Bibliographic Info: Adler, D. (2000). Martin Luther King, Jr.: Free at Last. Illus. Robert Casilla. New York, New York: Holiday House Inc.
Annotation: This book tells the story of the struggles Martin Luther King, Jr. faced during the 1950's and 1960's. We read about the troubles with the Jim Crow laws, the marches organized to fight violence with nonviolence and all of this accompanied by great illustrations.
Genre: Historical fiction/picturebook
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children learning about King and those with an interest in book about actual past events. Teachers and parents may want to use this book while talking about Dr. King.
Personal response: I like how this book was laid out and it is fairly easy to read and follow. The author certainly gets the message across through text, while the illustrator adds to the importance through pictures. I rate this book at a 3, some issues may need to be further explained to such young children, but it is a good starting point.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard of Martin Luther King, Jr.? Please tell me what you know about him.
Showing posts with label Leah Armstrong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leah Armstrong. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine
Bibliographic Info: Silverman, E. (2009). Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa: Rain or Shine. Illus. Betsy Lewin. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation:
Genre: Animal Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes horses will love the stories about Kate and Cocoa. Although it seems slightly aimed at young girls, I think boys would enjoy it just as much.
Personal response: Until this class, I had not heard of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series, but after reading this book I think I will go purchase the series for my daughter. The story was silly and endearing and was an easier read for second graders to early third grade. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you could have any animal in the world to join you on adventures, what would it be?
Annotation:
Genre: Animal Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes horses will love the stories about Kate and Cocoa. Although it seems slightly aimed at young girls, I think boys would enjoy it just as much.
Personal response: Until this class, I had not heard of the Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa series, but after reading this book I think I will go purchase the series for my daughter. The story was silly and endearing and was an easier read for second graders to early third grade. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you could have any animal in the world to join you on adventures, what would it be?
Best Friends
Bibliographic Info: Kellogg, S. (1992). Best Friends. Illus. Steven Kellogg. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc (USA).
Annotation: This book follows best friends Louise and Kathy and how they are inseparable, that is until Louise goes away for the summer. Kathy is left feeling abandoned without her and when she receives a postcard from Louise detailing how much fun she is having, Kathy is hurt, sad and angry! Once the girls reunite, they are able to raise a new puppy together solidifying what true friends are all about.
Genre: Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Young girls are probably going to be drawn to this book the most. Parents will enjoy the authors details about emotion involving a friendship and how it will always turn out for the best with a true friend.
Personal response: I like how Kellogg brought the reader through both the ups and downs of a friendship (particularly a young girls). The book is so colorful and there is a great lesson in it. I rate this book at a 3, only because it is mainly directed toward girls.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever missed someone so much it made you angry that they were gone?
Annotation: This book follows best friends Louise and Kathy and how they are inseparable, that is until Louise goes away for the summer. Kathy is left feeling abandoned without her and when she receives a postcard from Louise detailing how much fun she is having, Kathy is hurt, sad and angry! Once the girls reunite, they are able to raise a new puppy together solidifying what true friends are all about.
Genre: Fiction/Friendship
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Young girls are probably going to be drawn to this book the most. Parents will enjoy the authors details about emotion involving a friendship and how it will always turn out for the best with a true friend.
Personal response: I like how Kellogg brought the reader through both the ups and downs of a friendship (particularly a young girls). The book is so colorful and there is a great lesson in it. I rate this book at a 3, only because it is mainly directed toward girls.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever missed someone so much it made you angry that they were gone?
Frog and Toad Are Friends
Bibliographic Info: Lobel, A. (1979). Frog and Toad Are Friends. Illus. Arnold Lobel. New York, New York: HarperCollins Publishers.
Annotation: In this adventure of Frog and Toad we see how they have come to be such great friends. Throughout the five stories Frog and Toad go swimming, look for a lost button together and await the arrival of spring. All while creating an everlasting bond.
Genre: Animal Fiction/Beginning reader
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who are just beginning to read independently will enjoy the easy lay out and silly adventures that Frog and Toad take them on.
Personal response: I have always been a fan of the Frog and Toad series and will always be sure to include at least a handful of them in my classroom library. The stories are entertaining, colorful and easy to read. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: Tell me about a silly adventure you and a friend have been on.
Annotation: In this adventure of Frog and Toad we see how they have come to be such great friends. Throughout the five stories Frog and Toad go swimming, look for a lost button together and await the arrival of spring. All while creating an everlasting bond.
