Nonfiction

Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. The Beetle Book, Jenkins, Steve. Houghton Mifflin. New York. 2012. ISBN: 9780-0-547-68084-2

Plot Summary 
This Non-Fiction selection by Steve Jenkins includes amazing facts about beetles in our very big world. Showing the reader beetles in true size shape and color at times and other unbelievable facts of a species that inhabits almost every corner of the Earth.

Critical Analysis 
I think The Beetle Book was written with an upper elementary student in mind. The reading level is set at an accomplished fifth-grade range and the font is especially laborious at times to read, but the information included is eye-opening and at times exciting.

My two-year-old had very little interest in this book other than the creative illustration done in torn and cut paper collage. He would hit the beetles and scream, “Ewww Yuck!” and giggle. Other times he would cringe and say “Scary, scary beetle.” Which added more fun to this factual book. My five-year-old and husband, on the other hand, thought the book was in her words, “So cool!” They as well as I was shocked at some of the facts we learned. The size of some beetles for instance or even acid shooting capabilities that some beetles have.

If my Fifth-grade students were studying any living organisms I would include this election in their bank of choices as the facts are simple and interesting to understand and the illustrations are eye-catching.

Jenkins illustrations done in cut and torn paper collage are among my favorite types of art medium. The colors are bold and exciting making it easier to become interested in beetles. If the book was done with real images the interest factor may not have been the same for my children, husband and me.

Other Reviews 
“Through striking illustrations and intriguing information, this large-format book introduces the world of beetles. The text opens with the startling information that one-quarter of every kind of plant and animal on Earth is a beetle.” Booklist starred review

"Jenkins's enthusiasm for his subject shines through in this rich and varied compendium."--School Library Journal, starred review

Connections 
“Eye to Eye” Steve Jenkins
“Down Down Down” Steve Jenkins
“Actual Size” Steve Jenkins
Caldecott Honor book “What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?” Steve Jenkins

Activity
Creating images using cut and torn paper collage adding facts if available. To create a book of facts much like Jenkins creations.

Bibliography 
Kerley, Barbara. What to do about Alice?”. Fotheringham, Edwin. Scholastic Press. New York. 2008 ISBN- 978-0439922319

Plot Summary 
This biography by Barbara Kerley recounts the life of Alice Lee Roosevelt daughter or President Theodore Roosevelt. Kerley gives you a heart-warming account of a family with a member that just doesn’t want to do anything like anyone else and how a father can love her through it all.

Critical Analysis 
This biography is about the very unique life of Alice Lee Roosevelt. President Theodore Roosevelt’s daughter. Beginning with her sad entry into the world losing her mother at age two. To her antics in the night leading her father and the public to question her behavior, and finishing with her marriage and contributions to many political parties. All the while understanding the question Teddy would ask himself “What to do About Alice?”

Kerley used Alice’s mantra of “Eating up the World” to give us an energized example of living a life to the fullest. I found myself reevaluating some life choices of my own and changes to make that I would be fun because Alice’s life seemed carefree and exciting. As a reader, I truly felt like I could or even need to remember that I can step out of my comfort zone and experience more of the world around me.

Fotheringham’s illustrations reminded me of images from the movie Mary Poppins. Poppins was also ready to take risks and step out of others comfort zones. In a way, it makes sense that I would think about her after reading this selection they were both extraordinary women. Fotheringham has illustrated other work’s by Kerley and it has done them both well. Fotheringham is able to capture the imagery Kerley writes and has lead them to award-winning accolades.

Other Reviews
"Irrepressible Alice Roosevelt gets a treatment every bit as attractive and exuberant as she was....The large format gives Fotheringham, in his debut, plenty of room for spectacular art." --Starred Review, Booklist

"Theodore Roosevelt s irrepressible oldest child receives an appropriately vivacious appreciation in this superb picture book.... Kerley s precise text presents readers with a devilishly smart, strong-willed girl who was determined to live life on her own terms and largely succeeded." --Starred Review, Kirkus

Connections 
“The Extraordinary Mark Twain”, “Those Rebels, John & Tom”, and “A Home for Mr. Emerson” all written by Barbara Kerley and illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham

Activity 
Have students do a Flipgrid reflection on the life of Alice Roosevelt and include something they would like to do that they have been scared to do or think that they may never get a chance to do. Then finish by stating what they think Alice Roosevelt would say to their idea.

Bibliography 
Johnston, Tony. Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea: A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants. Innerst, Stacy. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Co. New York, New York. 2011. ISBN – 978-0152061456

Plot Summary 
This selection which at first glance gives you the impression is a biography or the life of Levi Strauss is actually written more a Tall Tale retelling of Strauss’ start as the world most recognized pants outfitter.

