Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
2004, The Caldecott Medal
Reader: I really enjoyed this book and its simplicity. I thought it did a great job explaining perception and perspective. This book took the reader on a journey and I was excited to see what was going to happen next. The large black words and black and white illustrations really captured the readers attention. I am typically not interested in black and white illustrations. However, this was really well done.
Teacher: I would use this book with preschool-second graders. This book would be great for story time on the rug with younger grades as well as perception and perspective analysis with slightly older children. This book could also be read and discussed when in a science/astronomy unit
when the moon is discussed.
Finders Keepers by Will and Nicolas
1951, The Caldecott Medal
Reader: I loved this book! It was written in the early 1950's but this book is more relevant today then ever. Sharing a BIG problem with children and siblings and this book addresses that wonderfully! I would read this to children as a parent and teacher.
Teacher: This book is best suited for younger children in preschool-third grade. Sharing is the theme of the book and can be relevant in most any elementary grade.This is ideal for kindergarten and first grade. After reading this book I think it is a must have in a classroom. I read this book to the class and possibly pair it with manners and classroom etiquette.
The Polar Express by Chis Van Allsburg
1985, The Caldecott Medal
Reader: As a reader I enjoyed this book. I had first seen the movie and then read this book. I enjoyed its perspective and storyline. Also, the illustrations were really great. However, I didn't love it. Because it is a motion picture I feel that it takes away from the power of the book (typical).
Teacher: As a teacher I may read this around Christmas time. However, I don't think I would use it for any curricular use. Christmas isn't celebrated in all religions so I feel it can be tricky when too much emphasis is placed on this holiday or books supporting it. I think it would be a great book to have in the classroom for students to read or to read as a class for fun.
Pinkalicious by Victoria Kann and Patricia Kann
2006
Reader: I really enjoyed the fun playfulness of this
story. It was mainly directed towards girls because of the color scheme. However, the lesson learned is suitable for both genders. The illustrations in this book are also really kid friendly and bright. I enjoyed the book. I question if boys would enjoy it too.
Teacher: As a teacher I think this book is suitable for all ages of elementary especially kindergarten-fourth grade. The younger grades may enjoy the creativity of the story more but the lesson is very valuable. This book would be great paired with a health lesson or possibly and dental hygiene lesson. It is important to encourage students of all ages to eat healthy, espesially with childhood obesity rate increasing. Fun/interactive health lessons with this book could be really beneficial.
Two Bad Ants by Chis Van Allsburg
1988
Reader: I have recently fallen in LOVE with this book. I think it is very cute and clever. I could not wait to find out what the crystals were. The lesson within this story is very valuable. The aunts definitely learned their lesson and young children may be able to relate.
Teacher: As a teacher I would use this when discussing perspective. When the ants climb the "mountain," you could discuss why the brick wall seems to be a mountain to a small ant. Also, they could use hypothesis within the story to predict what the crystals are. Hypotheses can relate to science or experiments. Their are many things that could be done with this book. I feel that this book would be best suited for kindergarten to first graders. The pictures in the book basically tell the whole story as well. Younger children may enjoy this more that older children.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by
Laura Joffe Numeroff
1996
Reader: I really enjoyed this book and wonderful illustrations. I have heard of this book before and was glad to get the opportunity to read it. I found it to be very clever. I feel that children too would sense that cleverness and really enjoy the book as well.
Teacher: This book is so unique that I think it would have to have a place in an elementary class from roughly kindergarten-second grade. In the classroom I would pair this with manners or friendship. It would be interesting to discuss as a class the relationship between the boy and the mouse and how the mouse it taking advantage of him. This could be related to the classroom by someone borrowing a pencil and not returning it or other common situations where children take advantage of other children. This could be a great teaching tool in an elementary classroom.
Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter Yarrow and Lenny Lipton
2007
Reader: As a reader I loved the illustrations of this book. The color scheme and size of the illustrations really stood out. I was a bit confused with the book which forced me to read it a few time. I think I may have been over analyzing it. I did like the book but I would be curious is students felt the same what that I did.
Teacher: This book could be paired up with music or lyric writing. I think it would be a great book for a younger music class. As for in the classroom, I think it would be a great writing exercise to have students third-sixth grade write a song and repetitively implement it into a story they wrote. This could create discussion out story writing and the power of song in literary work. Also this book could be read without the song to show the true power of the song and how the book seems to lack without it.
