Catching Fire

Bibliographic Information (APA): Collins, S. (2009). Catching Fire. New York, New York: Scholastic Press.

Brief Annotation: Katniss is back in the games, for one of the most interesting Hunger Games yet. Facing past victors and people she loves, how will she ever choose her allies and get out alive? A rebellion is starting in the district of Panam, will Katniss be ready to be their leader? The second book in the Hunger Games Trilogy, proves to be just as engulfing as the first.

Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy

Grade Level: 3rd and up

Readers who will like this: Readers who like a dystopia society, readers who like adventure but don't mind brutality and fighting.

Rating (1-4)/Response: 4. This book was just as good as the last. It was engaging the whole way through and the details and creativeness of the arena were great. The underground story of rebellion and revenge on the Capitol is rising in this book and it makes you want to pick up number three straight away.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever had something bad happen to you, gotten through it and then had another bad thing happen to you?

Hedgie Blasts Off!

Bibliographic Information: Brett, J. (2006). Hedgie Blasts Off!. New York, New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: Hedgie works at the Star Lab as clean-up crew. But when The Big Sparkler stops working correctly, Hedgie is the only one small enough to do the job. Finally, Hedgie gets his dream of being an astronaut! This book also has a fold out page with a great illustration.

Genre: Animal Fiction

Grade Level: 1-3

Readers who will like this: Readers who like space, astronauts, and rocket ships. Also readers who like solving problems.

Rating (1-4)/ Response: 3. This is another cute Hedgie book by Jan Brett. I liked the fact it has to do with space, although only somewhat realistic, it will really be intriguing for those who have an interest in space and space exploration.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever wanted to be an astronaut? Have you ever been the perfect person for a job you thought you'd never get to try?

Trouble with Trolls

Bibliographic Information: Brett, J. (1992). Trouble with Trolls. New York, New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: Treva is going to visit her cousin who lives on the other side of the mountain, when Treva encounters some dim and greedy trolls. She has to outsmart them in order to get to the other side (and with all of her belongings)! How will she ever get there?

Genre: Fantasy fiction

Grade Level: 1-3

Readers who will like this: Readers who like trickery or adventure.

Rating (1-4)/Response: 3. This story is a fun story about a very clever girl. There are many opportunities throughout the book to ask the readers how they think Treva will trick the trolls at that time.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever tricked someone?

Paddle-to-the-Sea

Bibliographic Information: Holling, H.C. Paddle-to-the-Sea. Holling Clancy Holling. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Brief Annotation: H.C.Holling received the Caldecott Honor in 1941 for this story. This story begins in Nipigon country north of the Great Lakes when a young boy carved Paddle-to-the-Sea and placed it atop a melting snowbank. This story takes the reader along the harrowing journey with Paddle-to-the-Sea from Canada to the Atlantic.
Genre: Realistic Historical Fiction, Caldecott Honor Award
Grade Level: K-4
Readers who will enjoy this: Readers who enjoy historical fiction, stories of adventure and achievement will enjoy reading this book. This is also a good chapter book to savour.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! This book is so peaceful, even during the uncertain parts of Paddle-to-the-Sea's journey. The painting are timeless, as is this story of adventure. This story reminds the reader that our adventures, journeys and experiences define us and collectively give us our true names--like Paddle-to-the-Sea.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What are the names of the Great Lakes? Who can guess what this story is about from the title and cover art? Why might a young boy make a wooden carving and set it to sail to the Sea? Have you ever been to a Sea or Ocean?

