A Chat with Ruta Sepetys

In my work this summer (and in my career as a preschool teacher in general), picture books are the focus. But, middle grade and young adult novels give me a unique joy as a reader, a teacher, and a writer. Once in a while, one of those books touches me in the far reaches of my heart and reminds me why I love to cuddle up on the couch with a good book. This month, I had the privilege of sitting down (in cyber-space) with Ruta Sepetys, author of Between Shades of Gray (don’t worry- absolutely NO relation to Fifty Shades of Grey!) and Out of the Easy.

Ruta came to speak about Between Shades of Gray in my children’s literature class during the year, and I just had to follow up after I read Out of the Easy. From the gripping first line, “My mother’s a prostitute,” to those final skin-tingling pages, I was hooked. I sat in my car one evening in May, telling myself I would get on the road after just this chapter or just the next- until I had finished the entire book right there in the Peabody parking lot. Then, I wrestled with my feelings on the ride home, glad to have followed Lina and Josie through to the end of their stories, but sad to have our relationships reach their natural end. Both books are set in an historical period, BSoG in World War II and its aftermath in a Siberian work camps and OotE in 1950’s French Quarter New Orleans, and both have some foundation in the reality of the era and its actors. Yet, their heroines have a depth and authenticity that can transcend generational and cultural boundaries and connect both emotionally and intellectually to modern readers. This puts author Ruta Sepetys in a unique position to provide young readers with valuable insight into the historical contexts through the eyes of these incredible heroines. I talked with Ruta about the roots of these tumultuous and inspirational stories and her journey as an author and advocate of children’s literature.

Photo by: Magda Starowieyska

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Your Career:

SJ- When did you first decide to pursue writing professionally?

RS - I decided to pursue writing professionally in 2005. I began attending conferences, joined a writing group, and began working on two manuscripts. 

I wrote mainly on the weekends because my job demanded most of my time. 

 SJ- What did that process look like (agents, publishers, etc.)?

RS - I began working with an agent in 2006. That summer I won a work-in-progress grant from SCBWI for "Between Shades of Gray." In 2007 my agent began shopping "Between Shades of Gray." It was a very long process and the book was rejected by many publishers. Then in late fall the book was picked up by Penguin. Although Penguin bought the book in 2007, it wasn't released until 2011. During that time my agent and editor both left the business to start a family. So the journey to publication was long and difficult, but of course worth it! 

SJ- How do the politics of the publishing business effect your works?

RS - I'm grateful to say that they don't affect my work much at all. My agent handles the business side of things which allows me to focus on writing. But I enjoy following the state of the industry and reading market reports.  

       

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Your Books:

SJ- The stories of Between Shades of Gray and Out of the Easy are so tied in with the true history and geography of the setting. Could you talk a bit about how these stories fit into the historical context and how that impacted the works themselves and your decision to write them?

RS - With "Out of the Easy," the story incorporates themes of feminism in historical context, identity, and Southern culture. "Between Shades of Gray" is focused on a very specific time period during and after WWII. My decision to write about these stories and time periods was based on the fact that both were full of secrets.  

SJ- Can you tell me a bit about your creative process (when/ where you write; how you bring ideas to fruition, etc.)?

RS - I don't have the luxury of waiting for the "muse" to arrive. Since I work and tour full time I have to be able to simply sit down and begin writing immediately. I try to get a draft on paper and then I revise and prune heavily. For me, a lot of the creativity comes during the revision process. I prefer to use a large chunk of time to write, but that's not always possible. If I only have a short window every day I try to write early in the morning. 

SJ- You talked in our class about how Between Shades of Gray is being implemented in the classroom. Have you seen that/ do you see a space for that with Out of the Easy?

RS - Yes! Many schools are bringing the book into the classroom. I've heard from some teachers who have incredibly creative ideas on how to use the novel and historical elements in the class.  

SJ- Your characters have such depth and authenticity that it was sometimes difficult to remember that they were not real. Yet, especially with Lina, the story is real. How do you work with young readers to help them recognize the truth and fantasy behind your historical fiction?''

RS - Thank you so much! I do a lot of research for my novels and aspects of characters are based on people I have interviewed. So, in a way, they are real. In order to help young readers navigate the fact within the fiction, we supply teachers with discussion guides that have been prepared by reading specialists. The guides list non-fiction sources for further reading.  

SJ- Both Lina and Josie are very strong female protagonists. To what extent was that a goal versus simply a by-product of the story you were trying to tell?

RS - It wasn't a specific goal, more a product of what the story called for. People who survived deportation to Siberia were extremely strong and courageous. Any young woman growing up around a brothel would also have to be strong.  