Angelina Ballerina by Katharine Holabird
2006
Reader:As a reader I really enjoyed this cute story! It deals with honestly and the repercussions of not telling the truth. This is a valuable lessons for children to learn. I also enjoyed the simplicity of the illustrations. I felt that these really brought the book to life.
Teacher: As a teacher I may use this book when we are discussing honesty and also if honesty issues arise throughout the year. It could also be used to address self esteem issues. I feel that this is a great story to teach a lesson but the story is so well written that the lesson isn't the primary reason for the book. This book would be great for younger students in kindergarten-1st grade.
Eric Carle's ABC by Eric Carle
2007
Reader: As a reader I thought the illustrations were great! I am really enjoy Eric Carle's work in general. This book does a great job with the basic ABC's. I think children will enjoy this book especially if they are familiar with his other work
Teacher: As a teacher I would use this book in a Kindergarten classroom to help with the understanding of the ABC's. This book may also be good for young ESL learners or special education learners.
The Very Fairy Princess Takes the Stage by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton
2011
Reader: As a reader I thought this was a wonderful book. I think young girls will really enjoy this. It is directed more towards girls because of the princess theme but I thought the storyline was great.
Teacher: This book could be used when addressing stage fright or the ability to fit in with peers. This book encourages children to be different than their peers and to be who they really are. This is a great resource to have within a classroom because being different should be encouraged greatly! This book would be appropriate for kindergarten-second grade.
Skin Again by Bell Hooks
2004
Reader: I felt that this book spreads a great awareness about the issue of skin color. I think this book would be great to have in a diverse or non diverse classroom. This book spreads awareness of skin color and how we are all the same on the inside. However, I can see this book being an issue with narrow minded students and parents. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. They are different than what I usually prefer but I did enjoy them.
Teacher: As a teacher I think this is a great resource to have in any classroom. It would be most appropriate for younger students in Kindergarten through second grade. However, the message is very appropriate children and adults of ALL ages. It would be great for students to accept the difference of skin color very young. This would be a great book to use when discussing diversity or respect in general. This book is also a good resource if a diversity issue arises within the classroom especially with younger children. I also think students will enjoy the illustrations in this book. They really help tell the story through colors rather than objects.
King and King by Linda De Haan and Stern Nijland
2000
Reader: As reader I did not enjoy this book. It lead the reader on to think that the prince has to marry a beautiful blonde instead of a unique or ordinary women, this is disagree with. In the end the prince marries a man.Overall, it didn't enjoy the book. However, I did like the color choices within the illustrations. Some pages appealed to me more than others. A few pages had rather creepy characters on them that I don't think children would enjoy.
Teacher: As a teacher I would not have or use this book in my class. I feel if students want to explore this issue then this book could be recommended to the parents but I don't feel that there is a place for it in the classroom. School is for education and I feel that the underlying message of this book would or could disrupt the educational environment of the classroom. Also, I can see it being an issue with parents. There are better choices in books out there and as a teacher, I would use other books instead of this one.
Caterpillar Spring by Susan Hood
2003
Reader: As reader I enjoyed this short and sweet book about caterpillar/butterfly metamorphosis. This book has a great 3D element at the center of every page. Also, the illustrations are wonderful! The illustrations take up the whole page with the words of the story being told within the picture. I think children will really enjoy this book and its creative elements as well.
Teacher: This book is great for teaching caterpillar/butterfly metamorphosis. I would use this book in a Kindergarten classroom. Along with this book, students could create caterpillars out of toilet paper rolls using a variety of art supplies. The next day their caterpillar could go through metamorphosis and the students could put wings on their caterpillar and transform it into a butterfly. I think students would really enjoy this activity. They would also get to see first hand how their caterpillar has metamorphosed.
The Jellybeans and the Big Dance by Laura Numeroff and Nate Evans
2008
Reader: As a reader I though this book was amazing. The illustrations are so colorful and the detail really captures the attention of the reader. This book teaches that everyone is different but everyone is the same as well. My favorite quote in this book is "Jellybeans are all different but they still go well together."