The Three Snow Bears

Bibliographic Information: Brett, Jan. (2007). The Three Snow Bears. Jan Brett. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: Jan Brett takes the classic fairy tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and gives it a new life that takes place in Iqualuit (capital of Nunavut Territory) in Northwest Canada. While Aloo-ki is searching for her lost dog team she stumbles upon an igloo. Too tempting to resist she follows a delicious smell and finds three bowls of soup. After returning from their walk the three bears come face to face with Aloo-ki, sleeping in Baby Bear's bed!
Genre: Storybook, Fairytale
Grade Level: PreK-2
Readers who will enjoy this: Children who enjoy hearing familiar stories that introduce us to other cultures and customs will enjoy this classic fairytale with a twist.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! Jan Brett has done it again and again--she introduces us to new and exciting places, cultures and customs through a simple story that we can all relate to! Her painting are entirely poignant and full of soul. I have had the privilege of living in both Canada and Alaska. Reading this book brought back some wonderful memories for me.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: From the cover picture, where do you think this story takes place? What is a fairytale?

Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?

Bibliographic Information: Brett, Jan. (2002). Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve? Jan Brett. New York, NY: G.P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: This story is based on an old Norwegian folktale about a father and daughter determined to keep the pesky troll out of their home on Christmas Eve. The girls father goes up the mountain to keep the trolls away, leaving the girl to guard the house. Knockety, knock. Who should be at the door, but a young boy from Finnmark and his ice bear. Together the three of them ensure that the problem-causing trolls never return again!
Genre: Picture book, Folktale
Grade Level: PreK-3
Readers who will like this: Young readers who enjoy folktales, winter stories and stories about pesky trolls will enjoy this delightful and charming tale.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! This book is, as always with Jan Brett, so beautifully painted and loaded with details. I love the way Brett paints the pesky trolls as constellations in the sky tauntingly dancing above the girls home and after the ice bear chases the trolls away, Brett paints the bears as dancing guardian-ice bears as the constellations. She even included the traditional Scandinavian stove and Rosemaling on the dishes!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What is a folktale? What traditional stories do you hear at home?

Let's Say Hi to Friends Who Fly!

Bibliographic Information: Willems, M. (2010) Let’s Say Hi to Friends Who Fly! New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Brief Annotation: Cat asks a number of friends if they can fly, each friend shows cat if they can fly or not.

Genre: Picture book, Fiction

Grade Level: Prek- 1

Readers who will like this: Children who like Cat the Cat books, Children who like things that fly

Response/Rating: 3, this book is, as all of Mo Willems books are, quick and cute. Cat asks a bee, a bird, a bat, and a Rhino if they can fly. Each shows cat their unique way of flying.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: What animals can fly? Are there any animals that can fly and swim?

The Real Mother Goose

Bibliographic Information: Wright, B. F. (1987). The Real Mother Goose. New York: Checkerboard Press Inc. (Original work published 1916).

Brief Annotation: This book is a complete set of the Mother Goose poems. To make ease at finding a certain poem, the first line of every poem is written in the front of the book. From Old king Kole to Needles and Pins; this book has it all! The structures of the poems are not constant from one to the other, and each have a different way of presenting a brilliant idea or story.

Genre: Fiction, Poetry and verse

Grade Level: Prek-4

Readers who will like this: Children who are learning about poems; Children who are read this book before bed; Children who like catchy poems; Children learning new concepts on memory, such as using songs as a way to remember.

Response/Rating: 3; while reading the Mother Goose poems I had not only felt like I was walking down memory lane, but had also forgotten that quite a few of poems were Mother Goose. I was caught off guard on the language used in some of the poems, and the violent actions it described; then I reminded myself that the poems were written in a different time, with a different meaning. There were a few that I was curious to know if there was a hidden meaning behind them, such as Robin and Richard. I have noted the poems that made me think twice and eventually plan to look into them further!

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever met a man named Peter Piper? Or Wee Willie Winkle?

Llama Llama Mad at Mama (Free Choice: Picture book)

Bibliographic Information: Dewdney, A. (2007). Llama Llama Mad at Mama. New York, NY: Viking.

Brief Annotation: Llama Llama is content at home, playing with his toys, when Mama llama informs him that they are going to go to the store! He is not happy to hear this news! They are shopping for some time as he becomes more and more aggregated and mad at his mama llama for making him shop. He throws a fit in the middle of the store, which causes mama llama to calm him down. They leave the store, both happy, because mama llama calmed down llama llama.

