the Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos by Lucia Gonzalez

Title: the Storyteller's Candle
Author: Lucia Gonzalez
Illustrator: Lulu Delacre
Copyright: 2008, Children's Book Press, San Francisco, California.
Grade: 2- higher elementary

Synopsis:
This story is about Pura Belpre, the first Puerto Rican woman to become a librarian. It's a story about her inviting people into the library and letting them know the library is for everyone, even those who speak Spanish.

Pre-Reading Activity:Talk about importance of books. Have children write and illustrate their own book. Or create one book for the whole class that can be added to the schools library for everyone to see.

Post-Reading Activity:
Take a trip to the library with the students and have them pick out a bilingual book.

Reflection:
This is a great non-fictional story about a Puerto Rican woman who becomes a first librarian. I think it's a wonderful book that can teach children about this woman, and about the importance of the library. Since it's also written in Spanish, I think it's a great book for those who don't speak English or who are learning English.

About the Author:
Lucia Gonzalez was born in Havana, Cuba in 1957. Currently she lives in Miami, Florida. Lucia has always been fascinated by stories from other countries. Today, she is a published author of children's books. Some of the books she has written are The Storyteller's Candle/La velita de los cuentos and Bossy Gallito/El Gallo De Bodas.






 “My dream became to compile some of the most popular stories told to children throughout the Americas and retell them in English so that I could pass them onto our children in the U.S.A.”


About the Author

Young Pele: Soccer's first star by Lesa Cline-Ransome

Title: Young Pele: Soccer's First Star
Author: Lesa Cline-Ransome
Illustrator: James E. Ransome
Copyright: 2007, Schwartz & Wade Books
Grade: 2-5
Theme: Soccer, Winning, Fans.

Synopsis:
This is a story about a young boy whose mind was always on the field. When he was sitting in class or doing anything, he was thinking about playing soccer. Whenever he had a chance he was out on the field playing soccer with his friends. He started playing for a team, and in the end he scored a goal at the youth soccer tournament.

* Pele grew up to be the greatest player of soccer the world has ever known.

Pre-Reading Activity:
Have children talk about their favorite sport. Have them draw a picture of them playing some kind of a sport that they enjoy.

Post-Reading Activity:
Have children use computers to research about Pele. Teacher can always pick a few websites that the students can look at.

Reflection:
I really liked this book because I am a big soccer fan. It was nice to see how much this boy enjoyed playing soccer. It seemed that all that mattered to him was being out there on the field, and trying his hardest. it's nice to see his dedication and love for this sport. This is definitely a book for soccer fans! I enjoyed all the pictures too; they were full of color. Also, Pele is from Brazil, so it's a good way to talk about Brazil in classroom : )  ... it's always been a dream of mine to go and visit there : ) : ) : )

About the Author:
Lesa grew up in Malden, MA. She is a daughter of two nurses, and she is the youngest daughter of three. her mother used to take her to the library all the time and read to her. She enjoyed reading books and decided to start writing children's books herself one day. She began writing stories one day when her mother gave her a diary as a present. After getting married and after the birth of their child, James E. Ransome encouraged Lesa to start writing children's books.











"The foot of the poor man doesn't have a size"
* this is an amazing quote from the book. I think it is so true, because when you're poor and you can't afford shoes you don't really have a choice to pick and choose. You take what you can get and you appreciate it.

No English by Jacqueline Jules

Title: No English
Author: Jacqueline Jules
Illustrator: Amy Huntington
Copyright: 2007, Mitten Press.
Grade: 1-6
Theme: Friendship, Language Barriers

Synopsis:This story is about a girl named Blanca who is from Argentina and who speaks no English. All Blanca does is draw pictures in class instead of doing classroom, and this does not seem fair to Diane. Diane tries to do the same as Blanca, but Diane only gets in trouble. Their teacher encourages them all to be friends, even though Blanca might not speak the same language as everyone else does. Diane finds a way to communicate with Blanca in the end.

Pre-Reading Activity:Teacher can talk a little bit about the Spanish culture. Maybe bring in some books from other countries too and talk about different cultures. Teacher can have students share what they have to say and also share something about their own cultures.

Post-Reading Activity:
Students will discuss in small groups what they would do if there was someone in their classroom that speaks no English.

