Weekly Blog Plan, February 2-6

Here’s the weekly blog plan! Again, please remember this is subject to change and is dependent upon whether or not my materials come in from the library as planned. I realize that this may fall too late for you to use in your classroom this year, but the activities will definitely swing from year-to-year! If you see something you really want to incorporate into your classroom, leave me a comment on this post or send me an e-mail, kateh12783@hotmail.com. I’d be glad to provide you with the links I have, if nothing more!

Monday, February 2 – Groundhog Day

• Gregory’s Shadow, Don Freeman
• Substitute Groundhog, Pat Miller
• Punxsutawney Phyllis, Susanna Leonard Hill
  
  

Tuesday, February 3 – Valentine’s Day is Right Around the Corner!

• Where is Nicky’s Valentine: A Lift the Flap Book
• The Great Valentine’s Day Surprise: A Lift the Flap Book
• I Need a Valentine: A Lift the Flap Book
  
  

Wednesday, February 4 – Russell Hoban’s Birthday (84)

• A Birthday for Frances
• Harvey’s Hideout
• The Stone Doll of Sister Brute
  
  

Thursday, February 5 – Weatherman’s Day

• Weather Words and What They Mean, Gail Gibbons
• What Will the Weather Be?, Lynda DeWitt
• Down Comes the Rain, Franklyn M. Branley
  
  

Friday, February 6 – 100 Billionth Cray Crayon Produced Anniversary (1996)

• The Crayon Counting Board Book, Pam Munoz
• How is a Crayon Made?, Oz Charles
• The Crayon Box that Talked, Shane DeRolf

Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month... how many of you knew that? As you can imagine, it's quite difficult to find a children's book about a mentor! So, I looked up the definition of mentor and here's what I came up with: 1. a wise and trusted counselor or teacher, 2. an influential senior sponsor or supporter.

I figure that whether or not we call them mentors, all children have someone who they look up to (a brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, etc.). This, in my eyes fits in when the mentor is an influential supporter. So, I found some books where children have someone influential in their lives that acts the same as a mentor would.

Child, Lauren.

I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato.

2000.

Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA.

Ages: 5-8

Genre: Fiction
Guided Reading Level:

Summary/Review:

Lola is the world's pickiest eater and Charlie, her older brother knows it! So when Mom and Dad ask Charlie to give Lola her dinner, he must be creative in order to get her to eat what's on the plate. Carrots suddenly come from Jupiter! Peas? Green drops from Greenland! The potato is a cloud from the highest point of Mount Fuji and fish sticks? They're the ocean nibbles that mermaids eat! Charlie and his vivid imagination convince Lola to not only try all these wonderful foods that she's offered for dinner, but he manages to actually get her to enjoy them! Readers will be surprised at the end of the story when Lola turns into another creative one, all thanks to her big brother Charlie - her "mentor."

This was my first time reading anything by Lauren Child and let me tell you, I'm hooked! If I'm hooked, children will certainly be enthralled with Charlie and Lola's adventure! Very clever story - very captivating illustrations... I liked them so much, I've ordered a few more of the Charlie and Lola series to review for a few more upcoming blog entries. Look for them soon!

Hazel's Amazing Mother and More!

Born in New York City on January 29, 1943, Rosemary Wells celebrates her 66th Birthday today! Wells has authored and/or illustrated more than 60 books over the time span of 30 years. Her characters, most famous with many of us include Max and Ruby, Noisy Nora, and Yoko. As I'm sure many of us who have read Wells' books, her characters are mainly animals, rather than people - for several reasons, as she mentions on her website, one being that she draws animals better than people!

So, today, I honor the birthday of Rosemary Wells with reviews of three of her books!

Wells, Rosemary.
Shy Charles.
1988.
Dial Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Animal
Guided Reading Level: K

Review/Summary:

There's no other way of putting it - Charles is a shy mouse and his parents are very unhappy about this. They push him to play football and join ballet. Fed up with Charles' unwillingness to talk his parents decide they need a night out and call in a baby-sitter. When the babysitter arrives, Charles high-tails it upstairs to his room to play alone. However, he soon discovers that Mrs. Block, the babysitter, has fallen down the stairs in her attempts to join Charles. In his discovery, he acts quickly, bringing her a blanket and cocoa before braving use of the telephone to call for help! His parents are finally pleased that Charles has communicated and rescued Mrs. Block, but Charles sits back and barely reacts to the reaction of his parents.

I will be honest in saying that I was somewhat disturbed by this story - despite the fact that his parents are obviously concerned over Charles' lack of communication and involvement I don't believe that the right message is being sent to young children who may be in similar situations - his mother said she should spank him for not saying thank you, his father calls him a "jelly roll" and a "cowardly custard." Some children just take longer in overcoming their shyness... this story might put fear in the minds of shy children.

Wells, Rosemary.
Ruby's Beauty Shop.
2002.
Puffin Books.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction - Animal
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

Unique is probably the best way to describe this book! I have a hard time how it could be brought into a classroom for educational purposes except perhaps as part of a Rosemary Wells author study, but children will probably love it none-the-less!

Max's sister Ruby and her friend Louise like to play beauty shop! Unfortunately for Max, his being outnumbered by the girls results in him being their first customer - eeks! Wigs, make-up and stick on nails for Max? Max eventually gets sick of being just the customer and decides to join in on playing beauty shop. Inside of Louise's beauty kit he finds Rock-around-the-Clock hair color (lizard green, sunflower yellow, ocean blue) and sets to work on himself. Another customer phone call comes in and Ruby and Louise are not able to answer because of wet fingernail polish and running mascara, so Max takes things into his own hands and Grandma becomes his very first customer! You can only imagine the makeover she has in store for her!

Wells, Rosemary.
Hazel's Amazing Mother.
1985.
Dial Books for Young Readers.

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction - Animals
Guided Reading Level: K

Review/Summary:

Hazel's mother sends her with a nickel to get something special for their picnic. Hazel sets off in search of the perfect item but winds up getting lost and ends up in a park with a bunch of bullies who eventually ruin her doll, Eleanor and send Eleanor's stroller into the pond. Somehow, from the other side of town, Hazel's mother gets the feeling that Hazel really needs her. It just so happens that the blanket that was to be used for the picnic ends up acting as a parachute and parachutes her mother right to Hazel!

This is a sweet tale that gives children the sense that sometimes mothers do really have a sixth sense that allows them to feel their children's pain in times of need!
Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• The World of Rosemary Wells
• The World of Rosemary Wells Literature Guide
• A Video Interview with Rosemary Wells
• Rosemary Wells Author Study
  

Snow Day = Review Time!

Yeah!!! A somewhat unexpected snow day today and that means I've had time to complete some reviews from the continually growing stack on the bedroom floor! Quite the mish-mash for this posting, for children and adults!

Goldish, Meish.
Bug-a-licious.
2009.
Bearport Publishing: New York, NY.