This book also teaches teamwork and how to find the good within the bad. These all are very valuable lessons to learn. The author storytelling plays a primary roll within the book. However, the lessons being taught are secondary but still very important. I think this is very important and part of what make this book so great.
Teacher: I would use this book as part of my curriculum within a Kindergarten classroom. A fun activity would be to give each student 4-5 different jellybeans in a little cup. Then, ask them what they notice about their jellybeans. After a discussion has been established start reading the book. At the end of the book have students eat their jellybeans and discuss how they tasted and how well the favors went together although there were all different. Then, relate this to the classroom and their peer relations.
I Love My Kitten by Susan Nicholson and Simon Abel
2007
Reader: I enjoyed this super sweet book. It primarily taught responsibility, patience, and diversity through taking care of cats. This book is very informational. I also really enjoyed the full page illustrations. The author did a great job of balancing lesson teaching and storytelling. This book is loaded with information and lessons but is told in a very storylike manner, which I really enjoyed.
Teacher: As a teacher I would highly recommend this book to children in Kindergarten through second grade who either have a cat or are interested in getting one. Prior to reading the book you could ask who in the class has a cat and what their name is. Also, it would be great to know what students already know about cats before reading the book. After the book it would be interesting to see what they learned. In a classroom setting it would be interesting to discuss diversity with this book as well. The mother cat gives birth to kittens of all colors and it would be a great topic for discussion. Grey cats don't play with just gray cats or yellow cats with yellow cats. All cats play together and love others no matter what their fur is like. Responsibility, patience, and diversity are all great topics that could be brought up as well during discussion.
Amelia Bedelia's First Day of School by Herman Parish
2009
Reader: I thought this book was extremely clever and quite comical! The author did an amazing job portraying Amelia and her unique character. The illustrations were also very well done and gave more depth to Amelia's character. The use of hyperbole's are part of what make the story comical and clever. I also loved that we found out that it was the teachers first day of school as well. Again, clever!
Teacher: I would definitely use this book within my classroom. I would use it to read to a Kindergarten class on the first day of school (or any day). I think Kindergartners would really enjoy this book. It may help ease the crazy emotions they have on the first day if this was one of the first things they did that day. I would also use it with third graders when discussing hyperbole's. I would first read the story aloud and have students pick out the hyperbole's and what the character meant to say or the point they were trying to get across.
Birdie's Big-Girl Shoes by Sujean Rim
2009
Reader: I have mixed feelings about this book. My love for shoes and all things girlie tells me to love this book and its content. However, I do love the shoeness of the book but I do not love the portrayal of stick-thin, super glamorous, pump wearing, frilly mother figure in this book. As I do hope to be a thin and occasionally glamorous/frilly/pump wearing mother one day, I think this book isn't representing motherhood very well. Most children don't have mothers like birdies and it is unrealistic for children to wish they did. Overall, I think the excessive shoes and the portrayal of the super chic mother isn't the best thing for students to be reading or dreaming about. If I had to pick one thing about the book that I did like, it would be the detailed illustrations and the use of watercolors and prints. This book annoyed me enough, its hard to find something great about it.
Teacher: This book would be a wonderful asset to a classroom, NOT! This book has no real educational purpose or realistic perspective for students. This may be a good book for your super chic friend and her daughter (not really) but it really doesn't have a purpose in a classroom.
The One, the Only Magnificent Me! by Dan Haseltine
2007
Reader: This is an extraordinary book that encourages children to be who they are and not change themselves for anyone or anything. I think this is a wonderful lesson for children to learn. The illustrations are also very colorful and creative, which I enjoyed. The creativity of the story from his wings to his spike really grabbed the attention of the reader and created an exciting journey.
Teacher: I would definitely have this book in my classroom. This book is best suited for students in Kindergarten through second grade. This encourages students to be individuals and to not conform others. A fun activity for students to do that relates to this book is after the book is read to the class, have students each write one thing down on a note card that makes them unique. Then, collect the note cards and anonymously read them aloud to the class. When finished, have a discussion with the class about how important it is to be different. Contrast this idea, and discuss how different and boring life would be if everyone was the same. Differences make us who we are and it is important to embrace each one of them.
