Wonder

Title: Wonder

Author: R.J. Palacio

Illustrator:

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre:

Theme: Self-importance; Abnormalities

Primary Characters: Auggie Pullman

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012; Random House Publishing

Summary:

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. Auggie is about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, which is a very scary ordeal for him. If you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard it can be. Auggie is just an ordinary kid; An ordinary kid with an extraordinary face. How can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, even though his face looks different?  Read “Wonder” and find out! I loved this book because it shows other students who might be considered normal, that appearances are not always a reflection of inner- beauty.

Chomp

Title: Chomp

Author: Carl Hiaasen

Illustrator:

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Juvenile Mystery

Theme: Nature; Mystery

Primary Characters: Wahoo Cray

Secondary Characters: Father; Derek Badger

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012. Random House

Summary:

Wahoo Cray lives on a zoo with this father when his dad takes a job with a reality TV show called "Expedition Survival!". When they meet Derek Badger the TV’s star things get a bit rocky. When they were on location in the Everglades, Derek gets bitten by a bat and goes missing in a storm. Search parties head out and get lost searching! What happens to everyone? Will everyone survive? Read “Chomp”! This book is a great read for 10 year olds and up. I would definitely have this book in my classroom for recreational reading purposes.

Carl at the Dog Show

Title: Carl at the Dog Show

Author: Alexandra Day

Illustrator: Alexandra Day

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Camaraderie; Pets

Primary Characters: Carl; Madeleine

Secondary Characters: Mom

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2012; D&M publishers

Summary:

In this book, the pictures tell most of the story. Carl is a Rottweiler who is supposed to take care of Madeleine. In this adventure, their family goes to the dog show. He and Madeleine get into some trouble while there. This funny picture book depicts the love that Carl and Madeleine share with one another and how you can be best friends with your pet. This book is a part of a larger series of other books about Carl and Madeleine. This series holds a special place in my heart because my mom used to read these books to me when I was young. We had a family pet that was a Rottweiler, Nicky. Carl reminds me a lot of Nicky, so this book brings back wonderful memories.

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs

Title: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs

Author: Jon Scieszka

Illustrator: Lane Smith

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Crime; Truth

Primary Characters: The Wolf

Secondary Characters: The Pigs

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 1989; Viking Penguin

Summary:

This is the story of what really happened to the three little pigs. The ‘Big Bad Wolfe’ was not so bad after all. No, he was tricked into looking like the bad guy, when in reality; all he wanted was a cup of sugar. This book puts a spin on the classic tale of The Three Little Pigs, as told from the wolf’s perspective. I like this book because it allows children to see two sides of one story. It can allow them to pursue higher level thinking, which is the ultimate goal in teaching!

The Secret Box

Title: The Secret Box

Author:  Barbra Lehman

Illustrator: Barbra Lehman

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Picture book

Theme: Time; hidden treasures

Primary Characters:

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2011; Houghton Mifflin for Children

Summary:

This book has no named characters. This book is purely pictures. It begins with a man burying a box beneath some floorboards in his house on the farm. The next few pictures show how over time the farmland becomes city. The old house is transformed to an orphanage. Then, the children discover the box under the floor. They then find pictures and go on an adventure to find all the places that were in the pictures. I love this kind of book because pictures can speak louder than words sometimes, and I think it is important for children to understand that. This book is great for K-2^nd grade. They can interpret the story through the pictures which is important for higher level thinking.

Uncle Blubbafink’s Seriously Ridiculous Stories

Title: Uncle Blubbafink’s Seriously Ridiculous stories

Author: Keith Graves

Illustrator: Keith Graves

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: storytelling; imagination

Primary Characters: Uncle Blubbafink

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2001; Scholastic Press

Summary:

In this story, “ole Uncle Blubb” tell YOU several different WILDLY crazy stories. He tells the story of how he and Abraham Sandwich used to surf together back in '67 but only to find themselves lunch-less after a certain George Washing Machine chopped down all of Abraham's ham trees! He then goes into the story of a young volcano raised by squawking chickens! Then he tells the tale of Dave the dragon whose head turned into a station wagon! (SO silly, right?!) And then finally he tells the truth behind how cows completely mowed down the moon. This book is so creative and colorful. The kids that I babysit for love how ridiculous the stories truly are. Even as an adult, you can’t help but laugh at the seriously ridiculous tales!

