Scratch Art, Creatures of the Night and Poetry All Wrapped Up in One

This art-integrated literacy activity is appropriate for children of all ages when modified to need the needs of your students. At some point, children have likely had exposure to scratch art, an art experience in which children use scratch art paper (black coated sheets of paper) with a wood stick of some sort to create a picture revealing brilliant multicolors.

This paper can be purchased or homemade. Preschoolers love creating their own art supplies, so I would recommend this simple technique to create scratch art paper of your own and save some money!

Homemade Scratch Art Paper

Materials:

• white cardstock or copy paper
• crayons
• black tempera paint
• regular dish detergent
• paint brush/sponge

Directions:

1. Have your child(ren) color REALLY hard ALL OVER the paper provided - there should be no white showing and this should appear very waxy. This is a wonderful fine and gross motor activity (use of crayons and the force of coloring very hard)!
2. Mix 2 tablespoons of paint with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of dish detergent (the amounts may need to be increased depending on the size paper you are working with and need to paint).
3. Using the paint brush/sponge, have your child paint the entire page with the mixture.
   
4. Allow to dry (at least one hour). This would be an ideal time to read some of the poems from Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night!
5. After the paper is completely dry, start scratching away! You can use toothpicks or Popsicle sticks or purchase Wood Drawing Sticks.

Creatures of the Night Activity

Sidman, Joyce.
Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night.
September 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Complete with 12 poems featuring the creatures of night, Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night is a perfect read for children who are learning about animals that are active at night. While this poetry book is generally geared toward older children who can comprehend more abstract poetry, there is no reason that portions of it can't be shared with preschoolers as well! Bats Wrap Up, Crickets Speak and I Am a Baby Porcupette would all be great pieces to share that are somewhat simpler in nature.

Share these poems and discuss animals that are active at night. Can anyone give you other examples of animals that are active at night? Perhaps you might want to have Night Animals by Susan Meredith and Where Are the Night Animals? by Mary Ann Fraser on hand to refer to and share!

After reading the poems selections and discussing the different animals that are active at night, show children the illustrations that coincide with the poems that you read. How do the pictures look? Dark (to depict the night sky) with some color in the animals, etc. Explain that one way that you can get this effect is to use scratch paper - scratching away the black will leave some color, similar to the ways the animals are seen in the poem's illustration.

Allow the children to use their homemade scratch art paper to draw a picture of a "night animal." This could act as an assessment tool to check for comprehension from the reading and discussion you have had. Of course, you wouldn't necessarily want to "assess" their drawing, as preschoolers are still developing their visual and motor skills and being creative with their work! However, talking to them about their scratch art picture will help you to gain an understanding of what they took away from the night animals poems, stories and discussion!

Don't forget to send these printable take-home instructions on how to create the homemade scratch art paper as this is an activity that is very simple and cost-friendly for parents!



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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Back to School Week! Day 1

It's August! And that means the back to school countdown is most likely on... whether your children head back before Labor Day or shortly after, it's really right around the corner... I have just 22 days of freedom left... anxious about starting the new school year, yet dreading what that means - the end of long summer days (or nights) as the case may be! I have several new back-to-school titles up for review, and decided to get them out there, hoping that you'll find the perfect one to share with your back-to-schooler!

Prelutsky, Jack.
There's No Place Like School: Classroom Poems.
June 2010.
HarperCollins.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

From suspsicious hot lunches (yuck!), to pop quizzes (oh, no!), to recess and best friends (hooray!), everything you love - and love to hate - about school is front and center in this collection of eighteen poems by thirteen celebrated poets. One thing's for certain: there's no place like school!

Children will love all that these poems have to offer - the humor and imagination are lively and flowing - perfect to lighten the somber back-to-school minds that overtake as the end of summer draws near. This is a perfect choice to embrace the start of a new school year!

Learning/Reading Activity:

• Take the opportunity at breakfast for the last 18 days of summer vacation to share one of these poems. Download the discussion sheet, found here, to open each day with a discussion related to each poem!
  

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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Ubiquitous

Take a look at nature's survivors in a whole new light!

Sidman, Joyce.
Ubiquitous.
April 2010.
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Review copy provided courtesy of publisher.

Summary from BN.com:

Why is the beetle, born 265 million years ago, still with us today? (Because its wings mutated and hardened). How did the gecko survive 160 million years? (by becoming nocturnal and developing sticky toe pads.) How did the shark and the crow and the tiny ant survive millions and millions of years? When 99 percent of all life forms on earth have become extinct, why do some survive? And survive not just in one place, but in many places: in deserts, in ice, in lakes and puddles, inside houses and forest and farmland? Just how do they become ubiquitous?

