Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2010). Blue Chameleon. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Lonely chameleon changes his color to try to find a friend.
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever felt lonely and tried to find a friend.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. As with so many of Gravett's other books, the front and back endpages tell more of the story. Sparse text with vividly colored illustrations help the reader to discern chameleon's feelings.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What does it feel like to be lonely?
Showing posts with label Nicole Felton. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nicole Felton. Show all posts
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Orange Pear Apple Bear
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2005). Orange Pear Apple Bear. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: The story of an orange, a pear, an apple, and a bear, told with only those words and illustrations.
Genre: Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 1
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, and those who like books where the illustrations provide meaning to the words.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. With minimal language, Gravett changes the story through the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Does it matter what order words are written in?
Brief Annotation: The story of an orange, a pear, an apple, and a bear, told with only those words and illustrations.
Genre: Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 1
Readers who will like this book: Beginning readers, and those who like books where the illustrations provide meaning to the words.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. With minimal language, Gravett changes the story through the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Does it matter what order words are written in?
Dogs
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2009). Dogs. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Describes all the different kinds of dogs the narrator loves, with a twist ending.
Genre: Concept Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: All dog lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Gravett's illustrations provide more information than the sparse text in this book. Adults won't be able to keep themselves from laughing at the surprise ending.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: If you like dogs, what is your favorite kind of dog?
Brief Annotation: Describes all the different kinds of dogs the narrator loves, with a twist ending.
Genre: Concept Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: All dog lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Gravett's illustrations provide more information than the sparse text in this book. Adults won't be able to keep themselves from laughing at the surprise ending.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: If you like dogs, what is your favorite kind of dog?
Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2007). Little Mouse's Big Book of Fears. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Little Mouse has lots of fears. Follow him as he records his fears in a book designed to help him get over those fears.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever been afraid of something.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Like Gravett's other postmodern picturebooks, there are lots of things to look at and read in this book. Fun and humorous.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What are you afraid of?
Brief Annotation: Little Mouse has lots of fears. Follow him as he records his fears in a book designed to help him get over those fears.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever been afraid of something.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Like Gravett's other postmodern picturebooks, there are lots of things to look at and read in this book. Fun and humorous.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What are you afraid of?
Spells
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2008). Spells. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Frog finds a book of spells, but he's torn the pages up. Follow frog, and create your own spells, as he tries to piece together the page that will turn him into a handsome prince.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes spells, and wishes they could cast some of their own.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful interactive book, where kids can make crazy creations. The pages with the spells are split in half horizontally, and the pictures and text make some funny animals out of frog.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would the words in a spell be? What kind of spell would you like to cast?
Brief Annotation: Frog finds a book of spells, but he's torn the pages up. Follow frog, and create your own spells, as he tries to piece together the page that will turn him into a handsome prince.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes spells, and wishes they could cast some of their own.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful interactive book, where kids can make crazy creations. The pages with the spells are split in half horizontally, and the pictures and text make some funny animals out of frog.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would the words in a spell be? What kind of spell would you like to cast?
The Rabbit Problem
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2009). The Rabbit Problem. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Follow these rabbits through the months of a year, as they battle with hunger, boredom, and an ever-growing population.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves bunnies, and/or math.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. An ingenious way to look at the mathematical concept of Fibonacci's sequence, despite the fact that the author swears it is not a book about math. Fun and funny, no matter how you look at it!
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What happens when there are too many rabbits in one place?
Brief Annotation: Follow these rabbits through the months of a year, as they battle with hunger, boredom, and an ever-growing population.
Genre: Postmodern Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves bunnies, and/or math.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. An ingenious way to look at the mathematical concept of Fibonacci's sequence, despite the fact that the author swears it is not a book about math. Fun and funny, no matter how you look at it!
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What happens when there are too many rabbits in one place?
The Odd Egg
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2008). The Odd Egg. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Every bird had an egg, except Duck, until he finds the most beautiful egg. Duck's egg is the last to hatch and - watch out!
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes surprise endings! And anyone who has ever been laughed at for being different.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful story that relates the idea differences sometimes being a wonderful surprise! The back endpages continue the story, as many of books by this author also use the front and back endpages to help tell the story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Is it ok to laugh at someone for being different?
