Rosa

Rosa was written by Nikki Giovanni and beautifully illustrated by Bryan Collier.  This wonderful award-winning Caldecott Honor Book tells the story of Rosa Parks with her decision to say "no" in an honorable fashion which will be appealing and understandable to primary school-age children.

Biography

The story begins in early December 1955 with Mrs. Parks working at her job as a seamstress.  On her way home, after finding all of the seats reserved for blacks taken, she takes a seat in the "neutral" section where blacks or whites could sit. 

She is told by the bus driver to get up and Rosa firmly says "no"--she has had it with "Colored taxis, Colored drinking fountains and Colored entrances!"  Rosa is arrested and the townspeople of Selma and Montgomery, Alabama are furious, but none angrier than the Women's Political Council!  They join together to make posters, such as "No Riders Today" and "Support Mrs. Parks--Keep Off The Buses" to encourage folks to boycott the buses and the townspeople oblige--they walk and continue to walk month after month! Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. joins the protest and says, "We will walk until justice runs down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream" (great simile for children!).  Finally, on November 13, 1956, almost a year after Rosa Parks was arrested, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that segregation was illegal as we need to uphold the Constitution of the United States.

As stated in the conclusion of this outstanding book:

"The integrity, the dignity,

the quiet strength of Rosa Parks

turned her no into a YES for change."

Collier's vivid and realistic illustrations are representative of this time period and he uses the media/technique of watercolor-and-collage and most of the pictures have a "dim effect."  The illustrator stated that he chose this style because during his research, when traveling to Alabama, it was so hot and thought his illustrations should reflect the setting.  Much of the beautiful artwork reminded me of the excellent illustrations in Eric Carle's books with his collage-style pictures.

This book will teach children first and foremost about respect for one another, which honors the Saint Leo Core Value with regard to respecting each other's dignity to promote unity within our society.

Class Activities:

1. After explaining the word "segregation" prior to reading the book, ask younger children to tell about a time when they felt "excluded or left out" because of what they looked like, where they lived, their clothing, etc.  The teacher begins the activity, giving an example that possibly "Tommy" felt left out because he didn't have the newest style sneakers that his friends had.  
2. Ask older children to look up the definition of "segregation" in our dictionaries and write it down. Secondly, for homework, ask them to write down a time when they felt "segregated" and bring their thoughts in tomorrow so we can discuss as a class.  

Both of these activities will teach younger and older children to honor the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect as they teach them about respect, acceptance and the diversity in our culture in an age-appropriate manner that they can relate to.

I so enjoyed this inspirational book and surely know all children will love it as well!

Other outstanding books by Nikki Giovanni:

• The Sun Is So Quiet
• Chasing Utopia: A Hybrid
• Black Feeling Black Talk

Reference

Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. New York: Holtzbrinck Publishers.

The book begins at Christmas time

The Message (Animorphs)

The Message is the 4th book in the Animorphs series, written by K. A. Applegate.  This book would be classified as science fiction with its focus on the characters morphing themselves into animals for various reasons.  The main character, Cassie, and her group of friends have many dreams about their ability to morph and they are unsure about what these dreams and nightmares are about--are they messages to protect them or are they in danger?

                           Science Fiction

This book and the entire series would be classified as excellent science fiction based on the inability for humans to transform into animals; however, it also incorporates discussing DNA, which is a very important aspect when discussing science.  Although this story is unrealistic, The Message reminded me of cloning animals which is now realistic since Dolly the sheep was cloned way back in 1996!  In the past, cloning would have been thought of as science fiction, but as we now know, with scientific developments and advancements occurring so rapidly, each and every day, readers can relate to the story content. Furthermore, according to Literature and the Child, "Science fiction writers take the possibility of change to its ultimate extreme" (p. 221).

The Message and the prior three books in the series are geared to the higher primary grades/middle school (4th-7th) based on the content and the lack of illustrations.  The cover photo is outstanding as it shows Cassie transforming into a dolphin which occurs in the final chapter.  The uplifting and exciting conclusion will be memorable for readers as the dolphins feel Cassie is "one of them" and want her to play and dance with them and she states, "And so I did" (p. 154).   

