My Book Shopping Spree and a Smoothie...part 2

I know I am not alone in my book obsession...ask my kiddos...ask my boyfriend...you can even ask my mom. I have seen many a picture of me with that-half-eyes-closed look of surprise as my mom would call my name whilst my nose was buried in a book...and FLASH...another picture for the ol' family album. Where is Oprah when you need her?

Here are my latest treasures that arrived in the mail...I hope you like 'em as much as I do...

In Pictures and In Words: Teaching the Qualities of Good Writing Through Illustration Study by Katie Wood Ray. Oh.my.word...let me tell you, in just six, short, easy-to-read chapters, Katie (we're on a first name basis) has changed my views about the importance of children's illustrations in creating books. You can read more about that in my book study.

The Busy Beaver by Nicholas Oldland. This is a cute story about a very busy beaver who learns the importance of impulse control. After some mishaps and some reflection, he uses kind actions and the words "I'm sorry" to make amends with his friends.

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades, Book 2) by E.L. James. This book is for my guilty pleasure. Need I say more?

Have You Filled a Bucket Today? by Carol McCloud. To be perfectly honest, I'm new to the whole bucket-filling concept, but I will be reading Conscious Discipline: 7 Basic Skills for Brain Smart Classroom Management over the summer and into the school year. I'm all for books that inspire my students to be kind and respectful to others. For more resources, check out Bucket Fillers. If you want to check out my other recent book finds and a lemonade recipe, you can get that here.

And here's a little something sweet and healthy to leave you with to enjoy over the dog days of summer...

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
1 ripe banana
5-6 strawberries
1 tbsp flax or chia seeds
1 tbsp honey or agave
1 cup ice

Combine all ingredients in a blender until desired consistency. You can also substitute your favorite fruits (raspberries, blueberries, peaches) for the strawberries. Another tip: freeze your bananas so that they'll keep longer.

What are some recently discovered books that you just love? What are some of your ol' favorites? What's on your wish list? I'd love for you to share your favorite summer drink...and the recipe :)

Oh, and look what's coming this Saturday...

My blog will feature a blogger friend of mine, Hojo, from Hojo's Teaching Adventures...and you can find me...and a new freebie...at Melissa's blog, Transitional Kinder with Mrs. O. See you Saturday!!