Thrift Store Book Haul #8

Recently, I went to a local thrift store and Goodwill. I found some great books at low prices! Here’s what I found:

• Clifford the Firehouse Dog by Norman Bridwell
• Miss Nelson has a Field Day by James Marshall
• If You Give a Mouse A Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff (paperback and hardcover)

I am almost 100% sure I already own this book, however I found this book in great condition in both paperback and hardcover. It never hurts to have multiple copies of a book for a classroom library, and since they were so cheap, it was worth the cost!

• Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewedney

I think the Llama Llama books are SO CUTE, but I didn’t have any before finding this one at the thrift store! This will be a great addition to my collection.

• The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Don and Audrey Wood
• The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

I have the first two books in this series, so I’m glad I could find the fifth book!

• Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Glam TV Star by Rachel Renee Russell

The cover of this book is so shiny! I already have quite a few books in this series, so it is always nice to find another.

• Flat Stanley’s Worldwide Adventures: The US Capital Commotion by Jeff Brown
• Flat Stanley: Stanley and the Magic Lamp by Jeff Brown

I never realized how many Flat Stanley existed! These are great chapter books for my future classroom.

• Ten by Lauren Myracle
• Eleven by Lauren Myracle

I have Twelve and Thirteen, so I was happy to find the first two books in this series so I can start reading from the beginning.

• My America: My Borther’s Keeper by Mary Pope Osbourne
• Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
• The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

I’ve been wanting to read a book by Jennifer E. Smith, so this was a great find!

• Stolen by Lucy Christopher

I read Stolen and high school and loved it, so it’s nice to have a copy of my own!

 

What are some of your best recent deals on books?

 

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Top Ten Tuesday: Top Books of 2016

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is Top 10 Books of 2016. Throughout the month of December, I hosted The Brittany Awards on my blog. I had four categories (picture books, middle grade books, young adult books, and overall favorite books) with five winners and three honorable mentions in each category. Here are the links to my Top Books of 2016 lists:

1.) The Brittany Awards Part One: Picture Books

2.) The Brittany Awards Part Two: Middle Grade Books

3.) The Brittany Awards Part Three: Young Adult Books

4.) The Brittany Awards Part Four: Favorite Overall Books

 

What were some of your favorite books in 2016? 

The Brittany Awards Part One: Picture Books

For my blog, I decided to create end of the years awards for my favorite books. I decided that there will be four categories (picture books, middle grade books, young adult books, and overall favorite books) with five winners and three honorable mentions in each category. For each winner, I will include a link to my review, what I rated the book, and an excerpt from the review (if there is a review for the book on my blog).

For the first part, I will select my top five picture books that I read in 2016. For this category, I did not select any honorable mentions. Here are my top five choices, in no particular order:

1.) All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey (★ ★ ★ ★ ★)

“If you love this song, Mariah Carey, or are looking for a cute Christmas book for your children, All I Want for Christmas is You is the perfect book…”

2.) Good Morning, Superman! by Michael Dahl (★ ★ ★ ★)

“Overall, I think Good Morning, Superman! is an enjoyable book that colorfully illustrates a monotonous subject. While I do think this is a great children’s books, I think some additional features, like pop-out pictures of the tasks would enhance a student’s learning experience.”

*Check out this review during my 12 Days of Blogmas later this month!

3.) Isabella in Charge by Jennifer Fosberry (★ ★ ★)

“Isabella takes charge as inspirational character for young girls.”

4.) Fancy Nancy… Halloween or Bust! by Jane O’Connor (★ ★ ★ ★)

“Fancy Nancy: Halloween… or Bust! will definitely be a treat for young readers on Halloween.”

5.) Happy Halloween, Biscuit! by Alyssa Satin Capucilli (★ ★ ★ ★)

“Overall, Biscuit is a fun and appropriate book for its target age range. While this consistency is great for younger readers, older readers might become bored with the predictable sentence structure and situations.”