If Not for the Calico Cat By Mary Blount Christian
2007
Reader: This book is an action packed story that is different from many of the other books I have been reading. The illustrations really bring the story to life through uses of all blue pages or all green pages that emphasis shades and shadows. This is a new technique that I have not discovered before. The author made me feel what the cat was feeling in the book. It was written very intensively and I felt that as a reader.
Teacher: I would use this book within my classroom. This book is a great opportunity to take the reader on a literary journey and make them feel the story. I think this book is best suited for Kindergarten through second grade. Students could write letters to the calico cat during her troubles on board the ship. There is also an element of history within the book that I am sure students will pick up on. This would lead into a great discuss why calico cats were believed to be so lucky. Overall, I think this book is a very well written book that deserves to be shared.
Incredible You!: 10 Ways to Let Your Greatness Shine Through by Dr. Wayne W. Dryer
2005
Reader: I thought this was a very positive and encouraging book for students. The organization of the book and how the illustrations help guide the book really give it character that is obvious to the reader. I feel encouraging students to be unique and individual is very important, especially at a young age. This book is yet another great resource in doing so.
Teacher: I would definitely use this book within my classroom. It is best suited for Kindergarten through second grade. However, the questions at the back may require a more advanced grade level. This book comes with ten questions at the back of the book that reviews the ten lessons taught throughout the book. As great activities for students to do after the book is read is to break off into 10 groups. Each group is assigned a question and given paper and art materials to answer each question. When everyone is finished students can explain their answers and have their work displayed within the classroom as a reference.
The Rabbit and the Turtle by Eric Carle
1988
Reader: As a reader I thought this was very good collection of fables. The illustrations were a bonus to the well told fables. I really enjoy Eric Carle's work in other books as well. At the end of each fable is the moral of the story which I thought was a really great aspect of the story.
Teacher: As a teacher I would use this in my classroom when discussing fables and folklore. This book could really be used for children of all ages. They younger grades may enjoy this book read to them with a few fables each day. They may also enjoy creating their own illustrations to the correlating fables. Also, you could make a copy of each illustration and have younger students match the illustration to the fable without showing them the book. Since the illustrations are so powerful in this book I think it would be great to read a fable to and older class and have them create an illustration without showing then the picture. Also, they would need to incorporate the moral of the story in to picture as well.
The Great Doughnut Parade by Rebecca Bond
2007
Reader: As a reader I enjoyed this fun story. It was very simple which I like. My only issue with the book was the rhyming. Some page seemed to rhyme better than others which through me off as a reader. Also, I wish the illustrations filled up more of the page. This book was reccomended to be and I have to admit I am slightly disappointed.
Teacher: As a teacher I may use this in my class as part of an illustration discussion. I think it would be great to have each student (or pairs) create each part of the parade and display it on a wall in the classroom. Initially I would think this book would be best for younger students but the more I read it the more the lack of rhyming bothers me. This makes me think that it wouldn't be very interesting to younger students. The idea of a parade really intrigues me and I think it would be a great teamwork activity or class exercise.
Head Body Legs by Margaret H. Lippert & Won-Ldy Paye
2002
Reader: As a reader I really enjoyed this book! It was simple and fun with great illustrations. I though the lesson being taught was crucial and very well done. I also enjoyed the fact that this is a story for Liberia. However, it is very prevalent in all countries.
Teacher: Without a doubt I would definitely have this book in my classroom. This book is applicable in most all grades. Teamwork is very important at every age and this book goes a great job of conveying that. With this book I think it would be a great activity to a student or teacher lay on a big piece of paper and trace around them. Them cut off the head, body, legs, and arms and give a body part to each group to have them decorate it anyway they choose. Once body is complete put it back together and display it on the door of the classroom to remind students of the importance of teamwork. Also, the classroom as whole is a team and this should be discussed.
Corn by Gail Gibbons
2008
Reader: As a reader I enjoyed this book. This book is very informational but I think the information is portrayed very well through the way the book is written as well as the illustrations that go along with it.
Teacher: I would have this book in my class. I think it is a great resource to have when discussing Thanksgiving, Christopher Columbus, harvesting etc. This book seems very versatile in the way it can be used. Younger children love to decorate with corn kernels. This may be a fun activity for them. Also, with older grades this book could be used as part of a research project or other assignments where factual information is needed. I think it would be great to assign groups different topics that correlate with crops that we grow in the Midwest and have them to an informational presentation with the class. This would help the whole class learn about crops and the importance they carry.
