Tag Archive for read aloud

A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young

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Written by Michael Rosen
Illustrated by Chris Riddell

With creative presentation and fun, rhymy words, this great collection will provide hours of entertainment. From seemingly constant admonitions to just plain silliness, a joyful time awaits. As the author says,

Once upon a plom
There lived a poor little mom
Along with her children three.

And when the Gom, Flom, and Chom face a Berrible, who will win? We also know that

Mo’s in a muddle
She slipped in a puddle
Mommy gives Mo
A great big cuddle.

Who knew?

As with most poetry, the best time to be had and the best comprehension come when the poems are read aloud. Most second graders can handle the lyrical poetry independently. And the lively illustrations provide clues at every turn to help the process. A poem about an elephant is presented on a two-page spread, sideways for larger effect. Angry words are very large.

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  • Great Big CuddleA Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young
  • Author: Michael Rosen
  • Illustrator: Chris Riddell
  • Published: Candlewick, 2015
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 80 pages
  • Grade Level: PreK to 2
  • Genre: Poetry
  • ISBN: 978-0-7636-8116-6

 

Posted in 2015, Poetry tagged with , ,

If You Love Honey: Nature’s Connections

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Written by Martha Sullivan
Illustrated by Cathy Morrison

 

Rather than approaching one concept in isolation, this new book shows the reader how everything affects or is affected by other things and demonstrates the delicate balance of our planet. Honey is made by honey bees, who gather nectar from dandelions. Dandelions are protected by ladybugs, who also love goldenrod. Goldenrod attracts butterflies, who also love clover. Clover needs rich soil, provided in part by earthworms. Mushrooms help speed up the earthworm’s work. Mushrooms work in tandem with oak trees, whose leaves hide many creatures and whose acorns feed are planted by birds. Birds also eat berries, which are pollinated by the honey bees, bringing the story full circle.

Throughout the story, master illustrator Morrison sets the scene and shows that the items discussed in the text are even less isolated than imagined. Bears examine the honey repository. A farm and other flowers are near the dandelions. Sheep, protected by a dog, graze near the goldenrod. Rabbits much on the clover. Tree roots, baby bunnies, a lizard, and a toad appear in the rich soil. People work and play.

Second graders can learn so much about the nature in their backyards from this book. Literacy skills will be enhanced by the wonderful visuals and scientific concepts. Read aloud in a classroom, students can spot the details and discuss the connections.

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  • Honey_Paperback.inddTitle: If You Love Honey: Nature’s Connections
  • Author: Martha Sullivan
  • Illustrator: Cathy Morrison
  • Published: Dawn Publications, September 2015
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • Grade Level: K to 3
  • Genre: Nonfiction, Nature
  • ISBN: 978-1-58469-533-2
  • Extras: Sweet Connections; From Nectar to Honey; Author and Illustrator Biographies; Other Books, E-books, and Interactive Book Apps
Posted in 2015, Animals, Nature, Nonfiction tagged with , ,

P. Zonka Lays An Egg

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Written and Illustrated by Julie Paschkis

P. Zonka would rather spend her day “staring at flowers and gawking at clouds” instead of laying eggs. This irritates the other chickens to no end. Why won’t she lay an egg? What’s the matter with her? P. Zonka wonders the opposite. How can they think about laying eggs when there is such beauty all around?

…the soft dark moss, the stripes on the crocuses, the orange cat with one blue eye, the shining center of a dandelion, the sky at midnight.

The hens (Nadine, Dora, and Maud, plus Gloria, a misnamed rooster) continue to goad P. Zonka. They call her lazy and urge her to try. Finally, she gives in and attempts to lay an egg. It isn’t easy, but when she finally does, she produces a spectacular egg as original and unique and colorful as P. Zonka, herself. Daydreamers rejoice!

Good things come to those who wait – a great message for young readers. Second graders will also benefit from the themes of individuality and artistry. Paschkis’ watercolor drawings are a feast for the eyes, and her endnote reveals the secret behind P. Zonka’s unusual name: a pysanka is a Ukrainian decorated egg made with patterns of beeswax and layers of dye. Recommended as a classroom read-aloud or library selection.