SJ- You discussed with our class the personal significance that Between Shades of Gray has for you. In what ways do you connect more/ less with Out of the Easy?

RS - More - because the setting is in the United States, which I'm much more familiar with. 

       Less - because  the main character doesn't have a sense of her family narrative. 

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The Wrap-up

SJ- What has been your greatest professional challenge?

RS - Probably the same as many writers, the challenge is time. I have over 35 publishers and each one needs specific things according to certain deadlines. I have to produce for each publisher while trying to write new books and balance my family. 

SJ- Your greatest triumph?

RS - Feedback from readers. I am so grateful when someone cares enough about the story to want to talk about it.  

SJ- If you could give one piece of advice to me as an aspiring children's book author (picture books/ YA/ & middle grad), what would it be?

RS - My one piece of advice would be to join a writing group. Getting early feedback about your work from people you trust is incredibly valuable.   

SJ- Is there any one message you want your readers to take away 

from your works? From you?

RS - I'd love for readers to view historical fiction in a new way. History isn't boring. It's full of secrets, scandal, and incredible stories of hope and courage. 

 

Many thanks to Ruta for taking the time to answer my questions. For anyone who hasn't met them yet, Lina and Josie are friends well worth making. I am already eagerly awaiting Ruta's next protagonist!

                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

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Jerry Spinelli and the Art of Creating a Heroine

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In Stargirl, prototypical teen Leo struggles to cope with his feelings for a girl that breaks every mold and giggles and dances in the face social expectation. In one year, Stargirl turns the social system on its head and challenges the code of conduct that Leo and his classmates have come to accept. She inspires the worst and best of their features, and she learns that remaining true to yourself is a constant battle.

Spinelli creates a heroine that is perfect in her fallibility, susceptible to the downfalls of the system despite her strength and independence, but uniquely aware enough to find her way back to herself. Spinelli alludes to wife Eileen as an inspirational figure behind Stargirl, and his characterization of of the heroine highlights his genuine respect for his wife and women in general. Even in this modern era, he is ahead of his time in focusing not on how a girl changes for a boy- but how a girl changes the boy and everyone else she touches.

I am excited to read the sequel, Love, Stargirl as it will move from Leo's perception of her into her own voice. I am hopeful that (despite the title) the book will be more about Stargirl herself than her romantic inclinations. While this book may be a bit above my students' level, I am eager to share it with my nieces and colleagues that work with middle grade and young adult readers.

Chronicling Narnia: Prophecy, Christian Allegory, and Feminism

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My trip to England this spring brought me a deeper appreciation for history and a reinvigorated interest in some modern Brittish classics. Wandering around Oxford and Cambridge gave me a window into the deep literary history present there, and the tours left me with some anecdotes that piqued the curiosity.

In fourth grade, with no previous experience, I attempted to read The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in fourth grade, and found it impossible. I thought it was boring and confusing at the same time, and I swore off fantasy in favor of Beverly Clearly and Judy Blume (though I later made an exception for the glory of Rowling's Harry Potter). Fifteen years later, I started the series out right, and I found myself much more enthralled.

I was well aware of the Christian allegory in The Chronicles of Narnia, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that those messages were weaved in in an authentic and not (too) preachy way. I was less enthusiastic, however about Lewis's ideas of gender roles and the position of women in this epic story. On more than one occasion, Lucy and Susan are confined to roles of submissive support while their brothers are asked to be the leaders. Leaving no room for interpretation, Lewis warns against war that engages women in battle and stresses the importance of keeping the young girls in their appropriate place. Aslan's words instruct the boys to use their weapons offensively while the girls' instruments are strictly defensive. While the prophecy refers to Narnia's future kings and queens with relatively equivalent stature, Lewis uses Aslan to remind us of the traditional gender dichotomy to which he ascribes.

The story unfolds eloquently, and Lewis has a firm command of the English language.The world he creates is rich and intricate, and he provides vivid details that put the reader directly into Narnia in a way that many authors after him have attempted to emulate. We as educators must view his work in the context of the time and culture that he comes from, but we must remain vigilant in reading with our students in such a way that those values are not reinforced and affirmed in our present reality.

Following Recs and Finding the Right Fit

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This summer, the brilliant minds of the UTK picture book class have opened me up to some wonderful new authors and illustrators. Leo and Diane Dillon have been a romantic and creative pair for many years, and I have noticed their work in the past. Here, they team up with story teller Verna Aardema to bring a legend to life for readers of any age. I have sifted through some other works by Verna Aardema as well, and I am excited to bring her unique perspective into my classroom.


