Book Review - City Fun

City Fun is a simple tale of two friends who make their way through a day in the city enjoying everything there is to see and do. It is written in somewhat of an old style, but the repetition and use of basic sight words is excellent for beginning readers. The illustrations also serve as helpful picture clues. If you are currently using Writer's Workshop with your class this book is an great jumping off point for topic selection. If you are living and/or teaching in an urban setting the children will probably recognize most of what they see on the pages and be able to describe something similar in their own neighborhoods. If the city scenes are something new to your children, then the "what if" possibilities are endless.

There are many different ways that this book can be used to foster reading reinforcement skills. The pictures and actions in the story can lead to many class discussions about things happening in your own town. It is a rich source for a daily topic or a story starter for a writing assignment. The end of the book lists the vocabulary words used throughout the story. If you are using a word wall in your room the children will almost instantly be familiar with this.

There is a bit of a downside though. This book was originally published in 1981. The illustrations seem a little dated, although they have been updated from the original version, and the larger problem may be explaining why the two girls are never accompanied by an adult. I would still use the book though. It is an easy read and offers children a chance to use the skills they are honing to become better independent readers.

Title: City Fun
Author: Margaret Hillert
Illustrator: Karen Lewis
Publisher: Norwood House Press
Publishing Date: July, 2016

Book Review: Stop, Thief!

Max the dog wants to prove that he can catch the thief who's been taking the fruits and vegetables. He wrongly decides that it's a bright blue bug he spots and the chase is on! Children will love trying to figure out where Max will go next and, if my own classroom experience is any indication, they will become very involved in trying to point Max in the right direction.

This book is a great read not only because it's fun but because of the lovely illustrations. I knew I recognized Pierre Pratt's name as the illustrator and it only took a minute to recall some of his other work. If you've read any of the Olaf and Venus books then you're already familiar with his wonderful artwork.

Max is so eager to please that he's sure to appeal to your young readers. I used this title with a class of pre-k four students and they loved it. To any author of children's books, that should be the best review you can receive.

Title: Stop, Thief!
Author: Heather Tekavec
Illustrator: Pierre Pratt
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: August 2014

Available here:
Amazon
Barnes And Noble

Book Review: A Party For Clouds, Thunderstorms

Now that April has finally arrived, I thought it was time to start gathering some weather related ideas. I knew what I wanted to do for science and art, but I was on the lookout for some new books. My pre-k 4 class is into Writer's Workshop this year and we often use stories to jump start our topic selection. I had some books that I've used in the past and I was ready to begin my research when this book popped up on my Net Galley feed. Needless to say, I thought it would be perfect and I was thrilled when I was approved for the download.



This book has everything my class loves. It's a chapter book, so I can start it before lunch and finish it later. It contains a glossary which is a huge plus when we make vocabulary lists. The illustrations are fun and will definitely help the children relate to the fear they can feel when a thunderstorm approaches. Each page also contains a very clear and child-friendly explanation of what actually occurs during a storm. As a bonus, the book also includes a very quick and fun experiment that helps explain the sound that thunder makes.

This book was published in March, 2016. You can find it here:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble.
Title: A Party For Clouds, Thunderstorms
Author: Belinda Jensen
Illustrator: Renee Kurilla
Published: March, 2016
Publisher: Lerner Publishing Group

Book Review - Spud The Couch Potato by Sean Jackson

I suppose it speaks volumes, that as I'm typing this review, I can look out my window and see that it's an absolutely beautiful day and yet not a single child is playing outside. And that seems to be the norm most days around here. I'd like to think that they're all inside reading or off visiting a friend but I suspect that what's really going on is very similar to what's happening in this story.

Our young subject, Spud, would much rather stay inside glued to his TV than be outside doing something with his friends or with anyone for that matter. Through a series of clever rhymes and humorous illustrations we see the many fun and interesting things that Spud would prefer not to be doing. Until the day his television stops working.

As a teacher, I know this story will hit home with both children and parents. Times have changed and how families fill their free time has too. But this story serves as a gentle and funny reminder that there is much more to life than staring at a screen. The story is short, but loaded with meaning. A must for any family or classroom library.

Buy Spud The Couch Potato on Amazon.

This title was graciously passed along to me through NetGalley.com

Book Review - Pig And Small by Alex Latimer

I recently joined NetGalley.com and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to review this book almost immediately. Pig And Small by Alex Latimer is due for release in August 2014.



Pig And Small is a classic story about friendship. While trying to prove how little they have in common, Pig and Bug happily discover how much alike they really are. Children will laugh at their attempts to ride a bike together and they will smile when they discover that the two friends are finally able to find activities that they can take part in together. The illustrations are eye catching and the text is simple and engaging. I can see teachers adding this title to their list of books to used during friendship themes or as an ice breaker during the opening weeks of school. I plan to add it to my lesson plans when it becomes available.

The story is simple enough for pre-schoolers and presents a theme advanced enough for those already in kindergarten. Younger children will be able to discuss the characters and re-tell what happened with relative ease. Older students can use any of several story points as writing prompts. I would definitely recommend this title to fellow teachers.

Buy Pig And Small on Amazon.