Critical Analysis 
Johnston who wears jeans all the time as she calls them her “blue skin” had a rhyme stuck in her head and it lead her to write this hilarious tale of Levi Strauss. It is the gold Rush and everyone is heading west to find the fortune. These miners soon find themselves in tattered to no clothing. Straus makes his way to California and sees there is a need for something. While thinking in his made of jean material tent he decides to try something and cuts up his tent and tailors some pants. The onlooker miners see these jeans and must have them. Strauss’ life as a jeans tailor begins and it is a hoot to read.

As I read this story to my children and husband we giggled often at the outrageous happenings throughout. My husband even shouted out “That’s why the bad guys in Bugs Bunny cartoons wore barrels!” He realized that a lot of the storylines took place during the Gold Rush era. “There’s gold in them there hill’s” he remembered and I can tell you when my husband said that I had the same “Ah ha” moment as well.

The illustrations done by Stacy Innerst were painted on actual old Levi Jeans which made the tale even more fun to look through. My daughter was the first to point this detail out as she noticed the pictures looked like they were on jeans. After reading the dust jacket of the book for info. I was able to tell my daughter that the paintings were really done on jeans. She didn’t know you could do that which led us into discussions on how art can be done and displayed on anything and it really didn’t matter what was used.

Other Reviews 
"Johnston creates an unrepentantly exaggerated version of events that is sure to entertain, offering more factual information about Strauss in an author's note. Using a bright idea of his own, Innerst (Lincoln Tells a Joke) chronicles the raucous action in acrylic paintings on a canvas of, yes, old Levi's jeans. The denim's texture provides an appropriately rugged tone to the colorful proceedings."--Publishers Weekly, starred review

"By the second spread, with miners working in their long johns or, discreetly, "in the vanilla," listeners will be thoroughly hooked. The humor is broad and the language inventive, yet reminiscent of the times."--Kirkus Reviews

Connections
‘Levi Strauss and Blue Jeans: Inventions and Discovery” by Nathan Olson
“Mr. Blue Jeans: A story about Levi Strauss” by Maryann N. Weidt

Activity 
Have students paint on pieces of jeans. If the jeans are cut into squares they could be sewn to create a quilt.

Bibliography 
Montgomery, Sy. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud forest of New Guinea. Bishop, Nic. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston. 2006 ISBN- 978-0547248929

Plot Summary 
This is the story of Lisa Dabek a scientist on the hunt to do research on the elusive tree kangaroo of Papua New Guinea. Lisa leads a team of eight including Sy Montgomery the author of this selection and Nic Bishop the photographer to capture, attach monitoring collars and release the tree kangaroos back into their home in the trees.

Critical Analysis 
Montgomery starts off with a map showing the location of New Guinea so we can really see how far scientists and expeditioners go to do research. Then to include background on one of his main characters Lisa Dabek the lead scientist and the reason for the for the expedition. He gives you a person to relate to throughout and gives us someone to almost cheer for as we go through the expedition along with Lisa.

The pictures by Bishop are breathtakingly beautiful. I immediately wanted to go to New Guinea and climb the mountains to get to the forest in the clouds. It definitely is a place untouched by the outside world. One that you would definitely see in a movie and expect it was created on a movie set as it looks so unreal.

I know that I am not the biggest fan of Non Fiction text and I admit that I had to read this book in parts. I was not prepared for this text and I know that this isn’t my usual read, but this selection gives a great account of what it is like to go on an expedition and what it feels like to accomplish goals together and work with a team. I think suggesting this as a read to students interested in exploring would be a good start and I know that my fifth graders would definitely appreciate the pictures included on every page.

Other Reviews 
“This book is an amazing way of expressing the expedition for the Tree Kangaroo. This is the best nonfiction book ever!” - Amazon review

“Love this book. We live in Papua New Guinea and it is hard to find books that the school children can read and relate to in English this one is great.” – Amazon review
* I thought this review was neat as it shows that we (Americans) aren’t the only people in the world reading this book. There are other people in different parts of the world wanting to read and learn about the same things as us.

Connections 
“Shakelton’s Journey” by William Grill
“First to the top: sir Edmund Hillary’s Amazing Everest Adventure” by David Hill

Activity 
Become explores on your own expedition using iPads take students on a Google Expeditions field trip to explore New Guinea.

Poetry

Bibliography 
Sidman, Joyce, Dark Emperor and Other Poems of the Night. Allen, Rick. HMH Books for Young Readers. New York, NY. 2010. ISBN: 978-0547152288 

Plot Summary 
Do you ever wonder about the life that is lived by nature at night? In this poetry selection, you will find a variety of poems written to give insight to what goes on at night when animals move about.

