This is a wonderful read aloud book for young children. In the story Grandma Tildy lives all alone until the day the pet man starts to visit her. Grandma Tildy buys all sorts of pets that help her in different ways. Each animal brings joy to her by helping her around the house and keeping her company. Each time the pet man comes she say she will buy any pet he has to offer "But No Elephants." Once the pet man has sold all of his pets he still has the elephant left. He leaves the elephant at Grandma Tildy's house. For along time Grandma Tildy will not accept the elephant but finally she decides to take it into her home. At first the elephant causes all sorts of problems but then by the end of the book the elephant helps out in a big way to make Grandma Tildy and all the other pets happy again!
I think this is a wonderful book for children to read in elementary school. It is a fun story with some repetition to help kids read along. This story also shows how everyone is special in there own way. There is something unique and special about every pet in the story even the elephant. This will help students find something special in themselves and each of their classmates.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Clearer version of The Sea Chest Post
One night a little girl and her Great Aunt await a stranger inside the cozy comfort of a warm home. Auntie Maita is very very old and gray. But that does not stop her from telling stories to the narrator of this very wonderful tale. While they await this 'stranger' Aunt Maita tells the story of growing up on an island in Maine. She tells of her mother and her father who kept a lighthouse on Sanctuary Island. One night a ferocious storm blows in from the sea. A vessel off the coast is too far away for Maita's Papa to do anything so he just focuses on keeping the light in the lighthouse lit. The next morning, Maita and her Papa go out searching the shore for anything they can find. Rather than finding pieces of sea glass for her collection, Maita and Papa stumble across a huge bundle of mattresses tied up with rope and sailor's knots. Maita hears a sound from inside and desperately hopes it is a little kitten. Upon unwrapping the large bundle, Maita and her Papa discover a leather sea chest with an adorable baby girl inside and a note from her parents. Her parents were the captain and captain's wife of the vessel that was destroyed in the storm. Maita and her father carry the baby home and Maita names it Seaborne. Seaborne becomes her sister and the two grow up together. Seaborne sleeps in the chest until she outgrows it. She follows Maita to the place where she ends up living and makes a happy life for herself there until she passes away and leaves Maita an only child again. As the story ends, our little narrator speaks of her excitement and her Great Grandmother Seaborne's chest sitting open with a quilt inside it, anxiously awaiting the little sister that her parents have gone to get from across the sea.
This sweet story is so imaginative and creative but it still tugs on the heartstrings. There is no way to know what twist to expect next in the story and so children would really enjoy making guesses about what will happen on the next page. This book would also make a great introduction into talking about adoption and how some children come to live with families because they do not have living parents. It would also make a great introduction into talking about family heirlooms and things that have been passed down from generation to generation in children's own families. It would even be neat to do a unit on lighthouses and use this book to talk about what purposes lighthouses have. On the last page of the book, the author talks about a legend from Maine that follows a very similar storyline to this book. It might be a neat idea to use this book as an introduction to legends as well and perhaps have children share a legend that they know or to write their own legend and illustrate it with pictures. I would most likely use this book in a 3-5 classroom to talk about legends and lighthouses but to talk about adoption and families it could be used in K-2. There is just so much you can do with this book that kids are sure to love it no matter what age they are!!!
This sweet story is so imaginative and creative but it still tugs on the heartstrings. There is no way to know what twist to expect next in the story and so children would really enjoy making guesses about what will happen on the next page. This book would also make a great introduction into talking about adoption and how some children come to live with families because they do not have living parents. It would also make a great introduction into talking about family heirlooms and things that have been passed down from generation to generation in children's own families. It would even be neat to do a unit on lighthouses and use this book to talk about what purposes lighthouses have. On the last page of the book, the author talks about a legend from Maine that follows a very similar storyline to this book. It might be a neat idea to use this book as an introduction to legends as well and perhaps have children share a legend that they know or to write their own legend and illustrate it with pictures. I would most likely use this book in a 3-5 classroom to talk about legends and lighthouses but to talk about adoption and families it could be used in K-2. There is just so much you can do with this book that kids are sure to love it no matter what age they are!!!
The Sea Chest By: Toni Buzzeo Post By: Olivia Harrington
One night a little girl and her Great Aunt await a stranger inside the cozy comfort of a warm home. Auntie Maita is very very old and gray. But that does not stop her from telling stories to the narrator of this very wonderful tale. While they await this 'stranger' Aunt Maita tells the story of growing up on an island in Maine. She tells of her mother and her father who kept a lighthouse on Sanctuary Island. One night a ferocious storm blows in from the sea. A vessel off the coast is too far away for Maita's Papa to do anything so he just focuses on keeping the light in the lighthouse lit. The next morning, Maita and her Papa go out searching the shore for anything they can find. Rather than finding pieces of sea glass for her collection, Maita and Papa stumble across a huge bundle of mattresses tied up with rope and sailor's knots. Maita hears a sound from inside and desperately hopes it is a little kitten. Upon unwrapping the large bundle, Maita and her Papa discover a leather sea chest with an adorable baby girl inside and a note from her parents. Her parents were the captain and captain's wife of the vessel that was destroyed in the storm. Maita and her father carry the baby home and Maita names it Seaborne. Seaborne becomes her sister and the two grow up together. Seaborne sleeps in the chest until she outgrows it. She follows Maita to the place where she ends up living and makes a happy life for herself there until she passes away and leaves Maita an only child again. As the story ends, our little narrator speaks of her excitement and her Great Grandmother Seaborne's chest sitting open with a quilt inside it, anxiously awaiting the little sister that her parents have gone to get from across the sea.
This sweet story is so imaginative and creative but it still tugs on the heartstrings. There is no way to know what twist to expect next in the story and so children would really enjoy making guesses about what will happen on the next page. This book would also make a great introduction into talking about adoption and how some children come to live with families because they do not have living parents. It would also make a great introduction into talking about family heirlooms and things that have been passed down from generation to generation in children's own families. It would even be neat to do a unit on lighthouses and use this book to talk about what purposes lighthouses have. On the last page of the book, the author talks about a legend from Maine that follows a very similar storyline to this book. It might be a neat idea to use this book as an introduction to legends as well and perhaps have children share a legend that they know or to write their own legend and illustrate it with pictures. I would most likely use this book in a 3-5 classroom to talk about legends and lighthouses but to talk about adoption and families it could be used in K-2. There is just so much you can do with this book that kids are sure to love it no matter what age they are!!!
This sweet story is so imaginative and creative but it still tugs on the heartstrings. There is no way to know what twist to expect next in the story and so children would really enjoy making guesses about what will happen on the next page. This book would also make a great introduction into talking about adoption and how some children come to live with families because they do not have living parents. It would also make a great introduction into talking about family heirlooms and things that have been passed down from generation to generation in children's own families. It would even be neat to do a unit on lighthouses and use this book to talk about what purposes lighthouses have. On the last page of the book, the author talks about a legend from Maine that follows a very similar storyline to this book. It might be a neat idea to use this book as an introduction to legends as well and perhaps have children share a legend that they know or to write their own legend and illustrate it with pictures. I would most likely use this book in a 3-5 classroom to talk about legends and lighthouses but to talk about adoption and families it could be used in K-2. There is just so much you can do with this book that kids are sure to love it no matter what age they are!!!
Edward and the Pirates By: David McPhail Post by: Olivia Harrington
Edward is a young blond headed boy with round black glasses who absolutely LOVES to read! He reads anything and everything he can get his hands and eyes on from cereal boxes, to monuments, to books of all kinds. He mainly reads about all kinds of adventures and when he reads, he goes on the journey of the main character in the book. He helps Robin Hood escape when he becomes cornered and assists Admiral Peary in a dogsled race to the North Pole. One day at the library, Edward discovers a book about the lost treasure of pirates. He begins to read and continues until the library begins to close. He checks out the book and takes it home with him. That night in bed, before drifting off to sleep, Edward picks up where he left off. But, no sooner has he opened the book than a whole crew of pirates enter the room demanding the book so that they can find their lost treasure. Edward calmly explains that they will have to wait until he returns the book to the library. Even after promising to take Edward along in their adventures and even threatening to make Edward walk the plank, Edward will still not hand over the book to the pirates. One pirate draws his sword and Edward politely reminds him that he needs to be quiet so that he does not wake up Edward's parents. No sooner does he speak than his mother rides into the room on a big white horse and donning a suit of armor! The pirates all group together to close in on Edward's mother but then his father, or should I say Robin Hood Dad, arrives just in the nick of time with his accurate archery skills knocking all the swords out of the pirates' hands. The pirates beg for mercy and Edward begins to feel sorry for them. So, he gives the book to the pirates but after only a few moments they hand it back. Very sadly, none of the pirates can read! Upon this discovery, Edward asks his parents if he can stay up a little longer and read to the pirates. His parents agree telling him not to stay up too late and the pirates all gather round Edward as he starts his book from the beginning again.
I absolutely love this book because it really captures the world through children's eyes when it comes to reading. It reminds me that a book can truly take a child anywhere because they have such vivid imaginations! The illustrations do a great job of creating suspense and also making the book come alive. I also think it is so sweet how Edward's parents become incorporated into the story! It gives a sense of family while still enjoying the delight of a pirate adventure. This would be a book that I would read to students at the start of a school year to hopefully encourage their excitement about reading. A wonderful book with amazing pictures and an even more amazing storyline, I would recommend this book to any teacher trying to spark an interest in reading inside his or her classroom!
I absolutely love this book because it really captures the world through children's eyes when it comes to reading. It reminds me that a book can truly take a child anywhere because they have such vivid imaginations! The illustrations do a great job of creating suspense and also making the book come alive. I also think it is so sweet how Edward's parents become incorporated into the story! It gives a sense of family while still enjoying the delight of a pirate adventure. This would be a book that I would read to students at the start of a school year to hopefully encourage their excitement about reading. A wonderful book with amazing pictures and an even more amazing storyline, I would recommend this book to any teacher trying to spark an interest in reading inside his or her classroom!
If I Were a New York Yankee
This book my mom had made for me because the main character in the book was me and the pictures in the book were me. It was about a boy who was a rookie and was brought up from the minors for the world series game. The pitcher on the other team was throwing hard as anything and no one on the yankees could get a hit off of him. It came down to the last hitter and the manager took him out and told me that I was going to be our only chance of winning this game. The boy was nervous but knew what he had to do. He got in the box and and missed the first two pitches. The next pitch came and he crushed it out of the park HOME RUN. I won the Yankees the world series. After the game I was signing autographs and celebrating. At the end of the book the owner came up to me and handed me a huge bag of money and said see you next year. I was one of the happiest ball players in the league.
This book was one of my favorites because I was the main character in the book. Also because it was baseball and I loved baseball, especially the Yankees. This book gave me hope to excell in baseball to get to the league. You could use books like this in your classrooms by getting pictures of the kids and putting them in these kinds of books. This would make the students excited to read a book with them in it.
This book was one of my favorites because I was the main character in the book. Also because it was baseball and I loved baseball, especially the Yankees. This book gave me hope to excell in baseball to get to the league. You could use books like this in your classrooms by getting pictures of the kids and putting them in these kinds of books. This would make the students excited to read a book with them in it.
The Little Fish that Got Away
This book is about a boy who loves to go fishing. Every morning he would go out to the fishing hole and try catch his family dinner. In the beginning of the book he goes and never catches a thing. But everytime he goes a little fish swims by his worm, looks at it, and then swims right away. His parents tell him to not give up and keep going, that one day his luck would change. So he listens and goes back out there. So this day he goes out and catches a big fish. Then he throws his pole in again and catches a really big fish. He throws it in again and catches a really really big fish. As he is about to leave and bring back dinner for his family the little fish goes up to his worm swims around and swims right away. The boy laughed about this all the way home. For dinner his mom dad and him each had a fish. The boy told his parents about the little fish that got away and they laughed about it over dinner.