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After some high recommendations from the folks in the picture book class, I decided to sit down and get myself acquainted with Jon Agee- and his sense of humor was not over-sold. The Retired Kid embraces frivolity and absurdity while maintaining a deep connection to the child's emotional state. It reminds us of the privilege of relaxation, but also the importance of working toward something.


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Jerry Pinkney has made the Caldecott list more than a few times in recent decades, and his artwork never ceases to impress. This story does not have his usual depth, but the illustrations are captivating and the words have an easy flow. While Pinkney certainly has some stronger pieces, I will be happy to have this one on my shelf.


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This book is my first by creative team Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, bringing a smooth and simple text together with muted tones of illustration to create a rich narrative about animals and their complex movements. The book provides a great opportunity to explore animal movements and play the roles of those animals in motion.

These works act as a highlight reel from some of the wonderful authors and works I have found this summer. I am so grateful for the recommendations of the class and am looking forward to continuing my quest to build a mental and physical library. These are great works for use across the curriculum- mentor texts in the writing center, small and large group explorations of concepts about print, and introductions to scientific, social/ emotional and cultural connections units.

Old Favorites, New Reads

For today's entry, I've decided to look at some books by authors near and dear to my heart. These are not the books I grew up on or those I fell in love with when I began teaching. Rather, they are new (to me) works by the authors of those books- authors I trust whole-heartedly with my time, my attention, and my beloved students!



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I have the greatest respect for Maurice Sendak and the sense of humor through which he approaches writing for children. He never ceases to amaze me, and he confounds what is expected of a children's author. Here, I find his eclectic style easy to embrace as he brings some lesser-known rhymes to life and lending to them a spirit that they otherwise lacked. I would definitely bring this book into my writing center, encouraging students to borrow from well-known works and use them in new and unexpected ways. It acts almost as permission- even the pros do it!


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I will forever remember crossing my little 5-year old legs and folding my body onto the musty carpet at Little Milligan Elementary and hearing Jon Scieszka's The True Story of the Three Little Pigs. I found myself outraged on behalf of the wolf, thoroughly convinced that his was, truly, the true story. In The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales, Scieszka continues to push the limits of classic tales, shrugging away the didacticism and indulging in some fun and silly fantasies that many young readers (such as myself) can flock to. Along with Sendak's book, I'm beginning to craft a nice little unit on fractured fairy tales...



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As a kid, I enjoyed Maniac Magee. Recently, I discovered Crash and Stargirl (more on that later). This is the first picture book I have read from this particular Spinelli (Eileen Spinelli has her own distinguished collection), and I can definitely see a place for it in my classroom. The authenticity of the characters' words combined with Liao's intricately layered illustrations send a simple but powerful message to young readers that dreams do not have to fit into the confining boxes of reality- and that reality can break the mold of even our most fanciful dreams.



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There are few books that I appreciate or utilize more than Chrysanthemum. The emotions that it evokes are complex and meaningful, and the interactions of the characters are incredibly authentic. Wemberly Worried embodies those same qualities in its approach to a very different emotion. Her heightened awareness and analytic ability are both a blessing and a curse. While some students may have difficulty empathizing with Wemberly's extreme anxiety, I have had more than a handful of students that could really identify with Wemberly and learn from the strength she gains throughout the story.


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In this (somewhat gross and disturbing) tale, a dog's least favorite inhabitants debate the pros and cons of moving on to a new host- and new adventures. The story does a great job of exploring dynamics of friendship, peer pressure, and the anxiety of the unknown. And, as always, Leo Lionni's art has a richness and depth can bring even the most minuscule protagonists to life.

Love, love, love these authors and have barely tapped the surface of their works! I have been finding some brand new favorites this summer, too, and I can't wait to write about them! Stay tuned...

The List

Hey Folks,

The time has come. It has happened. I reached my 300 books in (~) 30 days! I rummaged through libraries in several states and more counties. I selected some books based by authors and illustrators that I knew about and felt comfortable with. Others made the list through the heart-felt recommendations of the lovely and talented picture book class I T.A. for. Still, others I simply chose for their cover art.