Ages: 6-12
Genre: Non-Fiction, Bugs
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Summary/Review:

Who ever heard of bug pizza? Or wasp crackers? Better yet, grasshopper tacos! Boys are sure to find it "awesome," girls will likely provide you with a chorus of "ewwws" or "ughs" in this story! This non-fictional text provides readers with ways in which bugs are indeed extreme cuisine for people around the world. Not only will the information be interesting to children (even if they do seem grossed out by it), but a lesson in culture is also provided, as a map of the world is given to show students exactly where these places are where people eat bugs!

Goldish, Meish.
Michael Phelps: Anything is Possible!
2009.
Bearport Publishing: New York, NY.

Ages: 7-12
Genre: Non-Fiction, Athletes
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

Did you know that Michael Phelps nearly died of a serious blood infection at age 2? That he was found to have ADHD? Or that he had to use a kickboard to practice swimming after an accident he suffered in 2007?

Readers will learn all about this and more after reading this informational text. Also provided in the book is a timeline of events in Phelps' life. This would be a good book for children who have to write a report on an athlete or someone famous.

Low, William.
Machines Go To Work.
Anticipated May 2009.
Henry Holt and Company: New York, NY.

Ages: 3-6
Genre: Non-Fiction
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

Young children who are enthralled with machines will love this book! The pictures tell a story in itself but the text that follows is simple yet interesting and will definitely capture their attention. The book is a great informational read as well due to the onomotopeia that is found throughout and the use of machines in simple ways that children understand. The back of the book provides readers with realistic pictures of all the machines mentioned thoughout and are described at length.

Whiffen, Leeann.
A Child's Journey Out of Autism: One Family's Story of Living in Hope and Finding a Cure.
Anticipated March 2009.

Leeann Whiffen was three years younger than me (23) when her son Clay was born. In the time span of one year, her life was turned virtually upside-down as Clay is diagnosed with a form of Autism. I was very touched by the emotions and openness shared in Leeann's telling of her family's story. This book tells the story as her family makes sacrifices to do everything in their power to provide Clay with the medical attention he needs in order to be drawn back out of the shell .

The determination that Leeann and her husband Sean put forth throughout this trying time is well documented and will be an inspiration for any parents, grandparents, caregivers and teachers who have an autistic child in their care. This story is not only inspiring for those who are caring for an autistic child but it would also be inspiring for anyone who has a loved one struggling with an illness of any sort by providing hope through means of determination.

Hannah, Kristin.
Firefly Lane.
2008.
St. Martin's Press: New York, NY.

This is only the second book I've read by Kristin Hannah, the first being Magic Hour. Both have given me reason to believe that she definitely belongs on my list of favorite authors. I had a hard time starting out with this book, but by around the fifth chapter, I was hooked. The story follows Tully Hart and Kate Mularky. Personally, I related most to Kate - she just reminded me of myself. I had a group of best friends until I reached junior high. Then everything changed and I felt like I didn't belong anywhere... just as Kate does - until she meets Tully. And that changed everything and provides Kate with a friendship that lasts over 30 years, all of which are recounted in this story. While the ending had me in tears, there is NOTHING that I would change about this. It is perhaps one of the most moving, touching books I have ever read!

Snelling, Lauraine.
Saturday Morning
2005.
Waterbrook Press.

Four women leading completely different lifestyles meet under the oddest of circumstances but form an instantaneous bond that will last a lifetime. Hope runs a battered women's shelter. Andy leads an almost double life, running her lavender business from a new home in California. Julia is in California searching for her missing granddaughter (whom is said to have been staying at the battered women's shelter). Clarice winds up in California in hopes of meeting up with her husband who sent her packing to visit a sister while he moved them across the country from Florida (that's all a hoax as he's taken off with her life's possessions). Together they form a bond that remains unbroken and in doing so they all help each other through the hardest and most trying moments in their lives. This was a wonderful story and gave me hope as I sometimes feel overwhelmed by my life... It reinforced a notion that is always sitting in the back of mind but sometimes needs refreshing - while I may face some challenges and feel down about the way that things are going for me, there are always other people that are far less fortunate than myself.

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.

The 100th Day of School (Approximate)

Of course you'll have to use your own school calendar to determine the exact 100th day of school for your child or students! This day is used as a celebration to mark 100 days of learning, as well as to help younger students grasp the true concept of how much 100 really is. A few reviews for today as well as a handful of "100th Day" activities!

Cuyler, Margery.
100th Day Worries.
2000.
Aladdin Paperbacks.

Ages: 5-7
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Guided Reading Level: L

Review/Summary:

Jessica worries - about everything! And her latest school project is no exception to her worrying even though it should be a fun, worry-free project! The 100th day of school is fast approaching and Jessica's teacher has asked all of the students to bring in a collection of 100 items. Jessica begins to worry as she tries to sleep at night... then her classmates begin bringing in their projects.

• 5 bags of 20 peanuts
• 10 stacks of 10 paper clips
• 4 bags of 25 peppermints

By Friday morning, the 100th day of school, Jessica still doesn't have her project completed but her family quickly tries to help.

• Dad finds 10 ribbons in a kitchen drawer
• Mom found 10 screws in a basement jar
• Tom gave 10 rocket shaped erasers from his collection
• Laura provided 10 beads from a broken necklace
• Dad finds 10 buttons from his shirt drawer
• Mom found 20 coins (10 pennies, 10 dimes) from her change purse
• Laura gave 10 barettes
• Tom got 10 rocks from Iggy's aquarium

But the bus quickly arrives and Jessica is 10 items short from her collection of 100! However, an unexpected surprise in her lunchbox provides her with the 10 items that she is short and she can soon turn in her project - 100 Bits of Love!

This story would be a great read-aloud before assigning children the same project - finding a collection of 100 items to share for the 100th day of school!

Slate, Joseph.
Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten.
1998.
Dutton Children's Books.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction
Guided Reading Level: J

Review/Summary:

Teachers! If you are looking for activities to complete with students for the 100th day of school, look no further! A snack idea is provided, along with tally mark hats! The book also would give students a wonderful variety of "100 collections" that they could bring in to share with classmates! The text is simple, the illustrations colorful and captivating and students will certainly love the variety of animal "students" in Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of Kindergarten.

Wing, Natasha.

The Night Before the 100th Day of School.

2005.

Grossett and Dunlap: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, 100th Day of School

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

A little boy can't decide what to bring to school as a collection of 100 for the 100th day of school. His classmates are bringing 100 photos, 100 jelly beans, 100 cars, 100 pencils... but when he breaks out his own collections he falls short every which way - he's short 51 dinosaurs, he doesn't have enough coins... as he goes to bed the night before the 100th day, in true "the night before" fashion, he dreams...

That night while I nestled all snug in my bed,
visions of ants, ants, and more ants,
danced in my head.

He finally knows what he'll bring for his collection and does he sure attract attention! This story ends with a great adventure that will surely have readers chuckling!

