I spent last week fighting off sinus headaches, so I didn’t get as much reading done as I had expected to for Matthew Winner’s Shelf Challenge. I didn’t have time to write about everything, so here’s a sampling of what I’ve read so far from my Easy “L” Section, in no particular order. (Hover over the book covers to see the titles and authors/illustrators.) Some of the books I read alone, some I read with one or both of my children. Sorry for the poor formatting; my blog style and I are about to part ways over this issue!
![Running the Road to ABC by Denize Lauture, illus by Reynold Ruffins Running the Road to ABC by Denize Lauture, illus by Reynold Ruffins](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Running-the-Road-to-ABC-by-Denize-Lauture-illus-by-Reynold-Ruffins-233sv2h.gif)
Lyrical text and vibrant illustrations capture the energy of the children as they rise early and run to school each morning. The busy artwork made for a fun read.
![Snow Day by Lester Laminack, illus by Adam Gustavson Snow Day by Lester Laminack, illus by Adam Gustavson](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Snow-Day-by-Lester-Laminack-illus-by-Adam-Gustavson-12udg7v.gif)
The surprise twist at the end wasn’t the surprise twist I was expecting, so I really was surprised! I especially enjoyed the expressions on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed the various snow day activities in this very cozy story.
![The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins by Lester Laminack, illus by Constance Bergum The Sunsets of Miss Olivia Wiggins by Lester Laminack, illus by Constance Bergum](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/The-Sunsets-of-Miss-Olivia-Wiggins-by-Lester-Laminack-illus-by-Constance-Bergum-2c1dp71.gif)
Confession: I had never read this classic before yesterday. Don’t like sad stories with watery illustrations, didn’t like this one.
![The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illus by Robert Lawson The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, illus by Robert Lawson](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/The-Story-of-Ferdinand-by-Munro-Leaf-illus-by-Robert-Lawson-2hp4rwg.jpg)
Confession: I’d never read this 1936 classic before, although I knew the gist of the story. Turns out the gist of the story was pretty much the whole story! But a sweet story nonetheless, one that got two thumbs up at my house.
![Lunch Bunnies by Kathryn Lasky, illus by Marilyn Hafner Lunch Bunnies by Kathryn Lasky, illus by Marilyn Hafner](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Lunch-Bunnies-by-Kathryn-Lasky-illus-by-Marilyn-Hafner-23ef6f2.jpg)
Not sure that too many kids are this worried about lunch on the first day of school. No friends, not knowing where to go, mean teacher = more realistic things to fret over, in my opinion. But the story works to reassure the fear, so it’s all good.
![Jake's 100th Day of School by Lester Laminack, illus by Judy Love Jake's 100th Day of School by Lester Laminack, illus by Judy Love](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Jakes-100th-Day-of-School-by-Lester-Laminack-illus-by-Judy-Love-25lfawm.jpg)
What I liked best about this story was that Jake’s collection ended up being 100 books, and they came from the principal’s office. Message: Books are important, administrators are readers. Can’t ask for more than that!
![Froggy Went A-Courtin' by John Langstaff, illus by Feodor Rojankovsky Froggy Went A-Courtin' by John Langstaff, illus by Feodor Rojankovsky](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Froggy-Went-A-Courtin-by-John-Langstaff-illus-by-Feodor-Rojankovsky-1hggc3r.jpg)
The illustrations in this 1955 Caldecott winner have stood the test of time. They are still so charming and full of personality that I am keeping this book in my regular collection. Do kids still sing this song? Remember Ramona, forced to be Uncle Rat, singing it with Willa Jean? Ha!
![Don't Count Your Chicks by Ingri & Edgar D'Aulaire Don't Count Your Chicks by Ingri & Edgar D'Aulaire](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Dont-Count-Your-Chicks-by-Ingri-Edgar-DAulaire-260m2v1.jpg)
Copyright 1943, outdated language, my copy in bad condition = 3 Strikes. Sad to say, this one needs to go into the Weed pile.
![She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head by Kathryn Lasky, illus by David Catrow She's Wearing a Dead Bird on Her Head by Kathryn Lasky, illus by David Catrow](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Shes-Wearing-a-Dead-Bird-on-Her-Head-by-Kathryn-Lasky-illus-by-David-Catrow-2789u3a.gif)
This story of the creation of the Audubon Society was much more readable than I remembered, and includes an author’s note at the end. I need to share it with my 5th grade Social Studies teachers!
![In the Snow by Huy Voun Lee In the Snow by Huy Voun Lee](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/In-the-Snow-by-Huy-Voun-Lee-1eyopca.gif)
A simple look at the beauty – and logic – of Chinese picture language integrated into a seasonal story. Includes translations and a pronunciation guide.
![In the Leaves by Huy Voun Lee In the Leaves by Huy Voun Lee](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/In-the-Leaves-by-Huy-Voun-Lee-2knyfkr.gif)
A simple look at the beauty – and logic – of Chinese picture language integrated into a seasonal story. I’ve shared this series with my Art teacher.
![The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear, illus by Jan Brett The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear, illus by Jan Brett](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/The-Owl-and-the-Pussycat-by-Edward-Lear-illus-by-Jan-Brett-1eyaxsw.gif)
She’s never won a major award, but I adore Jan Brett’s illustrations. She’s a master of telling two stories at once with her art. Watch for the two fish at the conclusion of the book – a perfect ending!
![Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester Laminack, illus by Chris Soentpiet Saturdays and Teacakes by Lester Laminack, illus by Chris Soentpiet](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/Saturdays-and-Teacakes-by-Lester-Laminack-2c07p8g.gif)
Glorious, sun-drenched illustrations bring this “remembering” story to vivid life. It got two thumbs up at my house.
![The Great Graph Contest by Loreen Leedy The Great Graph Contest by Loreen Leedy](https://ljune.edublogs.org/files/2013/04/The-Great-Graph-Contest-by-Loreen-Leedy-1o3c5m7.gif)
I’m a huge fan of collage in picture book illustrations, and these are very nicely done. I’d say it’s a toss-up whether to shelve this in the E or the nonfiction Math section!