Genre: Animal Fiction/Beginning reader
Grade Level: K-2
Readers who will like this book: Children who are just beginning to read independently will enjoy the easy lay out and silly adventures that Frog and Toad take them on.
Personal response: I have always been a fan of the Frog and Toad series and will always be sure to include at least a handful of them in my classroom library. The stories are entertaining, colorful and easy to read. I rate this book at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: Tell me about a silly adventure you and a friend have been on.
The Fisherman and His Wife
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2008). The Fisherman and His Wife. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: Based on the old fairytale of the fisherman and his greedy wife, the tale tell of a kind hearted fisherman and how his wife is always after more and more, never happy with what she has. One day the fisherman catches an enchanted fish and even after the wishes it grants to the wife... she is still unhappy.
Genre: Children's folklore/fiction
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will like this book because of the illustrations and the outrageous demands of the fisherman's wife. Parents and teachers can use this book to show how being greedy will only leave you with an empty feeling.
Personal response: Yet another book by Rachel Isadora that is set in Africa and does not disappoint. The colorful collage like artwork is extremely appealing and the central message/moral of the story is one worth being retold over and over. I rate this at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
Annotation: Based on the old fairytale of the fisherman and his greedy wife, the tale tell of a kind hearted fisherman and how his wife is always after more and more, never happy with what she has. One day the fisherman catches an enchanted fish and even after the wishes it grants to the wife... she is still unhappy.
Genre: Children's folklore/fiction
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will like this book because of the illustrations and the outrageous demands of the fisherman's wife. Parents and teachers can use this book to show how being greedy will only leave you with an empty feeling.
Personal response: Yet another book by Rachel Isadora that is set in Africa and does not disappoint. The colorful collage like artwork is extremely appealing and the central message/moral of the story is one worth being retold over and over. I rate this at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: If you had three wishes, what would they be?
What A Family!
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2006). What A Family!. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: Ollie starts to wonder where exactly he came from and he looks to his Grandpa Max to help him unravel his families past. Grandpa and Ollie look through their family tree and Ollie begins to see just where he gets some of his attributes and even sees what things he didn't inherit.
Genre: Fiction/Family Life
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who may wonder about their families past and teachers who are beginning a unit in ancestry or family trees in general.
Personal response: I come from a very large family, so this book was fun to think of all of my relatives and what we have (or don't!) in common. I love the colors used in the book and how she talks about certain inheritable traits. I rate this book a 4 because it is fun and can peak a child's interest in their personal pasts.
A question you would ask before reading: Do you ever wonder where you get your blond hair...freckles...?
Annotation: Ollie starts to wonder where exactly he came from and he looks to his Grandpa Max to help him unravel his families past. Grandpa and Ollie look through their family tree and Ollie begins to see just where he gets some of his attributes and even sees what things he didn't inherit.
Genre: Fiction/Family Life
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who may wonder about their families past and teachers who are beginning a unit in ancestry or family trees in general.
Personal response: I come from a very large family, so this book was fun to think of all of my relatives and what we have (or don't!) in common. I love the colors used in the book and how she talks about certain inheritable traits. I rate this book a 4 because it is fun and can peak a child's interest in their personal pasts.
A question you would ask before reading: Do you ever wonder where you get your blond hair...freckles...?
Yo, Jo!
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2007). Yo, Jo!. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Putnam Books.
Annotation: In an African-American urban suburb two brothers are followed as we explore the life of the city. The boys wait outside for their Grandpa to return home and while they do so we are introduced to the culture that surrounds them. Jomar, one of the brothers, meets up with a few friends and Isadora emphasizes the way they interact.
Genre: African-American Fiction
Grade Level: Pk-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will have fun with the "slang" Jomar uses with everyone on the street and educators may find this book useful to relate to an urban culture.
Personal response: Another great book from Rachel Isadora. The way she celebrates slang talk in the book can be comforting to a child and allow others that are unfamiliar with it to reach an understanding. I really like how open younger brother Jomar was, you really get to like him quite a bit by the end of the book. Another 4 rating!
A question you would ask: Do any of you live in an area that feels like your own separate community? With your own talk, ideas, etc...?
Annotation: In an African-American urban suburb two brothers are followed as we explore the life of the city. The boys wait outside for their Grandpa to return home and while they do so we are introduced to the culture that surrounds them. Jomar, one of the brothers, meets up with a few friends and Isadora emphasizes the way they interact.
