This book is the perfect combination of being a little bit sad and finishing out happy. It is about an old school baseball star regaining his glory. I...moreThis book is the perfect combination of being a little bit sad and finishing out happy. It is about an old school baseball star regaining his glory. It something both children and baseball lovers can both read. What interested most about this book was the illustrations. I'm not really a big baseball fan but I was absolutely captivated by this book. The cover gives off the sense that its going to be a historical story but the pages and all the pictures really show it. I love how it was set up like a scrap book. It made me feel I was sharing something very personal with the narrator of the book. The baseball cards, tickets, and other memorabilia in the book made the story even much more better. (less)
I loved this book. It was the perfect combination of reminiscing and comfort. It touched me how the elephant set up a chess game for Amos. The friends...moreI loved this book. It was the perfect combination of reminiscing and comfort. It touched me how the elephant set up a chess game for Amos. The friendship between Amos and the animals is very inspiring. I feel like it can teach school children to look for good friendship and loyalty within their peers. It really is a good friendship book because it also teaches the lesson that sometimes someone has to do things out of love and expect nothing in return. Just the satisfaction of seeing the one you care about it enough. The best part of the book is when the animals make a great escape to visit sick old Amos. The animals left the zoo like it was no one's business. It had my imagination running wild in all honesty. The thought off a bunch of animals just running through the streets had me laughing. The illustration in this book is very captivating. It is simple but yet you feel like you are being pulled into the book. I highly recommend it to everyone! (less)
This was a sad story, but I feel like it would be good to read out loud to show children the harshness of the holocaust. Children will know that the b...moreThis was a sad story, but I feel like it would be good to read out loud to show children the harshness of the holocaust. Children will know that the book is historical due to the illustrations. They are realistic and the people in the book are dressed in old fashion clothes. It hits hard to the heart, and it was inspiring to see how Rose Blanche wanted to help others. Its a powerful story.(less)
I adored this book. I felt like if a child reads this he or she will know that regardless of their size they have a place in this world. The illustrat...moreI adored this book. I felt like if a child reads this he or she will know that regardless of their size they have a place in this world. The illustrations really brought this book to life and I am just a sucker for water colors. But the rhyme and the flow of the story is very attention grabbing, I read the book over at least three times. All the World also hit home to me because of the setting. I truly enjoyed the fact that it was placed at the beach and the part where the community gathers around the piano. It really reminded of me of my home in New Jersey. Growing up right by the shore and listening to my friends and cousins sing and play the piano. It actually made me really homesick. But other than that I highly recommend this book. (less)
This was a cute redo of the tortoise and the hare. I like the south western twist on it and how it incorporated that theme into the pictures. How they...moreThis was a cute redo of the tortoise and the hare. I like the south western twist on it and how it incorporated that theme into the pictures. How they had some Spanish words and all the desert animals. Its a good book to read to first or second graders in the region. I feel like if this was read anywhere other than the southwest children would be confused. But it can also be read to kids not from the are to spark their imagination about the desert. (less)
I like this version better than the original. These javelinas were clever little animals. And that coyote did not know when to stop. I like how Lowell...moreI like this version better than the original. These javelinas were clever little animals. And that coyote did not know when to stop. I like how Lowell added why the coyote howls when he recalls the memory when he could not catch the pigs. It a funny book to read to children. They will also receive a cultural lesson since Lowell incorporates the Indians and the Mexicans indigenous to the area. (less)
I enjoyed the poetry in this book. It took the reader on a trip around the year, eloquently describing each month. The illustrations bring the words t...moreI enjoyed the poetry in this book. It took the reader on a trip around the year, eloquently describing each month. The illustrations bring the words to life and I feel that they truly made the book. My favorite part of the book was the winter months. Winter is my favorite time of the year and Updike hit home when he described January in poetry. It made me remember the times when I was little, walking through crunchy snow back east. It is a great example of a read-aloud poetry book. (less)
The book was really eerie to me. The story behind it was a good one, but something about this book and the pictures irked me. And I could not set my f...moreThe book was really eerie to me. The story behind it was a good one, but something about this book and the pictures irked me. And I could not set my finger on what it was. I feel like there are a lot of mature issues underlying within the story. For example with the second voice, all the pictures in his section were dark and gloomy, until he started talking to his daughter. But I feel like it shows the issue how unemployment correlates with depression. It also brushes on the issue of class difference. The two families definitely came from the totally opposite sides of town. Charles and his mother were nicely dressed and proper. While Smudge and her Dad were in casual attire. But I think the meeting of Smudge and Charles shows that no matter what your background is, friendships can be made. (less)