I'm so excited to tell you all about my favorites, but for now, I leave you with this complete list (Please excuse typos and such- will be giving it a final once-over with more sleep behind my tired eyes!):

1.  Pecan Pie Baby, Written by Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

2. Let's Count Goats, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Jan Thomas

3. Stranger in the Mirror, Written and Illustrated by Allen Say

4. Round Is a Tortilla: A Book of Shapes, Written by Rosanne Thong, Illustrated by John Parra

5.  Hello, Baby, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

6. Tell Me About Your Day Today, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Lauren Stinger

7.  Where the Giant Sleeps, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky

8.  A Particular Cow, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Terry Denton

9. That What I Do, Written by Jewel, Illustrated by Amy June Bates

10. Erika-San, Written and Illustrated by Allen Say

11. The Favorite Daughter, Written and Illustrated by Allen Say

12. Nugget and Fang: Friends Forever-- or Snack Time, Written by Tammi Sauer, Illustrated by Michael Slack

13. Good Boy, Fergus, Written and Illustrated by David Shannon

14. Madeline and the Old House in Paris, Written and Illustrated by John Bemelmans Marciano

15.  A Ball for Daisy, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

16.  Daisy Gets Lost, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

17. Jane, the Fox, & Me, Written by Fanny Britt, Illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault, Translated by Christine Morelli

18. Open This Little Book, Written by Jesse Klausmeier, Illustrated by Suzy Lee

19. The Christmas Cat, Written by Maryann Macdonald, Illustrated by Amy June Bates

20. Strega Nona Does it Again, Written and Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

21. Journey, Written and Illustrated by Aaron Becker

22. Yertle the Turtle, Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

23. Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

24. Library Lily, Written by Gillian Shields, Illustrated by Francesca Chessa

25. Interrupting Chicken, David Ezra Stein

26. All the Mamas, Written and Illustrated by Carole Ghandi Shough

27. Love, Mouserella, Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein

28. Grandma's Gift,  Written and Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

29. Miss Little's Gift, Written by Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Jim Burke

30. The Queen's Feet, Written by Sarah Ellis, Illustrated by Dusan Petricic

31. Good-bye, Curtis, Written by Kevin Henkes, Illustrated by Marisabina Russo

32. My Garden, Kevin Henkes

33. 1,2,3 To the Zoo,Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle

34. Draw Me a Star, Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle

35. Knock Knock: My Dad's Dream for Me, Daniel Beaty

36. Laika, Astronaut Dog, Written and Illustrated by Owen Davey

37. Deep in the Sahara, Written by Kelly Cunane, Illustrated by Hodi Hadadi

38. Brush of the Gods, Written by Lenore Look, Illustrated by Meilo So

39. Tweak, Tweak, Written by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Sergio Ruzzier

40. Penguin Cha-Ch, Written and Illustrated by Kristi Valiant

41. Kee Kee's Big Adventures in Paris, Written by Shannon Janes, Illustrated by Casey Uhelski

42. Gifts ofthe Heart, Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco

43. Caterina and the Perfect Party, Written and Illustrated by Erin Eitter Kono

44. Henry's Rap, Written and Illustrated by David Elliot

45. Ghost in the House, Written by Ammi-Joan Paquett, Illustrated by Adam Record

46. Romping Monsters, Stomping Monsters, Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Kelly Murphy

47. An Otis Christmas, Written and Illustrated by Lauren Long

48. Cute and Cuter, Written and Illustrated by Michael Townsend

49. The Bear's Song, Written and Illustrated by Bejamin Chaud

50. Good Night, Sleep Tight, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Judy Horacek

51. In the Time of the Drums, Written by Kim L. Siegelson, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

52. The Elephant's Wrestling Match, Written by Judy Sierra, Illustrated by Brian Pinkney

53. Wombat Walkabout, Written by Carol Diggory Shields, Illustrated by Sophie Blackall

54. Hector Protector and As I Went Over the Water: Two Nursery Rhymes, Pictures by Maurice Sendak

55. Outside Over There, Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

56. Bumble-Ardy, Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

57. The Boy of the Three-Year Nap, Written by Dianne Snyder, Illustrated by Allen Say

58. The Amazing Adventures of Bumblebee Boy, Written and Illustrated by David Soman and Jacky Davis

59. Noah's Ark, Illustrated by Peter Spier

60. The Fox Went Out on a Chilly Nigh: An Old Song, Illustrated by Peter Spier

61. People, Written and Illustrated by Peter Spier

62. Miss Fox's Class Earns a Field Trip, Written by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Anne Kennedy

63. Read It, Don't Eat It!, Written and Illlustrated by Ian Schoenherr

64. Nothin Ever Happens on 90th Street, Written by Roni Schotter, Illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker

65. Rain Talk, Written by Mary Serfozo, Illustrated by Keiko Narahashi

66. Madlenka, Written and Illustrated by Peter Sís

67. Mrs. Biddlebox, Written by Linda Smith, Illustrated by Marla Frazee

68. Madame President, Written and Illustrated by Lane Smith

69. The Composer is Dead, Written by Lemony Snicket, Music by Nathaniel Stookey, Illustrated by Carson Ellis

70. 13 Words, Written by Lemony Snicket, Illustrated by Maira Kalman

71. The Monster Book of ABC Sounds, Written and Illustrated by Alan Snow

72. The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales, Written by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith

73. It's a Book, Written and Illustrated by Lane Smith

74. I Can Be Anything, Written by Jerry Spinelli, Illustrated by Jimmy Liao

75. Cold Snap, Written by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

76. Cowboy Ned & Andy, Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein

77. A Giraffe and a Half, Written and Illustrated by Shel Silverstein

78. Hoops, Written bt Robert Burleigh, Illustrated by Stephen T. Johnson

79. In November, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Jill Kastner

80. Snow, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Lauren Stringer

81. When I Was Young in the Mountains, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Diane Goode

82. The Relatives Came, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

83. Hansel and Gretel, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Pictures by Jen Corace

84. Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story From China, Translated and Illustrated by Ed Young

85. Not All Princesses Dress in Pink, Written by Jane Yolen and Heidi E. Y. Stemple, Illustrated by Anne-Sophie Lanquentin

86. Elfabet: An ABC of Elves, Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Lauren Mills

87. How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?, Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Mark Teague

88. Leonardo the Terrible Monster, Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

89. jungle Party, Written and Illustrated by Brian Wildsmith

90. The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Written by Nancy Willard, Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