This book I always loved to read because I loved fishing. I always thought it was funny how he caught those big fish and never the little one. This book teaches kids not to give up on things and be persistant because if you put in the work the outcome will eventaully pay off.
This book I always loved to read because I loved fishing. I always thought it was funny how he caught those big fish and never the little one. This book teaches kids not to give up on things and be persistant because if you put in the work the outcome will eventaully pay off.
Adelita By: Tomie DePaola Reflection from Casey Brock
The author of the book, Adelita, draws upon the Cinderella story in an imanginary fairytale set in Mexico. Soon after Adelita was born Adela dies, leaving Adelita's father to care for the newborn with the help of their faithful housekeeper, Esperanza. Adelita's father marries a very mean lady with two children and later dies. The story continues with Adelita being raised by her hateful stepmother and her two mean stepsisters who make her do dirty housework and treat her as their maid by getting rid of Esperanza since she is no longer needed. Esperanza secretly returns and gets Adelita prepared for a big fiesta. At the fiesta, Adelita catches the eye of Javier, a handsome prince, then she disappears at midnight. The story continues as Javier searches for the beautiful Adelita who disappered from his fiesta.
Sounds just like the American version of Cinderella doesn't it? DePaola does a fantastic job of rewriting the Cinderella fairytale into a Mexican setting. Throughout the text, spanish words and phrases are used followed by the english translation. This book is a great multicultural book and could be used all throughout the classroom. You could use this book for Social Studies when learning about different cultures, such as the Hispanic culture. You could use this book to compare and contrast different literature and versions of the Cinderella story during reading time. You could also use this book to teach students a foreign language by teaching them the different words associated with Cinderella. This would be a great book to use if you have a Hispanic child in your classroom that speaks English as a second language. You could have the Hispanic student help teach a lesson by letting the student teach his or her classmates the spanish words. You could have this student help read aloud the story so that he will feel more accepted into the classroom by you, the teacher, showing that you care about their culture. This also allows the class to get an appreication of the diversity of different cultures in their environment.
Sounds just like the American version of Cinderella doesn't it? DePaola does a fantastic job of rewriting the Cinderella fairytale into a Mexican setting. Throughout the text, spanish words and phrases are used followed by the english translation. This book is a great multicultural book and could be used all throughout the classroom. You could use this book for Social Studies when learning about different cultures, such as the Hispanic culture. You could use this book to compare and contrast different literature and versions of the Cinderella story during reading time. You could also use this book to teach students a foreign language by teaching them the different words associated with Cinderella. This would be a great book to use if you have a Hispanic child in your classroom that speaks English as a second language. You could have the Hispanic student help teach a lesson by letting the student teach his or her classmates the spanish words. You could have this student help read aloud the story so that he will feel more accepted into the classroom by you, the teacher, showing that you care about their culture. This also allows the class to get an appreication of the diversity of different cultures in their environment.
The Moon Might Be Milk By: Lisa Shulman Reflection by Casey Brock
This book is about a young girl's quest to find out what the moon is made of. As Rosie looks out her bedroom window at night, she asked her cat what the moon was made out of. The cat thought it was a saucer of milk but since Cat was unsure, Rosie and Cat went around her grandmother's farm asking all of the different farm animals what the moon was made out of. Hen thought it was an egg, Butterfly said sugar, dog thought butter, and the mouse thought it was made of flour. After many predictions, Rosie decided to ask for her grandmother's opinion. Rosie tells her grandmother what all of the animals thought first. As grandmother listened to Rosie's story, she gets out all of the things Rosie mentions. Grandmother puts all of the ingredients in a bowl and starts to mix them up. Grandmother tells Rosie that she is unsure what the moon is really made out of but she did know how to bake cookies that were a "magical piece of the moon." Rosie's grandmother makes moon shaped cookies out of the ingredients the animals think the moon is made out of.
This book is written for a younger audiance around the k-2 grades. You could use this book for many reasons in your classroom. You could use this story to introduce a science lesson where the students will study the moon and what the moon is really made out of. Just like Rosie and the animals, your students are probably unsure what the moon is made out of and this story can really spark their interest to learn more about the moon and its different phases, just as we are doing in Elm 320! You could also use this book to teach children literacy lessons such as teaching the terms personification as well as vocabulary when there are words students may not understand. You could also use this book to teach children how to make sugar cookies by meausring out ingredients for the cookies. Since the recipe is in the back of the book, you could teach your students math and measurements while having fun baking the cookies!
This book is written for a younger audiance around the k-2 grades. You could use this book for many reasons in your classroom. You could use this story to introduce a science lesson where the students will study the moon and what the moon is really made out of. Just like Rosie and the animals, your students are probably unsure what the moon is made out of and this story can really spark their interest to learn more about the moon and its different phases, just as we are doing in Elm 320! You could also use this book to teach children literacy lessons such as teaching the terms personification as well as vocabulary when there are words students may not understand. You could also use this book to teach children how to make sugar cookies by meausring out ingredients for the cookies. Since the recipe is in the back of the book, you could teach your students math and measurements while having fun baking the cookies!
The Mixed-Up Chameleon by Eric Carle Reflection by Rebekah Coiner
This book is about a Chameleon who takes a trip to the Zoo. He is bored with his own life and sees all of the wonderful things that all of the other animals have. He decides to change himself, as all chameleons do, so that he can be more like the other animals. He takes the color of a polar bear, the wings from flamingos, a fox tail, fish fins, antlers from a deer, a giraffe's long neck, a turtle's shell, an elephant's head, and a seal's flippers, and even a hat and umbrella from humans. He thought that all of this would make him happy but after seeing a fly go by he realized that he quickly needed to change back so that he could eat.
This is a great book! I think that it could mostly be used in an early elementary classroom, but could also be used in older ones if an opportunity ever arose to use it. This book could teach about how we should be happy with who we are and not want to be like everyone else. We sometimes may see our own lives as boring or lacking something that others have. In the end the chameleon found out that his won life was the best of all. Every child does not have an ideal home situation but if we can get them to love themselves for who they are and what they bring to our group then we have done a great job! It also has lots of animals in it and would interest readers who like animals.
This is a great book! I think that it could mostly be used in an early elementary classroom, but could also be used in older ones if an opportunity ever arose to use it. This book could teach about how we should be happy with who we are and not want to be like everyone else. We sometimes may see our own lives as boring or lacking something that others have. In the end the chameleon found out that his won life was the best of all. Every child does not have an ideal home situation but if we can get them to love themselves for who they are and what they bring to our group then we have done a great job! It also has lots of animals in it and would interest readers who like animals.
Wild About Books Written by Judy Sierra , Reflection by Rebekah Coiner
Wild About Books is a colorful and exciting way to get young students excited about reading! In this book Molly McGrew, a librarian, accidentally drives her bookmobile to the zoo. She sets everything up to start checking books out then goes outside for a read aloud. All of the animals then become very interested in reading. They want to know how to read and where they can find books on things that might interest them, such as the Pandas wanting books on China. All of the animals love reading so much that they end up having a branch of the library built right there at the zoo!
This book could be used in several different ways. The obvious way is to get students interested in reading. The illustrations a wonderful! They are very colorful and have a lot of detail. Each page has several animals doing lots of funny things. They are all reading different types of literature as well. This could tell students that it is alright to be interested in different types of literature. It is also a rhyming book and could be used to teach that as well as patterns. Haiku's, for example, are specifically referenced in this book. I would use this book with children in grade K-2, maybe older as well depending on the lesson that would be taught.
This book could be used in several different ways. The obvious way is to get students interested in reading. The illustrations a wonderful! They are very colorful and have a lot of detail. Each page has several animals doing lots of funny things. They are all reading different types of literature as well. This could tell students that it is alright to be interested in different types of literature. It is also a rhyming book and could be used to teach that as well as patterns. Haiku's, for example, are specifically referenced in this book. I would use this book with children in grade K-2, maybe older as well depending on the lesson that would be taught.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Day the Teacher Went Bananas by James Howe; Reflection by Averi
The children’s book, The Day the Teacher Went Bananas by James Howe and illustrated by Lillian Hoban is an exciting story for young students and a book that simply makes me smile. A new teacher arrives at school and wasn’t quite what the students expected. He grunts a lot, teaches math by counting toes, takes students outside for science class, eats sixteen bananas for lunch, uses clay during art class, and beats on pots and pans for the music lesson. Until suddenly, the principal comes and breaks the sad news to the class that there was a mix up and their real teacher was taken to the zoo by mistake and their mysterious but fun teacher is a gorilla. The students showed their new teacher Mr. Quackerbottom everything they had learned that day; he exclaims that the entire class belongs in the zoo. So the next day, a trip to the zoo they took to visit their favorite teacher.
This book would be great to use during a read aloud with young students, kindergarten or first grade. I think a lot of the ways in which gorilla taught his students are useful and progressive. Science lessons should be taught outside, play with clay and hands on items during art lessons, and by all means, keep students engaged and excited about learning by doing alternative activities. A great way to get students excited about this book as I read, would be for them to predict why the teacher is different and most likely they will single out the characteristics and deduce that it’s a gorilla. Children love when they can foresee a storyline or finish a phrase. Snacks always make a lesson more exciting so I could provide half a banana for each student and they can munch on while I entertain them with the story and colorful illustrations. Also, if a class outing to the zoo is coming up, I would read the short story and stir up excitement for their field trip!
This book would be great to use during a read aloud with young students, kindergarten or first grade. I think a lot of the ways in which gorilla taught his students are useful and progressive. Science lessons should be taught outside, play with clay and hands on items during art lessons, and by all means, keep students engaged and excited about learning by doing alternative activities. A great way to get students excited about this book as I read, would be for them to predict why the teacher is different and most likely they will single out the characteristics and deduce that it’s a gorilla. Children love when they can foresee a storyline or finish a phrase. Snacks always make a lesson more exciting so I could provide half a banana for each student and they can munch on while I entertain them with the story and colorful illustrations. Also, if a class outing to the zoo is coming up, I would read the short story and stir up excitement for their field trip!
Wringer by Jerry Spinelli Reflection by Jessica Abbott
Wringer is a book about a young boy named Palmer who is dreading turning ten years old, because that is when everyone boy in his town becomes a wringer at the towns annual Pigeon Day. After Palmer finally becomes friends with a group of boys he has wanted to hang out with for years that are the biggest troublemakers in town he is forced to hide a huge secret and the fact that he really doesn't want to be a wringer. All his friends are thrilled to become wringers and start to notice strange behavior in Palmer. By the time the big day rolls around for the wringers Palmer friends have found out his secret and are no longer his friends. Palmer had to really stand up for himself and realize that maybe the people he longed to be friends with were not the best friends for him.
This book could be used for older elementary students. It really teaches children to not give into peer pressure and to make the best decisions for themselves. In the book Palmer goes through a lot of things that make him realize who his true friends are. This book also teaches you to stand up for what you believe in. It is important for children to understand that if they feel strongly about something they should not let anyone change their minds.
This book could be used for older elementary students. It really teaches children to not give into peer pressure and to make the best decisions for themselves. In the book Palmer goes through a lot of things that make him realize who his true friends are. This book also teaches you to stand up for what you believe in. It is important for children to understand that if they feel strongly about something they should not let anyone change their minds.
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes Reviewed by: Kelley Smith
Chrysanthemum is a young mouse who absolutely loves her name. She loves the way it looks and sounds, until her first day of school. The other students jeer and make fun of Chrysanthemum's name. She then starts to dislike and just hate every aspect of her name! One morning the students meet the music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Everyone in the class thinks that Mrs. Twinkle is just the greatest thing ever. Mrs. Twinkle decides that Chrysanthemum's class should but on a musicale so she assigns each student a role. Of course Chrysanthemum gets the role of a daisy. All the girls laugh at Chrysanthemum but Mrs. Twinkle brightens Chrysanthemum's day by encouraging her and giving her a new outlook on her name.