This is the second Browne book I have read. This man most really love monkeys, gorillas, and bananas. But I liked this story more than voices in the p...moreThis is the second Browne book I have read. This man most really love monkeys, gorillas, and bananas. But I liked this story more than voices in the park. It was a simple story, but I feel like children from kindergarten to about second grade would enjoy it. It full of different illusions. Some of his dreams are practical and some are larger than life, but I believe it shows that whatever you dream, other people are dreaming it too. (less)
I LOVE THIS BOOK. I was first drawn to it by the cover, penguins are one of my favorite animals. But I found the story absolutely charming! Even thoug...moreI LOVE THIS BOOK. I was first drawn to it by the cover, penguins are one of my favorite animals. But I found the story absolutely charming! Even though the subject of the book is taboo to some people, it is worth reading in the classroom. Children are going to be exposed to the homosexual world one way or another. It's going to happen no matter what some parents do to try and preventing it from happening. Reading stories like these to young children will hopefully lessen the negative stereotypes often associated with homosexuals. Roy and Silo love each other like how all the other penguin couples love each other. That can show children that they can love who they please and not have to worry about it. (less)
By far one of my FAVORITE books. I loved how the pictures were set up.If the mice children were whispering the text would be small, if they were excit...moreBy far one of my FAVORITE books. I loved how the pictures were set up.If the mice children were whispering the text would be small, if they were excited the text dialogue would be large. The illustrations were very cartoon-ish, which I felt allowed the imagination to run wild. The color scheme is eye catching, and I love how they have their own little mice world. Like how they had the Seven Sewers and incorporated cheese into everything. What I loved so much was the story. It was a situation that I saw happen a lot when I was younger. Boys and girls stop being friend due to the fact of boys just wanting to be with boys and girls wanting to be with girls. I feel like the book showed children that it is okay to have friends with the opposite sex, and you can be best friends too. Children should not be scared to make friends with who they want. The story does a good job explaining that by making a "everyone allowed" club at the end. This one is FOR SURE going into my library. (less)
This was a good story with a worthy lesson. Someone can be physically beautiful but beauty is nothing without a good personality behind it. It will be...moreThis was a good story with a worthy lesson. Someone can be physically beautiful but beauty is nothing without a good personality behind it. It will be a good self confidence booster for the youngsters and teach them to be kind to those who come across them. They never know who is watching. I feel like this story can also teach them that good things come to those who wait. Nyasha waited patiently through the story, like growing her garden or leaving for the city when planned. She did not rush anything and in the end she came out on top. The illustrations of this book were very vivid. They were realistic but I think one cane tell that the story is make believe. (less)
This book was fantastic. I love math, and I thought this would be the perfect tool to start of the year for a math class second or third graders. It i...moreThis book was fantastic. I love math, and I thought this would be the perfect tool to start of the year for a math class second or third graders. It included everything, such as number bases, fractions, and sequences. It is a good over view as to what a child is going to learn in a math class over a year. I loved the illustrations as well, they were eccentric but engaging. The setup of the pages can get a little complex, then again so does mathematics. Other than being artistic and clever this book is hilarious, definitely on my top picture books. (less)
Once again Scieszka does not fail me. I loved this book, it was so funny to read the spin offs of all the old fashion fairy tales. I do think some of...moreOnce again Scieszka does not fail me. I loved this book, it was so funny to read the spin offs of all the old fashion fairy tales. I do think some of them were intended for an older audience. I feel like some of the pictures were a little violent as well. But regardless I feel like this book should be read to students third grade and older. It can get confusing trying to follow the narrator.My favorite part of the book was the conflict that was going on between Jack and the giant. This book would be a good lesson starter for different point of view. (less)
This book was confusing. At first it is difficult to see if it was four stories in one or one story told from four different perspectives. But the sec...moreThis book was confusing. At first it is difficult to see if it was four stories in one or one story told from four different perspectives. But the second time around, its easier to see what the story line is. It would be a real difficult book to read out loud in my opinion. The illustrations were kind of like a comic book or split screen TV. But the pictures had a lot of detail, and even though each picture was a different style of art, all four intertwined with each other. (less)