Critical Analysis 
Joyce Sidman wanted to uncover the nighttime activities of creatures that move about in the night. Her luminescent poetry is unexpected as when you read the title, "Dark Emperor" you feel as though the poetry will match its dark, ominous qualities. Quite the opposite as the creatures are described in comforting situations. Not only does Sidman offer poetry, but for each poem about, she gives facts for them on the opposing pages.

Rick Allen the illustrator for "Dark Emperor" did an impressive job. Using relief printing to create his images. Much like the potato stamp making of my younger days amplified by much more effort and skill. Allen uses blocks of wood to carve out his images to then cover in ink and press to the paper. Some of the illustrations taking up to six blocks to press. My children and I enjoyed the images immensely and after reading the "Dark Emperor," we decided to act as illustrators ourselves, cutting away at potatoes to create stamp art.

Not only was the poetry entertaining to read and talk about with my children, but the selection also gave them an opportunity to learn more about each creature. After each poem, we discussed the facts on the animals which I found to be an extra bonus because I would, to this day, not have known that porcupines climb trees to sleep and that their babies are called porcupettes.

 My children have asked for me to read this selection every night and I will not argue.

Other Reviews
 "Allen's detailed yet moody prints encapsulate the mysteries and magic of the midnight hours. In Sidman's delicious poems, darkness is the norm, and there's nothing to fear but the rising sun."—Publishers Weekly starred review

 "This is a fine collection for classroom use at any time, but it'll bring extra impact to those who can find a way to share it at dusk with the lights dimmed, watching through the windows as the nocturnal ballet begins outside."—The Bulletin starred review

Connections 
Newberry Honor Award - “Dark Emperor”
Caldecott Honor books - "Song of the Water Boatman" and "Other Pond Poems."

Sidman, Joyce. Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature. Krommes, Beth. HMH Books for Young Readers, 2011
Exploring the world of spirals and the many things we can learn about them.

Potato Stamping – How to Make a Potato Stamp
https://www.thebestideasforkids.com/potato-stamping/

Bibliography 
Sidman, Joyce. Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold. Allen, Rick. HMH Books for Young Readers. New York, NY. 2014. ISBN: 978-0547906508 

Plot Summary 
This selection of poetry about the creatures of winter gives us skillful images and playful poetry to bring the animals we read about in our laps, but cannot witness in person to life in our mind.

Critical Analysis 
Joyce Sidman won the Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children for "Winter Bees," and after reading her poetry, you can tell it is well given. Sidman took the time to learn about each creature of winter before placing them in her poems. Which allowed the reader to have accurate descriptions in her poetry as well as through the facts she imparts.

Rick Allen does not disappoint in his second work of illustration with Sidman. Using nearly two hundred linoleum blocks that were hand-colored. Allen would then have each of the prints digitally scanned and layered to create the wintery scenes throughout this selection. This type of artistry was undoubtedly time-consuming, but the end result was exuberant. My children recognized Allen's work immediately as it is much like "Dark Emperor" and again wanted to attempt additional stamp printing art activities themselves.

Other Reviews
"Each poem brings a sense of humor, respect, or wonder to its subject." —Publishers Weekly starred review

"Winter Bees distinguishes itself with a focus on the science of animal survival, coupled with superlative illustrations. Readers young and old will enjoy this winter journey and marvel at the wonders of nature." —School Library Journal, starred review

Connections 
Newberry Honor Award - “Dark Emperor”
Caldecott Honor books - "Song of the Water Boatman" and "Other Pond Poems."

I found both works by Sidman enjoyable to read with my two children. My five and two-year-old delighted in the illustrations immensely and extending the selection with potato printing blew their minds. For "Winter Bees," we went into nature this time and found leaves to create our stamp prints and it too was a blast for us all.

Leaf printing art
https://theimaginationtree.com/leaf-printing-art/

Bibliography 
Singer, Marilyn. Rutherford B. Who was He?. Hendrix, John. Disney-Hyperion, New York, NY. 2013. ISBN: 978-1423171003

Plot Summary 
"Rutherford B. Who Was He?" gives you thoughtful, sometimes humorous and even ponderous poetry about the presidents who have served for our country. Including quotes and facts to glean your insight for each.

Critical Analysis 
Marilyn singer made my day with "Rutherford B. Who Was he?", Me being a daughter of a police officer who watched the History channel almost every day and read book after book on history and science. I couldn't have found more comfort and excitement with this book. My father would have reveled in this selection. An avid learner and reader, thirsting for knowledge he would have found playfulness and truth. Making it easy to add to any child's library. He would have added it to his grandchildren's library without haste. Leading my father into teaching my children more about the presidents. Not one author can capture the entire presidency of a man in a verse of poetry, but the information can lead to discussion as well as research. As my father would point out, "It should never be left to the author to form your opinion of someone." This introduction to the presidents of the United States will inevitably lead my children to question and wonder.

