A middle grade read I'm quite sure will make you want to read it again and again. The story follows themes of friendship, dedication, war, growth and family. You will shed a few tears, but finish satisfied. The kind of book that makes you a better person, grounds your perspectives. The story is about a boy and his fox and how war has separated them. It's important to talk about the real cost of war, and this book addresses those things while still keeping the story rooted in pieces we can all identify with. Not to mention, the illustrations are by my favorite, Jon Klassen. Beauty-full :) 

That's right. I had to start off our first Book Tasting  with one that is near and dear to my heart. Extra Yarn, written by Mac Barnett and Illustrated by Jon Klassen.  Two of my all time favorite author's together in this masterpiece. The first time I read Extra Yarn, I thought it was cute. Not much more than that. But then, as my first graders asked to read it again, and again, year after year, it became a part of us. All things classic are this book. A beautiful testament to positivity, values, simplicity and generosity.  Mac and Jon have wrapped their words and pictures around our hearts and left Extra Yarn at the very top of my list. Grab it from the book store or our favorite Lisa May and try not to love it. ​