Reflection:
This book reminds me of the time when I first moved to America and spoke no English. I remember some cruel kids who would make fun of me just because I didn't understand what they were saying. for the longest time, kids would come up to me and ask me if someone was my boyfriend and since I knew what "boy" meant and I knew what "friend" meant I always nodded yes. The fact is I never understood what boy and friend meant together. So, I definitely understand what this girl must have been going through, and I think this book should be read to younger kids to make them aware of this. It's hard being from a different country and not understanding the language, and it is important that people around you understand what you are going through. I would recommend this book to all teachers, because all students must be aware of cultural/language barriers.

About The Author:
Jacqueline Jules has always wanted to be a writer. When she was asked what she wanted to be when she grew up in third grade, she wrote "writer". She became a writer because she enjoys playing with words. Ever since she was young she enjoyed reading, and still enjoys a good book. In addition to writing books and poetry, Jacqueline is also a teacher and a librarian.







Authors website

Inchworm and a Half by Elinor J. Pinczes

Title: Inchworm and a Half
Author: Elinor J. Pinczes
Illustrator: randall Enos
Copyright: 2001, Houghton Mifflin Company, New York.
Grade: 2-5
Theme: math, measuring, fractions, teamwork

Synopsis: It's a story about an inchwork who measures everything by looping around it. Each loop she takes in one inch. One day, the inch worm had trouble measuring something because it involved fractions. So another worm came and helped out. Later, they ran into more problems with measuring and two more worms came and helped out.


Pre-Reading Activity:
Have students measure their desk or something in the classroom. Teacher can choose what children use for measurements or teacher can let students use what they want.

Post-Reading Activity:
Have children measure the length and width of their room when they go home. Have them draw a picture of their room and record the measurements on the picture. (Parents encouraged to help of course)

Reflection:
This book wasn't as fun as I thought it would be. It was all about fractions and measuring, and I think it should be directed towards higher elementary students. I don't think younger students would quite understand the point of this story, but maybe it could be used during a math lesson on fractions in older elementary classes.


About the Author:
Elinor J. Pinczes is a published author of children's books. She lives with her husband in Bozeman, Montana.

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Title: Where the Sidewalk Ends
Author: Shel SIlverstein
Copyright: 1974, Evil Eye Music Inc., New York.
Grade: all ages
Theme: poems, life

Synopsis: This a wonderful collection of poems by Shel Silverstein for all ages. There's a variety of poems for everyone, along with goofy looking ink pictures.




Pre-Reading Activity:Have students write a poem.

Post-Reading Activity:
Talk about your favorite poems. Least favorite poems. Talk about pictures and what you liked or didn't like about them.

Reflection:I received a copy of this book from a teacher I was doing my practicum with one year, so it means a lot to me. All the children who were in the class signed the inside cover of the book, so it's very special and I enjoyed reading it. The poems are just beautiful. There are so many different poems, and I feel that they can be read by or to just anyone. The simple pen-and-ink drawings are also what draws my attention. They're not the bst drawings, and they have no color, but they usually represent the poem and it gives the book a little something. The first poem is called Invitation, and it's almost as if he is inviting his readers to coem in and read the book. He's calling his reader a dreamer, showing that they can use their imagination however they want. Just by reading this first poem I was sure enough that I'd like this book, and in the end I must say it's one of my favorites. I loved the poetry and it's something I would suggests to anyone who hasn't read it yet. What I also liked is that there is a variety of poems; something for everyone. I'm sure all peopel could find something to relate to in this book.

About the Author:
Shel Silverstein was born in Chicago, IL in 1932. He is divorced and he has one daughter. In 1950's he has served in the armed forces. He never planned to write or draw for kids, but one of his friends dragged him into it. Since 1981, he's concentrated on writing plays for adults. He also writes sogns, draws cartoons, sings and plays the guitar.

"When I was a kid - 12, 14, around there - I would much rather have been a good baseball player or a hit with the girls. But I couldn't play ball, I couldn't dance... So, I started to draw and to write. I was... lucky that I didn't have anyone to copy, be impressed by. I had developed my own style, I was creating before I knew there was a Thurber, a Benchley, a Price and a Steinberg. I never saw their work till I was around 30."

About the Author

Penny Loves Pink by Cori Doerrfeld

Title: Penny Loves Pink
Author: Cori Doerrfeld
Copyright: 2011, Hachette Book Group Inc.
Grade: PreK-K
Theme: Pink, Siblings, Childhood

Synopsis:
This is a short story about a little girl who loves pink. She loves her pink sunglasses, her pink bike, and the pink flowers. She is obsessed with pink. But, soon enough her mother has a baby boy, and she notices that her new brother has everything in blue. Penny soon realizes that she loves her brother, even more than the color pink.

