Marshall, J. Fox on the Job. Penguin Young Readers, 1988. 48 pages. PB $3.99 ISBN 9780140376029 Summary When Fox breaks his bike, his mom tells him to get a job to pay for a new one. He tries working at a shoe store (too much!), an amusement park (too scary!), and even tries delivering pizzas (too fast!). Then he finds a job that’s just his speed – bed testing in a store window! Zzzzzzz! Age Range: 6-8 years Honors: Reading Rainbow Book Selection Series Information Fox
Review When Fox breaks his bicycle, his mother tells him to get a job so that he can buy a new one. Hilarity ensues as Fox tries job after job to find the right fit. Young readers will love Fox's antics and all of the situational humor. Themes Getting a Job, Responsiblity, Humor, Application Librarians can use this book to introduce children to different kinds of jobs. Get some costumes or hats that represent different professions and then kids can try them on and take pictures. Educators can also create an interactive display where kids can write down what they want to be when they grow up which will then be showcased on a bulletin board. Read-alikes Arnold, Tedd. (2005). Hi! Fly Guy. Rylant, Cynthia. (1994). Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea References ClipArtKid. (2016). Every child loves playing dress up from ball gowns to fireman outfits [Photograph]. Retrieved from http://www.clipartkid.com/images/680/every-child-loves-playing-dress-up-from-ball-gowns-to-fireman-outfits-0WzsNo-clipart.jpg Marshall, J. (1988). Fox on the job [Book Cover]. Retrieved from http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388264700l/1049018.jpg Penguin Random House. (2017). Fox on the job. Retrieved from http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/320021/fox-on-the-job-by-james-marshall-illustrated-by-james-marshall/9780140376029/
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Awards Won: Caldecott Medal Winner (2010), ALA Notable Children Book (2010), School Library Top 100 Picture Books #37, Parent’s Choice Gold Award Winner (2009) Review Pinkney’s artful retelling uses no words to convey this classic tale for children of all ages. The few words which are contained are the animal sounds as they carry on their story. This book wonderfully shows that even the smallest can lend a helping hand, and that sometimes the largest most powerful among us needs help. Themes Kindness Animals Helping Others Application The illustrations of the book and absence of words provide ample opportunities for young readers. Kirchoff (2013) in her review notes that “The book lacks any substantial narrative, which allows the young reader to fully engage in the illustrations.” Librarians can ask students to tell the story about lion and mouse using only the illustrations this can engage both early and advanced readers to the story. Companion Books (Little, Brown and Company) Pinkney, J. (2013). The Tortoise & the Hare Pinkney,J. (2015). The Grasshopper & the Ants
Author Official Website: http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/ References Jerry Pinkney Studio. (2017). Children’s books. Retrieved from http://www.jerrypinkneystudio.com/frameset.html Kirchoff, J. (2013, Febuary 13). The lion and the mouse by Jerry Pinkney [Web log comment]. It’s A Good Book. Retrieved March 28, 2017 from http://itsagoodbook.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-lion-and-mouse-by-jerry-pinkney.html Little, Brown and Company. (2017). The lion & the mouse by Jerry Pinkney. Retrieved from http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jerry-pinkney/the-lion-the-mouse/9780316013567/#about Mr. Swider [User name]. (2014. February 4). The lion and the mouse 2 [Video]. Retrived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUDI3MOcVsI Titlewave. (2017). The lion and the mouse. Cover Image Retrieved from http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/jerry-pinkney/the-lion-the-mouse/9780316013567/#downloads
Awards Won: ALA Notable Children’s Book, 1994; Bulletin Blue Ribbon, 1994; Horn Book Fanfare 1995 selection; Parenting Magazine Best Children’s Book of 1994 Review This endearing bedtime story is told mostly through pictures punctuated occasionally by speech bubbles stating the repetitive phrase, “goodnight, Armadillo”, “goodnight, Lion”, and so on. Watercolor and colored pencil illustrations in blues, greens, and purples evoke the nighttime setting while yellows and pinks highlight objects illuminated by light from the flashlight, streetlight, or moon. Children will delight in the Gorilla’s mischief as he leads the animals to the zookeeper’s bedroom and they attempt to spend the night, unbeknownst to the zookeeper and his wife. Silliness ensues as each animal answers the wife with “goodnight”, shown in multiple white speech bubbles against a completely black background. Turn the page and we see only a pair of surprised eyes in the dark. Humor, suspense, and mischief combine to make Goodnight, Gorilla a hit among toddlers and preschool children. The lack of words encourages children to invent the story line and the simple repetitive phrase “goodnight” combined with pictorial cues allows pre-readers to connect written words with plot. Themes
