Georgia Children s Picturebook (Gr. K-4) Award 2018-2019 Nominees Connecting to Children, Community, and Curriculum
Picturebook Award Selection Committee Jennifer Beaty, Fourth Grade Teacher, Dacula Elementary, Gwinnett County Evan Bush, Head Children s Librarian & Youth Services Coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Library & Regional Library System, Athens Tonya Grant, Media Specialist, Barksdale Elementary, Rockdale County Jennifer Rice, Media Specialist, Macedonia Elementary, Cherokee County Ashley Saint, EIP Teacher and Media Specialist, Schley Elementary, Schley County Courtney Smith, Graduate Student, Georgia Southern University Dr. Jennifer M. Graff (Chair), Associate Professor, Language & Literacy Education, UGA Adam Crawley & Ji Hong (Grad. Assistants), Doctoral Students, Language & Literacy Education, UGA
Summary Haiku for Bashō. Inventive formatting and language use for E.E. Cummings. Bright inspiration for Maya Angelou. Poets come together to pay homage to poets before them. Explore the style of famous poets recreated in tribute by their modern-day admirers. Alexander, Kwame. (2017). Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (Illus. Ekua Holms). Somerville, MA: Candlewick. Lexile = NP
Connections Ask students to share about their role models. What do they admire about this person? Share ways different individuals have tried to emulate these role models. Introduce students to poets or musicians from Georgia. Have students analyze their poems or songs and attempt to write products in their style. Alexander, Kwame. (2017). Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets (Illus. Ekua Holms). Somerville, MA: Candlewick. Use this book throughout a poetry unit. Examine the different types of poems. Ask small groups of students to research different poets in the book and share brief biographies with the class. Read poems written by poets featured in the book and have students compare and contrast the poets actual work to tributes in the book. Hold a vote to determine which poem best captured the style of its designated poet. Lexile = NP
Summary This book displays knowledge through advanced vocabulary and gorgeous illustrations. It informs readers on all types of beetles, giving specific characteristics to basic life cycle information. The illustrations and facts are sure to ignite the imagination of all students. Aston, Diana Hutts. (2016). A Beetle Is Shy (Illus. Sylvia Long). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. Lexile = NC1070L
Connections Engage students by asking them if they enjoy collecting anything. Also, show them examples of bug collections and how each bug has different characteristics. Connect with your local college (if available) and see if they have a professor that could come and speak to the students on Entomology. It is very important to introduce interesting and unusual careers to students. Take the students on a nature walk and collect different types of insects, if possible. Aston, Diana Hutts. (2016). A Beetle Is Shy (Illus. Sylvia Long). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. Lexile = NC1070L The vocabulary in this text is amazing. It is the perfect piece to show students how using advanced vocabulary can improve writing. I would read the text with simple adjectives and go back and use the author s adjectives, so students can hear the difference. If successful on your nature walk, use the insects and have the students use adjectives to describe them.
Summary Young Ada Marie Twist starts speaking at age three and asks many question: Why? What? How? When? One day she tries to uncover the source of a terrible stink. She comes up with a hypothesis and conducts experiments. She frustrates her parents who don t understand her. But they soon realize they have a budding scientist and begin to support and encourage her curiosity. Beaty, Andrea. (2016). Ada Twist, Scientist (Illus. David Roberts). New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers. Lexile = AD550L
Connections Readers will enjoy reading the rhyming text of this story and will become fascinated by Ada s curiosity to answer insatiable questions: Why? What? How? When? Write a list of questions you would like to know the answers to. In the author s note, it mentions that the main character, Ada Marie, is named after two famous women: Ada Lovelace and Marie Curie. Research the two women to discover what they are famous for and the contributions each has made to our world. Visit a local science museum to learn about other scientists and their contributions. Beaty, Andrea. (2016). Ada Twist, Scientist (Illus. David Roberts). New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers. Lexile = AD550L What is that smell? Young Ada is determined to uncover the source behind an unknown smell. Use this book as a discussion starter with readers to explain hypothesis and the scientific method. Readers can test their own olfactory skills. A parent or teacher can soak cotton balls in different scents such as cinnamon, vinegar, perfume, and pumpkin spice and place in a small container (ex. film roll container). Then, let readers try to identify the scents.
