Hannah Revels
Reading File
100 Picture books
20 Caldecott
Title: John Henry
Author: Julius Lester
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis:
A baby boy is born and they name him John Henry. Everyone is so happy because
he is special in that he grew through the roof and even able to control the sun and
moon. Once he bet Mean Ferret-Faced Freddy that is he won a race, then Freddy
had to be nice for a year. Henry wins the race by running even though Freddy rode
a horse. Henry leaves home and his strength grows and every time he does
something great, a rainbow is seen. He wanted to work on the Chesapeake & Ohio
Railroad and discovered work had stopped because a mountain was in the way. He
bet the workers he could make a tunnel quicker to the middle with his hammer and
them their steam drill. He hammered all night and made it further than the steam
drill but his heart burst due to all the work and was buried at the White House lawn.
Activity:
This book could bring out a discussion of physical strength and the children could
do exercises to work specific muscles. Also, there is music to John Henry that the
class could learn the lyrics and make up a pretend rhythm band. Of course, this
book would be great to use if you were talking about tall tales.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This book would be a little too long to read in one sitting. Once completed though,
there are various topics to explore with all the ideas this book discusses. I
understand why this was a Caldecott winner because of the vivid language used and
captivating pictures. It used figurative language to both entertain and teach
students about the tale of John Henry.
Title: Kitten’s First Full Moon
Author: Kevin Henkes
Grade Level: Pre-K -1
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis:
The kitten saw the moon for the first time and thought it was a bowl of milk. She
stuck out her tongue but only licked a bug. So she thought she could jump to the
milk but fell off the top of the porch and got hurt. Still she wanted to get that bowl of
milk so she followed it down the sidewalk, past the field, and by the pond.
Obviously she didn’t’ reach the milk but thought she could climb a tree to reach it
but while on top of the tree she saw the reflection of the moon on a pond. She ran
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down the tree and jumped in the pond with no milk. After going home she found a
bowl of milk on the porch waiting for her.
Activity:
Before read the book, have students peruse through the pages to see if they know
what this book is going to be about. As the book is read, tell the class to look at the
kitten’s facial expressions and tell class what emotion it is.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This was a short and sweet book and who doesn’t like kittens. The illustrations are
black and white drawings and give a nighttime feel. Not really sure why this book
was a Caldecott winner though.
Title: Ox-Cart Man
Author: Donald Hall
Grade Level: 1-4
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis:
One October day the Ox cart man loaded everything his family had made or grown
on to his cart. He had everything from wool that had been sheared from their sheep
and yarn spun at the spinning wheel. to birch brooms that his son had carved. He
even had fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and goose feathers his children had
collected. For ten days he walked his cart to the market. There he sold everything
in his cart and even his Ox and cart. Before he left to go back home and with the
change in his pocket, he bought a needle for his daughter, a knife for his son, an iron
kettle, and 2 lbs of peppermint candy. All winter the family used the items he
bought in town. They carved the birch brooms, made candles, and sheared the
sheep, and in the spring the items they grew or made were collected like before.
Activity:
Teach lesson on consumer and producer; students could make something of their
own and sell it with “earned” play money; brainstorm on what they think they’ll do
with the new items they are making and growing.
Review: (4) out of (5)
Illustrations were like looking at a picture in an art museum. The pictures jumped
from the pages and looked like paintings but the story was O.K. I think the students
might find it not as interesting as other books.
Title: Tar Beach
Author: Faith Ringgold
Grade Level: 1-5
Synopsis: This story is told through the eyes of a little girl who lived in Harlem.
The rood where her family gathered on evenings is called Tar beach. They go there
to escape their life and she looks in the sky and pretends to fly above the city. She
sees the George Washington Bridge where her dad hoisted cables and one day she
says it will be hers. She flies over the Union buildings where her Dad is called
colored or half-breed and isn’t allowed in the union. She pretends that one day all
the places he has worked will be his and it will not matter what color he is. Finally
she goes back to her roof top and imagines her family all eating ice cream and being
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content.
Activity: For the earlier grade levels, I could discuss what kinds of jobs their family
members have or what kind of neighborhoods they live in. I could ask them to
imagine living like this little girl and list the pros and cons of it. For the older
students, topics of segregation, prejudices, unions, and civil rights could be
discussed and researched. They could also learn about symbolism that was used in
this book of “flying” to freedom and a better life, as well as, the illustrations done in
the book that used a quilt to outline the pages.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I loved that this book could be read to so many grade levels and each would be able
to gain something through it. I understand why this was a Caldecott honor book
because the illustrations were beautiful and unique. There are endless lesson I
could do with a class after reading this book. I think this book was able to take a
student to a place they have never been.
Title: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers
Author: Mordicai Gerstein
Grade Level: 3-5
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis:
There was a man named Philippe Petit who was a street performer in New York that
loved to walk and dance on a rope between two trees. One day he looked between
the two towers that were being built and thought it would be a wonderful place to
stretch some rope. He knew if he tried this that police would not allow him so he
secretly planned out how he would do this. So he dressed like a construction
worker and he and his friends carried cables and equipment that were needed up
the 180 stories for him to be able to walk between the two towers. After an arrow
was shot from one tower to the other, some mishaps, and 3 hours later, Philippe was
walking, dancing, and even resting on the cable. As the people pointed and gasped,
the police were waiting to arrest him. In court, the judge told him for his
punishment was be to perform in the city park for the children.
Activity:
Great way to tell the history of the World Trade Center before 9/11; watch the
movie, “ Man on a Wire”; discuss bravery but also consequences to breaking the law;
discuss use of language that creates mystery like when the book said, “He snuck up
to the top dressed as a construction worker, and raised his rope in the dead of
night.”
Review: (5) out of (5)
Awesome book! The first sentence says, “Once there were two towers side by side, “
and this got me a little emotional but inspiring. I think students at all levels would
be mesmerized and would enjoy this book because the illustrations gave you the
feeling up really looking up high and were so colorful and detailed.
Title: The House in the Night
Author: Susan Marie Swanson
Grade Level: Pre-K-1
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Genre: Caldecott winner
Synopsis:
This story starts with a key that opens up a house, where a bed is lit up the light, and
a book is lying on the bed. It continues with a child reading the book where there is
a bird. The bird breathes a song and carries the child out the window to view the
starry dark. In the dark is the moon and the town. Finally he is back in bed where
the bed is in the light and light is in the house. The child goes to sleep peacefully in
the house full of light.
Activity:
This book would be great to teach students how to crayon etch that is similar to the
scratchboard illustrations there were used in this book. They first completely cover
a piece of paper with different colored crayons, and then cover it with a black
crayon. Last use a pointed object like a wooden stick or toothpicks to draw a picture
by scraping away the black top layer. This will then reveal the color beneath.
Review: (3) out of (5)
I loved the beautiful scratchboard illustrations and believe it would be worth
showing the students because it so well done and interesting. I didn’t love the story
but do see that it possibly could work if I read it to the class after recess to calm
everyone down.
Title: The Red Book
Author: Barbara Lehman
Grade level: K-3
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: Even though this book does not have words, it has a lot of meaning. The
illustrations allow the reader to conclude that this book is about a magical red book
without any words. In the story, the book travels from person to person. The red
book represents the world of possibilities that can come out of picking up a book.
Activity: Have students look through this book and have each student write a story
about what they think the book is about. Since there are no words, students will
have to pay close attention the illustrations. After students are done, have a couple
students share with the class.
Review: (3) our of (5). I think this book would be confusing for students who don’t
have very good imaginations. The drawings were interesting and the overall
message was intriguing.
Title: Doctor De Soto
Author: William Steig
Grade level: K-3
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: Doctor De Soto is a mouse dentist who has a strict policy against working
on animals who eat mice. For normal sized, non-threatening animals, he treats them
in the normal dentist chair. For larger sized, non-threatening animals, he climbs up a
latter and into their mouth. One day, a fox with a terrible toothache knocked on the
dentist doors and begged Doctor De Soto to cure his tooth pain. Dr. De Soto was
hesitant but he agreed. He climbed into his mouth and removed the fox’s rotten
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tooth. The fox felt like his old self again. Doctor De Soto asked him to come back the
next day so that he could put in a new tooth. That night, Dr. De Soto talked with his
wife. They discussed their suspicions of the fox and both agreed they should
formulate a plan to protect themselves from getting eaten. The fox returned the next
day to get his shiny tooth put in. As soon as the tooth was in, the fox had decided he
wanted to test it out. He wanted to eat Doctor De Soto. Luckily, Doctor De Soto
tricked the fox into thinking he was getting special treatment, and he put a special
glue on his teeth so when he bit down, he could not open his mouth. Doctor De Soto
insured him that the glue would wear off in a couple days. Doctor De Soto had out
smarted the fox.
Activity: Have students write down the moral of the story. Have students have a
debate on whether or not the mice should have let the fox inside his office.
Review: This book is a(5) out of (5). It has full-color illustrations that are full of
details that capture the bizarre situation. This book was full of suspense and had
great ending.
Title: A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Author: Philip C. Stead
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: Amos McGee has a daily routine. He wakes up, puts on a fresh pressed
uniform, eats some oatmeal, drinks some tea, and waits for the bus to take to him to
the zoo. Before he begins his work, he plays chess with the elephant, races the
tortoise, sits with the penguins, lends his handkerchief to the rhinoceros, and reads
a story with the owl. One day, he had to skip work to because he became very sick.
His animal friends were wondering where he was. They all decided to take a trip to
his house. They discovered that Amos was very sick and they all took care of him.
Activity: Have students look for examples of friendship behaviors in a magazine or
anywhere they can find. Then have them use the pictures to create a classroom
collage. They could also contribute slogans or mottos about friendship.
Review: (4) out of (5) I really enjoyed this book. The illustrations were great and
the moral of the story is that friends come in all different shapes and sizes. I think
children of all ages can relate with this book.
Title: Anansi the Spider: A Tale from the Ashanti
Author: Gerald McDermott
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Folk tale/Caldecott
Synopsis: Anansi the spider had six sons and all of their names had a meaning. For
example, one of the son’s names was See trouble because he was able to see trouble
from far away and another’s name was cushion because he was soft. One day
Anansi goes on a journey and fell into danger. Each one of the sons worked together
to help him get out of this trouble by using their unique abilities. Once home, Anansi
found a great globe of light that he wanted to give one of his sons for helping him
but he couldn’t decide who deserved it most. So he asked Nyame, the god of all, to
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help him decide. No one was able to decide, so Nyame took the light (moon) and left
it up in the night sky for all to see.
Activity: Class could make spider puppets; each student picks which son they
would want to be and get into that group. Then they could brainstorm on other
situations where they would have use their special ability to help out. Teach lesson
on spiders and their body parts
Review: (4) out of (5)
I think younger students would like how Anansi was rescued. Older students would
appreciate how all the sons cooperated together to solve a problem. Illustrations
were bright and intriguing. This book could be used to do some creative lessons.
Title: Noah’s Ark
Author: Peter Spier
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This book has no words but the images retell the Old Testament story of
Noah, who listened to Gods orders and built an ark in preparation for the flood. The
images reveal simple details like two of every animal came along board and how the
rainbow symbolizes peace and a promise that God will never flood the earth again.
Activity: Read the actual story of Noah’s ark out of the bible and have students draw
a picture of the ark based off of the details the bible gives.
Review: (5) out of (5) This was an incredible book with amazing pictures. It was
easy to understand, even though there were no words. The first page of the book
included a poem written about Noah and his Ark so that kids would understand the
drawings. I will definitely have this book in my classroom.
Title: Frederick
Author: Leo Lionni
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: Frederick is a field mouse who appears to be a lazy mouse. While all of his
friends are preparing for a cold winter, Frederick just sits daydreaming in the sun.
His friends ask hi what he is doing and he says he is soaking up sun, colors, and
words. When winter approaches, his friends discover what Fredrick meant. Fredrick
is a poet and he warms his friends up and cheers them with his words.
Activity: Discuss with the class what it means when someone says, “Things aren’t
always as they seem.” Have students play “What’s inside the box.” Students are
allowed to feel and smell what is in the box but they cannot look inside it. They have
to make guesses on what they think is in the box.
Review: (4) out of (5) I really enjoyed the illustrations in this book. This is a fun
book to read and I can see many kids enjoying it. The moral of the story is that
things aren’t always, as they seem. This enables kids to think in different ways and
to consider other people’s opinions, abilities, and personalities.
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Title: Jambo means Hello
Author: Muriel Feelings
Grade level: Pre K/Kindergarten
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This book has a Swahili word to correspond with each letter of the
alphabet. For each word, the meanings are given within the tradition of the African
life. Under each word, the author breaks the word down so the reader knows how to
pronounce in correctly. For the letter H, the author shares Swahili word Heshima,
which means respect. He goes on to say that children are taught early to show
respect for adults and older children. He says that in many communities, is it the
custom for even grown people to kneel when greeting an older person.