Board Book; Humor; Mischief; Animals; Bedtime Application After reading the book to a preschool class, act out the story using a “Duck Duck Goose” type game. Kids sit in a circle and one child (the Gorilla) walks around the outside “releasing” each child from the circle by saying “Goodnight [name of child]. As they are released, the children tip toe behind the zookeeper until all the animals are released. The last child to be released then leads the others back to their places where they lay down and go to sleep. Read-alikes: Alborough, Jez. (2001). Hug. Brown, Margaret Wise. (1947). Goodnight Moon. Author/ Illustrator Website: http://www.peggyrathmann.com/index.html References: Goodnight Gorilla [cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/content5/media/products/84/9780590535984_mres.jpg Goodnight Gorilla [illustration]. Retrieved from https://neelysnews.files.wordpress.com/2015/11/following.jpg Kropp, L.G. (July 22, 2013). Must-have board books for early childhood collections [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.slj.com/2013/07/standards/early-learning/must-have-board-books-for-early-childhood-collections/#_ Rathman, P. (n.d.). Goodnight Gorilla. Retrieved from http://www.peggyrathmann.com/goodnightgorilla.html Freeman, D. Corduroy. Puffin, 1976. 32 pgs. HC $12.18 ISBN 978-0-7587-2275-1; PB $4.54 ISBN 978-0-14-050173-5. Summary Corduroy is a small bear in a toy department of a large story. He longs for a friend to take him home. Corduroy searches for a button and finds a friend. Age Range: 3-8 years old Awards Won: NEA and SLJ Best 100 Children's Books Review Corduroy shares the story of a small toy and his search for a button. This classic has been loved by many children since the time it was first released. The images complement the text and aid in the telling of the story. Children love this story because they can relate to both Corduroy and the little girl who purchases him. The colorful images provide images for young children to look at and older children will enjoy the story and reading along. Susan Adoc (2016) states that “[t]his simple picture book is best suited for preschoolers and school-age grandchildren from 5 to 9, although older grandchildren may enjoy a nostalgic reading now and then.” Themes Friendship Toys Teddy Bears Determination Perserverance Series Information Courderoy (Select titles)
Librarians can read Corduroy then ask children if they have a special toy. This can lead to a discussion about how they received their toy. Children can be encouraged to write a story about how their favorite toy came to be with them, similar to that of Corduroy.
Read-alikes
Piper, W. (2006). The Little Engine That Could from Goodreads.com. Author Official Website: http://donfreeman.info/ Book Official Website: http://www.corduroybook.com/ References Adox, S. (2016, October 4). Corduroy, a Classic Book for Children. The Spruce. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/corduroy-a-classic-book-for-children-1695542 Goodreads.com [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/231850.Corduroy?ac=1&from_search=true Goodreads.com. (2017). Corduroy Series. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/series/92051 Titlewave.com. (2017). Corduroy. StoryTimeWithMsBecky [User name]. (2017, March 9). Corduroy by Don Freeman | Storytime With Ms. Becky [Video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT5l-mZsjhg
Review The magic of this book is really in its illustrations and the sense of wonder that they create. The story-line itself is rather sparse, but that adds to its charm a bit, too. It could easily be a jumping off point for the further adventures of Beekle and his new friend (Flock, 2017). Themes Friendship, Adventure, Imagination, Imaginary Friends Application Parents and teachers could encourage children to fill-in the adventures that the two characters have. It could also just be a simple lesson about how you have to be brave sometimes to make new friends. Read-alikes Stead, P.C. (2014). Sebastian and the Balloon. Schmid, P. (2014). Oliver and His Egg. Knudsen, M. (2015). Marilyn’s Monster Author Official Website: http://www.dantat.com/ Book Trailer References
Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Goodreads: The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18295821-the-adventures-of-beekle Neary, L. (2015, February 2). 'Adventures of Beekle' Wins Caldecott; Newbery Goes to 'The Crossover' [Spread Image]. NPR. Retrieved from: http://www.npr.org/2015/02/02/383316163/adventures-of-beekle-wins-caldecott-newbery-goes-to-the-crossover NoveList Plus. (2017). Retrieved from: http://lili.org Santat, Dan. (2014, March 4). BEEKLE. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://youtu.be/6iLWe7kS-5I Titlewave: The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend. [Bib. Info]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com Komiya, Teruyuki & Earhart, Kristin. Life-Size Zoo: From Tiny Rodents to Gigantic Elephants, An Actual Animal Encyclopedia. Photographs by Toyofumi Fukada. Seven Footer Press, 2009. 43 pages. HC $17.95 ISBN 9781934734209 Summary An elephant's trunk is so nimble, it can pick up a single blade of grass, and yet so strong, it can knock over a tree. Giraffes have eyelashes. Sloths hang from trees for days at a time without going to the bathroom. These are just some of the insights featured in Life-Size Zoo. Acclaimed wildlife photographer Toyofumi Fukuda visited Japan's premier zoos to capture remarkably vivid and detailed close-up photographs of 21 animals, from pandas and meerkats to giraffes, rhinos, and elephants (adult and baby). Each photograph is accompanied by a profile including body length, weight, and natural habitat, as well as fun facts about the animal. Age Range: 4-8 years Awards Won: Parents' Choice Gold Award (2009) Review Life-Size is a fantastic book that let's children see just how big their favorite animals actually are. This animal encyclopedia has stunning photographs of everything from bats and koalas, to elephants and aardvarks. In addition to the pictures, each page is accompanied by animal facts to help children learn more about the creatures they see at the zoo. Themes Animals, Science, Zoos Application This is the perfect informational book to bring out during an animal-themed storytime. Children can point out their favorite animals, practice animal noises, and even guess how big they think different animals will be before the life-size image is revealed to them. Read-alikes Gilpin, Daniel. (2005). Life-Size Sharks and Other Underwater Creatures. Jolivet, Joelle & Grundmann, Emmanuelle. (2003). Zoology. References Amazon. (2017). Life-size zoo: From tiny rodents to gigantic elephants, an actual animal encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.amazon.com/Life-Size-Zoo-Elephants-Actual-Size-Encyclopedia/dp/1934734209 Fukada, T. (n.d.) Life-size zoo: From tiny rodents to gigantic elephants, an actual animal encyclopedia [Book Cover]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51u-04HNT5L._SY344_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg
Steig, W. Doctor De Soto. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1982. 32 pages. PB $6.50 ISBN 9780312611897
Summary: "Doctor De Soto, the dentist, did very good work." With the aid of his able assistant, Mrs. De Soto, he copes with the toothaches of animals large and small. His expertise is so great that his fortunate patients never feel any pain. Since he's a mouse, Doctor De Soto refuses to treat "dangerous" animals -- that is, animals who have a taste for mice. But one day a fox shows up and begs for relief from the tooth that's killing him. How can the kindhearted De Sotos turn him away? But how can they make sure that the fox doesn't give in to his baser instincts once his tooth is fixed? Those clever De Sotos will find a way. Age Range: 4-8 years Awards Won: National Book Award for Children's Picture Books (1983), Newberry Honor (1983), Zilveren Penseel (1984), Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Honor for Picture Book (1983). Review This adventurous and even a bit suspenseful fable of an intelligent and kind mouse dentist outfoxing a fox is sure to entertain the young and old alike. A great introduction to the predator/prey relationships in the animal kingdom as well as the difficulty of reconciling kindness with self preservation. Themes Problem Solving, Creative Thinking, Kindness, Teamwork, Going to the Dentist Application Educators can use Doctor De Soto as a chance to talk about predator/prey relationships in the animal world. What does it mean for an animal to be a predator or a prey? What were the De Sotos? How about the fox? This book can also be used to talk about kindness and ingenuity. Children can be asked about what they would have done if they were the De Sotos, and if they can think of any other clever ideas for how Doctor De Soto might have outfoxed the fox. Read-alikes Yolen, Jane. (1992). Piggins. Duke, Kate. (1992). Aunt Isabel Tells a Good One. Animated Video Other Resources Discussion Guide: http://www.