Owl and the Pussycat

BIBLIOGRAPHIC INFO: Lear, E. (1991). The Owl and the Pussycat. NewYork, New York. G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
ANNOTATION: After a courtship voyage of over a year and a day the Owl and the Pussycat buy a ring and blissfully get married along the beach.
GENRE: Poetry.
GRADE: k- 3
READERS WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS: Jan Brett lovers will thoroughly enjoy this book her illustrations are breathtaking within this poetry picture book.
RATING/RESPONSE: 4—I gave this book a rating of four because of the illustrations, they were absolutely beautiful, I would recommend this book solely on the illustrations alone.
QUESTION: Have you ever seen the sea?

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?

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?

Make Way for Ducklings

Bibliographic Information: McCloskey, Robert. (1941). Make Way for Ducklings. Robert McCloskey. New York, NY: The Viking Press.

Brief Annotation: Mr. and Mrs. Mallard are in search for a home that will be perfect for their new family of ducklings. They find the perfect park pond where the people feed them peanuts. This book won the Caldecott Medal as, "The most distinguished American picture book for children" in the year of its publication.
Genre: Picture book, fiction
Grade Level: Pre K-4
Readers who will like this: This story is beautifully touching and wonderfully illustrated. All readers will enjoy this story of a family of Mallards finding the perfect home.
Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book a 4! Because this books illustrations are charcoal this story is easily translated to any time period. The reader can use their imagination to fill in the color and sounds of this story. It also gives the reader an appreciation for the simple joys in life that should be preserved and cherished.
One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever seen a Mallard? What do you think this book is about from the title and front picture? Have you ever seen a family of ducks cross the road, and how do they cross the road?

When Cows Come Home

Bibliographic Information (APA): Harrison, D. (1994). When Cows Come Home. Illus. Chris Demarcrest. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Brief Annotation: This book is about cows that do mischievous things that one would never imagine when the farmer looks away. It's all in rhyme.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade Level: 2

Readers who will like this: Early readers who like when animals are given human qualities.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book 3 out of 4.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Who has ever seen a cow? Do you know what cows do?

Love You Forever

Bibliographic Information (APA): Munsch, R. (1986). Love You Forever. Illus. Sheila McGraw. Ontario, Canada: Firefly Books Ltd.

Brief Annotation: There is a mother and a little boy. Every night the mother sings a certain song to the little boy. Even through all the ages and stages he went through, every night she would sing that certain song. One day the mother is too old and too sick to sing him the song anymore. So the son returns the favor and sings that certain song to the old mother, and then to his newborn child.

Genre: Fiction, Picturebook, Concept Book

Grade Level: 1-2

Readers who will like this: Children who might have a strong connection with their mother.

Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book 4 out of 4. This was one of my favorite books as a kid, one that is unforgettable. There is a very important life lesson that is taught within this book.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Is there anyone whose parents sing to them before bed?

The Little Red Rabbit Who Wanted Red WIngs

Bibliographic Information (APA): Bailey, S. (1978) The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings. Illus. Jacqueline Rogers. New York, NY: Grosset & Dunlap, Inc.

Brief Annotation: The little rabbit was never satisfied with himself. He always wanted to be different than who he was. One day he wonders to the wishing pond and wishes for red wings. His wish is granted. He hurries home to show his mother but she doesn't recognize him with his red wings. Sad, he returns to the wishing pond to wish his wings away. Once they were gone he realized he didn't want to be anything other than himself.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade Level: 1-2

Readers who will like this: Readers who are in interested in animals having human qualities.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book 4 0ut of 4. It teaches children a few good lessons: be careful what you wish for and that just being yourself is important.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Has anyone ever made a wish? Has anyone every wanted something they did not have?

Corduroy

Bibliographic Information (APA): Freeman, D. (1968). Corduroy. Illus. Don Freeman. New York, NY: The Viking Press.

Brief Annotation: Corduroy is a little teddy bear in a department store. One day a little girl takes an interest in Corduroy, but her mom said she couldn't afford it that day. So the next day the little girl came back with the money from her piggy bank and bought Corduroy and brought him home with her.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade Level: 1-2

Readers who will like this: Early readers who like adventure.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book 4 out of 4.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Does anyone have a favorite teddy bear?

When Sophie Gets Angry- Really, Really Angry...

Bibliographic Information (APA): Bang, M. (1999). When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry… Illus. Molly Bang. New York, New York: Scholastic Inc.

Brief Annotation: Sophie throws a tantrum over having to share her gorilla with her sister. She runs away, climbs her favorite beech tree. Comes home and Sophie is no longer angry.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade Level: 2

Readers who will like this: Young readers who are working on learning how to share, and how to deal with their emothions.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book about a 2 out of 4. I did not like how there was no consequences or punishment given to Sophie for her actions. The illustrations were done well.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: What do you do to calm down when you get angry or upset?