10/40: Guided Reading from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
I would use this book in small group guided reading instruction. The goal of guided reading is to boost students' fluency and comprehension. I would introduce the book; have the students take turns reading pages out loud; ask questions of the students as we read, encouraging them to respond; and place copies of the book in each student's book bag for independent reading. I believe that this book would work well for this strategy, especially in first grade, because the sentences are simple, the text and story are fun and entertaining, and I believe that students would enjoy rereading it on their own.
Brief Annotation: Every bird had an egg, except Duck, until he finds the most beautiful egg. Duck's egg is the last to hatch and - watch out!
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who likes surprise endings! And anyone who has ever been laughed at for being different.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A delightful story that relates the idea differences sometimes being a wonderful surprise! The back endpages continue the story, as many of books by this author also use the front and back endpages to help tell the story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Is it ok to laugh at someone for being different?
10/40: Guided Reading from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
I would use this book in small group guided reading instruction. The goal of guided reading is to boost students' fluency and comprehension. I would introduce the book; have the students take turns reading pages out loud; ask questions of the students as we read, encouraging them to respond; and place copies of the book in each student's book bag for independent reading. I believe that this book would work well for this strategy, especially in first grade, because the sentences are simple, the text and story are fun and entertaining, and I believe that students would enjoy rereading it on their own.
Monkey and Me
Bibliographic Information: Gravett, E. (2007). Monkey and Me. Illus. Emily Gravett. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: A little girl and her stuffed monkey imitate the animals they see.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has a toy that they bring with them everywhere, and play fun games with.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Absolutely fun to try to guess what animal they will see next. Loads of subtle humor (primarily for the adults reading this book) in the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can you imitate different animals? What can you do that animals also do?
Brief Annotation: A little girl and her stuffed monkey imitate the animals they see.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Picture Storybook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has a toy that they bring with them everywhere, and play fun games with.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Absolutely fun to try to guess what animal they will see next. Loads of subtle humor (primarily for the adults reading this book) in the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can you imitate different animals? What can you do that animals also do?
Hoot
Bibliographic Information: Hiaasen, C. (2002). Hoot. New York, NY: Yearling, an imprint of Random House Children's Books.
A 2002 Newbery Honor Book: Distinguished contribution to American literature in a book for children, the following criteria are considered for the award: interpretation of the theme or concept; presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization; development of a plot; delineation of characters; delineation of setting; appropriateness of style; excellence of presentation for a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in town, battling bullies and trailing after a mysterious boy on a mission to save some owls.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves nature, zany characters and mysterious plots.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A real hoot! Brings up some delightful discussion topics about preserving nature, bullying, and being a true believer.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How far would you go to protect something you believe in?
10/40: Plot Profiles from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This strategy is used to focus on the plot development of a story. The teacher creates a profile chart, introduces that chart after the class has read and discussed the first chapter, then charts the tension and excitement of the plot in that chapter. The class will continue to chart the plot development after each chapter. Once the book and profile chart are completed, the class will engage in a grand conversation about the overall plot development of the book. This book lends itself very well to the use of plot profiling, as it has many tense and exciting moments that all build up to the conclusion of the story.
A 2002 Newbery Honor Book: Distinguished contribution to American literature in a book for children, the following criteria are considered for the award: interpretation of the theme or concept; presentation of information including accuracy, clarity, and organization; development of a plot; delineation of characters; delineation of setting; appropriateness of style; excellence of presentation for a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: Roy Eberhardt is the new kid in town, battling bullies and trailing after a mysterious boy on a mission to save some owls.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves nature, zany characters and mysterious plots.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A real hoot! Brings up some delightful discussion topics about preserving nature, bullying, and being a true believer.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How far would you go to protect something you believe in?
10/40: Plot Profiles from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This strategy is used to focus on the plot development of a story. The teacher creates a profile chart, introduces that chart after the class has read and discussed the first chapter, then charts the tension and excitement of the plot in that chapter. The class will continue to chart the plot development after each chapter. Once the book and profile chart are completed, the class will engage in a grand conversation about the overall plot development of the book. This book lends itself very well to the use of plot profiling, as it has many tense and exciting moments that all build up to the conclusion of the story.
