Guaranteed Great Summer Reads (Grades 4-6)

Maniac Magee
By: Jerry Spinelli
...you won't be able to put this one down!  Run alongside Magee, the homeless orphan who makes two very divided communities question their choices.

Because of Winn Dixie
By: Kate DiCamillo
... let this wonderful dog worm it's way into your heart as you turn the pages of a book that shows readers the impact pets can make on our lives.
The Mysterious Benedict Society
By: Tranton Lee Stewart
... four unlikely gifted children venture into the bizarre and mysterious world of Mr. Benedict.  This page-turner will force you to solve riddles and problems alongside the characters making you feel as though you are right there with them.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place
By: Maryrose Wood
... venture alongside Governess Penelope Lumley  as she strives to "tame" the incorrigible children of Ashton Place.  Along the way, she discovers just how peculiar her new job is.

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Blue Spruce #4- Kiss Me!, I'm A Prince

This cute spin on a traditional Fairy Tale will leave readers laughing as they turn each new page!  Ella, a sporty and confident young girl, stumbles upon a frog who claims to be a Prince.   Throughout the story, the Frog-Prince works diligently to convince Ella to kiss him.  Ella is hesitant, if she kisses the Prince, what will happen?  He tells her that she will become a Princess, will get to live in a castle and wear beautifully elegant clothes.  Ella wonders when she'll have time to play when she assumes all of her courtly duties.  Will she kiss the frog, and if so, will he turn into a Prince?  Read to find out!

This beautifully illustrated book, with wit and an incredibly confident female protagonist, will be another favourite among the Blue Spruce voters.

Blue Spruce #3- Small Saul

The third of our Blue Spruce books, Small Saul is an hysterical tale about an odd and unlikely pirate.  Saul has always dreamed of being on the sea, but after the navy rejects him, his only alternative is to become a pirate.  However, he's not your average pirate.  First, he likes a tidy space, so he redecorates the ship. Secondly, he really has trouble "being tough" so he decides to get a bunny tattoo.  Lastly, he really prefers cooking to fighting and stealing people's treasure.  All of his antics get him thrown overboard.  Soon the ship starts to grow mold and the crew's back to eating bland, rat-nibbled bread.  However, his fellow crewmates soon come to realize that Small Saul may not have been an average pirate, but just like treasure, he was rare. 

This Blue Spruce favourite is sure to be a strong contender during voting time.

A Flock of Shoes- Blue Spruce Title #2

The second Blue Spruce nominee, all primary students have read Sarah Tsang's A Flock of Shoes.  The story begins with little Abby who is desperate to locate her sandals who have flown away in a flock of other shoes when the cold weather appears.  Luckily, her shoes haven't forgotten her and regularly send her postcards and photos from their warm and sunny location.  As the warm weather approaches, her sandals return home, but where might her boots relocate to?

An adorable favourite of many Runnymede students.  Another one to watch for at voting time!

Noni Says No- Blue Spruce Title #1

We have read our first Blue Spruce nominee!  All students, in grades K-3, have read Heather Hart-Susmann's Noni Says No.  This story features a likable character, Noni, and her so-called friend Susie.  Instead of disappointing Susie, Noni always says "yes".  Susie begins to take advantage of Noni's kindness and asks her to do all sorts of silly things, including cutting off her hair!  Over time, Noni finally develops the confidence to say "NO!"

A sure favourite with many classes at Runnymede who asked to hear it multiple times.  This will be a fierce contender during the final vote in May.

Grades K-3 Blue Spruce

Grades K-3 students have begun to explore the ten Blue Spruce titles.  Together we will read the books and will culminate our reading with a celebratory vote where the children will fill out a secret ballot to select their favourite of the ten selections.  All of the books have been recommended by the Ontario Library Association and I can confidently say they are all fantastic!  The province wide vote will take place in May.  It will be interesting to see how Runnymede compares with the province.  The blog will now feature the titles we have read.  On average, we will read one new nominee a week.

Holiday Favourites

Beautiful stories to share during the holidays.....
This timeless classic shows readers that believing in the magic of Christmas is within all of us.

David's up to his old antics again, but this time it's Christmas!  A funny holiday treat!



An adorable Canadian rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas".  Kids can't help but sing along to this one!

Another Seuss classic that can be revisited time and time again.  This story of the mean-spirited Grinch's endeavor to ruin Christmas for the locals of Who-Vill shows readers that the true spirit of the holidays is about giving, and not necessarily about receiving.



A wonderful story about the traditions and celebrations held during Hanukkah and the new moon that always accompanies this holiday.







A wonderfully illustrated picture book on the ABC's of Kwanzaa.