Activity: Have students look up a Swahili word that starts with the first letter of
their name. Have them make a poster that represents their word and what it means.
Students must also include a visual. Once they are done, they will present it to the
class.
Review: (5) out of (5) This book was incredible. I have never seen any images like
this before. In the back of the book, it explains all the steps for which Tim Feelings
prepares his art. The book is also very informational and even includes a map of
Africa that shows countries where Swahili is spoken.
Title: The Lion and The Mouse
Author: Jerry Pinkney
Grade level: PreK-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: The pictures in this book, tell a story of a mouse and a lion that help each
other. At the beginning of the story, the mouse is lost and an owl tries to eat her The
mouse runs into the lion and the lion puts the mouse back in its nest with all of her
babies. Then, the lion steps into a trap, a net comes down and scoops the lion up.
The mouse hears the commotion and helps the lion escape by chewing the rope. The
lion and the mouse become friends and they live happily ever after.
Activity: Have students make a book that tells a story through solely painted
visuals. Students will copy Jerry Pinkey’s techniques and only use water colors for
their pictures. When students are done, they will stand up in front of the class and
present their story. Their classmates will guess what the story is about.
Review: (5) out of (5) The images in this story are remarkable. Jerry Pinkney used
watercolors to create a clear visual for his readers. Even though this book does not
have words, the story line is perfectly comprehendible. I will have this book in my
future classroom.
Title: Raven
Author: Gerald McDermott
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: The people in the village lived in complete darkness because there was no
light. The Raven decided he would go out and try and find the sun. He flew to the sky
chief’s house and saw his daughter drinking from the stream. The Raven
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transformed himself into a pine needle and the girl drank him up. Soon after, the
girl gave birth to a child. It was the Raven that had been reborn as a boy child. The
Raven found the box where the sun was hidden. He opened it up, grabbed the sun,
and transformed back into a raven. He flew off and put the sun back in he sky so that
all the people could enjoy the light.
Activity: Have student write a report on their favorite bird. They will research on
the computer all the interesting facts about the bird. Some topics to study could be:
Where is this bird most likely found? What color is this bird? What does this bird
eat? Does the bird symbolize anything?
Review: (5) out of (5) The colorful patterns used in this book help give it an African
mood. The author’s imagination is shown through this elaborate story. I would
have this book in my classroom.
Title: One Wide River To Cross
Author: Barbara Emberley
Grade level: preK-1
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This book tells the story of Noah’s ark in a unique way. It begins
explaining the order in which the animals march onto the ark. They say the animals
came in two by two and then three by three and so on. For each number, the author
adds a rhyming phrase. For example when the author says the animals came in two
by two, he adds, the alligator lost his shoe.
Activity: Have students write an original rhyming poem. Just like Barbara Emberley
selected a solid background for each pages, have student select a solid color to go
behind their poem. After writing the poem, have them present it to the class.
Review: (4) out of (5) This would be a good book for very young students because
it includes counting and simple rhyming. I also enjoyed how the author includes the
musical notation of the song One Wide River to Cross. This would be an excellent way
to close a lesson. However, I wasn’t a huge fan of the illustrations.
Title: The Relatives Came
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This story is told from a young child’s point of view. Her relatives left
their Virginia grapes to come visit she and her family. When they arrived everyone
did lots of hugging, laughing, eating, sleeping, and playing. The relatives stayed for a
couple weeks and everyone had an amazing time. When the relatives left, she
crawled back in her bed and heard nothing but silence. She was excited for them to
return next year.
Activity: Have students share a favorite memory with their relatives. Them, have
the students write a story about what their family traditions are or what they do
when they visit family. Students can draw pictures that go along with their story.
They will take their story home and share it with their family.
Review: (5) out of (5) I thought this book showed the importance of family. It also
revealed how different people from different places can travel and have a good time.
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It challenges students to think about their favorite memories and encourages them
to make more. The illustrations were bright and colorful. I will have this book in my
classroom.
Title: When I Was Young In The Mountains.
Author: Cynthia Rylant
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This story is about a girl who recalls peaceful memories of family life in
the mountains. She writes about all the fun times she had playing in the swimming
hole, pumping water from the wells, and sitting on the front porch swinging with
Grandpa and Grandma. At the end of the book she says that she never wanted to go
anywhere in the world because the mountains were good enough for her.
Activity: Have students write in their journals about their favorite place to be and
why. They must give detail and specific examples. When students are done, have
them share with the neighbor sitting next to them.
Review: (5) out of (5) This book was fabulous and showed the pleasures of growing
up in the mountains. The illustrations were interesting and eloquent. I will have this
book in my future classroom.
Title: Mirette On The High Wire
Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Grade level: 3rd/4th
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: Mirette lived in a boarding house and would always love to listen to the
vagabond players tell their stories and adventures. One evening, Monsieur Bellini, a
man who walked on a high wire, was practicing outside. Marette was intrigued and
wanted to learn. After many attempts, she finally learned how to walk on the high
wire. She soon found out that Bellini walked on the high wire across Niagara Falls.
She was very impressed. She asked him if they could walk together and he admitted
he had fear in his heart. He over-came that fear and walked on the high wire and he
and Mirette began doing shows together.
Activity: Have students write about a time they either had to overcome their fears
or practice for something for a long time. Have students write about their
experiences in their weekly journals. Students may discuss with a partner.
Review: (4) out of (5) I thought this book was interesting and had a good message.
The watercolor pictures were beautiful. I think older students would enjoy this book
but younger students might be confused be all the plot changes.
Title: Knuffle Bunny Too
Author:Mo Willems
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Caldecott
Synopsis: This is a story about a girl named Trixie who was excited to show all of
her friends at school her Knuffle Bunny. When she arrived at school she spotted
something terrible. One of the other girls had a Knuffle Bunny too. They both were
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very angry so the teacher had to take their bunnies away. By the end of the day, the
teacher returned their bunnies and they both were happy. That night, both girls
discovered that Mrs. Greengrove had given them the wrong bunny. Their fathers
had to meet up in the middle of the night and exchange bunnies. They were both
happy to have their bunnies back and they became best friends.
Activity: Have students bring to class and share their most favorite possession.
After reading the book, ask them how they would feel if someone else had the same
prized possession as them. Talk about the positives of sharing and being making
friends.
Review: (4) out of (5) The illustrations in this book were awesome. The background
of each page had real life photos and then they had cartoon characters that were
walking around. I think females of all ages would enjoy this book. I would consider
adding this book to my classroom library.
10 Seasonal/ Holiday
Title: A Wish to be a Christmas Tree
Author: Colleen Monroe
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Seasonal/Christmas
Synopsis: Every year families go to out into the country to pick out their Christmas
tree. All the pines and furs were all excited that it was that time of the year again.
Well, all except one was happy for that day. He had seen all of his children and
grandchildren go and he was too old for anyone to want him. He was sad but then
was comforted by all the animals that he protected and took care of them
throughout the year. But he still always dreamed of being someone’s Christmas
tree. Then the woodland friends decided to decorate him on Christmas day. The
crow even found a bright star to put on him. That morning he woke up to see how
beautiful he was and they proceeded to tell him how special he was all through the
year to them. Then every year they decorated the tree.
Activity: Students could decorate a tree with only things they can find outside, just
the woodland animals did; discuss the importance of friendship and how everyone
has a special gift; since there is rhyming, children could come up with other words
that go with the rhyming word; learn about all the different kinds of varieties of
trees like a Fraser or Douglas Fir, Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir and so on that are used at
Christmas.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Great book! It can help remind students that sometimes we forget to tell the people
that are most special to us, how much we love and appreciate them. Illustrations
are beautifully done and cause you to be taken to the special place in the winter’s
snow.
Title: Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
Grade Level: K-2
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Genre: Holiday/Halloween
Synopsis:
There once was a witch who sat on her broom with her cat. One day her hat blew off
to the ground and a dog caught it. The dog then asked if he could ride on her broom
and she said, “yes.” But then her hair bow fell down and a bird found it. Then the
bird asked for a ride too. Next her wand fell to the ground and a frog found it that
also asked if he could ride on the broom too. But the weight of them all made the
broomstick snap and they all fell into a bog but the witch’s half broomstick fell into a
cloud. But it was a dragon that wanted to eat her, but luckily all those animals
helped save her by looking like a monster. So she took her caldron and they all
threw in something from each animal then out came a supped up broom so that all
could ride on it.
Activity:
Have students put story in chronological order; draw picture of favorite part of
story; brainstorm on what other things might have come from the caldron and make
a list of the most useful ones.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Fun and humorous! I liked that it wasn’t scary and the students could see a nice
witch. I liked how all the animals cooperated together to help the witch. The
illustrations were well done and would entertain a class.
Title: Scary, Scary Halloween
Author: Eve Bunting
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Seasonal/Halloween
Synopsis: This is a rhyming book that begins with a child on Halloween night. They
see skeletons and ghost, which makes them want to go inside. They see vampires
stalking, and hear werewolves howling but decide to stay on the street. There are
witches and goblins that skip and leap and never sleep. The child does get scared
but their mom reassures them they are safe. As the night goes on, they see less
scary creatures and are happy that the streets are getting back to normal until next
Halloween.
Activity:
This book would obviously be read before Halloween. A class could draw their
favorite part of the book or discuss what part did they think was the scariest. They
could share what they are going to dress up like on Halloween. A lesson on fact and
fiction could also be addressed, as some of the creatures in the book were not real
and shouldn’t be afraid of them.
Review: (4) out of (5)
The illustration were colorful and captivation. The students would enjoy reading
about all the different scary things you can see at Halloween. This would be a good
book to include in your holiday library.
Title : The Littlest Pumpkin
Author: R.A. Herman
Grade Level: K-2
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Genre: Holiday/ Halloween
Synopsis:
It was Halloween and the pumpkins at Bartlett’s Farm Stand wanted to be taken
home to be a jolly jack-o-lantern. The littlest pumpkin dreamed that she would
shine for all and that there would be Halloween songs sung around her. Then a little
girl named Maggie was only looking for the biggest one she could find, and the
another class came and but unfortunately, she was not chosen. That evening only
four pumpkins were left and she was one of them. The other pumpkins all had
something wrong with them but she didn’t. She then got passed over by several
more children. Finally, she was all alone until mice started decorating for a party.
Then those mice turned her into a Jack-o-lantern and her dreams came true.
Activity: Carve a pumpkin; make pumpkin muffins; learn how a pumpkin grows
from a seed; make craft with pumpkin seeds; discuss to never give up hope.
Review: (4) out of (5)
Sweet book but predictable. The illustrations were colorful and I believe most
students would like the dialogue that occurred throughout the book.
Title: The Night Before St. Patrick’s Day
Author: Natasha Wing
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Holiday/St. Patrick’s Day
Synopsis:
This book is patterned like the book, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It was a
day to wear green and Tim and Maureen, decorated the home for St. Patrick’s Day.
They hoped to catch a leprechaun by setting up a trap in the room to hope he would
lead them to a pot of gold. Then they went to sleep and in the morning their dad
woke them up to bagpipes playing, and their mom made green eggs. But then they
all heard some clatter when they found a mess they did find a Leprechaun. They
asked him where to find the gold but he had tricked them and he then disappeared.
Activity: Do report on Saint Patrick; play hot potato and make some potato recipes;
make shamrock necklace; do map skill and find Ireland; brainstorm on what it
means to have the luck of the Irish and make a list; Make four leaf clovers
Review: (5) out of (5)
This is a fun book to read a class on St. Patrick’s Day. After reading this book, there
could be plenty of activities to do to correspond with that day. I liked how it rhymed
and the humor the author used.
Title: Dora’s Easter Basket
Author: Sarah Wilson
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Holiday/Easter
Synopsis:
It is Easter and Dora is going on an egg hunt for twelve eggs. She asked the reader to
help her find the eggs. At first she finds three eggs with prizes inside. Then she is
told to go to duck pond but the eggs are on the lily pads. Then they see Swiper and
tell him not to swipe. She checks her backpack to help her get them off and then
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asked the student to match which prize came from which egg. Next she sees sloth,
then a farm with all her friends who tell her where the other eggs are. Finally
there’s one more egg and it is found at Grandma’s house. They find a big yellow egg
full of candy. Activity: Interactive book…Answer questions that Dora asked the
reader through out the story; learn the Spanish words mentioned in book; have
students point to the place where the eggs are hiding; Say Spanish word when she
ask everyone to say it; use math skills and count the eggs.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I know this is popular show on television and believe that the students would like
this book. It is interactive and can keep them engaged.
Title: Beautiful Yetta’s Hanukkah Kitten
Author: Daniel Pinkwater
Grade Level: Pre-K-2
Genre: Holiday/Hanukkah
Synopsis:
One winter day Yetta, the chicken, was outside and hears a cat crying in the snow.