100th Day of School Activities:

• 100th Day of School Activities
• Printables: 100th Day
• 100th Day of School Crafts
• CanTeach: Songs and Poems - 100th Day of School
• Celebrate the 100th Day of School
• Another idea that I had last year that I completed with 4th grade students was "If I had 100..." It was a writing activity where students each drew a Popsicle stick from a can. Each Popsicle stick had different objects on them (e.g. If I had 100 cats, If I had 100 sisters, If I had 100 toys, If I had 100 Pairs of Shoes, If I had 100 Candy Bars). The kids LOVED this and had so much fun they actually traded off sticks and completed several writing pieces! Talk about a writing motivator!
  

Happy Birthday!!!... To Me!

So... today is my 26th Birthday and in honor of myself, I've decided to review some birthday books! As a teacher, I would love to be able to send my (someday) students to a shelf in the classroom and pick out a birthday book as the day's read-aloud. However, that would require quite a large supply of birthday books. I think I've got about 8 of them for today to review that will be on my classroom's birthday shelf someday. Because there are so many, the reviews are going to be short but sweet... and no teaching links today as these are purely for read-aloud pleasure!

Harris, Robie H.
Happy Birth Day!
1996.
Candlewick Press: Cambridge, MA.

Ages: 3-8
Genre: Fiction
Guided Reading Level: N/A

This book would make for a wonderful gift to give to a newborn baby as a keepsake. The story told is one of the love and feeling that new parents experience on the day of their new baby's arrival. The illustrations are life-like and very realistic, making the story seem as though it could be a true story told from any parent's point of view.

Kiser, SuAnn and Kevin.

The Birthday Thing.

1989.

The Trumpet Club: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Birthdays

Guided Reading Level: N/A

It's Timothy's mom's birthday he wants to make her something extra special all by himself. However, other family members quickly begin to help out and craft some of their own ideas into Timothy's "Birthday Thing." When the gift is finally finished, no one really knows what it is, so they make do with the "Birthday Thing." Mom, however, has a vision in her head about just how to put the "Birthday Thing" to use and it turns out that it might just be her favorite birthday gift ever!

Le-Tan, Pierre.

Happy Birthday Oliver!

1978.

Random House: New York, NY

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction, Birthdays
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Oliver is certain his parents have forgotten about his birthday - his mother deems the day "Friday" and his father left for work without a word. On the way to school he's so upset about no one remembering his birthday that he's nearly hit by a car. No one at school even acknowledges his birthday either. Just as he is arriving home ready to go straight to bed in frustration, Oliver's parents greet him at the door with his birthday surprise - a surprise party filled with lots of fun!

Hoban, Russel.

A Birthday for Frances.

1968.

Scholastic, Inc.: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Birthdays

Guided Reading Level: K

Frances's little sister Gloria is having a birthday and Frances is jealous about the cake, ice cream, presents and attention that Gloria is receiving and angry about the trouble her little sister causes her. However, despite all her attempts to ruin Gloria's birthday, Frances soon realizes that Gloria idolizes her, as Gloria spills her birthday wish. Frances quickly realizes how important she is to Gloria and decides to let Gloria enjoy her birthday and to take part in the festivities as well!

Riddell, Chris.

Platypus and the Birthday Party.

2003.

Penguin Group: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Birthdays

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Platypus is throwing a birthday party for baby playtpus, Bruce and enlists the help of Echidna (resembles a porcupine). Together, the two wear party hats, make a cake, blow up balloons and make paper chains. They have so much fun, they almost forget to bring Bruce when it's time for the party to begin. They enjoy the party so much, they even vow to have another one... tomorrow!

Inkpen, Mick.

Kipper's Birthday.

1993.

Harcourt, Inc.: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Birthdays

Guided Reading Level: N/A

This is a cute story that will likely have kids laughing!

Kipper's decided to throw himself a birthday party. He makes the invitations, "Plees come to my bithday party tomoro at 12 o cloc dont be lat" and then hangs them up to dry. While the invitations are drying, Kipper decides to bake a cake. By the time that's finished, he's too exhausted to deliver the invitations, so he waits until the morning of the party... Unfortunately, Kipper can't understand why no one shows up to celebrate his birthday with him. After going to bed on a full stomach from eating all of the cake on his own, Kipper is awoken the next day to his friends pounding on the door... they've shown up for his birthday party, which was really yesterday!

Dr. Seuss.

Happy Birthday to You!

1959.

Random House: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Birthdays

Guided Reading Level:

This book is written in true Dr. Seuss fashion... it's long but definitely worth the read because of it's humor alone!

It's Chinese New Year!

Chinese New Year begins according to the Chinese calendar which consists of both Gregorian and lunar-solar calendar systems. As the track of the new moon changes from year to year, the Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February. This year, Chinese New Year occurs on Monday, January 26. It is the Year of the Ox.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, I have two reviews for today...

Chinn, Karen.
Sam and the Lucky Money.
1995.
Lee & Low Books, Inc.: New York, NY

Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction, Holidays
Guided Reading Level: P

Review/Summary:

Sam is very excited to head to Chinatown for New Year's Day. Every year, as part of tradition, his grandparents give him leisees, crisp dollar bills tucked in red envelopes that are decorated with symbols of luck. This year is even better than most - Sam gets to chose how to spend his money, Mom and Dad aren't even making him the notebook or socks that he has had to other years. When they arrive on the bustling streets in China Town, crowds of people are swarming everywhere in anticipation of the New Year traditions - meals, the parade, the firecrackers, and the arrival of the festival lion. He takes his time, shopping... trying to decide what to buy. Buns? New Year's cookies? Cars, planes, robots, stuffed animals? Basketballs? Sam has settled on purchasing a basketball - until he discovers that he can afford nothing in the store. "What is four dollars good for?" He questions appearing greedy. After a scolding from his mother about appreciating what he has, Sam suddenly remembers the man on the street who had no shoes or socks. His mood quickly changes as he realizes that he can do anything he wants with his money and he opts to give all four dollars to the man so he can buy at least some socks. After giving the less fortunate man his money, Sam realizes how lucky he really is!

This is a wonderful book that depicts the Chinese New Year celebrations for Asian Americans. The vivid illustrations realistically portray many aspects of the culture as it truly exists. This would make for a wonderful read-aloud to children or could be incorporated into a unit on different Christmas/New Year's celebrations around the world.

Crane, Carol.
D is for Dancing Dragon: A China Alphabet.
2006.
Sleeping Bear Press: Chelsea, MI.

Ages: 5-12
Genre: Non-fiction
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

While the book does not focus entirely on the Chinese New Year celebration, it does contain significant detailed information on the holiday for several different letters of the alphabet. The book is also a wonderful resource as it can be used with older children as well, as the text to describe each illustration is very simple but further detailed information is also provided. This book would fit well into a unit study on China (perhaps the 3rd grade level) or could again be used when learning about certain aspects of Chinese history... for example, Chinese New Year.

Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• Chinese New Year
• Chinese New Year 2009, Year of the Ox, Events, Recipes, Zodiac, E-Cards
• Chinese Inventions and the Chinese New Year
  

A Dog Day of Winter...

