The Man Who Never Lied

 












(No Official Cover)



Summary:

The Man Who Never Lied is about a man who was known for never telling a lie. The king wanted to make a liar of him and tried to trick him into saying something that wasn't going to happen. The man was wise and only spoke what he knew and did not lie as the king intended.

Genre Evaluation:

This book is an African folktale. It tells a story with a moral behind what happens.

Classroom Activities:

1. Have the students to think of a weird topic in question form.(Why can't ostriches fly?)Then allow them to write a story about something that happened that made them that way to create their own folktale.

2. The teacher can tell the students different things about different topics and let them decide if what the teacher said is true or false.

Read & Response Questions:

1. Why did the king want the man to lie?

2. How did the man keep from lying?

Personal Comments:

I think this story is awesome. It teaches the students that they should never go off what others say but what they do. It has so many underlying stories within it, and I love all of them. I would recommend this short story to any teacher or person!!!

About the Author:

Like most folktales there is no known author. It is sad because a story this good she have someone to give thanks to for it.

References:

World of Tales. (2008-2013). Retrieved from            http://www.worldoftales.com/African_folktales/Nigerian_folktale_4.html

Every Thing On It

Summary:

Every Thing On It by Shel Silverstein is a collection of poems for children. The book is written about a variety of topics and illustrated in only a way Shel Silverstein can do it.

Genre Evaluation:

Poetry is the category that this book falls under. It is a collection of writing with no specific purpose or style.

Classroom Activities:

1. Have the students to write their own poem.

2. Have the students to read a poem from the book and draw a picture that they feel would illustrate what the poem is talking about.

Read & Response:

1.What are some topics that the author wrote about?

2.Why do you think the author used poetry to tell these stories?

Personal Comments:

I think that this book has some awesome children's poems in it. I was not impressed with a few but overall I liked the book. I have already read several as part of a bedtime story and I know I will be reading more.

About the Author:
 


Shel Silverstein was born on September 25, 1930, in Chicago. Silverstein studied music and established himself as a musician and composer, writing songs including “A Boy Named Sue,” popularized by Johnny Cash, and Loretta Lynn’s “One’s on the Way.” Silverstein also wrote children’s literature, including The Giving Tree and the poetry collection A Light in the Attic. He died in 1999.

References:

Shel Silverstein. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.shelsilverstein.com/about/

Who Was Martin Luther King, Jr.?

Summary:

Was Martin Luther King, Jr.? by Bonnie Bader is a very simplified story of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. It tells the struggles that he had to endure and the accomplishments that came from those struggles.

Genre Evaluation:

This book is in the category of biography. It tells the story of a real person and real events. This book is factual and can be proven to be such.

Classroom Activities:

1. Have the students make a list of some of the things that they feel like is worth fighting for to change. find 5 of the most popular changes and let the students decide which is most important. This would make a great project to demonstrate democracy and voting.

2. For lower levels: Have the kids to color a picture of Martin Luther King, Jr. and explain what he did.

Read & Response:

1. What was the movement that Martin Luther King, Jr. was fighting for?

2. What are some causes worth fighting for to you?

Personal Comments:

I loved this book and all that it stood for. I got so much out of the cover. I was offended at first by the large head but when you think about it, his vision was much bigger then him. I think this is a great book to teach from and to educate your children as well.

About the Author:







Bonnie Bader is the Editor-in-Chief of Grosset and Dunlap and Price Stern Sloan, two imprints of the Penguin Young Readers Group. She oversees a group of eight editors who actively acquire a wide range of books from series to readers to novelty to licensed properties. Some of the bestselling series published by Grosset include Camp Confidential, Hank Zipzer, and Katie Kazoo.

References:

SCBWI. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/Bonnie-Bader

Animals on the Move

Summary:

Animals on the Move by Christian Lopetz is a simple, fun look at animals and how they move. The photos and animations are perfect for demonstrating movement concepts to young readers.

Genre Evaluation:

This book is in the category of non-fiction. The information in this book is true and is simplified for young readers to understand it. It can also be classified as a picture book because the pictures help tell the story.

Classroom Activities:

1. Have the students to demonstrate how the animal moves. This will promote exercise among the students for health.

2. Have students to draw their favorite animal from the book. Since this book is very low level the activities that correspond with it are also on the same level.

