Literacy Now

September 13, 2013

by Mary Beth Scumaci

Being able to fly was always a dream of mine as a child. Secretly, I think I still wish I could. The closest I have come to achieving this goal is through the digital app experience in the amazing and beautifully written and illustrated book, The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore written by William Joyce and illustrated by Joyce and Joe Bluhm. As stated on the Moonbot website, the inspiration for Joyce’s story was “Hurricane Katrina, Buster Keaton, The Wizard of Oz, and a love for books…” 

The picture book motivated Joyce and Brandon Oldenburg to create a short film of the story, and their creativity earned them an Oscar for the Best Animated Short Film at the 84th Academy Awards. This short film is a powerful and emotional experience, one that can bring you to tears as you become engaged with the drama and passion of the story. As a teacher, this offers much potential for creative ELA integration. As you show this silent short film to your students, watch their observation, critical thinking, and writing skills come to life. You can then compare the silent film with the book, research both mediums, as well as the lives of the author, illustrators, and Moonbot Studios. Try having the children use their annotation strategy skills while watching the short film, a delightful experience for sure. The picture book and silent film are amazing literacy activities when used together or as standalone experiences. But guess what, there’s more…there’s an app for that! IMAG.N.O.Tron created an app for $4.99 that integrates with the picture book illustrations to bring the book to life.

With book in hand, simply open the app, hold it over the pages and watch as the illustrations come to life while you listen to the story. It won’t take you long to identify the inspiration from Hurricane Katrina and The Wizard of Oz as this digital interactive storybook pulls you into a very windy storm where books, houses, people, and objects are blown about. This digital “pop-up” book takes you on a delightful journey as you listen to the story narration and get lost in the app experience. It is sure to memorize readers of all ages. And the beauty of it all, you must have the book in hand to make this happen. Worried about print copies of books becoming obsolete? Not with genius ideas like this.

I use this book with my graduate students, children from Kindergarten through grades 12, and take it to events and family functions. It’s a crowd pleaser and a powerful literacy experience that brings digital natives and digital immigrants together. I have seen people, laugh, cry, and become fascinated with the technology. I am passionate about this book and digital experiences. My favorite pages, well that would be all of them, but if I had to select two, they would be pages 21 and 16. On page 21, Mr. Morris Lessmore “gets lost in a book.” After he takes flight, lift the iPad and he flies all over your room—walls, ceiling, and floor—as he is transported through his book journey, then watch and listen as he falls from the sky, safely landing back in the book on page 23. I also love the library scene on page 16.When you see the “Look Up” icon in the bottom right corner, lift the iPad and you feel as if you are in the library, exploring and listening to the “chatter” of the books telling their stories.

What is more intriguing than comparing a picture book, a film, and app technology? This is a critical literacy experience that integrates the P-12 Common Core Learning Standards, technology, art and fun. In addition, the book comes in several languages so you can incorporate it into your ELL program. For those of you who enjoy author autographed books for your classroom, you can purchase a signed copy of the book on the Moonbot Studios website.

If you find yourself wanting more of the digital interactive literacy app experience, investigate the apps The Numberlys, A Math Mystery, a story of numbers and letters by Moonbot Studios and Bullseye, an interactive music video where the character You-Me brings the diverse world around him to life, created by The Polyphonic Spree and Moonbot Studios.   

References

Moonbot Studios (2013). Retrieved from http://moonbotstudios.com/the-fantastic-flying-books-of-mr-morris-lessmore-storybook-app/

The Review Wire (2013). Retrieved from http://www.thereviewwire.com/2012/07/27/fantastic-flying-books-of-mr-morris-lessmore-book-and-app-review-the-review-wire/

iTunes (2013). Retrieved from https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bullseye-by-polyphonic-spree/id448080302?mt=8 

Silicon Bayou News (2013). Retrieved from http://siliconbayounews.com/2012/01/12/moonbot-studios-unveils-the-numberlys-an-epic-interactive-storybook-app/ 

YouTube (2013). The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore Short Film. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XrvZN6B2UM

YouTube (2013). 84th Academy Awards. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9rme79ptdA

Mary Beth Scumaci is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.

This article is part of a series from the International Reading Association Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group (TILE-SIG).

Whether it’s after a particularly bad day, to break a sad mood, or to disrupt a monotonous routine, there are times everyone needs to laugh. Laughter helps us relax and look at the comical parts of life. Books can play a key role at these times. They have the power to transport us outside of ourselves and our day-to-day lives, see the humor in our own beliefs and actions, and take life less seriously for a while. In this week’s book review column, members of the International Reading Association’s Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group highlight books that challenge the realities we live with, from concern about what others think and say to fear and distrust of the unfamiliar to dealing with head lice, in comical ways that spark smiles and laughter.