91. The Duckling Gets a Cookie, Written and Illustrated by Mo Willems

92. Hurricane, Written and Illustrated by David Wiesner

93. The Moon Jumpers, Written by Janice May Udry, Pictures by Maurice Sendak

94. The Widow's Broom, Written and Illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg

95. John Coltrane's Giant Steps, Remixed by Chris Raschka

96. Like Likes Like, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

97. For Pete's Sake, Written and Illustrated by Ellen Stoll Walsh

98. The Frog Prince Continued, Written by Jon Scieszka, Paintings by Steve Johnson

99. Long Night Moon, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Mark Siegel

100. Rain School, Written and Illustrated by James Rumford

101. Sky Color, Written and Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

102. Baloney (Henry P.), Written by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith

103. Night Shift Daddy, Written by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Melissa Iwai

104. Sophie's Masterpiece, Written by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Jane Dyer

105. Grandpa Green, Written and Illustrated by Lane Smith

106. Pinocchio, the Boy or Incognito in Collodi, Written and Illustrated by Lane Smith

107. Mad at Mommy, Written and Illustrated by Komako Sakai

108. Lucia and the Light, Written by Phyllis Root, Illustrated by Mary GrandPré

109. Peter and the Wolf, Retold and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

110. Heat Wave, Written by Eileen Spinelli, Illustrated by Betsy Lewin

111. City Dog, Country Frog, Written by Mo Willems, Illustrated by Jon J. Muth

112. Clever Beatrice, Written by Margaret Willey, Illustrated by Heather Solomon

113. Babies Can't Eat Kimchee!, Written and Illustrated by Nancy Patz and Susan L. Roth

114. Hook, Written and Illustrated by Ed Young

115. Nocturne, Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by Anne Hunter

116. Say It!, Written by Charlotte Zolotow, Illustrated by James Stevenson

117. Waffle, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

118. The Taming of Lola: A Shrew Story, Written by Ellen Wiss, Illustrated by Jerry Smath

119. Tuesday, Written and Illustrated by David Wiesner

120. Luba and the Wren, Written and Illustrated by Patricia Polacco

121. Shades of Black: A Celebration of Our Children, Written by Sandra L. Pinkney, Photographs by Myles C. Pinkney

122. Little Red Riding Hood, Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

123. Piggie Pie, Written by Margie Palatini, Illustrated by Howard Fine

124. Crash, Written by Jerry Spinelli

125. Stargirl, Written by Jerry Spinelli

126. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Written by C.S. Lewis

127. Martha Speaks, Written and Illustrated by Susan Meddaugh

128. Skippyjon Jones, Written and Illustrated by Judy Schachner

129. Olivia and the Fairy Princesses, Written and Illustrated by Ian Falconer

130. Baby Face: A Book of Love for Baby, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Diane Goode

131. Five for a Little One, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

132. This is the Baby, Written by Candace Fleming, Illustrated by Maggie Smith

133. Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Helen Oxenbury

134. Josephine Wants to Dance, Written by Jackie French, Illustrated by Bruce Whatley

135. Matilda, the Moocher, Written and Illustrated by Diana Cain Bluthenthal

136. The Girl Who Wanted to Hunt: A Siberian Tale, Retold by Emery Bernhard, Illustrated by Durga Bernhard

137. Shrinking Violet, Written by Cari Best, Illustrated by Giselle Potter

138. Green Eyes, Written and Illustrated by A. Birnbaum

139. I Ain't Gonna Paint No More, Written by Karen Beaumont, Illustrated by David Catrow

140. Romare Beardedn: Collage of Memories, Written and Designed by Jan Greenberg

141. The Strange and Wonderful Tale of Robert McDoodle (The Boy Who Wanted to Be a Dog), Written by Steven Bauer, Illustrated by Brad Sneed

142. I Used To Be the Baby, Written and Illustrated by Robin Ballard

143. Max's Castle, Written by Kate Banks, Illustrated by Boris Kulikov

144. Extra Yarn, Written by Mac Barnett, Illustrated by Jon Klassen

145. Bug Safari, Written and Illustrated by Bob Barner

146. Never Take a Shark to the Dentist (And Other Things Not To Do), Written by Judi Barrett, Illustrated by John Nickle

147. There's a Wolf at the Door: Five Classic Tales, Retold by Zoë B. Alley, Illustrated by R.W. Alley

148. Beauty and the Beaks: A Turkey's Cautionary Tale, Written by Mary Jane Auch, Illustrated by Mary Jane and Herm Auch

149. The Last Puppy, Written and Illustrated by Frank Asch

150. I'm Your Peanut Butter Big Brother, Written and Illustrated by Selina Alko

151. Yours Truly, Goldilocks, Written by Alma Flor Ada, Illustrated by Leslie Tryon

152. Song and Dacne Man, Written by Karen Ackerman, Illustrated by Stephen Gammell

153. My Rhinoceros, Written and Illustrated by Jon Agee

154. How the Ostrich Got Its Long Neck, Retold by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Marcia Brown

155. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears: A West African Tale, Retold by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

156. Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad, Written by Pamela Duncan Edwards, Illustrated by Henry Cole

157. The Obstinate Pen, Written and Illustrated by Frank W. Dormer

158. The Snail and the Whale, Written by Julia Donaldson, Illustrated by Axel Scheffler

159. Say What?, Written by Angela DiTerlizzi, Illustrated by Joew Chou

160. The Rusty, Trusty Tractor, Written by Joy Cowley, Illustrated by Olivier Dunrea

161. The Brand New Kid, Written by Katie Couric, Illustrated by Marjorie Priceman

162. Noah's Ark, Retold and Illustrated by Lucy Cousins

163. Leaf Man, Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

164. The Empty Pot, Written and Illustrated by Demi

165. The Cloud Book, Written and Illustrated by Tomie de Paola

166. The Neighborhood Mother Goose, Written and Illustrated by Nina Crews

167. You Are Here, Written and Illustrated by Nina Crews

168. Truck, Written and Illustrated by Donald Crews

169. I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem, Written by Jamie Lee Curits, Illustrated by Laura Cornell

170. The Bat Boy and His Violin, Written by Gavin Curtis, Illustrated by E.B. Lewis

171. The Story of Ruby Bridges, Written by Robert Coles, Illustrated by George Ford

172. Petite Rouge: A Cajun Red Riding Hood, Written by Mike Artell, Illustrated by Jim Harris

173. The Seven Sneezes, Written by Olga Cabral, Illustrated by Bruce Ingman

174. Emily's Art, Written and Illustrated by Peter Catalanotto

175. The Strange Case of the Missing Sheep, Written and Illustrated by Mircea Catusanu

176. I Like Me, Written and Illustrated by Nancy Carlson

177. Klimt and His Cat, Written by Bérenice Capatti, Illustrated by Octavia Monaco

178. Trupp, Written and Illustrated by Janell Cannon

179. Edwardo: The Horriblest Boy in the Whole Wide World, Written and Illustrated by John Burningham

180. Trainto Somewhere, Written by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Ronald Himler

181. Turtle Knows Your Name, Retold and Illustrated by Ashley Bryan

182. Beautiful Blackbird, Written and Illustrated by Ashley Bryan

183. The Diggers, Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Daniel Kirk

184. Two Little Trains, Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

185. The Moon Shines Down, Written by Margaret Wise Brown, Illustrated by Linda Bleck

186. Armadillo Rodeo, Written and Illustrated by Jan Brett

187. Going Home, Written by Eve Bunting, Illustrated by David Diaz

188. An Annoying ABC, Written by Barbara Bottner, Illustrated by Michael Emberley

189. Dmitri the Astronaut, Written and Illustrated by Jon Agee

190. Terrific, Written and Illustrated by Jon Agee

191. This for That, Written by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Victoria Chess

192. Anansi Does the Impossible: An Ashanti Tale, Retold by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Lisa Desimini

