Grandfather Twilight

Title: Grandfather Twilight

Author and Illustrator: Barbara Helen Berger

Copyright Date: 1984

Genre: Fiction

Theme: night, twilight, sleep, personification

Grades: Preschool and up

Awards: Parent's Choice Foundation Award for Illustration, Washington State Governor's Writer's Award (Source)

Summary

The story follows the nightly ritual of Grandfather Twilight, a kind old soul who lives deep in the forest. Each night he takes a pearl from his chest and proceeds to go on a walk. As he goes, the pearl becomes larger and larger with each step, but still he walks on.

What will happen to Grandfather Twilight and his pearl before he returns home? Read this book to find out.

Pre-reading Activity

The character of Grandfather Twilight is a great example of personification. Hold a mini-lesson on what personification is, the attributing human characteristics or feeling on inanimate objects or phenomena. Then present them with the title of the book and the front cover. Ask them who they think Grandfather Twilight is and from his name and the way he is shown, what do they think will happen in the book.  

During Reading Activity

While the story is going, stop and offer chances to predict what is going to happen. With the large number of pages that lack text, have students analyze the pictures for how they continue the plot without the text. What is going on in the picture and what does that say about what's happening in the story?

Post-reading Activity

After the story is over, younger students can write about their own nighttime rituals. What do you do when you are going to bed? Do you take a bath, change into pajamas, hear a bedtime story? 

Older students may find it fun to write their own story of how night phenomena  occurs. Possible questions to answer with a story could include the following: How do the stars shine? What makes a shooting star? Who are owls asking questions of? Why does it get dark when the sun sets?

Author and Illustrator

Barbara Berger worked as an artist for ten years before focusing on children's books. Since then, she has written and illustrated ten books, including Animalia, Thunder Bunny, and A Lot of Otters, combining different styles of art from Tibetan to Medieval illuminated manuscripts. For her work she has received many awards, including the prestigious Golden Kite Award for Picture Illustration. She currently lives in Washington. (Sources: here and here)

Reflections

This was my favorite bedtime story growing up, only rivaled by Goodnight Moon. It's calming tone and gorgeous illustrations make it a great story for when you are putting a little one down for bed or sharing a quiet moment with a class. Whether its to examine literary elements such as personification or mood or just as an entertaining treat, this book is sure to please. I highly recommend it. 

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here. 

Barbara Berger has shared her thoughts on the strong response fans of this book have given her, in this section from her website:

"Over the years, many people have told me about the peaceful hush that comes over a child, even a roomful of children, with the reading of Grandfather Twilight. When I created the book, I could only hope that something of the serenity I feel, myself, at twilight might come through the words and art. But I never dreamed that so many children would truly love it as they do, ask for it over and over again, find solace for fears of the dark and sometimes, even for the loss of a parent or grandparent. I never dreamed that Grandfather Twilight would have such a wonderful long life as a book, nor such a wide reach among children and adults alike, from the youngest to the oldest. To this day, it seems a miracle to me." (Source)

Junior Kroll

Title: Junior Kroll

Author: Betty Paraskevas

Illustrator: Michael Paraskevas

Copyright Date: 1993

Genre: poetry

Theme: humor, family

Grades: 2-4

Summary

In this collection of poems, readers will meet a boy named Junior Kroll who proves to be as rambunctious, unique, and surprisingly sweet little kid as you'll ever meet. You will follow him as he interacts with his equally bizarre family, including his crazy great dane Max, his poker playing grandfather, and his teddy bear taking cousin.

What crazy adventures will Junior Kroll get into? Read this book to find out. 

Pre-reading Activity

The poems in this collection are all about the characters. It would be good to do a mini-lesson on characterization, both direct and indirect. Go over how the poet can just say how the character is and how describing their actions and words helps give the reader a full sense of who the character is and what they are like. 

During Reading Activity

During the reading have students keep track of Junior Kroll's characterization, using the information they learned in the pre-reading activity. Have them keep track of Junior's qualities, adding to the lists with each poem, and how the information was presented (directly or indirectly). Maybe share the new items on the list after each poem, especially if you are going to split the poems up over the course of several classes. 

