It's Christmas, David!

www.amazon.com

Title: It's Christmas, David!
Author: David Shannon

Genre: Fiction- comedy and humor
Grade level(s) appropriateness: PreK-2
A brief synopsis/review: The book is about a young boy named David who seems to do everything wrong- peeking at hidden gifts, misbehaving at Christmas dinner parties, giving Santa a lengthy wish list, etc. He is a naughty boy. However, David realizes that he was dreaming and wakes up on Christmas morning to find tons of gifts from Santa Claus.
Theme(s): Christmas, manners- bad/naughty vs. good/nice behavior.
Noteworthy features or issues with text: Vivid, child-like illustrations will appeal to younger children as they read along to this story. Students will be laughing out loud at the illustrations (David is butt-naked). 
Teaching ideas: A great story to be read during the Christmas time. Students could compare and contrast good and bad behaviors (making reference to David's behavior in the story). If you've read the other No, David! books, you could have students observe David's behavior in multiple stories. Students could create their own "No, David!" scene- writing a sentence and drawing a picture of David doing something naughty.

Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: This book could be used for character education in regards to being respectful. As a class, you could discuss the opposites of David's behavior. For example, David starts eating before everyone sits down. The opposite behavior would be waiting until everyone sits down to begin eating. These good behaviors could be written on a "Nice Behavior" list to be hung up in the classroom.
Read aloud suitability: Yes, this book can be read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: It's Christmas, David! is part of the No, David! series by David Shannon, featuring No, David!, David Goes to School, David Gets in Trouble, David Smells, and many more!
Other additional comments: David Shannon won the Caldecott Honor for his No, David!.

Take a sneak peek at this laugh-out-loud Christmas story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KMOV3K3ixLk

And Then It's Spring

us.macmillan.com

Title: And Then It's Spring

Author: Julie Fogliano
Genre: Realistic fiction
Grade level(s) appropriateness: PreK-2

A brief synopsis/review: A story of a boy and his dog who venture outside to see brown everywhere they go. The boy decides to plant a garden to put an end to all the brown. After many weeks go by, they finally notice a greenish hum which tells them that spring is on its way.

Theme(s): Seasons, gardening, plants and flowers, trees, spring themes
Noteworthy features or issues with text: Illustrations are created using woodblock printing techniques and pencil. The book is also a very gentle read with easy to understand text. I believe this book will encourage young children to plant their own seeds.
Teaching ideas: This book could be read as part of a lesson on teaching students about Earth Day. Students could share what their favorite season is and describe why. Students could also compare and contrast the seasons of winter and spring. Students could discuss what types of activities they like to do during the winter and spring time.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: For science, students could go on a nature walk outside during the winter and spring times and talk about the changes using their senses- What do you hear, smell, feel, and see in the different seasons? Students could also create an acrostic poem about spring. Students could plant a classroom garden in which students take turns caring for.
Read aloud suitability: Yes, this book can easily be read aloud to your class.
Connections to other texts/content areas: If you liked And Then It's Spring, try: The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems, Red Sled by Lita Judge, and The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton. These books also reflect the changing of seasons.
Other additional comments: This is Julie Fogliano's first book. Erin Stead, illustrator of An Then It's Spring, is the winner of the Caldecott Medal for A Sick Day for Amos McGee.

Take a look at this wonderful story here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gQFVg9nmy0

The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

www.amazon.com

Title: The Duckling Gets a Cookie!?

Author: Mo Willems
Genre: Fiction- comedy and humor
Grade level(s) appropriateness: PreK-1
A brief synopsis/review: The little Duckling asks for a cookie that he then receives from an unknown giver. The pigeon soon learns that the Duckling received a cookie by asking politely. He becomes frustrated that he is always asking for things but never receives them. He begins to throw tantrums, begging for Duckling's cookie. Duckling finally gives the cookie to Pigeon in which he then thanks the Duckling for. Theme(s): Jealously, sharing, manners.
Noteworthy features or issues with text: Mo Willems uses simple dialog for early readers to understand. The expressive illustrations and thought/talking bubbles accurately depict the story being told. The book is also very humorous and an enjoyable read aloud for young children.
Teaching ideas: With partners, students could play the Manners Matter Matching Game! Groups will take out the manners cards and match each statement with the appropriate response. For example, "Someone Sneezes" matches with "Bless You." Students could also share what they would say to the Pigeon if they were asked for a cookie. Students could also practice reader's theatre and/or acting out the book- practice body language, facial expression, and tone of voice. Students could also discuss with one another who the Duckling might be asking a cookie from. Students could also compare and contrast Duckling and Pigeon. Students also invent their own cookie- (What is the name of their cookie? What ingredients are in their cookie? Why would the Pigeon want their cookie?) Eating and baking cookies are also fun activities to do with the class.

Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: For math, students could count the number of cookies or chocolate chips found in the book. Students could also learn about fractions when dividing the cookies into halves, quarters, and eighths. Probability could also be taught with the cookies. For example, a worksheet with different flavors of cookies- What are the chances the Pigeon will choose a chocolate chip cookie? M&M cookie? sugar cookie? peanut butter cookie? (number of cookies chosen and in total vary).
Read aloud suitability: Yes, can be read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: The Pigeon series by Mo Willems also includes the following books: Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!, Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late!, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy!.
Other additional comments: Mo Willems is a #1 New York Times best-selling author and illustrator and has been awarded three Caldecott Honors, two Theodor Seuss Geisel Medals, and a Geisel Honor.

Check out this neat video featuring Pigeon and Mo Willems: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nURTUmLSYd8

Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)

www.juniorlibraryguild.com

Title: Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom (With a Few Flat Tires Along the Way)
Author: Sue Macy

Genre: Nonfiction
Grade level(s) appropriateness: 5 and up
A brief synopsis/review: Wheels of Change explores how bicycles positively impacted the role of women in American society during the late 19th century. Before then, women's lives were restricted with most not having any means of transportation. As soon as bicycles were created, women found freedom and fame in their lives.

Exploring the impact of the bicycle on
women and American life. - See more at: http://www.suemacy.com/books/category/2#sthash.FCcbgUfY.dpuf

Exploring the impact of the bicycle on
women and American life. - See more at: http://www.suemacy.com/books/category/2#sthash.FCcbgUfY.dpuf

Exploring the impact of the bicycle on
women and American life. - See more at: http://www.suemacy.com/books/category/2#sthash.FCcbgUfY.dpuf

Exploring the impact of the bicycle on
women and American life. - See more at: http://www.suemacy.com/books/category/2#sthash.FCcbgUfY.dpuf

Theme(s): Women, bicycles, freedom, history, change, transportation.
Noteworthy features or issues with text: The book was created by National Geographic. It reads more like a magazine than a history book. It features vintage photographs, advertisements, cartoons, and songs. The text is also informational with a timeline of highlights in cycling and women's history.
Teaching ideas: Students could write about the first time they rode a bike, addressing the following questions: Who taught you how to ride a bike? What did it feel like when you took your first spin? Students could also compare and contrast different forms of transportation- bicycles versus cars, boats, walking, etc. Students could also explore how people use bikes in their daily lives- compare and contrast their use in the past to now.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: This book could be tied in to any content area. For example, students could learn about women's rights in social studies. Students could compare and contrast now and then in regards to fashion, sports, transportation- bicycles, history, the role of women, and society. Students could also explore the impact of inventions on history or groups by social affiliations.
Read aloud suitability: No, this book would be difficult to read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: Wheels of Change connects to the following books: Wheel Within a Wheel by Frances Willard, Around the World on Two Wheels: Annie Londonderry's Extraordinary Ride by Peter Zheutlin, and Tillie the Terrible Swede: How One Woman, a Sewing Needle, and a Bicycle Changed History by Sue Stauffacher. Similar to Wheels of Change, these books also explore the impact of bicycles on women's lives. 
Other additional comments: Wheels of Change won the following awards: NCSS—Notable Social Studies Trade Books in the Field of Social Studies 2012, School Library Journal Best Books of 2011, Finalist YALSA Excellence in Non Fiction for Young Adults, SLJ's 100 Magnificent Children's Books of 2011, and Amelia Bloomer List.

Take a look at Sue Macy's Web site, www.suemacy.com

Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

us.macmillan.com

Title: Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad

Author: James Rumford
Genre: Historical fiction
Grade level(s) appropriateness: 2-4
A brief synopsis/review: Ali is a young boy who lives in Baghdad, a dangerous place that is facing bombs and missiles. He loves playing soccer and listening to loud music. He especially loves calligraphy, the ancient art of drawing letters. His inspiration for writing calligraphy comes from Yakut, the most famous calligrapher in the world.  Ali compares himself to Yakut, as both use the art of calligraphy to disappear from the terrors of war.
Theme(s): Calligraphy, Arabic, Muslim, Islamic culture, Iraq War, Baghdad, family, culture, freedom, personal perseverance and strength
Noteworthy features or issues with text: The book was created in the spring of 2003, as Baghdad self-destructed and its people struggled with rebuilding a new Iraq. Pages are illustrated with calligraphy and their English meanings. The illustrations and calligraphy connect to the story being told by Ali. The art work accurately depicts the Iraqi culture.
Teaching ideas: This book could be used as a read-aloud for a lesson on exploring diverse cultures (multiple cultural perspectives) and/or times of war. Students could learn to write their names in calligraphy. Students could compare and contrast their culture with Ali's culture using a Venn diagram. Similar to Ali who uses calligraphy to bring him peace, students could write about how their hobbies/interests bring them tranquility and peace (coping methods in times of stress). The book could also be used when introducing cursive to your students- explore the similarities and differences between cursive and calligraphy.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: This book could be used for any unit on culture and/or diversity. Students would gain the perspective of Ali and be able to see the world from his eyes. The book would help to create a culturally responsive classroom.
Read aloud suitability: Yes, can be read aloud.
Connections to other texts/content areas: Students could explore art history when examining the various colors, shapes, and images found throughout the story. Other books that also portray the Arab culture are Sitti's Secrets, Saving Sky, Persepolis, and The Kite Runner.
Other additional comments: Silent Music is a 2009 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