Genre: Picture book, Fiction, Realistic animal story

Grade Level: Pre k- 2

Readers who will like this: Children who do not enjoy shopping; Children who have thrown temper tantrums in public (or have witnessed them); Children who like poems; Children who enjoy funny books

Response/Rating: 4, this book was absolutely adorable. As I was reading it I found myself smiling and knowing the feeling both of llama llama being upset, and mama llama as he gets upset. The wording is ridiculously addicting! It is short and sweet, yet tells a detailed story. The physical features of this book were attractive to youngsters as well, with the hard cover, bright pages and pages that were easy for small hands to hold.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Where is your least favorite store to shop at?

Nick Joins In

Bibliography: Lasker, J. (1980). Nick Joins In. Chicago, IL. Albert Whitman & Company.

Brief Annotation: Nick is a boy who is physically handicapped and moves around in a wheelchair. He is nervous about starting a new school and wonders what the kids will think of him. The class has many questions for Nick and eventually realize he is just like them without walking. Nick makes many friends and even saves the day one day at recess.

Genre: Concept book

Grade level: 1-3rd grade

Readers who will like this: Teachers who are teaching their class about differences in people and how they get around. Any child who has had to move to a new school and was scared and worried about the experience.

Response/Rating: I would give this book a 4 becuase it is the perfect book to teach to young children and it demonstrates that all people are different and that they should all be accepted.

One question to ask before a read-aloud: Have you ever felt nervous about trying or going to a new place? How did the experience turn out for you?

The Keeping Quilt

Bibliographic Information: Polacco, P. (1998) The Keeping Quilt. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Brief Annotation: This book follows a quilt handed down to many generations in a Russian family. It starts off with the pieces of the quilt as they originated, as family members clothing. When the clothes become a hodgepodge of families clothing the stories of each piece of fabric are told to the new generation receiving the quilt. The quilt goes through many life lessons and many joys for each generation, and is passed down to the next with an honor.

Genre: Historical Fiction, Picture book

Grade Level: 2-5

Readers who will like this: Children who like quilts; Children who have a family air loom that is passed down to each generation; Children who can relate to the life lessons in the book; Jewish children

Response/Rating: 2 This story was very interesting with a very nice way of showing family relationships, and the importance of air looms. It helps in informing children of the importance of culture to each family. I enjoyed the pictures in the book, as they were all sketches with the only color in the quilt and the pieces of clothing that made up the quilt.

One question you would ask a read aloud: Do you have something that is passed down in your family? What are some of your family traditions?

Sheila Rae, The Brave

Bibliographic Information: Henkes, K. (2002). Sheila Rae, The Brave. New York, New York: Greenwillow Books.

Annotation: Sheila Rae doesn’t believe that she is afraid of anything. She’s not afraid of the cracks in the sidewalk or the mean dog down the street, or the principle at school. When Sheila Rae decided to walk home in a new direction alone one day after school she soon finds out she may not be as brave as she originally thought she was.
Genre: Picture book, Fable

Grade Level: K - 3

Who would like this book: I think that every child would enjoy this book. It’s funny and displays the lesson that you aren’t exactly what you believe you are. Sometimes you need that extra shoulder to support you along your journey throughout life.

Rating/Response: 4—I have learned to love Kevin Henkes and his stories they all have morals to them and create a new sense of adventure. Great book!!

One question before reading: Have you ever gotten lost before? Are you brave, why?

Girls A to Z

Bibliographic Information: Bunting, E. (2002). Girls A to Z. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: Boyds Mills Press Inc.

Annotation: Girls A to Z is your basic alphabet book that has a representation of a girl for each letter and something each girl dreams about may that be becoming an astronaut, a ballet dancer, or a veterinarian.

Genre: Picture book, A to Z book

Grade Level: Pre-K - 1

Who would like this book: Young girls learning their letter would really enjoy this book.

Rating/Response: 4—I think Bunting did a great job presenting a girl’s name for each letter and an activity/ dream that corresponded with each letter. I think this is a very fun and creative way in which girls can learn their letters.