Even though I am not a big fan of science fiction, my children read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it!  I so loved hearing about their thoughts and ideas and what they feel the future will be like.  I feel this book is very effective in engaging children to think about past and current scientific advancements and how we are so fortunate because of these developments.

Class Activities:

1. While reading the book, ask the students to write down words that are unfamiliar to them.  Then, for homework, have them look up the definitions and have them share their understanding of the words with the class the next day.
2. Have students write a story about "futuristic developments" that they believe will happen in their lifetime, for example, "everyday people taking a trip to the moon!"

Other books in the Animorphs series by K. A. Applegate:

• The Invasion
• The Visitor
• The Encounter

References

Applegate, K. A. (1996). The Message. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the Child. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Inc.

George Washington and the General's Dog

George Washington and the General's Dog was written by Frank Murphy and illustrated by Richard Waltz.  This historical fiction story wonderfully depicts the life of George Washington in the mid-late 1700s and contains much factual information about the period 1776-1777.  It is presented in an understandable manner for children in 1st-3rd grades and even though the title focuses on George Washington and his dog, the author did this intentionally to engage children to make the story not only educational, but fun and entertaining!

                      Historical Fiction

The story begins with children visiting a museum and learning how George Washington was such a hero--very honest and brave and proceeds on to say that many didn't know something about him--he loved animals, especially dogs!  The book continues on talking about how the dogs accompanied Washington and his soldiers into battle and how they were very helpful with hunting, tracking and frightening off wild animals. Many other historical figures, places and events are discussed throughout the story such as, William Howe, Alexander Hamilton, Mount Vernon and the American Revolution.  The story concludes with the American people honoring George Washington and his great deeds by electing him to be the first president of the United States. 

This book is very beneficial in teaching young children about George Washington's times and they will enjoy how the storyline is made fun by talking about his love for dogs!  Children will surely relate to his love for animals and will be entertained with the bright and colorful illustrations throughout the book.  The media and technique are watercolor and pen and ink with actual historical photographs on the Author's Note page at the end of the book.  The author does specify, as shown below, that this story is true and represents actual events!

I think this book was excellent and will keep children interested as they learn about this historical period of time!  While reading the story to young children or when older children are reading it, they should be told that several events happened right here in Pennsylvania, only an hour away from us in Valley Forge!

Class Activities:

1. Ask children if they have ever been to Valley Forge or Brandywine Battlefield and, if so, what do they remember about their visit?
2. Have children draw pictures of their dogs or any pets they have and ask them if they have ever helped them out?  
3. Ask children to select a person or event from the story and find out more information about it.  Then, ask them to bring their findings in tomorrow so we can learn about it.

Other outstanding books by Frank Murphy:

• Always Inventing: The True Story of Thomas Alva Edison
• Ben Franklin and the Magic Squares

Reference

Murphy, F. (2002). George Washington and the General's Dog. New York: Random House

Rum Pum Pum

Rum Pum Pum is a folk tale from India, retold by Maggie Duff and wonderfully illustrated by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey.  This story is excellent in teaching children about cooperating and helping one another!

Narrative Folklore

The book begins "Long ago in India" with the King hearing Blackbird singing beautifully with his wife next to him!  The King decides he wants Blackbird captured so he can have him caged in his castle, then the King will always be able to hear the singing!  Unfortunately, since Blackbird and his wife look alike, the King's men caught Blackbird's wife instead, leaving Blackbird quite angry!

Blackbird is determined to find his wife, dresses as a soldier and he sets out on a mission to find his wife, meeting other animals and objects along the way who were also betrayed by the King!  Throughout the story, we read the line "RUM PUM PUM, RUM PUM PUM, RUM PUM PUM PUM PUM" as Blackbird bangs his kettledrum and he and his friends head towards the castle!  They all join forces and work together to come up with an exciting plan to bring Blackbird's wife home and the story concludes with "They have lived happily in their tree ever since."

