Month: March 2016

Perfect Picture Book Friday: Wolf!

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Title: Wolf!

Author: Becky Bloom

Illustrator: Pascal Biet

Published: March 1, 1999 by Orchard Books, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: Preschool – 3 years

Themes/Topics:  Farm animals, humor, reading, literacy, determination, perseverance

Opening:

As he peered over the farm fence, he saw a pig, a duck, and a cow reading in the sun. The wolf had never seen animals read before. “I’m so hungry that my eyes are playing tricks on me,” he said to himself. But he really was very hungry and didn’t stop to think about it for long. The wolf stood up tall, took a deep breath…

Brief Synopsis: A howling, hilarious adventure about a ravenous wolf who stumbles upon a farm where the animals are educated, and they sit around all day reading books. Perplexed by what he sees, the wolf forgets about his rumbling tummy and investigates this unusual phenomenon. Determined to be one of the educated, the wolf sets on a quest to learn how to read. As it turns out, he not only learns to read but becomes quite a storyteller as well. A wolf after my own heart – AWE!

 Why I Like This Book: I don’t just like this book, I LOVE it! An oldie but goodie for sure, this book has far-reaching utility. The suitable age listed by the publisher is up to 3 years, however, throughout my teaching career, I’ve utilized the contents of the pages in this book for not only enjoyment and a good belly laugh but for its instructional content all the way up through middle school. Primary students would love the theme of friendship and acceptance as well as the colorful illustrations and language. Secondary students would benefit from the expansive vocabulary usage, guided imagery, and character development.

Extensions for the book: 

Primary Upper Elementary/Secondary
Read Aloud. Story Impressions
Guided Imagery Writing Predictions
Guided Writing Compare & Contrast
Sentence Type & Structure Sort Tier II Vocabulary Words
Characterization Chart Word Categorization & Textual Evidence
Similarities & Differences Personification
Reader’s Theater Vocabulary Word Maps
Gist List Author’s Purpose

It Must Be Friday! ♥

 I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books.  Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!

 

Perfect Picture Book Friday – When Spring Comes

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Title: When Spring Comes

Perfect Picture Book Friday – When Spring Comes

Author: Kevin Henkes

Illustrator: Laura Dronzek

Published: February 9, 2016 by Greenwillow Books, Fiction

Suitable For Ages: Pre-school – 8 years

Themes/Topics:  Science, nature & how it works

Opening:                                  Before Spring comes,

the trees look like 

black sticks against the sky.

But if you wait,

Spring will bring

leaves and blossoms.

Brief Synopsis: A celebration of Spring’s awakenings and its characteristic weather patterns as well as the animals who are anxiously awaiting its arrival. Magical, “A read aloud dream” by the award-winning husband and wife team. The play on language and the gorgeous illustrations will keep you turning the pages.

Why I Like This Book: Bottom line – I just love this incredible duo, and  I read all their books! Besides, waiting for Spring is hard, especially if you live in the North East – ugh! The transformation from Winter to Spring is much anticipated by all, and this team creates a fantastic visual representation of Spring in all its splendor.  Five stars for sure!

Extensions for the book: 

The Science of Spring

36 Spring Crafts

  • “T” Chart to complete with BEFORE & AFTER
  • Cause & Effect graphic organizer
  • Sequencing events
  • Sentence types & structures
  • A bouquet collection of Spring words
  • High-Frequency egg word search
  • Plurals – Please!

It Must Be Friday! ♥

 I am fortunate enough to be part of a fabulous group of bloggers who enjoy reviewing picture books.  Accompanying each review are extensions – resources and/or activities. Interested in seeing more: To view a complete list of the plethora of books that have already been reviewed, click here on Susanna Leonard Hill’s FABULOUS website!

Would You Read It Wednesday #204 – Trouble With A Capital “E”! (PB/ER)

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Happy Wednesday, Peeps! So yesterday, I drove to JFK.  I got there a teensy bit early (shocking, I know! I don’t think I’ve ever gotten anywhere early before! :)), so I went to hang out…

Source: Would You Read It Wednesday #204 – Trouble With A Capital “E”! (PB/ER)