100 Children’s Books Project

25 more books

20 Caldecott Books: 20

Title: Freight TrainAuthor: Donald CrewsGrade Level: Pre-K or KindergartenGenre: Caldecott Honor bookSummary: This story explained the different colors of the cars on a freight train. It talked about how it moved through cities and across bridges. It used many adjectives describing the different types of cars. Activity: Have the students cut out different types of cars on a freight train. Have them color them as well like those in the books. Then connect them with brass tabs to make a freight train. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it wasn’t that great. There was not really a plot or a beginning middle and end to the story.

Title: Sylvester and the Magic PebbleAuthor: William SteigGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: Caldecott Summary: This is the story of a donkey named Sylvester and him and his family collected pebbles. One day Sylvester found a very special red pebble down by the water. It was raining that day, and while Sylvester was holding it he wished for it to stop raining and it did. Once he realized when it was magic he could wish for whatever he wanted. Then he came across a hungry lion, and instead of wishing for him to be home, he wished to become a rock. After becoming a rock, he was not holding the rock so he could not wish for anything. He stayed there for a very long time and all of his family and friends were looking for him. Finally his parents came out to have a picnic on the rock and found the pebble and laid it on the rock. Sylvester was able to wish to become a donkey again and he was reunited with his family. Activity: Divide the paper in three parts and draw a picture for the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. The story had a very good message and it was very cute.

Title: Viva FridaAuthor: Yuyi MoralesGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This book is uses different phrases in English and Spanish. The book sort of more about pictures than it is a story line. It has many verbs that all relate to her family in the end. “I think….I know…. Therefore, I am”

Activity: I could have the students make notecards and learn the verbs and phrases that are used in the book. Then they could practice with their neighbor and be quizzed on them later.Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was more about the pictures than it was about the content.

Title: Snowflake BentleyAuthor: Jacqueline Briggs MartinGrade Level: 3rd GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: There was a little boy named Willie Bentley and he loved snow more than anything. He lived in Vermont and would love to look at all the fine details of every snowflake. One day for Christmas his parents saved up their money to buy Willie a camera so he could photograph the details of the snowflakes. He noticed that no two snowflakes were alike. As he got older he sent his photos into magazines and had a book published of all of his findings.Activity: I would have the class make paper snowflakes. We could have them make their own patterns and explain that they will all be different. Then we could hang them around the classroom. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This was a great story about a man who had a passion and talent and used it to the best of his ability.

Title: This is Not My HatAuthor: Jon KlassenGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a fish who stole a hat from a much bigger fish than he was. He knew it was wrong but he did it anyways. When he took the hat he was swimming to another part of the ocean and he was confident that the big fish would not find him, but in the end the big fish found him and it was not good for the little fish. Activity: Have the students draw pictures of the beginning middle and the end of the story. They can also each write a sentence under the picture of what it happening.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. He was telling the story from his perspective but all of the pictures were of what was happening with the big fish.

Title: One Fine DayAuthor: Nonny HogrogianGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: CaldecottSummary: The Fox in this story is trying to do everything he can to get his tail back from a maiden that cut if off. She wanted something in return for the tail so he had to go to a cow to get milk from him to give to the maiden but he wanted something in return for it as well. He had to keep going to different

places to find other things for the animals and people that needed in order for him to get his tail back. Finally a farmer had sympathy on him and gave him what he needed with nothing in return and then he was able to give all the other things that everyone needed and he was able to get his tail sewn back on him. Activity: Have many options to make trail mix throughout the classroom. You can have each student give out cups of the different things to go in the trail mix to show that it is good to share.Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought that this book was very strange. There was a little message of sharing but it was a very strange plot.

Title: The Hello, Goodbye WindowAuthor: Norton JusterGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a little boy and how he loves visiting his grandparents house. There is this special window where they love looking in and out together. Sometimes they make faces at each other. Sometimes they like to look in and see everything that is in the kitchen. Other times the little boy likes to look out the window and imagine what could be outside. Activity: Have the students draw what they would like to see outside of their window. Then they could draw whatever they want and then have a cut out of window that they would paste on top of the sheet of their paper. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I think this is a great story about imagination. It could really allow students to be creative.

Title: MadelineAuthor: Ludwig BenelamasGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This is the story of Madeline and all of her friends that all lived in a house in Paris. One day the lady who looked after these girls had a bad feeling so she walked upstairs to check on the girls. One of the girls, Madeline, was crying and she ended up having to have her appendix removed. While she was recovering, all of her friends came to visit her and bring her flowers. Activity: Write a letter to one of your friends thanking them for the special friend that they are to you.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This story teaches a great message on being a good friend.

Title: OwenAuthor: Kevin HenkesGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a little mouse named Owen and how he loved his blanket called Fuzzy. Owen took Fuzzy everywhere. He did not want to get rid

of Fuzzy because he was his security blanket. His parents were trying to find ways for him to give up Fuzzy because he was about to go off to school. Finally they came up with the idea that they could make Fuzzy into a hanker chief and that way he would be able to take Fuzzy around with him places. Activity: Have the class bring in a toy or special item that they always had with them when they were really little. Then they can share a story with the class about this special something. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book has a good message about teaching children that they are able to grow up but they can still hold on to a piece of their childhood with them.

Title: Noah’s ArkAuthor: Peter SpierGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story does not have words but it has very elaborate detailed pictures of Noah’s ark. It shows Noah building the ark and then filling the ark with all the animals. Finally the rain started to come but everyone was inside the ark safe and dry. Then Noah sent a dove out and he came back with an olive branch. They had found land and there was a rainbow. Activity: Have the class come up with a list of all the animals they could think of that would be on the ark. We could arrange them in the shape of a rainbow and write the different animal names in different colors. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was an interesting way of telling the story because there were no words. But I liked all of the detailed pictures.

Title: The Stray DogAuthor: Marc SimontGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about how a little boy and girl find a dog in the park. They name him Willy and really love playing with him. One day they come back to the park and find out that a dogcatcher is also looking for him. When the little boy and the girl find him, the boy uses his belt as a collar and the girl uses her ribbon as a leash. The dogcatcher finally leaves them along and doesn’t take Willy.Activity: Have the students finish the sentence “If I found a stray dog like Willy I would…”Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was very cute and creative on how the little boy and girl used their imagination with the dog.

Title: Ten, Nine, EightAuthor: Molly BangGrade Level: Pre-K, Kindergarten

Genre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a little girl getting ready for bed. She counts all the little things that she notices around her before she gets in bed. She starts at the number ten and works her way down to number one which was her laying in her one bed. Activity: Have the students go around the classroom and find 10 of this object and then nine of another and so on.Rating: **(2) out of *****(5) stars. I did not enjoy this book. I thought there wasn’t much of a plot.

Title: When Sophie Gets Angry-- Really Really AngryAuthor: Molly BangGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: CaldecottSummary: This is the story about what makes Sophie very angry. He sister came up to her and took her stuffed gorilla. Sophie gets really angry and walks out of the house to cool off. The colors around Sophie change as she calms down. She sits by the water and that helps her calm down. Then she heads back to the house and sits down with her family and she feels better.Activity: Have the students make happy, sad, angry and jealous faces on a stick before they read the book. Explain the emotions and then read the story. Have the class hold up the stick that matches Sophie’s emotion on that page. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this story was a good way to teach students of how to deal when they get angry. The pictures also did a great job of explaining those emotions.