Genre: African-American Fiction
Grade Level: Pk-2
Readers who will like this book: Children will have fun with the "slang" Jomar uses with everyone on the street and educators may find this book useful to relate to an urban culture.
Personal response: Another great book from Rachel Isadora. The way she celebrates slang talk in the book can be comforting to a child and allow others that are unfamiliar with it to reach an understanding. I really like how open younger brother Jomar was, you really get to like him quite a bit by the end of the book. Another 4 rating!
A question you would ask: Do any of you live in an area that feels like your own separate community? With your own talk, ideas, etc...?
Listen to the City
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2000). Listen to the City. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc (USA).
Annotation: A book full of sound and color! This is a great book to use for a read aloud because it takes you through a city and all of the noises that can be found there. From babies crying, car horns honking and crowd noise it is fun and exciting.
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picturebook
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes to make noise. Teachers will find this to be a fun read aloud as it keeps children interested while mimicking the sounds.
Personal response: I like the color in this book and it would be a lot of fun to create classroom activities surrounding it. It is not as "in-depth" as some of Isadora's other books, but it certainly follows the likes of 1 2 3 Pop!. I would give this book a 4 for young readers.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever stayed absolutely quiet and just listened to the noises outside of your home? What do you hear?
Annotation: A book full of sound and color! This is a great book to use for a read aloud because it takes you through a city and all of the noises that can be found there. From babies crying, car horns honking and crowd noise it is fun and exciting.
Genre: Children's Fiction/Picturebook
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child who likes to make noise. Teachers will find this to be a fun read aloud as it keeps children interested while mimicking the sounds.
Personal response: I like the color in this book and it would be a lot of fun to create classroom activities surrounding it. It is not as "in-depth" as some of Isadora's other books, but it certainly follows the likes of 1 2 3 Pop!. I would give this book a 4 for young readers.
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever stayed absolutely quiet and just listened to the noises outside of your home? What do you hear?
The Princess and the Pea
Bibliographic Info: Isadora, R. (2007). The Princess and the Pea. Illus. Rachel Isadora. New York, New York: Penguin Group Inc. (USA).
Annotation: This is the classic tale of The Princess and the Pea with a twist. Isadora tells the tale of a young African Prince and his journey to find his Princess. The Prince travels the world and is suprised to find his true Princess literally knocking at his door. The tale follows the original wih the Princess sleeping on a bed of tweny matresses and twenty feather beds with a pea at the very bottom.
Genre: African Fiction/Fairytales
Grade Level: PK-1
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy fairytales and wonderfully bold illustrations. Educators will delight in the cutural twist from the "original" tale.
Personal response: I love this book. Rachel Isadora has become one of my favorite children's book authors and that is why I have choosen to do the author study on her. The illustrationsare beauriful and she does a great job retelling an old story with a personal touch. I rate this book at a well deserved 4.
A question you would ask: What makes a Princess a true Princess?
Annotation: This is the classic tale of The Princess and the Pea with a twist. Isadora tells the tale of a young African Prince and his journey to find his Princess. The Prince travels the world and is suprised to find his true Princess literally knocking at his door. The tale follows the original wih the Princess sleeping on a bed of tweny matresses and twenty feather beds with a pea at the very bottom.
Genre: African Fiction/Fairytales
Grade Level: PK-1
Readers who will like this book: Children who enjoy fairytales and wonderfully bold illustrations. Educators will delight in the cutural twist from the "original" tale.
Personal response: I love this book. Rachel Isadora has become one of my favorite children's book authors and that is why I have choosen to do the author study on her. The illustrationsare beauriful and she does a great job retelling an old story with a personal touch. I rate this book at a well deserved 4.
A question you would ask: What makes a Princess a true Princess?
The Real Mother Goose
Bibliographic Info: Wright, B. F. (1944). The Real Mother Goose. Illus. Blanche Fisher Wright. New York, New York: Checkerboard Press.
Annotation: This book is full of 128 pages of Mother Goose rhymes accompanied by illustrations. It has all of the classics including, "Little Bo-Peep", "Three Blind Mice" and "Jack and Jill" and many more not so mainstream rhymes such as "Lengthening Days" and "Young Lambs to Sell".
Genre: Nursery Rhymes
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Adults will enjoy revisiting some forgotten rhymes while children will love hearing the new rhymes and putting illustrations to them.