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  • P. ZonkaTitle: P. Zonka Lays An Egg
  • Author/Illustrator: Julie Paschkis
  • Publisher: Peachtree, 2015
  • Reviewer: Lauren Abbey Greenberg
  • Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-819-6
  • Genre: Picture Book, Fiction, Allegory

 

Posted in 2015, Fiction, Picture book tagged with ,

Cinderella’s Secret Slipper

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Written by Alinka Rutkowska
Illustrated by Konrad Checinski

Written tongue-in-cheek, this lively speculation on Cinderella’s life after marriage necessarily dwells on the what-if factor. What if Cinderella and the Prince had a princelet? What if that child is quickly growing up and using his parents’ possessions for who-knows-what? What if he breaks one of the famous glass slippers shortly before a formal event to which Cinderella wants to where the glass slippers? Can the slipper be repaired? Should it be repaired? Is it replaceable? Can the shoe store help? What about a glass store? Maybe the fairy godmother is the answer. Maybe someone else has a firy godmother.

Checinski’s colorful illustrations follow the story well and show all the action and emotion.

This is a great lesson in problem-solving and provides a good starting point for discussion of the appropriateness the use of various substances, such as glass for footware. As a read-aloud, this book would provide a starting point for such discussions. As independent reading for second grade and above, it provides good practice for literacy skills.

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  • CinderellaTitle: Cinderella’s Secret Slipper
  • Author: Alinka Rutkowska
  • Illustrator: Konrad Checinski
  • Publisher: Capraro Press, 2015
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: E-book, 36 pages
  • Grade Level: Pre-school to 4
  • Genre: Fiction, humor, family, folk tale
  • ISBN: 978-0983154754
Posted in 2015, Fantasy, Fiction, Picture book tagged with , ,

Maddi’s Fridge

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Written by Lois Brandt
Illustrated by Vin Vogel

After an afternoon of playing in the park, Sofia opens her friend Maddi’s fridge to look for a snack only to discover that it’s practically empty. Embarrassed, Maddi explains that her family doesn’t have much money for food. She begs Sofia not to tell anyone. Sofia promises she won’t.

Back home, Sofia sees her own fridge in a different light, stocked with all kinds of delicious things like milk, eggs, tortillas, salsa, carrots, and even a can of food for their dog. She wishes she could tell her mom about Maddi, but she made a promise. That night, she sneaks some of her fish dinner to give to her friend the next day. However:

Fish may be good for kids,
But fish is not good for backpacks.

This setback doesn’t keep the girls from their afternoon routine at the park. Maddi’s still the only one who can master the climbing wall, and she encourages Sofia to keep trying. She does – that night she tries again to bring Maddi some of her dinner.

Eggs may be good for kids,
But eggs are not good for backpacks.

On the third try, Sofia succeeds in bringing her friend something to eat. She also succeeds in making it to the top of the climbing wall, thanks to Maddi’s help all the way. And because friends help each other, Sofia decides she must break her promise. She tells her mother and together they buy groceries for Maddi’s family.

“A promise is important,” Maddi said.
“You’re more important,” Sofia said.

Kudos to Brandt for turning a serious social issue into a warm tale infused with humor and loads of heart. Second grade readers will love Vogel’s cheery illustrations, created with digital pen and ink and rich with detail. This book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom library – a perfect read aloud opportunity to discuss what it means to be a friend, how to help someone in need, and how some secrets should be shared with a trusted adult. The back page lists things kids can do to get involved plus a link to www.MaddisFridge.com, which offers activity pages, a curriculum guide for teachers and parents, and links to hunger organizations.

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Maddis FridgeTitle: Maddi’s Fridge
Author: Lois Brandt
Illustrator: Vin Vogel
Publisher: Flashlight Press, 2014
Reviewer: Lauren Abbey Greenberg
Format: Hardcover, 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-9362612-9-1
Genre: Picture Book / Fiction / Social Issues

Posted in 2014, Fiction, Picture book, Social Issues tagged with ,

The Dandelion Seed’s Big Dream

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Written by Joseph Anthony
Illustrated by Cris Arbo

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Call it “the little seed that could.”

