Thursday, April 23, 2015


Wiesner, D. (2001). The three pigs. NY: Clarion.


I have definitely read several versions of the 3 Little Pigs, but never had I read a version in which the characters/pigs took ownership of the story through the illustrations.  As the story progresses, the pigs that are being cut from the story line, but are suddenly reappearing from a different perspective, with a shift, in the who the central characters are.  As I was reading the story, it was initially complicated.    As I continued reading, the illustrations presented an entertaining twist of the story that kept me intrigued.  I had no idea where the story was taking me.  Definitely this book is filled with laughter that children will sure love. 


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Talk About It

Share Personal Responses: Ask children to describe their favorite part of the book. Invite them to check their predictions.
Is this version of the story the same as or different from other versions you have heard? What parts are different?
How do you think each pig felt when it heard the wolf at its doors? Why?
What character in the story made the smartest decisions? Why do you think this?

Think About It

Create Alternative Story Endings: Ask children to think about the story ending. Discuss other endings children have heard or imagined for The Three Little Pigs.
Do you prefer happy endings or sad endings?
What different ending would you like to see for the three little pigs?
Make a “Happy Endings/Sad Endings” chart. Fill it in with children's story ending ideas. Then encourage them to illustrate their endings.
http://www.kizclub.com/storypatterns/folktales/threepigs.pdf



Urban, L. (2009). A crooked kind of perfect. NY: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

If there is something to learn about this story is that “life is not perfect!” For Zoe, early in the book, we learn that she is a very determined girl who has her mind set on becoming a professional pianist. Unfortunately, her dreams become halted by the type of “piano” she receives. The Perfectone D-60, definitely is not what she was expecting and sets the stage the events that begin to follow. As the story progresses, things begin to fall in place and eventually the puzzle becomes complete. She ended up discovering her talent, and realized that things do not have to be perfect in order for things to work out. She discovered she was great at playing the D-60, which allowed her to enter an organ competition, which indirectly, also gave her a new best friend. Even though this book is most leaned towards children, adults can also benefit from reading this book and learning an important part of life: embrace what comes your way, even if it's not what you planned for, sometimes it works out for the best! 



Sweet, M. (2011). Balloons over Broadway: The true story of the puppeteer of Macy's parade.

Assignment #1- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/9exjnomf378v  


The book provides a great transition through the life of Anthony “Tony” Sarg. Images provided were both real and illustrated; therefore, making the book very attractive and fun to read. Though you may initially assume by the cover that this story is fictional, as you progress through the pages, you'll realize the details become elaborate and much more descriptive about the character unfolding-Anthony Sarg.  It is a friendly and great book to expose young children to biographies of great people! 




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Smith, L. (2011). It’s a book. NY: Roaring Brook

Assignment #1- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/9exjnomf378v 
This is a very short story that portrays the unawareness of what a book is about.  The story if revolved around two characters.  One is persistently being inquisitive by asking multiple questions on what a book is or could be.  He provides a lot of self definitions of what he assumes, such as "Can it text, blog, scroll, etc?"  This is a very cute book that could introduce the significance and relevance of a book to a young child.

Singer, M. (2010). Mirror, Mirror. NY: Dutton.

Assignment #1- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/9exjnomf378v 
This book has a very unique way/style of being presented.  It is not your traditional, fictional story, consisting of a story line.  The author intrigues the reader by providing a twist to how traditional stories are written and read.  It allows a child to be fascinated by the alternative messages created when words are reversed in their order.  The author’s styles is creative and possibly poetic!!!



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Sendak, M. (1963). Where the wild things are. NY: HarperCollins.

Assignment #1- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/9exjnomf378v  
What I absolutely love about this book are the illustrations' precise way of matching the setting with the story being presented page by page.  A child would be able to follow and understand the story line by observing solely the illustrations.  A boy is taken into a dream world where he becomes friends with the unexpected and travels through multiple settings.  It is an absolute children’s classic.  



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Where the Wild Things Are Activities: Games, Lesson Plans and Movie News-

Selznick, B. (2007). Wonder. NY: Scholastic.

Assignment #6- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/mfea7meuxemq 
The images in this book are fascinating to see and were creatively done by the author to tell a story within another story. The style of book allowed the central characters to collide with each other’s lives.  Though set at different times and age, readers instantly become hooked to the story line.  The despair and hope of each character is depicted through words and most fascinating, through the illustrations.  Missing one page is like missing a whole chapter!  Definitely a book worth picking up for people of all ages! 



