WELCOME BACK--SOLAR POWERED WASHINGTON SCHOOL IS READY FOR TAKE-OFF 2009

I read a lot of children's books, but I see movies because they were originally children's stories. "The Last Mimsey", "Eragon", "Spiderwick Chronicles" and of course "WALL-E". Who knew that the science fiction/fantasy genre is thriving in P G movies? I can also recommend "Nim's Island" and "Charlotte's Web."
Not a book, but a kindergarten unit category: Jeremy Armes --Kindergarten teacher at Washington--told me about "Surf's Up" which I rented for my 21 year old. Jeff Bridges--the Dude-- reprises that role in a mock-umentary about a penguin surf contest. (I personally love out-takes in animated movies.)
"The Golden Compass is worth watching, but is only the first in a challenging trilogy. My husband and I enjoyed watching "Millions" after I read the book. Coddell's books are hysterical and fast-paced, as you'd expect from a screen-writer. Our library also has his book "Framed", which I and other Eager Readers have read and loved.
December 2008 my family watched the "Muppets' Christmas Carol" and "Little Women". (I take the controversial stand of preferring the abridged "Little Women" to the original.)

Our books are displayed at Cody's!

Just a few blocks from Washington School, Cody's Books has opened a new store on the corner of Shattuck and Allston Way. That is cool in and of itself, but what is doubly cool right now is that many of our students have their own books on display in the windows!







We are very appreciative of Cody's support of our writing efforts and our schools. We hope you will have a chance to come by to see our show and who knows, maybe you will be inspired to pick up a pen and paper yourself!

Akeyla is a winner!

The African-American Unity Group sold raffle tickets. Akeyla won and is a library assistant to Ms. Mead. Will she decorate the library? Review books? What does a library assistant do? And what is Akeyla's favorite book? Favorite author? We need to know. . . .

Ms. Bail's special books

Ms. Bail chose a special book for each and every one of her students. Which book are you reading, and how is it going? Should Ms. Mead get a copy for the library?

Online safety, ethics and blogging

Safety and respect are important factors to consider when commenting on a blog. The slideshow presentation below will show you how to comment on a blog, taking safety and ethics into consideration.

Having discussed these guidelines, take a moment to comment on this post.
What does it mean to have an ethical online presence?

Missions in the Library

What an awesome job our 4th graders did for their California Missions projects.

Tara, Addie, Kenny, Makada & Myjana ring the Mission bell.

Hmmm, what do you think these two mission-makers are looking at?

Read with your family daily, Washington!

Washington votes for the Young Readers' Medal Award

Fifth graders Raja and Nia voting for California Young Readers' Medal award nominees of 2008 -and getting a free book from Washington to celebrate.







Second graders Alex, Amar and Lukis ponder their choices.









Hannah and Jack, and Iqra and Alika with their new books.









Another group of fifth graders cast their votes.









And the winner is....."Hooray for Buccaneer Bunnies"


Fantasy pirates are always popular topics for books--this book on bunny buccaneers won our vote!





A dragon pirate sails on....

Photo-journaling Washington

1923--Egypt

Howard Carter is the first to peek into the tomb of King Tut.

"What do you see?"

"Wonderful things!"


Egypt is part of Africa. Cleopatra (921 CLE) and mummies (932) are way cool.







LibrariAnne, the former librarian of Washington, left a great cage and Egyptian finger puppets, so I added water. The pyramid is made of Peet's bags, and may not last 4000 years.





The Nile is a dangerous place.

Sarah Klise , illustrator, visits Washington Library

We had a wonderful time talking with Sarah Klise who is the
illustrator for many fabulous books like Regarding the Fountain and Shall I Knit You a Hat?



Can you see those big colorful papers Ms. Klise is holding up? That's how an illustrated book first gets printed! Then all the pages get cut apart and bound together in order.



Some of us who had read her books got to have lunch with her--in the library! She was very nice and answered so many of our questions.

A personally autographed book. Thank you.