Children will enjoy this book and I feel it represents quality folklore with the word choice having the animals and objects speak just as the humans do within the story.  Also, many fun rhymes are incorporated into the text along with the repetitious "Rum Pum Pum" phrase throughout the book.  Preschoolers will love repeating the "Rum Pum Pum" line while the story is being read to them and love the rhymes as well. I believe school-age children (1st-3rd grades) will also be entertained by the story as they will wonder what happens next--will Blackbird's wife be rescued or will Blackbird and his friends be captured as well?

There are many full-page bright and colorful illustrations which are cartoon-like, similar to George O'Connor's work.  The media/technique of watercolor and pen and ink are very effective in following the storyline perfectly!  Children will love seeing Blackbird and the characters (cat, ants, stick and river) performing all sorts of humanistic feats!

Class Activities:

1. Have younger children make drums!  Let them use crayons/colored pencils to draw the characters on construction paper and tape them around a coffee can.  Then, let them parade around the room tapping on the plastic lid, saying the phrase "Rum Pum Pum, Rum Pum Pum, Rum Pum Pum Pum Pum!"  Then, have each child take turns telling their favorite part of the story.
2. Older children can be asked to make up a catchy rhyme about the characters in the story.  Also, tell them to bring in an object, food, clothing, etc., that represents their culture tomorrow and we'll talk about them.

Rum Pum Pum is a fun story to teach children about folklore, cooperating to get the job done and is very effective in teaching rhymes to them as well!

Other outstanding books by Maggie Duff:

• Dancing Turtle
• The Princess and the Pumpkin

Reference

Duff, M. (1978). Rum Pum Pum. New York: MacMillan Publishing Co., Inc.

ngry and begins a mission to find his wife.

 Throughout the story, meeting !   in India

Stellaluna

Stellaluna, written and illustrated by Janell Cannon is a wonderful narrative fantasy/adventure picturebook that teaches children a wonderful message about friendship and a mother's love.  The story begins with Stellaluna and Mother Bat flying one night in search of food, when an owl attacks them and knocks Stellaluna into a bird's nest where a mother bird and three little birds are resting.

Narrative Fantasy

The exciting storyline continues with Stellaluna acting like a bird to survive along with the baby birds attempting to act like Stellaluna as well! 

                                   

The adventures continue throughout the book and it concludes with Mother Bat seeing a bat hanging by its thumbs, rather than upside down, like all bats do!  Stellaluna tells her story about an owl attacking her and Mother Bat is most interested, smells her fur and realizes she has found her lost baby!  The ending is very touching with lovely words about friendship and being "different and the same" in many ways, but still able to be great friends.  The beautiful illustration below shows Stellaluna and her friends perched in the tree just how they are "supposed" to rest!!

This is an outstanding narrative fantasy book with very organized thoughts which will be enjoyed by children ranging from preschool to the early primary grades.  Personification is depicted throughout the book with the bats and birds talking and acting human and Mama bird even tells Stellaluna to "promise to obey all the rules of this house."  The author incorporated a wonderful simile into the storyline when the owl attacked and knocked Stellaluna in the nest--"Her baby wings were as limp and useless as wet paper."  Children will also enjoy many fun words, such as "Eeeek, Flump and Plop!" 

The story is full of beautiful and entertaining illustrations using the media/techniques--graphite/colored pencils and acrylics. The full-page detailed pictures so wonderfully enhance the text and children will love the softness, textured appearance and the characters' expressions and emotions! 

I so enjoyed this book and read it last week to a few 5-year-old children at our preschool and they absolutely loved it!  While reading the story, I had a great time changing my voice to "fit" the characters and had such fun saying all the super cute words like, "Eeeek and Flump!!" as the adventures unfolded. Also, at the end of the book, there is a great little "science" lesson--two pages of "Bat Notes" which tell children about bats; for instance, how many species there are (170!!), what they eat and where they live!  