She takes it home to care for it. But the parrots who live with her in Brooklyn don’t
like the cat because they are afraid it. They tell Yetta it’s a cat but she says it’s a
baby though and wants to feed it. They worry that it can fly up into their nest.
Luckily it is Hanukkah and they know a Grandmother who will take care of the
kitten. The leave the kitten at her doorstep as Yetta flies to the windowsill to get her
attention. She tells her the parrots have something for her and the grandmother
takes the kitten in and feeds them all potato latkes.
Activity: In back of book, have children look at the Hebrew letters and write their
name in Hebrew; discuss what the real meaning of Hanukkah is; bring in some; use
punctuation guide to help them speak the language
Review: (5) out of (5)
Great book! It is told in English, Spanish, and Yiddish and would be fascinating for
students to see how other people’s languages are written. There can also be many
activities a class could do after reading this book.
Title: The Christmas Promise
Author: Lee G Smith
Grade level: K-1
Genre: Christmas/Holiday
Synopsis:
Ted D. Bear longs to be apart of Christmas but has never been awake for winter due
to hibernation. He asks his friend, Rachel Rabbit, to wake him so he can learn and
celebrate the Christmas holiday. Rachel Rabbit keeps her promise to Ted D. Bear
and wakes him up. She gives him some Christmas presents, takes him sledding,
builds a snowman, hands out Christmas presents, hangs Christmas lights, and
decorates the Christmas tree. By the end of the book Ted D. Bear has learned all
about Christmas and reads his friends a Christmas story while everyone exchanges
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gifts. Ted D. Bear thanks rabbit for keeping her promise because without her, he
would have experienced all the joys that go along with Christmas.
Activity:
Discuss why it is important to keep promises. Have the students discuss and draw
what they would do with a friend who wanted to experience Christmas.
Review: (4) out of (5) This book was good. I thought it had a good message about
the importance of keeping promises.
Title: The Story of Holly & Ivy
Author: Rumer Godden
Grade level: 1-3
Genre: Christmas/Holiday
Synopsis:
Holly, Ivy, and Mrs. Jones all have something in common this Christmas. Ivy, a little
orphan girl wishes she would find a grandmother to live with and a doll to have for
Christmas. The doll (Holly) wishes a girl would buy her so she could get out of the
toy store and get played with. Mrs. Jones wishes she had a kid she could give
presents to and cook supper for. When Christmas comes around, they all keep
wishing. In the end, all 3 wishes come true. Mr. and Mrs. Jones adopt Ivy and the
little boy that works in the toy store gives Holly to Ivy for helping him find a key he
had lost. They all lived happily ever after.
Activity:
Discuss what I means to never give up and the importance of family. Have students
write letters to their parents for giving them the small things in life such as a warm
place to live and a roof over their head. Reveal how Ivy was happy to have a family
and to only receive one gift for Christmas.
Review: (3) out of (5) It was a great fantasy book but I don’t think it had an over-all
good message. Truth is, not everything we wish for will come true. It is a good book
to get in the Christmas spirit and to be thankful for the families we have.
Title: In the Haunted House
Author: Eve Bunting
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Halloween/Holiday
Synopsis:
A little girl and her father walk in a house and are scared by a variety of different
things. Written in rhymes, this book reveals all the things that you could see in a
haunted house. As the little girl and her father walk out of the house, they see the
sign that says “Haunted House.” The little girl enjoyed it because it wasn’t real, while
the father pats his forehead with a cloth and is relieved.
Activity:
Have a student act out some of the things they would see in a haunted house while
the other students try and guess. Discuss rhyming words that are found throughout
the book and have students write 2 sentences with rhyming words.
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Review: I thought this book was a (4) out of (5). I can see children loving the
rhythm of this book. It is funny and shows children that things aren’t always as they
seem.
5 Math/number/counting
Title: How Big is a Foot?
Author: Nesty Nunez
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Math/Measurement
Synopsis: There once was a King who wanted to give the Queen birthday present.
He couldn’t think because she had everything but then he thought of a bed. Beds
had not been invented back then, so he had the carpenter try and make the bed. He
didn’t know how so he asked the Prime Minister how big a bed was. The carpenter
then asked the King how big the queen was and he said enough to fit the Queen. So
he had the Queen put on her pajamas and lie on the floor. So the King walked
around her and said the bed must be 3 ft high and 6 ft long. The carpenter made the
bed but his feet were smaller than the kings so the bed was too small. He was
thrown in jail but figured out the problem. The carpenter had a marble copy of the
King’s foot and was then able to make the perfect size bed for the Queen. From then
on when the kingdom wanted a bed, they used a King’s “foot” to measure it with.
Activity: Discuss standard vs. nonstandard; have students trace their own foot and
get out ruler to see how close their foot is to 12 inches; teach about estimating and
using their own feet to help.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Love this book! A simple but useful book used when teaching measurements. The
author told the story in an entertaining way and I believe the students would like it!
Title: If You were a Divided-by-Sign
Author: Trisha Speed Shaskan
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Math/Division
Synopsis:
This delightful book uses animal to show how to divide by another number. For
example, it showed four hyenas eating pizza that was divided into for slices and
each hyena received one piece illustrating that 4 divided by 4 is 1. This book
illustrated penguins, cats, and elephants, and so on to give numerous division
problems for students to see visually. It even showed in the back of the book how a
division problem could be written as a fraction for those who need more of a
challenge.
Activity:
Students could make a list of everyday items that could be easy to divide like food,
snacks, books, blocks, rubber bands, paper clips, pennies, and so on. Once they have
compiled the list, they would be asked to bring it in to show to the class how they
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could make a real life division word problem with their items. They could also draw
a cookie, and then draw slices on it. Next they would cut it out and make up their
own division problem.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I thought this would be an excellent book to use to introduce division to students. I
like that it used animals that children would find fascinating and the way the author
creatively weaved a story into this book while teaching about division. I believe it
would keep a class’s attention span because of the vivid illustrations too.
Title: Pigs will be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money
Author: Amy Axelrod
Grade Level: 1-4
Genre: Math/Money
Synopsis: The pigs were hungry but when Mrs. Pig went to the refrigerator there
was not food. So dad suggested they go out to eat but Mrs. Pig said she hadn’t been
to the bank. Dad opened his wallet and only had one dollar so he told the piglets to
go find some money around the house. The whole family went upstairs and found in
all sorts of place nickels, dimes, and pennies. Then after counting the change, they
went down stairs to find more money by looking in closets and pockets. There they
found more quarters, fifty-cent pieces, dimes, and even some dollar bills. Mr. Pig
went to the basement and found in his tool box $20 dollars. So now the whole
family was able to go out to eat and looked a menu with all the prices listed. They all
stuffed themselves and went home but Mr. and Mrs. Pig isn’t happy. They realized
that in search for all the money, the house was a mess.
Activity: Throughout the story, the pigs are finding money. Every time the pigs find
money, stop and allow the students to add it up. Then the last page shows how much
money the pigs found on their hunt, so students could compare their own work with
the books. Have students pretend they are going to the restaurant and have them
$20 to spend on some food. Once they decide what they want, have them figure out
how much they spent, and how much is left over.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Loved this book! Illustrations colorful, there’s humor in it, and I think all kids can
relate to trying to find money around the house. This would be an excellent book if
you were teaching about money and getting change back. There are many fun
activities you could do after reading this book.
Title: Math Fables Too
Author: Greg Tang
Grade Level: Pre-K -1
Genre: Math/counting/addition/re-grouping
Synopsis:
This book helps the students see through the colorful pictures, that there are
different ways to re-group a set of items. The author begins with small groupings
that can be counted. Then he breaks those groupings into smaller groups where the
student will add. Each page has colorful artwork with various animals of every kind
to tell a story. For example, there are 7 bats at dusk, then 1 bat flew off and the
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others followed. Next there are 5 mosquitoes and 2 were eaten. He continued to
show different ways to make seven.
Activity:
Many activities can stem from this book, like the students finding various items in
the class and re-arranging them to make the same number. For example, they could
use 10 crayons, and the teacher could come up with different combinations as a
story was told.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I loved this book. It was cleverly done and very the illustrations were captivating. I
believe the students would enjoy this book and they wouldn’t even know they were
learning. It was able to take them from abstract to concrete.
Title: Ten in the Bed
Author: Penny Dale
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Math / Counting forwards and backwards
Synopsis:
A little child is in bed with 9 animals. Each time one of them rolled over, one fell out
so there was one less animal. There continued a count down as each animal fell out.
The book also happen to add different kinds of sounds like, “thump”, “donk”, “slam”,
“bonk”, and so on as each animal fell out. Finally, only one is left in the bed and it’s
the child who says they are cold and miss the animals. So then the entire animals
jumped back in bed and all fell asleep.
Activity:
This book could be used to teach counting backwards. In the class, nine children
could be given a stuffed animal and each time one of the animals fell out of the bed,
they could hide that animal until there was one. Also, once this book became
familiar to them, the class could easily make up their own book. It could read, there
were 10 on the playground and one left, so now there were 9. The class could
brainstorm on things that would be found on a playground and make up their own
story by using the “hands on” items.
Review: (5) out of (5)
This book was read to me as a child, and I always loved it. Not only is it good for
teaching the beginning of counting backwards, it’s also fun to learn all the different
sound effects and to even make up some of their own. It reinforces the beginning of
counting too.
10 Science/Animal/Nature
Title: A Book of Babies
Author: Il Sung Na
Grade Level: Pre-K-1
Genre: Science/Baby animals
Synopsis:
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One day in spring, baby animals are being born and this book begins with some
ducklings. The ducklings see that other babies are born that day but in different
ways. They see that fish are born with lots of brothers and sisters, and monkeys and
zebras can walk when they are first born. Next are the kangaroos that are carried in
the pouches by their moms, and sea horses that are carried by their fathers. The
book mentions more about other kinds of baby animals and at the end of the story;
the ducklings are tired and need rest.
Activity: The class could brainstorm and discuss the point of view of a baby animal.
They could draw a picture of their favorite baby animal and make up a caption of
what might be their first words. They could even play charades and have the class
guess what kind of animal they are.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This was a short and sweet book that I believe most students would like. It had
colorful illustrations and covered many different types of animal. It was pretty basic
so a teacher would have to have other books about baby animals to supplement.
Title: A Rhinoceros Grow Up
Author: Anastasia Suen
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Science/Animals
Synopsis:
This book begins when a calf is born to an African Rhinoceros. It follows the life of
this calf as you see it first drink the milk from her mother, to learning how to survive
in the wild. She doesn’t meet her father because male rhinos live alone. She likes it
when the birds eat the ticks off her back and when she rolls in the mud to stay cool.
When she is three, she is all grown up and can now have babies of her own.
Activity:
Students could draw pictures of favorite scenes in the book. They could have a
discussion on other animals and the names of their babies, like cats have kittens and
dogs have puppies. They could also go to a globe or map and find Africa.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This book was simple but did a nice job of teaching a class about Rhinos and it’s life
cycle. It contained interesting facts at the bottom of each page that can help a more
curious reader and give further information about these animals.
Title: Bridges to Cross
Author: Philemon Sturges
Grade Level: 2-5
Genre: Science / construction
Synopsis:
This book has shows pictures of the most famous bridges of all time to ones that are
less known. Each has unique structures like one that lets boats float over it because
it’s an under water tunnel bridge. It shows brides from Japan to Venice, Italy and
even medieval times when they had castles with moats, as well as, ones with
drawbridges and swing bridges. On each page, the author describes the various
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materials that the bridge is made of like steel, wood, wire, and so on. It shows how
important trains are because they carry people, and other important things.
Activity:
After reading this book, a class could construct their own bridge with Legos. They
could also use other materials such as Popsicle sticks or even Playdoe. They could
make up their own story where they had to incorporate a bridge that they learned
about from the book.
Review: (4) out of (5)
What I liked about this book was it had a short explanation of the type of bridge
shown which would be good for higher grades to learn from. The curious mind
would also like the history that was told about some of the bridges in this book. I
think students would love to do the activities this book would encourage them to do.
Title: Bugs A to Z
Author: Terri DeGezelle
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Science/ Bugs
Synopsis:
Not only does this book re-enforce the alphabet, it also captivates the reader
because of the photos of all the various insects you can find in nature. It begins with
ants and aphids, then bedbugs, centipedes, and on through the alphabet. Yet it also
includes not only familiar insects but also ones not so familiar like weevils, jewel
beetles, and ocean striders. The end of the book includes a glossary that gives
detailed information about all the 26 different kinds of bugs.
Activity:
The class could go on a scavenger hunt outside and look for all of these different
types of insects. They could also play a game where they could describe an insect
and the class has to guess what they are. Even a research paper could be done on
one of these insects.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Although this book was simple, the information it provides the reader was easy to
understand. Just reading the book so that the class could look at the pictures would
be worth the time. If a child wanted to learn more about each insect, they could
because of the glossary.