Personal response: This is a nice book because it has such a large selection of nursery rhymes, but it is not my taste. The illustrations are a little too much for a children's nursery rhyme book. I have had this book since a child and it has never really appealed to me, past or present. I rate this book at a 2, only because of the amount of selection.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard the tale of ______? (Whichever rhyme you decide to read aloud).
Annotation: This book is full of 128 pages of Mother Goose rhymes accompanied by illustrations. It has all of the classics including, "Little Bo-Peep", "Three Blind Mice" and "Jack and Jill" and many more not so mainstream rhymes such as "Lengthening Days" and "Young Lambs to Sell".
Genre: Nursery Rhymes
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Adults will enjoy revisiting some forgotten rhymes while children will love hearing the new rhymes and putting illustrations to them.
Personal response: This is a nice book because it has such a large selection of nursery rhymes, but it is not my taste. The illustrations are a little too much for a children's nursery rhyme book. I have had this book since a child and it has never really appealed to me, past or present. I rate this book at a 2, only because of the amount of selection.
A question you would ask before reading: Has anyone ever heard the tale of ______? (Whichever rhyme you decide to read aloud).
Jumanji
Bibliographic Info: Van Allsburg, C. (1995). Jumanji. Illus. Chris Van Allsburg. Read by Robin Williams. Boston, Massachusetts: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: Peter and Judy find themseleves in the middle of an unreal adventure when they stumble across an old boardgame. Once they begin to play they are unable to stop the visitis from a wild lion, monsoons and a herd of angry rhinos. But thats not all!
Genre: Children's Fiction/adventure
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Unless a child has a real fear of jungle animals in their home, I cant think of a child who will not love this book, especially listening to the audio.
Personal response: Jumanji is a wonderful story that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next players roll. I love the illustrations in this book and having Robin Williams narrate the story was absolutely perfect! I rate the book and audio at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: What is your favorite boardgame? Why?
Annotation: Peter and Judy find themseleves in the middle of an unreal adventure when they stumble across an old boardgame. Once they begin to play they are unable to stop the visitis from a wild lion, monsoons and a herd of angry rhinos. But thats not all!
Genre: Children's Fiction/adventure
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Unless a child has a real fear of jungle animals in their home, I cant think of a child who will not love this book, especially listening to the audio.
Personal response: Jumanji is a wonderful story that has you sitting on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next players roll. I love the illustrations in this book and having Robin Williams narrate the story was absolutely perfect! I rate the book and audio at a 4.
A question you would ask before reading: What is your favorite boardgame? Why?
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship
Bibliographic Info: Hatkoff, I. Hatkoff C., Kahumbu, P. (2006). Owen and Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. Illus. Peter Greste. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc.
Annotation: An amazing true story about a very peculiar friendship. Owen, a baby hippo, is left abandoned after the 2004 tsunami and is taken in by a 130 year old giant tortoise. The crazy duo begins to do everything together, eating, swimming, playing and eating. They form a bond after an unthinkable disaster that makes you understand what true friendship is all about.
Genre: Animal stories
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Anybody with a heart! Children will love the unsuspecting friendship and the photographs just add to the beauty of it.
Personal response: I had never heard about this pair before reading the book and it brought tears to my eyes! It is a great story of what friendship is and should be and the pictures are so heartwarming. I love animals and think we have a lot to learn from them. I rate this book at a 4 on the emotional level and overall.
A question you would ask before reading: Can two people that are completely different become best friends?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Polar Opposites
b.) Students are asked to analyze characters and develop a polar opposites guide. The teacher develops a list of traits for the two characters that describe him/her. Then the teacher identifies the opposite of the traits. Students rate the characters on the guide once reading has concluded.
c.) I like the concept of the activity, but I would add to it for this particular text. I would create a guide of the different traits the hippo and the tortoise have and have the children categorize each animal. This would help them see how different the two are physically. To add to it, I would have students create similarities between the two... focusing on their actions rather than physical attributes. This would be a great way to show children that just because someone looks different does not mean they do not have similar attributes internally. "Never judge a book by its cover".
Annotation: An amazing true story about a very peculiar friendship. Owen, a baby hippo, is left abandoned after the 2004 tsunami and is taken in by a 130 year old giant tortoise. The crazy duo begins to do everything together, eating, swimming, playing and eating. They form a bond after an unthinkable disaster that makes you understand what true friendship is all about.
Genre: Animal stories
Grade Level: PK-2
Readers who will like this book: Anybody with a heart! Children will love the unsuspecting friendship and the photographs just add to the beauty of it.