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 Schlitz, L. A. (2007). Good masters, sweet ladies. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

Assignment #4- http://padlet.com/julietrevino716/cj4p5vnb0uo3  

The style of book allows students to deepen their comprehension through the eyes of a script to be able to travel to an ominous time in history. Characters are carefully written to transition and connect to one another. From Isobel, the Lord’s daughter who gets thrown a clod of dung on the way to the market to Barbary, the mud slinger attempting to hide her evil actions by using baby twins, Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! does an excellent job teaching about the mindsets of people and notions that many often had. Understanding history is well structured by Schlitz through his illustrations, side notes, and background pages. 


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Paterson, K. (1972). Bridge to Terabithia. NY: Crown.


This story truly reaches deep in the heart. As you read the story you envision the relationship that is being developed among Leslie and Jess. The setting of the story, particularly, Terabithia, becomes one of the most centralized place where their friendship begins to evolve. It is there where Jess can become the person he wishes to be, where there is no ridiculing or “expectations” set by society. Furthermore, Terabithia becomes a world of innocence.  Unfortunately, as the story progresses, Terabithia becomes more than just the innocent world that was once known. It becomes a memory for Jess that he will never forget.



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Pastis, S. (2010). Timmy failure. NY: Candlewick Press.


This book allows a reluctant reader to enjoy the story, which is carried through multiple illustrations that are fun to see and read. The author does an excellent job of creating an enjoyable book by including illustrations with side notes, comic-form talk, and larger one page illustrations containing letters. The book is filled with funny scenarios and depictions of the characters as they progress through the story. 


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Timmy Failure Fun Stuff:

Ottaviani, J. (2013). Primates. NY: FirstSecond.

This is a very creative and well written biography that was based on the true events of three women that discovered remarkable information and facts about the primates. The style of this book is not to provide the “traditional” table of contents, in which the book progresses in a chronological order. On the contrast, this book provided an interesting and intricate way of providing the information in an “intriguing” manner that would attract reluctant readers. The style of this book was to create a non-fictional/comic book! Very creative and well thought of. 


Nelson, K. (2008). We are the ship. NY: Hyperion

This book narrates the battles and experiences felt through Negro League baseball team and is  published to also reflect the sport of baseball.  The font for each chapter titles, the cover, illustrations, and the also the back of the book provide great depictions of the sport. The book provides multiple quotes from and/or about famous baseball figures. This truly reflects the type of style depicted by the author. Quotes allow the reader to feel connected to a character. For example, “If we get you boys, we’re going to get the best ones. It’s going to break your league.” 



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Munsch, R. (2012). The paperbag princess. NY: Annick Press.


A book essentially has to have the elements of a story: beginning, middle, end, problem, solution, setting, and characters.  These are the premises of a book.  In Paperbag Princess, the author sets the book up with the introduction, leading into the problem.  The princess wishes to marry her “prince;” however, then faces an obstacle when a dragon has taken her prince and beauty away.  Through persistence and cleverness, she saves her prince, only to then discover her current physical state isn’t good enough for him.  The story ends when she decides to leave the prince and skip happily ever after home. The book has a clear transition of chronological events that is simplistic for a child to comprehend. 



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Lesson Objectives
After completing this lesson, students will
Discuss what makes a good friend
Discuss good choices
Learn about conflict resolution
Practice creative writing
Work as a team
Engage in a mock debate, practicing their public speaking skills
Discussion Questions

After reading the story, The Paper Bag Princes, ask your class a series of questions.
What happened to Elizabeth's castle?
How did she find the dragon?
How did Princess Elizabeth defeat the dragon?
When she rescued Prince Ronald, was he happy?
What did Princess Elizabeth decide to do?
What makes a good friend?
How can you be a better friend?



McDonnell, P. (2011). Me...jane. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.


This book was very short and sweet. The style of this book was not to provide the most elaborate storyline of Jane Goodall, but to depict the story of how her fascination evolved. As you progress through the book, the images create a very warm and loving image of Jane. Her curiosity of the world and experiences of her childhood provide a clear understanding of her career choice. 