Title: Chickens Aren’t the Only Ones
Author: Ruth Heller
Grade: Level: K-2
Genre: Science/eggs
Synopsis: The author describes all the different kinds of animals that lay eggs
besides chickens. She discusses the different kinds of birds like ostriches who lay
the largest ones and hummingbirds that lay the smallest. Reptiles and amphibians
are mentioned and some of them are described in detail about how they lay their
eggs. Fish and sea horses are shown and described how the mother lays the eggs in
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the father pouch of a sea horse. Many more aquatic animals are mentions and gives
interesting information such as the octopus that is said to lay 1,000 eggs. Insects are
also shown and are described, as well as, those who are not born from an egg.
Activity: Students can make their own eggs and create a habitat; do research on
egg-laying animals; go outside and look for animals that lay eggs; create their own
egg book with pictures of various animals the eggs came from.
Review: (3) out of (5)
I liked the idea that this book helped the students be more aware of all the other
animals that lay eggs. The illustrations were not very colorful and there are mostly
other books that cover the same subject that could be more captivating.
Title: From Little Acorns….A First Look at the Life Cycle of a Tree
Author: Sam Godwin
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Science/Life Cycle of tree
Synopsis:
A little squirrel’s mom who explains how an acorn becomes an oak tree tells this
story. It begins when an acorn drops from a tree and hits the little squirrel on the
head. The story takes you from autumn, winter, and spring. In spring, it has become
a seedling. She mentions how caterpillars and other creatures like to eat them. If it
survives it became a spring and eventually an oak tree.
Activity:
A real fun activity to do after reading this book is to go outside in the fall, and look
for acorns. Children could collect them and then make an art project with them by
gluing them on a picture they’ve draw. You could also have a large tree in the room
made of paper and the children could add their acorns to it.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I liked this book because it incorporated a story about a little squirrel and it’s mom,
as well as, facts about the life cycle of a tree. The end of the book also has a detailed
explanation of a tree. This would be nice to have if you need to challenge the more
curious students.
Title: Max the Minnow
Author: William Boniface
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Science/Sea life/exploration
Synopsis:
The story begins when a little minnow, Max, leaves his home to find out how to be a
big fish. He jumps on his seahorse, Sam, and they encounter everything from a
manta ray who plays in a jazz quartet, to a school of blowfish who bragged about
being brave until they were scared off by a guppy. The climax happens when Max
goes into a restaurant called Sharkey’s Dinner and a shark owns it. He tries to
correct the shark’s restaurant name and say it should be called Diner but the shark
says, no, because everyone who comes in here is “his” dinner. Max is able to escape
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and learns that in time, if he’s patience he will be a big fish and to continue to use his
common sense.
Activity:
May activities can stem from this book and one might be to use as an introduction to
possible a unit on Marine life. Each child could pick one of the 15 different sea
creatures/fish that were characters in this book and do a report on them. Also, since
this is a rhyming book, you could pick one of the sentences and discuss/brainstorm
on other words that could possibly be used to fit that sentence.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I really like this book and will read it one day to my students. This book has
everything from 3-D eyes to catch the children’s attention, to clever rhyming. It
provides a lesson on using your common sense, and an introduction into the many
of the most familiar sea life our oceans contain.
Title: The Great Kapok Tree
Author: Lynne Cherry
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Science
Synopsis: This book begins with a man trying to chop down a Kapok tree. As he
works through the day he becomes tired and falls asleep and all the animals whisper
him to. These animals that spoken to him were animals such as a Boa Constrictor,
monkey, a toucan, frogs, jaguar, porcupines, and so on to not destroy this tree. They
say things like, "Senior, you are chopping down a tree with no thought of the
future." After he awakens, he stops what he's doing and walks out of the rain forest.
Activity:
If a class were doing a unit on conservation, the rainforest, jungle animals, and so on,
this would be a great book to read as an introduction to this assignment. Also,
students could pick an animal to research or draw. They could discuss which was
their favorite and why.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I liked how this book told a story but also included facts about the rainforest and it's
inhabitants. The vocabulary was easy to understand and the story was
entertaining. The illustrations were also vibrant and beautifully drawn.
Title: What Does it Mean to be Green?
Author: Rana DiOrio
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Science/Recycling
Synopsis:
The book begins by asking the question, “What does it mean to go green?” It gives
reasons like if you are good with plants or if you are sick in a car, or you look like a
frog, pickle or alien. Then it gives examples like turning the lights only on when you
need them or drawing on both sides of the paper. It also suggest you give your
clothes away when you out grow them. Lastly, it encourages you to remind grown
ups to go green too.
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Activity:
Have students bring in something they don’t want anymore and give it to a charity;
have a basket in class for scrape paper; students could do a project on ways their
family can conserve at home.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This was a short and sweet book that I believe could really get students thinking. I
added some humor in it by describing what “isn’t” green. This could be used in
conjunction with other books on going green.
Title: Yucky Worms
Author: Vivian French
Grade Level: K-4
Genre: Science/earthworms
Synopsis:
One day a little goy found a worm in the garden and he wanted his Grandmother to
throw it away. But she said that they were her friends. She taught him all about
which is the head and end of the earthworm, and what it eats like rotting leaves,
flowers and dead insects. They come out at night and what the worm poops out
which is called a cast. This cast is good for plants and the tunnels they dig are good
for the soil. This is why she likes them but explains how they’re always in danger.
Then they had a snack and then he wanted to see a worm again. So they watered the
ground in hopes that the worms would come out. Luckily they found one and he
held it and examined its body parts. He now was not scared of earthworms
anymore.
Activity: Bring in an earthworm for class to see; label body parts of earthworm; list
all the useful things earthworms do for us and in a garden; explain how they are part
of the food chain.
Review: (5) out of (5)
This was a wonderful book full facts but also a sweet story of a boy and his
grandmother. I liked that each picture not only had useful information about
earthworms, it also had illustrations to help inform the reader.
10 Social Studies/ Historical fiction
Title: At Ellis Island-A Story in Many Voices
Author: Louise Peacock
Grade level: 2-5
Genre: Social Studies/Immigration to America
Synopsis: Many people told this book and one of them was a young girl named Sera
who is leaving Europe because of the war, to join her father in America. She is the
only one traveling and writes to her mother who was left behind. She describes
what it is like to be on a ship and how bad the food and the rough seas. Once in
America she and the others see the “Lady” and they are so excited to be welcomed in
the country. She describes all the steps/paperwork she has to go through as she
waits for her dad. Finally after a little scare because they can’t find the dad, she sees
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him waiting in line to get her. There are other short statements made by others who
immigrated to America. Also the book has a current girl of today that tells the story
of Mary, her Grandmother’s mother.
Activity: After reading more books about new immigrants, students could try to
imagine they just arrived in America. They can describe their own journey from
countries like Romania, Poland, Greece and so on. Students could write their own
letters to their loved ones back home describing what they see and had to
experience on their way to America.
Review: (3) out of (5)
This book would most likely not hold the attention of a whole class but would if it
was a small group. There were a lot of words on each page but it contained so much
information. The teacher could use bits and pieces of the information though and it
would be useful.
Title: Eleanor
Author: Barbara Cooney
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Social Studies
Synopsis: The story is about young Eleanor (Roosevelt) and how her mother was
upset she wasn’t a boy, had red hair, and was not pretty. Growing up she only felt
loved by her father but he died when she was young, as well as, her mom. Luckily
her father exposed her at a young age to the less fortunate that would stay with her
for her entire life. Her grandmother Hall, raised she and her brother but at the age
of 15 she sent her to boarding school in London. She loved school because the
headmistress, Ms. Souvestre, saw how sad Eleanor was and loved her
unconditionally. She helped shape Eleanor by instilling her a desire to think for
herself and live for other. She became her traveling companion and taught her
about the world.
Activity: This book could be used in a discussion to help point out to children that
when someone has bad things happen to them, they can still end up happy. There
could be a unit on the life of famous people before they were famous and each child
could do a project for the class to see.
Review: (3) out of (5)
Although I liked learning about Eleanor’s early years, I don’t know if this book
would be good to read to the class because there was so much sadness in her life. If
I did read it, I would have to re-iterate that her life would get better as she got older.
This book would be good to recommend to one student if they were doing a report
on it though.
Title: Johnny Appleseed
Author: Jodie Shepherd
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis:
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It begins with tell you that Johnny Appleseed was a real person but his was born
Johnny Chapman but his cheeks were red and round as apples. Johnny and his sister
played and then eventually they had 10 stepbrothers and stepsisters. But Johnny
liked to get away and walk along the river, watch animals, and read under an apple
tree. When he got older he worked in an apple orchard just like his great, great,
great grandfather. Then he decided to move out west like so many other people,
and as he walked across the country he would stop and plant apple seeds. Then he
would sell seedlings to others. He was friends with everyone and always planted
apple seeds everywhere. People starting calling him Johnny Appleseed and many
one of the apples we eat today could have come from his orchard.
Activity:
Make some apple sauce, an apple pie, or have everyone bring in an apple the day
you read the story; have class memorize the poem, “ Do you know the apple man?”;
learn parts of seed and plant.
Review: (5) out of (5)
This is a wonderful book that I believe every student should be familiar with. There
are so activities to do with a class after reading this book.
Title: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Author: Kitson Jazynka
Grade level: 1-3
Genre: Social Studies/Civil rights movement
Synopsis:
Martin Luther was one of the most well known civil rights activists. He was born in
1929 in Atlanta Georgia and his father was a minister. When Martin Luther was a
boy, people traveled by horse and buggy and candy bars were only worth a penny.
At the age of 14 Martin Luther entered a speech contest and spoke about racism, and
he won. In 1963, Martin Luther gave his most famous speech called, “I Have a
Dream.” In 1968, he was assassinated and black and white people around the world
were very sad. To this day, you can visit a national memorial to Dr. King in
Washington, D.C.
Activity: Have students draw a picture of what life might have been like during
Martin Luther kings time. On the back, create a time line of the significant moments
in Dr. King’s life. This book could be one of many read to the class during African
American month.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I will definitely have this book in my classroom. I thought the book made it easy for
kids to understand the life of Martin L. King. It also taught about the civil rights
movement and showed real life pictures of protests and “For colored only signs.”
Title: Potato: A Tale of the Great Depression
Author: Kate Lied
Grade Level: K-4
Genre: Social Studies/Historical Fiction
Hannah Revels
Synopsis:
The story begins with a brief description about the Great Depression and what
happened to the author’s grandparents during this time. It began in Iowa when
Agnes and Clarence who had a baby girl name, Dorothy, lost their house to the bank
because he lost his job. Then he got a job in the coal mine but then the coal mine
closed. They found out that in Idaho, there were jobs picking potatoes. Once they
got there, they lived in tents and worked in the fields. They were able to pick for
themselves any left over potatoes in the field during the night. This job lasted 2
weeks but with all the potatoes they picked, they were able to sell them to live for a
while on their own. Luckily the dad got a job and they moved to Washington, D.C.,
then to Hawaii. She told her baby brothers all about how they picked potatoes in the
light of the moon.
Activity: Discuss the hardships families went through during the Great Depression;
define goods, services, consumers, and bartering, then have students do a bartering
activity that involves math skills; re-enact the story or make up other scenarios of
what families had to do during this time in history.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Loved that it showed the human spirit never gives up! I thought this book did a nice
job of giving students some insight into what a family had to go through during the
Great Depression but not in a agonizing way. I would definitely have this book in my
class library!
Title: The Wall
Author: Eve Buntings
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Social Studies/Historical Fiction
Synopsis:
The story is about a father and son who came from far away to visit the Vietnam
Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. They were there to find the man’s father
and boy’s grandfather’s name. There he sees a man who was a veteran in a wheel
chair and also sees a couple crying and holding each other. He looks at all the
flowers and memorabilia left at the wall as they continue to look through the
thousands of names for this grandfather’s name. Finally, they see George Munoz, his
grand fathers name and they put paper over his name and rub over the engraving so
that the name shows up on the paper. The father puts the name in his pocket and
they leave a picture of the boy beside the grand father’s name. The boy is proud of
his grand father but wishes he was there with them right now.
Activity: Great story to read on Memorial Day or Veterans day; color American flags
and discuss patriotism and what the colors mean; have students talk to someone
who was a veteran; map skill on finding the country of Vietnam and look at
topography.
Title: The Statue of Liberty
Author: Lucille Recht Penner
Grade level: 1st grade
Hannah Revels
Genre: History
Synopsis: Frenchman, Frederic Bartholdi, designed the Statue of Liberty. He coped
his beautiful mothers face for his statue. He began by building little models and then
gradually built it so large that he had to make it in 3 large pieces. The Statue of
Liberty is located in New York Harbor and is as tall as a skyscraper. The statue was a
gift from France and it was carried over by ship. While the Frenchmen were building
the statue, the American people were building a high pedestal for the lady to stand
on. Problems soon occurred when America ran out of money during the process.