Post-reading Activity

After reading through the collection of poems and gaining a better understanding who Junior is as a person, this would be a good opportunity for students to synthesize what they've learned from the various poems into a character analysis piece. They can either write a paragraph or a visual (such as a cut out of Junior with qualities written inside), where they explain who Junior is and back it up with examples. 

Author and Illustrator

Before becoming a children's book writer, Betty Paraskevas was a lyricist and playwright for broadway shows, working on plays such as No No Nannette. She was convinced to write her first book, On the Edge of the Sea, by her illustrator son Michael. After that one, she would go on to write almost twenty children's books, including four collections of Junior Kroll books and creating the Maggie and the Ferocious Beast books. She passed away in 2010. (Sources: book jacket and here)

Michael Paraskevas was already an illustrator prior to illustrating this book. Along with being the illustrator of every one of his mother's books, Michael has illustrated for other authors, such as On My Way to the Bath by Sarah Maizes. He is also an author in his own right, writing and illustrating the books, Taffy Saltwater's Yummy Summer Day and L.A. Times. He is the co-creator of Maggie and the Ferocious Beast. (Sources: book jacket and here)

Reflections

Along with Shel Silverstein, Junior Kroll dominated poetry during my childhood. Looking back on it as an adult and educator I can better appreciate the humor and sentimentality found in each poem. You can't help but fall in love with this precocious young boy, even if he puts frosting spiders on birthday cakes. I can't recommend this book enough.  

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here and if you want more Junior Kroll, look into getting his other three collections: Junior Kroll and Company, Junior Kroll, Esquire, and A Very Kroll Christmas

Maggie Mab and the Bogey Beast

Title: Maggie Mab and the Bogey Beast

Author: Valerie Scho Carey

Illustrator: Johanna Westerman

Copyright Date: 1992

Genre: fiction, traditional folktale

Theme: ghosts, Great Britain, thankfulness

Grades: 2-4

Summary

Maggie Mab is a woman living by herself in Northern England. She is very poor, but is always happy to help out neighbors and strangers with the little she has and ever complains about her situation. One night coming back from a neighboring farm, she comes across an abandoned pot full of gold. Although she could use the money to make her life easier, Maggie's first thought is to take it home to keep it safe from robbers so it can be returned to its proper owners. Strangely, this pot of gold transforms into a lump of silver, but this is only the start of a very bizarre night for Maggie.

What do these strange happenings have to do with the legendary Bogey Beast and what lessons about thankfulness can readers take from this tale? Read this book to find out. 

Pre-reading Activity

This book tells a traditional folktale from Northern England. Because it is set in a country/culture that your student may not be familiar with, it would be a good idea to set it up a bit before reading. Show where Northern England is on a map, or even show pictures of the area. It may also be a good idea to go over some of the culturally specific or other unfamiliar words nd phrases for the students so they won't be thrown off by them when read in the text. Some words to go over could be: churning butter, toppling-over, shawl, and bogey beast. With the context given by these words, especially the bogey beast, students will better be able to enjoy the story. 

During Reading Activity

This book is filled with interesting comparisons such as "poor as the sound of a tin bell," "neat as a chapel cleaned for Sunday," and "lazy as a badger in winter." After a quick reminder of metaphors and similes  have the students make a list of comparisons they come across during the reading.  

Post-reading Activity

Using their individual lists, make a class list of metaphors and similes used in the book and as a class or in pairs, have students take them apart to determine the greater details they tell. For example when Maggie is considering being rich and "lazy as a badger in winter," she is referring to how badgers usually asleep all winter since they hibernate. So this comparison says that Maggie thinks she would be extremely restful and lazy if  she became rich. 

After exploring the similes and metaphors from the story, it would be fun for them to write some descriptive comparisons themselves, in as part of a story or standing on their own. 

Author and Illustrator

Valerie Scho Carey's love of storytelling comes from listening to her parents stories as a child and has led to her studying history and stories from many cultures. Along with this book, she has written five books for children, winning awards for The Devil and Mother Crump and Harriet and William and the Terrible Creature. She currently lives in Michigan. (Sources: book jacket and here)

This book was Johanna Westerman's first picture book she's illustrated. Since then, she has illustrated seven other books, including I like Cats and Little Swan, and received very positive reviews for her work. She continues to create artwork and illustrate books. She currently lives in California. (Sources: book jacket, here, and here)

Reflections

This book was always a favorite of mine, even when I found it a bit spooky. Looking back at it as an educator, I can see it is a great resource for a variety of reading topics such as folklore and metaphors and similes. Although it may be scary for very young students, second graders and up will enjoy this book. I highly recommend it.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here. 