 

What was the best picture book that you read in 2016?

November Wrap-Up and December TBR

This month was crazy in terms of school work and Christmas shopping, so I didn’t really get much reading done. However, even with finals quickly approaching in December, I definitely want to get some books read.

Here is what I read in November:

• There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Turkey by Lucille Colandro (★ ★ ★)

“While I think this is a fun book to read with your family on Thanksgiving, it is definitely not my favorite in the series.”

Here’s what I hope to read in December:

• A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning

• A Series of Unfortunate Events #2: The Reptile Room

• A Series of Unfortunate Events #3: The Wide Window

I hope to do a series of A Series of Unfortunate Events reviews before the Netflix series comes out, but I need to read them first!

 

What books are on your December TBR?

ARC Review: Isabella, Girl in Charge

Isabella takes charge as inspirational character for young girls.

Isabella: Girl in Charge by Jennifer Fosberry follows a young girl as she prepares to leave the house. Through the process of putting on her clothes and eating breakfast, the girl changes to notorious women throughout the history of the United States who were heavily involved in government and politics.

While I enjoyed several aspects that I enjoyed in this book, there were also several aspects that I thought could be improved to give the book’s message a greater impact. First, I’ll start with the books message. I think this book has a great message that is extremely relevant to current issues. Since this book will be released before the upcoming election, I think it ties in well with showing how far women have come in history (even though Hillary Clinton isn’t the first woman to run for the presidency).

I also liked that the book showcased a wide variety of roles woman have played in government in different time periods. A mayor, a Cabinet member, and a Supreme Court justice were only a few of the jobs covered in the book. I also appreciated that when it flashed back to Isabella’s daily routine that there were many plays on words with the job previously listed.

I also enjoyed the timeline at the end of the book that went into more detail about the women mentioned and also mentioned other achievements by women. One problem I had throughout reading this book is that many children reading this book may not recognize these women and be confused while reading the book. I think including a more in-depth look at the end of the book gives this background information without bogging the story down.

There was one other problem that I had while reading this book… the lack of diversity! The only time a non-Caucasian woman appeared was at the end where it showed a woman winning the presidency in the future. I would have liked if more diversity was shown throughout the book and possibly featuring young girls of different races to highlight these accomplishments. These achievements were listed in the back of the book, but I think this book would be more relatable and impactful if it included more information on woman from a variety of backgrounds.

I give this book three out of five stars.

I recieved this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Thrift Store Book Haul #4

Recently, I went to a local thrift store, Goodwill, Dollar Tree, and Half Price Books to find some books at a great cost. Here’s what I found:

• Thirteen by Lauren Myracle

I remember always wanting to read this series when I was younger, so I’m glad that I found one for such a low price!

• Dork Diaries #5: Tales from a Not-So-Smart Miss Know-it-All by Rachel Renee Russell
• Dork Diaries #6: Tales from a Not-So-Happy Heartbreaker by Rachel Renee Russel

While I have mixed feelings about this series, I’m definitely interested to see what trouble the main character finds herself in next.

• Mercy Wilson to the Rescue by Kate DiCamillo

I recently mentioned this book in the books that I’m bringing to college. I love how this early chapter book has cute, colorful, and fun illustrations. 

• A Series of Unfortunate Events #13: The End by Lemony Snicket

I finally found the last Series of Unfortunate Events book! Over the summer, I thrifted every book in the series. Now, I just need to read then before the Netflix series comes out. 

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney
• Play, Louis, Play! The True Story of a Boy and His Horn by Muriel Harris Weinstein

I saw this book in my local Dollar Tree and thought this book looked interesting because it is a biography about Louis Armstrong written from the perspective of his horn!

• The Giver Quartet by Lois Lowry

I’ve only read the first book in this series and I absolutely loved it! I’m glad I found a gorgeous silver and red edition that contains all the books so I can finish the series. (And it was only $5!)

