl who loves fancy things helps her family to be fancy…”

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Fancy Nancy
Fancy Nancy and the boy from Paris
Fancy Nancy and the posh puppy
Fancy Nancy, poison ivy expert
Fancy Nancy sees stars
Fancy Nancy’s favorite fancy words

 

David by David Shannon
“A young boy is depicted doing a variety of naughty things for which he is repeatedly admonished, but finally he gets a hug.”

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No, David!
David gets in trouble
David goes to school
It’s Christmas, David!

 

 

Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
”Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese cat with an overactive imagination who would rather be El Skippito, his Zorro-like alter ego.”

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Skippyjon Jones 1-2-3
Skippyjon Jones and the big bones
Skippyjon Jones and the treasure hunt
Skippyjon Jones Cirque de Olé
Skippyjon Jones. Class action
Skippyjon Jones : color crazy
Skippyjon Jones in mummy trouble
Skippyjon Jones in the dog house
Skippyjon Jones– lost in spice
Skippyjon Jones shape up
Skippyjon Jones up & down

 

What are your favorite picture book series?