Stellaluna and Pinduli are two of my favorite children's books! Today, the author of both of those books celebrates her 52nd Birthday! In celebration, I am featuring three of her other books - three that I had not previously had the experience of reading, and are probably not familiar to you either!
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009
Cannon, Janell.Crickwing.
2000.
Harcourt, Inc.
Guided Reading Level: P
Summary from Barnes & Noble:
A lonely cockroach named Crickwing has a creative idea that saves the day for the leaf-cutter ants when their fierce forest enemies attack them.
This book is a wonderful book for a family read-aloud! It's beautifully written and illustrated, making it pleasing to all who are listening/reading. It's also inspiring because readers watch as Crickwing suffers through pain and ridicule after his a run-in with a hungry toad results in a bent wing. However, as the book nears the end, we watch as Crickwing triumphantly overcomes the pain of his bent wing in order to help a swarm of army ants overcome the danger they face.
Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:
- Write a Letter to Crickwing
- Using Literature to Teach About Bullying
- Creepy Crawlies Family Literacy Backpacks
Cannon, Janell.Verdi.
1997.
Harcourt Brace & Company.
Guided Reading Level: O
Summary from Barnes & Noble:
Young Verdi doesn’t want to grow up big and green. He likes his bright yellow skin and sporty stripes. Besides, all the green snakes he meets are lazy, boring, and rude. When Verdi finds a pale green stripe stretching along his whole body, he tries every trick he can think of to get rid of it--and ends up in a heap of trouble. Despite his efforts, Verdi turns green, but to his delight, he discovers that being green doesn’t mean he has to stop being himself.
Much like Crickwing, the story and illustrations told in Verdi are incredible. Children will be drawn immediately to both! There's an important lesson to be learned here, especially for children who are struggling with the concept of growing up - just because you grow up and your looks/appearances may change, deep down, you're still the same person!
Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:
Cannon, Janell.Trupp: A Fuzzyhead Tale.
1995.
Harcourt Brace & Company.
Summary from Barnes & Noble:
Trupp, a young Fuzzhead, decides to venture into the world. With a cheeky raven for a companion, Trupp rambles through the city, going virtually unnoticed by humans--that is, until they are confronted by a homeless woman who sees Trupp for who he really is. Before Trupp can decide whether to stay or run away, this unusual woman realizes that he could use a little help.
This was a wonderful story that takes readers "behind the scenes" of different ways of life, especially city life and the life of a homeless person. This is definitely a book that could be used as a read-aloud in any home or classroom, as it exposes children to different lifestyles and the urges that some experience at the thought of what's really out there in the world.
If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.
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