 

GRADES K-3

 

Escoffier, Michael. (2013). Brief thief. Illus. by Kris Di Giacomo. New York: Enchanted Lion Books.

After having breakfast and sunning himself on a rock, Leon, a chameleon, has to “go poo.” He finds a tree and when he’s finished, discovers too late that there is no toilet paper left. All Leon can find at first are leaves and grass until he comes upon an old pair of red underpants “full of holes.” After using the underpants, Leon tosses them into the bushes and goes back to his rock. Before long, Leon’s “conscience” speaks to him because he touched someone else’s things. Leon realizes his conscience may be right, finds the underpants he tossed in the bush, and scrubs them clean. After hanging the clean underpants up to dry, Leon runs away. It is then that his “conscience” appears as an angry rabbit wearing a red cape and costume. The rabbit claims the underpants, puts them on his head (with his ears through the leg holes and other holes for his eyes) and flies away. This comical book is one everyone will enjoy.

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

Dumont, Jean-Francois. (2013). The chickens build a wall. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

When a hedgehog appears in the middle of the barnyard, the animals don’t know who he is or what to think. As they look more closely at him, the scared hedgehog curls into a ball. The next morning, when the hedgehog is gone, the animals get nervous. Where is he? Is he a thief? At the rooster’s suggestion, the chickens decide to build a wall around the henhouse to protect themselves. While the other animals watch, questioning the value of such a project, the hens spend the winter building a wall until it reaches far above the henhouse. As the chickens celebrate the completed wall, the hedgehog emerges from under the straw where he’s been sleeping. The hens and hedgehog get to know each other while the hens cut the door they’d forgotten to make. Before long, they’re not afraid of each other, the hedgehog stays, and the wall comes down. This story about becoming friends with others, even those who are different, and tearing down walls that separate is delightful. 

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

Gravett, Emily. (2013). Again! New York: Simon & Schuster.

It's time for bed, and Cedric the dragon wants to hear a story. His mother reads Cedric his favorite book, the story of another dragon named Cedric who stays busy snatching princesses and tormenting trolls and has never in his life ever been to bed. When Mother finishes the story, Cedric politely asks, "Again?" Even though she's tired, Mother re-reads the book to each of Cedric's repeated requests, each time changing the text of the story in ways that encourage Cedric to go to sleep. When Mother falls asleep during a reading, wide-awake impatient Cedric turns red and roars loudly, “AGAIN!” over and over, burning a hole not only in his own book but also a die-cut hole through the book the reader is holding. The front endpapers show Cedric getting ready for bed and the back endpapers the princess and trolls trying to climb back into the story after falling out through the burned hole. The playful illustrations enhance the story and display the intensity of Cedric’s changing emotions. This delightful book will be one children want to hear “Again!” and often.  

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

Shannon, David. (2013). Bugs in my hair! New York: Blue Sky Press/Scholastic.

David Shannon takes on the embarrassing subject of head lice in his new book Bugs in My Hair. He tackles such topics as what lice are, how they spread, remedies for getting rid of them (the most powerful being Mom and her weapons), and how lice sometimes return. Facts, such as “Lice eggs are called ‘nits’ and “Dogs don’t get head lice”, are shared in comments marked with asterisks. The hilarious illustrations of the boy and his friends, his mom, and especially the lice themselves, including one who resembles Dracula and another named Bugzilla, add to the enjoyment. Shannon dedicated the book “To moms everywhere and their battle-tested anti-lice weapons.” This book is sure to have readers laughing…and itching!

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

GRADES 4-6

 

Krull, Kathleen, & Brewer, Paul. (2013). The Beatles were fab (and they were funny). Illus. by Stacy Innerst. New York: Harcourt.

In this book Kathleen Krull and Paul Brewer take a look at the Beatles’ career, highlighting their sense of humor. Starting with the John, Paul, George, and Ringo forming a band and naming their group, the book chronicles their ups and downs, from their first days playing clubs in England and Germany for very little money to the height of their popularity to the time when they decided to separate. Funny things that happened along the way are shared, such as a policeman carrying Ringo over his shoulder to get him out of the crowd to safety; Paul saying, “no, no, no” to his father begging him to change the “yeah, yeah, yeah” line in “She Loves You” to “yes, yes, yes”; and, fans throwing jellybeans, the Beatles’ favorite candy, at the stage when they were performing. In addition, a full page is devoted to each band member and their best joke lines. The playful caricatures in the illustrations add to the fun of the book.