Title: First The EggAuthor: Laura Vaccaro SeegerGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This book tells us about something that comes first and then the stage that follows. For example, they talked about the tadpole and then the frog and also the seed and then the flower. It listed several of these cycles and then it came back to the chicken and then come the egg. Activity: Have a matching game prepared for the students. On one card have the item that comes first and then the item that comes after. They can play the matching game in small groups. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought the pictures did an awesome job at telling this story. There were very few words but the pictures were awesome.

Title: Ox-Cart ManAuthor: Donald HallGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: Caldecott

Summary: This story is about a man who packed all of his belongings and left for the city. When he got there he sold all he had and then bought several new things for his family to use. Then he made the trek back by himself and gave the gifts he bought to his family. After that his family got ready for the next trip the man would take again in a few months. Activity: Have an outline of a suitcase and have the students draw pictures of everything they would need to take on a long vacation. Some examples could be a toothbrush, clothes, shampoo, etc. Let them decide where they are going and their clothes and things could depend on where their destination is.Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was kind of boring. There was a lot of listing and not a very good storyline.

Title: It’s a Small, Small PondAuthor: Denise FlemingGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story does a lot of listing what happens in the small pond. It lists several animals and what they do in the pond. For example, it talks about frogs swimming and fish splashing and birds fluttering. Activity: There were many rhyming words in this book. Have the students match the words that rhyme. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was very simple but the pictures did a great job at what the words were describing.

Title: Zen ShortsAuthor: Jon J MuthGrade Level:3-5Genre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a panda who finds his way in to a family’s backyard and gives them wise advice. There are three children in the family and he teaches a lesson to each of them with his stories and experiences. He wants to help them find the best in everything that they do. Every time they say a short little phrase, the panda remembers a story about his past experiences and shares the stories with the children. Activity: Create your own parable/fable using a short phrase or sentence that the teacher will provide.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very good story about how to look for the best in all things that you do.

Title: A Ball for DaisyAuthor: Chris RaschkaGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This is the story of Daisy and her ball. She takes her ball everywhere she goes. One day she is out on walk and another dog gets a hold

of her ball and pops it. She is very sad, but then that dog comes back with another ball for her and she is happy again. Activity: Have the students create their own story that only uses pictures. Then have them present their story to the class. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was a cute book but there were no words. It was a great Caldecott book because of the great illustrations.

Title: The Relatives CameAuthor: Cynthia RylantGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about a family who has their relatives come visit them for the summer. They talk about their long journey in the car on the way to their house. When they get there, there is a lot of hugging and laughing and eating. They enjoy spending much time together. Then they have to pack up their bags and leave after a long good summer. Activity: Journal about a time where you and your family did a special thing together. What are your favorite traditions to do together? What is your favorite part?Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a very cute story about how family spends time together. It is a very fun time when they all get together.

Title: Where the Wild Things AreAuthor: Maurice SendakGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: CaldecottSummary: This story is about Max. He was sent to bed without any supper and his imagination went wild and his room started to grow a forest. Then he sailed across the ocean and found an island with a bunch of creatures that are very wild things were. They all listened to him and became his friend. Then he went back across the ocean and ended up in his room again where supper was waiting for him.Activity: In your writing journals, write about your craziest dream. Include a picture if you would like.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book really encourages kids to use their imagination.

10 Seasonal Books: 10

Title: Arthur’s ValentineAuthor: Marc BrownGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: Character

Summary: This story is about Arthur and how he keeps receiving valentines from a secret admirer. Each card had a clue about who it was. They were each a poem and one day everybody found out and started teasing Arthur. Finally Arthur said he didn’t want to go to school the next day but his mom wouldn’t let him miss his Valentine’s Day party. He got another note saying that he should meet his admirer at the movie theatre. He did and he found out his secret admirer was Francine. Activity: Have a Valentine’s Day party with everyone in the class and have everyone bring a valentine for everyone in the class. One day they can decorate a tissue box to hold all of their valentines.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a good character story. It was a good read and a fun story.

Title: Will You Be My Valenswine?Author: Teresa BatemanGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: HolidaySummary: This Valentine’s Day story is about Polly the pig trying to find her “Valentswine”. She searched all over the farm to find her a Valentswine but they already had one. Finally, her mother came up to her and told her that she loved her and that she would be her valentswine.Activity: Make “Valentswine” cards for your parents telling them how much you love them. You can sign the card by saying “Hogs and kisses, Your Name”Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute book. It was written in a poem style of writing and it overall had a good message.

Title: Winter is the Warmest SeasonAuthor: Lauren StringerGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: SeasonalSummary: This book talks all about how winter is the warmest season to this little boy. He says it is the warmest because of all of the clothes that you wear, and the hot food that you eat and the warmness of the bodies that surround you by the hot fire. He likes winter because of all of these things he does that keeps the warmth inside of him.Activity: We could have a little boy on a piece of paper and have different options of clothes on another sheet of paper. Have the students color and cut out the clothes that they person would need to keep warm in the winter. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought the title was very interesting and it made me want to read the book.

Title: ValentineAuthor: Carol CarrickGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: Seasonal

Summary: This story is about a little girl who loved Valentine’s day and she wanted to be with everyone. Her mom left that morning so she stayed with her grandma and they decided to bake cookies. Then they went outside to feed her grandma’s favorite sheep. When they went outside they found out that the sheep had given birth. One of the little lambs was very cold and was barely breathing. They picked up the little lamb and helped nurse it back to health. They named the little lamb Valentine. That night her mom came home and she gave her some cookies that they had made and she told them about Valentine. Activity: Have the class make cookies together. We can roll out the cookie dough and then use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes of the hearts. Then once they are done, they will be able to decorate them however they want. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very sweet story but it didn’t focus much on Valentine’s Day.

Title: The Pumpkin Patch ParableAuthor: Liz Curtis HiggsGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: SeasonalSummary: This story is about a Farmer who grows many things in his garden. The best crop that he grows is a pumpkin! During the summer, the farmer plants the seeds in his field. After a while, the tiny little seed turns into a huge pumpkin. Pumpkins come in all different shapes and sizes. Finally the farmer picks out a pumpkin and takes out all of the messy slime inside and then gives it a face. He puts a candle inside so that way everyone can see the pumpkins face!Activity: If I were at a Christian school, I would do a worksheet that said “Jesus takes the yucky stuff away so be can shine our light all day!” On a section of the paper I would have them glue yarn and pumpkin seeds on that to represent sin. Then I would have a pumpkin outline on the other half and have them color that and put a face on it. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This story has a great message. Not only is it fun for fall, but also it has a wonderful meaning about how Jesus makes us new again.

Title: The Crippled LambAuthor: Max Lucado Grade Level: KindergartenGenre: SeasonalSummary: This story is about a little lamb that was born with a leg that didn’t work right. He was different than all the other lambs and felt really sad that he was left out all the time. One day, all of the shepherds decided to move fields and go to another place for the sheep to have more grass. The little lamb was left behind in a stable because he could not make the journey. His friend the cow kept telling him that God has a special plan for him. One night when the little lamb had gone to sleep, he woke up to the sound of a baby crying. He was

cold so the little lamb curled up beside him to warm him up. The little lamb was there to welcome Jesus into the world. Activity: Have the child trace their hand and turn it upside down. Then have them glue cotton balls on the palm of their hand and then draw black dots on their fingertips. Then they can draw a face on their thumbnail. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book is wonderful because it teaches us that God has a special plan for all of us. We may not see it now, but He always knows what is best.