Tuesday
Bibliographic Information: Wiesner, D. (1991). Tuesday. Illus. David Wiesner. New York, NY: Clarion Books.
Winner of the 1992 Caldecott Medal: Criteria for award in illustration as follows:
Excellence of execution in artistic technique employed; excellence in pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures; excellence in presentation in recognition of a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: The story of what happens on Tuesday night, after we go to sleep.
Genre: Wordless Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever wondered what happens while they're sleeping.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderfully imaginative story! It opens up the possibility of many conversations with children; and shows that imagination matters.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What do you think happens after you fall asleep? Does everything and everyone else sleep at the same time you do?
Winner of the 1992 Caldecott Medal: Criteria for award in illustration as follows:
Excellence of execution in artistic technique employed; excellence in pictorial interpretation of story, theme, or concept; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting, mood or information through the pictures; excellence in presentation in recognition of a child audience; the book must be a self-contained entity.
Brief Annotation: The story of what happens on Tuesday night, after we go to sleep.
Genre: Wordless Picturebook, Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever wondered what happens while they're sleeping.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderfully imaginative story! It opens up the possibility of many conversations with children; and shows that imagination matters.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What do you think happens after you fall asleep? Does everything and everyone else sleep at the same time you do?
The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses
Bibliographic Information: Goble, P. (1978). The Girl Who Loved Wild Horses. Illus. Paul Goble. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
Brief Annotation: A young girl takes care of her tribe's horses. One day a storm comes upon the herd, causing them to run. The herd, and the girl, discover a large herd of wild horses, where they remain. One day, the girl becomes a horse, to forever live among them.
Genre: Native American Fok Legend
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever loved something so much, they wanted to become it; and those who enjoy stories from other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Goble retells a wonderful legend, using beautiful, vibrant illustrations that contain true, meaningful symbols and patterns of the culture.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever loved something (other than another person) so much that you wished you could become that thing?
Brief Annotation: A young girl takes care of her tribe's horses. One day a storm comes upon the herd, causing them to run. The herd, and the girl, discover a large herd of wild horses, where they remain. One day, the girl becomes a horse, to forever live among them.
Genre: Native American Fok Legend
Grade Level: K - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever loved something so much, they wanted to become it; and those who enjoy stories from other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Goble retells a wonderful legend, using beautiful, vibrant illustrations that contain true, meaningful symbols and patterns of the culture.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever loved something (other than another person) so much that you wished you could become that thing?
The Game of Silence
Bibliographic Information: Erdrich, L. (2005). The Game of Silence. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books.
Brief Annotation: In this sequel to The Birchbark House, Omakayas and her family receive visitors who have been forced from their land. Through the year, she will struggle with her own emotions, and learn that she must leave her beloved home, an island in Lake Superior.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Readers who have previously read The Birchbark House, and those who enjoy glimpses into other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I have long been a reader of Louise Erdrich's novels. In this novel for young readers, she has not forfeited any of her ability to compose prose in a poetic and lyrical manner. It is a heart-wrenching story, with fictional characters, yet based on true information. I love her use of Objiwe words, and the inclusion of a dictionary of these words at the end of the book.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to have to leave your home and move somewhere unknown? Would you be able to live off the world around you, without supermarkets, television, or computers?
10/40: Quickwrites from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
As my class, or small group, moves through the chapters of this book, I would provide them with prompts related to the book. I would ask them to spend 5 - 10 minutes writing their ideas, then have them share these ideas. I believe this would allow my students to consider some to the big concepts contained in this book, such as westward expansion, white settlers invasion of tribal lands, and conflict between European settlers and native peoples.
Brief Annotation: In this sequel to The Birchbark House, Omakayas and her family receive visitors who have been forced from their land. Through the year, she will struggle with her own emotions, and learn that she must leave her beloved home, an island in Lake Superior.