If I Had A Robot

Title: If I Had a Robot

Author: Dan Yaccarino

Illustrator: Dan Yaccarino

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Imaginations, technology

Primary Characters: Phil

Secondary Characters: Phil’s mom

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: 1998; Puffin Books

Summary:

This book, “If I Had a Robot” Phil doesn’t want to eat his Brussels Sprouts, do his homework, take his bath, or do his chores! Phil starts imagining what his life would be like if he had a robot! The pictures bring the story to life and help illustrate just how handy a robot would be to Phil. This book is a familiar tale and really makes a hit with kids! I mean, what kid hasn’t wished for a robot before?! This book could be used to get children to use their imagination and create robots that would best suit them. This book is for children 3-8 years old.

Solider Bear

Title: Solider Bear

Author: Bibi Dumon Tak

Illustrator: Phillip Hopman

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical Non-ficiton

Theme: Wartime; friendship in unlikely places

Primary Characters: Voytek

Secondary Characters: soldiers from camp

Awards: Mildred L. Batchelder award

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2011; Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Summary:

This book is based on a real series of events that occurred during World War II. Soldier Bear is about a bear who was orphaned but adopted by a group of Polish soldiers in Iran. The Polish soldiers Voytek and eventually enlist him as a soldier! They wanted to make sure that he stays with their company. He travels with them all over the world. Voytek's mischief gets him into some trouble along with way, but his trouble is offset with comedic relief and comfort to the soldiers during the terrible war. Throughout the book Voytek learns to carry bombs for the company. Having this knowledge, will he be able to save the camp from a spy? Find out, when you read “Solider Bear”. I liked this book because it was based on a true, touching story. I also liked the end because it had Voytek’s pictures in the back, along with photos of his soldiers that he loved. I would definitely use this book in my classroom to help my students learn about World War II.

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Title: The Man Who Walked Between the Towers

Author: Mordicai Gerstein

Illustrator: Mordicai Gerstein

Genre: Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical Non-fiction

Theme: Fearlessness

Primary Characters: Philippe

Secondary Characters: his friends, the police

Awards: Caldecott Medal winner

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2003; Roaring Book Press

Summary:

“The Man Who Walked Between the Towers” is a book about the Twin towers, located in New York City. The young man, Philippe, is a wire walker. He walks on wires in the park and even Notre Dame Cathedral. One day, he decided to walk between the towers under the fall of night. Will he make it across? Find out when you read this thrilling book! This book could be used when studying the tragedy of 9/11. Since this book is not directly linked to the devastation of the twin towers, teachers could use this book for more creative thinking and to help students realize that the towers were famous before 9/11!

So You Want to Be President?

Title: So You Want to be President?

Author: Judith St. George

Illustrator: David Small

Genre: Non-fiction

Sub-Genre: Historical non-fiction

Theme: Becoming president

Primary Characters: none

Secondary Characters:

Awards: Caldecott Medal winner

Publisher and Date of Publication: 2004; Philomel Books

Summary:

This intriguing book about presidency is a fantastic read. The book asks the question “So you want to become president?” throughout. The book goes through a series of things and tasks that presidents have to do. It also tells facts about past presidents, like where they grew up, past jobs that they had, number of siblings, and even hobbies. I found this book to be super interesting. Most children don’t realize how much work being president really is! I feel like this book is realistic and down-to-Earth. I would definitely use this in my classroom when studying Presidency of the United States.

The Giants and the Joneses

Title: The Giants and the Joneses

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Greg Swearingen

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Action and Adventure

Theme: Giants; Survival

Primary Characters: Colette, Poppy, and Stephen Jones

Secondary Characters: Jumbeelia

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Henry Holt and Company; 2004

Summary:

One day, Jumbeelia throws a bimple over the edge of Groil. Down Jumbeelia climbs, right down into the land of the iggly plops. This is where she discovers Colette, Poppy, and Stephen Jones. Not seeing any harm, she puts them into her canvas bag and carries them back to Groil. Soon, the Joneses find themselves shut in her dollhouse, with no means of escape. With danger surrounding them at every turn, the children must use all their wits to survive and figure out a way to get back to their home. I liked this book because it was so creative and imaginative. I like books that can take you to a different place, and this book definitely will transport you. This book can be compared to Jack and the Beanstalk.

Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones

Title: Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones

Author: Judy Schachner

Illustrator: Judy Schachner

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre:

Theme: Dinosaurs

Primary Characters: Skippyjon Jones

Secondary Characters: Dolly Doohiggy, Darwin, Mama

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Penguin; 2007

Summary:

This book is one of several “Skippyjon Jones” books. In this adventure, Skippyjon Jones finds himself Mrs. Dolly Doohiggy’s yard digging up bones that belong to her dog, Darwin. His takes the bone into his closet, the jungle. Skippyjon meets a large dinosaur- T. Mexito! How will Skippyjon make it back home in one piece? Read “Skippyjon Jones and the Big Bones. This book is for 4-6 year old dinosaur fans! I know the kids that I watch love reading the Skippyjon Jones books and this latest edition is another great, imaginative story.

The Sloppy Copy Slipup

Title: The Sloppy Copy Slip Up

Author:  DyAnne Disalvo

Illustrator: DyAnne Disalvo

Genre:  Fiction

Sub-Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Theme: Storytelling; Authorship

Primary Characters: Brian Higman; Miss Fromme

Secondary Characters: Brain’s classmates

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Holiday House; 2006

Summary:

The Sloppy Copy Slipup is a book about Brian Higman (The Big Hig). Brian doesn’t turn in his writing assignment and worries that his teacher, Mrs. Fromme, will be mad at him. He and his classmates call her “The General”. As the story goes on you can see his story begin to fall in place. Will he get to tell his story after all? Read this book and find out! This is a perfect story for 4^th and 5^th graders to read. Brian, himself, is in the fourth grade. This book has illustrations that help animate the story and bring it to life. This book is entertaining and humorous. Great read!

Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One

Title: Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One

Author: Judy Blume

Illustrator: James Stevenson

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: young adut fictionTheme: Brother and sisters

Primary Characters: Abigail and Jake

Secondary Characters: Mom, Aunt Diana, Soupy, Fluzzy,

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Random House; 2007

Summary:

Soupy Saturdays with the Pain and the Great One is a book for 4^th or 5^th graders. The book takes place only on Saturdays. Siblings, Abigail and Jake have adventures on these days ranging from haircuts to dog sitting. The story visits issues between siblings and the challenges they face growing up together.This book is fun and energetic and is perfect for 8-10 year olds. Although this is a chapter book, the book contains pictures which compliment the story and bring the characters to life. I enjoyed reading this book. Again, Judy Blume hits it out of the park!

A Bad Case of Stripes

Title: A Bad Case of Stripes

Author: David Shannon

Illustrator: David Shannon

Genre: Juvenile Fiction

Sub-Genre: Social issues/ Emotions/ feelings

Theme: Nutrition, Illness

Primary Characters: Camilla Cream

Secondary Characters: her mother, Dr. Bumble, the experts

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Blue Sky Press; 1998

Summary:

A Bad Case of Stripes is a book about Camilla Cream who loves lima beans. But Camilla won’t eat them! She wants to fit in with her friends who don’t eat lima beans. From her lack of eating lima beans Camilla becomes sick and has a bizarre case of stripes! All of the doctors don’t know what’s wrong or what happened to poor Camilla. This book is so creative and could easily fit in a classroom. This book is imaginative and can encourage children to think outside of the ordinary.

Detective Blue

Title: Little Boy Detective Blue

Author: Steve Metzger

Illustrator: Tedd Arnold

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Mystery

Theme: nursery rhymes; searching and finding

Primary Characters: Detective Blue (little boy blue)

Secondary Characters: dish and spoon, Mary and her lamb, Jack Sprat, Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Jack Corner, Goldilocks

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Orchard Books; 2011

Summary:

Little Boy Blue runs a detective agency now. He calls himself detective Blue. He then utilizes his friends (other characters from popular nursery rhymes) to help solve the mystery of the missing Miss Muffet. This book would be perfect in a 3^rd grade classroom after a lesson or unit on nursery rhymes or new stories that are based on old or original stories. Since this book is written as a comic strip, there is humor that only older children would understand. You could use this book as a new spin on the classic nursery rhymes. Also, this book has a “You be the detective” activity on the first page where the students can help find all of the nursery rhyme characters!