John Hendrix illustrations in caricature make this appealing to any reader. Adding almost regal colors and poster quality font. He changes the settings for each president to recall some of the images most remembered for those presidents in their time as Commander and Chief.

Singer offers short biographies and a quote for each president showcased in her poems. As well as the definition of what a president is and what they are intended to do. It was invaluable for Singer to show readers how she came about gathering her information by including her sources in reference. Helping future writers understand that information comes from somewhere and in using that information you must recognize it.

Other Reviews
“With her gift for unforgettable rhythm and innovative rhyme, Marilyn Singer brings the presidents of the United States to life-from Washington to Obama-and contextualizes them in their time.” - Goodreads.com

“This ambitious rhyming look at America’s commander in chief is, like the presidencies themselves, a mixture of hits and misses.” - Publishers Weekly

Connections 
Rutherford B Who Was He? Book trailer:
https://youtu.be/ffwADGoUvP4 

Readers Theatre Script:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YMLAf1LA9vOvwIN8qvxrYY-Hm-fx-4I1Bt6u3r9vREU/edit Online president computer games:
http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/presidents-day/games/

Bibliography 
Frost, Helen. Diamond Willow. Frances Foster Books, New York, NY. 2008. ISBN: 13: 978-0312603830 

Plot Summary
Willow, an ordinary young girl in an Alaskan town, wants to have more than one friend and to show her parents she can run a sled to her grandparents. On Willows journey, she has an accident injuring her dog Roxy. Now Roxy may be put down. Willow thinks if she can mush Roxy to her grandparents Roxy can be saved. Throughout this novel animals come to her aide in ways she could never know, but even more amazing is that the animals are Willow's family members reincarnate.

Critical Analysis 
Helen Frost, an author that has earned the Micheal L. Printz honor book for "Keesha's House" uses the seven years she lived in Alaska and the gift of a Diamond Willow stick, to create "Diamond Willow," a novel written in verse. Using ideas, she gleaned from her stay in Alaska she writes of a girl that wants more than anything to run her own sled. Including animals of her family reincarnate. The novel starts out a bit confusing as you are in the shoes of Willow in verse, but transform to an animal that is viewing and speaking about Willow in the same time frame. After reading for a bit, you begin to understand the exchange and look forward to the family’s contributions.

The novel throughout includes poetry in verse each in the shape of a diamond. Included in each diamond are bolded lettering or words to impart a message. I think that the bolded lettering and words were a great touch as it highlighted each verses theme and ultimately Willows feelings and thoughts.

Other Reviews
“Frost invents an ingenious poetic form for her story that is both stable and fluid; like the diamond willow branches that she is imitating, the diamond shapes of her poems vary. . . Frost has spun metaphoric gold out of an evocative natural landscape, and she knows just how to craft it into an elegant and moving story of a young girl's deepening understanding of the relationships she shares with those around her.” ―The Bulletin for Center of Children's Books, Starred Review

“Set in a remote part of Alaska, this story in easy-to-read verse blends exciting survival adventure with a contemporary girl's discovery of family roots and secrets.” ―Booklist

Connections
Books Like Diamond Willow:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/similar/2910398-diamond-willow

Extension:
Have students write poetry in the shape of a subject they are writing about. Example: Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star would have been written in to form a star.

Classic Literature/ Folktales

Bibliography

Pinkney, Jerry. The Ugly Duckling. Pinkney, Jerry. Morrow Junior Books, New York, NY. 1999. ISBN- 0-688-15933-8

Plot Summary 

From the beginning of this tale, a mother duck hatches an egg that is not quite like the rest of her ducklings. When mother duck finds a larger more pale duckling she is a tad shocked but loves and adores her ugly duckling just the same. On the way to the pond, the Ugly Duckling is attacked by other unkind ducks and he is saddened by their torturous behavior. The Ugly Duckling leaves his mother in search of a place where others are not as cruel, but the Ugly Duckling is treated the same by all he encounters. Over time as the seasons change so does the ugly duckling’s physical appearance into a majestic swan. He eventually defeats his fears and ventures to a pond where other magnificent swans are swimming. Overwhelmed with an enormous desire to belong he decides to join these elegant swans. He works up the courage to insert himself into their social circle and immediately the Ugly Duckling is greeted with kindness he has never experienced. The Ugly Duckling does not truly believe he has been accepted until he sees his own physical reflection and realizes he looks just like them.