Joseph Pulitzer, owner of the New York newspaper, offered to print the name of
everyone who gave money for the statue. Many people responded and American
was able to finish the high pedestal. The statue resembles American freedom and
immigrants cried for joy when they saw her. Today, more than one hundred years
later, the Statue of Liberty still welcomes people to America.
Activity: Have the students illustrate their own statue of liberty. Students must
choose a person such as their mother, father, or friend and copy their face to make
their own version of the statue of liberty, just as Frederic Bartholdi did.
Review: This book is a (5) out of (5). It gives the history of the statue of liberty in a
narrative. The book begins by expressing what the statue means to America and
then describes the process by which the statue was made. It breaks down the
history and highlights the major points of the Statue of Liberty in a way that makes
it easy for young students to understand.
Title: Our Colonial Year
Author: Cheryl Harness
Grade level: K-3
Genre: History
Synopsis: This book takes the reader on a journey through the Thirteen Colonies of
British North America. The book is organized by months and it reveals how life was
lived when people began thinking of themselves at independent Americans. The
book begins in January and ends in December. As the months change, the people’s
activities changed. For example, in April, the farmers in Connecticut would plow and
in October, the harvesters in Virginia would gather orchards, vineyards, and fields of
grain.
Activity: Have students locate the 13 colonies on a map. Have them choose one of
the 13 colonies and a month. Have them write a book report explaining what people
might be doing in that state during that particular month.
Review: (5) out of (5) This book had many educational components that would
interest young students. It was well organized and easy to follow. Each page was
different but still look professional appropriate. The colors and illustrations were
beautiful. I will definitely have this book in my classroom.
Title: I Can Be President Too!
Author: Yanitzia Canetti
Grade level: K-1
Genre: History
Hannah Revels
Synopsis: On each page of this book, different kids have a different reason why they
should be voted for president. One kid says,” Vote for me, I am honest, while another
kid says, “Vote for my I am organized.” The pages continue this way. This book
reveals all the qualities our country looks for when electing a president. This book
also shows kids that everyone has different things to offer the world and everyone
has the opportunity to make a small difference in the world.
Activity: Have students write a page on why they could be president. They should
have at least 3 reasons. After they have completes their page, teacher will take a
picture of each student and make a booklet.
Review: I give this books a (5) our of (5). The images were actual images of
students. The images showed real life and allowed kids to think about what they
have to offer the world. It also makes them think about what qualities you have to
have to become president of the United States.
10 Multicultural
Title: Ma Dear's Aprons
Author: Patricia C. Mckissack
Grade Level: 1st - 3rd
Genre: Multi-cultural/African-American
Synopsis:
This was a touching story told by the son, David Earl, about an African
American mom who worked as a domestic worker her whole life. He knew what she
had to do each day by the color of apron she wore. For example, on Tuesdays she
wore yellow to remind her of the sunshine that dries the clothes she'll wash and
hang up outside to dry. On Fridays, she'd wear brown because it doesn't show dirt
when she cleans for the Alexander family. David loves his mom and appreciates
all she does for the family. At the end though, the author subtly points out that the
boy’s father died in the civil war as they walk out the door.
Activity:
Have a discussion on different jobs people had a long time ago and ones that they
still have after all these years. Students could act out different kinds of occupations
and the class could guess what they are. Also, there could be assigned homework to
interview someone about their job and ask questions like what they do? How it is
done? When they do it? and where it is done?
Review: (3) out of (5)
As sweet as this book is, I don't feel like it would captivate a class of students.
Maybe if it was read to a small group of students it might work better. It could
possibly be recommended to a student if they were to do research on what other’s
occupations were.
Title: Snow in Jerusalem
Author: Deborah Da Costa
Hannah Revels
Grade Level: 1 - 4
Genre: Multi-cultural/Jewish/Muslim
Synopsis:
This book begins with a boy named Avi, waiting outside his apartment, which is
located in the Old City of Jerusalem where mainly the Jews live. There he feeds a
blue eyed, white stray cat that his mother sees and yells at him to stop because it
will never leave the area. He loves this cat though and feels like it is a blessing but
when a few weeks go by and the cat doesn't show up, he decides to go look for it.
This is when he meets Hamudi, a Muslim boy who lives in the Muslim Quarter, who
is feeding the cat. Each boy started to argue that the cat belonged to him but agrees
that something has to be done to help her because it starts to snow and they're
afraid she'll freeze. After they give her a name, they follow her to an ally where they
find that she has 4 kittens. Again they argue but decide to make peace and share the
kittens and let her travel between the two of them. An unlikely friendship occurs
because they both have something in common and that's a love for their cat.
Activity:
After reading this book, the teacher could show again and discuss the streets of
Jerusalem where the cat traveled in the Old City. She could talk about the
boundaries of where the Jew lived and the Muslims lived. They could make up their
own maps of how to get from their school to their home. Directions of north, south,
east, and west could be discussed. Mostly, even though most elementary children
don't understand the Middle East conflicts, the teacher could easily use this book to
bring up the subject and show how we all have more in common than not.
Review: (5) out of (5)
This book was great. I really enjoyed how this book not only was educational about
Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem, but how a friendship can occur even when you have
different religious beliefs. Although the illustrations are made of watercolor affect,
they are still captivating and show parts of Israel that most children don't get to see.
I also like the way the author wrote about the history behind the conflict between
the religions.
Title: The Sandwich Swap
Author: Queen Rania of Jordan Al Abdullah
Grade Level: 1-4
Genre: Multicultural/Middle East
Synopsis:
It began with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and ended with a hummus and pita
sandwich. There were two little girls that were best friends at school and did
everything together. But at lunch they were different because they both felt sorry
for each other because of the kind of sandwich they had to eat. Both thought each
other was “ew yuck” and one day Lilly finally told Salma what she thought of her
sandwich and both girls ended up not being friends. Unfortunately, the rest of the
school started calling each other names and picked sides on whom like hummus and
who liked pbj. Then a food fight began and the two girls ended up in the principal’s
office. They finally began talking and then trying each other’s sandwiches. Both girls
realized that each sandwich was delicious and wanted the Principal to have a special
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event for the whole school and that’s how it all began.
Activity:
Discuss food items students like on their sandwiches; bring in hummus to let the
students taste; Ask what friendly things did the girls do in the beginning of the story;
teach conflict resolution techniques; teach a lesson on following directions and have
them write out the steps on how to make a sandwich.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Loved this book! …great way to teach about cultures and appreciate the differences.
This book had so many layers and many topics of discussion could take place after
reading this book. Unique and surprising!
Title: The Tale of Meshka the Kvetch
Author: Carol Chapman
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Multicultural/Jewish
Synopsis:
In Yiddish, “Kvetch” means complainer and that’s what Meshka, the woman in the
story did every day. One day though she got the “Kvetch’s Itch” on her tongue and
everything changed. Now every time she complained, her complaints would come
true. For example, she complained about her son being as useless as a pickle, and he
became a pickle. She complained about her feet hurting and feeling like melons, so
her feet turned into melons. She became more and more upset because there was
no cure for this itch. Then one day her Rabbi had a suggestion and told her to stop
complaining. She took his advice and as she became more positive the bad things
stopped happening.
Activity:
This book could coincide with Thanksgiving and the class could make a “thankful”
tree and a Kvetch tree. They could put all the things they are grateful for on one tree
and on the other tree put the things that they might complain about but shouldn’t.
The class could also discuss the difference between complaining and voicing a real
concern.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I liked this book because of its humor and all the activities you could do with it. In
it’s humor, it brought up the topic of complaining which even children do at time. It
also was about the Jewish culture that many children are not aware of.
Title: Ma Dear's Aprons
Author: Patricia C. Mckissack
Grade Level: 1st - 3rd
Genre: Multi-cultural/African-American
Synopsis:
This was a touching story told by the son, David Earl, about an African
American mom who worked as a domestic worker her whole life. He knew what she
Hannah Revels
had to do each day by the color of apron she wore. For example, on Tuesdays she
wore yellow to remind her of the sunshine that dries the clothes she'll wash and
hang up outside to dry. On Fridays, she'd wear brown because it doesn't show dirt
when she cleans for the Alexander family. David loves his mom and appreciates
all she does for the family. At the end though, the author subtly points out that the
boy’s father died in the civil war as they walk out the door.
Activity:
Have a discussion on different jobs people had a long time ago and ones that they
still have after all these years. Students could act out different kinds of occupations
and the class could guess what they are. Also, there could be assigned homework to
interview someone about their job and ask questions like what they do? How it is
done? When they do it? and where it is done?
Review: (3) out of (5)
As sweet as this book is, I don't feel like it would captivate a class of students.
Maybe if it was read to a small group of students it might work better. It could
possibly be recommended to a student if they were to do research on what other’s
occupations were.
Title: Tomas and the Library Lady
Author: Pat Mora
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Multi-cultural/Mexican
Synopsis:
The Rivera family was migrant workers who traveled all around the country to help
farmers pick their crops and get paid. It was a tradition for his grandfather, Papa
Grande to tell stories of the past in Spanish. One time during the summer in Iowa, he
visited a library where he would find stories that his family was not familiar with
and go home and read it to them in English. His family enjoyed this, especially his
grandfather who later decided to visit this library where he met a nice library lady.
She helped this family but eventually Tomas had to move again to Texas. He was
thankful though for that summer he was able to help his family learn.
Activity:
This would be a great book to read for Grand parents day. Students could draw
pictures of what they like to do with their grandparent. If they don’t have a
grandparent, they could think of someone else they love, and draw about that.
Review: (3) out of (5)
Nice story that children can learn about the life of a migrant worker. Some of the
pages were a little lengthy so the teacher might have to stop and discuss along the
way. Good book to use if doing a unit on jobs too.
Title: Uncle Jed’s Barbershop
Author: Margree King Mitchell
Grade level: 3-5
Genre: Multi-cultural/African American
Synopsis:
Hannah Revels
A little girl, Sarah Jean, who lived in the south in 1920 when segregation was a part
of her life, tells the story. It starts with she at her parent’s home where she is
waiting for Uncle Jed to come and cut her father’s hair. She loved hearing the local
barber stories of how one day after he saved enough money; he would own his own
barbershop. One day Sarah got sick and her family could not afford the operation
she needed to help her stay alive. The Uncle Jeb paid for operation but
unfortunately he used all his savings. Then the Great Depression occurred which set
him back even more financially. Finally his dream came true when on his 79th
birthday, he opened his very own barbershop.
Activity:
The topic of the Great Depression, segregation, and even Coretta Scott King could be
discussed after reading this book. They could even re-enact parts of the book and
the class would have to guess what part of the book they were doing. Students could
write a paper on what their dreams are or even act them out in front of the class.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Outstanding book! I know why this was a Coretta Scott King Honor Award. Each
page draws the reader in and does a wonderful depiction of the South in the 1920’s.
The book did an excellent job of “showing” what segregation was not “telling”
students what it was.
Title: What Can You Do with a Paleta?
Author: Carmen Tafolla
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Multi-Cultural/ Mexican
Synopsis: This book begins by showing what a Mexican neighborhood (Barrio) in
the summer might look like. It starts with a home where there are beautiful flowers
blooming, and an accordion being played. You can smell foods like tacos, tortillas,
and fruta coming from the home. Then a little girl runs outside because she hears
the paleta (popsicle) wagon's bell ring. She is excited to buy a paleta because they
come in every color and are a frozen treat. She then talks about all the different
things she can do with when she eats a paleta, like scare her brother with her green
and purple tongue, make new friends, or even give herself a mustache. Throughout
the book the author uses Spanish words like sarape, barrio, paleta, etc. that the
reader is able to use context clues to determine the meaning.
Activity:
A class could use this book as a springboard to having a multi-cultural "foods" day.
Each child could bring in a different food to sample from all different cultures. Also,
if you read this during the last part of year before summer break, a class discussion
could take place about what kinds of treats do they like to eat in the summer. In
addition, as the teacher reads, the class could try and decipher what the Spanish
words are throughout the text.
Review: (5) out of (5)
When you first open the book, you are taken in by all the brilliant colors the
illustrator uses. The little girl provided lots of movement from one place to another
and the author used descriptive words the children can relate to and be
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entertained. I liked that this book was able to provide so many activities for a
classroom to do.
Title: Grandfather’s Journey
Author: Allen Say
Grade level: 3-5
Genre: Multicultural
Synopsis: This book is about a little boy’s grandfather who left Japan as a young boy
and went to explore North America. Out of all of the places he explored, his
grandfather loved California the most. After awhile of living in California, he
returned home to marry his childhood sweet heart. They moved back to California
and had a daughter. When his daughter grew older, he moved the family back to
Japan. She married a man a few years later and they had a little boy. Soon after the
little boy was born, the war began. The war destroyed his grandparent’s home and
his grandfather longed for the day he could return to California. Unfortunately, his
grandfather passed before going to back to California. When the boy was all grown,
he went to visit California and fell in love. The boy admits that his heart is in Japan,
when he is in California and when he is in California, his heart is in Japan.