This book would be an excellent book to read to students to encourage them not to make fun of others. It illustrates a good lesson on how everyone is different and should be respected for their individuality. Chrysanthemum can teach children to accept who they are regardless if they are different than other students. If everyone were the same how boring would this world be!
This book would be an excellent book to read to students to encourage them not to make fun of others. It illustrates a good lesson on how everyone is different and should be respected for their individuality. Chrysanthemum can teach children to accept who they are regardless if they are different than other students. If everyone were the same how boring would this world be!
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss, Reviewed by Jenna Schlobohm
Dr. Seuss’ My Many Colored Days is a colorful picture book that explores the different kinds of moods we have and the feelings that are linked with these moods. This book goes through a variety of colors and associates each color to a different mood with an action or animal. In the end Dr. Seuss reminds the reader that not everyday has a designated color or mood, but it is ok to have what he calls a “mixed up” day where we don’t know “who or what” we are. The reader learns that it is the combination of all the moods and feelings that make us who we are.
The illustrations in the book are so much fun. They don’t follow the typical Dr. Seuss illustrations. The short biography on the inside back sleeve of the book has a quote from Dr. Seuss’ wife describing her husbands idea for this book: “Though his inspiration for this book was personal, he felt that someone else should bring his or her own vision to it. He wanted the illustrations to be very different from his.” The words of the story have the familiar Dr. Seuss rhyming pattern. By using radical change characteristics, like changing forms and formats, the words also play a role in illustrating the actions in the story.
This book would be a lot of fun to share with young children to teach them about different colors and moods and how the two can help explain each other. You could read the story out loud to the whole class or to a small group and have the children react to each page or feeling. After reading, the students could draw or illustrate their own mood for the day. This book not only explores different feelings, but it also enables kids to acknowledge that although everyday is different they are unique and perfect just they way they are. It gives the reader a sense of freedom knowing that others feel angry, sad, or hyper too every once-in-a-while.
The illustrations in the book are so much fun. They don’t follow the typical Dr. Seuss illustrations. The short biography on the inside back sleeve of the book has a quote from Dr. Seuss’ wife describing her husbands idea for this book: “Though his inspiration for this book was personal, he felt that someone else should bring his or her own vision to it. He wanted the illustrations to be very different from his.” The words of the story have the familiar Dr. Seuss rhyming pattern. By using radical change characteristics, like changing forms and formats, the words also play a role in illustrating the actions in the story.
This book would be a lot of fun to share with young children to teach them about different colors and moods and how the two can help explain each other. You could read the story out loud to the whole class or to a small group and have the children react to each page or feeling. After reading, the students could draw or illustrate their own mood for the day. This book not only explores different feelings, but it also enables kids to acknowledge that although everyday is different they are unique and perfect just they way they are. It gives the reader a sense of freedom knowing that others feel angry, sad, or hyper too every once-in-a-while.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch: Chelsea Martin
Love You Forever is such a wonderful children's book that I am proud to say makes me cry every time. The story is about a mother who rocks her son to sleep by saying the same words, "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be." The story goes through the stages of the boys life from being a baby, to a boy, to a teenager, to a grown man. No matter what his age, she always rocks him to sleep. Finally when the mother becomes an old lady and the son has moved out of the house, she goes to his house to check on him and rocks him to sleep. She eventually becomes too sick to say the words, so the son rocks his mother to sleep. The story ends with the son rocking his own daughter to sleep to carry on the loving tradition. Many children love this book no matter what gender. It has a catchy rhyme that repeats several times that would be easy to get the students involved in participating with the story. This would be a great book to share with students when talking about the stages of life and growing up. I could use this book in a reading center for the students to read when the time is available.
Ramona Quimby Age 8 By Beverly Cleary: Chelsea Martin
Ramona is just an average third grader who is living the "tough" life. Her main concerns for the day include playing with Willa Jean, who she feels is too young and immature, not being called names by her somewhat of a crush Yard Ape, and trying to prove to her teacher, Mrs. Whaley, that she is not a nuisance. She comes from a family that loves each other, but Ramona still needs to see the proof every now and then for her comfort. Ramona always wants attention and likes to be liked by others, for example, when she cracked an egg on her head during lunch to fit in with Yard Ape. By the end of the book, Ramona realizes how lucky she is in being apart of such a great and loving family. This book would be a great book for young children, especially girls. I could use this book to explain how some problems seem so small compared to others, and when you have family, you have everything.
Horton Hears a Who! By Dr. Suess Reviewed by Meghan Caldarera
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss is a book that children will love because it has clever rhymes and has an exciting plot! However, the book may be easy to read, but the underlined message is very important and meaningful for children and even adults. The book starts off with this kind-hearted elephant named Horton splashing around in a pool. Horton then hears a tiny voice scream for help. The voice is coming from a little speck of something that is about to blow into the water. At first Horton just looks at the tiny speck and does not see anything on it that could be a person. He then figures it must be dust, but then realizes that dust can not talk and that it must be a person....a very tiny person. He saves the speck from falling into the water and places it gently on a clover. Some other creatures living in the area, like the sour kangaroo think Horton is crazy and that nothing is on the clover at all. Even through all that Horton protects the clover with all his heart. The little speck on the clover then talks to Horton again and tells him that there is a whole village of tiny little people named "who's" living on the clover. It is the major of Whoville who is thanking Horton for protecting the who's and Whoville. The other creatures around Horton think he is crazy for talking to a clover and do not believe there is any kind of person living on it. So, they take the clover and give it to a bird who drops it into s patch of clovers. Horton searches and searches and finally finds the clover with the who's on it. He kept saying, I must protected this clover because "a person is a person no matter how small." The other creatures around make a plan to boil the little dust speck on the clover then rope and cage Horton. Horton tells the who's to scream and yell and let the others know that they are really people,but that they are just small. The who's yell and scream saying that they are there, but the kangaroo, monkeys and others can not hear them. Since they could not hear anything coming from the little dust speck on the clover they tie up Horton and plan on boiling the who's and their village. Then, Horton whispers to the major of Whoville and tells him to make sure everyone is yelling. The major quickly runs around the village to make sure everyone is making noise and he finds there is one who that is not yelling. He happens to be Jo-Jo the tiniest who in the village. The major grabs Jo-Jo and tells him the town needs him to help in order to be heard. The tiniest little who of all yells with the rest of the village. Finally, the kangaroo and others hear the who's now. It was little Jo-Jo, the tiniest of all that helped the kangaroo and others to see that "a person is a person no matter how small and that a a whole world can be saved by the smallest of all!"
This is not only a wonderful book just to read and gain the beautiful message out of it, but it can also be used in many ways inside the classroom. For example, I could use it in my classroom someday by reading the story to the whole class then asking the students to name a time when someone made a difference in their life or when they made a difference is someone's life. The difference could be sharing, helping, or just being friendly. Then, I would have them write a poem or draw a picture of that incident. This book could also be a springboard into learning character traits, such as, sharing, helping others, being a good friend, etc. I could also use this book to introduce a major inspirational person that changed many people's lives, such as, Martin Luther King. As a class we could talk about how Horton helped save the who's, how all the who's worked together to yell, how Jo-Jo the smallest who could help, and that people are people even if they are different than you. Then go into the lesson about how Martin Luther King helped free blacks and made a difference.
This is not only a wonderful book just to read and gain the beautiful message out of it, but it can also be used in many ways inside the classroom. For example, I could use it in my classroom someday by reading the story to the whole class then asking the students to name a time when someone made a difference in their life or when they made a difference is someone's life. The difference could be sharing, helping, or just being friendly. Then, I would have them write a poem or draw a picture of that incident. This book could also be a springboard into learning character traits, such as, sharing, helping others, being a good friend, etc. I could also use this book to introduce a major inspirational person that changed many people's lives, such as, Martin Luther King. As a class we could talk about how Horton helped save the who's, how all the who's worked together to yell, how Jo-Jo the smallest who could help, and that people are people even if they are different than you. Then go into the lesson about how Martin Luther King helped free blacks and made a difference.
Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie; Reflection by Averi Henderson
The children’s book, "Toot & Puddle", is a sparkling story of the life of two friends who are actually pigs! This fantasy story is the first of several adventures written by Holly Hobbie, which desribes the strong friendship between Toot and Puddle. While living in Woodcock Pocket together, Toot, decides one day to take off to see the world and sends a postcard every month to this best pal, Puddle. The postcards provide a little snapshot into the adventures of Toot and the illustrations in the story are vivid and quite fascinating. While Toot is exploring all the continents, Puddle is at home, enjoying “mud season” and other Woodcock Pocket traditions but begins to really miss Toot. He tries to occupy himself by pretending that he is actually in Paris like Toot, painting and wearing a beret. Finally, eleven months later, Puddle learns that Toot is finally returning home. They are so excited to be reunited and they celebrate Toot's return in their little cabin together.
This sweet story of two best friends who each have fantastic adventures far away and right at home is a great springboard for other activities in the classroom. For younger students, they could each write a sentence, introducing their best friend, drawing a picture of them and writing what they like the most about their friend. This book is a clear example of how important friendships are and I could discuss how to be a good and trustworthy friend. For creative journal writing entry, students could write about their favorite adventure/vacation/trip away from home and how what they enjoyed the most about their experience but also what they missed about home while they were away. With a social studies focus for possibly third graders, I could discuss each country/destination that Toot explored and students could divide into groups and find out quick facts about each destination: Egypt, Solomon Islands, India, Mount Blanc, Spain, Antarctica, France, Italy. A creative writing activity would be for students to respond to Toot’s postcards as the character Puddle and ask questions about his travels. This book was a great introduction to the collection of Toot & Puddle series and I’m sure that once students hear about all of the adventures, they will be wanting to hear more about the friendship between these precious pigs.
This sweet story of two best friends who each have fantastic adventures far away and right at home is a great springboard for other activities in the classroom. For younger students, they could each write a sentence, introducing their best friend, drawing a picture of them and writing what they like the most about their friend. This book is a clear example of how important friendships are and I could discuss how to be a good and trustworthy friend. For creative journal writing entry, students could write about their favorite adventure/vacation/trip away from home and how what they enjoyed the most about their experience but also what they missed about home while they were away. With a social studies focus for possibly third graders, I could discuss each country/destination that Toot explored and students could divide into groups and find out quick facts about each destination: Egypt, Solomon Islands, India, Mount Blanc, Spain, Antarctica, France, Italy. A creative writing activity would be for students to respond to Toot’s postcards as the character Puddle and ask questions about his travels. This book was a great introduction to the collection of Toot & Puddle series and I’m sure that once students hear about all of the adventures, they will be wanting to hear more about the friendship between these precious pigs.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle Reviewed by Ana Kaleel
The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a good book for young children to read. The book starts with a caterpillar coming from an egg and is very hungry. He then eats his way through different types of foods each day. For example, he eats one apple on Monday, two pears on Tuesday, three plums on Wednesday... and so on. By the end of the week the caterpillar eats so much that that he is not hungry or either little anymore. He then builds a cocoon and sleeps in it for a couple of weeks. When he wakes up he is a beautiful butterfly. While reading this book I noticed that each page was so vivid in detail. I felt just like a little kid because as I was reading I caught myself sticking my fingers through the holes in the book where the caterpillar had already eaten his way through.
