COWS TO THE RESCUE by John Himmelman (Holt 2011) shows how the cows come toe rescue of Farmer Greenstalks and his family and livestock as they all travel to the country fair. Kids will chime in with the refrain, COWS TO THE RESCUE!" making this a perfect paired reading selection. Readers who like the Cronin Lewin CLICK CLACK MOO series will find this one fun as well. <538>
Taye Diggs joins the list of celebrities writing books for children in CHOCOLATE ME illustrated by Shane Evans (Feiwel and Friends 2011). A young boy is teased because of his skin color, his hair, his nose. He asks his mother why he needs to be different. Her explanation lets him know he should celebrate who he is. A message book to be sure, but an important message to share as well. <539>
CHILLY MILLY MOO by Fiona Ross (Candlewick Press 2011) is always too warm. As a result, she is not producing milk as are the other cows. The farmer has threatened to get rid of Millie unless things change. And then along comes a cold front that saves Millie and makes the other cows just a bit envious of her ability to produce not milk but ice cream. Soft colors are a nice emotional touch to this story that has words on walls, on bricks, and in other places. <540>
Mark Siegel, editor of First Second Books gives younger readers a moving (pun intended) story in MOVING HOUSE (Roaring Brook 2011). The fog in Foggytown so obscures streets and buildings that people bump into one another even during the day. Joey and Chloey are disappointed to learn that, due to the fog (really more like smog), the family plans to move. The house, however, has other plans. Siegel combines picture book with more of a graphic novel/comic book approach in this break-the-rules book that should be perfect for independent readers. <541>
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I am a big fan of Click Clack Moo so I know I will like Cows to the Rescue. Chilly Milly Moo and a cow that produces ice cream... very cute and creative. Right up this Kindergarten teacher's alley.
ReplyDeleteThese look like great titles to share at an elementary level. I will add them to my consideration file. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWith four kiddos under 7 in the house, we gobble up great picture books. These look like some titles to scrounge up. We are big Cronin fans so we can't go wrong!
ReplyDeleteI like how the smog in "Moving House" could be a connection to talking about environmental issues. It's always great when you can make cross-curricular connections with books. Reading takes on a whole new meaning, other than just enjoyment (which is first and foremost).
ReplyDeleteChocolate me sounds like a great book for teaching kids about teasing and bullying. Besides sitting on a library shelf, the counselor should also have a permanent copy in her office to share with her guidance classes.
ReplyDeleteI was given Chocolate Me and Chilly Milly Moo at the Jan Paris Bookfest. I love both of these stories. The illustrations are beautiful and they are great teaching tools for lessons about diversity and bullying.
ReplyDeleteChocolate Me, I love the title. It just begs to be read. I think the message addressed is an important one. Everyone wants to be accepted.
ReplyDeleteChocolate Me, is a perfect book to teach others about being different and how everybody is special in their own ways. Author's need to write more about this subject, so teachers can discuss this sensitive subject about diversity.
ReplyDeleteI have adopted the practice of reading picture books to my students at least three times a week with a short discussion at the end of each one. The kids look forward to story time! Sometimes we focus on language, other times ideas. I have a literacy poster for every book we read and store them on hangers. At the end of the six weeks, I pull the posters out and we revisit the ones the kids liked the best. This practice has allowed for major growth in the kids' writing ability. Plus, I LOVE it myself! As the children have grown more comfortable in sharing, I have been able to get to know them on a level I haven't previously experienced. The books listed here will be added to my picture book list.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read Chocolate Me...how clever of Taye Diggs. It sounds like a great story that could reach children of all ages.
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