Review The first in Ted Arnold's Fly Guy series is sure to delight young readers. The story is simple and easy to follow because of the words used, the images support the story and add elements of humor. The book is separated into short chapters chronicling the adventure of Buzz and Fly Guy from first meeting to entering a pet show. The book provides reluctant readers with a fun and entertaining text, without being overwhelming or wordy. Arnold does a wonderful job engaging readers with his fun characters and plot.
Application Hi! Fly Guy is a wonderful way to introduce children to chapter books they can read. School librarians can use these books with reluctant readers to interest them in books. This can be done through book talks. Talking about the book to children can encourage them to read. Librarians can also use the reproducible workshets available through Scholastics for teachers and parents. One of these is a page for children to create their own pet. (Scholastic, 2017b.)
Other Resources Scholastic's Parent's Guide to Fly Guy http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/more-reading-resources/parent-guide-to-fly-guy Scholastic's Teacher's Guide to Fly Guy https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/hi-fly-guy-storia-teaching-guide/ References Generation 5. (2017). Hi! Fly Guy-level 2 (des 8 ans) [Page images]. Retrieved from https://www.generation5.fr/produits/Hi--Fly-Guy---Level-2--1130--22460--ens.php Goodreads.com. (2017). Hi! Fly Guy [Cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/300395.Hi_Fly_Guy FictionDB. (2017). Hi! Fly Guy. Retrieved from https://www.fictiondb.com/author/tedd-arnold~hi-fly-guy~305927~b.htm LibraryTherapy [User name]. (March 18, 2015). Hi! Fly Guy--book trailer [YouTube video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeKqCti8M7w Scholastic. (2017a). Parent's guide to Fly Guy: Get your child buzzing about reading! Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/collection/more-reading-resources/parent-guide-to-fly-guy Scholastic. (2017b). HI Fly Guy teaching guide. Retrieved from https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/lesson-plans/teaching-content/hi-fly-guy-storia-teaching-guide/ Titlewave.com. (2017). Hi! Fly Guy.
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Review Parents and kids alike know who the Berenstain Bears are, this book is another delightful addition to the series. Each page is beautifully illustrated and is accompanied by simple text for early readers. This book is perfect for young readers who want to read an adventure story, or simply enjoy listening to spooky tales. Themes Adventure Bears Easy Reader Series Information Bright & Early Books by the Berenstains
Application This is a perfect book for younger readers around Halloween. Librarians can introduce the book by reading other tales about haunted houses, spooky places, or Halloween. Children can then be encouraged to tell about a time when they went on a “scary” night adventure, perhaps to a cave or a forest. Read-alikes Kohara, K. (2008). Ghosts in the House! Brown, M. (1983). Arthur’s Halloween. Berenstain, S. & J. (1989). The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat.
Berenstain Bears Official Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com/
Other Resources Random House Kids Website for the Berenstain Bears http://www.randomhousekids.com/brand/berenstain-bears/ PBS Kids Berenstain Bears Website http://pbskids.org/berenstainbears/games/index.html References Berenstain, S. and Berenstain, J. (1978). The Berenstain bears and the spooky old tree. Random House Children’s Books. Goodreads.com. (2017). The Berenstain bears and the spooky old tree [Cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/900068.The_Berenstain_Bears_and_the_Spooky_Old_Tree?ac=1&from_search=true ReadToMeDad [User Name]. The Berenstain bears and the spooky old tree [YouTube video]. Retrived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ936HXchCM Titlewave.com. (2017). The Berenstain bears and the spooky old tree.
Themes Family New York Adventure Application Have this book in your collection for reluctant readers or those that get wiggly during story time, and watch them engage with the vivid pictures, grand adventure, and heartwarming plotline that the book provides. Read-alikes
Smith, J. (2009). Little Mouse Gets Ready. Hayes, J. (2009). Benny and Penny in The Big No-No! Davis, E. (2008). Stinky. Book/Author Official Website: http://toon-books.com/book_luke_presspopup.php References [Luke on the Loose Image]. (n.d). Junior Library Guild. Retrieved from https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/images/9781935179009/InteriorArt/9781935179009-lukeonloose1_zoom.jpg Goodreads. (n.d.). Luke on the Loose. [Cover Image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6147085-luke-on-the-loose
Awards Won: Winner of the 2016 Theodor Seuss Geisel Award. Review This book has bright, vibrant and interesting illustrations that provide valuable contextual clues to the reader to help with their understanding of the plot. It is developmentally appropriate for the reading group it aims to reach, and features diverse characters. Additionally, this book is relatable for children and teaches character lessons as well as being a fun and cute story. Themes Perseverance Sports Series Information Mo Jackson Series
Application This is a great book to read along with students as they are becoming more proficient at reading on their own, to help them practice their story comprehension and understanding of the plot. Read-alikes