Activity: Have students research their family history. Students will make a family
tree and report on any interesting facts they find. Students will present their tree to
the class.
Review: (4) out of (5) I thought this book was interesting because it reveals a
family’s cross-cultural experience between North America and Japan. The colors in
the pictures made me intrigued. I will have this book in my future classroom.
Title: Martin Luther King, Jr.
Author: Kitson Jazynka
Grade level: 2
Genre: Multicultural
Synopsis: Martin Luther was one of the most well known civil rights activist. He
was born in 1929 in Atlanta Georgia and his father was a minister. When Martin
Luther was a boy, people traveled by horse and buggy and candy bars were only
worth a penny. At the age of 14, Martin Luther entered a speech contest and spoke
about racism, and he won. In 1963, Martin Luther gave his most famous speech
called, “I Have a Dream.” In 1968, he was assassinated and black and white people
around the world were very sad. To this day, you can visit a national memorial to
Dr. King in Washington, D.C.
Activity: Have students draw a picture of what life might have been like during
Martin Luther kings time. On the back, create a time line of the significant moments
in Dr. Kings life.
Review: I will definitely have this book in my classroom (5) out of (5). I thought the
book made it easy for kids to understand the life of Martin L. King. It also taught
about the civil rights movement and showed real life pictures of protests and “For
colored only signs.”
5 Issues
Hannah Revels
Title: A Porcupine Named Fluffy
Author: Helen Lester
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Issues/Friendship/self-acceptance
Synopsis:
A little porcupine was named Fluffy and everyone made fun of him because he was
anything buy fluffy. So he set out to do whatever he could to make himself fluffy.
For example, he went as far as eating fluffy marshmallows, and covering himself in
shaving cream and feathers. Obviously it didn’t work but one day he met a
rhinoceros whose name was Hippo. Both of them became sudden friends because
both of them could relate to each other. As time went on, Fluffy didn’t mind having
that name even though he was far from being what his name implied.
Activity:
After reading this book, there could be a time of discussion on the things in people’s
lives that may make them sad that they have no control of. You could bring up that
you might not think that what you say is that big of a deal but to the person, but it
might be hurtful. A teaching moment about being sensitive to others yet also bring
up the point that sometimes people don’t know you don’t like something. It is your
responsibility to say that you would like for them not to say this or that about you.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This is a humorous but insightful book that would definitely be worth reading to a
class. It would be able to keep the attention of a class with all the events that
happen to Fluffy. At the same time, it teaches a valuable lesson of self-acceptance
and the value of a friend.
Title: Max and the Adoption Day
Author: Adria f. Klein
Grade Level: K-1
Genre: Issues/adoption
Synopsis:
Max is a little boy who has a friend who is adopted. He gets invited to his party
where his adoptive parents and friends celebrate his adoption. They have the
typical party with ice cream, cake, and play games like pin the tail on the donkey and
treasure hunt. At the end though, Max’s friend receives a soccer ball that both of
them get to play with. Max says he can’t wait for next year’s party.
Activity:
Students could draw their own family tree; define adoption for class; give reasons
for adoption and discuss the benefits of it.
Review: (3) out of (5)
This was an O.K. book but there are probably better ones if I want to teach about
adoption. I did like the way it showed adoption so positively and how there was a
party.
Hannah Revels
Title: Much Bigger than Martin
Author: Stephen Kellogg
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Issues/Sibling rivalry
Synopsis: This book is about a little boy who wanted to be bigger than his older
brother, Martin. He wanted this because Martin made him play stupid games,
Martin always got the biggest piece of cake, and Martin wouldn’t let him play with
the older kids and swim out to the raft. Then he remembered that his grandfather
told him that to grow bigger, you needed to eat lots of apples. So the boy eats lots of
apples but ends up getting sick. His parents both counsel with him and they
reassure him that one day he’ll grow up to be big. He needed to be happy with who
he was at his age.
Activity: The teacher could get students to tell in their own words how they feel
about when other people’s actions make them feel angry or sad. Then the class
could brainstorm ways to solve the problem. They could also read several other
scenarios that deal with conflicts between others and act them out in both ways: one
the right way and one the wrong way. Talking about the resolutions of all the
situations would be a must.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I liked that this book addressed what most students go through when they have an
older sibling or even older friend. They can relate to the various situations Martin
and his brother experience and were able to read how it was resolved. Sometimes
kids try and take matters into their own hands when if they would only talk to
someone about what is bothering them, many times the issue would be resolved.
Title: Rainbow Fish to the Rescue
Author: Marcus Pfister
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Issues/Bullying/Self-confidence
Synopsis:
Rainbow fish is playing with the friends he had given some of his shiny scales to
when they see a striped fish that wants to play with them. The others don’t want to
play with him because he doesn’t have a shiny scale and Rainbow fish doesn’t want
to lose his new friends so he refuses to play with him too. He feels bad about it and
then Rainbow fish comes to the rescue of a little striped fish that didn’t know that a
shark was outside the cave ready to eating anything in his way. He takes the lead
and the others follow him to save this striped fish. They all decide to be friends with
him and let him play tag with them.
Activity:
After reading this book, it would be a great opportunity to discuss other scenarios
of when one of the students felt left out and they were helped or when they had to
go against others and do the right thing. This book could also easily be acted out in
a dramatic way. Also they could even make an art project using aluminum foil for a
fish scale, and write their favorite quote from the book on it.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Hannah Revels
Although this was a simple book, it re-enforced the lesson to not leave anyone out
and to be kind to everyone, even if they are different. It keeps the reader attentive
because the illustrations have shiny paint on the fish scales too.
Title: Spaghetti in a Hot Dog bun
Author: Maria Dismondy
Grade Level: 1-4
Genre: Issues/bullying
Synopsis:
Lucy was a little girl who had a Grandpa Gino who did things a little differently. For
example, for breakfast he put ketchup on her toast, and he told her that not
everyone likes the same things. He also told her to be kind to everyone even if they
are different. Once when Lucy was on the school bus she noticed that Ralph rolled
his eyes at her. Then in class he was making fun of her poofy hair and at lunch,
made fun of her for eating spaghetti in a hotdog bun. That afternoon her Papa Gino
could tell that something was wrong but she didn’t say anything. The next day
Ralph continued to be mean but during recess Ralph got stuck on the monkey bars.
She then remembered what her Papa said about others having a heart and helped
him get down. She then decided to help him and Ralph wrote her a thank-you note.
She told her Papa Gino all about it and he was so proud of her.
Activity: Have students use a Venn Diagram and compare/contrast themselves
with a friend in the class room; Celebrate difference and encourage kids to
appreciate their uniqueness by making a list of activities their families do for
vacation, a holiday; at bedtime; etc.
Review: (5) out of (5)
There should be more books about the Golden Rule. I understand why it was a Gold
Mom’s Choice Award and I think all students would enjoy reading about how Lucy
handled a bully. The illustrations are creative and captivating.
10 Favorite Character/ Series
Title: Curious George rides a bike
Author: H.A. Rey
Grade level: Pre-K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis: The man in the yellow hat got George a bike. George was ecstatic and
immediately he began his adventure on his new bicycle. He was doing a lot of
impressive tricks when suddenly a newspaper boy asked him if he would help
deliver some newspapers. George went along delivering newspapers until he came
across a river. He stopped and began making paper boats out of the newspaper and
putting them in the water. Afterwards, he road his bike until he stumbled upon
some circus animals. The circus director saw George and told him to not feed the
ostrich because it would eat anything that came near the cage. George became
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curious and he blew a trumpet right next to the ostrich cage. The ostrich reached
out, grabbed the trumpet, and tried to swallow it. The director scolded George and
told him to sit on a bench alone. George was sitting in time out when he saw a little
bear escape from his cage. He chased after the little bear, rescued him, and brought
him back to the director. He had saved the day!
Activity: Talk to students about what it means to take responsibility for their
actions. In this book, George disobeyed many people and had to pay for what he had
done. In a small group, have students discuss some of their responsibilities at home.
Have students act out what it means to take responsibility for their actions.
Review: (5) out of (5) Not only does the plot keep moving along in this book, the
watercolor-style pictures make the book bright and engaging. On one of the pages
even includes detailed instructions on how to construct a paper boat built out of
newspaper.
Title: Curious George The Boat Show
Author: H.A Rey
Grade level: Pre K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis: While the man in the yellow hat was driving George to the model boat
show, George looked out the window and saw a real life ferry boat with cars on it.
When he got to the model boat show, Bill asked George to keep his model sailboat
safe for him until the contest. George was eager to help when suddenly he had an
idea. He took the toy sailboat and put all of his toy cars on it. It looked just like the
ferryboat he saw on the way to the contest. The bad news was it sank right when he
put it into the water. George felt terrible and made Bill a new boat made out of his
toys that floated. Bill was impressed but figured the reason his boat sank was
because he forgot to secure the windows. Bill fixed his boat and now they both had
boats to enter into the contest.
Activity: Have students bring some household items into class. Teacher will have a
couple bucket of water. The students will have a piece of paper on their desk with
three columns. On the far left will be the list of items they are testing. At the top of
the first column will have MY GUESS, the next column will have FLOAT, the next
column SINK. Students will write down the items and make a guess whether or not
they think it will float. Then, they will write a check mark in either the float or sink
column depending on what happens when it’s tested.
Review: (5) out of (5) I loved this book because it teaches kids that a boat has to
float in order to work. The colorful picture made the book intriguing to look at. I will
definitely have this book in my classroom.
Title: Curious George Plays baseball
Author: H.A Rey
Grade level: Pre-k-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis: George goes to the baseball field with the man in the yellow hat to cheer
on his friend Jimmy. When the man in the yellow hat left George to go say hi to
Jimmy’s mother, George became very curious. He wanted to go his some baseballs.
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He walked on the field and stated hitting baseballs left and right. The umpire was
very upset and made George leave the field. George climbed up a tall pole next to the
stands so that nobody could reach him. When a foul ball was hit and coming straight
for Jimmy’s mother, George reached out and caught the ball. He had saved the day.
Activity: Have students discuss a hero in their life. Students will write a letter using
neat handwriting to their hero. The letter should explain why that person is their
hero and should thank that person for being such a good influence in their life.
Review: (5) out of (5) This book was very entertaining and had a good message at
the end. It teaches kids that even though you might mess up, you can still do better
and become a hero. I will have this book in my classroom.
Title: Curious George visits a Police Station
Author: H.A Rey
Grade level: Pre-k-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis: The man in the yellow hat takes George to the police station. George
becomes very curious when an officer shows the group a button they press for
emergencies. George wanders off and starts swinging from cell to cell. He locks the
mayor and an officer inside the cell. He feels very bad so he presses the emergency
button and all the police officers come running to the rescue. George got in trouble
but the mayor and the officer were happy that he pressed the button to get them
out. George went along swinging until he locked himself in a cell! Luckily, his friend
in the yellow hat came and got him out.
Activity: Have students discuss what they think a police station is for. Ask students
what kinds of things go on at a police station. Have students fill out a safety
worksheet.
Review: (4) out of (5) I thought the illustrations gave the reader a clear picture
that related to the content of the book. I didn’t think the book had a very good moral
to the story. George disobeys but doesn’t really get in trouble. Students should know
that there are consequences for their actions, and this book doesn’t teach that.
Never the less, it was very entertaining.
Title: Curious George goes to the Gas Station
Author: H.A Rey
Grade level: pre-k-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis: The man in the yellow hat and George were heading out of town but they
had to go to the gas station first. When they got to the gas station, George saw a lady
pouring water into the radiator, a man changing the car oil, and a couple that was
hitching a camper onto the back of their car. When the man in the yellow hat went
inside to pay, George got into the car and became very curious. He wondered what
the red button in the car would do. He pressed the button and the car started to role
down the hill. George was very scared but he pulled the long black lever back the
opposite direction and the car stopped. When he stopped, he saw the camper came
unhitch to the peoples car. The camper was about to hit all the drivers. He climbed
up the light pole and switched the stoplight so that it faced the drivers. They
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stopped, and he had saved them. The man in the camper told George that next time
he wouldn’t rush, and he would be more careful.
Activity: Have students share their experiences at a gas station. Give students a
worksheet and ask them to label as many parts of a car they can. Go over the
worksheet and discuss what the main components of a car are.
Review: (5) out of (5) I thought this book was very informational. It teachers that
water helps the radiator of a car too cool down. It also informs the reader that cars
need oil to run. This was not only informational but also entertaining. At the end of
the book, the man mentions that he must take more time and be careful when he
hitches the camper to the back. This idea helps students realize that not being
careful and taking time can result in some serious consequences.