• Getting to Know the World’s Greatest Artists by Mike Venezia
  • Andy Warhol
  • Pierre Auguste Renoir
  • Pierre Bruegel
  • Van Gogh 

When I saw these books, I couldn’t remember which one I found in my $5 book bag haul. I picked up all of them just to make sure because these non-fiction books are adorable and explain artwork well to children. 

• Goldilicious by Victoria Kann

I loved Pinkalicious, so I can’t wait to read this one, especially since I saw a unicorn when I flipped through the book.

• There was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Clover by Lucille Colandro

Liebster Award

Thank you to Zainab at TeenBookLit101 for nominating me!

The Rules:

1. Post the award on your blog.
2. Acknowledge the blogger who nominated you.
3. Answer the questions assigned to you.
4. Give 10 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 10 deserving bloggers for the award.
6. Ask 10 questions to your nominees.

Zainab’s Questions.

• What is the meaning behind your blog name?

One day, I was thinking of different names that I could use for a blog even though I had no idea what I wanted to blog about. I was thinking of different fairy tales names and tried to think of a play off of Beauty and the Beast. When I decided to make a book blog, I thought this name could still work since Belle loved to read.

• Where do you like to shop most for books and why?

I love going to thrift stores and library sales to find my books. For all my reasons why, check out this past Top Ten Tuesday.

• What is your fave book genre?

Contemporary! If you look through my books reviews, most of the books fall into this category. I love finding characters and situations that I relate to in books. Of course you can do this in another genres, but for me, it’s easier to see in contemporary books.

• Tea/Coffee or Hot Choco?

I actually really don’t like hot drinks, but if I had to choose, then I would pick hot chocolate (with marshmallows, of course!).

• Are you a morning person?

I’m definitely a morning person–I usually wake up an hour or two earlier than I plan! Also, all of my friends make fun of me for being a grandma since I usually go to bed early.

• Besides from reading, what do you do in your spare time?

Recently in my spare time, I needed to study for my teaching certification tests (thankfully, I passed!). Since I haven’t been studying anymore, I have no idea what to do with my free time! I guess if I’m not reading, usually I’m shopping or watching something on television or Netflix.

• What mode of transport do you use?

I have my license, so I guess a car even though I really don’t like driving. I got my license over two years ago and I’ve only driven two blocks since! I wouldn’t even have my license if my parents didn’t force me to take my driving test before my permit expired.

• Name one author you aspire to be like?

One author that I aspire to be like is Sarah Dessen. Not only is she a great writer, but I think she’s a great role model who has used her writing to touch the lives of many readers.

• What book would you like to be turned into a movie?

One book that I would love to see turn into a movie is Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins. I think this would be such a fun movie and I always pictured Brec Bassinger from Bella and the Bulldogs as the protagonist.

• Which books are you anticipating a lot to be released or to read?

A book that I’m really anticipating to read is Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys. I love all of her books, so I’m sure this one won’t disappoint!

Facts about me:

I think there’s a Top Ten Tuesday coming up on this topic, so I’ll just save my facts for then!

I nominate…

Hilary @ SongsWroteMyStory

Syc @ The Lit Mermaid

Bookish Wormy 

Lindsey @ A Piece of Paradis

Jenn, Caitlynn, and Eden at Thrice Read

Sorry if you’ve already done this!

Questions for my nominees: 

• What was the last movie you saw in theaters and did you like it?
• What’s your favorite vacation?
• If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• Do you have a nickname? What is it?
• Name three items you would take on a deserted island.
• Do you have any pets?
• If you could join any music group (past or present) who would you join and why?
• Are you a clean or messy person?
• If you could go back in time, what year would you travel to?
• Name two pet peeves.