Title: Thanksgiving is Here!Author: Diane GoodeGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: SeasonalSummary: At grandma’s house, Thanksgiving is crazy but very fun. All of their family comes over and helps set up the table and cook dinner. They all sit at a long table and pass around the food. It is a great time to be together.Activity: Have the students’ journal about their favorite thanksgiving memory. They can draw pictures and write several sentences about their Thanksgiving Day traditions. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very cute story about thanksgiving. Even though it might not be perfect, it is still a great way to celebrate with family.

Title: Fright Night FlightAuthor: Laura Krauss MelmedGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: HolidaySummary: This is the story of a group of scary creatures riding around on a broom getting ready to go trick or treating. They ride around these spooky places to find all of their friends to climb aboard the broom. Then when they pic everyone up they make it to a neighborhood to go trick or treating. Activity: Draw the costume you would want to wear for Halloween. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a cute book but I don’t think it would be the best to read in class.

Title: The Halloween PlayAuthor: Felicia BondGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: Seasonal Summary: This is the story of a little mouse that was very excited about the Halloween play they were going to put on for their parents. One little mouse named Roger had a special part of the play. The play was very funny and the audience loved it. Roger’s father took a picture of him so he would remember but Roger said he didn’t need a picture to remember this play.

Activity: Have a worksheet that has the words “How to carve a pumpkin…” and then the words “First…Then…. And Finally….” And have them finish the sentences.Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a cute book but it didn’t go into very much detail.

Title: Arthur’s ChristmasAuthor: Marc BrownGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: SeasonalSummary: Arthur wanted to find the perfect Christmas gift for Santa. He kept looking all around but couldn’t figure out what to get him. Finally he came up with the idea of combining all of Santa’s favorite foods. On Christmas morning, the mixture of food was gone and Santa left a note on the tree saying Thank you!Activity: Have the students decorate a santa had and list some of their favorite Christmas time foods on it. Have them go home and help their mom and dad make their favorite Christmas time food and bring some in to share with the class. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. Arthur books are always so good and always have great messages behind them about Arthur thinking of others.

5 Math Books: 5

Title: A Dozen DogsAuthor: Harriet ZiefertGrade Level: Pre-K or KindergartenGenre: MathSummary: This book is about dogs swimming and going to the beach. They count how many dogs that are doing each activity. Sometimes they make you subtract. For example if there are 7 dogs on a raft and 5 jump off there are 2 dogs left on the raft. They also use different adjectives to describe the different types of dogs. Activity: Do an assessment activity. Have each student get out a sheet of paper and do a listening exercise. Have them draw two brown dogs. Then have them draw one big dog. Then have them draw three fat dogs. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was okay. There wasn’t really a plot to the story.

Title: Baby Bear Counts OneAuthor: Ashley WolffGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: MathSummary: This is a story about a baby black bear who is learning about all of the different animals and what they do before winter comes. Mama and baby bear walk around the forest and they see all different kinds of animals. Baby

bear counts one, two, three and finally reaches the number ten. That is when he counts ten snowflakes in the sky but they start to come down too fast and there are too many to count, so mama and baby curl up in their cave for hibernation. Activity: All of the animals are storing up food before winter comes. Have each child count out one lollipop, two circus peanuts (acorns), three chocolate wafer cookies (twigs), 4 pieces of candy corn (corn-deer), 5 more pieces of candy corn (corn-crows), 6 grapes, 7 pieces of bits o honey, 8 bug gummies (flies), 9 egg candies (geese), and 10 snowcaps. Have them take it home.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. The story was very cute. There were also great pictures where you could count.  

Title: The Very Hungry CaterpillarAuthor: Eric CarleGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: MathSummary: This is a story about the process of how a caterpillar turns into a butterfly. When he is going through the process he eats through several things, several of which are fruits. He eats through one piece of fruit on the first day, two on the second day and so on. After that he ate through one leaf and then made a cocoon for himself. Then after a few weeks he broke through the cocoon and became a butterfly. Activity: Make a pasta life cycle of the butterfly. You can count how many steps there are in the life cycle and then draw a leaf with a round piece of pasta. Then have a curly piece of pasta for the caterpillar and then have a straight piece of pasta for the cocoon and then a bowtie piece of pasta for the butterfly. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I loved the story of the very hungry caterpillar. Its a great story about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly.

Title: Miss Spider’s Tea PartyAuthor: David KirkGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: MathSummary: This story is about how Miss Spider wants to invite insects to tea but they are all afraid. Each time she spots one more bug than that of the last group. Finally one of the moth’s gets stuck at Miss Spider’s place but she does not eat him, instead she serves him tea and they have a great time. Then the moth tells all of his friends and all of the other insects come back to Miss Spider and they all have a tea party. Activity: Have each student make a spider and decorate to how they please, making them all different. Then I can hang their insects up on a bulletin board and the class can have a fun tea party. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book had great pictures to go along with the number of insects that they were counting in the story.

Title: My Full Moon is Square

Author: Elinor J. PinczesGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: MathSummary: Every night the frog sits outside to read a book but on one certain night, the moon went away behind the clouds. The fireflies loved listening to the frog reading aloud, so they decided they would help him out. They gathered many of their friends and had them get in three rows of three. Then that wasn’t enough light so they eventually made it up to ten rows of ten which was one hundred lights. That was bright enough for the frog to read and it looked like the moon was a square. Activity: Practice the multiplication of the same numbers using firefly manipulatives. Have the students arrange the fireflies in the shape of a square and explain the process of six long and six wide and how that will make thirty-six fireflies. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was the cutest math book that I have read. It still had a good story line and it taught about math.

10 Animal/Science Books: 10

Title: Tiger’s StoryAuthor: Harriet Blackford and Manya StojicGenre: Animal/ Science Grade Level: Kindergarten Summary: This story is about a Tiger growing up and finding his own way. The setting takes place in India in a very large forest. One day, Tiger grows up and is now on his own and he has to learn how to find his own territory. He is now old enough to be on his own and start his own familyActivity: Make Tiger paper plate masks. Have the students paint stripes on orange plates and cut out hole for the eyes. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it did a good job of telling the story of Tiger but it could have gone into more detail about his family or the setting of the story.

Title: Skunk’s Spring Surprise Author: Leslea Newman Grade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: Animal/Science BooksSummary: This story is about a skunk who wakes up after winter hibernation and is looking for her friends. She walks all around and finds them by the water. They are all preparing a talent show for her. They all perform their special talents and then she recites about a poem. They are all excited about spring.Activity: Give the students a piece of paper with 3 sections labeled beginning middle and end. Have the students write a sentence and draw a picture with the sentence about the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute book describing how the animals are all excited about springtime.