Fenske, J. (2015). A Pig, a Fox, and a Box. Rylant, C. (2014). Mr. Putter & Tabby Turn the Page. Willems, M. (2014). Waiting is Not Easy! Book/Author Official Website: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314933/dont-throw-it-to-mo-by-david-adler-illustrated-by-sam-ricks/9780448480091/ References Don't Throw It to Mo! by David A. Adler. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/314933/dont-throw-it-to-mo-by-david-adler-illustrated-by-sam-ricks/9780448480091/ [Don't Throw It to Mo Image]. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://a5.mzstatic.com/eu/r30/Purple5/v4/79/01/b4/7901b4ee-ab23-cd11-8fa0-27d0b3cfadb6/screen480x480.jpeg Goodreads. (n.d.). Don't Throw It to Mo! [Cover image]. Retrieved from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23281814-don-t-throw-it-to-mo
Seuss, Dr. Green Eggs and Ham. Random House Books for Young Readers, 1960. 62 pages. HC $.9.99 ISBN 978-0-394-80016-5
Summary “Do you like green eggs and ham?” asks Sam-I-am in this Beginner Book by Dr. Seuss. In a house or with a mouse? In a boat or with a goat? On a train or in a tree? Sam keeps asking persistently. With unmistakable characters and signature rhymes, Dr. Seuss’s beloved favorite has cemented its place as a children’s classic. In this most famous of cumulative tales, the list of places to enjoy green eggs and ham, and friends to enjoy them with, gets longer and longer. Follow Sam-I-am as he insists that this unusual treat is indeed a delectable snack to be savored everywhere and in every way. Age Range: 6-8 years Review This classic Dr. Seuss book is the perfect rhyming story for young readers. Children will be encouraged to try new things as they discover that green eggs and ham are actually quite delicious. Themes Trying New Things, Rhymes, Application Librarians can use this title for a Dr. Seuss party! Serve green colored food, such as green eggs and ham, green juice, and let kids draw pictures on bread with water that has green food coloring. Read-alikes Eastman, P. D. (1961). Go, Dog. Go!. Animated Video Seussville Website: http://www.seussville.com/ References Random House (2017). Green eggs and ham. Retrieved from http://www.seussville.com/books/book_detail.php?isbn=9780394800165 Seuss, Dr. (1960). Green eggs and ham [Book Cover]. Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/11/Green_Eggs_and_Ham.jpg/220px-Green_Eggs_and_Ham.jpg 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/ Review In the first of several books featuring charming badger Frances, Hoban introduces the very human character that has captured the hearts of children for nearly 60 years. Editor Ursula Nordstrom wisely engaged the artistic talents of Garth Williams (Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White) to bring Frances to life as an endearing badger. William’s soft pencil and muted watercolor illustrations capture the intimate coziness of life in the badger home. Hoban constructs an engaging plot using short, simple sentences ideal for emergent readers. Themes
Easy Reader; Bedtime; Courage; Imagination; Animal characters Application Illustrator Garth Williams’s personification of the natural world through endearing critter characters has brought the best in children’s literature to life. Williams created the images of timeless characters Stuart Little, spider Charlotte and her barnyard companions, the little Fur family, and the crew from Little House on the Prairie. Because we associate these characters with their famous authors like Laura Ingalls Wilder and E. B. White, we might not consider them as a body of work linked by their artist. Celebrate Garth Williams with a library program featuring his books. Librarians and patrons can come dressed as their favorite Williams character or children can get their faces painted as Frances, Stuart Little, or Wilbur. Read-alikes: Lobel, Arnold (1970). Frog and Toad Are Friends. Potter, Beatrix. (2007). A Beatrix Potter Treasury: The Original and Authorized Editions. Author Website: http://www.russellhoban.org/ References Bedtime for Frances [cover image]. Retrieved from https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51VkHrIJANL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg Bedtime for Frances [illustration]. Retrieved from https://booksaroundthetable.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/garth-williams-bedtime-for-francis.jpg Bird, E. (May 23, 2012). Top 100 picture books #67: Bedtime for Francis by Russell Hoban illustrated by Garth Williams [bolg post]. Retrieved from http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/05/23/top-100-picture-books-67-bedtime-for-frances-by-russell-hoban-illustrated-by-garth-williams/ - _ Larson, S. (June 3, 2016). Garth Willaims, illustrator of American childhood, The New Yorker. Retrieved from http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/garth-williams-illustrator-of-american-childhood Titlewave. Retrieved from http://titlewave.com Wikipedia. Garth Williams. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garth_Williams
Review Lobel’s timeless stories of friendship, patience, and compassion appeal to children of all ages. The vocabulary and simple sentence structure encourage young readers to read on their own. Watercolor pictures in muted greens and browns support the text and help cue early readers. The plots are brief but interesting, unlike many books in the early reader genre. Children connect to the multi-faceted nature of Frog and Toad’s relationship, which explores trust, anxiety, fear, empathy, humor, and intimacy. Link to an interview with Arnold Lobel