(questions from signupgenius.com)

Mega Thrifting Book Haul Part Three: The $5 Bag Sale

This is part three of my mega book haul! To check out my picture book haul click here and to check out my middle grade and young adult haul click here. In  this post, I’ll feature a mix of picture books, middle grade, and young adults books that I purchased at the second day of my library’s annual book sale. On the second and third days of the sale, you can stuff as many books into a plastic bag for only $5!

Here are all the books from the $5 bag sale:

What Every Girl (Except Me) Knows by Nora Raleigh Baskin

This book is in my recommended reads on Goodreads. With some extra space in my bag, I couldn’t pass it up!

Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne

The Report Card by Andrew Clements

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

I used Frindle for a novel unit plan in one of my field experiences and I remember loving another one of his books, so I picked up two more of his books! 

My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett

Ella Enchanted by Gail Garson Levine

Summer Camp Secrets: Acting Out by Katy Grant

Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

Ramona Forever by Beverly Cleary

I have never read any of the Ramona books, so I’m hoping I’ll love these ones.

Superfudge by Judy Blume

I don’t think I’ve read any Judy Blume books, so I picked this one up.

Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry

By the Shores of Silverlake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

In one of my previous hauls, I hauled three of the Little House on the Prairie books. I saw this one the first day of the sale, but I put it back because I had so many other books picked up. I instantly regretted it, but I couldn’t find it. Much to my surprise, I found it on the $5 bag day! 

I am Fifteen—and I Don’t Want to Die by Christine Arnothy

Lily B. on the Brink of Cool by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel

Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins

My sister actually picked up this book, but she thought it would be too young for the grade levels she would be teaching so she passed it onto me!

From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

I’ve heard of this book, but have no idea what it’s about. I’ll gladly take the risk if it fits into one of my bags!

Black Beauty by Anna Sewall

Red Thread Sisters by Carol Antoinette Peacock

Genny in a Bottle: How to Become Popular Without Losing Your Mind by Kristen Kemp

I just can’t resist pink covers.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame

Ziata’s Diary: A Child’s Life is Sarajevo by Ziata Filipovic

Main Street: September Surprise by Ann M. Martin

I actually had a few of these books from when I was younger and they were super cute. I’m glad I could find another one!

Sweet Valley Twins #5: Sneaking Out by Francine Pascal

Sleepover Friends #19: The Great Kate by Susan Saunders

Sleepover Friends #22 : The Trouble with Patti by Susan Saunders

The three books above I actually purchased on accident in my mad dash to get all the Babysitter’s Club (I’ll talk about this experience in my next post). They’re all part of series that I don’t intend on buying, so I’ll probably just donate them!

The Babysitters Club by Ann M. Martin

• 5. Dawn and the Impossible Three
• 8. Boy-crazy Stacey
• 16. Jessi’s Secret Language
• 28. Welcome Back, Stacey!
• 39. Poor Mallory!
• 41. Mary Anne vs. Logan
• 46. Mary Anne Misses Logan
• 48. Jessi’s Wish
• 50. Dawn’s Big Date
• 51. Stacey’s Ex-Best Friend
• 52. Mary Anne + 2 Many Babies
• 54. Mallory and the Dream Horse
• 58. Stacey’s Choice
• 60. Mary Anne’s Makeover
• 108. Don’t Give Up, Mallory!
• Guide to Babysitting

I love the Babysitter’s Club, but I either sold or gave away my collection of them years ago… here’s to rebuilding!