Read & Response Questions:

1. What is your favorite animal from the book?

2. Why do you think they move like they do?

Personal Comments:

I think this book is very low level but age appropriate for preschoolers up to first grade. I think that the pictures will be more exciting then the actual text. This is my least favorite book that I read, but one of the most important for children.

About the Author:

No information found about the author, but they have written numerous non-fiction books.

References:

Big Universe Learning. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.biguniverse.com/readkidsbooks/2429/animals-on-the-move

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble

Summary:

The Journey of the Noble Gnarble by Daniel Errico tells the tale of a little Gnarble who dreams one day of swimming to the surface to see the sun. His journey proves hard when he bumps into many creatures that say he can't reach the top and fish who want to have a snack.

Genre Evaluation:

This book is in the genre of picture books. It has beautifully illustrated pictures that tells the story even without the words. It satisfies all the makings  of a good picture book.

Classroom Activities:

1. Students can write a story about an adventure that they have went on.

2. Teacher can set up an obstacle course for the students to teach them not to give up even when things are hard. By completing it, they will gain the satisfaction of knowing that hard work pays off.

Read & Response:

1. Why do you think that the animals said that he could not make it? What are some of the reasons people say that you can't do certain things?

2. Why do you think that he was so determined to see the sun?

Personal Comments:

I think that this book was adorable. I allowed my 4 year old son to pick it for me at the library and he was fascinated with the pictures. A good read for any preschooler to 2nd grader.

About the Author:


Daniel Errico is a multimedia children’s author, who focuses on traditional storytelling.  His works are published through various sites, collections, mobile apps, and best-selling ebooks as part of several multimedia collaborations for children’s literature. Daniel is an avid supporter of access to literature for all children regardless of their economic situations.  As such, he is the creator of FreeChildrenStories.com, a site created to tell stories to children around the globe who may not be able to afford traditional books.


References:

Errico, D. (2010). Free Children Stories. Retrieved from http://www.freechildrenstories.com/

The Kings Magic Drum

(No official cover)

Summary:

The Kings Magic Drum is story about a king with a magic drum that everyone wanted. A tortoise concocted a scheme to get it, but he didn't realize its power. He returned it to the king and was given something to sustain him and his family with food. His son broke the rules and broke the ju ju and all tortoises have been cursed to live in a certain place since.

Genre Evaluation

This book would be classified as a folklore. It is an old African tale that explains why tortoises live under a certain tree. This has all the makings of a great folktale that gives light to a certain question.

Classroom Activities:

1. Students can create a drum. Using art material the students can make a replica of the magical drum.

Read & Response Questions

1. Why do you think that the tortoise wanted the kings drum?

2. What was the purpose of the king giving the tortoise the foo foo tree?

Personal comments:

This is one of the first children's folktales that I have read before and I loved it. Not only was it an African folktale, but it had a quality about it that really sat well with me. This story teaches children not to desire others things, because no one knows what it takes to have them. I will definitely be teaching my children with this.

About the Author:

As common with folktales this one has no known author but it has been revised and rewritten into similar works by several authors.

References:

World of Tales. (2008-2013). Retrieved from            http://www.worldoftales.com/African_folktales/Nigerian_folktale_4.html

Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess

Summary:

This book is called Castle Diary: The Journal of Tobias Burgess by Richard Platt. This is the medieval journal of Tobias Burgess, a ten year old boy, who was sent to his uncle's castle for a year to learn to be a page. Toby keeps a detailed journal of everything that happens there - from such great events as a boar hunt and a tournament to more everyday activities like baking bread and cleaning out the garderobes (toilets). 

Genre Evaluation

This book would be classified as a historical fiction book. It has an imaginary character that does not exist, but it contains a wealth of information about the Middle Ages and has been peer reviewed as being accurate information.

Classroom Activities

1.Vocabulary- This book is an awesome opportunity to explore the vocabulary of the Middle Ages that was used. The book has a glossary that would aid the teacher in making up a matching game with the word from the Middle Ages to the words used now.

2. Art & Crft- Build or draw a castle. Use the detailed description from the book to create or draw your own castle. Make it with walls and equip it with catapults for good measure. Then they can hang or display them in the class for everyone to enjoy.

Read & Response:

1. What would you do if you lived in a castle?

2. How would you feel if you had to do all the things that Toby did?

Personal Comments:

I didn't think that I would enjoy this book because it was a historical book about the Middle Ages, but I was surprised at how the author reeled you in with the knowledge that it held. I will definitely use this book with my kids when they begin to study about this era in history.