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

Weulersse, Odile. (2013). Nasreddine. Illus. by Rebecca Dautremer. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers.

After Nasreddine helps his father Mustafa load a basket of dates on their donkey’s back, he walks behind the donkey, while his father rides, to the market in the city. Near the city gate someone comments about the lazy man who rides and makes his son walk. While Mustafa does not let the comment bother him, Nasreddine is embarrassed and goes home. In subsequent trips, Nasreddine responds to the criticisms he hears each time by, for example, arranging for Mustafa to walk while he rides and on another trip for them both to ride. After further criticism from others, Nasreddine suggests that he and Mustafa carry the donkey, at which point Mustafa explains that it’s a mistake to listen to everyone because people always find reasons to criticize. The message Nasreddine learns (“You can’t be afraid that other people will judge you or make fun of you”) comes through clearly in this charming book with Middle Eastern flavor.

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

GRADES 7-12

 

Freedman, Paula. (2013). My Basmati Bat Mitzvah. New York: Amulet.

Tara (Hindi for “star”) Feinstein, a young girl who lives in New York with her Jewish father and Indian mother, is not only busy hanging out with her friends Ben-o and Rebecca and working on her robotics project, among other things, she’s attending study sessions with her rabbi in preparation for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah. In the midst of the everyday dramas in her life, which include dealing with the mini-catastrophes that accompany it, Tara begins to wonder about her cross-cultural identity, what it means to have a Bat Mitzvah, her faith, and how to balance her Jewish and Indian-Hindu identities. This coming-of-age story includes a little romance but primarily focuses on the themes of family and friendship. Tara is a fun, likeable character and readers will relate to her struggles, strength, vulnerability, and honesty. The book includes a glossary – Tara’s “Handy Hindi-Hebrew-Yiddish-English Vocabulary Guide (with a little bonus Punjabi)” – in the back.

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

Yolen, Jane, & Stemple, Heidi E. Y. (2013). Bad girls: Sirens, Jezebels, murderesses, thieves & other female villains. Illus. by Rebecca Guay. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge.

Delilah, Anne Boleyn, Bloody Mary, Catherine the Great, Calamity Jane, Mata Hari, Ma Barker, Typhoid Mary. These are some of the twenty-six infamous females mother-daughter team Jane Yolen and Heide Stemple present in this fascinating collection of short biographies. The authors provide a two-to-four page summary of each female’s life and exploits, accompanied by a portrait done by illustrator Rebecca Guay. Following each biography is a humorous one-page comic strip of Yolen and Stemple discussing whether the woman is guilty or innocent. The authors invite readers to reconsider any previous thoughts on the “bad girls,” showing there are two sides to every story. Are these females really “bad” or are they just misunderstood? What role did history itself play in our judgments of them?  An extensive bibliography on her female at the end of the book points readers to where they can go for further information on each “bad girl.”

- Prisca Martens, Towson University, Towson, Maryland

 

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.

 

Have you ever thought about incorporating video games into literacy and math? YES! You read it correctly: Video games. Literacy. Math.

p: cross-stitch ninja via photopin cc

It all began when I was thinking, “How could I engage my students in learning the process of citing evidence, summarizing, evaluating material, and using problem-solving skills?” I determined the best way was to incorporate gaming into the classroom. My students love playing video games, so why not come up with a project where they could design their own?

The easiest website I have found for beginners is Sploder because there is no programming skill required. On this site, anyone can use their creativity and imagination to make games online and share them with the world.

The mission of Sploder states: “We aim to create a place where young people can express their creative ideas and reward each other through positive feedback and encouragement.” (Read more about this in their online message to parents and teachers here.)

To get started, you need to create a class login and password. By doing this, students are able to save their game to one location. There is no limit to the number of students who can be logged in to your account at the same time. Once logged in, students choose the make the game option, then have the chance to create a retro arcade style game (8-bit graphics and all!), platformer style game (often referred to as a “run and jump”—think Super Mario Bros.—with adventure elements), or a puzzle. I always have the students begin with the platformer creator style because it is more effective when students begin blogging about their games.

On the platfomer creator, the students begin designing their level by adding blocks, tiles, walls, floors, and enemies. Looking for sound? Sploder has music already uploaded to their site to choose from. Once students feel their level is complete, they are able to hit the test button, where they can try their level out. If one level is what you are looking for, press the publish button, give your game a title, and it is ready for the world to play. If you are looking for your students to build upon level one, they will need to click on the arrow next to the level button to add another level.