Babysitters: Little Sister by Ann M. Martin

• 1. Karen’s Witch
• 2. Karen’s Roller Skates
• 3. Karen’s Worst Day
• 4. Karen’s Kittycat Club
• 5. Karen’s School Picture
• 7. Karen’s Birthday
• 8. Karen’s Haircut
• 9. Karen’s Sleepover
• 10. Karen’s Grandmother
• 11. Karen’s Prize
• 12. Karen’s Ghost
• 13. Karen’s Surprise
• 14. Karen’s New Year
• 15. Karen’s in Love
• 16. Karen’s Goldfish
• 17. Karen’s Brothers
• 18. Karen’s Home Run
• 19. Karen’s Good-bye
• 20. Karen’s Carnival
• 21. Karen’s New Teacher
• 22. Karen’s Little Witch
• 23. Karen’s Doll
• 24. Karen’s School Trip
• 25. Karen’s Pen Pal
• 26. Karen’s Ducklings
• 27. Karen’s Big Joke
• 28. Karen’s Tea Party
• 29. Karen’s Cartwheel
• 30. Karen’s Kittens
• 31. Karen’s Bully
• 32. Karen’s Pumpkin Patch
• 33. Karen’s Secret
• 34. Karen’s Snow Day
• 35. Karen’s Doll Hospital
• 36. Karen’s New Friend
• 37. Karen’s Tuba
• 38. Karen’s Big Lie
• 39. Karen’s Wedding
• 40. Karen’s Newspaper
• 41. Karen’s School
• 118. Karen’s Figure Eight
• Super Special #2: Karen’s Plane Trip
• Super Special #4: Karen, Hannie, and Nancy: The Three Muskateers
• Super Special #5: Karen’s Baby

I vaguely remember the first few books, but since I was getting older I don’t think I ever really got into it. Now, I have plenty of chances to enjoy it!

Four Stories for Four Seasons by Tomie De Paola

The Know-Nothings by Michele Sobel Spirn

Getting to Know the World’s Artists: Andy Warhol by Mike Venezia

I thought this book was super cool because it detailed Andy Warhol’s life, but also explained some of his artwork for children!

Pierre-Auguste Renoir by Ernest Rabott

Van Gogh by Ernest Rabott

Both Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Van Gogh have a similar format where they analyze each artist’s work and quotes from the artists, but on a child’s reading level. I thought this was really interesting and something that I hadn’t see before!

…If You Lived at the Time of the Great San Francisco Earthquake by Ellen Levine

Sugaring Time by Kathryn Lasky

Going Batty by Kirsten Hall

Not a Box by Antoinette Portis

My sister shoved this and a few other books into my arms. This book looks really unique and I can’t wait to read it!

The Quilt Story by Tony Johnston and Tomie De Paola

Alamo Activity and Coloring Book

Another book my sister shoved into my arms. Don’t know how I’ll use it, but I’ll find a way!

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch

Daniel’s Dinosaurs by Mary Carmine

Gobble, Gobble, Giggle! By Katy Hall and Lisa Eisenberg

The Walking Coat by Pauline Watson and illustrated by Tomie de Paola (2 copies)

The Legend of Blue Bonnett by Tomie de Paola

Wonders of Plants and Flowers by Laura Damon

Wonders of the Rain Forest by Janet Craig

Wonders of the Rainforest poster, workbook, and cassettes

Even though I probably won’t use the cassettes, the poster was really cool because it showed all the levels of the rain forest with labels. Also, the workbook is pretty nice too!

What books have you thrifted recently? (And don’t forget to check out my final post in this series next week!) 

 

Mega Thrifting Book Haul Part One: Picture Books

Recently, I traveled to two Goodwills, a local thrift store, and my library’s annual book sale. I found so many great books, I’ve decided to split my haul into four posts! In this post, I’ll share some of the picture books I purchased from the thrift stores and from the first day of the library sale. In the next post, I’ll share the middle grade and young adult books I bought from the thrift stores and the first day of the library sale. In the final haul post, I will share all of the books I bought on the $5 bag day of library book sale. I’ll conclude with a post on the overall experience of the library sale–my favorite book sale of the year! If I remember correctly, I stuffed over 100 books for myself, plus a few books for my sister and grandmother, into two bags!

Here are the picture books from the thrift stores and the first day of the library sale:

We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen and Helen Oxbury

We’re Going on an Egg Hunt by Laine Mitchell and Louis Shea

This book follows the same style of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, so I thought this would be a great addition to my future classroom for students who enjoyed that book. 