Title: Froggy Builds a Tree House
Author: Jonathan London
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis:
Froggy got up in the morning and had an idea to build a tree house. He talked to his
mom and told her what he was going to do. So he went to get his friends to help, and
they brought hammers, nails, and such. The started to build the fort and Froggy’s
sister, Pollywogilina showed up and asked to if she could come up. The boys said no
girls were allowed. Then evening came and the tree house was finished and they
ordered pizza. But the pizza fell down from the tree house and Pollywogilina caught
it before it hit the ground. Therefore, since she saved the pizza, she would be able to
go up in the tree house.
Activity: Teach about metaphor and similes; find all the uses of onomatopoeia in
the story like zip, zoop,zup; show students all the uses of dialogue throughout the
story
Review: (4) out of (5)
I think this book would be fun for the students to read. It has some gross things like
eating flies that kids think would be funny. I think this series provides many
activities students could do after reading this book.
Title: Froggy’s Sleepover
Author: Jonathan London
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis:
Froggy was excited because it was Friday and he was having a sleepover at Max’s
home. He started to pack all his things like pajamas, pillow, sleeping bag, etc. His
mom reminded him to bring his huggy too. When he got to Max’s home he learned
that everyone has different rules than what your home has. Max told him he didn’t
have to brush his teeth or go right to bed. They were going to stay up and tell scary
stories. Unfortunately this scared Froggy so he decided to go back home. Max went
with him but he too thought things were different at Froggy’s house so they went
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back to Max’s. This continued until the next morning of going back and forth to each
others homes.
Activity:
Discuss when you are scared what do you do?; make a list of all that Froggy and Max
did and put it in chronological order; discuss what they think would be fun to do at a
sleepover.
Review: (4) out of (5)
Every child loves to have a sleepover, so I think they would enjoy reading about
Froggy’s first sleepover. This book offers a variety of activities to do that can go
along with the book.
Title: Froggy Gets a Dog
Author: Jonathan London
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis:
At bedtime, Froggy saw the crescent moon that reminded him of a dog’s tail and
how much he wanted a dog. That morning he knew the time had finally come for
them to go to the animal shelter to pick out a pet. Once there, his mom kept
suggesting other animals like a bunny, and an alligator. But both Froggy and
Pollywogilina only wanted a dog. So the got the dog but Froggy soon found out that
owning a pet was a big responsibility. He had to feed it, walk it, and even pick up its
poop.
Activity:
Draw picture of favorite pet; discuss responsibilities of owning a pet; learn about
the SPCA and other shelters for animals.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I think students could relate to this book and the discussions could be exciting. A
class could also go on a field trip to an animal shelter.
Title: Froggy Plays T-Ball
Author: Jonathan London
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis:
Froggy dreams that he made a homerun at his first T-Ball game. That morning he
wakes up and was so excited for the game. He eats his breakfast of flies and cereal
and his dad gives him some pointers. Unfortunately, the game is not what he
expected because he misses the ball and hits his friend in the head. When he is
outfield he was too busy catching real flies that when a ball comes to him he doesn’t
catch it. At the end, he is up to bat and was able to hit a home run. Yet instead of
running to the home base, he runs to his real home.
Activity:
Have students answer who, what, when, where, and how questions; go outside and
play T-ball; discuss the importance of knowing the rules to a game.
Review: (4) out of (5)
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The best part of the book was when Froggy literally thought that he was supposed
to run home. I think kids would find this story funny and relatable.
Title: Froggy’s Worst Play Date
Author: Jonathan London
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Series
Synopsis:
It was Saturday and Froggy was excited to go outside and play. First he went to
Max’s house but found out he had gone to visit his Grandma. Then he went to
Matthew’s and Travis’s home but both of them were busy. Froggy then went back
home sad but his mom suggest that the play with Frogilina. Froggy said, “No” but
when his dad said he would take them to the movies, he changed his mind. Once at
the movies, at a part when the story had kissing, Frogilina decided to kiss Froggy.
He didn’t like that one bit and was even more upset with her because she ate the
bottom of his ice cream cone. When he got home he told his mom that this was the
worst play date ever.
Activity:
Learn about the life cycle of frogs: from egg to tadpole to frog; draw picture of frog
and label the parts; play leap frog; discuss what Froggy should have done when
Frogilina did what she did to him.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This book was humorous and I think students would enjoy reading it. It would be a
great story to discuss ways of handling someone who they don’t particularly like.
All students have known a Frogilina at times in their short lives or they’ll one day
meet her.
10 Folk Tale/Fairy Tale
Title: The Emperors New Clothes
Author: Han Christian Anderson
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Fairy tale/Folk tale
Synopsis:
There once was an Emperor who loved new clothes and had a different suit for
everyday. He never worried about his kingdom but one day some tricksters came
and said they could weave any clothes that were different and the clothing they
weaved were invisible to anyone who was unwise and not fit for their job. The king
liked that idea and had the weavers make him an outfit. Unfortunate no one saw the
clothing because it was invisible and they didn’t want to tell the King that they
couldn’t see. So everyone pretended he was wearing clothes until one day during a
procession a little child said that the king wasn’t wearing anything. Then it dawned
on the King that the child was correct but he didn’t want anyone to know so he
pretended to go on with the procession.
Activity: Discuss morals: honesty and responsibility; do research on an interesting
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emperors, king, or president; brainstorm about an alternate ending.
Review: (5) out of (5)
This was a favorite story from my childhood and has many valuable lessons. I think
students will appreciate the humor and the lessons of being honest.
Title: The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush
Author: Tomie dePaolo
Grade Level: 2-4
Genre: Folk Tale/Native American
Synopsis:
One there was a little Native American boy named Little Gopher who lived out west
on the plains. He wasn’t as big or strong as the other boys but he had a gift of
painting. As he grew older he went out to the hills to follow his vision quest. There
he saw a white buckskin and on it was painted the most beautiful sunset. He was
told in his vision to find a white buckskin and those same colors and paint what he
saw. So for a long time he kept trying to find the right colors but never could. Then
in a dream he was told to go back to the hill. There at the hill he saw brushes with
paint on them and he began to use them to paint the sunset. When he came down
from the hill all the people were amazed at the magnificent painting. They then
noticed that the hill from which he came had red, yellow and orange plants. From
then on he was called, “ He who brought the sunset to the earth.”
Activity: Have students pick a Native American tribe to do a report on; students can
make up their own Native American name and tell the class why they chose it;
discuss with class about gifts and that sometimes they won’t realize what it is until
they’re older like Little Gopher.
Review: (4) out of (5)
I thought this book would be excellent to read if you were going to do a unit on
Native Americans. It could also be good to read for a lesson on cause and effect, and
compare and contrast.
Title: The Magic Porridge Pot
Author: Grimm Brothers
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Fairytale
Synopsis:
Once there was a poor little girl who met an old woman who had a magic porridge
pot. The woman told the pot to cook and to stop cooking and it obeyed. So the little
girl took the pot to her mom and she told the pot to cook some porridge.
Unfortunately, the pot wouldn’t stop cooking the porridge and it eventually filled the
whole town with porridge. Finally the girl asked it to stop and it did but the whole
town is still eating porridge.
Activity:
Teach chronological order; discuss when you have too much of a good thing and
make a list of some possible scenarios; use a graphic organizer for pros and cons
table for two choices.
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Review: (3) out of (5)
I can think of other stories I like better but there are some activities that can be done
if a class read this book. It would be a good one to read if you were talking about the
Grimm brothers.
Title: The Tale of the Three Trees…A Traditional Folktale
Author: Angela Elwell Hunt
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Folktale
Synopsis:
On the top of a mountain there were three trees that all dreamed of what they would
be one day when they were older. The first tree wanted to be a beautiful chest to
carry treasure, and the second wanted to travel might waters and be a ship. The
third tree didn’t want to leave but wanted to be the tallest tree in world to point to
God. As time went by they grew and grew. Then one day a woodcutter saw the first
tree and cut it down because it was beautiful. Another wood utter cut down the
second tree because it was so strong. The third woodcutter didn’t say anything nice
about third tree and just cut it down. As the story goes on these trees realize their
dreams didn’t come true but God had another plan for them. One tree became a feed
box that was a cradle for Jesus, the second tree became a small fishing boat that
carried Jesus and his disciples, and the third tree ended up becoming the cross that
Jesus would be crucified on. In the end none of the trees get what they dreamed
about but what they got was better.
Activity:
Obviously this book could only be read in a Christian school. This would be read at
Easter time and the class could take a walk outside and observe all the different
kinds of trees. A lesson on how sometimes in life you don’t always get what you
want but God has a plan just like He did with those trees could be discussed.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I loved this book and wish that it could be read in a public school. It has a wonderful
lesson on how you can trust God with your abilities. It can also teach that everyone
has a special gift.
Title: The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Author: Paul Galdone
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Fairy Tale
Synopsis:
Once there were three Billy goats that wanted to cross a bridge to get to the other
side to eat. The only problem was that there was a troll that lived under the bridge.
The ugly troll with his long nose as a poker and eyes like saucers. When he hears
the trip, trap, trip, trap of their feet he would ask who’s that tripping over my
bridge? He then says he’s going to come up there and gobble you up. But the
smallest goat goes and says to wait for his the next brother to go across because he
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is much bigger than him. This continues with the second one and then the biggest
goat goes across and then the biggest Billy Goat Gruff butted him with his horns and
tramped him with his hooves. Then the ugly troll went flying over the bridge into
the river. Then he went up to the hillside to join his brothers where they got so fat.
Activity: Discuss characters, setting, problem and solution and the trolls point of
view; teach beginning, middle, and end; chronological order; reasoning; retell story
with troll surviving; new vocabulary; repeating phrases and allowing students to
read along out loud.
Review: (5) out of (5)
Loved the illustrations…they were colorful and had pencil/ink drawings that any
one would appreciate. Kids would love this book because of the suspense and
drama, as well as, the humor of the story.
Title: The Three Wishes
Author: retold by Jean M. Craig
Grade Level: 1-3
Genre: Fairy tale
Synopsis:
Once there was a poor woodman and everyday he went out into the woods to cut
wood and his wife would pack him some food to eat. One day though he was about
to cut down a tree when he heard a fairy ask him to spare the tree. He agreed and
the fairy gave him three wishes. When he got home he was hungry and asked his
wife when dinner would be. She said in a couple of hours but he didn’t want to wait
that long and wished long piece of sausage and it came. His wife was upset she had
wasted a wish and gave him all the reasons he was a fool. Then she continued
scolding him over and over again until he couldn’t take it anymore and wished that
the sausage would be stuck to the end of her nose. They both tried to get it off so
unfortunately the last wish had to be that the sausage be removed from the end of
her nose. So that evening for supper, they ate the sausage.
Activity:
Have students list their three wishes and discuss if they are possible or impossible;
come up with ways for their wishes to come true; brainstorm about a different
ending and draw a picture of it.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I really liked this fairy tale because it can make kids think about the consequences of
their actions. It can also be a spring board into teaching about being grateful for
what you have and that things could always be worse.
Title: The Gingerbread man
Author: Jim Aylesworth
Grade Level: Pre-K –K
Genre: Fairy Tale
Synopsis:
One day an old woman lived with her husband and she decided to make him his
favorite gingerbread cookie. She made a fine looking gingerbread man but when she
opened the oven, he jumped out and said, “Run, Run, as fast as you can, can’t catch
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me I’m the Gingerbread man.” He then ran and sang this a cow, a horse, a chicken,
and then a fox. He told the fox how he had run away from all kinds of animals and
the old man and woman. The fox then tells him he doesn’t care about him but it was
trick and he ended up eating the Gingerbread man.
Activity: Follow the recipe in the book and make cookies with the class; allow
students to help repeat, “Run, run, as fast as you can….” Part of the story; make
gingerbread puppets and retell the story; teach about chronological order.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This is a great classic story that most children would enjoy. I think they would
appreciate the story because of the adventure and suspense.
Title: Rainbow Crow
Author: Nancy Van Laan
Grade Level: 3-5
Genre: Fork tale/American
Synopsis:
Once the weather had always been warm but then it became cold and snow began to
fall. The animals became worried that they might all die. So the Wise Owl thought
that someone should go to Kijiamuh Ka’ong, the Creator Who Creates By Thinking
What Will Be and ask him think the world warm again. So all the animals thought
about who to send and they Rainbow Crow was chosen. So after a long and hard
journey, he finally asked the Creator to un-think the snow. The Creator said no
because the snow had spirits of their own but in exchange for his beautiful voice,
he’d give him fire. So Rainbow Crow carried a burning stick all the way back to
earth. Unfortunately, it burned all his beautiful feathers and what were left were
feathers black from the smoke. Everyone rejoices because they were not cold but he
was sad because he didn’t have a beautiful voice or feathers. Then the Creator told
him to be happy because no man would want him so he would always be free and
his flesh would taste like smoke so he wouldn’t be good to eat.