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=32413 References Goodreads. (2017). Doctor de soto. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/817316.Doctor_De_Soto Scholastic. (2017). Doctor de soto. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/books/doctor-de-soto-by-william-steig/ Steig, W. (1982). Doctor de soto [Book Cover]. Retrieved from http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1312018676l/817316.jpg Churchill, V. Sometimes I Like to Curl Up in a Ball. Illustrated by Charles Fuge. Sterling, 2001. 24 pages. BB $2.65. ISBN 978-1402708701. Summary Sometimes I like to curl up in a ball So no one can see me because I'm so small. Little wombat spends a day doing favorite things--what could they be? Are they your favorites, too? Let's look and see! He especially enjoys walking around and around, and doing a pigeon step till he falls down. Or sticking out his pink tongue--and pulling funny faces (now that can be fun)! And maybe he'll jump just as high as he can, and see how much noise he will make when he lands. But when the day ends and the sun starts to fall...he goes back home to mama and curls into a ball. Good night! Age Range: 2-5 years Review This whimsical nature-filled board book is a great pick for young readers. Fuge's bright illustrations are sure to elicit giggles of amusement and delight, and Churchill's text is just the right mix of sweet and silly. The perfect bedtime story for active toddlers! Themes Animals, Family Love, Nature, Bedtime Application If Librarians use this title for storytime, they can ask young listeners to follow along and act like little wombat, rolling into a ball, being a tree, pigeon stepping till they fall down, and best of all making super silly faces! Read-alikes Alborough, Jez. (2001). Hug. McBratney, Sam. (1994). Guess How Much I Love You. References Goodreads. (2017). Sometimes I like to curl up in a ball. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/116661.Sometimes_I_Like_to_Curl_Up_in_a_Ball Fuge, C. (2001). Sometimes I like to curl up in a ball [Book Cover]. Retrieved from http://thaolam.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Sometimes-I-Like-to-Curl-up-in-a-Ball_01.jpg Fuge, C. (2001). Sometimes i like to curl up in a ball [Illustration]. Retrieved from http://www.beyondthecarseat.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/woamb.jpg
Age Range: 5-8 years old Review This hands-on informational book is a great way to engage kids from all backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, and math. The activities are accessible and well instructed, and most of all, they are fun! Themes STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). Application You can build an entire library program series around this book and it’s activities - just be encouraging and positive in building and learning together with the kids as you go. Read-alikes (Picture Books) Beaty, A. (2007). Iggy Peck, Architect. Beaty, A. (2013). Rosie Revere, Engineer. Beaty, A. (2016). Ada Twist, Scientist. Book/Author Official Website: http://www.abramsbooks.com/product/rosie-reveres-big-project-book-for-bold-engineers_9781419719103/
Review Brush up on your geography skills with this fun and engaging book on the United States of America and the states that make it up. Vibrant, bright illustrations and tons of relevant facts will keep a child’s interest and teach them more about the U.S.A. Themes Geography U.S.A. Facts History Series Information 50 States series
Application This is a great book for any librarian’s or teacher’s collection. Read with a child and let them explore different parts of the book at random, or focus on places the child has been or has lived, to allow for that extra real life application of the knowledge. Read-Alikes
National Geographic Society (2012). National Geographic Kids United States Atlas. Dorling Kindersley Publishing Staff. (2015). When On Earth? D.K. Publishing. (2015). Picturepedia. References Balkan, G. (n.d.). The 50 States: Explore the U.S.A. with 50 Fact-Filled Maps! Retrieved from http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-50-states-gabrielle-balkan/1124034319 The 50 States. (n.d.) [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51i6cYuVqRL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg The 50 States. (2015). [Image]. Retrieved from https://www.thechildrensbookreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/50-States_Colorado.jpg |
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