In this unique take nature, Sidman shares with readers the true stories of nature's fittest (survival of the fittest). Coupled with interesting poems, a great deal of factual information is presented about each of the survivors discussed in this book. The book is an interesting way to share different forms of poetry (when teaching children about poetry, or even just for children who love poetry). The book can also be used as a reference tool, as there is so much factual information to be learned! I could definitely see this holding a place in an upper-elementary classroom (grades 3+).



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. I am an Amazon Affiliate, so any purchases you make after clicking these images will result in my receiving a small percentage of the sale price!

Friday Frenzy

I've decided to use today as "Friday Frenzy" because I have so many books awaiting review that don't fall into my daily posts or any other topics I've planned. So, it's a whole frenzy of material to share today! Hopefully you'll find something to share and enjoy with your kiddos!

Wood, Audrey.
The Napping House.
2009 (1984).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
Guided Reading Level: I

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

In this cumulative tale, a wakeful flea atop a number of sleeping creatures causes a commotion, with just one bite.

So, as a teacher, you'd think I'd have been familiar with The Napping House long before now... but that's not the case and I can't even begin to tell you how cheated I feel! This story is absolutely wonderful and kids are sure to love it. It's a perfect book to use as a retelling activity or even as a cause-and-effect lesson. This book is definitely worthy of a spot on your shelves!

Reading Activities to Accompany The Napping House:

• The Napping House Guide
• The Napping House Extension Activities
• The Napping House Nouns/Adjective Concentration
  

Willis, Jeanne.
Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog.
2009.
Andersen Press, USA.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Flabby Cat and Slobby Dog were very lazy. They ate and ate and ate. They drank and drank and drank. And they slept and slept and slept. But when they woke up, they were most uncomfortable. The sofa had shrunk! Or so they liked to think!

This book was really funny and definitely has the ability to get children laughing! Besides being used as a read-aloud, I can almost visualize this book being used in a classroom (or Phys Ed class) as a motivator to get children moving! According to the American Heart Association, 17% of children between the ages of 6-11 are overweight... We need to do something to decrease this number! Perhaps this goofy book will be the inspiration that children need!

Mordhorst, Heidi.
Pumpkin Butterfly: Poems from the Other Side of Nature.
2009.
Wordsong.

Summary from Wordsong:

Look closely at the world around you, and you may see another world—a world where butterflies are the ghosts of pumpkins and an oak tree turns into a timber chimney; where raccoons are party animals, sunflowers blow jazz, and an ordinary egg is a source of wonder.

I think I've mentioned before that I always struggled with writing (and understanding) poetry. However, it's a big part of the ELA curriculum in schools today and because of that, I think there's no better way to familiarize children with poetry than to bring it into the classroom on a daily basis beginning in preschool. Even if kids can't put a name to that "weird story," they'll at least be able to recognize that it's different than a story. The poetry in this book would be perfect to share throughout the year, as it's broken into seasons and children will easily connect with the messages shared. I'll share my favorite fall poem with you!

Most Realistic Costume Award

trick sneaks under the gate
black-sleek
queen of scratch queen of screech

lying low
slipping spilling chasing treats

spine-stretch
crouch creep

pounce! she's got one
she's caught it like a bird
in her sugarsharp teeth
a little candy bird flapping
cellophane wings

Trick sneaks under the gate
blink-slink
howl-yowl queen of prowl

far near disappear

Yeoman, John.
The Wild Washerwomen.
2009.
Andersen Press, USA.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Once upon a time there were seven unhappy washerwomen. They had far too much washing to do and the owner of the laundry, Mr. Balthazar Tight, was simply dreadful! See what happens when these feisty washerwomen decide to escape from a very large pile of laundry and go on strike!

This is another one of those stories that will have kids laughing! Immediately, I thought of my childhood favorite, Mrs. Wishy-Washy and it's definitely a book I'd use along side that one! The book is great for children if you're trying to encourage the skill of predicting what will happen next. It's also perfect for retelling, as there are many simple events that will catch children's attention quickly and easily! Definitely worth having on the shelves!

Bunting, Eve.
So Far from the Sea.
2009 (1998).
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Laura Iwasaki and her family are paying what may be their last visit to Laura's grandfather's grave. The grave is at Manzanar, where thousands of Americans of Japanese heritage were interned during World War II. Among those rounded up and taken to the internment camp were Laura's father, then a small boy, and his parents. Now Laura says goodbye to Grandfather in her own special way, with a gesture that crosses generational lines and bears witness to the patriotism that survived a shameful episode in America's history.