King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

Title: King Bidgood's in the Bathtub

Author: Audrey Wood

Illustrator: Don Wood

Copyright Date: 1985

Genre: fiction

Theme: baths, royalty, repeating

Grades: P-2 (source)

Awards: Booklist Starred Review, School Library Journal Starred Review, School Library Journal Best Books of 1985, Caldecott Honor, Pen Los Angeles Center Literary Award, Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award, Port Washington Children's Favorite Book Award, West Virginia Children's Book Award Honor Book, Colorado Children's Book Award, North Carolina Children's Book Award, Nevada Children's Book Award, ALA Notable Book, Parent's Choice Award, Storytime Featured Book (source)

Summary

King Bidgood is enjoying a bath in his royal bathtub but when it comes time for him to leave it, he won't get out. The Page cries for help and the different members of the court come up with reasons for him to end his bath. Unfortunately  King Bidgood finds a way to have each of their other activities, such as battling and fishing, happen right in his tub with hilarious consequences. 

What or who will finally get King Bidgood out of the tub? Read this book to find out.

Pre-reading Activity

The humor of this book relies on readers understanding the ridiculousness of fishing, eating, and dancing in the tub. Have a discussion about baths before reading this book, possibly making two lists. The first would be what they do in the bathtub---wash our hair, play with rubber ducks, have bubbles, etc. The other would be things that they don't (or shouldn't) do in the bathtub---ride a bike, cook, play videogames, etc. After the two lists are done, explain that you are going to be reading a book about a very silly king who does some very strange things in the bathtub.

During Reading Activity

This book is written in a repetitive and wonderfully predictable way. Have the students predict what they think will happen to the Queen and the Duke, after seeing how King Bidgood waged battle in the tub earlier. Students may also enjoy reading along with the teacher, especially if you read this book more than once.

Post-reading Activity

Due to its repetitive style and large cast of characters, this book is a favorite to turn into a reader's theater. You can assign parts to students and have them read the words and perform the actions from their parts of the book, acting in front of an audience of classmates, another class, or even parents. 

These two videos show different classes performing their versions of the book in play form, utilyzing the audio recording of the book available here. 

Author and Illustrator

Audrey Wood is not only an author, but also an artist (the fourth generation of artists in her family), has owned and ran a book and import store, taught drama, even traveled throughout South America. Along with writing this book, she has written and illustrated her own books (like Blue Sky), and written others that have been illustrated by her husband Don (like Heckedy Pig) and her son Bruce (like Alphabet Rescue). She currently lives in California. (Sources: book jacket, here, and here)   

Don Wood provided the wonderful illustrations for this book that won it the prestigious Caldecott Medal. Along with illustrating this book, he has illustrated many books by his wife Audrey, (such as Piggies). He is also an author himself, writing books with his wife (such as The Big Hungry Bear) and even one by himself (Into the Volcano). He currently lives in California. (Sources: book jacket, here, and here)

Reflections

This is one of my favorite books from my childhood and it really holds up years later. Your class will love the  sing song nature of the book and and being able to "read" along with the teacher. No doubt you will also find students pouring over the illustrations, looking at the great details and funny things hidden in them. I can almost guarantee that this will become a favorite in your classroom. I highly recommend it.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here. 

And Tango Makes Three

Title: And Tango Makes Three

Authors: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

Illustrator: Henry Cole

Copyright Date: 2005

Genre: Non-fiction

Theme: Families, animals, penguins, homosexuality

Grades: PreK-3

Awards: ALA Notable Children's Book Nominee, ASPCA Henry Bergh Book Award  

Winner, Bank Street Best Books of the Year (source)

Summary

In the Central Park Zoo there are many families. While most of the couples are made of a boy and a girl animal, Roy and Silo were two boy penguins who are in love and became a couple. When it came for the other penguin families to have children, Roy and Silo made a nest and worked to have a family of their own; even sitting on a rock in the hopes that it would hatch.

Will Roy and Silo ever have a family like the other penguin couples and what will Mr. Gramzay the zookeeper do with the extra egg he found? Read this book to find out. 