One question before reading: What is an activity or job that starts with the first letter of your name?

Four Friends in the Summer

Bibliographic Information: DePaola, T. (1977). Four Friends in Summer. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.
Annotation: This is a story about four friends and the activities they participate in both with each other and alone while enjoying the summer.
Genre: Picture Book, Fable
Grade Level: K- 3
Who would like this book: Reader’s who enjoy animals and the season of summer. Another group that would enjoy this book is student’s who plant a garden at home in the summer time.
Rating/Response: 2- I think that this was a great book for young students. Also a great end of the year book to start a discussion on what your student’s may have planned for their summer.
One question before reading: What do you do in the summer with your friends?

The Kiss That Missed

Bibliographic Information: Melling, D. (2002). The Kiss That Missed. Hauppauge, New York: Hodder Children’s Books.
Annotation: The Prince’s goodnight kiss is missing; it has escaped into the forest. The brave and fearless night is set out to capture and bring it back to the Prince so he can fall asleep.
Genre: Fairytale, Picture Book
Grade Level: Pre-K- 2
Who would like this book: Young and new readers would like this book, children with a large imagination for adventure and fairytale would also thoroughly enjoy this book.
Rating/Response: 4… I gave this book a 4 because I think that it was extremely funny, and creative. It was a book that you wanted to keep reading because it was so humorous, something completely different than what you would think by reading the book’s title, an extremely FUN and EXCITING book.
One question before reading: What helps you to fall asleep at night?

Owen

Bibliographic Annotation: Henkes, K. (1993). Owen. New York: New York. Greenwillow Books.

Annotation: Owen is a young mouse who does not want to get rid of or leave his childhood blanket, “Fuzzy”. But, when the next door neighbor Mrs. Tweezers says he is too old for his blanket his parents start to think and begin their quest for Owen to grow out of his “Fuzzy”.

Genre: Picture Book; Caldecott Honor

Grade Level: K-2

Who would like this book: Young readers would really enjoy this book or children who are trying to separate from their childhood attachment (blanket, toy, etc.).

Rating/Response: 5 – I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was extremely creative in illustrations as well as a great representation of a simple way to not have to leave that childhood memory and the sense of home and comfort that it brings you.

One question before reading: Did you have a favorite childhood toy that you brought where ever you went? Did you have a blanket?

Once a Mouse

Bibliographic Annotation: Brown, M. (1961). Once a Mouse. New York, New York: Simon &Schuster Children’s Publishing Division.

Annotation: This book was about a young mouse that was found by a hermit. The hermit consistently was caught in danger and the hermit used his powers to change and save the mouse. But soon the mouse gets caught up in his new found power of invincibility, and the hermit takes it all away leaving the small mouse to run far into the forest alone.

Genre: Folk tale; Picture Book

Grade Level: K-3

Who would like this book: Young children would really enjoy this story based on the use of magic and change of the young mouse. Children would also learn from this story and to understand not to take their friends for advantage but as true friends looking to help you succeed.

Rating/Response: 4 – I really enjoyed this book. I liked the pictures, they were extremely unique and unlike anything I have ever seen. The story had great meaning behind it as well.

One question before reading.: Have you ever wished you could turn into something else to scare off things you are afraid of?

The Christmas Magic

Bibliographical Information: Thomson, L. (2009). The Christmas Magic. Illus. Jon Muth. New York, NY

Brief Annotations: The Christmas spirit is in the air and Santa Clause is getting ready to deliver the presents to all the boys and girls. With the help of his reindeer he succeeds in making Christmas a special day.

Genre: Myth

Grade Level: K-4

Readers who will like this book: Anyone who believes in Christmas. Children who like mystery, cheer, and hope during the holidays.

Rating/Response: 4/4 The illustrations are beautiful and captivating. I liked how Santa's clothes weren't the traditional red and white that he usually wears in story books.