Class Activities:

1. Talk about the part in the book when Stellaluna was embarrassed when she couldn't land gracefully on the branch like her baby bird friends.  Ask children to tell about a time when a friend could do something, but they couldn't and how that made them feel?  Give an example, saying that my one daughter could do her front walkover, but her twin sister could not and she felt sad and discouraged. However, with a lot of practice, the next week she could do the stunt as well as her sister!
2. Tell the children that Stellaluna was a "fruit bat" and they eat fruit, flowers and nectar and have a great sense of smell and outstanding night vision.  Place different types of fruit on a tray and blindfold the children, having them take turns smelling the fruit to see if they know what kind it is!

This award-winning, exciting book will be enjoyed by all and teach children about respecting each other for the varying capabilities, strengths and challenges and that everyone can be friends, even though we are all unique!

Other outstanding books by Janell Cannon:

• Little Yau: A Fuzzhead Tale
• Pinduli

Reference

Cannon, J. (1993). Stellaluna. New York: Harcourt Brace & Company.

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Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web was originally written by E. B. White in 1952 with this version renewed by him in 1980. This is a beautiful story about friendship, love and life between a young girl, Fern, a lovable, little pig, Wilbur and Charlotte, a large spider who lived in the barn with Wilbur.  It is an outstanding narrative fantasy book to be enjoyed by children of all ages!  Preschool teachers can read it to children and primary school-age children will love to read it on their own.  Even though this is a fantasy book, is a written with excellent quality as although it is unrealistic, the characters' feelings, thoughts and behaviors are very believable within the story and all readers will learn from the wonderful messages throughout the story!

Narrative Fantasy

The 47 very detailed black-and-white illustrations throughout the book are excellent with showing the characters' emotions and thoughts and they also describe the storyline so well!  The drawings remind me of the pen and ink work by Peter Sis.

Readers will feel many emotions throughout this book--happiness, sadness, helpfulness, loneliness and learning about the circle of life.  However, I believe children will most love the friendship shared by the characters, enabling them to learn about caring and helping one another, despite their differences.

I so loved this outstanding classic and it certainly represents and upholds the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect with its references to "learning, living, and working harmoniously."  Much of the story can also be related to stories in the Bible regarding miracles, sacrificial love, keeping promises and kindness.

As mentioned, this wonderful book will be enjoyed by all and, as always, if certain areas may be disturbing for younger children, the story can be modified to best fit the needs/interests of the age group.

Class Activities:

1. Briefly discuss the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect in an age-appropriate manner.  Then, ask each child to say something that they have done recently for a friend or family member that was "nice" (with the teacher beginning the activity by saying something she has done).  If a child does not want to participate, tell him/her that's fine and say we "respect and understand" that you may not want to tell us, but we'll come back to you.  If he/she still is hesitant, say you can just think about something nice you "can do" today for someone else.
2. Make up flash cards with words such as sad, happy, lonely, etc., and hand them out to the children. Then, ask each child to tell about a time when they felt that way and how someone helped them when they were feeling this way.  Next, ask the child to select someone in the classroom and have him/her tell the child how they would help them.  Give an example first, for instance, the teacher could say, "Tommy told me he was feeling lonely because his best friend moved away." Then, I would say, "You have so many friends here at school that love playing with you!  Let's play this ball game with Joey and Mary as they look like they need more friends to make the game more fun!" 

Charlotte's Web is a Newberry Honor Book and is classified as outstanding for all age groups.  I believe it is such an inspirational book and all children should read it during their school-age years based on the morale of the story.  All children will be able to relate to the characters and surely learn meaningful lessons and so enjoy the illustrations as an added benefit since they tremendously enhance the content of the storyline.

Other outstanding books by E. B. White:

• Stuart Little
• The Trumpet of the Swan

Reference

White, E. B. (1980). Charlotte's Web. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

very detailed black-and-white illustrations are so appealing and excellent with showing the characters' emotions and feelings along with describing the storyline so well!  The illustrations are comparable to the pen and ink detailed drawings by Peter Sis.

