Otis December 8, 2009

Author/Illustrator:  Loren Long

Publication Date:  September 2009

Title:  Otis

ISBN#:  978-0399252488

Grade:  Kindergarten-Second

What is it about?  This is a cute story about a happy-go-lucky tractor named Otis who roams the fields at night and plays in the haystacks.  At night while put away in the barn the tractor’s engine makes a purring noise that comforts a scared little calf, which causes the two to become inseparable friends.  However everything changes when the farmer brings home a brand new tractor one day and Otis is put out of the barn.  This story ends with a wonderful twist, check it out to see what happens.

What you might be able to do with it in a class: for example what themes could be covered, or what content would link to the book. Is it a read aloud?   This book teaches about determination, heroism, friendship,  and perseverance.

All the World December 8, 2009

Author:  Liz Garton Scanlon

Illustrator:  Marla Frazee

Publication Date:  2009

Title:  All the World

ISBN#:  978-1416985808

Grade:  First-Second

What it is about:  The world is everywhere and it’s everything!  This story follows a circle of friends and family throughout an entire day, from early morning until late night.  Through this journey we learn the importance of all things in this world both great and small.

What you might be able to do with it in a class: for example what themes could be covered, or what content would link to the book. Is it a read aloud?   Have student’s write about their own journey and all the important things they might come across, have them include things that are important to them.  Teaches the value of appreciating things we have around us in this world.

Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library! December 8, 2009

Authors:  Vicki Myron, Bret Witter

Illustrator:  Steve James

Publication Date:  2009

Title:  Dewey:  There’s a Cat in the Library!

ISBN#:  978-0316068741

Grade:  First/Second

What is it about?  A kitten is found abandoned in a library return box and his taken in by the librarian.  The librarian names the kitten Dewey Readmore Books, and the adorable kitten soon becomes the “Library Cat” and is loved by even the youngest of library patrons.  Before long Dewey begins to wonder if he is cut out to be a library cat, but soon realizes helping others is definitely the job for him.

What you might be able to do with it in a class: for example what themes could be covered, or what content would link to the book. Is it a read aloud?   This book would be great to use in a lesson on helping others, even if they are different from you.  Also this books teaches the importance of showing kindness to everyone.

 

Skippyjon Jones December 8, 2009

Author/Illustrator:  Judy Schachner

Publication Date:  2005

Title:  Skippyjon Jones

ISBN#:  978-0-14-240403-4

Grade:  Read Aloud

What is it about?  Skippyjon Jones is no ordinary Siamese cat; in fact he believes he is actually a Chihuahua.  Skippyjon Jones puts on a mask and takes a sword on his magical journey as El Skipito Friskito who fears not a single bandito.  On his journey El Skipito befriends a group of Chihuahuas who are in dire need of rescuing from the terrible Bumblebeeto.  El Skipito saves the day and has a lot of fun along the way!

What you might be able to do with it in a class: for example what themes could be covered, or what content would link to the book. Is it a read aloud?  This would be a wonderful book to introduce or incorporate Spanish into your classroom.  Great Text Talk lesson!  Also good to teach students about using their imagination.

The Snail and the Whale December 8, 2009

Author:  Julia Donaldson

Illustrator:  Axel Scheffler

Publisher: Puffin 2006

Title:  The Snail and the Whale

ISBN-13: 978-0142405802

Grade:  Read Aloud

What is it about?  This a story about a snail who gets to travel to far off lands riding atop a hump back whale.  This is a grand adventure, especially for the snail who has never left home before.  However trouble ensues when the whale travels too close to the shore and there is an unlikely savior.

What you might be able to do with it in a class: for example what themes could be covered, or what content would link to the book. Is it a read aloud?  This book could be used when teaching the importance of friendship and be kind to others.  You could also use this book during a Science lesson when teaching about marine animals, etc.