193. Posy, Written by Lisa Newberry, Illustrated by Catherine Rayner

194. Cheetah, Written and Illustrated by Taylor Morrison

195. Farmyard Song, Written and Illustrated by Carol Morley

196. Would I Trade My Parents?, Written by Laura Numeroff, Illustrated by James Bernardin

197. Grandpa & Bo, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

198. Little White Rabbit, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

199. Chester's Way, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

200. Jessica, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

201. Wemberly Worried, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

202. A Good Day, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

203. Urban Animals, Words and Pictures by Isabel Hill

204. Musicians of the Sun, Written and Illustrated by Gerald McDermott

205. A Flea Story, Written and Illustrated by Leo Lionni

206. We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, Illustrations and Foreword by David Catrow

207. White is for Blueberry, Written by Geroge Shannon, Illustrated by Laura Dronzek

208. Pirican Pic and Pirican Mor, Retold by Hugh Lupton, Illustrated by Yumi Heo

209. Peaceful Pieces: Poems and Quilts About Peace, Written and Illustrated by Anny Grossnickle Hines

210. Whoever You Are, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Leslie Staub

211. Brontorina, Written by James Howe, Illustrated by Randy Cecil

212. The Retired Kid, Written and Illustrated by Jon Agee

213. "I'm Not Sleepy!", Written and Illustrated by Jonathan Allen

214. I'm a Turkey!I, Written and Illustrated by Jim Aronsky

215. Once Upon a Banana, Written by Jennifer Armstrong, Illustrated by Dadiv Small

216. Koi and the Kola Nuts, Written by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Joe Cepeda

217. Traveling to Tondo: A Tale of the Nkundo of Zaire, Retold by Verna Aardema, Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand

218. Cherries and Cherry Pits, Written and Illustrated by Vera B. Williams

219. The Rabbits' Wedding, Written and Illustrated by Garth Williams

220. Crow Boy, Written and Illustrated by Taro Yashima

221. How the Sky's Housekeeper Wore Her Scarves, Written by Patricia Hooper, Illustrated by Susan L. Roth

222. Dream Big Little Pig, Written by Kristi Yamaguchi, Illustrated by Tim Bowers

223. Hurry and the Monarch, Written by Antoine O' Flatharta, Illustrated by Meilo So

224. Ready, Set, Skip, Written by Jane O'Connor, Illustrated by Ann James

225. The Recess Queen, Written by Alexis O'Neill, Illustrated by Laura Huliska-Beith

226. Three Little Kittens, Written and Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

227. Colorful Dreamer: The Story of Artist Henri Matisse, Written by Marjorie Blain Parker, Illustrated by Holly Berry

228. Master Man: A Tall Tale of Nigeria, Told by Aaron Shepard, Illustrated by David Wisniewski

229. All the World, Written by Liz Garton Scanlon, Illustrated by Marla Frazee

230. The Ant and the Elephant, Written and Illustrated by Bill Peet

231. Walk On! A Guide for Babies of All Ages, Written and Illustrated by Marla Frazee

232. Gregory's Shadow, Written and Illustrated by Don Freeman

233. Move!, Written and Illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

234. Ox-Cart Man, Written by Donald Hall, Illustrated by Marbara Cooney

235. I Love You, Mouse, Written by John Graham, Illustrated by Tomie dePaola

236. Bees, Snails, & Peacock Tails, Written by Betsy Franco, Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

237. Zero Is the Leaves on the Tree, Written by Betsy Franco, Illustrated by Shino Arihara

238. Boot & Shoe, Written and Illustrated by Marla Frazee

239. Honey, I Love, Written by Eloise Greenfield, Illustrated by Jon Spivey Gilchrist

240. Africa Dream, Written by Eloise Greenfield, Illustrated by Carole Byard

241. Play, Mozart, Play! Written and Illustrated by Peter Sís

242. Caramba and Henry, Written and Illustrated by Mary-Louise Gay

243. Jethro Byrd: Fairy Child, Written and Illustrated by Bob Graham

244. Ah Ha!, Written and Illustrated by Jeff Mack

245. Clementina's Cactus, Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

246. Apt. 3, Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

247. Louie, Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

248. Dinosaur! Written and Illustrated by Peter Sís

249. Charlie Parker Played Be Bop, Written and Illustrated by Chris Raschka

250. Happy Punks 1 2 3: A Counting Story, Written and Illustrated by John Seven and Jana Christie

251. You Can't Take a Balloon Into The Metropolitan Museum, Written by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman, Illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