Title: Nutley the Nut-Free Squirrel Author: Stephanie SorkinGrade Level: 3rd GradeGenre: Animal/ScienceSummary: This story is about how a squirrel found out he was allergic to nuts. Because he was allergic to nuts he had to find other things that he could eat. He talked to a lot of his other forest friends and found out that they were allergic to many things too. His bee friend was allergic to pollen and his dog friend was allergic to bones. They were all going to help each other avoid their allergens. Activity: Provide your class with different candy bar packages and have them look at the ingredients to see if Nutley could eat them. Then give them a dum dum lollipop at the end, which is a treat that everyone with an allergy can eat!Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This was a very creative book and having a peanut allergy myself I would have loved to read this book as a child.

Title: Utterly Otterly DayAuthor: Mary CasanovaGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: Animal Summary: This story is about a little otter that thinks he is all grown up. He goes out on adventures and comes in contact with some big scary things. Because he thinks he is a big otter now he is able to avoid all the bad things that could happen to him. Suddenly he goes up on the land and sees a cougar. He escapes with the help of his parents. Finally they get back in the water safe in their den. Activity: Write a thank you note to your parents thanking them for all they do to protect you and keep you safe.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book taught a great lesson, no matter how big you get you still need your parents help sometimes.

Title: The Tortoise and the HareAuthor: Janet StevensGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: AnimalSummary: This story is about a Tortoise and a Hare and how they will have a race. The Hare is very confident he will win and takes many different stops along the way. While he is taking many stops, the Tortoise is steadily moving along and passes right by the Hare. The Tortoise ends up winning because the Hare was way too overconfident about his racing abilities. Activity: Draw pictures for the beginning middle and end of the story. At the end of the story we learn an important lesson. What was the lesson that we learned?

Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I liked the lesson that we learned at the end of the story. “Hard work and perseverance bring reward.”

Title: Are You My Mother?Author: P.D. EastmanGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: AnimalSummary: This story is all about how a baby bird hatched from his egg but did not know where his mother went. He hopped out of his nest and went to find her. He came across a kitten, a hen, a dog and a cow but none of them were his mother. Finally a crane raised him back up into his nest and his mother came back!Activity: Have a piece of paper that has a picture frame on it and have the students draw a self portrait of their mother. Then have them copy the sentence “This is my mother” below the portrait.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute story about how a little bird went to go find his mother and how he really wanted to know her.

Title: Cock-A-Doodle MooAuthor: Bernard MostGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: AnimalSummary: This story is about how the Rooster on the farm has lost his voice. When he goes around to try and wake all the animals up, only a whisper comes out. Finally he goes back to one of the cows and he wakes up. The rooster tries to teach the cow how to say “Cock-a-doodle-doo” but the only sound that came out was “Cock-a-doodle-MOO”. He went around saying that and all the animals woke up with a laugh. Even when the rooster got his voice back he still had the cow help him wake up the farm because it make everyone happy. Activity: Do a listening activity and have a recording of different animal sounds and have the students circle or color the different animals on the page that go with that sound.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a great book that emphasized the importance of teamwork.

Title: The Poky Little PuppyAuthor: Janette Sebring LowreyGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: AnimalSummary: This story is about five little puppies but one of those five little puppies gets into some mischief. He is always off by himself and gets into trouble. He uses his senses to find out what his mother is cooking for dessert. He always comes home after his mother scolds his siblings for digging under the fence but the poky little puppy comes after and finishes the dessert. One night he comes back later and the dessert is all gone and he gets none.

Activity: Have the students come up with the things they do with their five senses. What do they smell? What do they see? What do they taste? What do they hear? And what do they feel? Draw or write out these five thingsRating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I didn’t really understand the message behind the story. It was okay.

Title: Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See?Author: Eric CarleGrade Level: Pre K/ KindergartenGenre: AnimalSummary: This book describes all different types of animals and uses a different color to describe each animal. The brown bear sees a red bird and then the red bird sees a yellow duck and so on. Finally it gets to the teacher and the teacher sees her class and then the class sees all of the different animals that were just described. Activity: Have the a sheet of paper that has all of the different animal outlines on it and then have the students color the animals according to the colors they are in the book. You can read the book again if necessary. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book is a classic and even though it is very simple it is a great book.

Title: Bear Snores OnAuthor: Karma WilsonGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: AnimalSummary: This story is about how a bear crawls in his cave for hibernation and many other little woodland creatures come in the cave to get warm but the bear continues on sleeping. Then all of a sudden the bear wakes up and gets very upset. Finally the woodland creatures say don’t worry, we will make some more tea and make some food for you as well and Bear becomes happy again. Then all of his friends go to sleep and Bear cant. Activity: Ask your students what the setting of the story is and have them write that down. Then have them draw a picture of what the setting looks like. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a cute story about all the woodland animals and Bear during hibernation.

10 History Books: 10

Title: Abe Lincoln’s DreamAuthor: Lane SmithGrade Level: 4th GradeGenre:  HistorySummary: This is the story of a little girl going on a White House tour and she ran into the ghost of Abe Lincoln. Lincoln was telling her all about his dream that he had the other night. His dream was when he was on a boat and the sea

was very rocky. He explained how he thought it was like America during the time that Lincoln was president. The little girl explained that a lot has changed since he was president and that we are trying to work to become a better more united country.Activity: Give each student a piece of paper and have them do a before and after picture or summary. On one side of the paper write and draw what America looked like during Lincoln’s presidency and on the other half write and draw what America looks like now. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute storyline but hard to read sometimes because the font was different on each page.

Title: The Hallelujah FlightAuthor: Phil BildnerGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This story is about two men who wanted to fly from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. They gathered all their materials but they needed a new engine to make the journey. They would let people who helped provide food and supplies sign the tips of the wings to fly into history as well. They made many stops along the way and ran into many different prejudices but they completed their journey. Activity: The class would make their own paper airplanes. I could give them a few options of how to fold the paper and then we could go outside and see whose could fly the furthest. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book had a good message that you should never give up on your dreams and if you don’t succeed the first time you should try again.

Title: Abe Lincoln Crosses a CreekAuthor: Deborah Hopkinson and John HendrixGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This story is about Abe Lincoln when he was a little boy and how he was with his friend Austin and they crossed a creek. Abe fell in and Austin saved his life. Then the story goes on to Abe being president and how he helped save the Union. The point of this story was to remember Austin, because he may have not made the history book, but he did save Abe Lincoln’s life and our country would be a mess without Abe Lincoln’s help. Activity: Write a card to one of your special friends and thank them for being your friend.Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I didn’t like the way that the book was written. It was too casual and sort of weird.

Title: Boom TownAuthor: Sonia LevitinGrade Level: 2nd grade

Genre: HistorySummary: A little girl named Amanda started her own business in a small little town that was struggling. She started selling the pies that she made and everyone loved them. That business led to another and then eventually the whole town was built up all because Amanda had started her business of pies. Activity: Do a journal activity and have the students write about what kind of business they would start. Have them draw a picture to go with their journal. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This book was a very cute story about how one little girl helped build up this town. It shows that no matter your age, you can do anything.

Title: Dust For DinnerAuthor: Ann TurnerGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This story is about a family who lived out west during the Dust bowl. They had to keep moving west to California to get away from the dust and find new jobs. They finally made it to California but not without going through some hard times first. It was tough but they made it through and it was all worth it!Activity: Have the students go look back at the facts that we have talked about in the dust bowl. Have them get into groups and come up with three new vocabulary words and put them on a poster board to present to the class. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book did a good job of displaying historical facts but I thought it wasn’t the most interesting book.

