Current Essential Literature for the Classroom

Current Essential Literature for the Classroom

Stories: Family-Human-Humorous

Applegate, Katherine. The Buffalo Storm. Clarion Books. 2007. ISBN 9780618535972.

When Hallie and her parents join a wagon train to Oregon and leave her grandmother behind, Hallie must learn to face the storms that frighten her so, as well as other, newer fears, with just her grandmother’s quilt to comfort her. The language is so well chosen and the water color illustrations powerfully support the images the language presents. This would be an outstanding addition to a Westward movement unit of story. Grades 5-8.

Bean, Jonathan. At Night. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007. ISBN 9780374304461.

This is a small, delightful with lovely, spare language that draws along with this young girl to the rooftop of her city home toward the sky and world … all on the night that she could not sleep. Primary

Best, Cari. What’s So Bad About Being an Only Child? Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007. ISBN 9780374399436.

Rosemary Emma Angela Lynette Isabel Iris Malone grows tired of being an only child, but eventually finds a way to feel less alone. The only-children in your classrooms will be delighted to know that there is a book out there that understands their life. Primary

Blake, Robert. Swift. Philomel Books, 2007. ISBN 9780399233838.

Once again Blake gives us an outstanding dog book. His Akiak andTogo books won notable awards. Johnnie is finally come of age and qualified to go huntin’ with his father, ready to brave the blustery Alaskan element in order to hunt for their winter’s food. Of course, Swift, their “knowledgeable” family dog will accompany them. The adventure, bravery, and “keeping one’s wit” are greatly needed as disaster hits their hunt in the form of a grizzly. 3-5.

Brown, Peter. The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder. Little, Brown, and Co., 2007. ISBN 9780319011792.

Come one, come all who have not only fallen in love with Brown’s Chowder, but just plain dog lovers! After Chowder sees a commercial for “Twisty’s Acrobatic Fanatic Camp”, he convinces the camp to take him, even though they DO NOT allow dogs and so ends up at the Fabu Pooch Boot Camp. Poor Chowder, every time he attempts to make himself more fabulous, the more everything falls flat, UNTIL her discovers the TRAMPOLINE. Lots of sun formatting with language! K-3.

Catalanotto, Peter. Ivan the Terrier. Antheneum Books, 2007. ISBN 9781416912477.

One of my all time favorite illustrators that weaves his gorgeous illustrations with powerful stories of others, has again (makes 10) written and illustrated his own book. This time his humorous side and more cartoon-like illustrations tickle our imaginations. Ivan keeps interrupting the author’s attempt to tell us a story. What a great read along for primary students.

Keller, Laurie. Do Unto Otters, a Book about Manners. Henry Holt & Co., 2007. ISBN 9780805079968.

The play on language saves this book from being a didactic presentation of character traits such as cooperation, friendly, honesty, considerate, etc. AND … Didactic texts never, never belong in our excellent libraries! (sorry, I couldn’t help myself) Grades: 1-3.

Kirk, Daniel. Library Mouse. Harry N. Abrams, 2007. ISBN 9780810993464.

Sam, a shy but creative mouse who lives in a library, decides to write and illustrate his own stories which he places on the shelves with the other library books, but when children find the tales, they all want to meet the author. Great application to beginning literacy, budding authors, and just a great read! Primary.

Klise, Kate. Imagine Harry. Harcourt Brace, 2007. ISBN 9780152057046.

After Little Rabbit starts school, he see less and less of his invisible friend, Harry, and finally tells his mother that Harry moved away. Count on this to be a great story for opening discussions on imaginary friends.

Manos, Helen. Samsara Dog. Kane/Miller, 2007 (Australia). ISBN 9781933695517.

Julie Viva’s watercolor illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to this Buddhist story. The idea for the book a rose because Manos “wanted to write a book for children that gave the idea of reincarnation in as natural a way as possible.” Her story is based on Buddhist conceps of Samsara and Nirvana. She chose DOG as her main character because “most children have experienced some emotional connection with a dog or a pet.” For we are all travelers on the wheel of life. We halt, we pause and take new births. ..Adapted from the 8th-century writings of Shantideva. All ages.

Prap, Lila. Daddies. NorthSouth Books, 2007. ISBN 9780735821408.