Personal response: I had never heard about this pair before reading the book and it brought tears to my eyes! It is a great story of what friendship is and should be and the pictures are so heartwarming. I love animals and think we have a lot to learn from them. I rate this book at a 4 on the emotional level and overall.
A question you would ask before reading: Can two people that are completely different become best friends?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Polar Opposites
b.) Students are asked to analyze characters and develop a polar opposites guide. The teacher develops a list of traits for the two characters that describe him/her. Then the teacher identifies the opposite of the traits. Students rate the characters on the guide once reading has concluded.
c.) I like the concept of the activity, but I would add to it for this particular text. I would create a guide of the different traits the hippo and the tortoise have and have the children categorize each animal. This would help them see how different the two are physically. To add to it, I would have students create similarities between the two... focusing on their actions rather than physical attributes. This would be a great way to show children that just because someone looks different does not mean they do not have similar attributes internally. "Never judge a book by its cover".
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Bibliographic Info: Lewis, C.S. (1994). The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Illus. Pauline Baynes. New York, New York: HarperCollinsPublishers.
Annotation: In this book, part of a series, four siblings discover a magical land behind a door in a large wardrobe. The door leads them to Narnia and as time seems to stand still in "reality" they spend endless time battling the white witch who has brought eternal winter to the land.
Genre: Children's fantasy/adventure
Grade Level: 6-8
Readers who will like this book: It is a big book, so readers who do not get distracted easily and enjoy adventure and fantasy. Advanced readers may like this book at an earlier age.
Personal Response: I enjoy the Narnia series and after going back to the book, have solidified that the books are always far better than any movies made after them! I love adventure/fantasy books and this one does not disappoint. It keeps readers enthralled from beginning to end. I rate this book at a 3, it may be too intense for some younger readers.
A question you would ask before reading (assigning): Do you ever wish you could escape reality once in awhile and be able to return to it undisturbed?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Character Webs
b.) Character webs allow children to identify key characters and their traits using examples from the text as evidence. Webbing can lead to heightened comprehension and learning and draws children deeper into the text while looking for supporting examples.
c.) This strategy would be useful for this text because there are numerous characters to keep track of. Having the character webs on hand while reading will help the reader follow along more closely and they will be able to comprehend the events in the book at a greater level. It also encourages children to pay close attention to detail when they are reading so they can accurately record what happens with each character.
Annotation: In this book, part of a series, four siblings discover a magical land behind a door in a large wardrobe. The door leads them to Narnia and as time seems to stand still in "reality" they spend endless time battling the white witch who has brought eternal winter to the land.
Genre: Children's fantasy/adventure
Grade Level: 6-8
Readers who will like this book: It is a big book, so readers who do not get distracted easily and enjoy adventure and fantasy. Advanced readers may like this book at an earlier age.
Personal Response: I enjoy the Narnia series and after going back to the book, have solidified that the books are always far better than any movies made after them! I love adventure/fantasy books and this one does not disappoint. It keeps readers enthralled from beginning to end. I rate this book at a 3, it may be too intense for some younger readers.
A question you would ask before reading (assigning): Do you ever wish you could escape reality once in awhile and be able to return to it undisturbed?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a.) Character Webs
b.) Character webs allow children to identify key characters and their traits using examples from the text as evidence. Webbing can lead to heightened comprehension and learning and draws children deeper into the text while looking for supporting examples.
c.) This strategy would be useful for this text because there are numerous characters to keep track of. Having the character webs on hand while reading will help the reader follow along more closely and they will be able to comprehend the events in the book at a greater level. It also encourages children to pay close attention to detail when they are reading so they can accurately record what happens with each character.
Flotsam
Bibliographic Info: Wiesner, D. (2006). Flotsam. Illus. David Wiesner. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: This is a boldly colorful, wordless book about a boy who finds a camera and discovers it is full of under water pictures that tell their own story.
Genre: Wordless picturebook
Grade level: Pk-3
Readers who will like this book: Children that are able to gather their own ideas and tell stories through pictures. Any child with an active imagination!
Personal response: The pictures were very intense in this book, I personally found it hard to concentrate on during the first few passes. After soaking up all of the detail in the illustration, I was able to start over and really take in the story. I rate this book at a 3.
A question you would ask before reading: What do you think is under all of that water in the sea? Lake?