I remember reading this as a child in second grade, and I was delighted to see it was on the book list for primary readers. In all honesty, I haven't...moreI remember reading this as a child in second grade, and I was delighted to see it was on the book list for primary readers. In all honesty, I haven't read since I was young. But as an adult I had a huge appreciation for the book. Ryan write an eloquent story of two very head strong women doing things that were out of the social norm of their time. I found the story inspiring due to the fact that two women were leaving a fancy dinner to go fly a plane and drive a car, still in there evening wear. I found that fact ironic, how they were doing "manly" things in elegant dresses and white gloves. I would read this book to help inspire young girls to go do what they want. Amelia and Elanor are two very prominent and inspiring women from the past, who can help young girls today to get their dreams out of the back door. If I do bring this into the classroom, I would also find a book for the boys in the class to enjoy as well. The illustrations were fabulous. I loved how everything looked like a black and white photo. (less)
I found this book very sentimental. It was touching to see how much Juice was willing to take of her Pa. Hesse portrays a very solid family foundation...moreI found this book very sentimental. It was touching to see how much Juice was willing to take of her Pa. Hesse portrays a very solid family foundation. I was very touched by how Juice at such a young age was such a huge heroine. Having her deliver a baby was the turning point and I felt like it gave her the confidence to go on and learn to read. I recommend it to any who wants to inspire a child to read more often. (less)
Since we had our historical fiction lesson, I was inspired to read The Diary of A Young Girl all over again. Coincidentally, it also falls under our n...moreSince we had our historical fiction lesson, I was inspired to read The Diary of A Young Girl all over again. Coincidentally, it also falls under our non-fiction section. The first and last time I read this book was in the sixth grade. I thought it was so long and boring, and it did not make any sense to me. Why read this book? But reading it again as an adult totally changed my view on it. This time around, I understood Anne's struggles. Since I grown up I understood better how she felt. I was able to be empathetic to her teenage angst. Remembering that her story was real was overwhelming. Anne had so much ambition and never had the chance to live it. It is a good teaching tool, it can put children in perspective and realize that life is valuable. I believe it should be presented to eighth graders or mature seventh graders. I feel like if it was any younger they would not appreciate it as much. (less)
This book got to me. I found it so inspirational, Bardby is eloquent yet she can come across to the younger audience. The cover art of this book match...moreThis book got to me. I found it so inspirational, Bardby is eloquent yet she can come across to the younger audience. The cover art of this book matched the story perfectly in my opinion. It accentuates the seriousness of the book. It helps children see the importance of reading, it's a subject that can not be taken lightly. Overall, fantastic book. (less)
At first I thought this book was real weird. I was not excited to read the book, but after I read it, I fell in love with it. The pictures totally mad...moreAt first I thought this book was real weird. I was not excited to read the book, but after I read it, I fell in love with it. The pictures totally made the book, it really was like watching a movie. The story had a lot of good morals in it such as its okay to let walls down sometimes and that curiosity is good for a young mind. The story is one of excitement and wonder and everyone should read it. Good things come out of horrible situations. (less)
This was an extraordinary book. I usually do not like distopia novels, but this one made the cut. It was the perfect combination of adventure and roma...moreThis was an extraordinary book. I usually do not like distopia novels, but this one made the cut. It was the perfect combination of adventure and romance. I was not looking forward to reading this book but I was totally wrong. I could not put it down!(less)
What got me about this book was that it was not exactly one story. It was a collection of pictures and captions. The book confused me to a sense. But...moreWhat got me about this book was that it was not exactly one story. It was a collection of pictures and captions. The book confused me to a sense. But I believe it can be used a very powerful tool in any creative writing class of all ages. Every picture is a mystery and open for interpretation. The pictures are absolutely captivating. My imagination ran wild thinking about all the stories that can come from just one picture. My thoughts took up and left when it came to the picture of the glowing pumpkin. A book like this is beneficial to the imagination. (less)
I found this book a little morose, but it had a sparkle of hope at the end. It made me rather melancholy to see that the Grandfather never made it bac...moreI found this book a little morose, but it had a sparkle of hope at the end. It made me rather melancholy to see that the Grandfather never made it back to America, but it was heartwarming to see that his grandson was able to witness the majestic sights his grandfather saw. For some reason I feel that this book is a tad bit too serious to read to school children. But if it is read to children, I feel that it can inspire them to go out into the world and explore. They can go find out where their grandparents came from, and see where their roots got started. The illustrations in this book are very life like. It was as if they took family portraits and re-did them in water color. I found some of the illustrations glum such as the grandfather in the city but, others portrayed beautiful scenes such as the grandfather walking through the golden meadow. The colors used were very plain, nothing out of the ordinary. The illustration is simple and to the point. (less)