Treasury of Children's Poetry

Treasury of Children's Poetry is an outstanding compilation of poems for children of all ages!  They can be read to very young children and older children will surely enjoy the more complex poems.  This book was edited by Alison Sage with poet, Michael Rosen, contributing the Foreword.  The content ranges from traditional nursery rhymes, poems by Grace Nichols and Michael Rosen for young children and poetry by Lewis Carroll and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow for older children.  The final section of the book features many classics by Shakespeare and Rudyard Kipling.  This wonderful book includes over 300 poems written by more than 170 poets with beautiful, fun and exciting illustrations by over 50 talented artists.  This is a great addition to the classroom library and will be so enjoyed by the entire family at home as well!

Poetry and Verse

Children of all ages will not only love reading the poetry, but they will be able to relate to the wide range of topics, thoughts, emotions, etc., expressed within the book.  Also, the subject-matter of many of the poems include cultural differences and various time periods which is so beneficial in teaching children about history and respect for one another with varying ethnic backgrounds.

I so enjoyed and loved this book and the illustrations were absolutely amazing!  Every possible media, technique and style of art are illustrated from simplistic graphic and pencil art to beautiful watercolor and oil paintings.  Many of the illustrations are so vivid and textured that you can actually "feel" the art and even visualize yourself in the scene! 

During Reading/Circle Time:

• Select an age-appropriate poem/nursery rhyme and read it to the children.  For example, if the children are toddlers (2-3 years old), the teacher should select one that they may be familiar with or can relate to, such as Hey Diddle Diddle or Humpty Dumpty.  Then, ask the children if they ever heard it before?  
• Ask the children to recite the nursery rhyme with you or recite the line after you read it, then praise them for being poets!

Class Activities:

1. Read the poem Shoes by John Foster.  Then, ask each child to describe the shoes they have on today--what color, do they have buckles or laces, are they best for cold or hot weather, etc.
2. Play a game with the children to help them learn the poem, sorting, cooperating with each other and practicing patience.  Have the children get into small groups depending on the type of shoes they have on--all children with laces, black shoes, new shoes, etc. Next, have them takes turns making up a silly poem or rhyme about their shoes! After each child is done, everyone applauds!!

This excellent poetry book will be enjoyed by students of all ages in the classroom and in the home as the poems are so diversified and geared to children from preschoolers to young adults--parents will so enjoy reading them as well!

Other outstanding books by by Alison Sage and Michael Rosen:

• Hutchinson Treasury of Children's Literature
• Quick, Let's Get Out of Here
• You Wait Till I'm Older Than You

Reference

Sage, A. (1998). Treasury of Children's Poetry. London: Hutchinson.

Grandma Calls Me Beautiful

Grandma Calls Me Beautiful was written by Barbara M. Joosse and illustrated by Barbara Lavalee.  It is the beautiful story about a Hawaiian grandmother (Tutu) and the great, unconditional love she has for her granddaughter, that she named "Beautiful." The story begins with lovely descriptive words from the first moment when Tutu saw her "beautiful" grandchild and she says, "I will call you Beautiful, because you are." The story begins with Tutu telling Beautiful "their" favorite story and continues with Beautiful growing up as a little girl.  It continues on that even when Beautiful is "naughty" and "wiggly" she will always be beautiful "Beautiful."

Multicultural Narrative Fiction

This outstanding book contains many wonderful examples of personification (the sea danced), similes (sweet as breadfruit pudding) and metaphors (then she held her upside down so she could walk on the sky).  Also, there were repetitive words to keep children engaged, such as "tap, tap, tap and pat, pat, pat."

The beautiful watercolor illustrations were amazing to not only show the love of a grandmother/granddaughter, but also the Hawaiian culture.

Children can surely relate to this book with the wonderful message about unconditional love.  However, while reading this book to children, it is important to express that they have many special people in their lives, even if their grandmother is not with them.  

During Circle Time:

• Ask children about their grandmother/special person...how do they make them happy and feel loved?
• Ask children to tell about special times they celebrate!

Class Activities:

1.  Draw a picture of you and someone you love!  Then, write   

     write down what the child says and send home to share with 

     the family.