Critical Analysis 

The elaborate watercolor illustrations by Jerry Pinkney are exquisitely beautiful and help bring this story to life. The illustrations capture the Ugly Duckling’s sadness, his panic, and finally his excitement. Pickney is an experienced and decorated illustrator: winning three Caldecott award medals and holding four Coretta Scott King awards. When his readers stumble upon his elaborate paintings hanging in worldwide art exhibits of museums, their enthusiasm should not come to surprise. Especially after his readers have witnessed his historical artwork within this book. Pinkney uniquely captures the hardish and struggle of growing up different in society. He indefinitely brings to life how patience and perseverance can lead to one’s great happiness with time. Pinkney undertook the original Ugly Duckling written by Hans Christian Andersen and made the story come to life for a younger audience. Captivating a younger audience through his descriptions and dialogue, by way of his illustrations, while nevertheless conveying the Ugly Duckling’s life struggle. The Ugly Duckling chooses to depart from his family who did not appreciate his presence in their life, he left in search of friendship and acceptance. The Ugly Duckling was made to feel unsightly for a period of time, therefore, he can not understand kindness when unconditional kindness is expressed to him. Encompassing the Ugly Duckling’s life challenge with incredible illustrations helps young readers create a personal connection to this book.

Other Reviews 

2000 Caldecott Honor book
‘Dramatic content, sensitive in line, and rich with color… Children who are not familiar with the story will be captivated; those who have had the story read to them before will find new things to shiver over.” - ALA Booklist (starred review)

Also Illustrated and adapted Rikki-Tikki-Tavi
An American Bookseller Pick of the List A Publishers Weekly
Best Book of the Year
A Smithsonian Notable Book for Children

Connections 

Walt Disney’s Ugly Duckling video: https://goo.gl/uJNfLH The Ugly Duckling sequencing page: https://goo.gl/WF17uU

Modern Interpretation: http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/uglyduckling/themes.html

Bibliography 

Kimmel, Eric. Bearhead a Russian Folktale. Mikolaycak, Charles. Holiday House, New York. 1991. ISBN- 0-8234-1302-0

Plot Summary

As described in this tale a couple stumbles upon an abandoned baby while walking in a wooded forest. This extraordinary baby has the head of a bear in place of a human baby head. The concerned couple decides to make him part of their little family and care for his every need. They conveniently name him Bearhead. Through the years Bearhead has become a masculine man. Madame Hexaba, an evil witch, impactfully sends for Bearhead’s father to come and be her miserable servant. As a dedicated and protective son, Bearhead goes in his father's place. During his short stay with the Madame Hexaba Bearhead quickly outwits her to immediately return to his family with endless amounts of riches to share.

Critical Analysis 

Kimmel has created an adaptation of the Russian tale Ivanko the Bear’s Son. The main character of this extraordinary tale had the physical body of a bear and the head of a human man. As an avid reader, I agree with Kimmel in changing the body to a man and the head to a bears head was more appealing. Throughout Bearhead's time spent with Hexaba, the evil witch, he is given responsibilities, one responsibility: to guard her treasury door! Bearhead decides to rip the treasury door off its hinges with all his might. Therefore with the treasury door off its hinges, he has the ability to carry the treasury door with him at all times and keep the door unquestionably safe, but in removing the witch’s treasury door, to guard it, all the witch’s precious treasures were quickly stolen!. While reading this tale I continuously stopped and grinned to myself because like Bearhaed in this tale, my inquisitive two-year-old and independent five-year-old are also extremely literal-minded with directions. Throughout the witches day, as she barks orders at Bearhead, he completes every requested task with his literal interpretation in which ruins the witches day! This ‘literal interpretation’ theme brought on chuckles as I have experienced this exact theme in my daily ‘mom’ life! Mikolaycak’s illustrations reminded me of the old folktale books I faithfully read growing up. Due to the origins of this tale from Russia, the dress and decoration in the illustration match the culture he is portraying.

Through Mikolaycak’s illustrations he allows the reader a glimpse of Russian culture, construction, landscaping, and countryside demonstrated in this story. My impression of Madame Hexaba was that she seemed more like an old haggard woman who had been endlessly wealthy and miserably alone for much of her life and in turn was labeled an evil witch even though she had no witching abilities. The goblin was illustrated more like a gentleman serpent rather than an evil goblin we imagine from other tales. Matching the text perfectly the illustrations brought the tale to life and allowed the reader to imagine themselves in the tale’s cultural setting.