I believe that I could use this book in many different ways in my classroom because it touches on a variety of subjects. For example, I could use it as a math lesson. The caterpillar eats his way from one food to the next and I could get my class to count the number of different foods he eats or the number in each set of food he eats, like three plums on Wednesday. Another way I could use the book in my classroom is when teaching the days of the week because the author goes through each day of the week. This would be a great way for my class to interact by practicing the days as we go through them in the book. However, I think the best way I could use this book in my classroom is through a science lesson. Learning the development of a caterpillar was one of my earliest science lessons I remember. Eric Carle puts the development of a caterpillar into a butterfly in an easy way for children to understand. I think this is a good way to learn the different stages of a butterfly. As a whole, this is a very useful book that many teachers are able to use in their classrooms. I would definitely like to use this book in my classroom when I begin my career in teaching.
I believe that I could use this book in many different ways in my classroom because it touches on a variety of subjects. For example, I could use it as a math lesson. The caterpillar eats his way from one food to the next and I could get my class to count the number of different foods he eats or the number in each set of food he eats, like three plums on Wednesday. Another way I could use the book in my classroom is when teaching the days of the week because the author goes through each day of the week. This would be a great way for my class to interact by practicing the days as we go through them in the book. However, I think the best way I could use this book in my classroom is through a science lesson. Learning the development of a caterpillar was one of my earliest science lessons I remember. Eric Carle puts the development of a caterpillar into a butterfly in an easy way for children to understand. I think this is a good way to learn the different stages of a butterfly. As a whole, this is a very useful book that many teachers are able to use in their classrooms. I would definitely like to use this book in my classroom when I begin my career in teaching.
Finbo by Janaki Sooriyarachchi reviewed by Tyler
Finbo is a book a young whale, Finbo, who has trouble fitting in with his friends because of his enormous size. Finbo has trouble playing hide and seek with his friends because he is so big he can't hide very well and because his friends are so small they can hide well. His friends would even hide behind Finbo's own tail and still Finbo couldn't find them. Finbo goes home and cries to his mom complaining that he isn't very good at hide and seek. He then tells his mom that he wishes he wasn't a whale and that he was smaller. His mom tells Finbo that he is special and that he is a mammal unlike the other fish who he is friends with. Later Finbo becomes important to his friends if you read further into the book where he saves the day and his friends. I could read this book at any grade from kindergarten to 3rd grade. I could ask the students what characteristics fish have and what characteristics mammals have in upper grades. The moral of the story is everyone is special in their own way and everyone brings something to the table that others do not. I think this book will be very enjoyable to students because it has elaborate pictures and is easy to read. Also, i think students will be able to get into the story especially at the end where a shark is involved. Finbo is a book that both boys and girls can get into and possibly relate to in different situations.
Daniel's Ride by Michael Perry reviewed by Tyler
Daniel's Ride is a book that incorporates hispanic culture. The book is about Daniel and his brother Hector who has a 1963 Impala convertible. This car is complete with spider hydraulics and gold wire wheels. Hector promises Daniel on the first day of summer vacation that they will go cruising. Daniel and Hector go cruising all through town showing everyone that the car could go up and down and side to side. They went to the basketball court and to the beach where they met another low rider. Next they went to see their cousin, Diego, who was painting a moral of Mexican history. The moral of the story from the author is "never let anyone tell you your dreams and ambitions are a waste of time." You'll have to read the rest of the story to understand where the moral of the story comes from. I could incorporate this book into my classroom when talking about different cultures of people as in the case in this book with low riding cars with hydraulics. Also this book has a wonderful message that can teach kids to go for the goals and not to give up. I think this book is more appropriate for boys more than girls and for grades 2-4.
Monday, September 17, 2007
The Fungus that Ate My School by Arthur Dorros, reflection by Emma Peel
"The Fungus that Ate My School" by Arthur Dorros is an imaginative comedy of a children's book. The story is about three young students who leave their science experiments at school over spring vacation. They tell their wacky teacher that their experiements are getting out of control, but he assures them, "fungus can take care of itself" (p. 2). Little did he know that this crazy, multiplying fungi would soon overtake the entire school! The hallways and offices quickly become covered in squishy, slimy, purple, green, and yellow fuzz. It eats the halls, the library, the offices, the cafeteria, and the classrooms! Fortunately Professor Macedemia comes to the rescue and saves the school with the Fungus Unit. The students are even given a special award from the Museum of Fungus and Industry. This wacky tale is a great book to use in the classroom to introduce science. Science is an area that has been ignored in the classrooms for many years and it is now becoming more vital for teachers to plan science lessons in order to enhance students' learning. This book is a great opener to get kids interested in the idea of science. It is a bridge between literacy and science. I would use this book to get my students to want to learn about gross things that they think are 'cool', like crazy purple, yellow, and green fungi! The author even included a note in the beginning that gives teachers a great aid in using this book for lessons. He says that fungi are everywhere in the world: the air, the water, and wherever living things exist! I had never heard of this book before, but as soon as I saw the title and the fun illustrations I knew that I would immediately love it and be able to use it in my future classroom.
Miss Spider's Tea Party by David Kirk, reflection by Emma Peel
"Miss Spider's Tea Party" by David Kirk is a brilliant children's book that could be incorporated into the classroom. Miss Spider is having a tea party and wants very badly for everyone to come and join her. She watches all of the insects flying around and wants them to be her friends. She begins by asking two beetles to stay at her tea party, they are afraid and quickly dash away. On each page she asks another type of insect to stay with her, but each one says that they do not want to have tea with a spider, for they are afraid that she will want to eat them! Finally a twist in the story leaves Miss Spider with a tea party full of friends. This book is not only a wonderful storyline, but the pictures are vibrant and beautiful. I would incorporate this book into my classroom in a number of ways. First, the entire book could be used as a counting book. The opending line of the book is, "One lonely spider sipped her tea" and then the first set of bugs are two beetles, next are three fireflies, and continues on until there are nine moths. The students could help count the bugs and to guess how many bugs Miss Spider will invite to her tea party on the next page. The book is also written as a poem. I would use this book to teach rhyming words to younger students, and for older ones I would use it as an example of poetry. "Miss Spider's Tea Party" could also be used to teach the value of acceptance of differences. I would read this book in the beginning of the school year and talk to my students about how each and every person is different, but no matter where the other students come from, or what they look like, we should never refuse to be their friend just because of their appearance. "Miss Spider's Tea Party" is such a wonderful children's book, I think it could be used on a number of levels in the classroom!
The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid by Geronimo Stilton, reflection by Jenna Schlobohm
The Curse of the Cheese Pyramid is a short chapter book that is part of a series by Geronimo Stilton. When I first saw this book I thought that it was silly and probably nothing I would want to read. However, the second graders I am with on Friday mornings are reading it during their morning story time. I was asked to read a couple chapters aloud to them last week, they were in the middle of the book so I was lost in the story line but the little bit that I did get to read interested me enough to buy the book myself and read it. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story. The series is a fantasy about a newspaper production called The Rodent’s Gazette that is run by a family of mice. Geronimo Stiliton is not only the author of the book but also the main character who goes on many different adventures trying to find stories for his paper. In this particular story Geronimo is sent to Egypt by his stingy uncle, who is also his boss at the paper. His uncle loves money but hates spending it, the mice employed at the Rodent’s Gazette suffer as a result of their uncle’s selfishness. The story follows Geronimo as he explores Egypt and discovers a story on a mouse scientist who has found a new way to create energy from camel “dung”. The story ends with Geronimo announcing that he wrote a book on his adventure in Egypt and called it “The Case of the Cheese Pyramid”. Not only was the mouse the main character and narrator of the story, he also became the author of the book which I believe would allow the children reading the story to feel more connected to the story even though it was a fantasy about mice.
This story has great illustrations to go along with it, before and after the story there are labeled maps of the New Mouse City, the setting of most books in the series. Although these pages were interesting to look at I was most excited about seeing the radical change characteristics through out the chapters. The book is an excellent example of changing forms and formats, certain words were written in a variety of text, colors, and sizes that emphasized the meaning of the word. For example in the sentence “Then all of a sudden the plane began shaking” (p.38) the word shaking was written in bold squiggly letters. The text often illustrated the actions of the story, for example, when Geronimo explains the path of the plane that he is riding in travels he says that “the plane circled over the ocean…” (p. 46) where the words the plane circled were written with the words actually making a circle on the page.
This book is currently being used in a second grade classroom as a read aloud story every morning. The children in the class are very responsive to the story, they laugh out loud at the humorous actions of the mice and answer questions posed by the teacher before and after the reading session. I would personally use this story to try and connect to the children through their various interests. Like I said, I would not have originally chosen to read a book about cheese and mice but the students might very well be interested in animals and adventure stories. The story also touches on energy use and Egyptian history, both of which are topics that could be discussed and explored further with the students.
This story has great illustrations to go along with it, before and after the story there are labeled maps of the New Mouse City, the setting of most books in the series. Although these pages were interesting to look at I was most excited about seeing the radical change characteristics through out the chapters. The book is an excellent example of changing forms and formats, certain words were written in a variety of text, colors, and sizes that emphasized the meaning of the word. For example in the sentence “Then all of a sudden the plane began shaking” (p.38) the word shaking was written in bold squiggly letters. The text often illustrated the actions of the story, for example, when Geronimo explains the path of the plane that he is riding in travels he says that “the plane circled over the ocean…” (p. 46) where the words the plane circled were written with the words actually making a circle on the page.
This book is currently being used in a second grade classroom as a read aloud story every morning. The children in the class are very responsive to the story, they laugh out loud at the humorous actions of the mice and answer questions posed by the teacher before and after the reading session. I would personally use this story to try and connect to the children through their various interests. Like I said, I would not have originally chosen to read a book about cheese and mice but the students might very well be interested in animals and adventure stories. The story also touches on energy use and Egyptian history, both of which are topics that could be discussed and explored further with the students.
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch Reviewed by Ana Kaleel
Love You Forever is a book that touches on growing up. I think it is neat because on every page there is a picture to go along with each stage of life. Each night the picture shows the boy getting older and every night the mother sings the boy to sleep until he is an adult. The mother sings to to her little boy, "I'll love you forever, I'll talk you for always, as long as I'm living, my baby you'll be." However by the end of the book, the mother gets too old and they flip roles. The boy starts singing to his mother at night before going home to his baby.
This is such a great story for young children. The relationship that the boy has with his mother is vert uplifting and I always told my mother that I wanted that to be us someday. I could use this book in many ways in my classroom. I could use it to talk about the love of family members and how much you love them. I could also use it to discuss growing up and the different stages. Another way I could use it is just for fun. I could get my students to sing the song that the mother sings to the boy while I am reading. I think students would enjoy singing along and it would be a good way to get them involved and interactive. This book has always been so enjoyable to me. When I become a teacher, I definitely would like to read this to my students.
This is such a great story for young children. The relationship that the boy has with his mother is vert uplifting and I always told my mother that I wanted that to be us someday. I could use this book in many ways in my classroom. I could use it to talk about the love of family members and how much you love them. I could also use it to discuss growing up and the different stages. Another way I could use it is just for fun. I could get my students to sing the song that the mother sings to the boy while I am reading. I think students would enjoy singing along and it would be a good way to get them involved and interactive. This book has always been so enjoyable to me. When I become a teacher, I definitely would like to read this to my students.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Pumpkin Fair by Eve Bunting Reviewed by Meghan Caldarera
The Pumpkin Fair is a fun book with great illustrations. It is about a little girl who goes to a pumpkin fair where she enters her home grown pumpkin in the contest. The pumpkin is very special to the little girl. It has little spots all over it and is not the best looking pumpkin ever seen. She calls them beauty spots, but the boy next door calls them warts. While at the Pumpkin Fair there is a big parade and pumpkin festivities, like, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin tosses, pumpkin juggling, etc. Of course there is all sorts of yummy pumpkin treats for the fair goers to eat like pumpkin pie! After all the fun, it comes time to pick a winner...the little girl is sure her pumpkin won't win. She thinks that there are bigger and pretty pumpkins there to take the ribbon, but, in her heart she says her pumpkin is very special in its own way. To her surprise her pumpkin wins!!! "It is the best-loved pumpkin at the fair, its the best loved pumpkin anywhere." The moral of this story is so warm and sweet it shows that everything is special in its own way. It shows we all come in different sizes and shapes, but that we are all special.
