Module 1--Miss Brooks Likes Books (and I Don't) by Barbara Bottner

Source: http://kiddosphere.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

Summary: 

A first grader is not enthusiastic about reading and finds her school librarian to be odd.  For Book Week, she needs to choose a book to share with the class and dress up as the character.  She does not think she will find a book she will love, but then decides she wants to read a book about warts.  Her mother helps her find Shrek, which she loves, and  enthusiastically shares the book with her class.  She even provided fake warts to everyone in her class.

APA Reference: 

Bottner, B. (2010). Miss Brooks loves books (and I don't). New York, NY: Random House, Inc.

My Impressions:

The book is a good introduction for a discussion about selecting books.  It gives the message that everyone can find a book they enjoy and it is okay not to like every book.  The words and illustrations offer a bit of humor here and there that children will appreciate--such as when the character starts yelling, "Warts!".  I really enjoyed that humorous surprise in the story.  I'm sure children would as well.  This would be a good book for first or second grade. 

Professional Reviews: 

"Bottner's deadpan delivery is hilarious, while Emberley's exaggerated illustrations, executed in watercolor and pencil by way of computer, bring her charmingly quirky characters perfectly to life. In a word: lovable."

[Review of the book Miss Brooks loves books (and I don't), by B. Bottner]. (2010).  Kirkus Reviews, 78(4), 138.  Retrieved from http://www.kirkusreviews.com

"...a story sure to please those who celebrate books--and one that may give pause to those who don't (or who work with the latter)."

Lukeheart, W. (2010). [Review of the book Miss Brooks loves books (and I don't), by B. Bottner]. School Library Journal, 56(2), 76. Retrieved from http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com

Library Uses:  

• Request a Suggestion: Have students list topics they want to read about.  The next week, they can see the books suggested for each topic.  Make posters of the topics and keep them up for year-round use.
• Suggest a Favorite: After reading this book to students, allow students to recommend their favorite books by writing them down on sticky notes and adding them to a bulletin board (separated by grade level).  Alternatively, space could be designated and labeled for each student to have a section to continuously include new favorite books.  Any student with a blank section could alert the librarian and teacher to assist the student in finding his book to love. 
• Video Introduction: Make a video slideshow to share information about you as their librarian.  Besides fave books include hobbies, family, pets, travel, favorite foods, and colors.