Summary Brown, Lisa. (2016). The Airport Book. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. Lexile (not available) Taking a trip on an airplane can be a huge adventure. There are many things to keep track of: lots of little details from packing, plane tickets, luggage, working your way through the TSA checkpoint, and finding the perfect seat. Follow one family, from start to finish, and a host of other folks as they maneuver their way onto the same plane for an epic journey. See if you can follow all of their individual tales, and discover what happened to the missing sock monkey doll. Children will be captivated by the myriad cross sections and Where s Waldo type fun in this informative, multicultural picture book.
Connections After reading the book, choose a destination your class might like to journey to. Have students find the location on a map. Discuss the climate and activities you might encounter there, then have each child create their own list of things they might pack for the journey. Discuss other things they might have to do in preparation for their trip. Have students sit in a circle and play Going on a Plane Trip similar to the memory game of Going on a Picnic. The teacher starts off by saying, I m going on a plane trip, and I m bringing a (something that starts with the letter A) with me. The person to the left of the teacher must add something that begins with the letter B, and also state what the teacher brought. Each student, in succession, tries to come up with an item they would take on their plane trip with the appropriate letter, as well as every item that has come before, until the teacher has to repeat them all. Brown, Lisa. (2016). The Airport Book. New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. Lexile (not available) Take a pretend flight with your class. Set the room up like a mini airport, with check-in, TSA, and a newsstand. Arrange the desks or chairs like an airplane. Have students bring a small bag with things they might need: a sweatshirt, their favorite stuffed animal, reading material, snacks and travel pillow, etc. If you have enough students, you can give them roles: Pilot, TSA clerk, or flight attendant. The teacher can guide the journey as the lead flight attendant. When you reach your imaginary destination, everyone can disembark to the playground for recess!
Summary Nicholas has fears but he is able to conquer them when he has his toy dinosaur. Just by having his dinosaur he can climb tall walls, and score goals against the big goalie named Gorilla. When Nicholas dinosaur is lost, everything suddenly becomes scary again. Nicholas dad is there to help him understand that even brave people have fears, too. Choldenko, Gennifer. (2017). Dad and the Dinosaur (Illus. Dan Santat). New York, NY: G.P. Putnam s Sons. Lexile = AD560L
Connections Pair with 2017 Nominee The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield. Both boys have fears. Compare and contrast stories focusing on how they were able to conquer their fears. Looking at the illustrations by Dan Santat one notices that the face of the father is never seen. Why do you think that the illustrator chose to do this? Be the illustrator and create a face for the dad. What emotions does he show to his son? Choldenko, Gennifer. (2017). Dad and the Dinosaur (Illus. Dan Santat). New York, NY: G.P. Putnam s Sons. Dinosaurs are brave. Students can research different dinosaurs online and in books and then select one to create a clay model of their dinosaur. After the clay models dry, have students make miniature books of adventures with dinosaurs. Lexile = AD560L
Summary Corey, Shana. (2016). The Secret Subway (Illus. Red Nose Studio). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. When the streets become too crowded for Alfred Ely Beach, he decides to do something about it. One person to make a difference. Is it possible? Alfred believed he could and knew his biggest obstacle would be seeking permission to construct a solution to the problem. Alfred blurs the lines a little and receives permission to construct a contraption that will transport mail, but instead he actually builds a short tunnel and train car that is powered by a fan. Unfortunately, his solution to the beginning issue is left forgotten due to uncontrollable factors and is not again noticed until many years later. Lexile = AD810L
Connections Have you ever had an idea that you were worried others might think was silly? Ask children to brainstorm about an invention they might create or give them a problem and in groups have them create a solution. Do you know any engineers that could come and speak to the students? Discuss transportation in your community, new and old. Corey, Shana. (2016). The Secret Subway (Illus. Red Nose Studio). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. Lexile = AD810L STEAM!!! All the way. Have students think of a problem and create a solution using the given materials. Measurement standards can be addressed through building and creating.