Take a listen to James Rumford as he introduces and shares some of the backstory for creating Silent Music: A Story of Baghdad: http://www.teachingbooks.net/book_reading.cgi?id=4918&a=1

Love That Dog

mbpublishing.com

Title: Love That Dog
Author: Sharon Creech
Genre: Realistic fiction- novel in verse
Grade level(s) appropriateness: 3-7
A brief synopsis/review: Jake, the narrator and main character, complains about writing poetry and believes that only girls write it. His teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, continually assigns poetry activities to her class, so it's inevitable for Jake to avoid poetry. However, he comes to love writing poetry when he writes about his dog, Sky. 
Theme(s): Writing, school life, perseverance, inspiration
Noteworthy features or issues with text:
* Free-verse poems
* First person point-of-view
* Easy to read and understand
* Can be used for a quick read
* Builds confidence for those struggling to read and write poetry
* Diary format- written poetry develops throughout the story
* A collection of the student's poetry, shows transition throughout the school year
Teaching ideas: Jake writes poems that are shaped like the things they describe. Students could write a poem in the shape of what their poem is about. In the story, Jake admires Walter Dean Myers and writes a letter to him. Students could write a letter to their favorite author, telling the author why they love his/her work and what it means to them. Students could choose one of the poems that was written by a famous poet (featured at the end of the story) and research the poet's life and then give a presentation to the class. Students could also select their favorite poem and use that poem's form to write one of their own.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: This book could be connected to any subject area- write a poem on any topic. The poems included in the book could be used for instruction. Also, students could look back to the book (diary) for ideas when writing. 
Read aloud suitability: Yes, can be read aloud. However, students should see how the poetry is written on the pages.
Connections to other texts/content areas: Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech is a sequel to Love That Dog. Again, this book could be used in any content area.
Other additional comments: This book has won many awards such as ALA Notable Children's Book, IRA/CBC Children's Choice, New York Times Bestseller, and Carnegie Medal Finalist.

Check out Sharon Creech's "Teaching Poetry: Tips for Making Poetry Accessible and Fun for Students" teacher guide: http://sharoncreech.com/pdfs/SharonCreech_TG_DogCat.pdf

Thunder Cake

Title: Thunder Cake

www.eduplace.com

Author: Patricia Polacco
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Grade level(s) appropriateness: 1-3
A brief synopsis/review: The story about young Patricia Polacco and her Russian grandmother, Babushka. With the help of her Babushka, Patricia conquers her childhood fear of thunderstorms. The two of them go outside to gather the ingredients for Thunder Cake, a special recipe that will put an end to Patricia's fear.
Theme(s): Cooking, weather, grandparents and grandchildren
Noteworthy features or issues with text: The literature reflects Patricia Polacco's life growing up in Michigan with her Babushka. Patricia Polacco is the main charatcer, written in 1st person narrative. She is also the illustrator and the pictures go along with the text.
Teaching ideas: Bake Thunder Cake for your students. Students would love this! :) As a class, you could also create your own recipe for a thunderstorm- ingredients would be things you hear and see during a thunderstorm. You could then have students draw and write how they feel during storms. Another idea could be to have students draw a picture of something they are afraid of and discuss how they would conquer this fear. You could have students take the Thunder Cake quiz on Patricia Polacco's website: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/fun/quizes/thunder.html.
Curriculum tie-ins and/or related activities: For social studies, students could explore a region/country their ancestors were from. They could discuss their ancestors journey to America.
Read aloud suitability: Yes, this book can easily be read aloud to your class.
Connections to other texts/content areas: Similar to Thunder Cake, other Patricia Polacco books depict her life growing up such as The Art of Miss Chew, Thank You, Mr. Falker, Keeping Quilt, and many more.
Other additional comments: I read this book to my first grade class during student teaching. As a class, we made the recipe for My Grandma's Thunder Cake. My students loved it!

Check out Patricia Polacco's webpage, featuring author information, books, current news, activities, and a forum: http://www.patriciapolacco.com/