I absolutely love the moving stories behind Eve Bunting's works... they are so powerful, yet children can easily connect with them and understand that there's something important to be learned. This is definitely a book I will be using someday in a classroom to help children understand what World War II meant for not only the Americans (who get the majority of the focus in today's history lessons), but also for the Japanese-Americans, who were [in many cases] wrongly imprisoned based on their heritage. It's important for children to see all sides of the story, and Eve Bunting helps make this possible in this book!

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.

2nd Day of Autumn

September 22 through December 21 marks the season known as "Autumn." In the Northern Hemisphere, fall began yesterday with the autumnal equinox, which occurred at 11:44 am, EDT. Not that in the Southern Hemisphere yesterday marked the arrival of spring. Everywhere on Earth (except near the poles) the sun rises due east and sets due west and daylight length is nearly identical - about 12 hours, 8 minutes.
-The Teacher's Calendar, 2008-2009

I couldn't post fall book yesterday because I just had to make that Esphyr Slobodkina post, but seeing as how these books are pertinent through nearly Christmas, I'd say today's post is just as good! Enjoy!

Hawk, Fran.
Count Down to Fall.
2009.
Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Count backwards from ten to one during one of the most colorful times of year: fall. Learn about the bright, colorful leaves and the trees from which they fall: aspen, birch, maple, oak, chestnut, linden, pine, beech, dogwood, and sweet gum. Watch the animals frolicking in the crisp, autumn air as they get ready for the approaching cold winter.

This book teaches many concepts to children! First and foremost, it allows children the opportunity to practice "counting down" or backwards. Secondly, it teaches children about different leaves that they will see as the leaves turn colors during the fall months. The book also allows children the chance to see what leaves are used as food by some animals! A great resource for the fall months! And, the teacher activities provided... well, I just can't say enough!

Lesson Plans/Reading Activities:

• For Creative Minds Activity Pages (Located in Back of Book as well)
• 34 Pages of Teaching Activities
• Reading Quiz
• For Creative Minds Quiz
• Math Quiz
• ***Free Trial eBook - Count Down to Fall*** (Use it While You Can!!!)
  

Nidey, Kelli.
When Autumn Falls.
2004.
Albert Whitman & Company.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

As September fades, a new season begins. Leaves and temperatures tumble. And, as autumn falls, new colors and smells gradually replace the heat and intensity that was summer. Children love caramel-apple making and bobbing for apples. Jack-o'-lanterns appear and piles of leaves stacked high beckon. Autumn means the end of summer, but the beginning of something new and crisp and familiar.

Many older children are familiar with the changes that take place throughout the fall months... however, the younger ones may be curious... and this book is the perfect way to approach that with the younger ones! It's also a great book to use to introduce to children when studying different seasons. Children will really be able to connect with this book!


Schnur, Steven.
Autumn: An Alphabet Acrostic.
1997.
Clarion Books.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

One brief acrostic poem for each letter of the alphabet from acorn to zero follows the fall season from end of summer to chilly conclusion.

This is just the sort of book that is perfect for teachers looking for a bulletin board display for the fall months!

• Brainstorm a list of "autumn" or "fall" words.
• Read the book with your class, discussing an acrostic poem prior to reading - what it is, what makes it an acrostic, etc.
• Assign each student one of the autumn/fall words that was earlier brainstormed.
  
• Using that word, ask each student to create an acrostic poem.
• Mount the published poems on autumn colored construction paper and place on the fall bulletin board!

A great way to display your students' hard work while also knocking off a great bulletin board display!

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.

Paul Janeczko's Birthday

Paul Janeczko, a poet was born on this day in 1945 in Passaic, NJ.

Janeczko, Paul.
A Kick in the Head: An Everyday Guide to Poetic Forms.
2005.
Candlewick Press.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

In this splendid and playful volume, acclaimed poetry anthologist Paul B. Janeczko and Caldecott Honor illustrator Chris Raschka present lively examples of twenty-nine poetic forms, demonstrating not only the (sometimes bendable) rules of poetry, but also the spirit that brings these forms so wonderfully to life. Featuring formal poems, some familiar and some never before published, from the likes of Eleanor Farjeon (aubade), X. J. Kennedy (elegy), Ogden Nash (couplet), Liz Rosenberg (pantoum), and William Shakespeare, the sonnet king himself, A KICK IN THE HEAD perfectly illustrates Robert Frost's maxim that poetry without rules is like a tennis match without a net.

