Saturday, May 30, 2015

Are you afraid?


Pair Orion and the Dark with The Dark by Lemony Snicket and put it on a reading ladder with Jumanji and My Pen and Round Trip.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Mack times two


Two books from Jeff Mack to compare and contrast. Perhaps list critical attributes of his work as author and/or illustrator?

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Dull as can be


Meet the Dullards, a family so dull that watching paint dry is a favorite pasttime.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Monday, May 25, 2015

Dynamic Duos: Monsters


Here is a pair of books about monsters that scream to be a part of compare and contrast. Venn Diagram, anyone?

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Dig down



UP IN THE GARDEN AND DOWN IN THE DIRT is perfect to share with readers. The narrative thread tells what is happening at the surface and beneath it as well. Pair this with Kate Messner's OVER AND UNDER THE SNOW.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Growing up Pedro


Growing up with a talented older brother in the major leagues was tough. But Pedro Martinez went on to set his own path through the majors.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Black and white and should be read all over!


Instant lesson: compare and contrast the illustrations in these two books about artists. One is a tribute to Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie; the other is about a young artist, maybe even Christopher himself?

Up close and personal


Here are two "characters" kids will find fascinating, two real life people. One sold the Eiffel Tower (twice) and one uncovered a fake.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Learning about animals



Here are three pieces of nonfiction that will provide lots of information for readers of many ages (not all; one book does not fit all). The narrative and expository voices serve to demonstrate how varied nonfiction is.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Animal Antics


Friends and family are important in the lives of our children. Here are two books that demonstrate that importance.

Monday, May 18, 2015

Wishes do come true

\


Today is our 42nd wedding anniversary. I cannot think of a better book to celebrate our marriage than I WISH YOU MORE.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Spinning Yarns



Three stories from the Star Wars franchise form the basis for these books featuring yarn Luke, Han, and Yoda among others. Each DPS features one word and a yarn created illustration. Talk about something perfect for main idea or theme if extended into a discussion in the classroom!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Dynamic Duos: More GNs



Hilo crashes from space to Earth with a warning. In Real Life ventures out to cyberspace.

Friday, May 15, 2015

Dynamic Duos: Easy Readers



Dragons and flies are the main characters in these early reader chapter books.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Dynamic Duos: Poetry



Poems about pie, shoes, and body parts. What ore could you need or want?

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Sublime GNs



Yes, BabyMouse and MacBeth together! Think of the comparisons.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Handle with Care




Here are three stories to be shared with kids. One is about the love for a family member who lives far away, one is about loving our fellow man, and one is about a rare relationship.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Dynamic Duos



Pair these two for an interesting take on the afterlife, on life itself, and on magic in the real world.

Sunday, May 10, 2015

Getting Graphic



Here are two traditional novels, both made into movies, that are now finding new life as graphic novels.