Children's Books discussion

94 wow!

I haven't read many of her books.

Recently
One Green Apple

Long ago
Our Sixth-Grade Sugar Babies
Sixth-grade Sleepover (probably, I read all those apple paperbacks)

Possibly more. I'm going to the library right now so I will check.

NYT obit
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/19/bo...

Smoky Night

None of Eve Bunting's books rang a bell so I grabbed this one from the library shelf. It's set during a riot, presumably the LA riots given the publication date. It's a child's eye version of Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing showing the fear and confusing riots cause in children. The boy is the story is terrified and while his mother tries to keep him safe, their building is lit on fire and his cat escapes. Eve Bunting brings the story down to a child's level even further with the story of two cats. It's very sensitive and sweet. (view spoiler)[Tw o cats seemingly hate each other before the riots, as two families from different cultures kept to themselves. When the cats disappear, they are rescued together with their paws around each other. The story of the cats helps their owners realize they have something in common and reach out to connect to the other person from the other culture. (hide spoiler)]

This one should be required reading for ADULTS not just kids. Kids will be able to relate to the story even now, sadly, and adults could stand to learn a lesson or two.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Smoky Night

None of Eve Bunting's books rang a bell so I grabbed this one from the library shelf. It's set during a riot, presumably the LA riots given ..."

This is a great book, but of course, it is also on the hit list for many book banners, sigh.

Frankly, I think the Picture Book Club should consider doing an Eve Bunting retrospective theme (or one for both Ian Falconer and Eve Bunting).

Manybooks wrote: "This is a great book, but of course, it is also on the hit list for many book banners, sigh.."

The woke police don't like it either. While it seems to be about the LA riots, Eve Bunting grew up in Northern Ireland and knows a thing or two about scary riots.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Manybooks wrote: "This is a great book, but of course, it is also on the hit list for many book banners, sigh.."

The woke police don't like it either. While it seems to be about the LA riots, Eve ..."

Yup, Smoky Night might not be strictly OwnVoices, but with Eve Bunting growing up in Northern Ireland and thus being familiar with sectarian violence and the like, she certainly understands enough in my opinion to write an authentic feeling account.

She was a favorite of mine when I started working as an elementary school media specialist in the 1990s. Favorites for sharing with students included , , , , , , and of course, .

Ms. B wrote: "She was a favorite of mine when I started working as an elementary school media specialist in the 1990s. Favorites for sharing with students included , [bookc..."

Thank you for sharing your students' favorites. I saw some of those on the shelf at the library. I'll go back and read them soon.

I need to read more by her, too. I hate that an author's death reminds me to do so, but better late than never.

Cheryl wrote: "I need to read more by her, too. I hate that an author's death reminds me to do so, but better late than never."

I know. I've heard of her but don't recall reading any of those books. Most of them post-date the time when I would have been actively reading picture books. I'm certain we would have read How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story in school. We went to Plymouth and learned about the Pilgrims right around that time.

QNPoohBear wrote: "Thank you for sharing your students' favorites. I saw some of those on the shelf at the library. I'll go back and read them soon."
I look forward to hearing what you think of them.

I picked up and will review soon...

A short chapter book:
Nasty, Stinky Sneakers

Picture books:
One Green Apple
Smoky Night
A Picnic in October

Ms. B wrote: "She was a favorite of mine when I started working as an elementary school media specialist in the 1990s. Favorites for sharing with students included , [bookc..."

I have read most of Bunting's picture books, including all of the ones that Mrs. B showed in her post. I also read Our Sixth-Grade Sugar Babies. I enjoyed every book she wrote.

Beverly wrote: "I have read most of Bunting's picture books, including all of the ones that Mrs. B showed in her post. I also read Our Sixth-Grade Sugar Babies. I enjoyed every book she wrote.."
I remember that one but never read it. For chapter books, I read and