About the Author:
 
Richard Platt writes on a wide variety of subjects.  He has written a lot about the sea, about science and technology, and about history – mainly social and medieval history. Espionage, crime and forensic science are special interests.

References:

Richard Platt. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.richardplatt.co.uk/aboutme.html

Magic Dogs of the Volcanoes

Summary:


This book is called 'Magic Dogs of the Volcanoes' by Manlio Argueta. In this book, the magic dogs that protect the Salvadorian villagers are pursued by wicked soldiers. They have to fight to keep them safe, but they receive  help from two ancient volcanoes and triumph.

Genre Evaluation:

This book is would be classified in the genre of Fantasy. This is supported by the fact that magical dogs don't exist and volcanoes are not able to communicate. This book can also be classified as multicultural because it talks of the culture and beliefs of the people of Salvador. Accuracy of the information is in question, but it tells the young readers a general idea of what their beliefs are.

Classroom Activities:

1. Create a picture of the magical dogs. Teachers can use this as an art project. By using cardstock paper, print out an image of a dog head. Allow the students to use art materials to create wha tthey believe the magical dogs to look like. This activity will allow them to use their creativity.

2. This book is written in two languages: Spanish and English. In the English version, there are several Spanish words in the text with a glossary in the back. The teacher can use this as a vocabulary lesson. This would teach the children about a different language as well as enhance their vocabulary.
I think that this activity would support SLU's Core Value of Respect because it teaches the students to respect the different languages of their peers in a multicultural setting.

Read & Response Questions:

1. If you lived in a village, what animal would you choose to guard it? Why?

2. What do you think  are some of the powers that a guardian animal should have?


Personal Comments:

I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me away from reality to a place where animals could become our guardians and work with nature to protect us. I have already read this book to my children and would recommend it to any teacher for her class.

About the Author:

Manlio Argueta is one of El Salvador's greatest living authors. This is his first book for children. In 1977 he received Latin America's most prestigious literary award, the Casa de las Americas Prize, for Caperucita en la Zona Roja. (No photos found)

References:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA:         Wadsworths, Inc.

International Children's Digital Library. (2013). Retrieved from http://en.childrenslibrary.org/help/contact.shtml

 

My Penguin Osbert in Love

 

Summary:

My Penguin Osbert in Love by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel is about Osbert the penguin escaping from the zoo, and he and his friends want to travel to Antarctica for once-in-a-century spectacle: the southern lights. Joe has a helicopter, for everyone knows that penguins can't fly. When they land at the South Pole and pile out to watch the skies,  Osbert is more interested someone else.

 Genre Evaluation:

 This book is a picture book that tells the story through its pictures. The illustrator does a great job of portraying what the author is saying through the art.

Classroom Activities:

1. Do an art project with a heart. Allow the students to draw what they think that the southern lights would look like onto the heart.

 

2. Create a seek and find with keywords from the book.

Read & Response Questions:

1. If you had a helicopter, where would you fly to? Why?

2. Why was it so important for Osbert to get to the South Pole?

Personal Comments:

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was ironic that a young boy had a helicopter and knew how to fly it all the way to the south pole. It was a cute and entertaining story that  I would recommend to anyone.

About the Author:

Elizabeth Kimmel Willard, the pen name for Elizabeth Cody Kimmel, is a lifetime Little House enthusiast. She is the author of many books for children, including the Lily B. series. She lives in Cold Spring, New York, with her husband and their daughter. (No photo found)

 References:

 

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworths, Inc.

Kimmel, E.C. (2009). My penguin Osbert in love. Somerville, Massachusettes: Candlewick Press.

 

 



Lauren's Moving Day

Summary:

This book is called 'Lauren's Moving Day' by Sarah, Duchess of York. This story is about a little girl that is moving to a new neighborhood. She is feeling the anxieties of moving and is trying to deal with them. Lauren quickly realizes that moving is not as bad as she first thought.

Genre Evaluation:

This book would be classified as Contemporary Realistic Fiction. This story is written in a contemporary setting and is based on things that can and do happen everyday. This book was written to help children get over their anxieties of moving by educating the adults at the end of the story.

Classroom Activities:

1.Teacher's can make list of things that children generally have in their rooms. Allow the children to find at least one person in the class who has this item. You can only use a name once for any item. Make the number close to the amount of students in the class to make it more difficult.