After reading this book all I could do was smile. I think it is a great book to read at Halloween time and have students design their own pumpkins in class. As a class we can talk about how each pumpkin is special in its own way just as people are special in their own way. Also talk about how we all look different, but we are all special!!
After reading this book all I could do was smile. I think it is a great book to read at Halloween time and have students design their own pumpkins in class. As a class we can talk about how each pumpkin is special in its own way just as people are special in their own way. Also talk about how we all look different, but we are all special!!
Saturday, September 15, 2007
The Kissing Hand, by Audrey Penn
Reviewed by Elizabeth Moeller
Over the past few weeks I have been researching popular children's books. I came across "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, and I was touched by the story. Before the book begins, there is a foreword that describes the reassuring text and the ability for children to relate to the challenge of Chester Raccoon. I have never heard of this book before, but I can't wait to read it to my future students.
The wonderful story begins as Chester Raccoon confronts his mother about his hestiant feelings regarding school. Like a typical child, Chester wants to stay at home with his mother instead of venturing into the unknown. While Mrs. Raccoon wants to comfort her son, she begins to describe all of the wonderful things that he will do at school. And then, Mrs. Raccoon lets her son discover a family secret that will protect him while he is at school. A secret descriptive of the title, the kissing hand fills Chester Raccoon with warmth and confidence that he is loved and taken care of in his family. This secret allows Chester to understand that trying something new isn't scary, and that with a little courage he can accomplish even his deepest fears. Audrey Penn has created a future children's classic that is descriptive of children's fear and illuminated by a mother's love.
After reading this wonderful story, I thought that it would be a great book to read on the first day of school. As a child, I hated leaving my mother on the first day of school. I thought that I would much rather stay at home and make pancakes instead of going on fascinating field trips! While I would be upset at first, I know that my mother had the same soothing voice that Mother Raccoon did. She would ensure me that everything was going to be okay, and that she loved me. Therefore, I believe that this is a great book to read on the first say of school because it will allow hesitant students to find reassurance within the descriptive context. Additionally, this wonderful story communicates what ALL of us want to hear from our loved ones, that WE are loved. Furthermore, I believe it is of utmost important to recognize that each child may not have a mother or a father at home. Therefore, this book would be a great way for the student to realize that everyone is loved in some way, shape, or form. This is a wonderful story that will allow children, and adults, to recognize that we can overcome challenges, and that we are ALL able to achieve our dreams with support and confidence.
Over the past few weeks I have been researching popular children's books. I came across "The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn, and I was touched by the story. Before the book begins, there is a foreword that describes the reassuring text and the ability for children to relate to the challenge of Chester Raccoon. I have never heard of this book before, but I can't wait to read it to my future students.
The wonderful story begins as Chester Raccoon confronts his mother about his hestiant feelings regarding school. Like a typical child, Chester wants to stay at home with his mother instead of venturing into the unknown. While Mrs. Raccoon wants to comfort her son, she begins to describe all of the wonderful things that he will do at school. And then, Mrs. Raccoon lets her son discover a family secret that will protect him while he is at school. A secret descriptive of the title, the kissing hand fills Chester Raccoon with warmth and confidence that he is loved and taken care of in his family. This secret allows Chester to understand that trying something new isn't scary, and that with a little courage he can accomplish even his deepest fears. Audrey Penn has created a future children's classic that is descriptive of children's fear and illuminated by a mother's love.
After reading this wonderful story, I thought that it would be a great book to read on the first day of school. As a child, I hated leaving my mother on the first day of school. I thought that I would much rather stay at home and make pancakes instead of going on fascinating field trips! While I would be upset at first, I know that my mother had the same soothing voice that Mother Raccoon did. She would ensure me that everything was going to be okay, and that she loved me. Therefore, I believe that this is a great book to read on the first say of school because it will allow hesitant students to find reassurance within the descriptive context. Additionally, this wonderful story communicates what ALL of us want to hear from our loved ones, that WE are loved. Furthermore, I believe it is of utmost important to recognize that each child may not have a mother or a father at home. Therefore, this book would be a great way for the student to realize that everyone is loved in some way, shape, or form. This is a wonderful story that will allow children, and adults, to recognize that we can overcome challenges, and that we are ALL able to achieve our dreams with support and confidence.
Friday, September 14, 2007
"I Want to Be Somebody New!"
By: Robert Lopshire
Reviewed by:Amanda Nichols
"I want to Be Somebody New!" by Robert Lopshire is a fun book that could be used for any grade level in an elementary school. The story starts out with Spot, a zoo animal, who begins to dislike himself and wants to become somebody new. Therefore, he turns himself into an elephant but it does not take long for him to realize that he is to big and can not have fun. So he turns himself into a giraffe. However, he realizes now that he is to tall and it is hard for his friends to see his face so again he wants to change himself. This time he becomes a mouse. He realizes that as a mouse you are not to big or to tall but you are to small. Before he can change himself into anything new his friends tell him they liked him best as their old friend Spot. So on the count of three he turns himself into........back into Spot!
In the early grades this book could be used to talk about rhyming and rhyming words. As you read each page you could have the children tell you the rhyming words. Another idea is to read the whole page but the last rhyming word and then have the children fill in the last word. The book could also be taken to a deeper level, for older children, to talk about the meaning of being yourself. You could discuss how it is important to be yourself and not what others want you to be or to be someone that you are not because as Spot saw it is not always fun as somebody else. The book could be used to fill time when you are having trouble with students copying others or when other students pick on eachother because, again, you can talk about being yourself and not doing things that you know are not right. Overall, this book is just a fun rhyming book with colorful pictures that all students can enjoy.
"Through Grandpa's Eyes"
by: Patricia MacLachlan
reviewed by: Amanda Nichols
"Through Grandpa's Eyes" by Patricia MacLachlan is a sweet story of a grandpa, who is blind, and his grandson John. The story is told by John who explains that his favorite house is Grandpa's because he "sees it through Grandpa's eyes." Since Grandpa is blind he is forced to use his senses to live his life and this leads John to close his eyes, so that he is blind, and use his senses like Grandpa. Grandpa's is able to smell and recognize things that John is not able to because he is used to living by his senses and in one situation John asks, "How can Grandpa tell? All the smells mix together in the air." Grandpa's response to him was "close your eyes, John." Once John closed his eyes he was able to smell and distinguish things he could not before, such as the marigolds. The book goes through John living a day in Grandpa's eyes and seeing the world the way Grandpa does. This leads them to playing the cello without reading music, feeling a wood carving and knowing who it was, going for a walk and discussing the wind direction, reading a book, and other activities all by using their senses. This book would be wonderful to use with any K-2 grade level class when a teacher begins to talk about senses. The book shows that without sight you are able to use your other sense to live a normal life and sometimes using your other senses makes you realize what you miss out on because you are less observant. The book could be used as an introduction into an activity where the students have to use their other senses, smell, touch, hearing, or tasting, to distinguish different things or objects, just like Grandpa and John. The book could also be used as a spring board to talking about differences in people. After reading the book you could explain how there are lots of people who are blind and that just because they may not be like them doesn't mean you should be mean or not like them. You could use to book to talk about everyone being equal no matter what and that you should treat everyone fairly.
"Through Grandpa's Eyes" is a great book that makes you realize how much we take for granted by having our sight and how much we miss by not using out other senses fully.
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
by Mo Willems
reviewed by Julie Long
by Mo Willems
reviewed by Julie Long
In this story the bus driver asks the reader/audience to watch the bus while he takes a break and to make sure that the pigeon does not drive the bus. As soon the bus driver exits the scene, the pigeon enters and asks us if he can drive the bus. Throughout the story the pigeon begs and pleads to drive the bus. He tries to reason and argue with the audience. He then tries pouting and pretend driving and suggests other games. He rattles off a speech about wanting to drive and ends with "I have dreams you know!". He eventually loses all self control, just before the bus driver returns.
This story would be great for all aged children. It has a very kid friendly tone, and all too familiar argument style. You will swear you have heard every argument point before. It is a fun story and would be a good literature break in your school day. It might also be useful in following up or introducing a lesson on integrity. The artwork is very simple. It looks almost like it was drawn with a crayon. Most of the illustrations are simply of the pigeon. However, the pigeons face is so animated that there is no need for further illustration. The story line and the pigeon's expressions are enough to hold a students attention.
The author has also written Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. Both are hilarious. He has written numerous other stories, too, that I encourage you to check out!
This story would be great for all aged children. It has a very kid friendly tone, and all too familiar argument style. You will swear you have heard every argument point before. It is a fun story and would be a good literature break in your school day. It might also be useful in following up or introducing a lesson on integrity. The artwork is very simple. It looks almost like it was drawn with a crayon. Most of the illustrations are simply of the pigeon. However, the pigeons face is so animated that there is no need for further illustration. The story line and the pigeon's expressions are enough to hold a students attention.
The author has also written Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late and The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog. Both are hilarious. He has written numerous other stories, too, that I encourage you to check out!
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"My Dog Never Says Please" by Suzanne Williams reviewed by Alyse Decker
An important message to teach children, especially at a young age is how to use good manners. A great book that helps emphasize the importance of using manners is titled, "My Dog Never Says Please." I was first introduced to this book while babysitting about a year ago and it has been one of my favorites ever since. The story starts off with little Ginny at the dinner table with her family. Like most children, Ginny is required to say please and thank you, use her napkin and chew with her mouth closed. Ginny is very angered that her dog, Ol' Red, can get away with anything, even if he doesn't say please. After dinner Ginny decides she wants to go play outside, but before she gets out the door her mother asks her to clean her room, and her dad wants her to put her shoes on. Again, Ginny is upset that Ol' Red doesn't have to clean, and he never wears shoes. Finally Ginny screams, "I want to be a dog." The next day, her parents allow her to act like a dog. So Ginny spends the day digging in the dirt, eating from a bowl, and playing fetch. As the day rolls on, Ginny is tired of begging for scraps and she notices a huge rain cloud rolling in.
If you want to know what Ginny does next read the rest of the story to find out. This book is so much fun and has a great message. A book like this is fantastic to have around a school classroom. Whenever a day pops up that students are continuously forgetting their manners, this is a great filler book to read to make a point. I would recommend "My Dog Never Says Please," to teachers of all elementary grade levels, but the younger students are going to appreciate the pictures, story, and message the most.
If you want to know what Ginny does next read the rest of the story to find out. This book is so much fun and has a great message. A book like this is fantastic to have around a school classroom. Whenever a day pops up that students are continuously forgetting their manners, this is a great filler book to read to make a point. I would recommend "My Dog Never Says Please," to teachers of all elementary grade levels, but the younger students are going to appreciate the pictures, story, and message the most.
Lovable Lyle By: Bernard Waber Reviewed by: Kelley Smith
Lovable Lyle is the nicest crocodile in town. Everyone loves him! But he begins to get letters that say "I hate you!" These letters are always signed "your enemy." Lyle becomes very sad that someone dislikes him. One day Lyle and his family The Primms see Clover Hipple leave a letter for Lyle at the front door. She is the one who has been writing the letters to Lyle. Mrs. Primm asks Clover why she hates Lyle and Clover responds that she dislikes him because he keeps taking all her friends. Mrs. Primm suggest to Clover that she should be friends with Lyle too but Clover insist that her mother will not let her play with crocodiles.
Mrs. Primm decides to have Mrs. Hipple, Clover's mother, over to meet and see how kind Lyle is. But instead of Mrs. Hipple having a nice meeting with Lyle she is frightened by him and goes home. Then the Primms and Lyle go to the beach and of course Mrs. Hipple and Clover are there as well. Mrs. Hipple gets a new perspective of Lyle the day that they are all at the beach.