                                                                2. Ask children if they know if their parents/grandparents were                                                                         born in a different country and any special traditions they have.                                                             

I so loved this wonderful book and it is geared to children ranging in age from preschool to the early primary grades.  We love to read this to our children at our preschool and even have a Hawaiian Day!

This is a excellent book to honor the Saint Leo Core Value of Respect as it includes a glossary of Hawaiian terms/pronunciations which will teach our children to learn about, appreciate and honor other cultures.  Also, children will so enjoy having fun to respect the Hawaiian culture with the illustrations on making string designs (Hei) at the end of the book.  On a personal note, my children so love making string designs and enjoy that they are learning from other cultures. Also, my Dad was in the Navy and could tie knots like no tomorrow!!  He was so great with string designs and taught me "Jacob's Ladder!"  

Another outstanding book by Barbara M. Joosse:

• Mama, Do You Love Me?

Reference

Joosse, B. M. (2008). Grandma Calls Me Beautiful. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Stormy Night

Stormy Night was written by Robin Wasserman, illustrated by Duendes del Sur and is the 16th book in the Cartoon Network Scooby-Doo! series geared to children in preschool through 1st grade who are learning to read.  This fun mystery book begins with Shaggy and Scooby-Doo all alone in their big house on a "dark, dark night."  Then, a thunder and lightning storm causes the lights to go out which sets the scene for a somewhat scary night as they see and hear things that make them think someone is in the house with them! Their fright is short-lived though, as they realize the "scary" things they see are only objects in the house making shadows that appear to be a ghost and the sounds they hear are just their friends trying to come in and get out of the rain!  Although the lights never come on, all is well in the "big, dark, cozy" house with all the friends sitting around the fireplace, roasting marshmallows and having a wonderful time together!!

Narrative Picturebook (including picture clues)

This book is effective in teaching children that "things aren't always the way they appear!"  Young children are often frightened of sounds and shadows when they are alone in their bedrooms at night, so I believe this may put their minds at ease and help them deal with their fear.  Also, as shown below, the picture clues on each page are so beneficial with teaching youngsters to read and they surely will feel encouraged and proud as they "read" the book!  Since this is a book in a series, children will most likely be excited to read others after enjoying this one!

In addition to the picture clues, the vibrant, cartoon-like illustrations on each page will keep kids interested with the fun emotions shown by all the characters!!  Also, the word choice is exciting with lots of expressive words--"Zoinks!" "Jinkies!" "Ruh-roh!" along with sounds on several pages that the reader can make--"Thud, thud, thud" and "Tap, tap tap."  Additionally, children can relate the story to the Scooby Doo! television program with characters that they know and have come to love!

I thought this was a fun book and read these types of books to my children when they were learning to read and they really thought it was great to "read" along and try to figure out the mystery!  We also use these clue books at our preschool to help the children learn to read from a young age and they also enjoy them tremendously!

During Circle Time:

• While reading the book, ask the children questions, such as "Do you think someone is really in the house?"
• Do you ever get frightened when you are alone or if there is a thunder and lightning storm?
• What other things are you scared of and what do you do to feel better?

Class Activities:

1. Play a game using the 24 flash cards at the end of the book to associate the pictures with the words. Then, copy the flash cards and send them home with the children so they can practice the words at home.
2. Use the flash cards to teach children sorting.  Ask them to put all of the people, objects and pictures of nature (clouds, rain, stars) into separate piles.

This is a terrific book for young children which is published by Scholastic, Inc.  Again, I feel it is most helpful to encourage young children to want to read based on the content and outstanding illustrations.

Other exciting books in the Scooby-Doo series:

• The Apple Thief
• Scooby-Doo and the Sunken Ship
• Thanksgiving Mystery

Reference

Wasserman, R. (2003). Stormy Night. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

 This picturebook is filled with fun and mystery and is considered a "clue" book, which is very h

Why Do Elephants Wear Purple Suspenders?