After completing their game, I have my students log on to their Kidblog accounts and summarize their game. They have to talk about each level, explaining problem-solving strategies they used while creating their game. After doing this, they have to explain what they feel are the strengths and weaknesses of their game and what they would do differently next time they create their game. Next, they respond to two of their classmate’s summaries.

Afterwards, I pair students to play each other’s game using the random name picker on ClassTools.net. Students play each other’s game two times. First, they play it for pure enjoyment. The second time they play it, they focus on citing evidence about the game for their evaluation. The students are required to write an evaluation of their classmate’s game on the blog, using at least three examples of evidence from the game to rate it, while also determining whether they would purchase it.

Students use Fodey, a free web 2.0 newspaper clipper generator to write a newspaper article advertising their game.

Finally, family members play the students’ games for homework. They complete a form explaining whether or not they would purchase the game.

To gain more understanding about game design, and pursuing video game design as a career option, I am going to use Skype in the Classroom to connect my students with an expert that can answer questions about the complexity of gaming.

Once the students are ready for more gaming intricacy, feel free to use Scratch, another free site where students are able to create games, stories, and animations.

Still feeling skeptical? Although not all video games provide rich learning experiences, research has shown that gaming teaches students critical thinking skills, problem-solving, collaboration/communication, and social literacy.

So what are you waiting for? Let the students be creative while incorporating critical skills they will need to compete on the global market.

Brandi Leggett is a National Board Certified Teacher in Middle Childhood Generalist. She received her Master’s in Elementary Education from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pennsylvania. She currently teaches third grade at Prairie Ridge Elementary in Shawnee, Kansas.Her classroom website is www.usd232.org/bleggett and classroom blog is http://teambleggett.blogspot.com/.

by Tammy Ryan

There are many exciting ways you can use apps and digital tools to foster vocabulary development and students’ interest in words. This blog introduces three apps, Fotobabble (free), Pic Collage (free), and Explain Everything ($2.99) to assist you in integrating technology into vocabulary instruction. These apps are useful in any content area, in any grade, and include multimedia tools to enhance vocabulary development through the important modes of reading, writing, audio, graphics, and video. These apps are flexible and easy to navigate to make creating and learning vocabulary with digital tools an engaging experience.

Fotobabble allows users to take a new photo or insert a photo from the camera roll. After inserted to a page, users select a frame, choose various editing effects, and add stickers, drawings, and text. Then, users record themselves adding information about the photo. For example, the example shows how a first grade teacher used the app to scaffold student’s learning of vocabulary taught during a Johnny Appleseed unit. Students took and inserted a photo of the unit’s word wall. Next, students recorded themselves saying the words. The video was then shared to the class Facebook page. At home, students practiced saying the words before playing the video to check their pronunciation and word reading. You can also share Fotobabble with Twitter and email to family members and friends to extend the learning experience. This activity is especially helpful to scaffold English language learners understanding of academic vocabulary.

Pic Collage allows users to take and insert a new photo, photos from the camera roll, Web, Facebook, or Instagram. Tools include adding a background, frame, text, and stickers. The example demonstrates how fourth graders used the app to demonstrate their growing understandings of erosion. A collaborative group of students searched the Web for a background image to insert to a page. Then, they searched the Web for images depicting erosion. After discussing how and why various images illustrated erosion, the students clicked on six images that immediately downloaded into frames on the page. Next, the students typed, enlarged, and centered the title, Types of Erosion, on the page before sharing their learning with the class. Other options to share Pic Collage include Facebook, Twitter, Tumbler, Instagram, and email. The app is useful to extend vocabulary knowledge of words with multiple meanings and shades of meaning. Photos can be inserted to frames and text can be inserted next to the photo containing the vocabulary. Or in math, students can locate and label various geometric shapes.

Explain Everything is a screencasting app. Users enter images, videos, and text to a blank slide. Tools include inserting arrows to direct attention and text highlighting options. In this example, a ninth grade team of students created a presentation on the endangered green sea turtles. Images, videos, and vocabulary specific to the turtles were inserted as text. Students referred to the list of vocabulary and images while recording themselves sharing their knowledge about sea turtles. The video was uploaded and shared in Google Drive. Other options to create with this app include taking and inserting a new picture or video or inserting objects from the camera roll, iTunes, Dropbox, Evernote, Google Drive, PDF files, and from the browser. After objects are inserted, users can play videos, zoom into the video, write directions, and highlight text while recording their voice. With scaffolding and support, teachers and students can use this app in various ways to personalize students’ vocabulary development and interest in words.