This is a great resource for teachers who are sharing poetry with students! Throughout the book a huge variety of types of poems are shared, along with details that describe that form. Combined with the form, is a written example so students (and teachers) are able to gain an understanding of that particular form of poetry! For example, a poem written about a cow, called a Triolet, an eight-line poem in which line 1 repeats as line 4 and 7 and line 2 repeats as line 8. The rhyme scheme is abaaabab.

The Cow's Complaint" by Alice Schertle

How unkind to keep me here
When, over there the grass is greener.
Tender blades - so far, so near -
How unkind to keep me here!
THrough this fence they make me peer
As sweeter stems; what could be meaner?
How unkind to keep me here
When, over there the grass is greener.

Janeczko, Paul.
A Foot in the Mouth: Poems to Speak, Sing and Shout.
2009.
Candlewick Press.

Summary from Barnes & Noble:

Whether rhyming, tongue-tying, or defying structure, here are more than three dozen poems that simply beg to be read aloud. The creators of A POKE IN THE I and A KICK IN THE HEAD complete a triplet with this collection of lively rhymes and tricky tongue twisters, poems for more than one voice, bilingual poems — and poems that may just inspire kids to memorize them. Paul B. Janeczko offers a range of gems, from classic Shakespeare and Lear to anonymous rhymes to contemporary riffs on everything under the sun, while Chris Raschka counterpoints with the vibrant accents of his wittily detailed artwork.

This book is full of funny poems... definitely making it worthy of sharing! I never really appreciated poetry as a child, perhaps because of my limited exposure to it. However, I do think it's a medium worth sharing with children. In order to get poetry to appeal to young readers, they need to have funny poetry that they can understand... My favorite from this book:

Lone Dog
Irene McLeod

I'm a lean dog, a keen dog, a wild dog and lone,
I'm a rough dog, a tough dog, hunting on my own!
I'm a bad dog, a mad dog, teasing silly sheep;
I love to sit and bay the moon and keep fat souls from sleep.

I'll never be a lap dog, licking dirty feet,
A sleek dog, a meed dog, cringing for my meat.
Not for me the fireside, the well-filled plate.
But shut door and sharp stone and cuff and kick and hate.

Not for me the other dogs, running by my side,
Some have run a short while, but none of them would bid.
O mine is still the lone trail, the hard trail, the best
Wide wind and wild stars and the hunger of the quest.

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.

Kalli Dakos' Birthday

I'm not very familiar with Kalli Dakos at all, so I'm quite looking forward to this post! I'm a little disappointed that only one of the three books I ordered came in to the library in time for this post, but the book itself wasn't disappointing!

Dakos, Kalli.
Our Principal Promised to Kiss a Pig.
2004.
Albert Whitman.

It's typical of many schools these days during the month of March - Reading Month. Many elementary schools and the staff try to promote reading amongst the student body by planning a special activity if students can fulfill reading a set number of books. I guess that's what would make this book so appropriate for perhaps a Reading Month kick-off assembly... and that's exactly what I would recommend it for... or maybe as an incentive to get the children reading this summer... do a little "promise" of your own with them!

Principal Ms. Juliet has promised the students in her school that if they can read 10,000 books during the school year she will kiss a pig. Last year she faced her fear of heights by going up in a hot air balloon. Another year she sat on the roof reading all day, even during the rain. But when it comes time to follow up on her promise by kissing one of the student's pet pigs, she's not so sure she can fulfill the promise! However, in the end... a promise is a promise... and Ms. Juliet probably realizes that if she doesn't stick to her promise, the students will probably give up on reading, as that was their incentive to pick up the books!

One of the best parts of this book was the poems of sorts that were recited by Hamlet (the pig) throughout as he deals with the emotions of knowing he'll likely be kissing Ms. Juliet (he's none to anxious about that)! I'll share a few of them with you...

While trying to make a potion in hopes of exempting himself from kissing Ms. Juliet...

I'll take this pot; I'll mix a brew,
And hope this spell will come true.

Double, double, toil and trouble,
Let their plans burn and bubble!

And, as the students near their goal of 10,000 (8,987 books read)...

Out, out, brief candle
With so small a light!
My hopes are fading
On this dark night.

The students have surpassed their goal of 10,000...

O, heavy heart, do not weep.
This kiss has murdered sleep.

And, upon seeing Ms. Juliet and how beautiful she is...

I never saw true beauty
Till this day.
Ms. Juliet is the sun
That lights my way!

Your gentle kiss
Will feel just right.
Whoever loved
That loved not at first sight?