Fantasy Joke/Riddle Book

Why Do Elephants Wear Purple Suspenders? was written and illustrated by Judy Ziegler.  This is a cute joke and riddle book geared to children from preschool through kindergarten that is sure to keep them giggling and interested to see what the next joke is!  All of the colorful, cartoon-like and humorous illustrations show all sorts of animals (pigs, tigers, rabbits, etc.) playing out the riddle or joke.  One adorable riddle included is "Where do rabbits catch the bus?"--"At the bus hop."  The author did a great job including the "answer" on each page, but, as you can see, it is at the bottom of the page, upside down! 

The illustrations are all bright and so appealing to the reader, especially as they show the animals' emotions and feelings--the element of wonder, surprise and joy are captured on each page!  Children will love seeing the animals performing humanistic activities that they can relate to, such as waiting at the bus stop, taking a bath, eating and playing instruments! 

I so enjoyed this amusing book, its clever jokes and silly pictures and, even as an adult, it had me laughing! Therefore, although the book is primarily written for preschool-age children, I believe children in 1st-2nd grade would also enjoy the humor and exciting pictures!

As the jokes are being read to the children, teachers can incorporate a question-and-answer activity:

• What do you think the the answer (punchline) is?
• Does anyone know a joke or can you make up a joke about a zebra, pig, raccoon, etc.?
• Did you ever ride in a train like the bears did in this picture?

Class Activities:

1. Tell the children a funny joke, explaining that you chose an elephant based on the title of our story. What do you call an elephant in a phone booth?  See if they can guess, then, tell them the punchline--"Stuck!!"
2. Draw a picture of an animal doing something silly and tell me about your picture.  Then, try to think of a joke about your picture (offering assistance, if asked).  Next, write down what the child said he/she drew and the joke, if he/she thought of one.  Whatever the child's joke was, be sure to laugh, write it down and praise him/her for being so funny!!

I consider this book, endorsed by Goodreads, excellent to introduce children to jokes and riddles from a young age!  It gets their "wheels turning" as they try and figure out the answer and kids will love hearing the responses from the other children as well!  In my experience as a parent, preschool teacher and Sunday School teacher, kids just love telling and listening to jokes!  It's even more fun, most times, if their jokes don't make a bit of sense--children get the biggest kick out of these!!

Other outstanding books by Judy Ziegler:

• The Shakespeare Alphabet
• Quick, Call Me a Taxi (My First Jokes and Riddles)

Reference

Ziegler, J. (1992). Why Do Elephants Wear Purple Suspenders? Los Angeles: Lowell House.

The Way I Feel

The Way I Feel was written and illustrated by Janan Cain.  This excellent picturebook teaches young children about feelings and emotions in a very understandable manner.  Primarily, though, the main emphasis is that all feelings and emotions are okay with the last line of the book stating, "They're all a part of me!" It is very effective to introduce simple feelings that a toddler could relate to, such as happy, sad or angry to more advanced emotions geared toward older preschoolers and kindergartners, such as disappointed, frustrated and jealous.

                                                                  Narrative Picturebook

                                                                   

Children can relate to the author's outstanding examples when describing the feelings as she writes about real-life happenings that most children have experienced.  For example, for "scared," she discusses and illustrates a child alone in bed during a thunder and lightning storm with the picture showing the child wide-eyed with the covers pulled up to his chin!  Another excellent illustration is "frustrated," with a little girl saying she can't do it because it's hard and wants to cry--the colorful picture shows a little girl trying to tie her shoe. The range of emotions outlined in the book cover most of the feelings all children have felt or will feel during their early years.

Cain's vivid illustrations are so entertaining and depict the children's expressions during the emotions beautifully! Children will love the colors and that they can relate to the pictures and may have even experienced the same feeling of the child performing the task or incident described on the pages.

I so enjoyed this book and we read it many times throughout the year at our preschool.  I think it is imperative to teach children from a young age about their feelings, so they are not afraid to express them. Also, teachers and parents must instill in children that EVERYONE has these feelings throughout their lives--teachers and parents are scared, disappointed, excited, sad, etc. and it is all okay!

This story can be read to children as young as 2 years old through kindergarten and can be modified dependent upon the age group. 