Simple rhymes, delightful illustrations, and a collection of daddires, from rhinos to monkeys, romp through this gook. This would be a great book to discuss fathers and sons. Primary

Rosen, Michael. Bear’s Day Out. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2007. ISBN 9781599900070.

When Bear decides o visit the city, he becomes overwhelmed with all the noise, but luckily some helpful children guide him on his way home again. Once again Rosen’s rhythmic text makeS this a perfect read-aloud book for story time. Grades: K-2.

Whelan, Gloria (illustrator: Peter Sylvada). Yatandou. Sleeping Bear Press, 2007. ISBN 9781585362115.

This is a new title for the collection, Tales of the World; Yatandou ‘s story takes place in Mali, Africa, in which a young eight year-old girl shares her dream of a better future for herself and her village. Evocative paintings capture the landscape and spirit of this inspiring story of sacrifice and hope. “All the words I said to Domion used to disappear with the saying. Now I can write a word down and give it to her. She can write a word down and give it to me. How strange it is to see that our words have a face!” Grades: 3-8.

Language Play

Ahlberg, Allan. Previously. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN 9780763635428.

This is a delightful story structure that will most assuredly stimulate young writers to create their own “previously” tale from well known fairy tales and nursery rhymes. Example: In backward sequence, Goldilocks is interrelated with Jack and the beanstalk, Jack and Jill, the frog prince, Cinderella, and the gingerbread man. Grades 1-6.

Agee, Jon. Nothing. Hyperion Books for Children, 2007. ISBN 9780786836949.

Definitely a wonderful circle structure theme; Suzie Gump, the riches woman in town, begins a buying spree of “nothing.” Soon the town is caught up in the need to keep up with Suzie. Humorous with potential theme of fickle trends. Grades 1-4.

Bachelet, Gilles. When the Silliest Cat was Small. Abrams Books, 2007. ISBN 9780810994157,.

Unaware that his pet cat is actually an elephant, the author describes how he selected his “kitten” and recounts their first days together at home. This is the sequel to My Cat, the Silliest Cat in the World. Once again Bachelet’s witty and fun illustrations will keep readers amused. Primary Grades, but could also be an author’s starter for writing about an unusual “pet.”

Bergman, Mara. Oliver Who Would Not Sleep! Arthur A. Levine Books, 2007. ISBN 9780439928267.

A great read aloud, read along, and then read alone text is full of rhythm and rhyme. Maland’s illustrations are quirky and delightful. Primary

Cronin, Doreen. Diary of a Fly. Joanna Cotler Books, 2007. ISBN 97800060001575.

So now you have a third diary to add to your “diary unit of study” from Cronin and Bliss. Just as good as the diaries of worm and spider and as valuable as a writing prompt. Grades: certainly primary, but bet the intermediate writers will love this too!

Durant, Allan. Dear Mermaids. Candlewick Press, 2007. ISBN 9780763634421.

This book could certainly be added to your “letter” unit along with many others that you collected over the years. Cabban’s shimmering collage illustrations go well with the mermaid subject. The interactive formatting of this book will mean that this is an intimate reading experience. Girls, Grades 2-3.

Knock, Knock! Dial Books for Young Readers, 2007. ISBN 9780803731523.

“Fourteen of the MOST brilliant and hilarious artists” take knock-knock jokes and make them their own! Fun and delightful to our love of WORD PLAY and love of enjoying these artist’s unique craft. Ageless.

Park, Linda Sue. TAP Dancing on the ROOF: sijo (poems). Clarion Books, 2007. ISBN 9780618234837.

Sijo is a type of poem that originated in Korea. A sijo has a fixed number of stressed syllables, usually divided into three or six lines. It is kind of like haiku, but a sijo always has a surprise, an unexpected twist or joke, at the end. Enjoy the fun and add this to your poetry library. Ageless.

Non Fiction

Artists to Artists. Philomel Books. 2007 ISBN 9780399246005.

All profits from the sale of this book will benefit the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. This collection of 23 major illustrators of children’s book art is an absolute MUST for all teachers and librarians. Each author’s authenticity of voice will speak directly to young artists in our schools. One page “talk” from the artist is beautifully supported by the fold out page s featuring photographs of their early work, their studies and materials, as well as sketches and finished art. A great buy for $30! Ageless

Aston, Dianna and Sylvia Long. An Egg Is Quiet. Chronicle Books, 2006. ISBN 978o811844284.