It's a dog day of winter for me and for that, I bring you two quick dog-related reviews for today... both ARC's that I've recently received in the mail! So, if you're thinking about getting a new dog, perhaps a pug, ranked #9 as Top Dog Breeds for Families, you might want to check out this non-fiction text and pair it with Dont' Lick the Dog just to be sure children are prepared and know how to become quick friends with a new family member!!!

Wahman, Wendy.
Don't Lick the Dog: Making Friends with Dogs.
Available April 28, 2009
Henry Holt and Company.

ISBN 13: 9780805087338
ISBN 10: 0805087338

Ages: 3-8
Genre: Non-Fiction, How-To

The rhyming text and colorful pictures alone will capture the attention of readers but this is no simple story! The story told would be the perfect compliment to a family with young children who has just gotten or is considering buying a puppy for the first time, providing tips to share with youngsters about how to stay safe with dogs:

• curling fingers into the palm so the dog isn't tempted to bite
• gently stroke the dog's back instead of patting/hitting at him
• turning your back and crossing your arms if the dog acts like it wants to attack

The story, in a sense, reminds children of the golden rule, treat others as you wish to be treated, because "just like you and just like me, dogs have personalities" and we need to respect the different personalities and be cautious of how a dog may react when meeting new people/situations.

Houran, Lori Haskins.
Pug: What A Mug (Litte Dogs Rock! series).
January 2009.
Bearport Publishing.

ISBN 13: 9781597167505
ISBN 10: 1597167509

Ages: 7-12
Genre: Non-Fiction

Children will soak up the information in this text and then seek out more! The book provides information on the Pug, the dog recently ranked #9 as Top Dog Breeds for Families. Perhaps what I found most interesting about the text was how quickly important information could be gathered about the pug (average weight, life span, country of origin, etc.). However, much detail is provided throughout as well, from celebrities who own pugs to pug puppies. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the information provided if they are pug lovers!

Snapshot Saturday - #1

Okay, I got drawn in by this by Shelly over at Write for a Reader and since I love taking pictures, I think I'm going to have to make this a weekly deal as well! Shelly, I agree that this is a great way to get to know the blogger on a more personal level, so here's snapshot #1!

This is my "baby," Niko, a 5 year old Jack(ie) Russell Terrier. She's way too girly to be just a Jack Russell Terrier! As you can see, she rules the roost, claiming the papsan all to herself!

Weekly Blog Plan, January 26-30

Here’s the weekly blog plan! Again, please remember this is subject to change and is dependent upon whether or not my materials come in from the library as planned. I realize that this may fall too late for you to use in your classroom this year, but the activities will definitely swing from year-to-year! If you see something you really wante to incorporate into your classroom, leave me a comment on this post or send me an e-mail, kateh12783@hotmail.com. I’d be glad to provide you with the links I have, if nothing more!

Monday, January 26 – Chinese New Year
o Sam and the Lucky Money, Karen Chinn
o Chinese New Year, Ann Heinrichs
o D is for Dragon Dance, Ying Chang Compestine

Tuesday, January 27 – My 26th Birthday - Birthday Stories
o The Birthday Thing, Kevin Kiser
o Kipper’s Birthday, Mick Inkpen
o Platypus and the Birthday Party, Chris Riddell
o A Birthday for Frances, Lillian Hoban
o Happy Birthday Oliver, Pierre Le-Tan

Wednesday, January 28 – 100th Day of School (Approximate)
o 100th Day Worries, Margery Ann Cuyler
o The Night Before the 100th Day of School, Natasha Wing
o Jake’s 100th Day of School, Lester Laminack
o Miss Bindergarten Celebrates the 100th Day of School, Joseph Slate

Thursday, January 29 – Rosemary Wells Birthday (66)
o Ruby’s Beauty Shop
o Shy Charles
o Hazel’s Amazing Mother

Friday, January 30 – Mentoring Month (Books about Friends/Support Systems)
o The Meanest Thing to Say, Bill Cosby
o Hunter’s Best Friend at School, Laura Elliot
o I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato, Lauren Child

Angelina Series

Since it's debut in 1983, Angelina Ballerina has grown into a series consisting of more than twenty-five books. Despite it's original debut in England it took only one year to be published in the United States and in 2006 the entire sereis was reissued by Grosset and Dunlop. In addition to all of the popular books, Angelina Ballerina can also be found as a television series on PBS Kids Sprout, and has inspired an original ballet in London with the English National Ballet.

Without it's wonderful author, Katharine Holabird, Angelina Ballerina and all of her followers would be non-existant. So, today, in honor of all her hard work on this wonderful series for young girls, I'm honoring Katharine Holabird's 61st birthday with reviews of two Angelina books!

Holabird, Katharine.

Angelina Ice Skates.

2001 (1993).

Pleasant Company Publications.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy - Animal

Guided Reading Level: M

Summary/Review:

Angelina and her friends are planning and getting ready for the New Year's Eve Ice Dance. This requires much practice. From the get-to Angelina is met with all sorts of challenges - Henry, who volunteers to be the Snow King has trouble skating; school mates Sammy and Spike think that their game of hockey is more important that Angelina's Ice Dance; a huge snowball fight breaks out on the ice; and there are no costumes or scenery. When Angelina's mother offers ot help with the costumes, she provides Angelina with a little advice about Sammy and Spike - perhaps they are trying to get Angelina and her friends to pay attention to them. Once Angelina decides what to do about this, she can set to work practicing the performance. Despite all the trouble that Angelina endures, the Ice Dance goes off without a hitch and the new year is officially rung in with happiness and togetherness.

This is a very cute story with illustrations that support and enhance the text. Young girls will likely be very interested in the entire story but boys will struggle to sit through this one - Sammy and Spike's hockey game won't likely be enough to capture their interest! This would make a wonderful read during a Katharine Holabird author study or even just as an addition to your daughter's bookshelf as a New Year's read!

Holabird, Katharine.

Angelina's Lucky Penny.

2006.

Penguin Young Readers Group.

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Fiction, Fantasy - Animal

Guided Reading Level:

Summary/Review:

Angelina and her friends are all trying out for rolls in the Theater Royale. On the way to practice, Angelina loses her hair ribbon and when she practices her routine the day before auditions nothing goes her way, as she wobbles when she tries to land and ends up falling. On the way home from ballet practice, Angelina drops her bag when trying to play leapfrog with Alice. However, despite her luck dropping her bag, Angelina finds what she imagines to be a lucky penny. And because of the lucky penny, she finds her hair ribbon. The penny gets lost though, when Angelina, Alice and Henry are at the movies and Angelina can't get her ballet routine done without stumbling. On the morning of the tryouts, Henry shows up at the theater and gives Angelina one of his lucky pennies. Angelina completes her tryout perfect and ends up with the part. As it turns out, it isn't really a "lucky penny" but rather a random penny pulled from Henry's jar of saved up pennies.