Title: The Little Boy StarAuthor: Rachel HausfaterGrade Level: 2-4Genre: HistorySummary: This story is about a little boy who is Jewish and the people all around him are trying to take him away. He eventually escapes to a house by himself where it is very dark and lonely. Finally he is able to come out of hiding. Then he meets some new friends who have half stars and half moons. He has made new friends but he is still proud to be a star. Activity: Turn and talk with your table group about the different cultures represented in the classroom. Design a poster about these cultures.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I think this was a good way of explaining the holocaust to a younger population.

Title: I Pledge AllegianceAuthor: Bill Martin Jr. Michael SampsonGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This book is basically stating the pledge of allegiance. On each page it breaks down the different meanings of the words in the pledge. It gives

definitions of certain words and phrases and provides great pictures to go with each word/phrase. It is a very patriotic book showing pride about America. Activity: You can have a group of them design a poster with the a section of words from the Pledge of Allegiance . Then they could present this to the class. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute way of explaining what the pledge means. Some kids just say it and don’t understand what it means and this is a great explanation.

Title: So You Want to be President?Author: Judith St. GeorgeGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This book is all about the different presidents that have served our country in the United States. The book talks about the many different characteristics that each president has had and how they have all been different. Each president has all had different qualities about them but they all were president. Some presidents were tall, some were loud, some were soft spoken, some had the same name and some didn’t even go to college but they were all president of the United States.Activity: Have the students in your class pick a president and do a research project on them. Then, on one day they can all come in and present their presidents to the class and if they wanted to they could dress up like them as well. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a great book teaching kids about all of the different characteristics of our presidents.

Title: Our Colonial YearAuthor: Cheryl HarnessGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: HistorySummary: This story goes through the different 13 colonies and what they are all doing during the months of the year. Each colony does different things to prepare for that month. For example in November, North Carolina prepares for the Thanksgiving feast. Then the year starts over and they do it all over again. Activity: Have the class color a map of the thirteen colonies and create a key to show what each colony does.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a cute book about all of the different colonies and how they worked together to start America.

Title: We the KidsAuthor: David CatrowGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: History

Summary: This book is the preamble of the United States. It states each line on a different page. The book has excellent pictures that go along with each phrase to help them understand the big words of the preamble. The pictures are awesome. Activity: Have the class watch the schoolhouse rock video of the preamble and then memorize each word line by line. The song will help. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought the pictures did a great job at explaining the different parts of the preamble.

10 Multicultural Books: 10

Title: Night RunningAuthor: Elisa CarboneGrade Level: 4th GradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a boy who is enslaved in the South and how him and his dog run away. James is very certain that he wants to go on his own, but his dog follows him. When James gets stuck in difficult situations such as being caught by slave owners and almost drowning in a river, his dog comes to his rescue and helps him make it to a free state in the North. Activity: Write a paragraph about a special friend that you have. What do you do together? How do you help each other out? What makes them so special?Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This was a very heart warming story about a boy and his dog and how they escape to have a better life away from slavery.

Title: These HandsAuthor: Margaret H. MasonGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This is a story of a grandfather teaching his grandson what he could do like play the piano and do magic tricks. He also told his grandson what his hands could not do because of slavery, but he told him what he now could do because of what his hands did with signing petitions and holding up signs. Now no matter what color your hands are, we can all do the same things.Activity: Trace your handprint and draw the talents that you do with your hands inside that handprint. Explain that we can all do the same things now because of the Civil Rights Movement. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book had a powerful message and it portrayed that message with very few words.

Title: My Dog is Lost!Author: Ezra Jack KeatsGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: Multicultural

Summary: A little boy just moved to New York City from Puerto Rice and he was having a very hard time making friends because he didn’t know English. On top of that, he had lost his dog. He looked all around trying to find him and asked many people if they had seen him. He only knew how to communicate is Spanish so he used those words to describe his dog. Finally they ran into a police and he knew exactly where his dog was. They finally found him. Activity: Do an activity with the Spanish words listed in the book. Make a matching game with notecards. Have the Spanish word on one card and the English word on another and have them match the student match them up.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book did a good job at teaching what it means to work together even if it means doing something out of your comfort zone to help someone else.

Title: A Million Fish…. More or LessAuthor: Patricia C. McKissackGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a little boy who lived down in Louisiana and heard many stories about the bayou. He wanted to have a story of his own. One day he went fishing and caught over a million fish. He got in a fight with the hundreds of alligators in the pond and had to give up half of them. He still had half a million left and felt good. Then he came across some raccoons and they took another half of his fish. By the time he got home, he only had 1 fish left. His family gave him a hard time but he knew the true story of what happened.Activity: In their writing journals, have the students write about a time where they may have stretched the truth on a story. What happened? And how did they story resolve?Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was a cute story about how a little boy wanted to make his story sound big like his family members.

Title: Black is Brown is TanAuthor: Arnold AdoffGrade Level: 3rd GradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a mixed family. The family has a white father and a black mother. The kids are both mixed which means they have tan skin. The kids talk about it from their perspective that it is just the skin color that makes them different. Their hearts are the same on the inside. Activity: Have the class color their handprint with the color of their skin and hang them up in a wreath around the classroom. This will help show cultural diversity.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This is a great book for showing cultural diversity. It was kind of hard to read at times because of the sentence structure but overall good!

Title: Uptown

Author: Bryan CollierGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a little boy and his atmosphere in where he lives. He talks about all that he hears and sees uptown. He talks about the cultures and all of the different things that make it special to him. He loves it and says it is home. Activity: Write about the Who? What? When? Where? and Why? in you writing journals about what makes home special for you.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a great book showing the importance of different cultures and “homes” and what make them special.

Title: The JourneyAuthor: Sarah StewartGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a girl who takes a journey to the big city. In each of her diary entries, she talks about the different things she got to experience. She writes an entry everyday and tells of her awesome experiences. She loves the city but eventually misses home and wants to go back. Activity: Have the class write about their favorite trip they have been on. They can use words and pictures.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I like the way the story was formatted. The diary entries made it very interesting to read from her perspective.

Title: RavenAuthor: Gerald McDermottGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This book is about a raven that wants to find light for all the people of the land. He turns into a child and finds the source of light. Once he finds the source of light he turns back into a raven and brings the sun out for all the people to enjoy. Activity: Have a coloring page and have them decorate the bird with all different colors and display them in the classroom. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was very strange. It had a weird story line and I didn’t really enjoy it.

Title: Arrow to the SunAuthor: Gerald McDermottGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is about a boy who was on a mission to find his father. He asked many people but they did not lead them to him until he came to the arrow maker. The arrow maker made him into an arrow and then he shot him

to the sun where he found his father. He had to go through several trials but eventually he became filled with the light from the sun. Activity: Provide a weaving loom for each person in the classroom. Have them weave together their own design using red, yellow, and orange yarn to look like the sun.Rating: **(2) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this book was very strange. It had a weird story line and I didn’t really enjoy it.

Title: How My Parents Learned to EatAuthor: Ina R. FriedmanGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: MulticulturalSummary: This story is from a little girls perspective on how her mom and dad met and how they learned the differences in how they eat in their different cultures. Her dad was nervous because he couldn’t eat with chopsticks and her mother was nervous too. They both taught each other how to eat with chopsticks and with a fork and a knife. Now in their house, sometimes they eat with chopsticks, and sometimes they eat with a fork and a knife.Activity: Teach your class about how to eat with chopsticks. You can practice with bigger food items to get them used to the feeling. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This was a cute book about different cultures colliding. I like how it was written from the little girl’s perspective.