Activity: Buy feathers from craft store and make a Rainbow Crow; Discuss how
crow sacrificed for others and what we can do to help others; do unit on all the
different Native American tribes; do report on all the different types of birds.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I really liked this book and thought that it could teach students that something when
something bad happens to you, it might end up benefiting you in the end. I think
students would be interested in learning about other Native American legends too.
Title: Thunder cake
Author: Patricia Polacco
Grade level: 2-4
Genre: Fairy Tale
Synopsis: This story is told from a little girl’s point of view about how her Russian
grandmother helped her over come her fear of thunderstorms. Her grandmother
taught her to calculate how far the storm was by counting when she sees lightening
and then stop when she hears the thunder. The number is how many miles away the
storm is. Throughout the entire book, the girl and her grandmother calculate the
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distance of the storm, meanwhile, collecting the ingredients to make Thunder cake.
As the storm draws nearer, the Thunder cake becomes more developed. When the
storm finally hits right on the grandmother’s house, they were eating and enjoying
the Thunder cake. The girl was never afraid of thunderstorms again.
Activity: Have students right down their biggest fears on a piece of paper. On
another piece of paper have students write down their favorite dessert. Teacher will
count the results and whichever fears and desserts have been written down the
most, the teacher will make that dessert with the students and encourage them to
think happy thoughts when they are scared.
Review: (4) out of (5) I loved that this book had a moral to the story. It also gives
kids the idea to think about or do something that makes them happy when
something scary comes along. When I was a child, I was afraid of going into the
garage at night. They only way I could go in the garage at night was if I would sing a
song that said, “Have I not commanded you be strong and courageous, do not be
terrified, do not be discouraged for the Lord your God will be with you, wherever,
wherever, wherever you go.” The illustrations in this book were also phenomenal.
Title: Tiger Soup
Author: Frances Temple
Grade level: K-2
Genre: Fairy tale
Synopsis: This story is set in Jamaica. The Tiger makes tiger soup and is about to eat
it when Anansi the spider comes along. Anansi tricks the Tiger into going for a swim
and as the tiger jumps in the water, Anansi eats all the soup. Anansi then goes to the
monkeys and teaches them a song that goes, “Just a little while ago, we ate the Tiger
soup! Just a little while ago, we ate the Tiger soup! Yum yum yum yum yum, taste
that coco-nut! As the tiger gets out of the water, he sees that all his soup is gone and
hears the monkeys singing the song. The tiger tries to eat the monkeys but the
monkeys climb up the trees. Anansi the spider gets away with his trick.
Activity: Have students act out this book. Have one student be the Tiger, one
student be the spider, and the rest of the class could be the monkeys. This would be
a great book to read if you are teaching about the Jamaican culture.
Fantasy/Other
Title: Benjamin McFadden and the Robot Babysitter
Author: Timothy Bush
Grade level: K-3
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis: Benjamin’s parents go out to the Ring’s of Saturn dance and he is left
with his “no fun” robot babysitter. He then programs the robot to be more fun by
allowing him stay up late when he parents told him to obey the robot. He wants to
play games and music and eat cookies, burgers and everything his parents don’t
allow him to have. Finally he becomes tired but the robot won’t let him go to sleep
because it only wants to do fun things. He ends up trying to get help to switch her
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back by calling for help and uses a password to change her back. He tries every
password he can think of as the robot continues to go crazy. Finally he figures out
the password is parents and everything goes back to normal. He now appreciates
the rules.
Activity: This book would be used to entertain a class as a fill in some time before
lunch or such. It could also help spur on a conversation about fantasy, non-fiction,
and fiction. Obviously it can be used to talk about why rules are important and what
are some of the student’s rules they have at home.
Review: (3) out of (5)
I thought this book was good but dragged a little. The kids would find many of the
parts humorous and they’d enjoy the illustrations. The pictures did have a lot of
detail, which could poise a problem if you read it to more than ten children because
it might be hard to see.
Title: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?
Author: Bill Martin Jr.
Grade Level: PreK- K
Genre: Fantasy/Other
Synopsis:
Through out the book various animals are asked what he sees. First is a brown bear
that sees a red bird looking at them, and the red bird sees a yellow duck looking at
them. Next is a blue horse that sees a green frog, who then sees a purple cat. The
cat sees a white dog looking at her who sees a black sheep. The last animal is a gold
fish that sees a teacher and the teacher asked the children what they see. They then
list all the animals that were mentioned throughout the book.
Activity:
Teach about patterns; allow students to predict the next line and say it aloud; have
black and white pages printed of each animal and have children color them
correctly; As story is read, have children make the animals sounds that correspond
to the right animal; teacher could call out a color and the class has to remember
what that animal was; make animal craft from toilet paper rolls
Review: (5) out of (5)
This book is a classic and every young child should read it. The illustrator uses
colors that are brilliant and there are countless activities that a class could from
reading this book. Fun!
Title: If You Give a Moose a Muffin
Author: Laura Numeroff
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Fantasy/other
Synopsis: This story begins with the question if you give a moose a muffin and is
answered with humorous scenarios. For example, he’d then want jam on it and
want more and more. Then you’d run out and have to go to the store and buy muffin
mix. Yet he’ll want to wear your wear your sweater because it’s cold outside and
also borrow your socks. Then the moose with see that the socks can also be used as
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puppets. The story continues with various funny situations that build upon each
other.
Activity: After reading this story, the teacher could talk about cause and effect or
even transition words. The class could also brainstorm about more scenarios that
could have happened if you gave a moose a muffin. They could also be given a
totally different scenario, like if you gave a friend a spider, and make up their own
funny situations.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I enjoyed this book and believe that most students would find this book entertaining
and humorous. I like that there could be endless activity to do with a class after
reading this book. The illustrations were also well done and detailed.
Title: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Author: Laura Joffe Numeroff
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Fantasy/other
Synopsis:
The story begins with if you give a mouse a cookie, then he’s going to want milk.
Next he’ll ask for a straw and napkin. Then he’ll look in the mirror to see if he has a
milk mustache. It continues on and on with such things as him swiping the floors,
taking a nap, you reading him a story. He’ll then draw a picture and want to sign his
name. When he wants to hang up the picture, he’ll see the refrigerator that will
remind him that he’ll want some milk.
Activity:
Students can learn about cause and effect relationships after reading this book.
They could also create their own story where they themselves are the mouse.
Another activity is having the students recall the event of the story and tell you in
the correct sequence.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I loved this book because I think any student would enjoy reading it. It offers humor
and the illustrations are fun. Also, it provides opportunities to do many language
arts activities along with it.
Title: The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash
Author: Trinka Hakes Noble
Grade Level: K-3
Genre: Fantasy/other
Synopsis: A little girl comes home from school and his mom asked how the class
fieldtrip went that day. She begins by saying it was at first boring until a cow starts
to cry. The cow was crying when a haystack fell on it because the farmer, who
wasn’t paying attention, ran into it. He was distracted because he was yelling at
some pigs to get out of the school bus. The chaos continues until finally they find
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out it all started because Jimmy’s boa constrictor was eating the farmer’s wife’s
wash. At the end, Jimmy ends up leaving the snake and coming home with a pig.
Activity: This book could be used when the class is learning about chronological
order, sequencing of events, details, or even cause and effect. Ask questions, like if
they would have wanted to go on this field trip? Ask if they had ever gone to a farm
and what they saw or experienced? There is a good website that goes along with this
book that includes spelling and vocabulary activities, and word searches. There are
also several other books in the series that could be read.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I will definitely read this book to my class because it was not only humorous but I
believe the kids would be captivated until the very unexpected end. It was fast
paced and the illustrations were well done and detailed. It also could offer so many
learning opportunities for students.
Title: Nighty-night, Cooper
Author: Laura Numeroff
Grade Level: Pre-K – 1
Genre: Fantasy/Other
Synopsis:
The story is about a little kangaroo, Cooper, who can’t fall asleep so his mom makes
up songs to help Cooper sleep. The first one is about a pig but the little kangaroo
wants her to make up a song about mice. After she sings it to the tune of “Rock-abye baby”, he still can’t sleep. He then ask her to sing about the sky that is sung to
the tune of “Twinkle-twinkle little Star”. He still can’t sleep and it continues through
out the book with other made up stories put to familiar childhood songs. Finally,
Cooper sings himself a song he made up in school to the tune of “Lullaby and Good
Night,” which then makes him fall asleep.
Activity:
This would be a fun book to read right before naptime or to quiet a class down after
an unruly activity. The students could also help sing the songs as the teacher read it
to them since most of the songs should be familiar to most. A discussion could take
place about how they go to sleep.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I wasn’t sure I was going to like this book because it seemed to simple at first but by
the end I thought it was well written and entertaining. It’s the kind of book to get
the students involved while you’re reading it by asking them to sing along with you.
It also did a nice job with all the rhyming words.
Title: The Giant Jam Sandwich
Author: John Vernon Lord
Grade Level: K-4
Genre: Fantasy/other
Synopsis:
Hannah Revels
On summer millions of wasp flew into Itching town and became a bother to the
residents. These wasp stung them, made loud buzzing noise, and became such a
nuisances that they called a town meeting where the mayor asked what should they
do. But no one knew until the baker came up with an idea to make a giant jam
sandwich to trap them in it. Then everyone worked together to bake a huge piece of
bread where they sliced it and spread strawberry jam on it. Finally the 4 million
wasps came and began to eat and then they got stuck. They say that the rest of the
bread was eaten by the birds that had a feast for one hundred weeks.
Activity:
This book would be great to use if you were working on following directions and
they would write how to make a jam sandwich. It could also be read during science
and the class could make their own bread by using yeast. They could have a
scavenger hunt for all the words that rhymed in the book.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I thought this book could offer endless teaching activities. I liked that it showed
teamwork and how to solve a problem. It will definitely be in my library.
Title: The Giving Tree
Author: Shel Silverstein
Grade Level: K-adult
Genre: Fantasy/Other
Synopsis:
The story starts off with a little boy who loved a tree because he ate her apple,
swung from her branches, played in her shade, and would pretend to be a king as he
used her leaves for a crown. The tree also loved that the boy spent time with her too.
Then the boy grows older and the tree continued to give her apples to him to sell,
and even her branches to make him a house. Finally the boy complaints that he
wants to move far away and she gives him her truck so he can build a boat and sale
away which makes the tree sad. At the end of the story, the boy who’s an old man
comes back and the tree (which is now a stump) becomes happy again. All the old
man wants is a quiet place to sit and rest and she is able to provide that to him.
Activity:
This book would be great to read when it was Mothers/Fathers day. They could
brainstorm on all the things their parents or caregivers do for them. They could also
make a life size tree in their room and make cut out apples. On each apple they
could write down something they could do for a classmate/friend/relative that is
kind. The teacher could also read this at the beginning of the year and say that when
she/he catches them doing something good, their name gets to go on the “giving
tree.”
Review: (5) out of (5)
This book has a lesson that young and old can learn. Although it is so simple, it
teaches about self-sacrifice and unselfishness. It can help children learn to
appreciate things they may take for granted.
Title: The Whale Who Ate Everything
Author: Dan Devoe
Hannah Revels
Grade Level: K-2
Genre: Fantasy
Synopsis:
There was once a whale that was so hungry he ate everything he could find. It
started with a rusty pale, and then he got a little bit bigger. He continues to eat his
mail, and even tried to eat his own tale. Then he ate everything from a car, to a
guitar and even a chocolate bar. He became the biggest whale ever but it made him
sad and yet, it didn’t stop him from eating an anchor. The anchor was attached to a
boat. Luckily, the anchor pulled everything out of him. Now he is happy to just be a
normal whale.
Activity:
In the book, the author uses rhyming words and at the end of each page he says,
“bigger”. Students could help by reading the “Bigger” part of the story. They could
help point out all the rhyming words; do lesson on oceanography.
Review: (5) out of (5)
I loved this book! It would be fun to read to a class because they could easily
participate. Students would enjoy the rhyming and the humorous items the whale
swallows.
Title: I Know Same and Different
Author: Susan Nations
Grade Level: Pre-K-K
Genre: Other
Synopsis:
This book has photos of various items that are the same and different and teaches
the bases for the early math concepts. There are sports balls like footballs, soccer,
basketball, and baseballs. It shows socks, cookies, fruit, shells, and so on. At the end
of the book, it shows various pictures and asks the reader which are the same and
which are different.
Activity:
Students can be asked to bring in a bag of 5 items from home and have a show and
tell. You could also bring in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and half-dollars and
discuss that although they are money, they are different. You could talk about how
they are the same and how they are different.
Review: (4) out of (5)
This is a very simple book but contains the basis for the beginning of learning math.
The pictures are real life and the students are able to quickly read through it.
Students need to be constantly reinforced with observing their environment, and
this book helps them do this.