Summary The new mayor of the tiny village of La Paz establishes a new law that states singing is not allowed. A brave young rooster continues to crow even though he receives punishments. The people in the town watch the rooster rebel against the mayor s demands to be silent. Finally, the silent people decide to get rid of the bully mayor by singing. The mayor leaves and once again there is noise and singing in the village. Deedy, Carmen Agra. (2017). El gallo que no se callaba! / The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet (Illus. Eugene Yelchin). New York, NY: Scholastic Press. Lexile = AD530L
Connections Who is right? Readers can choose sides between the rooster or the mayor. Was the rooster right for continuing to crow even when he knew there would be consequences? Was the mayor right in establishing a law that prohibits singing aloud? Discuss what it means to be brave and stand up for what you believe. Discuss how this book would be different if it were told from the mayor s point of view. Make a list of ways you can help change your community in a positive way and make it better. Volunteer to do one of the things on your list. Some volunteer ideas include planting trees or flowers, cleaning up trash at a local park, and making cards to give to the elderly at a nursing home. Deedy, Carmen Agra. (2017). El gallo que no se callaba! / The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet (Illus. Eugene Yelchin). New York, NY: Scholastic Press. Research roosters and learn why they crow every day when the sun rises. Learn more about the life cycle of a baby chick. Lexile = AD530L
Summary The mysterious giant squid is examined and described in its natural ocean habitat. Beautifully illustrated pictures draw readers in to see the creature s captivating eyes, sharp beak, coiling tentacles, and unsuspecting underwater prey. There is even a surprising fold-out revealing the giant squid. More detailed information is given about the giant squid at the end of the book. Fleming, Candace. (2016). Giant Squid (Illus. Eric Rohmann). New York, NY:Roaring Brook Press. Lexile = 990L
Connections The captivating illustrations and alluring words pull readers into the deep, dark depths of the under the sea world of the giant squid. After reading the book, research to learn more about the giant squid, its habitat, and its prey. Take a trip to a local aquarium and discover the different underwater species they have. You can also visit a nearby water habitat like a pond, lake, or ocean. Fleming, Candace. (2016). Giant Squid (Illus. Eric Rohmann). New York, NY:Roaring Brook Press. Lexile = 990L Did you know that a giant squid can grow to 30 feet or longer? Use string to show the length of a giant squid and compare it to other things. Create math problems using the dimensions of the giant squid. Write a fiction story about diving underwater and discovering a mysterious ocean creature that looks like a giant squid, but it s not.
Summary Goldsaito, Katrina. (2016). The Sound of Silence (Illus. Julia Kuo). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Boots splashing in puddles. Notes from musical instruments. Giddy giggles. These are the sounds that fill Yoshio s day. Yet when a musician endorses an intriguing sound as her favorite of all, Yoshio is perplexed. How will he ever find silence in the noise and busyness of his life? Join Yoshio as he learns to listen to his world in a whole new way! Lexile = AD700L
Connections Give students memo pads or makeshift notepads. Direct students to write down all of the sounds they hear throughout the day. Before reading, have students share some of the sounds they heard. As time allows, group sounds heard in different categories - where they were heard, who or what made the sound, pleasant vs. unpleasant, etc. After reading, encourage students to find silence throughout the remainder of the day and report back the following day about the experience. Invite a community member to teach yoga. Encourage students to practice mindfulness throughout their day. Goldsaito, Katrina. (2016). The Sound of Silence (Illus. Julia Kuo). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Lexile = AD700L Have students write an opinion piece on their favorite sound. Invite students to give brief campaign pitches persuading others to enjoy their sound. Students may make posters advertising the favorite sound or find other ways to exhibit their choice.