Lovable Lyle is a great book for second and third graders. The pictures are very detailed and fun. This book focuses on not judging a book by its cover. Just because Lyle was a crocodile does not mean that he is a terrible friend. A lot of times children at this age choose friends or judge people based on what they look like on the outside. Definitely a good book to promote different friendships.
Mrs. Primm decides to have Mrs. Hipple, Clover's mother, over to meet and see how kind Lyle is. But instead of Mrs. Hipple having a nice meeting with Lyle she is frightened by him and goes home. Then the Primms and Lyle go to the beach and of course Mrs. Hipple and Clover are there as well. Mrs. Hipple gets a new perspective of Lyle the day that they are all at the beach.
Lovable Lyle is a great book for second and third graders. The pictures are very detailed and fun. This book focuses on not judging a book by its cover. Just because Lyle was a crocodile does not mean that he is a terrible friend. A lot of times children at this age choose friends or judge people based on what they look like on the outside. Definitely a good book to promote different friendships.
The Recess Queen by Alexis O'Neill Reviewed by Alyse Decker
I grew up loving books that I could picture myself being a part of. The book I choose to review, The Recess Queen is an excellent story that gives children the opportunity to walk in someone elses shoes. The book The Recess Queen is an adorable story about a big recess bully named Mean Jean. "Nobody Swung until Mean Jean Swung, nobody kicked until Mean Jean kicked, nobody bounced until Mean Jean bounced." All this ended when a new kid came to school, teeny tiny Katie Sue. When the recess bell rings on Katie Sue's first day of school, she ignores Mean Jean's rules and begins to play on the playground wherever she wants whenever she wants. The rest of the class is speechless and horrified that Mean Jean will, "Push her, smoosh her, lollapalossh her, hammer her, slammer her, kitz and kajammer her!" Unexpectedly, Katie Sue, reaches into her back pack, pulls out a jump rope and asks Mean Jean if she would like to jump with her. This was the first time anyone dared to ask Mean Jean to play. After some encouragement from Katie Sue and the rest of the class Mean Jean jumps with Katie. After that day, Jean no longer bullies the class at recess time because she is too busy playing with her friends.
I absolutely loved this book. The pictures were so colorful and fun, the rhyming words, and the great use of onomatopoeia leave every reader laughing, no matter how old they are. A great lesson about bullying, sharing, and being friends with everyone could follow this book. The book could also introduce an activity on rhyming or how to use words to represent sounds. As a teacher, I will definitely read The Recess Queen early on in the year because it is filled with important life messages and most of all, it is so much fun to read!
I absolutely loved this book. The pictures were so colorful and fun, the rhyming words, and the great use of onomatopoeia leave every reader laughing, no matter how old they are. A great lesson about bullying, sharing, and being friends with everyone could follow this book. The book could also introduce an activity on rhyming or how to use words to represent sounds. As a teacher, I will definitely read The Recess Queen early on in the year because it is filled with important life messages and most of all, it is so much fun to read!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin reviewed by Lauren Whitehurst
Farmer Brown has his hands full in "Dooby Dooby Moo." The farm animals, a duck, three cows, three sheep, and three pigs, want to win a local talent show because the first place prize is... you have to read to find out. The cows want to sing, the sheep want to sing, and the pigs want to dance. They have to figure out how to practice and perform at the county fair without Farmer Brown finding out what they are up to. This is one of my favorite books. I can use this in the classroom to teach about animals, what sounds they usually make, and compare those sounds to the variations in the book (ie. "dooby, dooby moo," "fa la, la, la baaaa," and "whacka, whacka quack"). I can sing the animal sounds before showing the class the page to see if they can guess the what song it sounds like (ie. "Dooby, dooby, dooby moo. Dooby moo, moo, moo, moo, moo." is "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"). There are many funny things that happen in the illustrations throughout the book as well. I think this is a great book to use in the classroom with young readers.
Your Personal Penguin by Sandra Boynton reviewed by Lauren Whitehurst
In "Your Personal Penguin," a penguin wants to be best friends with a hippo. The penguin tells the hippo all the reasons why he wants to be friends. He wants to walk right by the hippo's side, travel with him, and many other things. This book could be used in the classroom to teach the qualities wanted in a friend and what the students would want to give to their friends. It also can be used for rhyme. What's even better about this book? There's a song that goes with it that you can download from www.workman.com/boynton by Davy Jones of The Monkees. Songs are a great way to grab the interest of students and they work very well as teaching aids. This is a very cute book for younger students.
The Haunted Mask II - Reviewes by Josh
"The Haunted Mask II" is part of R.L. Stine's Goosebumps series. The story is about a sixth grader who wants to get revenge on a lot of people in his life. He wants to get revenge against a first grade soccer team that has been torturing him since he recently became the coach. He wants to get revenge against his best friend, Chuck, since Chuck got out of helping coach by saying he had an after school job (watching tv). The final person Chuck wants to get revenge against is Carly Beth who scared him last Halloween with the scariest mask he had ever seen. Steve is able to find out where Carly Beth got her mask from last year and so he goes to pick up a mask. He gets the scariest mask he can find and he gets excited about scaring all those people. However, when he tries the mask on something goes terribly wrong. To find out more you are going to have to read for yourself and as R.L. Stine says "Reader Beware--You're In For A Scare".
This would also be a good book for boys around the third or fourth grade. The story contains suspense, mystery, and a level of fantasy. I know that when I was in the third grade, I loved the Goosebumps books and I believe that most boys around nine or ten would also enjoy these books. I believe that these would be good books for boys that have not liked reading in the past.
This would also be a good book for boys around the third or fourth grade. The story contains suspense, mystery, and a level of fantasy. I know that when I was in the third grade, I loved the Goosebumps books and I believe that most boys around nine or ten would also enjoy these books. I believe that these would be good books for boys that have not liked reading in the past.
The Adventures of Captian Underpants- reviewed by Josh
"The Adventures of Captain Underpants" is written by Dav Pilkey. The story is about two boys named George and Harold who are constently getting into trouble at school just by being boys. After one day of pulling pranks all day long, the principal of the school Mr. Krupp calls them into his office. To try and get out of trouble the boys buy a 3-D Hpyno-Ring and hypnotize the princpal. While the boys have Mr. Krupp under their spell they cause him to become one of the greatest superheroes of all time, Captian Underpants. I would tell you more but I do not want to spoil the story for you so you will have to read it yourself.
This would be a great book for younger boys (I would say for boys around the first or second grade) who have not wanted to read in the past. The reason I say this is because it is full of comedy and adventure which I believe all young boys enjoy. Each page has pictures on it and the pictures go along great with the story. The book also contains a flipbook inside to help the pictures come to life. I would recommend "The Adventures of Captain Underpants"to any teacher to have young boys read and the great thing about Captain Underpants is that there is a whole series of books not just this one.
This would be a great book for younger boys (I would say for boys around the first or second grade) who have not wanted to read in the past. The reason I say this is because it is full of comedy and adventure which I believe all young boys enjoy. Each page has pictures on it and the pictures go along great with the story. The book also contains a flipbook inside to help the pictures come to life. I would recommend "The Adventures of Captain Underpants"to any teacher to have young boys read and the great thing about Captain Underpants is that there is a whole series of books not just this one.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper - reviewed by Suzanne McCarley
"The Little Engine That Could" was always one of my childhood favorites. I found it in a box full of my old books when I went home this past weekend. The book is about a little train that breaks down, carrying food and toys for good little boy and girl in the next town. The train happens to break down on the opposite side of the mountain that the town is on. The toys on the train make several attempts to wave other trains down for help, but have no such luck. The first two trains that come by think they are much too good to help the train because they are bigger and stronger. The third train that comes by is much too old and tired to help the little train up the mountain. The toys cry and wonder how they will ever get to the children on the other side of the mountain, when along comes the Little Engine. They wave him down and asked him for help. The Little Engine fears he is much too small to push the little train up the mountain. He sees the disappointment on the toy's faces and is determined to help the little train up the mountain. The Little Engine hooks onto the little train and starts pulling the toys and candy up the mountain, saying to himself "I think I can. I think I can. I think I can." Does the Little Engine make it to the other side of the mountain? Do the good little boys and girls get their toys? I'm sure most of you have heard the story, and for those of you who haven't, I bet you can guess.
"The Little Engine That Could" would be a great book for younger children, maybe in kindergarten and first grade. Second graders could even appreciate the moral of the story. The story is great because it stresses the importance on perseverance and teaches children that size is not a limitation. When children see The Little Engine pushing the little train up the mountain, instead of the bigger and older trains, they will learn that just because someone is bigger and stronger it doesn't make them better.
The moral of the story isn't the only reason I like this book. The pictures are outstanding. You would have to see the pictures to understand what I mean. The book is illustrated unlike any book I've ever seen. The pictures used to captivate me as a child. There's something special about the way the illustrators animated the toys and food. I have two favorite pages in the book. The first page is of apples and oranges. The second page in of milk bottles, lollipops, spinach, and peppermints. These are pages seven and eight in the book. You wouldn't think that these would be too interesting but the illustrators really brought the objects to life and discretely gave them human characteristics. They didn't just put faces on the objects. They used characteristics of the objects to make their faces. You really have to see what I am talking about to understand. Another great thing about the pictures is that they go right along with the words, so they would definitely help a first time reader.
I know most of you have heard this story but if you haven't seen the book, you should really take a look at it. You'll be amazed at how a simple story can come alive.
"The Little Engine That Could" would be a great book for younger children, maybe in kindergarten and first grade. Second graders could even appreciate the moral of the story. The story is great because it stresses the importance on perseverance and teaches children that size is not a limitation. When children see The Little Engine pushing the little train up the mountain, instead of the bigger and older trains, they will learn that just because someone is bigger and stronger it doesn't make them better.
The moral of the story isn't the only reason I like this book. The pictures are outstanding. You would have to see the pictures to understand what I mean. The book is illustrated unlike any book I've ever seen. The pictures used to captivate me as a child. There's something special about the way the illustrators animated the toys and food. I have two favorite pages in the book. The first page is of apples and oranges. The second page in of milk bottles, lollipops, spinach, and peppermints. These are pages seven and eight in the book. You wouldn't think that these would be too interesting but the illustrators really brought the objects to life and discretely gave them human characteristics. They didn't just put faces on the objects. They used characteristics of the objects to make their faces. You really have to see what I am talking about to understand. Another great thing about the pictures is that they go right along with the words, so they would definitely help a first time reader.
I know most of you have heard this story but if you haven't seen the book, you should really take a look at it. You'll be amazed at how a simple story can come alive.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Miss Nelson is Missing! - Reviewed by Elizabeth Moeller
I vividly remember Dr. Cleven reading us this book last year, and I loved it! I can't remember reading this as a child, but I must have! When I was reflecting on my past literature experiences, this book came to mind. After a little research, I found it at the College of Education library. I can't believe it has been in circulation since 1977! After reading the story a million times to my roomate and children I babysit for, I have found what makes this book so unique and special.
In room 207, Miss Nelson sits quietly as her students create paper planes and spitballs to test her patience. While Miss Nelson tried her best to engage her students, they just weren't interested in their school work. Therefore, Miss Nelson had to devise a plan that would allow the children to get a taste of their own medicine. And this is where the horrible substitute Miss Viola Swamp enters the story. Her black dress and long nose created a depiction of a witch, and the children believed she was. She was horrible compared to Miss Nelson! The students were horrified at the amount of work they had to do for Miss Viola Swamp, and they wished Miss Nelson would return. Days went by and the students never saw Miss Nelson, they even went to the police! However, the story concludes as Miss Nelson returns to a classroom full of quiet and determined learners. What could have been the change? If you haven't read this AMAZING story, please do! It will have you laughing out loud!