Other Reviews

 “Bearhead's new form is not quite as logical here as in the original, however, as his human body would probably not manage the feats of a bear, and his bear's head and face are not quite as expressive as a human would be. Still, this is a satisfying tale, and children will delight in the winning hero's literal interpretations of orders.” - Publishers Weekly

 “Kimmel states that he has adapted ``Ivanko the Bear's Son'' by giving the protagonist a bear's head on a man's body rather than the reverse, and by having him outwit a witch instead of his stepfather. Obviously, these changes substantially alter the story's inner meaning, but Kimmel's version is an amusing tale of an apparent bumbler who repeatedly triumphs by taking instructions literally.” - Kirkus Reviews

Connections 

Ivanko the Bear’s Son a video telling: https://youtu.be/XqK1DaOZI2w How well do you follow directions activity/lesson: https://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/dailylp/dailylp/dailylp022.shtml

Bibliography 

Bruchac, Joseph, & Ross, Gayle. The Story of the Milky Way A Cherokee Tale. Stroud, Virginia. Dial Books for Young Readers, New York, NY. 1995. ISBN: 0-8037-1737-7

Plot Summary 

In this tale, an old fragile woman and elderly frail man have their cornmeal cruelly stolen. The couple’s young grandson makes a decision to investigate, search for, and capture the culprit. In lue of his quest to find the culprit, their grandson witnesses a sparkling glowing dog approach his grandparent's cornmeal bin and partake of their cornmeal. The confused boy shares his story with the people of the village. Consequently he, in turn, receives advice from the Beloved Woman, a leader among their people. Beloved Woman instructs her villagers to make loud noises the next time the sparkling dog appears in an attempt to scare the dog away and to never return. Upon the dog’s return to the cornmeal bin, the villagers do as they have been asked and fearlessly create distracting noises with success. Their obediently created noise scared away the dog. The dog then leaps into the sky leaving behind a trail of cornmeal and disappears into the clouds.

Critical Analysis 

Bruchac and Ross bring to life the origin story of the Milky Way as they learned from stories told to them as young children. This astonishing tale was presented to him by the Cherokee people in his life. As a reader, I appreciated the explanatory author notes and detailed illustrator notes as these additions allowed me more insight into the story. The notes impressed upon me a solid baseline and inevitably add to the driven message of the entire story. Ross and Bruchac include the Beloved Woman in their version as to portray the many powerful woman figures spread throughout the Cherokee community. The Beloved Woman was the character to ask advice and to counsel villagers about their needed tasks. As an innocent reader, you would not expect to have embarked on such a cultural Cherokee standard threaded into a child’s tale. Furthermore, with this theme of a powerful woman figure as an educator, you can add and create extensions to classroom lessons encompassing this tale’s cultural standard. Ross and Bruchac faithfully include the character of the grandson to show the endearment and love children have for their grandparents. I have to admit I would have done the same for my grandparents as I loved them with all my being. Their grandson immediately began investigating, searching, and waiting to catch the culprit who is stealing their livelihood. Children and students from all walks of life should find adequate relatability through their background knowledge and prior life experiences to this story.

Other Reviews 

With lyric simplicity, this retelling of a Cherokee folktale posits an explanation for the origin of the Milky Way, at the same time stressing the merits of communal labor. - Publishers Weekly

The text and illustrations work well together, and the layout makes the book an especially good choice for storytime. - School Library Journal

Connections 

Other Cherokee folklore:

Mooney, James. Myths of the Cherokee. Dover Publications; Revised ed. edition (March 27, 1996). ISBN: 978-0486289076
Among the myths included are these: How the World Was Made; Origin of Strawberries; Why the Deer's Teeth Are Blunt; How the Turkey Got His Beard; The Rattlesnake's Vengeance; The Ice Man; The First Fire; Why the Possum's Tail Is Bare; The Bride from the South; The Water Cannibals; The Haunted Whirlpool; The War Medicine, and many more. - Amazon

Other books about family and a grandchild’s love:

The Annotated version of Little Red Riding Hood http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/ridinghood/index.html

Other myths on the origin of the Milky Way

 http://www.native-science.net/Milky_Way_Myths.htm

Extension ideas Have students write about the activities they have done for their grandparents.

Bibliography 

Evans, Claire, The Three Little Superpigs. Evans, Claire. Scholastic Inc., 2016. ISBN: 978-1338245455

Plot Summary 

In this profound tale, the Big Bad Wolf is captured and banished to “ Happily Never After Prison”! During the Big Bad Wolf’s days in “Happily Ever After Prison”, the three little pigs become fairyland super pigs. Meanwhile, the three little super pigs begin to actively assist their fellow townsmen to build all their much-needed homes out of brick. In the midst of the three little super pigs thwarting crime in their humble town, they stumbled upon the news of the Big Bad Wolf’s escape from prison. Moreover, the three little super pigs were then given the dangerous mission to investigate and bring to light the culprit who is stealing all the bricks around town. Finally, the three little super pigs find themselves in a very familiar, yet startling turn of events in their hunt to find their culprit.