Summary Leannah, Michael. (2017). Most People (Illus. Jennifer E. Morris). Thomaston, ME: Tilbury House Publishers. Sometimes the world can be a scary place. From shootings to bullying, theft to hurtful words, hateful actions are a part of our world, and children are paying attention. Most People reminds us that the majority of the people in our society are kind. They are caring. They are helpful. Leannah provides a message of security and hope for children in a simple, approachable text. Morris complements the text with her inclusive illustrations, showing us that people of different races, abilities, age groups, and styles are good people. This is a much needed ray of light for young children in an unpredictable world. Lexile (not available)
Connections Think about someone you know in your own life that is nice or helpful. Write about a time they did something to help someone and illustrate it. You could even make them a card. Invite community helpers in to talk about ways they help people. Include firefighters, teachers, police officers, parents, gardeners, stylists, and anyone else you can think of who helps people. These helpers can talk about what they do to help our society and encourage children to find ways to help others, too. Leannah, Michael. (2017). Most People (Illus. Jennifer E. Morris). Thomaston, ME: Tilbury House Publishers. Lexile (not available) Go back through the book and focus on the illustrations. Make a list of ways people helped. Partners can think of a scenario in which they could be helpful and draw a picture depicting that.
Summary The story begins with a young girl by the name of Eugenie Clark, who was fascinated with sharks. She believed they were beautiful creatures, that should be admired and not feared. Eugenie soon learns life will throw many challenges her way. People thought no one would be able to swim with sharks and women had no place learning to become a scientist. But Eugenie breaks the mold in all cases, amazing all people and becoming known as the Shark Lady. Keating, Jess. (2017). Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist (Illus. Marta Álvarez Miguéns). Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. Lexile = 730L
Connections Keating, Jess. (2017). Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist (Illus. Marta Álvarez Miguéns). Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. Lexile = 730L This book is an awesome way to encourage students to try new things and to not let the norm influence their decisions. The fact that Eugenie believes sharks are beautiful and not scary shows students that all people have different opinions and it is okay. How great would it be to invite a scientist from your community to speak with the students? This book would be a way to introduce the topic of scientific careers to students. This is definitely a cross-curriculum book. Have students make text-to-self connections on a time they felt afraid or different about something. Students could create a timeline of important events in Eugenie s life. And do not forget the art of inviting students to create their own aquarium individually or maybe as a class project!
Summary Mantchev, Lisa. (2015). Strictly No Elephants (Illus. Taeeun Yoo). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Well, today is the day to join the local Pet Club. The excitement of a little boy is cut short when he realizes his pet is not allowed to enter the Pet Club. On his journey to prove that pets come in all shapes and sizes, he meets another kid with an unusual pet. They form a club for all kids and all pets. They focus on the true meaning of friendship and that all pets and people are different. This is what makes them special. This is a great book for smaller students to learn and understand how important it is to include others, no matter their differences. Lexile = AD490L
Connections Create an anchor cart and let students write, post, or draw their pets. Discuss as a group the different pets. Ask students if they have ever felt left out of a group or activity. Let them talk about how it made them feel. Teachers can also share their experiences, in part to show students that we also go through similar experiences. Students could use their anchor chart to create a graph to compare the amounts of animals each student has at home. Have students make text-to-self comparisons of a time they may have felt left out or alone. How do their feelings compare to the boy in the story? Using a story map, have students identify the problem and solution, adding the events that lead to the solution. Mantchev, Lisa. (2015). Strictly No Elephants (Illus. Taeeun Yoo). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Lexile = AD490L Bring in your local 4-H director to discuss the 4-H club. This allows the students to learn about clubs and animals. Is there a club your students would like to start? Have them create flyers for the school.