Award Info: Flotsam was awarded the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2006. The Caldecott Medal is given annually to the illustrator of the most distinguished picturebook for children that is published in the United States. The book must be published in the previous year to receive the award.
Reading Strategies Connection:
a). Internet Investigations
b.) This connection allows children to perform research on the Internet regarding a given topic. They are able to research about real event, people, places or other information. Students begin by composing questions about the book and the teacher composes a list of "search" terms for them to use in the computer. Once more relevant information is found, the students are able to share their findings with the class.
c.) I believe this strategy would be useful to show children the expanse of life beneath the ocean surface. There are so many things you would be able to do research on...underwater plants, animals, formations, water currents, the possibilities are endless. This would be a useful strategy to get children started in an ocean unit or just to expand their knowledge on the ocean itself! It relates to this particular book. Flotsam, because the boy discovers the camera from the water and the pictures within in.
Annotation: This is a boldly colorful, wordless book about a boy who finds a camera and discovers it is full of under water pictures that tell their own story.
Genre: Wordless picturebook
Grade level: Pk-3
Readers who will like this book: Children that are able to gather their own ideas and tell stories through pictures. Any child with an active imagination!
Personal response: The pictures were very intense in this book, I personally found it hard to concentrate on during the first few passes. After soaking up all of the detail in the illustration, I was able to start over and really take in the story. I rate this book at a 3.
A question you would ask before reading: What do you think is under all of that water in the sea? Lake?
Award Info: Flotsam was awarded the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 2006. The Caldecott Medal is given annually to the illustrator of the most distinguished picturebook for children that is published in the United States. The book must be published in the previous year to receive the award.
Reading Strategies Connection:
a). Internet Investigations
b.) This connection allows children to perform research on the Internet regarding a given topic. They are able to research about real event, people, places or other information. Students begin by composing questions about the book and the teacher composes a list of "search" terms for them to use in the computer. Once more relevant information is found, the students are able to share their findings with the class.
c.) I believe this strategy would be useful to show children the expanse of life beneath the ocean surface. There are so many things you would be able to do research on...underwater plants, animals, formations, water currents, the possibilities are endless. This would be a useful strategy to get children started in an ocean unit or just to expand their knowledge on the ocean itself! It relates to this particular book. Flotsam, because the boy discovers the camera from the water and the pictures within in.
Tuesday
Bibliographic Info: Wiesner, D. (2011). Tuesday. Illus. David Wiesner. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: This wonderfully wacky books follows a parade of frogs on their adventure one Tuesday night. It begins with them floating through town on their lily pads and follows them until dawn breaks and they return to the ground... a little confused.
Genre: Animal picturebook/fiction
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Children with a sense of adventure and a love of art. Adults will also enjoy the little details in each picture and the overall silliness of the book.
Personal response: I absolutely love this book! I had to go out and finally buy a copy of my own. The pictures are beautiful and I can not get over the expressions on the bullfrog's faces as they soar through town. It is very entertaining and can bring out the best in a child's imagination. I give this book a definite 4.
A question you would ask: What do you think animals do when everyone else is asleep?
Annotation: This wonderfully wacky books follows a parade of frogs on their adventure one Tuesday night. It begins with them floating through town on their lily pads and follows them until dawn breaks and they return to the ground... a little confused.
Genre: Animal picturebook/fiction
Grade Level: PK-3
Readers who will like this book: Children with a sense of adventure and a love of art. Adults will also enjoy the little details in each picture and the overall silliness of the book.
Personal response: I absolutely love this book! I had to go out and finally buy a copy of my own. The pictures are beautiful and I can not get over the expressions on the bullfrog's faces as they soar through town. It is very entertaining and can bring out the best in a child's imagination. I give this book a definite 4.
A question you would ask: What do you think animals do when everyone else is asleep?
Thursday, March 8, 2012
The Polar Express
Bibliographic Info: Van Allsburg, C. (1985). The Polar Express. Illus. Chris Van Allsburg. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: A beautiful story of a boy who is taken on an adventure to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Although he is told Santa does not exist, he is proven otherwise. Not only does he meet Santa, he is chosen to be the recipient of the very first Christmas gift, a small bell off of the reindeer's sleigh.
Genre: Fiction/Holiday
Grade Level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: Any child or adult that believes in the magic of Christmas and a young child's beliefs.
Personal response: This book has always been a favorite of mine. It really is a magical and well told story that reminds us that there will always be a certain magic feeling about Christmas especially when it is shared with children. This book has a definite rating of 4!
