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Book Worm

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books!

Written by: Lucille Colandro    Illustrated by: Jared Lee 

Published by: Scholastic Inc, 2012

Traditional Literature 

There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books gives a fun new twist to the original story that everyone will love to calm first day of school jitters! In this story, the old lady swallows several things like some books, a pen, a ruler, and even a backpack! What will happen to the old lady this time after swallowing all of those things? Will she be able to get them out in time for school? This twist on the classic story is surely a fun read for all ages!

The illustrations in this book were originally hand drawn with pencils. The illustrations are designed to model that of cartoons to help keep the story silly, lighthearted, and inviting for children. A multitude of colors are also used to add a joyous mood to the story. The pictures are very detailed and truely add excitement and humor to the text. 

I would use this book as an ice breaker for the first day of Kindergarten. The class would first listen as I read the story aloud, then we could discuss what kinds of school supplies they will be using in the classroom this year! This would also be a great time to introduce concepts of print to students such as the direction that books are read (left to right), which side is the front of the book, etc. 

Give and Take

The Giving Tree

Written and Illustrated by: Shel Silverstein 

Published by: Harper & Row, 1964

Poetry

This classic children's book tells the story of a little boy and his relationship with a tree who always provides for him. The boy loves the tree and the tree is happy. As the boy grows, his relationship with the tree changes. What could the tree give the boy now that he is older to make him happy? How much is the tree willing to give the boy? Read this amazing free verse work to find out what the boy's and the tree's future will hold. 

The illustrations in this book are simple pictures made from basic shapes and lines. The drawings were originally created with ink pen then scanned to a computer. The pictures are also all shown without color. Silverstein does a great job with showing the changes both in the boy and in the tree over time through his drawings. The drawings really bring the story to life.

I would use this book in a 1st grade classroom to discuss parts of a story and predictions of text. I could first have the students predict what might happen in each part of the story based on the cover of the book. We could then read the book and discuss each part of the story during our initial read. After, the class could make an art project that depicts some part of the story or the message it is trying to provide.

Freedom at a Cost

Back of the Bus 

Written by: Aaron Reynolds     Illustrated by: Floyd Cooper 

Published by: Puffin Books, 2013

Historical Fiction  

This story tells of a remarkable account of Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the front of the bus in 1955. In the book, a young boy sits with his mother right where he is supposed to, in the back of the bus and watches as Mrs. Parks sits in the front of the bus like maybe she belongs up there. Her eyes are fierce like a lightnin' storm and she has her strong chin on. How much of this historic event will this boy witness and how will he feel seeing his beloved Mrs. Parks fight for her freedom? Will this all blow over by tomorrow like Mama thinks it will?

The illustrations in this book were made from oil paintings that were scanned to a computer. The illustrations are done to realistically capture what that day in history really looked like by adding realistic details such as attention to skin colors, facial expressions, and the surrounding background setting. The colors used to create the pictures are mostly earthy tones to help realistically depict the setting and the way of life during that time. The colors also help set the serious mood for the events that unfold within the text. The pictures really give this story its realistic feel.

I would use this book in a first grade classroom as a way to introduce the Montgomery Bus Boycott. For most first graders, we begin to discuss the Civil Rights Movement around Martin Luther King Jr. day, but tend to overlook many of the other events from that time period. I feel that this story would be a good way to introduce students to the history behind the Montgomery bus boycott and the brave Rosa Parks. After reading the story together, the students could debate if they feel Rosa getting arrested was fair or not. The teacher could then bring in a discussion about basic human rights and how times have changed because of the Civil Rights Movement. 

  

Step into my Shoes

Those Shoes

Written by: Maribeth Boelts     Illustrated by: Noah Jones

Published by: Penguin Random House, 2009

Realistic Fiction

Have you ever wanted something so bad it hurt? Well, that is what Jeremy is feeling as he sees all of his friends come to school with awesome new shoes! There is only one problem, Jeremy's grandmother cannot afford the shoes Jeremey wants. When they finally find the shoes after visiting three different thrift shops, Jeremy cannot wait to have them! Even if they are a little snug on his feet. What will Jeremy do now that he has the shoes he has always wanted?

The illustrations in this story are composed of a combination of ink and watercolors. The pictures are very simple and do not include many details or bright colors. This helps the mood of the story portray how Jeremy is feeling and how he wishes he could just fit in with all of the other kids. Life for Jeremy has never been anything extravagant and these illustrations really help the reader step into Jeremey's shoes.

I would use this book in a first grade classroom setting and have the students ask and answer questions about key details from the setting, characters, and events of the story. The students could also practice retelling the story through readers theatre and develop their understanding of diversity and kindness. Not everyone will always have extra money to spend on what they want, but it will always feel good to give when you have more than you need!

Under the Sea

The Blue Whale 

Written and Illustrated by: Jenni Desmond

Published by: Enchanted Lion Books, 2015

Nonfiction

Have you ever wanted to know more about the largest living animal on Earth? The Blue Whale, allows readers to dive into some fascinating facts about blue whales in ways that relate to the average human. Metaphors are used throughout the book to help readers better understand the facts listed. Did you know every blue whale has unique markings similar to that found in a human fingerprint? What about that the heart of a blue whale is the size of a small car? You will discover these facts plus many more as you dive into this incredible book!

The illustrations in this book were created by Jenni Desmond using watercolors and acrylic paint. The photos were then scanned to a computer and photoshopped as needed. The pictures themselves include humorous depictions that help readers relate to the facts given. For example, there is a picture of 50 humans standing inside of a blue whales mouth to show how large the area is. The pictures are also created to accurately depict the animal. There is even a page to show the true size of a blue whales eye right in the book!

One way I would use this book in my classroom would be to read this book with a 1st grade class. After reading the story, I would ask the students to identify the main idea and some key details of the text. The students would create a foldable graphic organizer for their learning activity and share their work with their peers. 

An Out of This World Vacation!

If You Decide to Go to the Moon 

Written by: Faith McNulty     Illustrated by: Steven Kellogg

Published by: Scholastic Press, 2005

Science Fiction

Have you ever thought about taking a trip to the moon? This book will tell you everything you need to know if you were to decided to go to the moon. From blast off to landing, If you Decide to Go to the Moon is packed full of helpful information that any astronaut would need to know such as the things they should pack, the way space will look and feel, and all of the surprising things you will experience once you are in space and on the moon! Get ready to grab your space suit after reading this fantastic journey!

The Illustrations of this book are done using watercolor. There is a great variation of style however, when it comes to the pictures of life on Earth and once the rocket makes it to space. The pictures on Earth show lots of color and scences that are meant to look cartoonish while the pictures of space and the moon are created to look as realistic as possible. The illustrator puts more realistic detail into these pictures so that the reader can get a better idea of what the moon and space would actually look like. 

To use this book in the classroom, I would read the story to a sixth grade class to introduce space science. We could first read this story, then do some research on the moon. The students could research the moon and write their own short narrative about what they would do if they decided to go to the moon. This book could also lead to a STEM lesson where students could use materials to construct their own rocket ships!