Two fun non-fiction titles to get excited about...

Get Dressed! by Seymour Chwast (2012).  The front of this charming book opens up from the middle for a unique twist.   Clothing apparel is presented for two children from the start of their day to the end as they use their imaginations to fend off dragons, rock out in a band, build sand castles, play super hero, and then lose their clothing to take a bath and go to bed.  This is perfect to share with a little one to spur their own imagination and for pure fun.

Art Panels, Bam! Speech Bubbles, Pow!; Writing Your Own Graphic Novel by Trisha Speed Shaskan and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan (2011). This cool book takes the reader step-by-step through the writing process and explains exactly how a graphic novel is written.  Each page introduces one tool that will help students (and adults) move through and understand what makes a good story.  Characters and plot are covered as well as how to draw thumbnail sketches, panels, speech bubbles, and captions.  All children who love those drawing books will love these as well as graphic novel fans.  I learned a new word "emanata"; little pictures or lines that emanate from a character or object to show emotion. Calvin always had zaggy lines bolting from his brain when he was furious. I feel a little smarter today thanks to this book.

Both of these titles will make it to my fall book list because they will attract both teachers and students.   Kids would love a writing lesson based on the skills in this Art Panels and behold the teacher who would be smart enough to use it that way!