Genre: Historical Fiction
Grade Level: 5 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Readers who have previously read The Birchbark House, and those who enjoy glimpses into other cultures.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I have long been a reader of Louise Erdrich's novels. In this novel for young readers, she has not forfeited any of her ability to compose prose in a poetic and lyrical manner. It is a heart-wrenching story, with fictional characters, yet based on true information. I love her use of Objiwe words, and the inclusion of a dictionary of these words at the end of the book.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What would it be like to have to leave your home and move somewhere unknown? Would you be able to live off the world around you, without supermarkets, television, or computers?
10/40: Quickwrites from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
As my class, or small group, moves through the chapters of this book, I would provide them with prompts related to the book. I would ask them to spend 5 - 10 minutes writing their ideas, then have them share these ideas. I believe this would allow my students to consider some to the big concepts contained in this book, such as westward expansion, white settlers invasion of tribal lands, and conflict between European settlers and native peoples.
Henry's Freedom Box
Bibliographic Information: Levine, E. (2007). Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story from the Underground Railroad. Illus. Kadir Nelson. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Brief Annotation: Henry was a slave. When his family is sold and taken away from him, with help he devises a plan for freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves inspirational stories; and anyone who believes in freedom.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I think this book presents a poignant portrait of one man's struggle through slavery, and the power of freedom.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: In what ways did slavery affect the lives of slaves? What does freedom mean?
Brief Annotation: Henry was a slave. When his family is sold and taken away from him, with help he devises a plan for freedom.
Genre: Historical Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: 2 - 5
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves inspirational stories; and anyone who believes in freedom.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I think this book presents a poignant portrait of one man's struggle through slavery, and the power of freedom.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: In what ways did slavery affect the lives of slaves? What does freedom mean?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Bibliographic Information: Stead, P.C. (2010). A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Illus. Erin E. Stead. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press.
Brief Annotation: Amos McGee is a wonderful zookeeper, who has many close friends at the zoo. When he gets sick and can't make it to work, his friends hop on a bus and visit him.
Genre: Animal Fantasy, Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever had to stay home sick, and missed their friends.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This is a wonderful little story about friendship. I love the illustrations.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What does it feel like when you have to stay home sick?
10/40: Story Boards from 50 Literacy Strategies, by Gail E. Tompkins
This is a wonderful strategy for Kindergarten through second grade. In this strategy, I would create storyboards by cutting out the illustrations from two copies of the book, attaching these to tagboard, and laminating them. I would ask the students to use the storyboards to sequence the story after a read aloud. This strategy helps students to grasp the concept of story sequence. As there are several pages of pure illustration in this book, I believe it would be an ideal story for story boarding.
Star Boy
Bibliographic Information: Goble, P. (1983). Star Boy. Illus. Paul Goble. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks, in imprint of Simon & Schuster.
Brief Annotation: Star Boy, the son of Morning Star and a human woman, is banished from Sky World. As he grows, he finds the strength and courage, with the help of the chief's daughter, to make peace with the Sun, who passes on the sacred Sun Dance.
Genre: Porquoi Tale (Native American)
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in cultures other than their own, or stories of the origins of things.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The illustrations are bright, vivid and authentic, representing the culture well. It is a beautiful story of the origin of a very important ceremony.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Are stories from other cultures just as important as those of your culture? Do stories tell us anything important about other cultures?
Brief Annotation: Star Boy, the son of Morning Star and a human woman, is banished from Sky World. As he grows, he finds the strength and courage, with the help of the chief's daughter, to make peace with the Sun, who passes on the sacred Sun Dance.
Genre: Porquoi Tale (Native American)
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in cultures other than their own, or stories of the origins of things.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The illustrations are bright, vivid and authentic, representing the culture well. It is a beautiful story of the origin of a very important ceremony.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Are stories from other cultures just as important as those of your culture? Do stories tell us anything important about other cultures?
The Whole World's Crazy: An Amelia Rules! Book
Bibliographic Information: Gownley, J. (2009). The Whole World's Crazy: An Amelia Rules! Book. Illus. Jimmy Gownley. New York, NY: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: Join Amelia and her friends as battle their way through bullies, gym class, and other adventures.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever run into trouble and had friends to help them through it.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This was my first experience with the graphic novel format, and I loved it. I think that this book could really help children who have divorced parents understand that they are not alone.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can friends help make our lives a little easier?