Pre-reading Activity

This book offers a great opportunity to teach about a family structure not always talked about with young children. Before reading the book, it might be good to have a quick discussion about different types of families the class might already be familiar with. Have the class help you make a list of different famil groups the students may have, such as a mother and father, single parent, foster parent, adopted parents, living with grandparents, being raised by a sibling, living with extended family, etc. 

It is important to point out that not only are every one of these families is completely okay but they have more things in common than they have differences. They have adults and children who love each other and work together to make their each others' lives happy.

Post-reading Activity

After reading and listening to this story once, it would be nice to have students make a Venn diagram comparing their own family to Roy, Silo, and Tango's. This may require a mini-lesson on Venn diagrams and/or a second read through so they can pick up on more details.

After their graphic organizers are completed, have students write a paragraph about how the two families are alike and different. 

Author and Illustrator

Along with being a writer, Justin Richardson works at Columbia and Cornell Universities as an assistant professor of psychiatry. He is the co-author another children's book (Christian the Hugging Lion), along with writing for adults in New York Times columns and the book, Everything You Never Wanted Your Kids to Know About Sex (But Were Afraid They'd Ask). He currently lives in New York with Peter Parnell. (Source: book jacket and here)

Peter Parnell is the co-author of two children's books (the other being Christian the Hugging Lion) but is also a successful playwright. His works have appeared on and off-Broadway (QED being his latest theatrical work) and he has also worked in television as a writer for Little Bear and as a producer for The Guardian and The West Wing. He currently lives in New York with Justin Richardson. (Sources: book jacket and here)

Henry Cole started out as an elementary teacher before becoming a full time writer and illustrator. He has worked on over fifty books including serving as the illustrator for Alyssa Satin Capucilli's Katy Duck series and  the author and illustrator of his own books like Unspoken: A Story From the Underground Railroad and The Littlest Evergreen. He currently lives in Washington D.C. (Sources: book jacket, here, here and here)

Reflections

This book is controversial to say the least. It can be found on many schools' banned book lists because it deals with a topic that not everyone agrees on, same-sex couples and parents. This book doesn't deserve the  negative stigma that comes with being labeled banned. It shows a same-sex couple in an incredibly sensitive way, as two men who love each other and like being with each other. This would make a great introduction for students or even your children to these types of couples in an age appropriate way. Best of all, the entire story is true. I highly recommend this book, if not in your classroom, at least in your personal library. 

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here. 

Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears?

Title: Why Does Izzy Cover Her Ears?

Author and Illustrator: Jennifer Veenendall

Copyright Date: 2009

Genre: educational fiction

Theme: sensory overload, sensory processing disorder, disabilities, school

Grades: Kindergarten and up

Awards: Foreword Book of the Year (2009), International Book Award Finalist (2010) (source)

Summary

Our hero Izzy has recently started the first grade but hasn't been having the greatest time so far. You see, Izzy has a sensory processing disorder which makes her very sensitive to noise, touch, visual distractions, etc. With all of the bright lights, colorful art on the walls, kids talking and bumping into her, she sometimes gets so overwhelmed she can't take it anymore.

Can Izzy's teacher do anything to help her? Will Izzy ever enjoy the first grade? Read this book to find out. 

Pre-reading Activity

Before reading this book, try to get the class to understand what it feels like to be overwhelmed. This could be as simple as asking for some students to share a time in their lives where they've felt overwhelmed and to describe how they felt. 

If the students are old enough and you do it safely, you could also try creating an overwhelming experience for the students to feel that way themselves. Teachers should explain that they are going to be reading a book about a very special little girl, but first they are going to do an experiment. The teacher could hand out a timed math quiz to the class, but have far more questions than the students will not be able to finish (this will add some stress). Then while it is going on play a video that is distracting and have a loud conversation on the phone (adding visual and auditory distractions). After a very short period of time, stop the quiz and collect the papers. Discuss with the students what they thought about the quiz. do they think they did well? Why not? How did they feel? Explain that they just had an experience like someone who has a sensory processing disorder, and that you are going to be reading a book about a girl named Izzy who experiences feelings like this very often. Also make sure to let the class know you aren't going to be using the quiz for anything and to not worry about it.   