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Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic.


Catherine is a typical teenager that wants to be socially accepted by her friends. The main characters (David and Jason) gradually become an important part of the story and contribute to the transition of emotions that Catherine undergoes. The characters play a vital part in the story line/plot. These characters help Catherine realize what is important and should be valued in her life, which is the premise of the book. 



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Landry, D. (2007). Skulduggery pleasant. NY: HarperCollins.

This book is filled with excitement. It mixes a lot of elements of a
fictional story with the characters. The plot is highly developed
through the multitude of characters that present and evolve the storyline: Mr. Pleasant, Ghastly Bespoke, Mr. Bliss, China Sorrows, Nefarian Serpine, etc. As you’re reading the book, you're able to envision a movie in action.
The magical powers that the characters possess lighten up the
mood/excitement of the story.



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Klassen, J. (2012). This is not my hat. Boston, MA: Candlewick.





The darkness and texture of the illustrations provide a memorable book for many readers.   Every page  flipped, you get lost in the illustrations.  The texture and manner in which the ocean and plants are illustrated allow the reader to be hooked on finding a fish that is trying to get lost.  The rocks on the ocean floor are also illustrated to feel the roughness of it, as the crab was standing on top of it.  At the very end of the book, as the bigger fish is swimming away, the illustrations/texture show the “age” of the fish based on the lack of smoothness and patches of spots. This is truly a unique book that is written and illustrated in a most simplistic manner for a young reader to love. 



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  • Holm, J. (2014). Comics squad: Recess! NY: Random House.

    This book is definitely thematic. As an adult I found it entertaining, surely for children this book would be among one of the popular.
    Children all over the world can relate to recess/lunch time. It’s a
    concept that has prior knowledge for many (though not everything exactly as it occurs in the story). The character highlights the action and adventures contained, all seen through a comic/written style. The “ninjas” allow further elaboration of the comic, which adds to the laughter. What is most appreciated is that the book attracts the most reluctant readers! Furthermore, having multiple stories adds to the laughter as each one if filled with
    different “chapters/scenarios.” 



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    Harris, R. (1999). It’s so amazing. Boston, MA: Candlewick Press.

    This is definitely an informational book. It is geared towards teaching about the cycle of the human life ( and to provide answers to the mind of a curious child). This book provides a very clear understanding of the human body and the stages it goes through. The book provides a table of contents; therefore, organization is precise and direct. Questions that are specific can be found quickly, if one doesn't want to read the whole book-or perhaps is "too" much to a curious mind. 



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    Hale, S. (2008). Rapunzel’s revenge. NY: Bloomsbury.

    People and some children have an assumption of who or what Rapunzel is about. In this book the author has taken a different style of conveying this character.  
    When faced with the challenge and determination of rescuing her birth mother, the story begins to deviate from the traditional character. Readers begin to feel the heroic personality within her. Her adventures with Jack allows the reader 
    to feel the thrill and excitement of the story's plot. Repunzel possesses the attitudes of
    being a risk taker and valiant to any obstacles that approach her.



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    Giovanni, N. (2005). Rosa. NY: Holt.


    The book is very a well depicted story of the life of Rosa Parks. The story being told provides a great representation of the agony and emotions being felt by the characters/historical people. Rosa parks fought for what she believed was fair and right. The book transitioned through time by emphasizing only on the most important elements of this historical event. The images are truly capturing and blissful to the observe.



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    Gaiman, N. (2008). The graveyard book. NY: HarperCollins.

    This book is introduced with a “bang.” Right away you see how the graveyard becomes an important part to the plot/storyline; thus relevant to the title. It is at the graveyard where life for Bod begins and where the unimaginable events and fictional ideas/characters evolve: Sleer, ghoul gate, Liza Hempstock, Jacks, etc. The book definitely has a precise plot. The story progresses within a timeframe in which the reader connects with Bod as he is getting older. 

    Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. NY: Atheneum.


    In Olivia, the main character in the story is Olivia herself.  Olivia is portrayed from the beginning of the book as a pig who is overt about her personality.  The range and amount of illustrations provide a clear portrayal of her character. She is a risk taker, she isn’t embarrassed to try new things, she is persistent about ideas and she is curious.  The book is composed of well illustrated transitions that captures every feeling and perspective of her life.  