Brief Annotation: Join Amelia and her friends as battle their way through bullies, gym class, and other adventures.
Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who has ever run into trouble and had friends to help them through it.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. This was my first experience with the graphic novel format, and I loved it. I think that this book could really help children who have divorced parents understand that they are not alone.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can friends help make our lives a little easier?
Owl Moon
Bibliographic Information: Yolen, J. (1987). Owl Moon. Illus. John Schoenherr. New York, NY: Philomel Books.
Brief Annotation: A wonderful story about a young girl's first experience night owling with her father.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: K - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves to experience the magnificence and beauty of nature.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The author uses wonderful detail to describe every aspect of the experience. The illustrations are realistic and enchanting.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What time of day would you expect to see an owl? Can you make a lot of noise if you want to spot wild animals?
Brief Annotation: A wonderful story about a young girl's first experience night owling with her father.
Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction Picturebook
Grade Level: K - 4
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves to experience the magnificence and beauty of nature.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. The author uses wonderful detail to describe every aspect of the experience. The illustrations are realistic and enchanting.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: What time of day would you expect to see an owl? Can you make a lot of noise if you want to spot wild animals?
Stranger in the Woods
Bibliographic Information: Sams, C.R. II & Stoick, J. (2000). Stranger in the Woods. Milford, MI: Carl R. Sams II Photography, Inc.
Brief Annotation: A delightful story about animals in the winter woods discovering a stranger with food.
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Animal lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I really like this story. It gives the animals' perspectives while it shows us how to get close to wild animals.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How do animals survive the winter? Is there anything that we can do to help them survive winter?
Brief Annotation: A delightful story about animals in the winter woods discovering a stranger with food.
Genre: Animal Fantasy
Grade Level: PreK - 4
Readers who will like this book: Animal lovers!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. I really like this story. It gives the animals' perspectives while it shows us how to get close to wild animals.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How do animals survive the winter? Is there anything that we can do to help them survive winter?
Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai
Bibliographic Information: Nivola, C.A. (2008). Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai. Illus. Claire A. Nivola. New York, NY: Frances Foster Books.
Brief Annotation: This is a beautifully illustrated account of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai's determination to restore her country to the beautiful place it was in her childhood. It includes a short biography of Maathai at the end.
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 2 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in biographies. Young girls who want to make a difference and have a profound effect on their world.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A wonderful look into the life of a courageous, determined, yet modest woman who changed her world for the better. A truly inspiring story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can one person make a real difference in the world?
Brief Annotation: This is a beautifully illustrated account of 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai's determination to restore her country to the beautiful place it was in her childhood. It includes a short biography of Maathai at the end.
Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 2 - 8
Readers who will like this book: Anyone interested in biographies. Young girls who want to make a difference and have a profound effect on their world.
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. A wonderful look into the life of a courageous, determined, yet modest woman who changed her world for the better. A truly inspiring story.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: How can one person make a real difference in the world?
All the Water in the World
Bibliographic Information: Lyon, G.E. (2011). All the Water in the World. Illus. Katherine Tillotson. New York, NY: Antheneum Books for Young Readers.
Brief Annotation: A wonderfully simple way to answer the question 'where does water come from?' It also lists many uses, and who and what need water to survive.
Genre: Nonfiction Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves water!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Not only does the author put into simple words where water comes from, but the text itself moves and flows like water. At the end, the author asks us to keep our water clean, a wonderful way to point out that humans have a great effect on water sources.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Where does the water we use everyday come from? How important is water to all forms of life?
Brief Annotation: A wonderfully simple way to answer the question 'where does water come from?' It also lists many uses, and who and what need water to survive.
Genre: Nonfiction Picturebook
Grade Level: PreK - 2
Readers who will like this book: Anyone who loves water!
Rating/Response: 4 out of 4. Not only does the author put into simple words where water comes from, but the text itself moves and flows like water. At the end, the author asks us to keep our water clean, a wonderful way to point out that humans have a great effect on water sources.
One question I would ask before a read aloud: Where does the water we use everyday come from? How important is water to all forms of life?
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