This evocative text is sure to inspire lively questions and observations. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to more than 60 types of eggs and an interesting array of egg facts. Look for the others in this series where the best of language melds with outstanding accurate illustrations of science topics. Grades 2-5.

Broach, Elise. When Dinosaurs Came with Everything. Atheneum Books, 2007. ISBN 978-689869228.

What a great team: Broach’s imagination and David Small’s illustrations. AND what a great addition to your dinosaur unit of study where mixing this humorous story of free dinosaurs with purchases at all the stores on the same day with the invitation to revisit the nonfiction knowledge of dinosaurs. Fun, fun, fun. Primary grades.

Carter, David. Woof, Woof; Whoo? Whoo?. Simon and Schuster, 2007. ISBN 9781416938163.

David Carter awakens our artistic sensibilities, looking for patterns, and just plain exercising our right brain! Cut outs lead the “reader” to rearrange these shapes to form familiar animals. Please, also dig into his pop-up books: One Red Dot; Blue 2; 600 Black Spots (2007). All ages.

Chapman, Todd and Lita Judge. D is for Dinosaur, a Prehistoric Alphabet. Sleeping Bear Press, 2007. ISBN 9781585362424.

The prehistoric world is presented from A to Z and includes information and current theories paired with illustrations of each topic. A poem introduces each topic and is accompanied by detailed text for further reading. This will be an outstanding addition to the dinosaur unit study. Go for it first graders … and maybe 2nd, 3rd, and …. graders, etc.!

Carson, Mary Kay. EMI and the Rhino Scientist. Houghton Mifflin, 2007. ISBN 9780618646395.

This is another Scientist in the Field book. The information and photography is simply outstanding! Intermediate grades-middle school.

Gravett. Emily. Meerkat Mail. Simon & Schuster, 2007. ISBN 9781416934738.

This is one of those books that meld beautifully the nonfiction information with another theme: writing postcards. Even the correct terminology for meerkat’s groupings is included: mob. Grades: 2-5.

Jenkins, Steve. Living Color. Houghton Mifflin, 2007. ISBN 9780618708970.

Wow…. Terrific nonfiction answer to these questions: Why can animals be found in so many amazingly color? Why are they found in so many HUES? How do their brilliant feathers, scales, shells, and skin help them survive? The animals are grouped by their colors and hues as you read to discover how animals use color to warn predators, signal friends, attract a mate, or hide from their enemies. Grades: 2-6.

Lane, Kimberly. Come Look with Me: Latin American Art. Charlesbridge, 2007. ISBN 9781890674205.

This is the latest addition to the collective series entitled, Come Look with Me, which includes art from such cultures/topics as: Early America, African American, animals in art, American Indian, and Landscape art with children. This is part of a series of art appreciation books for children. Each of the 12 artists is represented by a full-page color reproduction, which is accompanied by a brief biography and information about the artwork. Each image is accompanied by a set of questions intended to encourage thoughtful observations and stimulate conversation between the adult and child. All ages.

McCarthy, Mary. A Closer Look. Greenwillow Books, 2007. ISBN 978061240737.

Detailed collage illustrations accompanied by simple text present expanding views of familiar objects in nature, such as a bug and a flower. Great for perspective for art lessons and just observing nature (science). Grades K-6.

Sanders, Nancy I. D is for Drinking Gourd, An African American Alphabet. Sleeping Bear Press, 2007. ISBN 9781586362936.

Wonderful highlights many of the remarkable achievements of and contributions from African Americans throughout our history. The evocative watercolor paintings from E.B. Lewis perfectly capture the spirit of each letter topic’s poem and test. Grades 5-8.

Sayre, April Pulley. Bird, Bird, Bird! Northword, 2007. ISBN 9781559719780.

Sayre did it again! I loved her Trout, Trout, Trout and you will enjoy this one as well. Sixty-tree North American birds flit, fly, and dive across the pages of the cheery chirping chant. This is her third book in NorthWord’s chant series. All are known for their tongue-twisting, silly-sounding say-it-faster fun. BUT there is always lots of actual facts and info on each page. Grades 2-6