Post-reading Activity

In the story, the author describes many classroom changes that Izzy's teacher made to help her work better and to concentrate. Have a short discussion reviewing some of these changes, that not only benefited Izzy but the entire class. Then have them apply these types of changes to their on class. Have them write a paragraph about what they think are the distractions in their own classroom and what changes they would make if Izzy were to become a student in their class. It might also been good to take some of the students ideas and actually apply them to the room in order to help them concentrate.

Author and Illustrator

Jennifer Veenendall is an occupational therapist who works in schools in Minnesota. She is passionate about helping students with sensory processing needs by creating environments that meet their needs so that they can learn and enjoy school. In efforts to share knowledge about this group of special needs and tips for teachers on working with students with these needs, she has written two children's books about sensory processing disorder, including this book and Arnie and His School Tools: Simple Sensory Solutions that Build Success, both of which are International Book Award Finalists. She currently lives in Wisconsin. (Source)

Reflections

I think this book is a great resource for teachers. It's plainly written so students of any grade can understand it if you read it to them, but still full of great tools and strategies for teachers to think about for their own rooms. Its informational page, bibliography, and resource list all provide teachers (and parents) with tons of information on this particular disorder and ways of finding more. This book would be a good one to share if there is confusion about a student in class who may have this disability or for just spreading awareness of others with disabilities in the community so misconceptions can corrected. I highly recommend this book. 

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here. 

Tyrannosaurus Math

Title: Tyrannosaurus Math

Author: Michelle Markel

Illustrator: Doug Cushman

Copyright Date: 2009

Genre: Fiction

Theme: Dinosaurs, math, problem-solving

Grades: K-3

Awards: WINNER Cooperative Children's Book Center Choices (Source)

Summary

From the moment when he first cracked out of his egg, the dinosaur hero of this book sets himself apart from his friends with his unique passion; he loved math. Throughout the book, Tyrannosaurus Math uses math skills to learn about his world and solve problems that arise in his life; showing examples of addition, counting by fives, pictographs, and even fractions. 

How does Tyrannosaurus Math save the day with his amazing arithmetic abilities? Read the book to find out.  

Pre-reading Activity

Before diving into this book, teachers may want to get their students thinking about the hidden math people use everyday. Teachers can ask students to share a time in their lives they use math outside of the classroom. Students may require an example from the teacher as an ice breaker to help them get their brains going. Teachers can give examples such as counting out coins for a parking meter, use multiplication to scale up amounts of ingredients needed for a recipe for a large party, or using division/fractions to split up a pizza equally among friends. With students thinking and sharing about this math in their own lives, explain that you are going to be reading a book about a very special dinosaur who also uses math in his life and that they should look for what math skills he uses.

During the Reading Activity

This book, along with having a story narrative, is full of math problems. Teachers might find it amusing to put sticky notes over the answers to the math problems and see if the class can solve the problems along with Tyrannosaurus Math.

Post-reading Activity

After reading this book, students can take time to write their own math stories in emulation of this book, either starring themselves, their own character, or even as another Tyrannosaurus Math adventure. Teachers may also benefit from using this style of storytelling and characters for presenting word problems; having a continuous narrative with multiple problems, since the phrase "word problem" seems to strike students with fear.

Author and Illustrator

Michelle Markel started out writing as a journalist who's articles appeared in famous newspapers including The Los Angeles Times and The Wall St. Journal. Today she writes for children, being the author of seven books, including The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau and Dream Town. She currently lives in California. (Sources: book jacket and here)

Doug Cushman is responsible for the artwork for this and many other children's books. He has either written or illustrated (often both) over 120 books. He has illustrated Douglas Wood's "Can't Do" series and Bethany Roberts' "Mice" book series, and is the author and illustrator of the Dirk Bones mystery series. He currently lives in Paris, France. (Sources: book jacket, here, and here)

Reflections

While math and reading may not always seem like the easiest subjects to combine, this book does so nicely. Students will enjoy the story and teachers will like how it answers the frequent question students have about math, "When am I going to ever need to use this in real life?." This book provides many real life examples of real math use, while also serving as a more friendly alternative to word problems that is just begging to be copied by teachers. This is another book I recommend for all classrooms, especially with reluctant math users. 

If you are interested in purchasing this book, click here.