In yet another wonderful Angelina Ballerina story, young girls will be captivated! This story seems to provide a message to its readers - you don't really need to have a "lucky" penny, but rather just something motivating that will keep you focused and putting forth your best effort.

General for the Angelina Ballerina series:

• Angelina Activities
• Katharine Holabird Official Website
• Nick Jr. - Angelina Ballerina

Canadian Geese

We all know them... we all recognize them. And, most recently in the past week and a half they've made the news more often than they probably cared to, as it has been made public notice through the media that a flock of geese is likely to blame for the engine failures of US Airways Flight 1549 that resulted in the plane making an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Miraculously, all passengers survived! Check out the story here! So, today I've got an ARC review relating to Canadian Geese.

Sayre, April Pulley.
Honk, Honk, Goose!: Canada Geese Start a Family.
To Be Released: April 14, 2009.
Henry Holt and Company: New York

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Non-Fiction


Review/Summary:

This book would be a perfect fit in the library of a child who loves wildlife! It would also complement nicely a thematic unit on life cycles in a classroom, perhaps at the 3rd grade level. Much of the text in the book could also be included as part of an ELA lesson about onomatopoeia (the formation of a word, as honk! or hissssss!, by imitation of a sound made by or associated with its referent). Additionally, the last two pages of the text provide detailed information about Canada Geese that would act as a resource in any science themed unit relating to the Canada Geese.

Honk! Honk! Goose! takes readers through the life cycle of Canada Geese beginning in the mid-March mating season and progressing beyond the twenty-eight day incubation period. The book vividly explains how the nest is built by the female goose, where she will keep the eggs warm until they're ready to hatch and how her mate will protect her and the unborn chicks from their predators from the time of conception through their first swim. The illustrations are simple but captivating - colorful, sure to grasp the attention of children!

More Non-Fiction about Canadian Geese:

• The Canada Goose (Nature Walk), James V. Bradley
• Canada Goose at Cattail Lane (Smithsonian's Backyard Collection), Janet Halfmann
• Canada Goose (Life Cycles), Jason Cooper

Fiction Books about Canadian Geese:

• The Way Home, Nan Parson Rossiter
• Honk! Honk!, Mick Manning
• The Girl Who Wanted a Song, Steve Sanfield
• Toulouse: The Story of a Canada Goose, Priscilla Cummings

Canadian Geese Lesson Plans:

• Kid Zone - Canada Goose
• Canada Geese
• Fly Away Home
• Canada for Kids

The Storytelling Princess

The author of more than 20 books for adults and children, Rafe Martin celebrates his birthday today!

Martin, Rafe.

The Storytelling Princess.
2001.
G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fables, Folk Tales, Myths
Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

Swept overboard on her way to meet her prince "husband-to-be," the storytelling princess overcomes the tragedy and lives to tell her own story to the prince of her dreams... who just happens to be the same prince her father had arranged her marriage to.

This was a great tale and tells a wonderful story!

Martin, Rafe.
The Boy Who Lived with the Seals.
1993.
G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fables, Folk Tales, Myths
Guided Reading Level: M

Review/Summary:

Based on a tale originating from the Chinook Indians, Martin shares with us the story of the boy who lived with the seals. While his father is busy by the river working on preparing a canoe for the family to use for the spring migration, a young boy is playing in the nearby river (wading, tossing pebbles, splashing in the water). However, it is believed he has wandered off and after three weeks of searching the young boy remains unfound. Years later, after yet another spring migration, a woman from another tribe shares the story about the seals that love the island where the river empties into the sea. Among the seals, there is a boy... As the story goes on, we discover that this boy with the seals is indeed the missing child from years ago. However, despite all of their efforts, the boy never readjusts to life among the humans but continues to show his love to his parents by providing them with a new canoe for each spring migration.

This is a powerful tale that is wonderfully presented! Would be a wonderful addtion to a unit of tales or as part of a unit of study on the Native Americans.

National Financial Wellness Month

January is National Financial Wellness Month! Now is the time to model for the kiddies! Let's teach them about the responsibility of saving and spending $$$!

Wells, Rosemary.
Bunny Money.
1997.
Puffin Books: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction, Math
Guided Reading Level: M

Review/Summary:

Ruby and Max have $15 to spend for their grandma's birthday present - they must spend it wisely so she gets a perfect gift! However, many emergencies await them while they are trying to find the perfect gift - the bus fare, Max is thirsty, cherry syrup oozing teeth, an unexpected trip to the laundry mat, lunchtime. Finally, they arrive at Rosalinda's Specialty Shop and find the perfect music box... but it costs $100 and looking in her wallet, Ruby realizes that they only have $5.00 left! Max and Ruby settle on bluebird earrings that sing and by the time they make the purchase and had back to the bus stop, but Max spots Glow-in-the-Dark teeth that he wants to give Grandma as well. By the time they get to the bus stop, Ruby realizes they're out of money - no money to pay for the bus fare to get back home. Their irresponsible spending results in Grandma having to drive to town to pick them up.

In this story, Max and Ruby can be used as a simple math lesson about counting and spending money. In the case of National Financial Wellness month, Max and Ruby can teach young children that they need to spend money carefully and plan ahead to make sure there's money for what's needed! Another cute book by Rosemary Wells, featuring yet another animal family!

Schwartz, David.
If You Made a Million.
1989.
Lothrop Lee & Shepard Books: New York, NY

Ages: 6-12
Genre: Fiction, Math
Guided Reading Level: O

Review/Summary:

The math magician and a group of children work to earn money. As the money is earned, Marvelosissimo the Magician helps them count the money and realize the different forms of money that exist - coins, dollars, checks, loans... Coins and dollars are traded for equivalent values (e.g. 10 pennies = 2 nickels = 1 dime, $100 = ten $10 bills = five $2o bills = one hundred $1 bills).

I have seen this book and have seen it used in classrooms with a math unit about money. However, I think that beyond the first few pages where coins are dealt with, the concepts are much too complex for young children and would best be used in an upper elementary classroom as part of a review unit on counting money and an introduction to banking.

Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• USA Money
• Bunny Money Econ Lesson
• If You Made a Million Discussion Guide

Welcome, President Obama!

Inauguration Day! Today's post will feature one children's picture book about Mr. President, Barack Obama and another about Presidential Inaugurations in general! Enjoy!

Grimes, Nikki.
Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope.
2008.
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers: New York, NY.

Ages:
Genre: Biography
Guided Reading Level:

Review/Summary:

Nikki Grimes gives a child's eye-view of our new President in her latest biography, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope. David and his mother sit in their apartment - a tenement, watching television. As Barack Obama appears on the screen before him, David questions his mother about who the man is. His mother eagerly takes him into her lap and begins telling her young son about this inspirational figure. The story of Barack Obama himself is told in simple language that would be easy for most readers to understand. However, David takes the words his mother gives him and turns them into a language that he can personally connect with, making this biography even more understandable for even the youngest children. The bright colorful illustrations draw attention to each page and also depict the surroundings in which Barack Obama grew up. This would make a great text to read to children as we welcome our new President into office.