After reading this book a few times, I began to reflect on what the underlying meaning was. Henry Allard and James Marshall developed the characters of Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp to illustrate the importance of respecting individuals, as well as appreciating others. It is quite obvious that Miss Nelson's students didn't respect her authority or her desire to learn due to their behavior problems. As a cheerful and patient teacher, Miss Nelson was taken advantage of. However, when the subtitute teacher enters the storyline, the children change their behavior. Miss Viola Swamp's mean streak allowed the children to realize that they should have respected Miss Nelson and her desire to learn. I believe that this would be a GREAT story to read for children of any age. Throughout life, I believe individuals are disrespectful and unappreciative of others. Myself included! Therefore, I believe that this book would be great to introduce a lesson on respect, or even to serve as a reminder to children that they should appreciate what others do for them. This is a wonderful book, and I plan to have a copy in my classroom!
In room 207, Miss Nelson sits quietly as her students create paper planes and spitballs to test her patience. While Miss Nelson tried her best to engage her students, they just weren't interested in their school work. Therefore, Miss Nelson had to devise a plan that would allow the children to get a taste of their own medicine. And this is where the horrible substitute Miss Viola Swamp enters the story. Her black dress and long nose created a depiction of a witch, and the children believed she was. She was horrible compared to Miss Nelson! The students were horrified at the amount of work they had to do for Miss Viola Swamp, and they wished Miss Nelson would return. Days went by and the students never saw Miss Nelson, they even went to the police! However, the story concludes as Miss Nelson returns to a classroom full of quiet and determined learners. What could have been the change? If you haven't read this AMAZING story, please do! It will have you laughing out loud!
After reading this book a few times, I began to reflect on what the underlying meaning was. Henry Allard and James Marshall developed the characters of Miss Nelson and Miss Viola Swamp to illustrate the importance of respecting individuals, as well as appreciating others. It is quite obvious that Miss Nelson's students didn't respect her authority or her desire to learn due to their behavior problems. As a cheerful and patient teacher, Miss Nelson was taken advantage of. However, when the subtitute teacher enters the storyline, the children change their behavior. Miss Viola Swamp's mean streak allowed the children to realize that they should have respected Miss Nelson and her desire to learn. I believe that this would be a GREAT story to read for children of any age. Throughout life, I believe individuals are disrespectful and unappreciative of others. Myself included! Therefore, I believe that this book would be great to introduce a lesson on respect, or even to serve as a reminder to children that they should appreciate what others do for them. This is a wonderful book, and I plan to have a copy in my classroom!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
I'm Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell by Stephanie Lewis
This book goes through different situations in which children are shown that they should love themselves no matter what. It tells children to love themselves if they have big feet, a gap in their teeth, if their clothes don't match, if they know all the right answers, if their answers are all wrong, if they share their lunch, if they fall and get hurt, if they get picked last for a team, when they do the right thing, if they try new food, or hang out with a parent, if they make mistakes, or if they get a present they don't like. The pictures in this book are really captivitating because they are full of bright colors and every page is from a different perspective. Some pictures are close up and some are thoughts coming from childrens' heads. The words are also in different places from page to page and the font changes throughout the book. The story is fairly simple but the pictures really make the book appealing in my opinion.
The book also has a great message. I definitely think that this book is geared towards younger children but it could really be used with all ages. This book is great to talk to children about loving themselves and accepting themselves for all their faults. It teaches children that they don't always have to have the right answer and that its okay to make mistakes. It also can be used to teach students to be accepting of others despite their faults. You can use it to talk to your students about the rules on the first few days of class. It can be used as a way to introduce the sense of classroom community that you should create amongst your classroom. You can talk to children about not making fun of others for being different or making mistakes and then tell students to encourage and support eachother. This book is a really simple book but I think that when used in this way it can be a great tool for teaching students acceptance of themselves and others.
The book also has a great message. I definitely think that this book is geared towards younger children but it could really be used with all ages. This book is great to talk to children about loving themselves and accepting themselves for all their faults. It teaches children that they don't always have to have the right answer and that its okay to make mistakes. It also can be used to teach students to be accepting of others despite their faults. You can use it to talk to your students about the rules on the first few days of class. It can be used as a way to introduce the sense of classroom community that you should create amongst your classroom. You can talk to children about not making fun of others for being different or making mistakes and then tell students to encourage and support eachother. This book is a really simple book but I think that when used in this way it can be a great tool for teaching students acceptance of themselves and others.
The Rainbow Tulip by Pat Mora by Stephanie Lewis
I was first introduced to this book and this author last year at a teaching fellows event in which Pat Mora came and shared about her books. I bought this book originally for its beautiful pictures but now after reading it several times I have really come to love it. It starts out with a little girl sitting at the kitchen table in the morning explaining a little bit about her family. From the very beginning she tell us that her mother and father are from Mexico and that they don't speak English. Throughout the book the little girl uses spanish words and phrases in her conversations with her mother. She tells the reader that she speaks English outside of the house but inside she speaks Spanish. At school everyone calls her Stella but at home she is called Estelita. Stella also points out the differences between her mother and the other mothers of the neighborhood due to cultural differences. Her mother wears very dull and quiet colors but Stella wants to have brightly colored dresses when she grows up. At school the teacher tells the students that they will be participating in a May parade and the teacher has told the students that they need a tulip costume. When Stella's mother asks what color tulip she would like to be Stella tells her mother that she wants her costume to have all the spring colors on it. Stella is so excited about her costume but when she arrives at school wearing her costume she realizes that she does not look like the other children. All the other children are wearing solid colored tulip costumes. Stella was afraid that the teacher would laugh at her and she was afraid of looking different. When Stella sees her mother to watch her march around the Maypole Stella wishes that her mother could speak English like all the other moms and that she dressed like and wore makeup like all the other moms. Stella ends up doing a great job with the Maypole dance and her teacher comes to tell her a great job. Stella then wishes that her teacher could speak Spanish so that she could tell her mother how well she did in school. Stella then sits down with her mother and tells her that "it is hard to be different".
I really love this book because it has so many multicultural teaching opportunities. In the classroom it could be used to open a discussion on different cultures and the differences that students may have. It can also be a way to get hispanic students excited about sharing their culture since it does include Spanish words and phrases. I think that it would be great to get the hispanic students to say the words correctly for the rest of the class and to tell them what that word means. This type of book could also be used to create a more comfortable classroom community. By opening discussion about differences amongst students then teachers could go on to discuss acceptance of these differences leading to a more open and community-like environment in which students work together. Stella can also be used to talk about differences that may not be just cultural. Stella looks different than all the other tulips in her class. She could be used to start a discussion on accepting others despite of physical differences or learning differences. I think that this book is just absolutely great all around! The teaching opportunities are infinite and the pictures and story are awesome!
I really love this book because it has so many multicultural teaching opportunities. In the classroom it could be used to open a discussion on different cultures and the differences that students may have. It can also be a way to get hispanic students excited about sharing their culture since it does include Spanish words and phrases. I think that it would be great to get the hispanic students to say the words correctly for the rest of the class and to tell them what that word means. This type of book could also be used to create a more comfortable classroom community. By opening discussion about differences amongst students then teachers could go on to discuss acceptance of these differences leading to a more open and community-like environment in which students work together. Stella can also be used to talk about differences that may not be just cultural. Stella looks different than all the other tulips in her class. She could be used to start a discussion on accepting others despite of physical differences or learning differences. I think that this book is just absolutely great all around! The teaching opportunities are infinite and the pictures and story are awesome!
"The Teacher from the Black Lagoon" By Mike Thaler- Reviewed by Allison Fox (Post #2)
I remember this book as one of my favorites while growing up. I think that nearly every teacher that I had in elementary read this to us on the first day of school. The book follows a young boy on his first day of school and the anxiety that he faces on meeting his teacher for the first time. On hearing that her name is “Mrs. Green” his imagination begins to run wild at who he thinks he will have to face for the next school year. Then he begins to visualize meeting slithery Mrs. Green and all that she does to her misbehaving students. From breathing fire at Freddy Jones who throws spitballs, to teaching fractions by biting a whole boy in half, she seems just awful, and even does the worst possible thing by giving homework on the first day! Mrs. Green is pretty much everything and more that a child dreads about a teacher and the narrator is stuck with her all year long. However, during nap time the student falls asleep and wakes up to see a pretty young woman, Mrs. Green, and she even has real skin and no tail!
The book is a funny short and easy to read story about the worries that every child faces before meeting their teacher. I think that reading this book would be a good way to ease some of the anxiety felt by most students on the first day of class. I think that it would act as good bonding for students to teachers as they appreciate that they don't have Mrs. Green (although Ms. Fox might sound a little scary on paper too!) The pictures are comical and use characters that almost look like comic strip images. The students' facial expressions are priceless, and Mrs. Green reminds me of a couple of teachers that I had in high school! The simple, everyday issue dealt with in the story could be felt by any student, especially young ones who are not used to having a teacher like authority, and therefore is in Piaget's Preoperational Stage of learning. I love this book and think that it can be enjoyed by all ages!
The book is a funny short and easy to read story about the worries that every child faces before meeting their teacher. I think that reading this book would be a good way to ease some of the anxiety felt by most students on the first day of class. I think that it would act as good bonding for students to teachers as they appreciate that they don't have Mrs. Green (although Ms. Fox might sound a little scary on paper too!) The pictures are comical and use characters that almost look like comic strip images. The students' facial expressions are priceless, and Mrs. Green reminds me of a couple of teachers that I had in high school! The simple, everyday issue dealt with in the story could be felt by any student, especially young ones who are not used to having a teacher like authority, and therefore is in Piaget's Preoperational Stage of learning. I love this book and think that it can be enjoyed by all ages!
"Whoops! But it wasn't me" By Lauren Child- Reviewed by Allison Fox (Post #1)
This is one of the fun-filled lesson learning books in the popular series Charlie and Lola, which investigates typical and everyday problems faced between a older brother and younger sister. This specific book deals with how Charlie "made the very best thing that he has ever made!" (a rocket) and the temptation grows too strong for Lola to resist playing with it, even though her older brother made her PROMISE that she would not touch it while he was gone. All was fine until Lola's imaginary friend, Soren Lorensen, acts as her bad influence and convinces her to get down the rocket to go to "elephant land". Of course, the ever so wonderful rocket gets knocked down in the process. The lesson of the book begins as Lola at first tries to deny and cover up her mistake, but eventually comes to the understanding that although she can't fix the rocket, she should fix her relationship with Charlie by telling the truth and apologizing.
I absolutely LOVE the artwork in this series, especially this book. Child's signature collage-style images do an excellent job blending images of real life with hand-drawn cartoons. For example, when Charlie is describing the rocket, it shows real life portraits of the "three cereal boxes, ten yogurt, 28 bottle tops, 157 sweet wrappers and an extra-wide tinfoil sheet" that its building required. The radical change characteristics in the book also include the changing forms of the font, from different sizes like large for yelling and shrinking for whispering, non-linear pictures and words, even includes a picture of a real globe when the rocket circled outer space. The colors of the books are super bright, the characters are made of straight lines, much like stick figures that any child could drawl, and different textures really jump out to the reader. In one scene, the pillows on the couch look nearly 3D. The composition of the book is in complete disharmony, with multiple story lines on the same page, which is universal in the series.
I think this book would tie in excellently if there is a conflict in the classroom about someone messing with another student's personal stuff. The book could also easily relate to those kids who have problems with siblings. I think that all students could see themselves as both Lola, as we are all tempted to do things that we know we shouldn't do, and Charlie, for times that we work so hard on something only to have it ruined. I believe that this book is in Piaget's Preoperational Stage, as it is an everyday story with natural language and focuses on building family relationships. However, I think that all age groups, including college students who have snoopy roommates, would find the story entertaining.