During Circle Time:

• Teachers can ask questions while the story is being read, such as, "Do you know what it feels like to be sad, excited, bored, feel shy, be thankful, etc.?" 
• After the book is read, ask the children if they have questions or would like to share how they are feeling today, with the teacher beginning by sharing how she feels.  If a child would not like to participate, skip them, so he/she will not feel uncomfortable and say that we will come back to you to see if you would like a turn later.

Class Activities:

1. Draw/paint a picture of yourself showing any emotion/feeling they would like and ask them what they drew or painted?  Next, write on their paper the emotion and ask them "when" they feel this way and write that on the paper as well.  Then, send the paper home to parents so they will see what the child has shared with the class.
2. Ask children to tell about a time when they were "Happy" about something in the past couple days to end the discussion about feelings in a lighthearted way!!

This is a wonderful book, endorsed by Discovery Toys, to add to the classroom library based on its content, wonderful illustrations and terrific message about each and every person feeling different emotions throughout each day.  Additionally, I feel it should ALWAYS be on the bookshelf, available to children during free play, so they can pick it up whenever they wish.  It shouldn't be tucked away for a specific theme, for instance, as children may enjoy looking at it alone, perhaps if they are feeling a particular emotion that day!  

Other outstanding books by Janan Cain:

• Asi me siento yo (Spanish version of The Way I Feel)
• Roonie B. Moonie: Lost and Alone

Reference

Cain, J.(2000). The Way I Feel. Seattle, WA: Parenting Press, Inc.

Too Many Tamales

Multicultural Narrative Fiction

Too Many Tamales was written by Gary Soto and illustrated

by Ed Martinez.  This wonderful book was full of excitement and

surprises and teaches children a very important message about

honesty and forgiveness.

The story begins during a Christmas gathering with many 

relatives celebrating.  Maria is enjoying helping her mother make

tamales and decides to try on her diamond ring that she has so

so admired.  The ring slips off Maria's finger into the bowl of masa!  The tamales are finally made and placed into large pot and cooked.

Once Maria realizes the ring is gone and must be in one of the tamales, she decides the tamales must to eaten to find the ring, so she and her cousins eat the entire batch to discover they did not find it!  Her conscience tells her to admit what happened to her mother, only to find she is wearing the ring!  Maria feels terrible, but the ending is very lighthearted as she is forgiven with the entire family joining in to make a second batch of tamales! 

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, almost sparkling, even though there is a "dimness" on every page. The illustrator captured the expressions of the children and adults in an amazing way!  The reader can "feel" the happiness, sadness, worry and excitement on every page of the story.  

I so enjoyed this book as it was very family-oriented which is so near and dear to my heart.  I loved the range of emotions throughout the story and it taught a great lesson to children--everyone makes mistakes, but we will be forgiven and honesty is always best!

This story is geared to children ranging from preschool through 1st grade.  I feel children will love to wonder what will happen next and so love the large pictures as they really come to life!  Teachers can incorporate a question and answer activity while reading the story (will the ring be found, will mom be angry?, etc.).  After the story is read, discuss it with the children asking each child to respond, if they feel comfortable.

• Would you have tried on your mother's ring, if you thought she wouldn't find out?
• What have you done that wasn't honest and what was the outcome?
• When you have done something wrong and how did you feel?
• Were you forgiven after you apologized and how did that make you feel?

Class Activities:

1. Draw a picture of yourself doing something wrong and show your expression (for preschoolers, ask them to draw their face only).
2. During Circle Time, ask children about their holiday traditions (who visits, what kind of food is prepared, do they help out in the kitchen?).

This is a Junior Library Guild book and classified as outstanding for primary age children.  I think this is a wonderful book to have in the classroom library based on the message, content and that a very meaningful discussion can be enjoyed by everyone.  I also feel the teacher should include her responses, prior to asking the children questions, as it tells them that even adults make mistakes!  Additionally, if children are hesitant about sharing their thoughts, the teacher is a great icebreaker! 

Other outstanding books by Gary Soto:

• Baseball in April
• Living Up the Street

Reference

Soto, G. (1993). Too Many Tamales. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.