Santella, Andrew.
U.S. Presidential Inaugurations.
2002.
Children's Press.

Ages: 9-11
Genre: Non-Fiction
Guided Reading Level:

Review/Summary:

This is a very detailed account of Presidential Inaugurations, from parades to weather to speeches all is explained. This book would be best be used as a read-aloud over the time span of several days before an inauguration. The text is very involved and will likely need to broken down and simplified for students to take the very most of it.

A few things I learned:

• "John F. Kennedy's parade featured nuclear missles mounted on trucks" (28).
  
• "In 1985 temperatures dropped below zero for Ronald Reagan's second inauguration" (31).
• William Henry Harrison's inauguration speech was the longest ever - 10,000 words long! (20)
  

Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• Your Government, Your Voice!
• Hail to the Chief! Inauguration Lesson Plans
• Curriculum Matters: Lesson Plans for Inauguration Day
  

Pat Mora's Birthday

Mora, Pat.

Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers.

2001.

Lee & Low Books: New York, NY.

Ages: N/A

Genre: Poetry

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

This poetry anthology, put together by Pat Mora, acts as a tribute to Hispanic mothers and grandmothers on behalf of their child(ren). Thirteen poems, some written bilingually, recall the accounts children have of special moments they have shared with their mothers and grandmothers. This book would serve as a wonderful gift for Mom or as a springboard for a Mother's Day gift to be made at school or even at home with Dad's help!

Links to Mother's Day Gift Ideas:

• "Memories of Mom" Memento
• Mother's Day for Educators
• A Child's Lesson in Writing a Personalized Mother's Day Poem

Mora, Pat.
Listen to the Desert = Oye al desierto.
1994.
Clarion Books: New York, NY.

Ages: 3-8
Genre: Non-Fiction, Rhyming Text
Guided Reading Level: E

Review/Summary:

This book would be a wonderful resource in a classroom when students are learning about different ecosystems (desert) and habitats, or as an introduction to the Spanish language. The text is very simple but provides a wealth of information about the desert at a level that would interest the youngest of readers.

Pat Mora introduces students to the desert and desert wildlife - owls, toads, snakes, doves, coyotes, fish, mice, rain, and wind. The illustrations are simple yet focus on the related text, providing minimal clues that allow enough visualization for non-readers to grasp the concept of the text. The repetitive nature of the text allows readers to easily predict some of the text that will follow.

Links about the Desert:

• Projects and Lesson Plans for Teaching Desert Ecology
• Desert Lesson Plans: 3rd Grade
• Force of Habitat, U.S. Mint - Nevada Quarter

Kingsbury's Latest Books

I've been on a bit of a reading frenzy this week and was able to complete two new books that I bumped to the top of my TBR pile! They were both fantastic (as I expected from my favorite adult author)!

The third book in her 9/11 series could be perhaps my favorite of them all. It may be because the main character is close to my own age or because the plot seemed more upbeat than in the first two... whichever the case, I loved it!

Alex Brady lost his father, a firefighter in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on the World Trade Center. You could say a part of him was lost forever and in essence there really was a hole in Alex Brady's heart that will never be filled. However, years after the death of his father, Brady finally finds peace after a near death experience of his own.

After losing his father Alex moved west to California, vowing to get the "bad guys" in whatever means necessary. In doing so, although he thought that this would make up for what the bad guys did for his father, he realizes that no matter how many "bad guys" he may catch, there will always be more and that in order to make peace with himself, he needs to allow himself to love and let love again. In the end, Alex does just that - reconnecting with the girlfriend he had expected to marry before losing his father all those years ago.

This Side of Heaven acts as a stand alone title from author Karen Kingsbury but the message it sends is no less than any message in any of her series - let the people in your life know how proud of them you are despite the disappointments they may provide you with at times throughout their lives, for you never know what tomorrow may bring.

To outsiders, Josh Warren seemed to be little more than failure to his parents Nate and Annie. They were disappointed that Josh never managed to finish college and get a degree. They were unsure of how to explain to family friends that Josh was content with the tow truck business he owned and operated. Josh is even disappointed in himself, feeling to be a failure to himself as he is unable to attain the finances necessary to meet the little girl who he is sure is his daughter.

However, as the story unfold alongside Nate and Annie, readers quickly realize that Josh couldn't be further from a disappointment, he just made the choice to keep his achievements to himself. While I felt tears brimming my eyes at the outcome of the story, I definitely held strong to the message that was passed along. This is a wonderful read for anyone looking for inspiration!

Stargirl

This book has been on my bookshelf for going on 4 years now... the Young Adult Challenge finally prompted me to pull it and read! I can't even begin to explain what I had missed out on by waiting so long to read this title! Amazing! Inspiring! Incredible!

Spinelli, Jerry.
Stargirl.
2004.
Random House Children's Books.

Ages: 10 +
Genre: Fiction - Realistic
Guided Reading Level: V

Review/Summary:

Stargirl arrives at Mica High, a burst of color that makes other students stop and watch. She's different - really different. And like most students in high school today, they don't take well to different. Stargirl is teased - made fun of... by almost everyone... among them, Leo Borlock. Leo is captivated by Stargirl and her antics. Throughout the story, Stargirl slowly succumbs to the way of high school students only to discover that once she conforms to their "way," she's not accepted any more than she was being an individual. This story teaches some very powerful lessons and is well worth the read!

After reading Stargirl and doing some research of my own, I have decided to create a "Stargirl Society" as suggested by Jerry Spinelli for middle school girls during the summer! Look back for updates on this!

Weekly Blog Plan, January 19-23

Here’s the weekly blog plan! Again, please remember this is subject to change and is dependent upon whether or not my materials come in from the library as planned. I realize that this may fall too late for you to use in your classroom this year, but the activities will definitely swing from year-to-year! If you see something you really wante to incorporate into your classroom, leave me a comment on this post or send me an e-mail, kateh12783@hotmail.com. I’d be glad to provide you with the links I have, if nothing more!

Monday, January 19 – Pat Mora’s Birthday (67)
o Listen to the Desert = oye al desierto
o Love to Mama: A Tribute to Mothers
o The Night the Moon Fell: A Maya Myth Retold

Tuesday, January 20 - Inauguration/Barack Obama/White House
o U.S. Presidential Inaugurations
o Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope
o Barack Obama: Working to Make a Difference
o If The Walls Could Talk: Family Life at the White House

Wednesday, January 21 – Financial Wellness Month
o A Chair for My Mother, Vera Williams
o If You Made a Million, David Schwartz
o Bunny Money, Rosemary Wells

Thursday, January 22 – Rafe Martin’s Birthday (63)
o The Boy Who Lived with the Seals
o The Storytelling Princess
o The Eagle’s Gift

Friday, January 23 – Katherine Holabird’s Birthday (61)
o Angelina’s Ice Skates
o Angelina’s Dance of Friendship
o Angelina’s Lucky Penny

National Nothing Day!