8 First Part Last

Title: First Part Last

Author: Angela Johnson

Illustrator:

Genre:  Young adult

Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Growing up; accepting the consciences

Primary Characters: Bobby and Nia

Secondary Characters: K-Boy and J.L. along with Bobby's parents

Awards: Coretta Scott King Award; Michael L. Printz Award for Excellence in Young Adult Literature

Publisher and Date of Publication: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers; 2003

Summary:

This book is about Bobby, who is living a care-free life as a teen, becomes a father unexpectedly. He must take care of his new baby who he loves very much. This book is very powerful, and I feel like all teens can relate to this book. The author writes in such a way that will make young readers continue reading until the last page. This book is also great for young boys because the main character is a male. In my classroom, I would use this book as a literary read. Within a classroom setting, you could use this story as a class read. I could  make a whole unit on responsibilities and have them create pictures and complete assignments on growing up. Journaling would be great to use with this book too.

16 Interupting Chicken

Title: Interrupting Chicken

Author: David Ezra Stein

Illustrator: David Ezra Stein

Genre:  Picture book

Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Family love

Primary Characters: Little Red Chicken

Secondary Characters: Papa

Awards: Caldecott Medal Honor; 2011

Publisher and Date of Publication: Candlewick Press; 2010

Summary:  

This book is about Little Red Chicken wanting Papa to read her a bedtime story. Every time Papa begins a story, Little Red Chicken interrupts which ends each tale rather abruptly. This is a wonderful story to read children! In my classroom, I could ask my students to think of a well know story such Cinderella or Snow White. I will then ask them to change one thing at the beginning of the story then think about what that change made, which teaches them cause and effect. I could then ask them to write the story down and illustrate it. This is a great book to read to ages 5 and up.

7 Flipped

Title: Flipped

Author: Wendelin Van Draanen

Illustrator: -

Genre:  Juvinille Fiction

Sub-Genre: fiction

Theme: Taking a closer look

Primary Characters: Bryce, Julianna

Secondary Characters: Bryce's grandfather and Lynetta

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Random House Publishing; 2001

Summary:

In this book, Bryce and Julianna are two teenagers describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years. One thing that I really liked about this book is that the chapers alternated between Bryce and Julianna, tying in the theme “flipped.” This novel is a great read for all students. I think that students will connect to the feelings that are described in this book. As a teacher, one good idea would be to have students do a free write about their feelings about themselves and others that they know. I recommend this book to students who ages 9 and up.

15 Just One More?

Title: Just One More?

Author: Nancy Alberts

Illustrator: John Butler.

Genre:  Picture book

Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: patience

Primary Characters: Mama Bear; Baby cut

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Handprint Books; 2007

Summary:

In this book a baby cub does not want to go to sleep. Mama bear is patient with her cub and allows him to stay up longer and longer without getting angry. I thought this book us very typical of most children, so it is very relatable. This book would be best served in a designated reading time in the classroom, rather than a read aloud story by the teacher. I think that this book is best used as a bedtime story at home.

14 Full Color

Title: Full Color

Author: Etenne Delessert

Illustrator: Etenne Delessert

Genre:  Non- Fiction

Sub-Genre:

Theme: Colors

Primary Characters: “We”

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Creative Company ;2005

Summary:

This book, “Full Color,” is about all the colors of the rainbow. It is a larger book, so the pictures are ideal for toddlers who are learning their colors. It goes through each color of the rainbow and illustrates what each color looks like. This is one of those books where if the pictures were not present, the book could be considered a failure. Towards the end of the book, the author and illustrator mix colors and show which colors mix to make what. This book is a great example of literature for 2-4 year olds.

13 Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack

Title: Click, Clack, Quackity-Quack

Author: Doreen Cronin

Illustrator: Betsy Lewin

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Alphabet

Primary Characters: All barn animals

Secondary Characters:

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Simon &Schuster ;2005

Summary:

This book is a very short, precise read that goes in order of the alphabet. Each letter beings a new sentence about what happens to the animals. This is a wonderful book for toddlers learning their alphabet. I read it to the baby that I watch each week, and he loved it! The pictures are colorful and the sentences are funny. The author of this book also wrote "Click, Clack Moo, Cows that Type". That book was a Newberry honor book and it has similar patterning to this book. I chose this book because I am a Pre-K-3 major, and I anticipate using books such as these in my classroom for demonstrations and projects.