Reflection:
This is such a cute book. I think parents should read this book to their young ones, especially if they are having or planning to have another child soon. I think this book is for younger children, and it's very simple. I also like the use of color in this book. It is such a girly book, and I'm sure young girls would really enjoy reading it or just enjoy looking at the pictures.

Pre-Reading Activity:
Talk about different colors. Ask children what their favorite color is.

Post-Reading Activity:
Ask children what their favorite things are.

About the Author:

Dori grew up in Crystal Lake IL. and moved to Minnesota after completing high school. Currently she lives in Minneapolis with her husband and daughter. After working several years as a teacher and as a nanny, now she is a full time illustrator. Her husband, Tyler Page is also an artist and an educator.

  <------ Dori with her daughter







Authors website

Cock-a-doodle hooooooo! by Mick Manning

Title: Cock-a-doodle hooooooo!
Author: Mick Manning
Illustrator: Brita Granstrom
Copyright: 2007, Scholastic Inc., New York
Grade: K-3
Theme: Heroism


Synopsis:
This is a funny story about an owl that walks into a farmyard one stormy night. When the hens notice the owl in the morning, they yell and get angry because an owl is not a rooster and they want a rooster. They have the owl peck, scratch and cock-a-doodle doo like a rooster, but the owl fails. One of the hens decides to teach the owl how to be a rooster, and the owl learns many things but in the end it still cannot cock-a-doodle doo like a rooster. The hens were not impressed. The owl tells them that he is not a rooster but he can still do many other things, and he catches a rat that tries to sneak into the hen house. From that day, the owl becomes their very own special google-eyed rooster and a hero.

Pre-reading Activity:
Talk to children about heros. Ask them what they think a hero is.

Post-Reading Activity:
Have students write down a list of what makes a person a hero. Ask them who their hero is and why. Have them draw a picture of their hero.

Reflection:
I really enjoyed reading this story. it was very funny and the owl is adorable in the pictures. It was funny because the hens were so chatty and they didn't accept the owl because he couldnt' cock-adoodle do like a rooster. The last page in the story shows the own walking and the hens following him in a line. I thought this was hillarious. I think it's a really cute book and kids would really enjoy it.

About the Author: Mick Manning was born and brought up in England, in 1959. He studied illustrations and animations at the Royal College of Art in London.

Mick Manning co-illustrates most of his books with his wife Brita.





Interview with Mick Manning
Their website








About the Author
Mick and Brita

Learning to Listen to Sounds

How Big is a Million? by Anna Millbourne

Title: How Big is a Million?
Author: Anna Millbourne
Illustrator: Serena Riglietti
Copyright: 2007, Scholastic Inc., New York.
Grade: K - 2
Theme: Counting, Million


Synopsis:
This story is about a penguin who wonders how big a million is. He goes through a journey and tries to discover how big a million actually is. In the end, his mother points him to the sky and tells him there's his million, and that he can make a wish on every single one.


Reflection:
I liked this book a lot. It is primarily for younger children, but anyone can read it and enjoy it. It's can also be used during a math lesson, because it focuses on numbers. First the penguin comes across ten fish, then a hundred penguins, then a thousand snowflakes and then a million stars. Teachers can use this book when teaching math.


Pre-Reading Activity:
Have a jar full or m-n-m's and have the children try and make an estimate of how many there are in the jar. Ask them how they came up with that number.

Post-Reading Activity:
Count the m-n-m's together, and split them between the students. Have them place their m-n-m's in groups according to color, and have them make a bar graph showing you how many of each m-n-m they had. (Everyone will probably have different bar graphs, because they'll have a diff. number of m-n-m's).

Froggy's First Kiss by Jonathan London

Title: Froggy's First Kiss
Author: Jonathan London
Illustrator: Frank Remkiewicz
Copyright: 1998, Scholastic Inc., New York.
Grade:
Theme: Valentines Day


Synopsis:
This is a story about a frog named Groggy who falls in love with another frog, whose name is Frogilina. He stares at her all day, sits with her at lunch and gazes into her eyes whenever he gets a chance. One day, Frogilina gives Froggy a kiss, and he runs away embarassed. The other frogs make fun of him and teast him on the bus. When he gets home, his mother asks him what is wrong but he doesn't tell her. When she asks him if he made a valentines day card for someone special, he tells her that she is that special someone in his life.

Pre-Reading Activity:
Have children make a card for someone special. Have them write one or two lines about why that person is special to them.

Post-Reading Activity:
After reading the book, give each child an envelope to decorate and help them send or give their cards/letters to whomever they wrote them for.