Are you not yet convinced that the children will love this story??? Definitely head out to the library to pick up a copy of this one... or...

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.

June Poem of the Month!

Sendak, Maurice.
Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months.
1962.
Scholastic, Inc.
Guided Reading Level: M

Today is Maurice Sendak's 81st Birthday! Sendak is famous for many of his books... Where the Wild Things Are, In the Night Kitchen, and Nutshell Library are among some of them. However, to honor him during his birth month, I'm feature one of his other well known books, Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months. I could totally see myself using this in an early elementary classroom as part of calendar during circle time! It's perfect for many reasons...

1. The poems are short, sweet, and do correlate well with the different seasons!
2. It's repetitive in nature. Children will feel as though they can "read," which makes this book ideal for beginning readers!
3. The poems follow the calendar year as we know it: January, February, March, etc., all in order!

And to share a sample of the book with you, June's poem:

In June
I saw a charming group
of roses all begin
to droop.
I peeped them up
with chicken soup!
Sprinkle once
sprinkle twice
sprinkle chicken soup
with rice.

Lesson Plans to Pair with the Book:

• Chicken Soup with Rice (months of the year/picture cards)
• Chicken Soup with Rice Extension Activities
• Chicken Soup with Rice
• Chicken Soup with Rice Book Activity Sheet

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.

National Week of the Ocean

It's National Week of the Ocean! So, those lucky ones of you out there who might happen to be enjoying spring break ocean-side or just dreaming of it (like me), here are 3 ocean reviews, and one ocean/beach review that is a new release this month!

Ryan, Pam Munoz.
Hello Ocean.
2001.
Charlesbridge Publishing.

Written in poetic form, this book shares with readers the real life experiences of Ryan and her children. The rhyming text coupled with an educational aspect makes this book perfect literature to incorporate into a thematic unit on the five senses. Pam Munoz Ryan shows readers how each of the five senses are experienced when visiting the ocean:

Sight

I see the ocean, gray, green, blue, a chameleon always changing hue. Amber seaweed, speckled sand, bubbly waves that kiss the land,

Hearing

I hear the ocean a lion's roar, crashing rumors toward the shore, water shushing and rushing in, then whispering back to the sea again.

Feeling

squishy, sandy, soggy ground, slippery seaweed that wraps around, sudden breezes that make me squeal - I love the way the ocean feels.

Smell

I smell the ocean, the fresh salt wind, wafting lotions from suntanned skin.

Taste

I taste the ocean and wonder why it tastes like tears I sometimes cry. Sandy grains in a salty drink.

I can already visualize how I would use this book in such a unit... The book would be used as an introduction to a culminating project on the unit. After reading and discussing the story, I would have students draw from a hat one of five different places: Hello Candy Shoppe, Hello Farm, Hello Ballpark, Hello Circus, Hello Amusement Park. I would then have the students explain the way each each of the 5 senses are used at their given destination.

Frasier, Debra.
Out of the Ocean.
2002.
Harcourt Children's Books
Guided Reading Level: J

This book would be a perfect read before heading to the ocean for a vacation! It provides readers with a purpose while taking strolls along the beach. Not only does Frasier take readers on an adventure alongside a mother and daughter as they walk along the beach, she also shows that with a little imagination you can find a way to appreciate the gifts that are truly right in front of you. The last few pages of the book provide a wealth of information about all the treasures that can be found while walking along the beach.

Andreae, Giles.
The Pop-Up Commotion in the Ocean.
2002.
Tiger Tales.
Guided Reading Level: M

This book focuses less on the beach aspect of the ocean and more on the sea life. Youngsters are sure to love it, as it is a pop-up book. Lucky for you, it's also a book of poems, perfect for celebrating both National Week of the Ocean and National Poetry Month! The verses are funny and somewhat educational at the same time!

Keller, Holly.
Miranda's Beach Day.
2009.
Greenwillow Books.

This wonderful new release shows how the relationship between the crab and the ocean is similar to that of a mother and daughter, as the daughter will always belong to her mother and the crab will always belong to the ocean, although they may go their separate ways at times.

It's an interesting way that the connection is made, as Miranda and her mother head out for a day at the beach. While there, Miranda meets another little boy and the two quickly set to work building a sandcastle (a new home) for small crab that Miranda and her mother found on the beach. As the day comes to a close, the ocean tide is moving in, and takes with it crab. At the same time, Miranda's mom collects her daughter to head home for the day. It's a cute story and while children may have a difficult time understanding the connection between themselves and the crab, for sure you mother's out there will appreciate the story!

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.

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