A question you would ask before reading: Have you ever wished you could travel to the North Pole? What do you imagine it would look like?
Award Winner Info: The Polar Express was the recipient of the Randolph Caldecott Medal in 1986. This award is given annually to the illustrator of the most distinguished picturebook for children in the preceding year. The book must be published in the United States.
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
Bibliographic Info: Rylant, C. (2006). Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas. Illus. Sucie Stevenson. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing.
Annotation: Henry and Mudge are on an adventure to see Great-Grandpa Bill at his retirement home and find more excitement than they imagined. Henry and Mudge discover a pond to swim in and all of the "Grandpas" join them in a very cute story.
Genre: Children's fiction/animals
Grade level: K-3
Readers who will like this book: I have found that most all children really enjoy the adventures of Henry and Mudge (especially Mudge). Children who have a favorite pet, had a favorite pet or want a pet will like to hear about all of the crazy adventures of a boy and his big old dog.
Personal response: I personally love the Henry and Mudge books. I never came across this book until this assignment and I love that Great-Grandpa Bill and all of his buddies join Henry and Mudge in their adventure. I also like how these books are broken up into "chapters" for emerging readers. It gives them a sense of accomplishment after just a handful of pages.
A question you would ask before reading: Have any of you ever visited a relative, family friend in a retirement home? What is a retirement home?
Award winner Info: 2006 recipient of the Theodore Seuss Geisel Award which is given annually to the author and illustrator of the most distinguished book for beginning readers. The book must be published in English, in the United States during the preceding year.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Faraway Home
Bibliographic Info: Kurtz, J. (2000). Faraway Home. Illus. E. B. Lewis. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Annotation: This book tells the story of a father explaining to his American born daughter about his life growing up in Ethipoia. He learns his mother is sick and travels back to Ethipoia as his daughter wonders where he truly belongs. Desta, his daughter, worries that Ethipoia is too dangerous and that he will never return.
Genre: African American fiction/Family
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who are curious about other countries, cultures, or places. Children who are not native to America may enjoy it and feel comfort while reading.
Personal response: I love this book. It is beautifully written and the illustrations are stunning, they set the mood for each page. It captures the love and fear of a child for her father perfectly. I would definitely rate this as a 4 and I plan to add it to my collection.
A question you might ask before reading: Have you ever been somewhere long enough to miss "home"?
Reading strategies connection:
a). Character Perspective Chart
b). Allow students to map out a story while interpreting it in different ways. Students are guided to look at the story from more than one of the characters viewpoints.
c). This reading strategy would be beneficial because it helps the children see both the father's view of the events and the daughters. It allows them to critically think in both characters shoes creating a different feel to the book. Having the students create a character perspective chart will encourage them to really pick apart the book and form their own opinions on feelings, ideas and so on.
Annotation: This book tells the story of a father explaining to his American born daughter about his life growing up in Ethipoia. He learns his mother is sick and travels back to Ethipoia as his daughter wonders where he truly belongs. Desta, his daughter, worries that Ethipoia is too dangerous and that he will never return.
Genre: African American fiction/Family
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who are curious about other countries, cultures, or places. Children who are not native to America may enjoy it and feel comfort while reading.
Personal response: I love this book. It is beautifully written and the illustrations are stunning, they set the mood for each page. It captures the love and fear of a child for her father perfectly. I would definitely rate this as a 4 and I plan to add it to my collection.
A question you might ask before reading: Have you ever been somewhere long enough to miss "home"?
Reading strategies connection:
a). Character Perspective Chart
b). Allow students to map out a story while interpreting it in different ways. Students are guided to look at the story from more than one of the characters viewpoints.
c). This reading strategy would be beneficial because it helps the children see both the father's view of the events and the daughters. It allows them to critically think in both characters shoes creating a different feel to the book. Having the students create a character perspective chart will encourage them to really pick apart the book and form their own opinions on feelings, ideas and so on.
Ariadne, Awake!
Bibliographic Info: Orgel, D. (1994). Ariadne, Awake!. Illus. Barry Moser. New York, New York: Penguin Group.
Annotation: The story of Ariadne, a young princess in Athens, who is on a quest for love. She meets Theseus, the prince of Athens and falls madly in love. Ariadne will stop at nothing while fighting for the prince and his love. She is even faced with a challenge of fighting her tyrant father and leaving her home to find happiness.