252. Here Comes the Garbage Man, Written by Jonah Winter, Illustrated by Red Nose Studio

253. King Bidgood's in the Bathtub, Written by Audrey Wood, Illustrated by Don Wood

254. Oh, Were They Ever Happy!, Written and Illustrated by Peter Spier

255. Toys in Space, Written and Illustrated by Mini Grey

256. Mister and Lady Day: Billie Holiday and the Dog Who Loved Her, Written by Amy Novesky, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley Newton

257. Leo the Late Bloomer, Written by Robert Kraus, Illustrated by Jose Aruego

258. Komodo!, Written and Illustrated by Peter Sís

259. Won Ton: A Cat Tale Told in Haiku, Written by Lee Ward, Illustrated by Eugene Yelchin

260. Punia and the King of Sharks: A Hawaiian Folktale, Adapted by Lee Wardlaw, Illustrated by Felipe Davalos

261. When I Heard the Learn'd Astronomer, Written by Walt Whitman, Illustrated by Loren Long

262. A Starlit Somersault Downhill, Written by Nancy  Willard, Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney

263. A Very Special House, Written by Ruth Krauss, Illustrated by Maurice Sendak

264. Free Fall, Concept and Illustrations by David Wiesner

265. M is for Music, Written by Kathleen Krull, Illustrated by Stacy Innerst

266. Much Bigger than Martin, Written and Illustrated by Steven Kellogg

267. The Day Leo Said I Hate You!, Written by Robie H. Harris, Illustrated by Molly Bang

268. What It's Like to Be a Baby: Hello Benny!, Written by Robie H. Harris, Illustrated by Michael Emberley

269. A Pinky Is a Baby Mouse and Other Baby Animal Names, Written by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Illustrated by Diane deGroat

270. The Old Woman Who Named Things, Written by Cynthia Rylant, Illustrated by Kathryn Brown

271. One Boy, Written and Illustrated by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

272. Pet Show, Written and Illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats

273. I Don't Have Your Eyes, Written by Carrie A. Kitze, Illustrated by Rob Williams

274. This is Not My Hat, Written and Illustrated by Jon Klassen

275. Strudwick: A Sheep in Wolf's Clothing, Written and Illustrated by Robert Kraus

276. Crow and Hawk, Written by Michael Rosen, Illustrated by John Clementson

277. Creepy Carrots!, Written by Aaron Reynolds, Illustrated by Peter Brown

278. Joseph Had a Little Overcoat, Written and Illustrated by Simms Taback

279. This is the House That Jack Built, Designed and Illustrated by Simms Taback

280. Owen, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

281. Dog Donovan, Written by Diana Hendry, Illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain

282. Shiela Rae, the Brave, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

283. Lily's Big Day, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

284. Owl Moon, Written by Jane Yolen, Illustrated by John Schoenherr

285. There Was an Old Lady WhoSwallowed a Fly, Designed and Illustrated by Simms Taback

286. Blue Goose, Written and Illustrated by Nancy Tafuri

287. Prehistoric Actual Size, Written and Illustrated by Steve Jenkins

288. Lightship, Written and Illustrated by Brian Floca

289. Willoughby & the Lion, Written and Illustrated by Greg Foley

290. When I Grow Up, Written and Illustrated by Leonid Gore

291. Will's Mammoth, Written by Rafe Martin, Illustred by Stephen Gammell

292. Hattie and the Fox, Written by Mem Fox, Illustrated by Patricia Mullens

293. The Wing on a Flea: A Book About Shapes, Written and Illustrated by Ed Emberley

294. Snow, Written and Illustrated by Uri Shulevitz

295. City Lullaby, Written by Marilyn Singer, Illustrated by Carll Cneut

296. Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother, Too?, Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle

297. And Here's to You!, Written by David Elliott, Illustrated by Randy Cecil

298. Lots of Spots, Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert

299. Hey, Al, Written by Arthur Yorinks, Illustrated by Richard Egeilski

300. Peter Spier's Circus, Written and Illustrated by Peter Spier

Please feel free to comment/ review/ etc.! I will be continuing to highlight some of my favorites continuing down the list, but I'd love to hear  about yours as well.

I will, of course, be continuing to read throughout the summer. I actually picked up nine big shopping bags full of books from a library sale today, and I am itching to tell you all about them. Stay tuned!

~ Susan