Summary During the Korean War, a group of US Marines find a skinny, underfed young mare and wonder if she could be trained to be a packhorse whose job it is to carry ammunition into battle. Much to their surprise, they discover that this young horse has a big heart and an even bigger appetite. As bullets and cannons fire around her, she marches into battle earning the title of Sgt. Reckless and recipient of two Purple Hearts. McCormick, Patricia. (2017). Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero (Illus. Iacopo Bruno). New York, NY: Balzer & Bray. Lexile = 780L
Connections The Purple Heart was the first military medal established by George Washington in 1782. It is given to members of the armed forces wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States. This story provides a great opportunity to discuss the bravery of our military men and women. Generate a class set of interview questions and encourage students to video interview relatives who are active or veterans. Share their responses with the class. Younger students could create a Hero Hall with pictures of relatives who served in the military. Horses perform in many different ways from work to pageantry. Students research the history of how horses have affected the lives of humans in history. Horses have pulled wagons of settlers and early fire engines, entertained us in circus shows and parades, and have been ridden by police and ranchers. Students create and design their own award as well as write about how one can earn a Medal of Honor. McCormick, Patricia. (2017). Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero (Illus. Iacopo Bruno). New York, NY: Balzer & Bray. Lexile = 780L For Grades 4 th and higher: share the video link of the Sergeant Reckless story. http://www.military.com/video/operations-andstrategy/korean-war/sgt-reckless-korean-war-horsehero/2748461639001
Summary National colors and symbols collide in this beautiful presentation of the essence of America. Explore historical events, key figures, and much more through evocative illustrations. In a time where so many seek to highlight our points of dissonance, share in this tribute to what unites us as a people. Naberhaus, Sarvinder. (2017). Blue Sky, White Stars (Illus. Kadir Nelson). New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Lexile = NP
Connections Have students share different places in their community and beyond where they have seen the American flag displayed. Brainstorm a list of other American symbols. Students may create artistic representations of their favorite symbol. Invite a veteran to speak to students. Assist students in advance in developing questions to ask their visitor. Naberhaus, Sarvinder. (2017). Blue Sky, White Stars (Illus. Kadir Nelson). New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. Lexile = NP Make connections to historical events in the book. Discuss with students the creation of the original American flag, the space race, and more. Invite students to research their favorite event and craft a paper, video, or other product to share with peers.
Summary This house is packed with all the facts about all the blacks all over the world. Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. (2015). The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, and Harlem s Greatest Bookstore (Illus. R. Gregory Christie). Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. This is the sign that hung over the door of the National Memorial African Bookstore in Harlem. It was a gathering place for people who wanted to read books written by and about African-Americans. The owner, Lewis Henri Michaux, dedicated his life to making books about African-American history accessible to people. But it was more than a bookstore. It was a gathering place for those who wanted to not only read, but also talk about change. This magnificent bookstore was thriving during the Civil Rights Movement and was frequented by Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali, Nikki Giovanni, Eartha Kitt, Langston Hughes, and others. Written by the owner s great-niece, we follow Michaux s son through this beautifully illustrated remembrance of what it was like growing up surrounded by books and important people in an important time in our country s history. Lexile = 630L