5 Issue Books: 5

Title: Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny LieAuthor: Laura RankinGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: Issue BookSummary: This story is about Ruthie and how she loved all kinds of tiny things. One day she found a tiny camera on the playground. One of her friends Martin saw Ruthie with the camera and told her that it was his. They got in this big fight and their teacher had to step in. Ruthie told her that it was hers and Martin told her that it was his. Ruthie had lied about saying that the camera was hers and felt awful. She felt so bad that she had to go tell her teacher about the lie that she told and once she told the truth she felt much better. Activity: Play two truths and a lie. Have the students come up with two things that are true about them and one thing that is not true. Then they share their facts with the class and the class has to try and guess the lie. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book teaches kids a valuable lesson about telling the truth. I thought the author did a good job of portraying Ruthie’s emotions and feelings about lying and then telling the truth.

Title: Pinduli

Author: Janella CannonGrade Level: 4th gradeGenre: Animal/ScienceSummary: This story is about how a hyena, Pinduli, went out looking for food and came across many other animals. Every animal that she came in contact with all had something mean to say about her appearance. The wild dogs made fun of her ears, the lion made fun of her mane, and the zebra made fun of her stripes. She ended up rolling in the dirt as an attempt to “cover all her blemishes and all the animals thought she was the “Great Spirit”. They all came to her and were very sorry about the mean things they had said about each other. The only reason they were mean to each other was because someone had been mean to them. This is when the wise owl told them they all needed to be kind to one another. Activity: Tape a piece of paper to each students back and have all the rest of their classmates go around and write something nice about that student’s personality or appearance.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a great story about how we are all created uniquely and how we are all special.

Title: The Rainbow FishAuthor: Marcus PfisterGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: IssueSummary: This is the story of what the Rainbow fish had to deal with and how he had to get over his pride in order to make friends. Everyone loved his shiny scales. When one little fish asked if he could have one of his scales Rainbow Fish turned him away. All the other fish found out about this and no one wanted to be friends with him. Rainbow fish had to go and talk to the wise octopus and she told him to share his scales and then he will be much happier. When he started to share his scales then he became so much happier and had many good friends. Activity: Have a worksheet that has a bunch of fish on it with different adjectives. Have the students color in the words that would describe a good friend. Have the students draw a pattern on the words that would be used to describe a bad friend. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I think this book is a great lesson to all kids about how we all need to be nice and share which makes us feel better.

Title: The Kissing HandAuthor: Audrey PennGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: IssueSummary: This story is about Chester the raccoon and how he wishes he didn’t have to go to school because he is going to miss home. His mother comes up to him and shows him a very old secret. She grabs his hand and she kisses the top of his paw. He heart races and he loves that his mom is now with him. One day

when he comes home he grabs his mom’s paw and says that now she has a kissing hand too. Activity: Have the students cut out a little heart and write “I love you” on the heart. Then have them give them to one of their parents and tell them the story of the kissing hand. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I love The Kissing Hand. I think it’s a great way for the students to let go of home and get excited about coming to school.

Title: Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the BedAuthor: Eileen ChristelowGrade Level: Kindergarten/Pre-KGenre: IssueSummary: There were 5 monkeys and they all got ready for bed. Once they were all tucked in they all started jumping on the bed. Then one fell off and hurt himself. Once the mama found out she called the doctor and he said that no more monkeys should jump on the bed. Then it happened to four, then three, then two then one. Finally they all went to bed and were done jumping. Activity: Provide a worksheet that has the number one, two, three, four, and five written out. Then have them match the number to the number of monkeys in the picture. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I think this is a great book that teaches kids to listen to their parents because they always want what’s best for you.

10 Favorite Character/Series: 10

Title: Curious George Goes to the ZooAuthor: Margaret & H.A. Rey’sGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: Favorite CharacterSummary: The man in the yellow hat decides to take George to the zoo. This was not an ordinary zoo but a place where the drove a special car around to see all the different animals roaming freely throughout the zoo. George went to the top of the car and fell out. He ended up finding all the animals and started acting like them. Finally, he came across the baby rhino. Today the zoo was celebrating baby rhino’s first birthday. George had found the baby rhino and the zoo was looking for her all day because she had been separated from her mother all day. The zookeeper was very happy and invited them to her birthday party.Activity: Have a birthday party for baby rhino. Each student could have their own plain white party hat and they can color and draw different things about the zoo on them. Then we can eat cake and icecreamRating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very cute Curious George book and it taught you a few things about the different animals in the zoo.

Title: Arthur Writes a StoryAuthor: Marc BrownGrade Level: 3rd GradeGenre: Favorite CharacterSummary: This story is about how Arthur’s teacher has the class write a story. Arthur comes up with the story about how he got his dog Pal. When he reads that story to his sister she said that he needed to make it more interesting. Every time he tells his story to someone else they tell him to add something else to it to make it better. Finally, he gets in front of the class and sings his made up story. Some kid asks if that story is true and Arthur explains that it all started from a true story about how he got his dog. Everyone thought that Arthur’s story was the best and he won the best story in the class. Activity: Have the class write a true story about their lives. Make sure that it has a beginning middle and end. Then have the students share their story in front of the class. Rating:*****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a very good way of showing how kids have great imaginations and how they are great storytellers.

Title: Curious George Visits the DentistAuthor: Margaret & H.A. Rey’sGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: Favorite CharacterSummary: Curious George goes to the dentist because his tooth was hurting him and he couldn’t eat certain foods without hurting his tooth. George was very scared to go to the dentist but he went and he ended up helping all of the other kids who were scared. It turned out that once George got in the chair, he just had a loose tooth. Eventually he lost his tooth from biting into an apple and the tooth fairy came and left a special coin in the place of his tooth. Activity: We can make a snack with marshmallows as the teeth and a fruit roll up as the tongue. We would make it in the shape of a mouth and then they could eat it. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This was a very cute book that would help kids not be so scared of going to the dentist.

Title: Curious George Goes to a BookstoreAuthor: Margaret & H.A. Rey’sGrade Level: 3rd gradeGenre: CharacterSummary: Curious George and the man in the yellow hat decide to go to a bookstore because George’s favorite author is there signing books. George wanders off and finds the café and finds free samples of banana bread. Then he finds a bunch of boxes that are all wrapped up. George decides to open the boxes and finds the new penguin book that his favorite author wrote. He

decides to stack the books in a beautiful display then he gets to meet his favorite author and gets his books signed. Activity: Before reading the book, I will read the title of the book to them and have them write their own short story. Then after, come together as a class and read the actual story. Have a few students share their own short stories. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I enjoyed the story. I thought it was a very cute Curious George book.

Title: Arthur’s Pet BusinessAuthor: Marc BrownGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: CharacterSummary: Arthur really wanted a puppy but in order for his parents to let him get one, he had to prove that he was responsible. He started his own pet business as a way to show responsibility and make money. One of the dogs that Arthur had to take care of ended up having puppies while he was taking care of her and as a reward Arthur got to keep one of the puppies. He showed his parents that he was responsible. Activity: Think of a time this week where you can help your parents and show them that you are responsible.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a great way to get students into helping their parents around the house and showing them that they can be responsible.