We adults might really enjoy this National Nothing Day if it weren't for the kids in our lives who suffer daily from boredom. Are you tired of hearing your kids or students tell you "There's nothing to do"? Hard to search for books on this topic but I did find one book that really caters to this "nothing to do" idea and I also found another really, really cute picture book catering to expectant moms that I think might make a wonderful shower gift! In place of lesson plans for today, I've found some websites that provide boredom busters for bored children! I hope everyone enjoys the books and the website resources.

Parks, Barbara.
Ma! There's Nothing to Do Here!: A Word from Your Baby-in-Waiting
2008.
Random House: New York, NY.

I've often heard of a mother-to-be receiving a book at a baby shower. I found a perfect one that should be given out to all expectant mothers! I'm sure that mother's get antsy and excited for the time to pass while they await the arrival of a new baby. This book addresses the same issue from the baby's point of view. It reminds the mother of all that awaits her when the new baby finally does arrive.

"Your Baby" is bored! There's nothing to do inside the uterus - no trees to see, no other kids to play with, no monkey bars, no parks, no zoos. He tries to play hide and seek or tag to keep busy but ends up disappointed because he always has to be "it." The baby questions whether or not Mommy and Daddy are ready for his arrival -a crib, diapers, shampoo, etc. Baby then goes on to remind Mommy about the lack of sleep she'll soon be receiving and decides he's content where he's at for now, as he still needs to get bigger and stronger. The baby sends a special, strong message to mother-to-be at the end!

Wood, Douglas.
Nothing To Do.
2006.
Penguin Group: New York, NY.

This book brings me back to my own childhood memories and makes me look back on them fondly! Ahh, how my mom had an imagination! As the book opens we're greeted by a young boy who has a day when there's absolutely, positively nothing to do! While most kids today would be complaining that they are bored or that they'll just play a video or computer game, this little boy uses his imagination to come up with something to do. That being said, I recommend this book to anyone! If that's not enough, a very important message is sent to readers at the very end of this book!

No homework? No sports practice? Nothing to do? Rather than complain about having nothing to do, this little boy takes uses his "Nothing to Do" day to remind someone with big shoes that sometimes, doing nothing is the most important thing to do! However, along the way, he gives out wonderful ideas about what people can do to keep busy - catching fireflies, making a paper airplane, building a fort, watching the clouds turn into almost lively objects, making popsicle stick crafts, watching ants or even just walking barefoot through mud.

Here's some winter boredom busters that might keep them occupied so you can sit back and enjoy doing absolutely nothing!

• Snowin' Boredom Busters
• Winter Boredom Busters
• Children's Boredom Busters
  

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King Jr.!

Martin Luther King Jr. was a black civil rights leader, a minister, and an advocate on nonviolence. He was born on January 15, 1929. Although we don't officially celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday until Monday, his real birthday is actually today and I'm going to honor it today, in hopes that you will be able to share these wonderful stories with your children!

Adler, David.

A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.

1989.

Holiday House: New York

Ages: 5-10

Genre: Biography
Guided Reading Level: M

Summary/Review:

Between it's simple, understandable text and watercolor and pencil illustrations, students and children alike will be drawn to this biography of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. The complex life of Martin Luther King Jr. is hard for many children to understand, as they are growing up in a world so different from the very one in which King spent his childhood years. What was most catching about this biography was that Adler really tried to connect the life of today's children to Martin Luther King Jr's own life - describing his childhood interests and how they were impacted by his African-American culture. This will certainly allow for children, perhaps even as young as 5 to understand the text and make connections to their own personal lives.

The biography starts out introducing King as he really was - one of America's greatest leaders and a powerful speaker who's words have lasted a lifetime. After introducing King in this fashion, Adler takes readers back to his birth and early home life. The text quickly takes true form as King first notices the inequalities and injustices that African Americans were facing - two of his best friends would no longer play football with him solely because he was black. Through his growing up years, King faced such challenges daily and this is where his inspiration began. The events leading up to Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination are all touched upon in a kid-friendly way without giving too much graphic detail.

Marzollo, Jean

Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King

1993

Scholastic Inc.: New York

Ages: 4-8

Genre: Biography

Guided Reading Level: L

Summary/Review:

Another biography and this one really caught my attention! Because of the illustrations I felt as though I weren't really reading a biography... this could be a plus with younger children as they tend to be more interested in something that doesn't look so factual. The story is virtually the same as what you hear in A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr., so I guess the real test would be reading them both to children and seeing which they prefer.

The illustrations reminded me of the Crayola Color Explosion that kids seem to love these days and made me come up with a lesson plan all of my own - Martin Luther King, Jr. is perhaps most known for his famous "I Have a Dream" speech in which he speaks of his dreams for the future. Why not give the kids Crayola Color Explosion products (with the black paper, of course) and ask them them to draw a picture of one of their dreams for the future. I do believe that the pictures would turn out very similar to the illustrations in this text! Then, to bring in a little ELA (English Language Arts), why not ask the children to write about their dream. This might be a mighty cool lesson plan for perhaps 3rd or 4th graders!

Lesson Plans/Activities:

• Crayola Color Explosion Pictures
• Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King
• Celebrating Martin Luther King Day
• Thematic Studies: Martin Luther King Jr.
• Commemorate the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

February is Oatmeal Month!

Children's books about oatmeal are very hard to come by. On that note I have just two reviews for today and one is not so much about oatmeal, but sort of goes along with the topic and is a childhood favorite of mine!

Asch, Frank.
Oats and Wild Apples.
1988.
Holiday House: New York, NY.

Ages: 4-8
Genre: Fiction, Animal Fantasy
Guided Reading Level:

Summary/Review:

Although the story isn't about oatmeal, it does make mention of oats (and one of the purpose of oats), the grain that oatmeal is produced from. This sweet story is a favorite of my from my own childhood. Two baby animals, desperately lonely from the separation from their mothers meet up in the wild and become quick friends, following each other around and sharing bits of their own lives with each other. Fawn introduces Calf to wild apples, and Calf introduces Fawn to oats. Although the story leaves you feeling a bit sad at times, the ending is enough to quickly change the mood! This is a must read for young children who adore baby animals and stories that display the affection between a mother and her child.

Mother Cow is not in the Mood to play with Calf, so Calf sets out to explore on her own and takes off, kicking up her heels and landing flat on her face. In the distance she can hear someone laughing at her - Fawn, also out to explore on her own that afternoon, after she was separated from her mother after a wolf chase the night before. The baby animal pair chases butterflies and watch frogs hop and jump in a nearby brook. Later in the afternoon, although Calf thinks her mother will be worrying, she agrees to go along with Fawn to the place where wild apples grow. Once Calf tastes the wild apples, she agrees with Fawn that they taste better than the grass in the pasture and possibly even better than the oats that the farmer gives Calf and Mother Cow in the barn. As the sun begins to set, Fawn and Calf head back to the farm where Calf returns to her mother. Fawn follows behind and gets a taste of Calf's favorite food - oats from the farmer. Just as Calf is about to suggest that Fawn lives with them (her mother is still missing at this point), a shadow appears at the barn doorway - Mother Deer has found her baby and the two are reunited!