To learn additional ways you can integrate technology into vocabulary instruction, read eVoc Strategies: 10 Ways to Use Technology to Build Vocabulary by Bridget Dalton and Dana Grisham, The Reading Teacher, 2011, 64(5), pp. 306-317.

Tammy Ryan is from Jacksonville University, Jacksonville, Florida. This article is part of a series from the Technology in Literacy Education Special Interest Group (TILE-SIG).

As summer winds down, and cooler weather seems headed our way, youngsters and adults prepare to say a last hoorah to the blissfully warm days of summer and head into the crisp days of fall. With winter not far behind autumn, readers may take comfort in the knowledge that while there is a time and a season for everything, every season provides a reason to read. This week’s reviews from members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group focus on seasonal favorites that shift our lives to an autumnal mode featuring thoughts of harvests and plans to get ready for the rest of the year. It might be a good time to visit the local library or bookstore and harvest a few books of your own for future enjoyment. ReadWriteThink offers a wide range of lesson ideas on the seasons that include rhyming poems and songs as well as fiction and nonfiction reads that will keep young readers engrossed as the seasons change.

 

GRADES K-3

 

Bean, Jonathan. (2013). Building our house. New York, NY: Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Longing for a home of their own, a do-it-yourself family buys a plot of land on which to build the place in which they’ve always dreamed of living. While they work on the project little by little, as they have time, they live in a trailer located on their new property. The illustrations are filled with details showing each step in the building process, from the gathering of rocks for the house’s foundation to the filling of its interior with furniture and personal keepsakes. Because each illustration shows the movement of time and the changing of seasons, readers are able to witness the slow but steady progress the family makes during the year and a half it takes to build the house. Readers will smile as the watch how the family continues to grow as time goes by, even adding a baby and a stray cat and kittens. The author/illustrator based the book on his own family’s experiences, and the afterword with photographs of the author's family hard at work adds to the book's appeal. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

Berkes, Marianne. (2013). What’s in the garden? Illus. by Cris Arbo. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications.

Late summer and early fall are the perfect times to reap the benefits of a good garden, and this book does just that. Starting with a rhyming riddle, readers are queried to guess the described garden item. The following page gives the answer, along with a recipe. The opening riddle describes an apple, and the very simple recipe gives the steps for making applesauce. Lettuce comes next with the recipe for a mixed green salad. The illustrations opposite the recipe page show the plant as it looks in the soil just before it is time to harvest, giving young readers a sense of gardening from start to finish. Other food plants include carrots, broccoli, blueberries, celery, tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, potatoes, corn, and pumpkins. Several pages at the end of the book include even more facts about growing food. Throughout the book, children from a variety of cultures are featured with the garden food to provide a beautiful multicultural backdrop.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Chernesky, Felicia Sanzari. (2013). Pick a circle, gather squares: A fall harvest of shapes. Illus. by Susan Swan. New York, NY: Albert Whitman & Company.

Visiting farm markets and fall festivals with her family inspired the author to write this rhymed picture book about fall, which is the first in a series of books from the publisher. Father, son, and daughter are on a hayride visit to the pumpkin patch. Along the way, they observe all kinds of autumnal objects and sources for shapes. The author/illustrator team goes beyond basic shapes like circles and squares to include ovals, hexagons, triangles, and more. Swan’s use of texture through paper-cut collages, filigree, wood grain, and photographs add a vibrant touch to the text. Beginning readers will appreciate that the shape words and their counterparts are in bold print and teachers will enjoy the addition of a mathematical introduction to geometric shapes with a fall theme. Watch for the 2014 release of the companion book, Cheers for a Dozen Ears: A Summer Crop of Counting.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Gregory, Helen. (2013). Harvest season. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

From the Wonder Reader series, bold and enlarged text makes this perfect for early readers. In addition, teachers looking for early social studies connections will appreciate this book. A paragraph on the Table of Contents page relates the national social studies standards as well as suggesting that “…these titles use text structures that support early readers specifically with a close photo/text match and glossary.” Each double page spread has detailed illustrations to first explain harvesting and then provide simple statements to explain the process to pick the featured fruit or vegetable. Featured are strawberries, apples, potatoes, pumpkins, wheat, and corn and concluding with a glossary and suggested reading and activities.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Himmelman, John. (2013). Noisy frog sing-along. Nevada City, CA: Dawn Publications.