Title: If You Take a Mouse to SchoolAuthor: Laura NumeroffGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: CharacterSummary: This book is all about how a little boy takes a mouse to school. He will want to do many things and the mouse would run off and do those things. Multiple things would remind him of other things that he would want to do at school, so he would go on to the next. Eventually all those things would lead him to want to go back to school.Activity: Have the students finish the sentence “If I brought a mouse to school, I would…” in their writing journalsRating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This was one of my favorite books as a child and I loved reading through it again.

Title: If You Take a Mouse to the MoviesAuthor: Laura NumeroffGrade Level: 1st GradeGenre: CharacterSummary: This book is all about how a little boy takes a mouse to the movies and how he gets very distracted because he gets popcorn. That makes him think about how he would want to string all of the pieces and put them on a Christmas Tree. This makes him think about all of the many different things he

could do at Christmas, but then he will start thinking about the popcorn again and then he will want to go back to the movies. Activity: In the story, the mouse makes Christmas ornaments. Have the class make and decorate different Christmas shaped ornaments and decorate them how they would likeRating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I really like this series of books and I think the author is very creative.

Title: The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!Author: Mo WillemsGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: CharacterSummary: This story is about how a pigeon wants to get a puppy but he doesn’t know what he is getting himself into. He doesn’t realize how much he has to care and nurture it. He also doesn’t realize the size. Finally when he sees a puppy, he changes his mind and decides he wants a walrus instead because a puppy is too scary. Activity: Write a letter to the pigeon telling them why they should get a puppy or not. Support your answer with reasoning. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a fun book to read. I enjoyed how the dialogue was set up and the large font.

Title: I Broke My Trunk!Author: Mo WillemsGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: CharacterSummary: This story is all about the elephant telling his story of how he broke his trunk. He had hippo, rhino, and hippo’s sister with her piano all on his trunk, but that wasn’t even how it broke. He broke his trunk running to tell his friend about how he broke his trunk. Then piggy wanted to do the same thing but he fell and broke his snout. Activity: Make puppets of elephant and piggy and have the class tell the story to their peers. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a fun book to read. I enjoyed how the dialogue was set up and the large font.

Title: The Pigeon Needs a Bath!Author: Mo WillemsGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: CharacterSummary: This story is about how the pigeon doesn’t want to take a bath. Finally the flies tell him that he is too stinky and he finally caves. Then he goes to inspect the baths, but he complains that the water is too hot or too cold or that it has too many toys. Finally he finds a bath that is just right. Then he stays in the bath for 10 hours and it finally all clean.

Activity: Do a maze. Have the students help pigeon find his way to the bathRating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a fun book to read. I enjoyed how the dialogue was set up and the large font.

10 Fairy Tales: 10

Title: The Three Little PigsAuthor: Elizabeth RossGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: Fairy TaleSummary: This is the story of the three little pigs. Each pig decided to make three different houses. One pig made his house out of straw, another made his house out of twig, and the other made his house out of bricks. Then along came the big bad wolf. He came to the house made of straw and he blew the house down. Then he came to the house made of twigs and he blew the house down. Then all three pigs ended up at the house made of bricks. The wolf tried to blow that house down but it didn’t work. He decided to climb down the chimney instead but he fell in the fire and that was the end of the big bad wolf. Activity: Have a worksheet of pictures of different characters and things in the story and have the students fill in the missing letters next to the picture. For example there could be a picture of a pig and the letter i is missing from the word. They would need to fill in the blank. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This story is a classic story that all children should read at one point or another. It’s a very good fairy tale.

Title: Goldilocks and the Three BearsAuthor: Robert SoutheyGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: Fairy TaleSummary: This is the story of the three bears. One day the three bears decided to go for a walk because the porridge was too hot to eat. Once they left a little girl named Goldilocks came in and saw three chairs. She sat in all three but the little one was just right. Then she ate some of the porridge but she had to find the one that was just the right temperature. Then she went upstairs to the beds she found the most comfortable bed and went to sleep. The bears came back and found her sleeping in the bed. When she woke up she ran out of the house terrified. Activity: Write a sentence and draw a picture of something that scares you. Then we will present them to the classRating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This story is a classic story that all children should read at one point or another. It’s a very good fairy tale.

Title: Little Red Riding HoodAuthor: Rebecca HellerGrade Level: Kindergarten

Genre: Fairy TaleSummary: This is the story of Little Red Riding Hood. One day she decided to walk through the forest to bring her grandmother a basket full of cakes and honey. A wolf saw her walking through the woods and went up to her grandmother’s house and swallowed her whole. Then he took the place of the grandmother to play a trick on Little Red Riding Hood. As she got closer to the wolf he gobbled her up too. Then a woodcutter came into the house and carved the stomach of the wolf and out pops Little Red Riding hood and her grandma. Activity: Have a list of words from the story like wolf, grandma, little, red, basket, riding, and house and have them put the words in ABC order. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This story is a classic story that all children should read at one point or another.

Title: The Ugly DucklingAuthor: Hans Christian AndersonGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: Fairy TaleSummary: This is the story about a little duckling that wasn’t like the rest of the ducklings. The other ducklings would make fun of the way this little duck looks. The duckling feels horrible about the way that the others treat him and he starts to believe it. Finally one day this little ugly duckling turns into a beautiful swan. He saw his reflection in the water and was very pleased.Activity: Have a sheet of paper of five scenes from the story and have the students color and cut out the scenes and then glue them in the order that they happened. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a good story about how its not on what the outside that matters but its what’s on the inside that truly counts.

Title: The Tale of Peter RabbitAuthor: Beatriz PotterGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: FairytaleSummary: This is the story of Peter Rabbit. Earlier that day his mother had warned all of her children not to go into Mr. McGregor’s garden because their father had been caught and never returned once he went there. Peter did it anyways and was chased around the whole garden. Once he had escaped he returned home and was not feeling well so he decided to go to bed.Activity: Have two worksheets and on one worksheet have different objects that are found in a garden and other items that are not found in the garden. On the other sheet of paper have it split down the middle and have the students cut out the objects that are found in the garden and put them on one side and then put the other objects on the other side of the paper. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I think this story has a great moral because of how it teaches you to listen to your parents because they know what is best for you.

Title: Jack and the BeanstalkAuthor: Joseph JacobsGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: Fairy TaleSummary: There once was a boy who lived with his mother and they were very poor. One day, they the little boy went to go sell their cow so they could have money. The little boy ran into this man who gave him magic beans for his cow instead. When his mother found out she was very mad. When he planted the beans they grew up to this giant castle. Jack climbed up and found a goose and a harp and a very angry giant. Quickly he grabbed the goose that laid the golden eggs and the harp and ran down the beanstalk. Quickly he chopped down the beanstalk killing the giant. Activity: Have the class split up into partners and play a board game with jack finding his way back home from the castle. He will pass by many things like golden eggs and other magic things on his way there and this will cause him to move forward or move backwards.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a classic fairytale and I think it is a good read for young children to encourage imagination.