6 Stanley, Flat Again!

Author: Jeff Brown

Illustrator: Scott Nash

Genre:  Fiction

Sub-Genre: Adventure

Theme: Adventure, Bravery

Primary Characters: Stanley Lambchop

Secondary Characters: his parents, Arthur, Emma

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Harper Collins publishing; 2003

Summary:

Stanley Lambchop has had his share of unusual adventures, but being flat was one thing he thought he was through with forever. Then one morning, he discovers he was wrong. Still, there is so much that a boy who is only one inch thick can do that a round person can’t. Maybe this time, all it will take is one amazing event for everything to finally make sense. Stanley acts as a human sail during a boat race and rescues a rude classmate from a collapsed building! In this exciting addition to the Flat Stanley adventure books, Stanley takes us on another fun-filled journey. In your classroom, you could read this book to your students. You could them have the illustrate what they heard, or you could have them create other unique sails on a boat they made. The possibilities are endless. This is a fun, easy read that allows your imagination to be set free.

12 Just Going to the Dentist

Title: Just Going to the Dentist

Author: Mercer Mayer

Illustrator: Mercer Mayer

Genre:  Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Growing up, dentist’s visits

Primary Characters: Little Critter

Secondary Characters: his mom, the dentist

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Random House publishing; 1990

Summary:

In this book, “Just Going to the Dentist”, Little Critter is told that he needs to go to the dentist for a checkup. While at the dentist, he experiences all the normal activities someone at the dentist would. Will he survive the drill though? Read “Just going to the Dentist.” I think this book is also wonderful for preschool age children. I know when I worked in the Pre-Kindergarten classroom; they loved reading books about real type places. It makes them feel safer going to their own appointments. Also, this book is a fantastic “I can read books” for children that are still beginning readers.

11 Little Bear's Loose Tooth

Title: Little Bear’s Loose Tooth

Author: Else Homlelund Minark

Illustrator: Chris Hahner

Genre: Fiction

Sub-Genre: Fantasy

Theme: Bravery, going through changes in life, growing up

Primary Characters: Little Bear

Secondary Characters: Mother bear, Father bear, cat, duck, Emily

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: HarperCollins publishing co.;2002

Summary:

In this book, Little bear finds himself wiggling a loose tooth. It feels so strange! He finds all of his friends and they all cleverly attempt to find ways to get Little Bear’s tooth to fall out. That night at dinner, Little Bear eats corn on the cob! Will that help his tooth to fall out? What happens when his tooth does fall out? Read “Little Bear’s Loose Tooth.” I think that this book is perfect for preschool aged children. The illustrations add to the story and allow the reader to be transported into Little Bear’s world. In a younger age group, this book would be easily relatable to the students and they would enjoy seeing all the different things Little Bear and his friends come up with.

5 Inside Out and Back Again

Title: Inside out and back again

Author: Thanhha Lai

Illustrator:

Genre: Non fiction

Sub-Genre: historical

Theme: Hope, survival

Primary Characters: Hà

Secondary Characters: mother, three brothers

Awards: Newberry Honor book

Publisher and Date of Publication: HarperCollins, 2011

Summary:

After her father has been missing in action for nine years during the Vietnam War, 10-year-old Hà flees with her mother and three older brothers. Traveling first by boat, the family reaches a tent city in Guam, moves on to Florida, and is finally connected with sponsors in Alabama, where Hà finds refuge but also cruel rejection, especially from mean classmates. One thing that I found interesting about this book, is that it is written in short, free verse poetry. This book is a Newberry honor book, and would fit easily into a curriculum in history about the Vietnam war. This book is appropriate for children 8 and up.