The various sounds made by frogs make this book a sonic delight. From the sounds of a peeper to the occasional "meep meep meep" (unpaged) of a tree frog, the author makes it clear just how noisy frogs can be and how prevalent their sounds may be as the seasons change, and they prepare to hibernate. The illustrations and the book’s pages, filled with frog calls, are appealing to the eyes and sure to prompt mimicry. Additional facts about the various frogs highlighted in the book can be found in the back matter. Young readers will be interested to know that only male frogs provide the vocalizing that fills the air waves. Listen to frog calls and see the book's activity guide on the publisher's website. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

Holland, Mary. (2013). Ferdinand Fox’s first summer. Mount Pleasant, SC: Sylvan Dell Publishing.

Filled with memorable photographs of a young fox taken up close, this book follows one fox, Ferdinand, as he grows up. Venturing out of his den when he is five weeks old, Ferdinand learns to hunt by playing with his fellow kits. With text that is just as engaging as the excellent photographs, the book describes and shows how the mother fox weans her young so that they learn to rely on their own abilities as hunters. The book also features activities related to foxes for anyone who wants to learn more or show off what he/she has learned. Readers should look closely at the photographs and notice the fox’s habitat so they can spot signs of a grown-up Ferdinand this fall and winter. The publisher's website has a video about this author/photographer. Readers will surely be curious to learn more about the habits of foxes after finishing this title and marveling at the photographer’s terrific shots.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University, Pullman

 

Hopkins, H. Joseph. (2013). The tree lady. Illus. by Jill McElmurry. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster/Beach Lane Books.

Threading a version of the repeated phrase "But Kate did" (unpaged) throughout the narrative to punctuate the subject’s determination not to conform to what others expected, this picture book biography provides ready evidence of what one person can do to change the world. Surrounded by enormous forests whose trees brought to mind “giant umbrellas that sheltered her and the animals” (unpaged), Kate Sessions grew up during the 1860s when females weren't supposed to get their hands dirty or study science. Rebelling against societal expectations, she did both, graduating with a science degree, and moving from northern California to teach in a virtually-treeless San Diego. She eventually became a gardener there and changed the appearance of the city as she searched for and planted trees that would thrive in the city’s particular environment. When planners wanted more trees for a huge exposition, Kate and her volunteers lent a hand and held parties for planting trees. The gouache illustrations display the inviting and soothing nature of these marvelous trees and the never-say-quit spirit of the woman who helped fashion Balboa Park into the green space it now is. As the summer season winds down, it’s appropriate to give thanks for all the trees around us and marvel at the determination of one visionary woman able to see green possibilities where others saw none. 

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

LaPenta, Marilyn. (2013). Fall shakes to harvest bakes. New York, NY: Bearport Publishers.

For the young cooks in the kitchen, this book of recipes includes foods that use ingredients from the fall season. All of the ingredients are healthy and nutritious although the book is very subtle about mentioning that. More nutritional information can be found at the end of the book in a section labeled “Healthy Tips.” Baked Stuffed Apples, Pumpkin Muffins, Kale Chips and Warm Cranberry Punch are just a few of the appetizing food temptations with a feel for autumn.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

McNamara, Margaret. (2013). The apple orchard riddle. Illus. by G. Brian Karas. New York, NY: Random House/Schwartz & Wade.

The youngsters in Mr. Tiffin’s class head off on a field trip to an apple orchard. Not only do the children have the chance to learn about apples, but they pick several and get to eat them. While they enjoy the tour and the fruit, their teacher has posed a riddle for them to solve. To the surprise of her classmates, it is dreamy, observant Tara who figures out the answer. The book encourages multiple responses, including heightened awareness for noticing the world around you and avoiding making assumptions about others.  Residents of states filled with apple orchards, including Washington State, known for its delicious fruit, will be especially delighted with the story and the gouache, acrylic and pencil illustrations of apples, including the always-delicious Fuji, on the book’s end papers. There are even additional apples facts included in the back matter.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

Manceau, Edouard. (2013). Windblown. Translated by Sarah Quinn. Toronto, Canada: Owlkids.