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch

This is one of my favorite children’s books, so it was definitely a great find. 

The Pout-Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen

I’ve always heard a lot about this book, but never read it myself. It’s a great story, so I’m glad I picked it up!

Natasha Wing

• The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day 
• The Night Before New Year’s
• The Night Before Preschool

I got the Night Before Kindergarten and really enjoyed it, so it was great to find a few more books just like it!

Clifford’s First Snow Day by Norman Birdwell

Biscuit and the Little Pup by Alyssa Satin Capucilli

Pat the Cat’s Big Book by Colin and Jacqui Hawkins

Tog the Dog’s Big Book by Colin and Jacqui Hawkins

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Jane Chapman

Laura Numeroff Mini-Books

• If You Give a Moose a Muffin
• If You Take a Mouse to School 
• If You Give a Cat a Cupcake 

Duck for President by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin (mini book)

The Going to Bed Book by Sandra Boynton

Jan Brett

• Goldilocks and the Three Bears
• The Hat
• The Mitten
• Town House Country Mouse
• Comet’s Nine Lives
• Who’s that Knocking on Christmas Eve?

Jan Brett’s books are so beautifully illustrated and they can be used so many ways in the classroom. Luckily, I found quite a few during my past few hauls. 

The Three Billy Goat’s Gruff by Stephen Carpenter

I loved this book when I was younger, so I’m glad that I found a copy to enjoy now!

Adventures of Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish

Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown

The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle

I already have the board book of this, but I couldn’t pass it up when I found the paperback version. 

Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin

Rumble in the Jungle by Giles Andreae and David Wojtowycz

I already hauled Commotion in the Ocean before, so I was happy to find this book. 

The Girl who loved Wild Horses by Paul Goble

Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina

Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey

Dr. Seuss

• The Cat in the Hat
• Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
• Green Eggs and Ham
• ABC

I think I mentioned this in a previous post, but before I wasn’t a huge Dr. Seuss fan, but now some of his books are my favorite children’s book. Oh! The Places You’ll Go is one of my all-time favorite children’s books, so I was really excited to find it at my library’s book sale. 

The Patchwork Quilt by Valeries Flournoy

I used this book in a unit plan that I wrote for class, but I didn’t have a copy of my own. I’m so glad I found this one!

You are Special by Max Lucado

I love this book so much, it has such a great message! Even though it’s a picture book, it will touch readers of all ages. 

The Knight and the Dragon by Tomie DePaola

Tomie DePaola is a well-known children’s author, but I haven’t really read many of his books. The illustrations in this one looked really cute, so I decided to pick it up!

Schnitzel von Krumm Forget-Me-Not by Lynley Dodd

I know I’ve read this book before, but I can’t remember where. It’s really cute though, so I’m glad that I can add it to my collection!

Around the World We Go! By Margaret Wise Brown

The Very Fairy Princess: Sparkles in the Snow by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton

 

What books have you thrifted recently?

#ThrowbackThursday: The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story

Better late than never!

With Easter coming up this Sunday, I thought it would be the perfect time to review a book about Easter. The Berenstain Bears and the Easter Story follows the children of the Berenstain Bears at Sunday School before Easter. While the cubs are more concerned about what candy they will get on Easter, their Sunday School teacher takes them to a play another Sunday school class is putting on so the cubs can learn the true meaning of Easter .

I think this particular Easter story would be a great introduction to the story of Easter, especially if a child is already familiar with the Berenstain Bears. Children will be able to connect with the familiar characters while hearing a story they may or may not have heard about. I also enjoyed how the book mentioned at the end that they will learn more about Easter in church on Sunday. If you go to church on Easter with your family, this could be a good book to read before going to church so your child has some background knowledge on what they are hearing. You could even point out connections between the book with what the pastor is saying during the service.

I give this book 5/5 stars.