Reflection:
This is a very sweet book. Froggy has a crush and it's so cute, because he can't stop starring at Frogilina. Everyone has had a crush or a few in their lifetime, and reading this story makes me laugh because it reminds me of when I was a young child and having crushes on movie stars or boys in school. I'm sure everyone can relate to this book, and it's a fun book to read to younger elementary children. After I read this book to the Pre-Kindergardeners, they laughed and kept saying "eww" during many parts of the book, but they definitely enjoyed listening to the story. I would read this story during Valentines Day.

About the Author:
Jonathan London was born on December 5, 1978, in Brookyln, New York. He was a "navy brat". He is an American film writer and director. He lives in Northern California with his family. He writes about things he has seen and done, and things he's had dreams about. Most of his stories are about nature and wild things.















About the Author
Printable Valentines Day Cards = )

David Gets in Trouble by David Shannon

Title: David gets in trouble
Author: David Shannon
Copyright: 2002, Scholastic Inc., New York.
Grade: Preschool - 2
Theme: Always tell the truth

Synopsis: This is a very interesting book about a young boy who always makes excuses whenever he gets in trouble or does something wrong. In the end, he does admit to his wrong doing and he does say sorry.

Reflection: I really liked this book. It was short and to the point, and it was very colorful. It reminded me of some of the kids I have worked with and still work with. Usually children lie and make excuses and don't want to admit if they have done something wrong. But in the end, they love you anyways and some of them do tell the truth and appologize. I didn't really like the pictures because they kind of creeped me out a little. David's teeth look sharp and he looks evil in many pictures. I feel like some children might get scared when they see the pictures and they might understand the story differently.


Pre-Reading Activity:
Cut shapes out of construction paper, and have your child or students put together a person (David). They can identify the shapes as they go.

Post-Reading Activity:
Have your students create rules for the classroom and write them on a big piece of construction paper and put it up on the wall. Have all the students sign their names and/or draw a small picture of their rule.

About the Author:
David Shannon was born on October 5^th, 1959, in Washington. He currently lives in Los Angeles, California. He's an award-winning artist and bestselling author, who has been a favorite among many librarians and teachers. He graduated from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, Salifornia with a degree in fine Arts. He then moved to New York City where he continued doing his art work. He popularity started to skyrocket in 1998, after he published the book No, David! His inspirations came from home and family.







About the Author

Armando and the Blue Tarp School by Edith Hope Fine

Title: Armando and the Blue Tarp School

Author: Edith Hope Fine & Judith Pinkerton Josephson
Illustrator: Hernan Sosa

Copyright date: 2007, Lee & Low Books, Inc., New York.

Grade Level: 3

Theme: Education, poverty, scarcity, human resources, child work.

Synopsis:
This story is about a young boy named Armando, who works at the dump with his father in order to support his family. Armando is very busy working each day, so he doesn't have time to go to Senor David's school. One day, Armandos father decides that education is important, and he lets Armando go. He learns to write, read and draw and he enjoys being at school. One day Armando draws a picture that ends up being published in a newspaper.

Pre-Reading Activity:
Have the students draw their own school; however they picture it.

Post-Reading Activity:
Ask them to add anything to their picture after reading the story. Also, talk about why school is important and ask the students what they want to be when they grow up. Have students draw themselves as "grownups" in their picture next to the school.

Reflection:
This is a wonderful book, that shows how passionate one child is about education. He seems very dedicated and he helps his father work to support his family, but he longs to go to school. I love this book, because it shows me why I choose teaching as my profession. It's nice to know that there are people out there wanting to go to school and learn. The book has beautiful illustrations as well; it's full of color.

      Edith Hope Fine
     ----------------->                      






About the Authors:

The two authors are full-time writers of children’s books and stories. Fine’s Under the Lemon Moon, published by Lee & Low Books, was a Parents’ Choice Award Honor book. Josephson’s biographies of Walt Disney and Beethoven won first place in the San Diego Book Awards. Fine and Josephson met David Lynch—whose work in a colonia of Tijuana, Mexico, was the inspiration for this story—in 1985 while freelancing for the Los Angeles Times. Fine and Josephson both live in Encinitas, California. Their Web site is GrammarPatrol.com. A portion of the proceeds from this book will be donated to Responsibility, Inc.

                     Judith Pinkerton
                 < --------------

About the Illustrator:
Hernan Sosa was "born in Argentina and raised in Paraguay, received a degree in visual communications from the Colorado Institute of Art. He currently works as an illustrator of children’s books and as a graphic designer focusing mostly on magazines. Sosa and his wife live in Denver, Colorado. "