The book was a pleasant read. I enjoyed the fact that it was written from a journal perspective and I feel like it gave me more insight on the captain...moreThe book was a pleasant read. I enjoyed the fact that it was written from a journal perspective and I feel like it gave me more insight on the captains thoughts. It was entertaining to see the crew turn into monkeys. But I found it extremely interesting how the Captain Hope was able to bring them back through reading and playing violin. To me that was the moral of the story. Anyone can learn and be cultured, even if they are as barbaric as apes. I found funny how at the end of the story, the crew had a strong appetite for bananas. The illustrations were very detailed and I loved the picture of the crew traveling through the jungle. I felt like I was actually in there with them. (less)
After I finished reading this book the saying, never judge a book by its cover came to mind. When I first picked this up, I thought the story would be...moreAfter I finished reading this book the saying, never judge a book by its cover came to mind. When I first picked this up, I thought the story would be frightening. The illustration on the cover totally caught me off-guard since I found the story inspiring and mysterious. Inspiring because the Baileys took this stranger in with no hesitation and he brought nothing but good things to them. Mysterious because we never get to fully understand who the stranger is and where he came from and why the he is the way he is. I had to read this book a couple times just so I could try to fully understand, but as many times that I read it I only found myself more and more curious about this stranger. The illustrations in this book really popped out to me. I felt like I was on that farm land and looking over the autumn trees, it reminded me of back home. Overall, this is a very well written story book and I highly recommend it. It can help shape the imaginations of children everywhere. The stranger's origin and life story are all open for interpretation, so I feel like a child can take this story and run with it. (less)
I loved this book. It surprised me because it was absolutely nothing like the movie. It is the perfect book for a child with a vivid imagination. Chil...moreI loved this book. It surprised me because it was absolutely nothing like the movie. It is the perfect book for a child with a vivid imagination. Children can easily relate to Judy and Peter, every kid had a boring afternoon and yearns for a wild adventure. The story has a good moral to it, make sure to always follow instructions. If you do not, god knows what is going to happen. My favorite part is when Peter is being chased by the lion, I could only imagine the Adrenalin running through his veins. The illustrations in this book were very detailed, but it did lack color. Which I found ironic since its a very imaginative book. Regardless, this is a good read for a rainy day, when kids are just wanting adventure.(less)
This was a really sad book but an inspiring book about friendship. Bruno's curiosity was overwhelming, and a curious soul seemed illegal in Nazi Germa...moreThis was a really sad book but an inspiring book about friendship. Bruno's curiosity was overwhelming, and a curious soul seemed illegal in Nazi Germany. It is a good book for fourth or fifth graders to read to understand the happenings of the Holocaust. Some of the content maybe be too mature for young children to realize. Overall it is a good read, even if it is melancholy. (less)
This was a cute book. I would not use it as a teaching tool but it would be good to have in the class room library. I like how the picture were primar...moreThis was a cute book. I would not use it as a teaching tool but it would be good to have in the class room library. I like how the picture were primarily white, black, and pink. This book is good for a little girls with vivid imaginations.I thought it flowed really nicely, but it was easy to follow which surprised me. The setup of the book while skimming through it the first time looked very confusing. But it was nice to see that it was not that hard of a read. I liked the volume, since it showed kids that all because they know something it does not mean they are good at it, their has to be passion behind it. Even though you do not need to read the other books to understand the other, I'm willing to read more of this series. (less)
This story was alright, I was more fond of the illustrations more than the story itself. I believe this book can teach children to be more mindful of...moreThis story was alright, I was more fond of the illustrations more than the story itself. I believe this book can teach children to be more mindful of their things, because not everyone can be as lucky as Simon. Also, I think this book can set a good image for a kid with a vivid imagination. Adele and Simon travel all over town, and have all kinds of adventures. The illustrations would help fuel such thoughts, since they so eloquently depict such colorful scenes. (less)
I adored The Gardener, it is a magnificent book that can teach children to always preserve. I loved Lydia Grace's determination that pushed her to pla...moreI adored The Gardener, it is a magnificent book that can teach children to always preserve. I loved Lydia Grace's determination that pushed her to plant a garden and make her Uncle Jim smile. I also admired her patience, she seemed to have so much for a young child. Gardening takes a lot of time, and it was so admirable to see how hard she worked on that roof garden, her love for plants and her family really made me smile. The pictures in this book are phenomenal as well. I loved how Small put splashes of color on the characters while the settings were a bit more monotone. Also the way the flowers were colored brought the city setting to life. I highly recommend that this book be read to children from kindergarten to about second grade. Not only is the story rewarding but the pictures are attention grabbing as well. (less)