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Bibliographic Information (APA): Christelow, E. (1989). Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed. Illus. Eileen Christelow. New York, New York: Clarion Books.

Brief Annotation: It's bedtime for 5 little monkeys. They climb into bed, and after their mother leaves the room the begin to jump on the bed. One by one they fall off the bed and the mother calls the doctor who tells them no more monkeys jumping on the bed.

Genre: Storybook

Grade Level: Pre-K

Readers who will like this: Early readers; Readers who may have multiple siblings, or share a room with a sibling.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book 4 out of 4. It is a fun story for kids with repetition.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever jumped on your bed? Have you ever fallen off your bed while jumping?

Poinsettia and the Firefighters

Bibliographic Information (APA): Bond, F. (1984). Poinsettia and the Firefighters. Illus. Felicia Bond. New York, New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Junior Books.

Brief Annotation: Poinsettia is a little girl pig. Her father fixed the two rooms upstairs so her and her sister could have their own rooms. Poinsettia finds that she is scared of being alone in the dark. While being kept awake by noises around the house she spots a fire on the telephone pole outside her house. The firefighters come and put the fire out. Now she is no longer scared because she finds out that she is not the only one awake at night. The firefighter's are too!

Genre: Fiction, Realistic Animal Story, Picturebook

Grade Level: 2-3

Readers who will like this: Very beginning readers who are learning the alphabet.

Response/Rating (1-4): I would rate this book 4 out of 4.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Has anyone ever been afraid of the dark? What do you do when you are afraid of the dark?

Smoky Night

Bibliographic Information: Bunting, E. (1994). Smoky Night. Illus. David Diaz. New York, NY: Harcourt Brace & Company.

Brief Annotation: This story begins with a boy and his mom being affected by the riots in Los Angeles without even being directly involved. When smoke starts coming inside their apartment everyone evacuates the building, which leads them to stay I a shelter for the night. Two cats from different cultural backgrounds come together to show the young boy and his mom the importance of getting along with others who are different from them.

Genre: Fiction

Grade Level: 1-4

Readers who will like this: Young readers. This would be a good story to read to a diverse group of children, or children who enjoy history.

Response/Rating (1-4): I rate this book 4 out of 4. This story has many layers, and caught be taught a few different ways. To younger kids it could be taught as a story of friendship between the cats. For older kids, that being friends with people of different backgrounds is a good thing. There is so much to do with this book in a classroom.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Does anyone know what a riot is? For what reasons would people riot? What is a riot? Why do people riot?

Pete's A Pizza

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1998). Pete's a Pizza. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Brief Annotation: Pete finds himself discouraged when he discovers that it is raining and he is no longer able to go play ball with his friends. His father comes up with an idea to cheer Pete up. He decides to make a pizza, but this pizza is no ordinary pizza. It's pizza made out of Pete! This cheered Pete up, and just as the pizza was finished the rain had stopped and the sun come out, now Pete can go play ball with his friends.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade: Pre-k- 1

Readers who will like this: Beginning readers, pre-primary, early elementary.

Response/Rating: 4 out of 4. Great story for very young children.

One question I would ask before a read aloud: What are some things you like to do on rainy days?

Brave Irene

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1986). Brave Irene. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

Brief Annotation: Irene is the daughter, of a seamstress who is very sick. Irene willingly volunteers to take on the task of bringing the duchess her dress made by Irene's mother through a violent snowstorm. While on her way to the palace the wind sweeps the dress away. Irene now scared, cold, and alone, is stuck with the decision to either press forward and inform the duchess of what has happened or to give up and go back home. She makes the decision to press on, and just as she reaches the palace the dress appears in sight pinned by the wind up against a tree.

Genre: Picturebook

Grade: K-3

Readers who will like this: Young readers who may be struggling to complete certain tasks. This books shows strong will, and perseverance even when everything is not going in your favor.

Response/Rating: 3 out of 4. Good book, very cute how Irene took care of her mom.

One question I would ask before a read aloud: Can you tell the class of a time when you tried your very hardest on something?

The Amazing Bone

Bibliographic Information: Steig, W. (1976). The Amazing Bone. Canada; Harper Collins Canada Ltd. .

Brief Annotation:

Pearl the pig meets an amazing friend. On her way home, they encounter robbers and a fox who wants them for dinner. How will they escape?

Genre: Storybook; Animal Fiction.

Grade Level: 1-4

Readers who will like this: Children who like stories with animals as the main characters. Children who like stories with adventure and some danger.

Rating/Response:

2; This book contains some older language that some children would need to have explained. The story was clever with a happy ending, which was nice. The story may be somewhat scary from some younger readers.

One question you would ask before a read-aloud:

Have you ever encountered trouble alone or with someone else? What happened? How did you feel?