Title: The Three Billy Goats GruffAuthor: Paul GaldoneGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: FairytaleSummary: Once there were three Billy Goats, a small one, his big brother, and the biggest brother. They were eating on one side of the bridge and then ate all the grass. Then on the other side of the bridge they saw tasty grass. The little one decided to cross but was stopped by a troll. The same thing happened with all of the trolls. Then the biggest brother decided to do away with the troll and they lived happily ever after. Activity: Have the class complete a word search of important words in the story. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a classic fairytale and I think it is a good read for young children to encourage imagination.

Title: The Boy Who Cried WolfAuthor: B. G. HennessyGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: FairytaleSummary: There once was a boy who was in the field with his sheep. He called to his neighbors that there was a wolf several times and they all came but there was no wolf. Then one time there really were three wolves and when he called no one came because no one believed him. Then the boy lost his sheep and had to look for them all by himself. Activity: Have pictures of the story and have the students cut and paste the pictures in the correct order.

Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a classic fairytale and I think it teaches children a good moral lesson of always telling the truth.

Title: The Princess and the PeaAuthor: Hans Christian AndersenGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: FairytaleSummary: This story is about how a prince wanted to find his princess. One day he saw her standing outside the castle gates and invited her in. The queen was not pleased and she said she is only a real princess if she can feel the pea underneath these 20 mattresses. So they had her sleep on them and she slept horrible. That is when they knew she was a real princess. Activity: Have the students cut and paste the pictures of the story and put them in order on another page. They can color the pictures after. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a classic fairytale and I think it is a good read for young children to encourage imagination.

Title: CinderellaAuthor: Grade Level: KindergartenGenre: FairytaleSummary: This story is about a little girl who lost her father. She was raised by her evil stepmother and her two step sisters. Then she gets invited to the ball and meets the prince. Then she meets the prince and dances with him but on her way out of the ball she loses her shoe. The prince goes all around the kingdom to try and find her and he finally did when the shoe fit. Activity: The class can complete a coloring page of Cinderella and the prince.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This is my favorite fairytale! I love Cinderella!

10 Fantasy/Other: 10

Title : You Are SpecialAuthor: Max LucadoGrade Level: 2nd GradeGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about Punchinello the little Wemmick. All the wemmicks lived together and they would give each other dots or star stickers to show how they were doing. If you received a star, you were doing a great job. If you received a dot, you were doing something wrong. One day Punchinello got tired of having dots all over him and he noticed that another wemmick didn’t have any stickers. He wanted to be like her so he went to visit the creator of the wemmicks, Eli. There, Eli told him that if you didn’t believe what the stickers meant then they wouldn’t stick. They would just fall right off.

And from that day on, Punchinello believed that the stickers meant nothing and he didn’t have any dots on him anymore. Activity: Have the students relate it to their lives. Have them answer these questions in their journal. Do we give each other stars and dots? How can we be accepting of each other’s differences? What do you think about Punchinello? Eli? Lucia?Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This book is one of my favorites. It teaches such an important lesson about how everyone matters and we are all special in our own way.

Title: Hairy, Scary, Ordinary- What is an Adjective?Author: Brian P. ClearyGrade Level: K-2Genre: OtherSummary: This book gives many examples of the different types of adjectives. It gives you many different pictures that go really well with the adjectives and help them understand what a describing word is. Also they adjectives were all in different fonts and colors. Activity: Have several objects set around the classroom and have the students go around and come up with three different adjectives describing those objects.Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought it was a great book helping students understand what an adjective is.

Title: Kevin and His DadAuthor: Michael HayesGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about Kevin and his dad and how much they love to spend time together. One day when mom was away, they spent the day cleaning the house and messing around. He loved doing everything with his dad. Once they got done cleaning, they went out and played outside. Then they went to the movies. They loved spending time with each other. Kevin says his dad is his best friend. Activity: Draw a picture and write a letter to your dad or grandpa saying how thankful you are for them. This could be read to them right before summer when we celebrate Father’s day. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was very cute story showing how you need to care for your parents and be thankful for them.

Title: Ferdinand The BullAuthor: Munro LeafGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about a bull that wasn’t like most bulls. He didn’t like to fight. Instead he sat in the fields underneath his tree and smelled the

flowers. One day the men camp to pick up the bulls for bull fighting. Ferdinand got stung by a bee and ran kicking and screaming. He was chosen to go to the bull fighting area, but he didn’t stay long because all he liked to do was just sniff the flowers and look around the arena. Activity: Have the class make a puppet of Ferdinand and tell the story using the puppetsRating: ****(5) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very cute book teaching kids how to just be yourself.

Title: If You Give a Pig a PancakeAuthor: Laura NumeroffGrade Level: 2nd gradeGenre: OtherSummary: This is a silly story about how if you give a pig a pancake, it will lead her to want all other sorts of things. She will first want to take a bath and then want to dance around in your old tap shoes and then take pictures. Somehow all of these things will remind her of maple syrup and then she will go back to wanting more pancakes. Activity: Have the class help you make pancakes. This is an activity you could do together. You could add different toppings and be creative.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very creative and fun story. These books were some of my favorites as a kid.

Title: Goodnight MoonAuthor: Margaret Wise BrownGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: OtherSummary: This book is about a little child telling the house goodnight. He looks all around and sees different things and describes what they are doing. He also tells them all goodnight. Then he ends up going to bed. Activity: Have the class do a goodnight moon scavenger hunt around the classroom. This would be fun to hide the different things around the classroom from the book and have them find it. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This is a good book to read to kindergarteners when talking about nighttime routine. I thought it was a good book.

Title: CorduroyAuthor: Don FreemanGrade Level:Genre:Summary: This story was about a little bear that wanted to find a home. He lived in a big department store. He adventured around the store and woke the night watchman. Then he went back downstairs and then next day a little girl came and pick him up and bought him to take him home.

Activity: Have the class bring in their favorite stuffed animal to share with the class like show and tell. Rating: *****(5) out of *****(5) stars. This is one of my favorite books, which I was a kid. I loved my teddy bear when I was a little girl just like the girl in the story.

Title: Chicka Chicka Boom BoomAuthor: Bill Martin Jr.Grade Level: KindergartenGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about a coconut tree. This story also talks about the alphabet and uses different words to describe the alphabet. It goes through the whole alphabet twice. This book also uses a lot of action words and describing words. Activity: Have the class do a color by letter with the coconut tree on the front cover of the book. This activity is just like color by number but with letters to help practice letter recognition. Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. This book is a good story teaching kids a fun way to know the alphabet.

Title: Millions of CatsAuthor: Arvinda GuptaGrade Level: 1st gradeGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about a little old man and a little old woman who wanted a cat. The old man went over the hill and found a field full of so many cats. He ended up bringing all of them home but they all kept fighting to see who was the prettiest. Then they all left except one. That was the one that they kept and he became very happy. Activity: Do an interactive read aloud with the class. This could be in the form of choral reading. Rating: ***(3) out of *****(5) stars. This book was okay but it wasn’t my favorite.

Title: The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the WashAuthor: Trinka Hakes NobleGrade Level: KindergartenGenre: OtherSummary: This story is about how Jimmy’s boa came on the class field trip with them. The class field trip became total chaos. The boa ended up scaring the farmer’s wife and the class left without bringing the boa with them. But Jimmy wasn’t sad because he brought back a pig instead. Activity: Have the class do a word search with important words from the book.Rating: ****(4) out of *****(5) stars. I thought this was a very fun book with great pictures to go with the story.