Themes Early Reader; Friendship; Animals; Toads; Frogs; Feelings Application Four years after publishing Frog and Toad Are Friends, the first of the Frog and Toad series, Arnold Lobel came out as gay. In 1987, he died at the age of 54, one of the first victims of the AIDS epidemic. Including his books in a LGBTQ celebration or LGBTQ family story time is a way to honor the contributions of authors and illustrators from this community. June is LGBT Pride month, a perfect opportunity to showcase this literature. Read-alikes: Hoban, Russell. (1960). Bedtime for Frances Erickson. Russell, E. (1976). Warton and Morton. Rylant, Cynthia. (1996). Henry and Mudge: The First Book. References: Common Sense Media. (n.d.). Frog and Toad are friends [book review]. Retrieved March 21, 2017 from https://www.commonsensemedia.org/book-reviews/frog-and-toad-are-friends Frog and Toad Are Friends [cover image]. Retrieved from https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/91/Frog_and_toad_cover.jpg Frog and Toad Are Friends [illustration]. Retrieved from https://68.media.tumblr.com/0163323663a6ced92918ef8b0adafdb7/tumblr_o87pkq45Le1qav5oho1_1280.jpg Rollin, L. An interview with Arnold Lobel [transcript]. Retrieved from http://jonklassen.blogspot.com/2012/11/i-found-pdf-of-old-interview-with-arnol.html Stokes, C. (May 31, 2016). “Frog and Toad”: An amphibious celebration of same-sex love [blog post]. Retrieved from http://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/frog-and-toad-an-amphibious-celebration-of-same-sex-love Titlewave. Retrieved from http://titlewave.com
Review This book makes me laugh. It’s very clever and will make both kids and adults laugh out loud, which is nice since the process of learning to read usually requires both age groups. It’s part of a series, which follows the many short, humorous adventures of these two friends, Elephant and Piggie. Their relationship is a great model for what makes great friendships. From my experience in a children’s library, I know that kids typically want to read every book in the series once they’ve stumbled upon one. There are speech bubbles and font size choices that encourage animated reading, as well, which adds to the dramatic fun for kids. I simply adore this series and think this is one of the strongest in the collection (Flock, 2017). Themes Reading Books Word Fun Humor Series Information ELEPHANT & PIGGIE Series: Book #13 (click here for more titles) Application Here is a document with some tips on how to use some of the books in the Elephant and Piggie series for teaching purposes: http://books.disney.com/content/uploads/2013/10/Elephant-Piggie-TG-%C6%92.pdf Author Official Website: http://www.pigeonpresents.com/index.aspx Read-alikes Bryne, R. (2014). This Book Just Ate my Dog! Novak, B.J. (2014). The Book with no Pictures. Stone, J. (1971). There’s a Monster at the End of This Book. Read-a-Loud by a Child References
Brock, R. (2010). The World of Elephant & Piggie: A Teaching Guide for Mo Willem's Elephant & Piggie Books. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children. Retrieved from: http://books.disney.com/content/uploads/2013/10/Elephant-Piggie-TG-%C6%92.pdf Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Elephant & Piggie Series. (2017). Kids Book Series. Retrieved from: http://www.kidsbookseries.com/elephant-and-piggie/ [Garrison202]. (2013, April 7). We Are in a Book. [Video File]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgnC5V3S-Ig Goodreads: We Are in a Book! [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7846067-we-are-in-a-book Pigeon Presents. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.pigeonpresents.com/index.aspx Titlewave: We Are in a Book! [Bib. Info and some Read-alikes]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com We are in a Book! [Spread Image]. (2017). Pigeon Presents. Retrieved from: http://www.pigeonpresents.com/book-info.aspx?bid=46
Review Part of the reason that I chose this is nostalgia. My mother and I read it together when I was growing up. It also includes a lot repetition (such as the repeated question, "Are you my mother?") and basic vocabulary (such as "dog," "cow," "boat," "plane," etc) that make it a strong choice for an Easy Reader section in a children's library (Flock, 2017). Themes Mothers Family Birds Separation Anxiety Questions & Answers Series Information Beginner Books Series - for more information about this series, click here Read-alikes Martin, B. (2007). Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What do you see? Sendak, M. (2006). Mommy? Kasza, K. (1992). A Mother for Choco. Author Official Website: http://www.pdeastmanbooks.com References Bird, E. (2012). Top 100 Picture Books #45: Are You My Mother?. School Library Journal. Retrieved from: http://blogs.slj.com/afuse8production/2012/05/29/top-100-picture-books-45-are-you-my-mother-by-p-d-eastman/ Flock, A.C. (2017). Review. Goodreads: Are You My Mother [Cover Image]. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/899602.Are_You_My_Mother_ NEA. (2007). Teacher's Top 100 Books for Children. NEA: National Education Association. Retrieved from: http://www.nea.org/grants/teachers-top-100-books-for-children.html NoveList Plus. (2017). Retrieved from: http://lili.org P.D. Eastman Books. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.pdeastmanbooks.com Penguin Random House: Beginner Books(R) Series. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/series/BBK/beginner-booksr?page=1 The Reading Tub: Are You My Mother? [Review]. (2003). Retrieved from: http://www.thereadingtub.com/childrens-book-reviews.php?book=ARE-YOU-MY-MOTHER-by-Philip-D-Eastman Titlewave: Are You My Mother? [Bib. Info]. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.titlewave.com |
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