The Girl Who Loved Horses

Bibliographical Information: Goble, P.(1978). The Girl Who Loved Horses. Illus. Goble

Brief Annotation: A Native America girl falls in love with horses and would rather live with them instead of her people. She feels free and spiritual with the wild horses, like she belongs with them.

Genre: Culturally Diverse

Grade Level: K-4

Readers who will like this book: Any students that enjoy learning about animals and Native Americans.

Rating/Response: 4 The illustrations were unbelievable. It is a beautiful story that is told with the illustrations and text.

Pete's Pizza

Bibliography Information: Stieg, W. (1998). Pete's Pizza. New York, NY: Harper Collins

Brief Annotation: When the weather ruins Pete's plans to play baseball with his friends, Pete becomes sad and angry. Pete's father cheers him up by pretending Pete is pizza dough and makes him in to a pizza.

Genre: Picture Book

Grade Level: K-1

Readers who will like this book: Children with good imaginations.

Rating/Response 4 It is a fun story that gets children's imaginations running. It gives them an idea on what to do when the weather is bad.

Questions I would ask: What do you like on your pizza? What do you do when the weather is bad?

My Grandpa is Great

Bibliographical Information: goldsack, G. (2001). My Grandpa is Great. Parragon Publishing, Queen Street House

Brief Annotation: It's about a little girl and her relationship with her Grandpa. They spend a lot of time with one another because of their similar interests. They have a special bond and enjoy each others company.

Genre: Picture Book

Grade Level: K-1

Readers who will like this book: Any child that is close to their Grandparents.

Rating: 2/4 Children could easily relate to this book if they have Grandparents in their lives.

Questions I would ask: What do you enjoy doing with your Grandparents? How often do you get to see your Grandparents?

The Talking Bone

Bibliographical Information: Steig, W. (1976). The Amazing Bone. New York, NY. Harpe Collins

Brief Annotation: Pearl the Pig comes across a talking Bone in the woods. They become friends and Pearl finds out the Bone is somewhat magical. Pearl and Bone come across some challenges on the way home from the woods. Robbers want to steal Bone from Pearl but, Bone scares them and they run away. Then a hungry fox wants to take Pearl home for dinner, but Bone saves the day again. Bone shrinks the hungry Fox to the size of a mouse. Pearl and Bone live happily ever after as best friends.

Genre: Animal Fiction

Grade: 1-4

Readers who will like this book: Children who like adventure and suspense.

Rating: 3/4 The language in the book was interesting but, the robbers with the guns were a bit drastic.

Questions I would ask: Do you have a best friend?

Shrek

Bibliographical Information: Steig, W.(1990). Shrek. New York, NY: Farror, Stratus, Girox

Brief Annotation: Shrek is a nasty, ugly, gross Ogar that lives in the forest with his parents. His only friend is a donkey. He realizes one day his ugliness and becomes sad. Shrek ends up meeting a princess who is just as ugly as nasty as he is. his perfect match. The Princess and Shrek instantly fall in love and get married.

Genre: Fantasy

Grade Level: K-4

Readers who will like this book: Children that enjoy fantasy with adventure and creative word usage.

Rating: 4/4 The adjectives that Steig used throughout the book were fun. Also, the book has a good message. Although Shrek is ugly to all that he passes, he ends up finding someone that makes him happy and loves him for the way he is.

Questions I would ask: Have you ever felt different or out of place? Do you think it is good to be different?

The Umbrella

Bibliographic Information: Brett, Jan. (2004). The Umbrella. Jan Brett. New York, NY: G. P. Putnam's Sons.

Brief Annotation: Carlos goes into the cloud forest to look for animals and misses seeing them even though, all the while, the animals are having a great adventure balancing in his umbrella.
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Pre K-3
Readers who will like this: Emergent readers will enjoy the illustrations and hearing the animals' adventures. Intermediate readers will not only enjoy the illustrations but will also be challenged by the vocabulary. Readers who are learning Spanish will also enjoy the introduction to Spanish vocabulary in this story.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! Jan Brett makes a story come to life. I could actually feel the humidity and smell the forest as I read this book! Her attention to detail draws the reader in and one could spend a long time just looking at the pictures alone. She also introduces some key Spanish phrases and words that make the story that much more authentic.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: From the cover picture how do you think the animals find this umbrella? Why do you think the animals are in the umbrella and not the boy? What kinds of animals might be found in the rain forest?