Connections This book describes a place where people come together to read and speak. Have children discuss where their special space to read is or where they would like for it to be. They could also talk about experiences they have had at bookstores or libraries. This book is rooted in community. Explain to students that the National Memorial African Bookstore was a vibrant part of the community in Harlem in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a place people came to read, talk, speak, listen, think, and be a part of something. Ask children if they can think of a place like this in their own community. It could be the library, a bookstore, a community center, someone s house, a pool, a community garden, the salon, or any place they know of where people gather to talk and feel like part of a group. Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. (2015). The Book Itch: Freedom, Truth, and Harlem s Greatest Bookstore (Illus. R. Gregory Christie). Minneapolis, MN: Carolrhoda Books. Michaux came up with catchy rhyming phrases to get people excited about reading and his store. Make a chart listing the phrases from the book. Partners can brainstorm their own catchy phrases to promote current Science or Social Studies topics. They could create a poster to promote their ideas and share with the class. Lexile = 630L
Summary It s bedtime and Owl wants nothing more than to go sleep. Just as he settles into bed for the evening, he is startled by a mysterious Squeek! that he cannot seem to find. Is it someone at the door, something in the cupboard, or perhaps under the floorboards? Owl will not rest until he has dismantled his entire house to find the mischievous culprit. Pizzoli s delightful illustrations and text will keep early readers laughing and engaged to the very end. Pizzoli, Greg. (2016). Good Night Owl. New York, NY: Hyperion. Lexile = 410L
Connections Owl wants to go to sleep at night, but mouse wants to stay up and make noise. Discuss with your children the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Make a Venn diagram with nocturnal on one side and diurnal on the other. Have the children list which animals they believe belong to each category and which can be both. Owls are predominantly nocturnal with two exceptions. Have the children do research to find out which kind of owl our main character might be and if mice are truly nocturnal. Read Pizzoli s Good Night Owl to children, then read Good- Night Owl! by Pat Hutchins. Have the students compare and contrast these two books that have similar themes but very different outcomes. Pizzoli, Greg. (2016). Good Night Owl. New York, NY: Hyperion. Lexile = 410L Pizzoli s owl character appears to be grumpy and frustrated when he cannot sleep. Contrast this book with The Happy Owls by Celestino Piatti. What is their secret to happiness? Would it work for humans too?
Summary Potter, Giselle (2016). This is My Dollhouse. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. Lexile = AD560L Enter the rich, imaginative world of a young girl s make-believe dollhouse where everything is made from found objects. Take a tour of the painted cardboard-boxhouse with a Styrofoam cup elevator, handmade paper eggs, makeshift TV with pictures from magazines, and couch made from a scrubbing sponge. Her colorful doll family includes two twins wrapped in ribbons, a dollmom, and a stuffed bear and mouse. Her friend Sophie has a dollhouse, too, but it came plastic-perfect from the store with a plastic-painted family and pre-made plastic furniture. What will happen when Sophie comes over to play with the narrator s homemade house? This wonderful tale of afterschool play and imagination vividly captures the insecurity one faces when sharing one s inner world with new friends for the first time.
Connections Discuss with children the power of using their imagination with found objects to facilitate play on the playground, in their backyard, or homes after school. Have each child select several items from a bin of random objects and tell the class what they could pretend each object is during play. These items could also be used as a jumping off point for short stories. Have your students create their own homemade dollhouses using shoeboxes. Provide paint, tape, glue, pencils, markers, and a wide array of random objects that can be used to furnish their homes. Invite children to bring items from home as well. Show Giselle Potter s house making tutorial on YouTube for further inspiration. Compare and contrast the narrator s homemade dollhouse with Sophie s plastic dollhouse from the store. Is one any better than the other? What makes the narrator s dollhouse come to life? Do you have to have expensive toys in order to have fun? Potter, Giselle (2016). This is My Dollhouse. New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. Lexile = AD560L Read aloud Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber and Bootsie Barker Bites by Barbara Bottner. Compare these two titles to This is My Dollhouse, and discuss how children feel when inviting friends over to their home, having a play date, or sleeping over at a friend s house for the first time. Follow up this story with a chapter book read-aloud of Mary Norton s classic The Borrowers - the tale of a tiny elfin-size family who use found objects to create their unique, miniscule homes inside the houses of full-sized human beings.