This simple yet compelling picture book, first written in French, brings a tale of windblown fantasy. When seven colored pieces of paper blow onto the page beginning with one tiny scrap of paper and then another and another the text questions where did they come from? Whose are they? First, the chicken claims them and the scraps form his eyes and beak and comb. Next, the fish says they are his as his eyes and fins take shape from the paper scraps. The bird chirps next that they are his and then on to the snail and frog. Each claims the pieces of paper until the wind quietly comes back and blows the papers on to the next adventure. The text ends by stating, “They’re yours now too. What will you do?” This ending leaves this story wide open for teachers to use cut paper scraps (or tangrams) to students to design their own creations. Watch the Vimeo storytime of some new creations after reading Windblown or download the pieces used in the book at the Owlkids website.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Marlow, Layn. (2013). You make me smile. New York, NY: Holiday House.

There’s something appealing about the first snowfall of the year, and for many, winter is their favorite season of all. After swaddling herself in hat, gloves, boots, and scarf, a little girl heads out to enjoy the winter wonderland waiting outside her door. As many of us might do, she tenderly fashions a snowman, and comes to consider him her new friend since they’ve spent so much of the time together. Her thoughtful father captures a photograph of the two of them since he knows that snow and snow friends don’t last forever. The photograph helps remind the child that even though winter may turn to spring, and spring to summer, eventually winter will come again, as will her snowy friend. The lovely, soft-colored illustrations fit the book's tender message perfectly.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

Marlowe, Sara. (2013). No ordinary apple: A story about eating mindfully. Illus. by Philip Pascuzzo. Somerville, MA: Wisdom Publications.

Elliot arrives at his neighbor Carmen’s house after school. He is looking for a snack and when Carmen offers him an apple, he is NOT happy. He was thinking more along the lines of candy. Now Carmen guides Elliot through a new way of looking and sensing an apple – a more mindful way. First, she tells him to think about the colors of an apple – not just red, but green and brown as well. Touching an apple proves that they are not completely smooth, but bumpy in some parts. When Carmen has Elliot roll a piece of apple around on his tongue, she has him think about and discover how the apple tastes on different places on his tongue. Bright colorful illustrations add to the overall beauty of not only the apple but also the book itself. If reading this aloud, have a bowl of apple slices ready to try this experience with young readers. Teachers might like to use this musical book trailer to introduce Elliott and his apple or learn more about the background information to this book including downloadable coloring pictures at Mindful Families.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Matheson, Christie. (2013). Tap the magic tree. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

Readers will be reminded of Herve Tullet’s Press Here (2011) picture book in the style of interactive motions needed to read the book. In reading about the magic tree, young readers are asked to tap on the page and a leaf appears “magically” on the next page. As the book continues, readers will tap and shake and brush and clap to watch the apple tree change through the seasons. Vibrant colors and lots of white space add to the visual appeal along with simple text as the tree changes through the seasons. Preschool story hours will enjoy this book or parents who have a child on their lap.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Minor, Wendell. (2013). How big could your pumpkin grow? New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books.

Wendell Minor has had fun with imaginative pumpkins illustrated in watercolor and gouache paintings that bring his pumpkins to life. Pumpkin festivals and contests have become so popular across the country that Minor has placed familiar American landmarks with enormous pumpkins highlighting the landscape. As readers move through the landscapes each pumpkin picture gets a bit more exaggerated and a bit more fun until finally the pumpkins are enormous finally towering on the Brooklyn Bridge, smiling at a rocket whizzing out of Cape Canaveral or the concluding pumpkin looming over the Grand Canyon. He concludes the story identifying all of the 14 landmarks included in the book with a few facts about each one. Enjoy this lively book trailer produced by the publisher as a way to introduce the book. In addition, visit the author’s website to view many of the pictures from the book … and more.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant

 

Stein, David Ezra. (2013). Ol' Mama Squirrel. New York, NY: Penguin Young Readers Group/Nancy Paulsen Books.

In this delightful and humorous picture book, readers meet a determined Mama Squirrel. She will not let anyone grab the kids under her watch – “Chook, chook, chook!” (unpaged).  Kittens, owls, dogs, kites stuck on a tree, or even airplanes all get the same scolding. They all go away. She even scares and scolds the man who comes to prune a tree – “Chook, chook, chook!” (unpaged). Until one afternoon a growling grizzly bear comes to town. He climbs up Mama Squirrel's tree. Mama springs into action with all the items in her arsenal. But the bulky bear smiles and sends shivers through Mama's whiskers. What can Mama Squirrel to do? The bold diagrams and action packed texts will be a great text for participatory reading in the classrooms. The book is engaging and should be a popular choice in classrooms and libraries. View the publisher's book trailer and read more about the author in "5 Questions With... David Ezra Stein" on the Engage blog.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University Pullman

 

Teague, Mark. (2013). The three little pigs and the somewhat bad wolf. New York, NY: Scholastic/Orchard Books.