A dandelion seed floats in the air and rides the wind, patiently waiting to be deposited onto the rich soil below. But in an unfortunate landing, the seed finds itself stuck in an open Styrofoam container. Many seasons pass, but the lonely seed never gives up its dream of becoming a flower. Then one day, the seed’s luck changes. It falls out of the container and is pushed into the ground. It grows into the golden yellow flower it has been wishing for all this time.

In what could otherwise be a basic introduction to the plant cycle, Anthony uses anthropomorphism, giving the seed feelings and desires, to spruce up this tale. Readers and listeners will find themselves routing for the little seed and will feel satisfied with its happy ending. Arbo’s realistic artwork is rich with detail for children of all ages to examine and enjoy.

If used as a classroom read aloud, there are many opportunities for discussion and comprehension: Why are some plants considered flowers while others are called weeds? How does littering interfere with nature? Themes of courage, patience, and perseverance will allow second and third graders to make connections to their own lives. Back pages include a diagram of a dandelion and its different life stages, as well as related DIY activities to do with children. More classroom resources can be found on the publishers website: www.dawnpub.com.

  • Dandelion SeedTitle: The Dandelion Seed’s Big Dream
  • Author: Joseph Anthony
  • Illustrator: Cris Arbo
  • Publisher: Dawn Publications
  • Reviewer: Lauren Abbey Greenberg
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • ISBN: 978-1-58469-496-0
  • Genre: Picture Book / Nonfiction / Science / Nature
  • Publication date: September 1, 2014
Posted in 2014, Nature, Nonfiction, Science tagged with , ,

Claude at the Beach

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Written and illustrated by Alex T. Smith

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Claude, the small plump dog, and Sir Bobblysock return in this entertaining account of a vacation at the beach. The author begins with Claude’s background, making this a good stand-alone book, but don’t miss Claude’s other adventures. He lives with Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes and reserves his antics for when they are at work. Claude packs his suitcase with useful items, such as underpants, a lampshade, sunscreen, whipped cream, and sticky tape. He and Sir Bobblysock set off for the beach, where Bobblysock promptly falls asleep. Claude rescues a swimmer from a shark while the lifeguard helps a woman with her beach balls. After a snack, Claude and Bobblysock meet a family of pirates. They all go to hunt for buried treasure on Skull Island, which they eventually find. They also find the pirates who buried the treasure. Of course, the second group of pirates is very interested in the useful items Claude packed in his suitcase. Claude and Sir Bobblysock return home, dragging in sand, treasure, and seaweed smells.

Second grade readers will enjoy the silliness and wry humor. Read aloud is recommended, but only because sharing the jokes will make them even more fun. In any case, the story will hold kids’ attention and literacy skills will be enhanced.

  • Claude at the BeachTitle: Claude at the Beach
  • Author/Illustrator: Alex T. Smith
  • Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, 2011
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 96 pages
  • Genre: Contemporary fiction, humor
  • ISBN: 978-1-56145-703-5
  • Extras: Author blog at www.alextsmith.blogspot.com
Posted in 2011, Contemporary, Fiction, Humor tagged with , ,

The Moon Saw It All

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Written by Nancy L. Young
Illustrated by Nadia Komorova

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Something magical happens when a full moon appears over Aravaipa Canyon in Arizona. Animals from air, land, and sea come together to dance, sing, and make music at the “critter ball.” With ethereal illustrations awash in purple hues, second graders will love this gentle rhyming story of friendship, camaraderie, and celebration of nature.

At the monthly moonlit dance by the creek, frogs and bugs exchange hugs, while bobcats croon and porcupines whistle a tune. Snakes shake their rattles, gila monsters swish, and silver minnows shimmer as they splash, while brown bears do-si-do and quails tango all under the watchful eye of the moon. Cheek to cheek, paw in paw, they dance the night away. No one wants it to end, but at daybreak the animals vanish. All that remains are hoof prints, paw prints, feathers and flower petals curiously mixed together, along with a message inscribed in the sand: The moon saw it all!