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    All About Olivia- http://oliviathepiglet.com

    Draper, S. (2010). Out of my mind. NY: Atheneum.

    This book enables any person to understand the emotions and hardships that a person with cerebral palsy undergoes. As the leading character, Melody is conveyed by the perspective portrayed in first person point of view. The story is transmitted vividly by her thoughts, difficulties, emotions and experiences.  It is very different when you read about this medical condition in the eyes of another person (out side view/medically examined).
    However, through this book, you are able to feel what Melody is feeling. In my opinion, any reader would get “lost” in the character and beabletofeelasifwewereher. It was an amazing story to read. 


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    http://suzyred.com/2011_Out_of_My_Mind.html 

    dePaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. NY: Putnam.

    The book is captivated by the depiction of the intricate lines that were created by the  illustrations.  The lines vividly represents the moods being shared among the characters of the story.  Virtually every page depicted these lines: the dress wear, teepees, the doll, the family of She-Who-Is-Alone, the fire, etc. This elaboration created a feeling of serenity and compassion for a young girl and those of her people. In desperate need for water to save the land and people, She-Who-Is-Alone offers her precious and significant doll to save her people.  The Legend of the Bluebonnet is an absolute inspiring book. 



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    Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

    The colors of this book are not very “loud” colors. The book consists of subtle shades of orange, green, maroon, brown, among others that are subtle.  As the main character of this story, the  Cockroach, also resembles the mood of these colors.  Martina is a very quiet animal that is looking for a mate.  Her demeanor is not aggressive; she passively pushes anyone away that she is not interested in.  Finally, after a long search, a mate is found in the very least expected animal one would have thought.


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    Curtis, C. P. (1995). The Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963. NY: Delacorte.

    Kenneth is a young boy who is eager to fit in, who always tries to steer out of the way of the common bullies from school. He fears his intelligence and lazy eye are reasons for others to pick on him, but soon discovers a great friendship with Rufus. Kenneth however, also has the protection of his older brother, Byron.  Affected by the injustice of people and society, Byron is a troubled boy whose actions gradually progress to worse. Though often his sister Joetta attempts to save or defend him, Byron is yet still geared towards mischievous things: freezing his tongue to the car, killing birds with apples and dying his hair, eventually all lead up to the final action taken by his parents. As a family, Kenneth, Byron, Joetta and their parents drive to Birmingham to visit Grandma Sands. Though not just a visiting trip, Birmingham becomes a place where fears and realities become the inevitable actions that changed many people’s lives.


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    Creech, S. (2001). Love that dog. NY: HarperCollins.

    This book is very simplistic and easy to follow. The story is being told by a boy who enjoys writing poetry, inspired by a famous poet, who is gradually introducing his personal experience about a dog. As you transition through the book, the poetry begins to develop a rhyme scheme and frequent rhyming words. It’s a great tool for children to begin getting exposed to poetry and a great tool for teachers to incorporate in the classroom.  


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    Collins, S. (2004). Gregor the Overlander. NY: Scholastic.

    The plot for this story definitely intrigues the audience. As you’re progressing through story, you have an assumption made for the characters (good versus evil); however, you soon realize the turns and the twists making the storyline full of excitement. Furthermore, the characters fill a child’s mind with imagination. The idea of animals coming to life and going into “war” is fascinating. It’s a fictional story that engages the reader to into a world where there are no limits.




    Cleary, B. (1983). Dear Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

    The book is composed of “letters,” and diary entries. It takes you through the journey of despair, disappointment and contempt of a young boy who is living with his mom, who misses his dad and dog. His letter entries does a good job portraying his personality. Overall, as you continue reading, the letter entries/style proves that Leigh is a good boy, with good intentions that is just trying to fit in and understand life. In addition, you also learn how much Leigh loves writing and wishes to be a well known author such as “Mr. Henshaw.” The letters unfold his character. 


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    Brown, P. (2014). My teacher is a monster. NY: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.

    Teachers only become monsters when students do things they are not supposed to!  This book reminds me of The Teacher From The Black Lagoon.  The story initiates depicting Ms. Kirby as a teacher monster.  Soon, an incident and experience at the park helps Robert realize Ms. Kirby was never really as bad as most students thought.
    ***Definitely this book could be used to introduce 
    a new school year.  Cute book to read the first week!***


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