Ford, B.G.

Don't Forget the Oatmeal!: A Supermarket Word Book

1980.

Western Publishing Company, Inc.

Ages: 2-8

Genre: Fiction

Guided Reading Level: N/A

Review/Summary:

This Sesame Street book would be a wonderful resource in an early childhood classroom for a thematic unit on food! Emergent readers can easily look at the pictures and determine what food items are mentioned and begin to make a word-to-text meaning, as the book provides a word wall of sorts. The ending, Bert and Ernie forgetting to buy the oatmeal leaves the opportunity for discussion about how they may handle the situation, as it is never mentioned in the text.

Bert and Ernie have made a shopping list and are headed to the supermarket to make their purchases. Ernie has just one thing in mind to buy: oatmeal! He even goes so far as to tie a ribbon on his finger so that he won't forget to buy the "delicious, nutritious oatmeal." However, their shopping trip soon gets a major distraction in the form of Cookie Monster! Cookie Monster has discovered that there's a cookie sale going on at the supermarket. In his excitement to stock up on a year's worth of cookies, he turns the cookie aisle into a garbage bin - cookie packages and crumbs are strewn about everywhere! Being the friends that they are, Bert and Ernie help Cookie Monster clean up the mess and then guide him out of the store after paying for their groceries and Cookie Monster's cookies. When they get home and begin putting away groceries, Ernie discovers they've forgotten the oatmeal!

Some fun links for Oatmeal crafts/activities:

• Oatmeal Clay
• Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe for Kids
• Oatmeal Box Instruments
  

Teaser Tuesday

TEASER TUESDAYS over at Should Be Reading asks you to:

Grab your current read.

Let the book fall open to a random page.

Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.

You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

Please avoid spoilers!

So, here's my teaser, from page 154 of This Side of Heaven, by Karen Kingsbury...

She reached for her daughter's hand and realized how good it felt to connect with her this way. "Mama's ship has finally come in."

Paddington Bear

Today is Michael Bond's 83rd birthday. Bond is the English author of the Paddington Bear series, which is debuted over a half a century ago, famous among children. The series was created after Christmas Eve 1956 when Bond bought the bear after seeing it on shelf in a London store and presented it as a gift to his wife. The first book in the Paddington series took just ten days to complete. To this day, Bond has written more than 150 books in the Paddington Bear series. I have reviewed two of them (the most recent written by Bond and illustrated by R.W. Alley.

Bond, Michael.
Paddington Bear.
1998.
Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary/Review:

Michael Bond's original story of Paddington Bear, A Bear Called Paddington has been retold by Bond and illustrated by R.W. Alley in this picture book. Mr. and Mrs. Brown wait patiently at Paddington Station to pick up their daughter Judy. While they wait, Mr. Brown notices the small brown creature hidden behind some bicycles. When the Browns go to talk to Paddington and find out what a small bear is doing alone at the station, they discover a note attached to the smock of his jacket. It reads, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." Mr. and Mrs. Brown do just that, taking Paddington (named for the location at which he was discovered) home to live with their family at 32 Windsor Gardens. That's where the story of Paddington Bear really begins!

I honestly can't say that I remember hearing the story of Paddington Bear before, although I'm sure my mom must have read it to me as a child. She must have! My aunt even made her a Paddington Bear and attached that famous note to it's jacket! Children will certainly enjoy this story and be eager to listen to more! I wish I had ordered more than just the two books from the library!

Bond, Michael.
Paddington Bear in the Garden.
2002.
Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary/Review:

Paddington loves living the Browns' so much, that one morning, he takes a piece of paper and pencil into the garden to make a list of all the nice things he can think about being a bear and living with the Browns'. This story of Paddington begins when Mrs. Bird suggests that Mr. and Mrs. Brown give Paddington, Judy and Jonathan each a piece of the family garden. Judy and Jonathan quickly set to work on their own gardens, but Paddington decides to do a little research before getting started. What ultimately ensues is an adventure for Paddington, but despite all the trials Paddington faces in creating the perfect garden, he does just that and happens to win an award for the best garden.

The story is very cute - attention getting for students with illustrations that will catch their eyes quickly and provide even the youngest readers with enough visual images to tell the story even without being able to read the text! I must say, Paddington has captivated me and I want to read more!

Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• Paddington Bear: The Official Website
• Famous Bears Lesson Plan
• Paddington Bear Preview and Activity Guide
• Paddington Bear Craft

National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day

This year, National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day falls today, January 12, as today is the second Monday in January. It's intentions are to provide one day early each year for every desk worker (students included) to see the top of the desk and prepare for another semester's worth of paperwork (or learning, as the case may be with students). Books about messy desks are somewhat hard to come by, but with some searching, I found a few that focused on the desks and being messy in general! The lesson plans/book activities that go along with these books are all posted together at the end of this post, as none of them relate specifically to any book in particular, but rather organizational and stay-clean strategies for classroom desks!

McKissack, Patricia and Fredrick. Messy Bessey’s School Desk. 1998.
Children’s Press: New York, NY.
Ages: 5-8
Genre: Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Guided Reading Level: J

Review/Summary:

The text itself is very simple, focusing on everyday school issues that many of our children surely face – a messy desk and lack of organizational skills! As a teacher, I see this everyday and for sure, nothing drives me crazier! If this book will inspire young students to keep their desks clean, then it’s certainly worth sharing. It might also just inspire them to partake in National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day!

With rhyming phrases, Messy Bessey guides young readers through the tribulations of having a messy desk – broken crayons, apple cores, misplaced homework assignments, overdue library books, wadded up tissues, dried out markers… the list goes on and on! However, Bessey finally realizes that something must be done and takes on the tedious task of cleaning out that messy desk! She does such a great job, she motivates the other students to clean their desks as well, and is ultimately elected class president!

Viorst, Judith. Super-Completely and Totally the Messiest.
2001. Antheneum Books for Young Readers: New York, NY.
Ages: 5-8
Genre: Fiction, Comedy and Humor
Guided Reading Level: L

Review/Summary:

The story is funny – the pencil drawn illustrations with bursts of color really depict what a mess Sophie can be! The story also shows readers how others people are impacted by someone else’s mess. Might this inspire clean desks on National Clean-Off-Your-Desk Day? Perhaps!

Olivia tells the story of her little sister, Sophie, who is” super-completely and totally the messiest.” Sophie tries hard, she really does, but not being messy is really a job for her. The story shows every aspect of Sophie’s messy life, from trips to the beach, to her desk at school.

Lesson Plans/Book Activities:

• http://k6educators.about.com/cs/classroommanageme2/a/CleanDesks.htm
• http://teachers.net/mentors/primary_elementary/topic79153/12.08.08.08.24.33.html