Critical Analysis 

The very creative Claire Evans was magnificent in her adaptation to the classic folktale of “The Three Little Pigs” as she drew in a twisted plot capturing readers of all ages. Evans extension from the original version elaborating what occurred after the final events of the story set the setting for a more exciting storyline to discover. She sets the story up perfectly and then throws in a huge unexpected curve, grabbing the reader's attention and leading them down her fun twist of events. Then much to the demise of the Big Bad Wolf, the third and final pig saves the day just as in the original version of this tale. This version of a classic folktale is very appealing to superhero lovers as it added another quality that may not have been imagined. Claire Evans’ illustrations encompassed in this tale are aesthetically enjoyable. Throughout this story, the almost graphic novel quality illustrations light up your imagination and allow you to step forth into a detective mystery caper setting. Within a graphic quality novel, early readers will find the animated illustrations exciting to view and allow the novice readers to visually explore throughout the book. Moreover, an eloquently seasoned reader will have the opportunity to discover the extensive illustration details Evans has intentionally included within her humorous well thought out storyline.

Other Reviews 

“Evans' smart twist on the familiar tale will elicit giggles at its clever wordplay and fairy-tale cameos. The details in the. . . brightly colored illustrations will make repeated readings as much fun as the first.” -- Kirkus Reviews

“But Evans is an energetic, pop-culture-savvy storyteller: a smart blend of vignettes and spreads keeps the tale tightly paced, and she cleverly evokes the visual and textual tropes of horror and detective movies.” -- Publisher’s Weekly

Connections 

An annotated version of the Three Little Pigs: http://www.surlalunefairytales.com/threepigs/index.html Extending folktale activities: https://goo.gl/1pHkji

Other folktale variations: 

Garner, James Finn. "The Three Little Pigs." Politically Correct Bedtime Stories: Modern Tales for Our Life and Times. New York: Hungry Minds Inc, 1994. 978-0025427303

 These stories are updated to account for modern political sensibilities, these revisionist folktales reflect wit and an engaging knack for irony. - Publishers Weekly

Picture Book Reviews

Picture Book Reviews

Bibliography
Mattick, Lindsay, Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear. Sophie Blackall. Little Brown and Company, 2015. ISBN: 9-780605-901100

Plot Summary
Young Cole asks his mother to tell him a true story about a bear. His mother obliges and, in the end, Cole finds that he is in a way relate to the world's most famous, lovable, huggable bear Winnie the Pooh.

Critical Analysis
Lindsay Mattick's true story about how the world came to know Winnie the Pooh is formatted to make the reader feel as if she were letting you in on the bedtime story she is giving her son. Her young son Cole hears the story of Harry Colebourn a veterinarian going off to wear that picks up a young bear on the way. He names her Winnipeg and the adventure of how Winnie the Pooh came to ensue.  At the end of this true story, Mattick shares parts from her family album. Giving us another opportunity to be welcomed into her family.

Sophie Blackall as the illustrator for Finding Winnie uses watercolor and ink to give us comforting imagery to follow in the journey of Harry and Winnipeg to our well-known Winnie using realistic, bright illustrations. As well as including images from Mattick's personal family album using a script that could have been typed from an old family typewriter.

This book shows how one choice or heartfelt discussion could lead to great love. That the chance meeting of a young man and a young bear could lead to fantastic stories that fill our homes to this very day.

Other Reviews
2016 Caldecott award recipient
Lolly Robinson for -The Horn Book- "Reading the book cover-to-cover is an emotional experience with a surprise ending. Blackall's art is straightforward and unassuming."
Booklists Review- "The visuals not only complement the fable-like cadences of Mattick's text but also include subtle details that enrich the story."

Connections
Video: Little Brown Readers, Finding Winnie book trailer told by Lindsay Mattick
https://youtu.be/Q5crtUwQl9Y

Other books about showing the impact of one.
Clinton, Chelsea, She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the World, Alexandra Boiger. New York, NY, Philomel Books, 2017
  This book is about thirteen women who never gave up in the face of adversity and in turn, changed America for the better.

Hopkins, Joseph H., The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever, Jill McElmurry. Beach Lane Books, 2013
  This biography is about Kate Sessions—the first woman to graduate with a science degree from the University of California.

Bibliography
Willems, Mo. That is Not a Good idea! Willems, M. Balzer + Bray, New York, NY. 2013 ISBN: 978-0-06-220309-0

Plot Summary
A fox and a goose meet in the city; Fox invites the goose for a stroll all the while goose is warned that continuing the journey is not a good idea. Fox eventually invites goose for dinner to his home which leads to an unexpected end for the duo.

Critical Analysis
Mo Willems is known for "Don't let Pigeon Drive the Bus!" writes a fun picture book story that reminds anyone who grew up listening to their parents with slightly nagging please to be careful of strangers. With the tale of a sly fox and a sheepish goose. This story brought me back to my childhood especially as the goslings began telling the goose it was a bad idea when things seemed precarious in the story.