Summary Santat, Dan. (2017). After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. Everyone is familiar with the fate of Humpty Dumpty. He sat on a wall and had a great fall, but what really happened after? In this vividly illustrated picture book by Caldecott Award Winner Dan Santat, we discover the rest of the tale. Once broken, Humpty is now afraid of heights and can no longer live the life he enjoys. Shying away from all that used to bring him happiness, he must learn to face his deepest fears in order to truly live again. This beautiful and transformative book empowers readers to face their own fears, get back up, and embrace the world that awaits them. Lexile = AD550L
Connections After reading After the Fall, have children discuss what types of things they are afraid of. People face their fears in many different ways. Spend a week reading the following books on overcoming childhood fears and end with a discussion on the strategies presented in these various titles: Lionheart by Richard Collingridge, Jack s Worry by Sam Zuppardi, The Dark by Lemony Snicket, Dad and the Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko, and Black Dog by Levi Pinfold. Dan Santat created a very different ending for Humpty Dumpty in his book. Have children write alternate endings to their favorite nursery rhymes. What happened to Jack and Jill, Little Miss Muffet, Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, and the Little Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe, etc? Santat, Dan. (2017). After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. As a STEAM-related activity, engage your students in the Humpty Dumpty Unbreakable Challenge. Put children in pairs and have them figure out a way to drop an uncooked egg from the top of the jungle gym without breaking. They can wrap the egg in any type of material that will keep the egg intact. Have students graph the results of their attempts. Lexile = AD550L
Summary Kelp was born in the ocean. He thought he was a narwhal, even though it didn t seem to fit quite right. His narwhal friends accepted him for who he was and he was happy. One day he stumbled onto land and discovered unicorns, who looked and acted like he did. Now he had a decision to make. Should he stay with the unicorns or return to the narwhals? Sima, Jessie. (2017). Not Quite Narwhal. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Lexile = AD590L Jessie Sima has created a book relevant to both popular culture and social justice in this delightful, happy story. Her illustrations and message can be appealing to a variety of audiences as she addresses finding yourself and your own identity in the world through the characters of narwhals and unicorns.
Connections This book is about finding your own way to belong. It s about being a part of a family or group of friends and their acceptance of you. Have children think about a time when they were included in a group. This could be a family reunion, meeting extended family members, the first day of school, moving to a new place and making new friends, being on a sports team - things like that. Have them share how they knew they were part of a group and how it felt. Ask children to think of the groups they are a part of. This could include family, friends at school, neighborhood friends, a sports team, church friends, or any group they are a part of. Ask them if there is someone in one of those groups who seems like they could use a friend to help them feel more included in the group. Have children brainstorm ways they could reach out to that person and help them feel more included. Sima, Jessie. (2017). Not Quite Narwhal. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. Lexile = AD590L Students can create a display celebrating where they are from. They could research narwhals and other interesting creatures in the sea. Students could compare this book to other books about characters finding who they are and where they fit in such as Red: A Crayon s Story by Michael Hall.
Summary Stories have been told since the early cave days. I Am a Story shares the progression of how stories have been shared from early cave drawings to the invention of the printing press to our digital age. Stories make the reader and listener feel many emotions from being excited, afraid, happy and sad. Stories also bring people together when shared. Yaccarino, Dan. (2016). I Am a Story. New York, NY: HarperCollins. Lexile (not available)
Connections Cave dwellers shared early stories by simple drawings on the cave walls. Students can create stories by drawing simple pictures on cave walls (wrinkled craft paper) and then share their story sitting in a small group circle. Everyone has a favorite story whether it is one read, written, or is based on a real-life experience. Students chose a family member to discover their favorite story. Students then create a picture to depict the story shared and then retell to the class. Yaccarino, Dan. (2016). I Am a Story. New York, NY: HarperCollins. Lexile (not available) Stories are written down in books, and books are kept in libraries for everyone to read. Pair this book with My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World by Margriet Ruurs. Follow up with a trip to the local public library or have the public librarian visit the school library and share what they offer to everyone in the community.