Wash Your Hands by Tony Ross
2000
Reader: As a reader I really enjoyed this book. This fun story about Little Princess really kept the readers attention. It made me wonder, what else could she possibly get into? Sure enough she found something. My favorite part is when she asked the Maid if she had washed her hands at them end. It was wonderful to watch Little Princess learn her lesson and convey that at the end.
Teacher: I would use this book in my classroom. This book is one of the more important books within my text set. I think this would be a great book to read aloud to the class to offer more awareness of germs and the importance of washing your hands.
Snakes by Gail Gibbons
2007
Reader: This book gave a lot of information about all things snakes. I liked the way it was written and the illustrations used. It was very informative and the author portrayed this with very interesting facts that were surprising.
Teacher: I would use this book in my classroom. I would use this when discussing reptiles during science. It is a great resource to have if a student or group is learning about snakes or doing a research project on this reptile. Also, the illustrations in the book are different from that of an ordinary research book. I think students will enjoy this aspect of the book.
It's Not this Stork by Robie H. Haris
2006
Reader: While reading this even I felt a bit awkward. Yes, this is a very touchy subject yet children are really interested in how it happens, why it happens, and if it happens at all. This book help explain all of the questions. I can understand how this book is contorversail.
Teacher: As a teacher I think this is a great resource. However, I don't think it is appropriate to read to the whole class. AWKWARD! But it is a topic that will eventually need to be talked about. This book is a great resource to refer to parents if their child is wondering about these type of things. Possibly posting it on the class blog so parents have access to it would be a great start.
The Crayon Box That Talked by Shane Derolf
1997
Reader: This book was very cute. I really enjoyed this. The aspect of teamwork and cooperation is very strong within this book. The colors all work together to create new colors and complete the box. I also really enjoyed the illustrations. I thought they were really well done and stayed true to what the story was telling.
Teacher: I would definitely use this book in my classroom. It would be great for children of all ages. The younger grades each student could create their own color of crayon and explain why it is important. Also, with the older grades I think it would be really fun to do a readers theater with this book and each student could wear their crayon color of clothes to school that day and perform their reader theater. Also, this would be a great time to take a picture of the class and display it in the room with reference that each student represents a crayon color and how without them the classroom crayon book wouldn't be complete.
Listen, Listen by Peter Gershator
2008
Reader: As a reader I thought this was a very cute and clever little book. The sounds and the seasons really helped be make mant connections. The illustrations are also very great. They have a lot of color but the detail throughout is what made it memorable for me.
Teacher: I think this would be a great book use with younger students to help the associate these sounds to nature and their surroundings. It would also be great to read aloud to the classroom. The interactive from the children with the sounds will give the book more power. Also, this would be a great book to use at the change of the seasons or when discussion a particular seasons or seasons in general.
One Fine Day by Nonny Hogrogian
1971
Caldecott Award
Reader: This book is different from many that I have read lately. I think it is better written and story is conveyed in a way that the reader really feels for fox and wants him to learn his lesson. I also really enjoyed the simplicity of illustrations and can understand why this book is award winning.
Teacher: I would use this book in lower grades to teach classroom etiquette and overall manners in and outside of the classroom. The fox learns a valuable lesson and I think the young students will enjoy the journey that the fox takes them on during this book. As a class we could also discuss borrowing, sharing, and overall politeness.
Reader: As a reader, I semi-enjoyed this book. It wasn't the best read. I found it very predictable and a bit cliche. As I was reading it I was waiting for a "wow" or some sort of twist, but that never happened. Overall, it wasn't bad. There were some truth behind the stereotypes in this book. I feel that most high school students could relate to at least one of the characters, whether it is one of the misfits or another character. It was a very quick read and I think it is really relatable for all students.
Reader: This was a very cute book that displayed a lot of emotion and drama. I enjoyed reading this book but it wasn't an amazing read. The relationship between Ivy and Bean was what really kept me reading. The author created their relationship very cleverly. It seemed a bit generic to me. Don't get me wrong, it was cute but just not the best.