Recommended for ages 3-9, this book is chock-full of warm fuzzies; the soothing cadence is a natural fit for a bedtime story or classroom read-aloud. Every page offers an array of critters to gaze upon, plus children outside of the southwest will learn about regional species such as bighorn sheep, javelina, tarantulas, and coatimundi. A curriculum guide for school or home use follows the story and includes vocabulary words, lessons on poetry, and literary activities. A companion coloring book, The Moon Colors It All, can be purchased on www.MoonSawItAll.com. Visit the publisher’s website for additional titles: www.LittleFiveStar.com.

  • Moon Saw It AllTitle: The Moon Saw It All
  • Author: Nancy L. Young
  • Illustrator: Nadia Komorova
  • Publisher: Little Five Star / Five Star Publications, 2013
  • Reviewer: Lauren Abbey Greenberg
  • Format: Paperback, 40 pages
  • ISBN: 978-1-58985-250-1
  • Genre: Picture Book / Fiction / Nature / Animals
Posted in 2013, Animals, Fiction, Nature, Picture book tagged with , ,

A Single Pebble: A Story of the Silk Road

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Written & Illustrated by Bonnie Christensen

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Wonderful watercolor illustrations draw the reader into the world of Mei’s 9th century China and all of her dreams about what the west might be like. The story starts with her pestering her father about going with him along the Silk Road to sell their silk. He will not allow it, but does agree to take her smooth, round pebble. The plan is to send the pebble as a gift to someone at the far end of the Silk Road.

Each illustration shows a different time of year, in a different spot along the journey. Using the seasons was a wonderful way to illustrate how long the journey was from East to West.

As the pebble was passed from traveler to traveler, the illustrations changed to show the various cultures along the way.  Not everyone who carried the pebble was a merchant. There was a monk, a sandalwood trader, a performing family, a thief and finally a pirate! How wonderful to see that it was the child of the pirate who finally was the recipient of the smooth, round pebble.

To Mei’s great delight, someone sent a gift back from west to east, also.

The smooth, melodic language will become a favorite at read alouds in libraries, classrooms and homes. Second grade readers will love the change to dream along with Mei about a place they have never been.

Teachers will love enhancing the core curriculum and literacy skills with mapping, multi-culturalism and history as well as geography of the world with this truly beautifully done story.

  • A Single PebbleTitle: A Single Pebble: A Story of the Silk Road
  • Author/ Illustrator: Bonnie Christensen
  • Publisher: Roaring Brook, 2013.
  • Reviewer: Elizabeth Swartz
  • Format: hardcover
  • ISBN:  978-1-59643-715-9
  • Genre: Historical fiction
  • Grade: Preschool to 2
  • Extras: Bibliographic information, maps, and websites to visit
Posted in 2013, Fiction, History tagged with ,

The Mouse and the Meadow

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Written and Illustrated by Chad Wallace

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Delightful rhyming verse accompanies gorgeous illustrations in this tale of a meadow mouse and his natural friends and enemies. A young mouse explores the meadow for the first time and finds a fascinating world. A spider spins a marvelous web. A honeybee gathers pollen. A caterpillar weaves a cocoon. The sudden appearance of a box turtle’s head startles the little rodent. But it’s the appearance of a snake that really has him frightened. Barely escaping, the mouse is aided first by a weasel then by a mother rabbit. As night falls, the mouse studies a firefly. He discovers new terror in the swooping of a great horned owl. He is saved by another mouse, who shows him where to hide.

As a read aloud, the lilting rhythm will hold children as young as four. For independent reading, second grade readers should be able to tackle the pages. The animal communication rings true. The illustrations are realistic and action-packed.

The last three pages of the book highlight many facts about the meadow animals,  talk about other animal volumes available from the publisher, and give readers an idea of where to get more information. The publisher’s website, www.dawnpub.com, is rich in resources, including teacher guides. The pages also give a sample of reading activities, like hatching a cocoon and growing a miniature meadow.

 

  • Mouse and MeadowTITLE: The Mouse and the Meadow
  • AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Chad Wallace
  • PUBLISHER: Dawn Publications, 2014
  • REVIEWER: Sue Poduska
  • ISBN: 978-1-58469-481-6
  • FORMAT: Hard cover, 32 pages
  • GENRE: Creative Nonfiction, Nature, Animals
  • PUBLICATION DATE: March 2014
Posted in 2014, Animals, Nature, Nonfiction tagged with , ,
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