I found the illustrations of Willems were very bright and the use of red for the goslings pleas were very bold. If you pay close attention, the goose even gives an impression that she is playing coy throughout the story while the fox has a dashing almost sinister demeanor.

Other Reviews
 School Library Journal (starred review) — "This charmer is lovingly composed as an homage to silent movies and the concept of picture books as the ‘theater of the lap.' Children and adults will relish being taken for such a thrilling, suspenseful ride again and again."

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books — "Kids will clamor for a re-viewing and be pleased to note that the book cleverly sets itself up for the story going either way. This is also a delight to voice, with the goslings particularly enjoyable to act out."

Connections
As a mother myself all this worry came to me when thinking about my daughter and protecting her from strangers in her future. I feel like more books about strangers and safety would be an excellent way to introduce this in my home.

Video: A Friendly Stranger
https://youtu.be/SY7RhBszp0k

Other books about stranger safety.
 Pendziwol, Jean E. Once Upon a Dragon: Stranger Safety for Kids (and Dragons).  Gourbault, Martine. Kids Can Press, 2006.
 This book uses a dragon and fairy tale to deliver a great adventure while providing useful and accurate safety information.

Williams, Susette. The Day My Parents Got Lost. Forster, Jack. Family Friendly Fiction, 2013.
This book helps teach children the importance of staying close to their parent or guardian, no matter where they go.

Bibliography
Steig, William. Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Steig, William. Prentice-Hall Books for Young Readers, New York, NY. 1969. ISBN: 0-13-881707-3

Young Sylvester goes out to explore and finds a magic pebble that can grant him wishes while holding it. He wants to show his family, so he journeys home, and on the way, he encounters a lion. Frightened he wishes himself to be a rock, but now cannot wish himself back since he has no hands to hold the pebble.

Critical Analysis
William Steig shows us in this picture book that with a lot of hope and love, magic can move mountains or in this case a rock. This story reminded me of families that have members dealing with depression or addiction. Those members happy and carefree one day much like Sylvester become lost or withdrawn as Sylvester became a rock. Sylvester wants to come back, but then time and no progress makes it harder to escape. Until that member truly wakes up and wants to be with their family. Parents love is strong, and I think this story shows that with hope, determination and love any loved one can always be brought back within arms reach.

The illustrations from this story are done in thick pen ink and watercolor. Following each section of the story, the book could be told through pictures alone as they convey emotion when needed and the passing of time.

Other Reviews
Caldecott Award 1970
The New York Times Book Review wrote of Mr. Steig that "everything he does is magic."
Good reads review: "Sylvester and the Magic Pebble" is one of William Steig's earlier books and has proven to be the most emotional and heartwarming of all of his books.

Connections
Other books that may deal with depression or addiction.
Cook, Julia. Blueloon. DuFalla, Anita. National Center for Youth Issues, 2012. ISBN: 9781937870041
 Excerpt: "I'm a blueloon. I'm supposed to be a regular balloon, but I'm just not having fun like the others. I'm kinda dull, and I'm kinda flat. My string is tied up in knots. I have a case of the blues...that's why I'm a blueloon. I've felt like this for weeks!"

Mercury, Catherine. Think of Wind. Kocker, William. One Big Press, 1996. ISBN: 0965444716
 This book affirms the emotions of hurt and anger while letting children know they are still loved.

Bibliography
Eastman, P.D. Go, Dog. Go! Random House/Beginner Books; 1st edition, 1961. ISBN: 0394800206

Plot Summary
Go, Dog. Go! An emergent reader picture book, is the story of many dogs, with two in particular as main characters. One is a yellow dog that is somewhat oblivious to the attention seeking pink poodle dog. The other is a pink poodle dog asks attention seeking questions throughout the book while the yellow dog shoots them down. In the end, the pink poodle dog finally gets yellow dogs' attention, and he responds positively.

Critical Analysis
P.D. Eastman uses repetition and colorful illustrations to catch an emergent readers attention. Any young reader will enjoy calling out parts of the story with the narrator as they will become aware of repetitions throughout the story. This book is an excellent addition for a child just starting out on their reading journey. Eastman's illustrations are also very colorful and exciting. Children will love the way the text matches the illustrations so they can point out parts they make connections to as they read in the book.

Other Reviews
School Library Journal -- "The canine cartoons make an elementary text funny and coherent and still one of the best around."
Goodreads review – "Fantastic illustrations. Good for teaching children about numbers and colors. Hilariously humorous at few points."

Connections

Repetition, simple vocabulary and illustrations to match the story action would be very helpful when introducing children to reading.

The following is a list of children's book that will help any emergent reader.
https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/86.Best_Children_s_Books

Activities like sight words and color recognition to use along with Go, Dog. Go!
https://www.brighthubeducation.com/pre-k-and-k-lesson-plans/121803-educational-activities-for-go-dog-go/