Hedgie's Surprise

Bibliographic Information: Brett, Jan. (2000). Hedgie's Surprise. Jan Brett. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Brief Annotation: Tomten grows tired of eating porridge every day and decides to eat Hen's eggs. Hen knows that Tomten is stealing potential chicks and she doesn't know how to get Tomten to stop taking her eggs. She and Hedgie come up with a plan and they definitely surprise Tomten!
Genre: Fiction
Grade Level: Pre K-2
Readers who will like this: Readers who enjoy stories of farm animals and Tomten will enjoy this story.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! I love Jan Brett's work. The illustrations are so detailed, authentic and full of life. Her stories are true to the culture and location in which they take place, so-much-so, that the reader feels like they are in the story!
One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you think Hedgie's surprise will be? Who do you think will be surprised? Where do you think this story takes place? How have you been surprised?

The Snowman

Bibliographic Information: Briggs, Raymond. (1978). The Snowman. Raymond Briggs. New York, NY: Random House.

Brief Annotation: This is a story of a young boy who builds a snowman. In the middle of the night the snowman comes to life and the boy invites him into the house. The snowman tries to figure out how the appliances and car work. After the boy fixed the snowman a midnight snack, they go outside and fly to another land and return home just as the sun is rising.
Genre: Wordless picture book; fiction
Grade Level: Pre K-2
Readers who will like this: young emergent readers who are comfortable making up the words and letting the pictures tell the story will enjoy this sweet and timeless tale.
Response/Rating (1/4): I rate this book a 4! This book is timeless and there are so many place the imagination can take the reader that it truly is a journey—as all books should be.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever built your own snowman and how did you decorate him? If your snowman were to come to life and invite you on an adventure, where would you want to go?

Uncle Jed's Barbershop

Bibliographic Information: Mitchell, M. (1993). Uncle Jed’s Barber Shop. Illus. James Ransome. New York, NY: Simon and Schuster

Brief Annotation: Regardless of occurrences that set him back, Sarah Jean’s Uncle Jed (only black barber in town) pursues to save enough money to open his own barbershop.

Genre: Historic Fiction Picturebook

Grade Level: 1-3

Readers who will like this: Readers who like books that involve facts about history, or those who just enjoy history.

Response/Rating (1-4): 3 out of 4. It was a great way to incorporate history into a children’s book!

One Question you would ask before a read aloud: What kinds of things do you dream about having as an adult?

You Can Do It!

Bibliographic Information: Dungy, T. (2008). You Can Do It!. Illus. Amy June Bates. New York, NY: Little Simon Inspirations.

Brief Annotation: Tony’s younger brother Linden was having a bad day at school. Linden is the youngest of four kids and believes that they have all found things that they would like to be when they grow up and he hasn’t found anything yet. With encouragement from his parents, and older brother Tony he learns that he can dream big, he finds that he would like to be a dentist so he can make people smile.

Genre: Culturally Diverse, Picturebook

Grade Level: 1-3

Readers who will like this: Children who are talking about what they would like to be when they grow up.

Response/Rating (1-4): 3 out of 4.

One Question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you want to be when you grow up?

Thank you, Mr. Falker

Bibliographic Information: Polacco, P. (1998). Thank you, Mr. Falker. New York,NY: Philomel Books.

Brief Annotation: A young girl named Trisha was having a very hard time learning how to read. She was getting teased by the other children and not getting much help from her teachers. This all changed when Mr. Falker came along though.

Genre: Realistic Autobiographical Fiction

Grade Level: 1-5

Readers who will like this: Children who are having a hard time learning how to read themselves.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4 out of 4. It is a story that can give hope to children who are having a hard time learning how to do something or who are being teased.