2. Read this story to the class and then use moving as a topic for a writing prompt. Once they have completed the writing, let them share them with their classmates.

Read & Response Questions:

1. What are some of the things that you would take with you if you moved? Why?

2. What are some of the things that you would leave behind? Why? 

Personal Comments:

I think that this I a very resourceful book. For a child that is moving for the first time, they can better understand how they are feeling and that it is normal. I think that the Duchess of York was on to something.

About the Author:


Sarah, Duchess of York is the former wife of Prince Andrew.
She has taken up writing children stories along with some adult books. She has two daughters that inspire her writing.









References:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworths, Inc.

 

 



The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

Summary:

 

The book I read was called 'The Magic  School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole.

This book is part of a series of books about a magic school bus that takes students on magical journeys to different places. On this particular journey, they venture into space where they learn about different things in the solar system. Ms. Frizzle makes learning fun for her students by putting them on the scene of what they are learning about.

 

Genre Evaluation:

 

This book will definitely be classified as fantasy. They go on an adventure in space on  a school bus. I was shocked to read a disclaimer in the back of the book to not try this at home. This book covers all aspects of a good children's fantasy book.

 

Classroom Activities:

 

1. Students can do a vocabulary game that defines different parts of the solar system. The teacher can give the students a list of words, and have them to match them to the definitions that they read aloud. The teacher can mix things up by saying the word and having the students to give the definition.

 

2. The teacher can break the students up into groups and assign each group a place in the solar system. Each group will be responsible for researching information about their pace. Once they have gathered all the information, they will put the information together for a short presentation. 

 

Read & Respond Questions:

 

1. Where are some of the places you would like to go if you had a magic school bus to take you?

 

2.What are some of the things that you could explore that you would never have been able to except with the help of the bus?

 

About the Author:

 

 

 

Joanna Cole loved science as a child. Ms. Cole has worked as an elementary school teacher, a librarian, and a children's book editor. Combining her knowledge of children's literature with her love of science, she decided to write children's books. Her first book was Cockroaches, which she wrote because there had never been a book written about the insect before. Since then she has written more than 90 nonfiction and fiction books for children.

 

Personal Comments:

 

I truly love this series of books. I love the way the author makes you feel that you are truly there. The facts that are mixed up in the fantasy makes it real easy t follow and learn. Ms. Frizzle is a character that jumps out at you and holds your attention to the end. 

 

References:

 

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworths, Inc.

 

The Magic School Bus. (2013). Retrieved from  http://www.scholastic.com/magicschoolbus/books/cole.htm

Sarah's Passover

 

Summary:

The book I read is about how a young girl celebrates her favorite holiday Passover. While she prepares to celebrate this important holiday, Sarah also learns about why they celebrate Passover and her Jewish heritage.

Genre Evaluation:

This book could be classified as a Contemporary Realistic Fiction. The scenario in this book could happen in any Jewish home and is set in a contemporary setting. It is a multicultural book also because it shows the readers a side of her culture which may not be their own

Classroom Activities:

There are many activities that can be done from information in this book.

1. One activity that can be done is a vocabulary game. This book has a list of Jewish words associated to the holiday that can be used in a matching game to pair up the Jewish word with the English word.
2. Another Activity that can be done is actually inside the book. Students can create their own Passover pillow to sit on. This activity would allow students to make a keepsake that would remind them of the holiday.

This activity aligns with SLU Core Value of Respect because in creating the pillow, each student has to bring their own ideas to the table. They have to respect the other students creations as well as their own.

Read & Response Questions:

1. What is a holiday that you celebrate that is similar to the Jewish Passover? and how do you celebrate it?

2.What special traditions are tied to a holiday that you celebrate that requires you to do something different from your everyday routine?

About the Author:




















Lisa Bullard is the award-winning author of more than seventy books for children, including the middle grade mystery Turn Left at the Cow. Her books have won several honors, including a Children’s Choice Award, and she has taught writing classes for adults and young people at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis


and other places for over 10 years.

Comments:

I think that this was a very interesting and cute book. It tells the story of a little girl on her favorite holiday, while adding in details of her culture. This book also aligns to SLU core value of respect and it teaches students to respect each other even if your beliefs are different.

References:

Galda, L., Cullinan, B. E., & Sipe, L. R. (2010). Literature and the child (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworths, Inc.

 
Goodreads. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/296436.Lisa_Bullard