Perfect to read aloud more than once, this hilarious version of the classic story about three pigs and a wolf has a couple of interesting takes on the plight of its characters. After a farmer gives his pigs severance pay since he is selling the farm, the three make very different choices. As is the case in the classic story on which this one is based, the first two are lazier than the other one and more interested in spending their money on snacks. Not concerned with the future, they fashion houses out of inexpensive materials. The third pig spends all her money on bricks, and builds a structurally sound house. A hungry wolf comes along, looking for the closest fast food spot that is open since they all seem to be closed. Young readers will love the story and its ending as well as the liberty the author has taken with the familiar tale that reminds readers to prepare shelter for coming seasons. Not only will they enjoy looking at the oil painting illustrations, but they'll howl in glee when they hear that the wolf "HUFF-HUFF-PUFFED AND PUFF-HUFF-HUFFED AND HUFFY-HUFFY-PUFF-HUFFED" (unpaged) and passed out from exertion and extreme hunger. The endpapers, filled with thumbnail sketches of the pigs and the starving wolf, are particularly pleasing.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

Wright, Johanna. (2013). Bunnies on ice. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press.

What season would a champion ice skater wait for? Just the right season, of course! In this book, narrated in a humorous voice, the author takes us through the long and laborious wait for the perfect season to skate. After eating an enormous meal, a champion's breakfast, the bunny prepares to go out and skate. The preparation is meticulous--putting on layers of clothes, and going out to perform to an audience that is filled with fans. Spin, figure-8, and leap in air. The consequences are humorous. Thankfully, the ice skater has an excellent support team who salvages the situation with plenty of hot chocolate, balanced diet, and seeks to provide ways to keep muscles loose. Finally, all champions need rest to prepare for practice the next day. The bold pictures in matt finish and subtle expressions add a touch of humor.

- Rani Iyer, Washington State University, Pullman

 

GRADES 3-5

 

Kline, Lisa Williams. (2013). Seasons of change. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz.

This is the final book in the nine-book series, Sisters in All Seasons. Told in alternating chapters from the two stepsisters, Diana and Stephanie, the girls have had a very difficult time becoming a blended family. When their parents, Norm and Lynn, leave for a weekend marriage counseling retreat, the teen girls begin to have concerns about another divorce. Neither wants to re-experience the emotional trauma that goes along with splitting up a family. It has been arranged for the girls to spend the weekend with Lynn’s parents. A few mishaps during the weekend include Stephanie hitting a deer when she is driving and unexpectedly her mother arrives home taking Stephanie with her. Now the two stepsisters are separated and really concerned about their own behavior toward each other and the family dynamics that may be falling apart. How a family works together and with great family role models in the form of the grandparents gives each of these characters room for thought to salvage this family.

- Karen Hildebrand, Ohio Library and Reading Consultant\

 

GRADES 7-9

 

O’Brien, Annemarie. (2013). Lara’s gift. New York, NY: Knopf Books for Young Readers.

Fourteen-year-old Lara comes of age in 1914 Tsarist Russia where she dreams of being in charge of the borzoi dogs that her father raises for a wealthy count who lives nearby. But the birth of a baby brother prompts her father to start making wedding plans for Lara and to relieve her of her duties in the kennel. To her father's displeasure, Lara experiences visions relating to the dogs, allowing her to know when a litter is going to be born or when the dogs are threatened. Her father fears what will happen to someone with her special gift and insists that she hide it. Lara has strong bonds with all the dogs, but especially with Zar, who she saved as a pup when he was intended to be killed as the runt of the litter. Although he is still smaller than his litter mates, Zar is brave, fast, and determined to pursue the wolves that plague the countryside. Not only brimming with interesting tidbits from Russian history, the book is a tribute to the love between a girl and her dog. The juxtaposition of beauty and savagery in the scenes that occur in the woods between the dogs and the wolves reveals a great deal about the savagery that is a part of nature. Lara’s affection for these special canine breed fills the book’s pages and makes her losses exceptionally difficult. The author deftly describes the relentless snow that fills the woods and makes it hard to move around. As they read, readers will feel an icy wind at their napes.

- Barbara A. Ward, Washington State University Pullman

 

These reviews are submitted by members of the International Reading Association's Children's Literature and Reading Special Interest Group (CL/R SIG) and are published weekly on Reading Today Online. The International Reading Association partners with the National Council of Teachers of English and Verizon Thinkfinity to produce ReadWriteThink.org, a website devoted to providing literacy instruction and interactive resources for grades K–12.