Recommended
Summary Alko, Selina. (2015). The Case for Loving (Illus. Sean Qualls and Selina Alko). New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books. Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter were in love and wanted to get married. So what was the problem? It was 1958 and interracial marriage was against the law. This is the story of their strength and bravery as they took their case to the Supreme Court. Written and illustrated by an interracial couple themselves, Selina Alko and Sean Qualls, this book presents the Loving story in an accessible way to children. The vibrant collage illustrations help convey a message of love and acceptance. Lexile = AD720L
Connections Before reading this story to children, you can either explain or remind them (based on their age) that there was a time in our country s history when all people didn t have the same rights. After reading, you and the children can celebrate the Loving s court win! If you wish to further the discussion and possibly talk about how there are still people living in our country and our world that don t have the same rights as others, you could start with reading aloud the author s note or another book from the list of suggested books (both found at the back of the book). If you would like some support on how to facilitate a discussion about race or equality in our society, you might want to visit the Teaching Tolerance website and search for talking about race with students. Alko, Selina. (2015). The Case for Loving (Illus. Sean Qualls and Selina Alko). New York, NY: Arthur A. Levine Books. Lexile = AD720L This book is a celebration of love and the change it can bring about. It also has, as its main characters, people who are representative of the beautiful diversity we see in our communities today. There are many ways you can bring the community into your home, school, or library with this book. One way is to show children images that celebrate the wonderful humans we are. You can search for images or videos that do just that, such as Coca Cola It s Beautiful, Apple Diversity Inclusion Inspires Innovation, and iphone X A New Light Apple. Sean Qualls likes to bring external inspiration into his pictures. Children can discuss what inspires them from the world around them and then try out a painting or drawing incorporating those images.
Summary Bug was at the height of it all - on top of the world - when an unexpected shift in the wind changed everything. Join Bug on a journey through The Five Stages of Grief, coming to terms with this new situation. This comical and gentle handling makes a difficult process more accessible to children. Find out how Bug copes with change in this evolving environment through denial, bargaining, anger, despair, and ultimately acceptance. Watt, Mélanie. (2015). Bug in a Vacuum. Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books. Lexile (not available)
Connections Share about times students lost something treasured - a toy, a pet, a friendship, etc. How did they handle the loss? Brainstorm healthy ways to handle loss as well as accept and find joy in their new normal. In a time of loss, invite the counselor or school psychologist to visit the class and share the book. Help students identify the stages of grief and what they may expect at each phase. Encourage students to privately create an artistic representation of the stage they identify with at the time. Provide students with information on how to follow-up privately if they want to share or talk more. Watt, Mélanie. (2015). Bug in a Vacuum. Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books. As a class, in small groups, or independently, rewrite the story from the point of view of the dog or a different object in the vacuum. Compare and contrast the story from different perspectives. Lexile (not available)
Summary Words, books, and young readers are an integral part of this informative story of the life of John Newbery. John Newbery became a publisher at a young age. His goal was to publish interesting and fun books for children of all ages to get them reading. He also inspired other publishers to make books for young readers. More detailed information is given about John Newbery at the end of the book along with a list of references. Markel, Michelle. (2017). Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Illus. Nancy Carpenter). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. Lexile = AD850L
Connections This is a delightful book filled with lots of quirky words like its title, Balderdash. The story is set in London, England in 1726, so readers may not be familiar with all the words. Therefore, readers can increase their vocabulary and have fun using a bound dictionary or online version to discover the meanings of words like brimming, mums, coppers, galleys, bustling, anonymously, and tumultuous. Did you know that the American Library Association awarded the first Newbery Medal to a book in 1922? Research to discover the title of that book and other books that have won. Visit a local library to checkout and read those award-winning books. Markel, Michelle. (2017). Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Illus. Nancy Carpenter). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. Lexile = AD850L John Newbery is referred to as The Father of Children s Literature. He was determined to write books that children would enjoy reading. Write and publish a narrative story. Bind the pages together using yarn, twisty ties, or take the pages to a local office supply store and have them bind it together. Research to learn more about the printing press and how to make your own paper.
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