10 Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Title: Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans

Author: Kadir Nelson

Illustrator: Kadir NelsonGenre:  Non-Fiction

Sub-Genre: historical non-fiction

Theme: History though a different perspective

Primary Characters: “Everywomen” (narrator)

Secondary Characters:

Awards:  Coretta Scott King award 2012

Publisher and Date of Publication: Balzar and Bray, 2011

Summary:

This book tells the extraordinary story of America through the lens of African American history. With this book, any reader of this book has the chance to appreciate how American History happened through, perhaps, a different perspective. This is the story of the men, women, and children who toiled in the hot sun picking cotton for their masters; it’s about the America ripped in two by Jim Crow laws The detailed paintings include portraits of individuals and groups contrasted against wondrous skies. With this historical work of art, this book would be very easy to use in your classroom. Reading this book to your class and then have the students write an assignment on history would be ideal. They could also write a version of a historic event through either their eyes or the eyes of another historical figure. In conclusion, this book was great to read and the illustrations were fantastic.

09 Balloons Over Broadway

Title: Balloons over Broadway

Author: Melissa Sweet

Illustrator: Melissa Sweet

Genre:  Non- Fiction

Sub-Genre: Juvenile

Theme: Celebration

Primary Characters: Tony Sarg

Secondary Characters:

Awards: 2012 Robert F. Sibert Medal Winner Winner of the 2012 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award

Publisher and Date of Publication: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011

Summary:

This book takes place in New York City and tells the story of the Macy’s day parade. The book follows Tony’s journey from a childhood of creativity and resourcefulness to his exciting, unprecedented success as what many consider the “Father of American Puppetry.” The illustrations in this book are amazing and truly enhance the story. In your classroom, you could use this in the genre of biography or you could use this tell the history of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. This is the perfect book to read before Thanksgiving break to get the children excited about the parade and to allow them to learn the history behind it.

08 Max For President

Title:  Max For President

Author: Jarret J. Kroscoza

Illustrator: Jarret J. Kroscoza

Genre: Juvenile

Sub-Genre: Fiction

Theme: Elections, class leadership

Primary Characters: Max and Kelly

Secondary Characters: Teacher

Awards:

Publisher and Date of Publication: Random House Children's Books; 2008

Summary:

Max is in school and decides that he wants to run for class president! Kelly decides that she wants to run also. This book is the story of what each child proposes they do to better help their classmates when elected. But only one person can win the race! Find out whom in, “Max for President!” This book could easily be worked into your lesson plans through team work, leadership, and fair elections. It is a very cute read.

07 I Need My Monster

Title: I Need My Monster

Author: Amanda Noll

Illustrator: Howard McWilliam

Genre: Juvenile

Sub-Genre: Non-Fiction

Theme: Imagination

Primary Characters: Ethan, Gabe

Secondary Characters: other monsters

Awards: Alabama Camellia Award list 2010-11, Arizona Grand Canyon Reader Award list 2011-12, California Young Readers Medal list 2011-12, Georgia Children’s Book Award list 2011-2012, Nebraska Golden Sower Award list 2011-12, Nevada Young Reader Award list 2011-2012, South Dakota Prairie Bud Award list 2011-12, and Wyoming Buckaroo Award list 2011-2012

Publisher and Date of Publication: Flashlight Press; 2009

Summary:

Ethan has a monster. This monster has left for a fishing trip. Ethan knows that without Gabe’s familiar nightly scares he doesn't stand a chance of getting to sleep! So, Ethan interviews potential substitutes to see if they've got the right equipment for the job- pointy teeth, sharp claws, and a long tail, but none of them proves scary enough for Ethan. When Gabe returns sooner than expected from his fishing trip, Ethan is elated to have him back! This book is a unique ‘monster under the bed’ story. One of the kids that I babysit for’s name is Gabe, so he especially loves this book!

06 I Want My Hat Back

Title: I Want my Hat Back

Author:  Jon Klassen

Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Genre: Juvenile

Sub-Genre: Non-fiction

Theme: Sharing, honesty, Humor, social situations

Primary Characters: the Bear

Secondary Characters: Snake, Turtle, Rabbit

Awards: The New York Times list of The 2011 Best Illustrated Children's Books, Publisher Weekly's Best Children's Books of 2011, and Fuse #8's Best Books of 2011

Publisher and Date of Publication: Candlewick Press; 2011

Summary:

In this book, the bear goes looking for his little red party hat. As the book progresses, he talks to each character and asks them the same question ‘have you seen my hat?’. Each one responds no until one of the characters say that they HAVE seen his hat! Bear hurries back to get his hat from one of his peers. This book is humorous and sure to grab your preschooler’s attention. This is another book that the kids love to hear me read to them.