I absolutely LOVE the artwork in this series, especially this book. Child's signature collage-style images do an excellent job blending images of real life with hand-drawn cartoons. For example, when Charlie is describing the rocket, it shows real life portraits of the "three cereal boxes, ten yogurt, 28 bottle tops, 157 sweet wrappers and an extra-wide tinfoil sheet" that its building required. The radical change characteristics in the book also include the changing forms of the font, from different sizes like large for yelling and shrinking for whispering, non-linear pictures and words, even includes a picture of a real globe when the rocket circled outer space. The colors of the books are super bright, the characters are made of straight lines, much like stick figures that any child could drawl, and different textures really jump out to the reader. In one scene, the pillows on the couch look nearly 3D. The composition of the book is in complete disharmony, with multiple story lines on the same page, which is universal in the series.
I think this book would tie in excellently if there is a conflict in the classroom about someone messing with another student's personal stuff. The book could also easily relate to those kids who have problems with siblings. I think that all students could see themselves as both Lola, as we are all tempted to do things that we know we shouldn't do, and Charlie, for times that we work so hard on something only to have it ruined. I believe that this book is in Piaget's Preoperational Stage, as it is an everyday story with natural language and focuses on building family relationships. However, I think that all age groups, including college students who have snoopy roommates, would find the story entertaining.
"Love that Dog" by Sharon Creech - reviewed by Suzanne (Post #1)
This book is written as the poetry journal of a
young boy named Jack. He starts off thinking that
he can’t write poetry. He encounters several poems
and tries to copy their format and style. As his
journal progresses, he opens up and realizes poetry
isn’t just a bunch of words organized neatly on a page.
With the help of the memory of his pet dog Sky, and
the influence of an encouraging poet, Jack discovers
that he can write his own poetry.
“Love that Dog” would be a great book to help
introduce students to poetry because it would be easy
for children to relate to. The fact that this book is
written in journal form makes it all the more personal.
Once students have read this book, or have had it read
to them, they will be able to better understand what
poetry really is. It’s really neat to be able to read Jack’s
thoughts and then turn to the back of the book to read
the poems that he was journaling about. I thought this
story was very cute and I will definitely have it on a
bookshelf in my classroom.
Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish - reviewed by Sarah Thompson (Post #2)
Amelia Bedelia is a story about a housekeeper. Not just any ordinary housekeeper but a very interesting addition to the household. Amelia Bedelia has a tendency of taking things literally. When playing baseball, the children tell her to steal second base so she actually picks up second base and runs off with it. When cooking chicken, it called for dressing so she actually dressed the chicken in clothes. There was always chaos in trying to explain the different meanings of words to Amelia Bedelia.
Reading this story has never failed to make me laugh. This book would definitely be a great story to read to my students in helping them realize that words have different meanings depending on the way it is used. I could create a group discussion and have the students come up with other words they know that have multiple meanings as well as have them draw pictures to show the different meanings. We may even be able to come up with a song to help the students remember which word goes with which meaning.
Reading this story has never failed to make me laugh. This book would definitely be a great story to read to my students in helping them realize that words have different meanings depending on the way it is used. I could create a group discussion and have the students come up with other words they know that have multiple meanings as well as have them draw pictures to show the different meanings. We may even be able to come up with a song to help the students remember which word goes with which meaning.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Samantha the Snob by Kathryn Cristaldi - reviewed by Sarah Thompson (Post #1)
Samantha S. Van Dorf is a new student in the class. She wears big fancy hats and fur coats to school. She rides in a limo while the other students ride the bus. One of the other students in the class claims that the "S" stands for snob. All of the student's friends were very impressed by Samantha, but she was not. One day, the student walks into the classroom and sees that she has an invitation on her desk. It was a birthday party invitation; Samantha's birthday party. The student continues to look at Samantha as the snob but does the birthday party change her mind?
I just really enjoyed this book because of the wonderful illustrations and content. I think this book would be a wonderful addition to the classroom library. Anytime my class would get a new student or a couple of my students are having a problem with each other, I could read this story. Samantha the Snob shows what judging a book by its cover can do. Being a new student is hard enough as it is, let alone having someone in the class not like you because they are basically jealous of you.
I just really enjoyed this book because of the wonderful illustrations and content. I think this book would be a wonderful addition to the classroom library. Anytime my class would get a new student or a couple of my students are having a problem with each other, I could read this story. Samantha the Snob shows what judging a book by its cover can do. Being a new student is hard enough as it is, let alone having someone in the class not like you because they are basically jealous of you.
PUNCTUATION Takes a Vacation by Robin Pulver
Mr. Wright's class used punctuation daily! One day the question mark, exclamation point, comma, period, colon, and apostrophes decided they were tired of being erased, replaced, corrected, ignored, and moved around and something just had to be done. The punctuation decided they are going to take a vacaction while Mr. Wright's class was out on the playground. . and they did! Mr. Wright's class started to read a book and realized there was no punctuation. The next couple of days the class recieved post cards in the mail from the punctuation marks and the kids decided to write back. The students couldn't figure out a way to write without using puncuation so they decided to borrow some from a nearby class where 'punctuation seemed to be running wild!' Whether or not the punctuation marks decided to return is a mystery . . until you read the story yourself! I thought this book would be very useful in a writing class. It gives a few paragraphs of using no punctuation and also using puncuation wrong. Even as an adult I found it hard to read without punctuation so it will definately show the students how important punctuation is. Also, when the punctuation marks write post cards they don't sign their names but it is a fun guessing game to see which punctuation wrote which post card. VERY EDUCATIONAL and FUN book to read.
You Can;t Move a Hippo by Michael Catchpool and Rosalind Beardshaw
This book reinforces how important it is to use your manners and be polite when asking people to do something. This book is about a sleepy hippo who is sleeping on the bridge and in the way of some jungle animals. There was a lion who tried to order him off by yelling, a monkey who tried to push him off the bridge, and a warthog who tried to bounce him off the bridge. All three of the animals had no luck in getting the hippo to move. All of a sudden a little mouse comes along and gets the hippo to move. If you are interested in how the tiny mouse got the huge hippo to move, you should definately read the book. This story has a lot of bright colors and fun pictures. It would be good to use for young children because it has repetition and fun words the kids could act out (ie. ROAR). It also has a good moral for the students to learn about manners. I would include this in my collection to demonstrate appropriate ways to act and handle situations.
Is There Really a Human Race? by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell --reviewed by Audrey Smith
This was the first time I have read this book. It is not from my childhood and I think that it should be read in every class. If you read this book you must pay closed attention to the pictures because a lot of the meaning is in the pictures. The words are cute and rhyme but the pictures make the story. There is a little boy who wants to know if there is really a human “race”. He wants to know if it is fair, who is on his team, and how he trains. He wonders who wins and looses and if his running keeps the world spinning. In the end his mom gives him advice like taking is slow and enjoying the scene. It doesn’t matter where you come in the race. I feel like the pictures are explaining that it is okay to be different. You can be from different places, races, sizes, and color because it is what is inside that matters. This is a very good book to read to a young group of students. It is very simple and it could be a good discussion because I think this is could be a hard topic to tackle.
What Teachers Cant Do by Douglas Wood --Audrey Smith
This book is very short and simple. It has a lot of pictures with lots of colors. It explains the things teachers can’t do. Some examples are teachers can’t clean the board by themselves, feed the class pet alone, buy their own apple or spell cat (c _ t). It also discusses what they can and can’t do at play time. I think it is meant for teacher’s enjoyment as well as students but it means more to teachers or future teachers. You could use it in your class by asking the students to list the things teachers can not do and see how it compares to what the book says. You could also use it and have the students write a book about what the students can’t do. It is a cute book and I would advise anyone to read the book alone or to their classrooms.
Big Blue
Big Blue
by Shelley Gill
Reviewed by Julie Long
by Shelley Gill
Reviewed by Julie Long
Big Blue is a picture book that is best categorized as realistic fiction. In the story a young girl dreams of swimming with a Blue Whale. She researches and studies the Blue Whale hoping that one day her dream will come true. Her mother is a writer and drives a whale research boat. She brings her along on a trip to study the Blue Whale.The excitement of the young girl is contagious as she waits near the shore, hoping that a Blue Whale will swim by her. The illustrations in the story are very detailed and vividly colored. Through the images the reader is transformed into her dreams and into her reality. Because of the scientific detail and vocabulary, the story will probably be more appropriate for an older audience. It is a great tool to introduce a marine biology unit, a study of animal habitats, or an inquiry project. While they may not comprehend all of the details a younger audience will also enjoy the story. In particular they may enjoy the beautiful images and the excitement the young girl brings to the story. It is a great lesson in pursuing, and never giving up on, your dreams.
I Ain't Gonna Paint No More by Karen Beaumont, reviewed by Nikki Deaver
This is one of my favorite books, it is a short picture book with vivid colors and it is very fun to read aloud. It is about a little boy who paints the walls and curtains and doors and his mama tells him he is not allowed to paint anymore and she puts his paints at the top of a closet. The boy of course climbs up and gets the paints down and begins to paint himself. There are repetitive lines and lots of rhyme for kids to guess and get involved with. This book is good for K-2 students who are learning to read because of the repetition and the chance for them to predict words at the end of the line. It is a fun read that I highly recommend.
Red, White, and Blue: The Story of the American Flag by John Herman, reviewed by Nikki Deaver
This story is very informative. It tells about how our country used to be thirteen colonies owned by England and how the English flag flew everywhere until the Americans decided to fight for freedom and a war began. The American soldiers wanted their own flag so that they would feel like the were fighting for a "real country" so General George Washington took a drawing to Betsy Ross, an excellent seamstress, who sewed the first American flag. The flag had 13 stripes and 13 stars, one for each colony. However, a layout was never specified so there were various flags. Sometimes the stars were in circles and sometimes the stripes were in the blue box. The book also explains the story behind "The Star-Spangled Banner" and briefly mentions how another flag was designed during the Civil War but our country was once again united under one flag after the North won. It would be a great book to use on Flag Day, but since it is on June 14 and most schools are out by then, it may be a fun book to read on the last week of school when end of grade tests are over so that children will have a better appreciation for our flag and be aware of the upcoming holiday.
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
The Giving Tree (By Joanna Cook - Post #2)
The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein
Joanna Cook
The giving tree is one of my favorite books. It is about a boy and a “giving tree.” The boy uses the tree in many ways; as a child the tree provides him shade and apples. He carves a heart into the tree with “M.E. + T.” The tree was happy when the boy was happy. As the boy grows older, his needs become more. He tells the tree he needs money, so the tree lets him take its apples and sell them for money. This made the tree happy because the boy was happy. Soon the boy became a man and he needed a house so the tree gives the branches. Although the boy no longer plays in the tree, the tree is happy because the boy is happy. Again, the man needs something from the tree. He needs a boat, so the tree lets him take his trunk and make a boat. Soon, there was nothing left of the tree, just a stump. The man needed a place to sit, so he returns to the tree and sits on the stump and again, “the tree was happy.” This story is about taking advantage of things and sacrifices. I think it would be a wonderful book to read around Thanksgiving time. I think a good activity could be to make a card (a good way to practice writing) for someone who is special to you.
I am too absolutely small for school
I am too Absolutely Small for School
Lauren Child
Joanna Cook
Many children are fearful about starting school the first day, especially Kindergarten. In the book, I am too absolutely small for school, Lola is worried about going to school for the first time. She tries to make up reasons that she does not need to go. Charley, her brother replies to her fears with fun examples about why she needs to attend. She finally realizes that there must be something good about school if Charley was able to explain reasons for every excuse she made up. Lola discovers maybe her older brother is right. On the first day of school she finds a friend! This is something I think would kick of a kindergarten class perfectly. After reading the story, the teacher could ask students about how they are feeling on the first day of school. This could help students find commonalities amongst each other.
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