Genre: Fiction/Roman Mythology
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who are interested in action and an intertwining friendship/love story. Any children that are studying mythology or interested in those such as Hercules, hades, etc...
Personal response: I have always been a fan of Roman or Greek mythology and the morals their stories hold. I enjoyed this book and can see where a young child would get far more satisfaction for me. Although some of the content may be a little "over the head" of such young readers, it does have enough action to keep them interested. I rate this at a 2.
Annotation: The story of Ariadne, a young princess in Athens, who is on a quest for love. She meets Theseus, the prince of Athens and falls madly in love. Ariadne will stop at nothing while fighting for the prince and his love. She is even faced with a challenge of fighting her tyrant father and leaving her home to find happiness.
Genre: Fiction/Roman Mythology
Grade Level: 1-3
Readers who will like this book: Children who are interested in action and an intertwining friendship/love story. Any children that are studying mythology or interested in those such as Hercules, hades, etc...
Personal response: I have always been a fan of Roman or Greek mythology and the morals their stories hold. I enjoyed this book and can see where a young child would get far more satisfaction for me. Although some of the content may be a little "over the head" of such young readers, it does have enough action to keep them interested. I rate this at a 2.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
Bibliographic Info: Silverstein, S. (2004). Where the Sidewalk Ends. Illus. Shel Silverstein. New York, New York: Harper Collins.
Annotation: This book holds over 180 pages of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. Most of the poems are extremely short but so cute and funny. Some make absolutely no sense at all and that just adds to the silliness of them. The drawings that accompany the poems are some of my all time favorites.
Genre: Comical/Children's Poetry
Grade Level: 3-6+
Readers who will like this book: Children of all ages will like the poems in this book. I think many emerging readers will enjoy the simplicity of some of the poems. It is a big book, but I think they would feel comfortable taking it just one or two poems at a time until confidence is built. Kids with a good sense of humor will love to read this or be read to.
Personal response: I really like all of Shel Silverstein's books. I own quite a few and I can still go back after years and laugh at the poems and pictures. The whole book has an upbeat tempo that keeps readers wanting to read another poem. I rate this book at a 4... I am not one to get wrapped up in poetry, but I can manage this. :)
A question you would ask before reading: It depends on the poem or poems being read. You can ask a goofy question "What would you do if you were an inch tall"... (for One Inch Tall) or even ask a question regarding a child's knowledge of poetry. Have you ever read a poem? Written a poem?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a). Poetic responses
b). A poetic response encourages children to write poetry in response to the literature read. Students are able to explore and express their understandings and feelings about a reading selection.
c.) This would be a great strategy for children of any age to create their own silly poem in response to those read in Where the Sidewalk Ends. Silverstein has such a huge array of poetry that it would be exciting for a child to make one poem (or several) of their own to share. They could write a response to a chosen poem or make one up entirely from scratch. It would get their artistic juices flowing.
Annotation: This book holds over 180 pages of poems and drawings by Shel Silverstein. Most of the poems are extremely short but so cute and funny. Some make absolutely no sense at all and that just adds to the silliness of them. The drawings that accompany the poems are some of my all time favorites.
Genre: Comical/Children's Poetry
Grade Level: 3-6+
Readers who will like this book: Children of all ages will like the poems in this book. I think many emerging readers will enjoy the simplicity of some of the poems. It is a big book, but I think they would feel comfortable taking it just one or two poems at a time until confidence is built. Kids with a good sense of humor will love to read this or be read to.
Personal response: I really like all of Shel Silverstein's books. I own quite a few and I can still go back after years and laugh at the poems and pictures. The whole book has an upbeat tempo that keeps readers wanting to read another poem. I rate this book at a 4... I am not one to get wrapped up in poetry, but I can manage this. :)
A question you would ask before reading: It depends on the poem or poems being read. You can ask a goofy question "What would you do if you were an inch tall"... (for One Inch Tall) or even ask a question regarding a child's knowledge of poetry. Have you ever read a poem? Written a poem?
Reading Strategies Connection:
a). Poetic responses
b). A poetic response encourages children to write poetry in response to the literature read. Students are able to explore and express their understandings and feelings about a reading selection.
c.) This would be a great strategy for children of any age to create their own silly poem in response to those read in Where the Sidewalk Ends. Silverstein has such a huge array of poetry that it would be exciting for a child to make one poem (or several) of their own to share. They could write a response to a chosen poem or make one up entirely from scratch. It would get their artistic juices flowing.
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