One Question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever had a hard time learning how to do something?

Olivia Saves the Circus

Falconer, I. (2001). Olivia Saves the Circus. New York: NY: Simon & Schuster.

Brief Annotation: Olivia is a quirky little pig with a big imagination. In school it’s her turn to share about a trip she took with her family. She told the class about the time she went to the circus. The teacher doesn’t quite believe Olivia’s story, will Olivia use her imagination a little too much?

Genre: Picture book, animal fiction.

Grade Level: K-3

Readers who will like this: Children who like the circus, animal stories, using their imagination, and picture books.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I adore this book. It’s so cute, Olivia has such an imagination. The book is very funny and the story line would keep children involved.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever been to the circus?

The Paper Boy

Bibliographic Information: Pilkey, D. (1996). The Paper Boy. New York, NY: Orchard Books.

Brief Annotation: Before the sun is up, the paperboy and his dog are awake and delivering the news paper. This story follows the routine of the young boy as he awakes early in the morning to delever the paper. When he arrives home he can sleep once again.

Genre: Picture book, Caldecott Medal honor book of 1997

Grade Level: pre k-1

Readers who will like this: Children who are early risers; Children who have chores; Children who read the news paper; Children with dogs

Response/Rating: 4, the sky in this book was breath taking! The story line was very well written and illustrated the responsibilities and hard work. It is nice to read a book that instills good work ethics in children, but doesn’t include complaining. It is mainly the pictures the I enjoyed from this book, and that the dog joined the boy in his tasks-just as mine does with me!

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Do you have chores?

(The Randolph Caldecott Medal and Honors--established in 1938, this medal is given to illustrator or the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States in the preceding year.)

Black Cat

Myers, C. (1999). Black Cat. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Brief Annotation: This book follows the trail of the black cat. He does many things around the city but where does he live? Where does he sleep?

Genre: Picture book

Grade Level: 1-5

Readers who will like this: Children who like cats, adventure, and picture books.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I really like this book, the illustrations are beautiful. It would be a good book to introduce the issue of homelessness.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever seen an stray animal?

Up All Night Counting

Koontz, R. (2006). Up all night counting: a pop-up book. Bruce Foster. New York, NY: Little Simon.

Brief Annotation: This story teaches numbers by counting the animals up at night in the forest.

Genre: Pop-up book, counting book.

Grade Level: Pre-k to 1st

Readers who will like this: Children who enjoy counting, pop-up books, and animals.

Response/Rating (1-4): 3; This book is great for teaching children to count. It is very interactive and will keep the children engaged.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever seen an owl or any other animal that stays awake during the night? What kind of animals do you think are wide awake while you are sleeping?

Just A Minute

Morales, Y. (2003). Just A Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book. San Fransisco, CA: Chronicle Books LLC.

Brief Annotation: Grandma Beetle hears a knock at the door and finds Señor Calavera, who signaled that it was time for her to go with him. She then makes many excuses of things she needs to accomplish before she goes. Will she be able to trick Señor Calavera to let her stay?

Genre: Picture book, counting book, world language counting book.

Grade Level: K-2

Readers who will like this: Children who like counting, learning other languages, tricks, and picture books.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; This book is beautifully illustrated and perfect for children begining to learn to count in Spanish as well as for children learning to count.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Can you count from 1 to 10? Have you ever tricked anyone?

Flotsam

Wiesner, D. (2006). Flotsam. New York, NY: Clarion Books.

Brief Annotation: This picture book follows a boy’s day at the beach. He finds a rather peculiar camera, develops the film, and discovers that this camera has been floating around for a really long time, and he’s not the only one who has found it!

Genre: Wordless picture book.

Grade Level: K-4

Readers who will like this: Children who like picture books, enjoy using their imagination, and enjoy the ocean.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I love this book! It’s great because it has a storyline but at the same time it allows room for children to use their imagination and narrate the story themselves.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever found something really special?