Iggy Loo

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Title: Iggy Loo 

Author: Maria Ashworth

Illustrator: Sunny Choi

Published: Spork, November 1, 2016

Themes/Topics: Holidays, Traditions, Love & Friendship

Opening:    

 Iggy Loo loved this time of year when he felt the water swish between his flippers.  The holiday box had been carried from the closet since the little redhead was born.

Brief Synopsis: Every holiday season, Iggy gets excited when the box is taken from the closet because he knows…it’s time. Yes, that special time of year again when he gets reunited with the little redhead and all her holiday traditions. Iggy’s view of the world is limited since he can only see from inside his snow globe, but he lives vicariously through his little redhead friend. Even though he feels loved, Iggy longs for experiences outside his water filled dome. One day, Iggy gets what he wished for; although it is not exactly how he had hoped it would be, it all turns out even better than imagined. Iggy Loo and the little redheads continue their holiday love; honoring old traditions and creating new ones too.

Why I Like This Book:   This is a charming book about an adorable, endearing, little penguin named Iggy Loo that is bound to be a holiday favorite. Snow globes have an enchanting quality about them. As a little girl, I was ALWAYS  drawn to them, and I couldn’t wait to shake them up and watch all the magic happen.  I’ve been collecting snow globes since I was probably the age of the little redhead.  This tradition was passed on by my mother – my very own redhead, and now I have a new tradition to pass along too. Iggy Loo, I LOVE YOU!

 Iggy Loo:  http://amzn.to/2gDXWxJ

Extensions for the book: 

Primary Upper Elementary/Secondary
Read Aloud. Tier II Vocabulary Words
Sequencing of Activities Vocabulary Word Maps
Iggy Loo See Sentences Dialogue Creations Between Characters
Picture Word Inductive Lesson Tone & Mood Word Identifiers
Word Sorts With “OO” rimes Persuasive Paragraphs (why not to throw it out)
Verb Snow Globes Characterization Webs
Story Map Point of View

Iggy Loo Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-XkljGFUXM

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!

Top Ten Picture Books That Encourage Us To Get Outside And Explore by Wendy BooydeGraaff

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Reading seems like an indoor thing, or maybe an outdoor activity if there’s a hammock or a nice chaise lounge nearby. These picture books, though, encourage a whole lot more than that. They inspire…

Source: Top Ten Picture Books That Encourage Us To Get Outside And Explore by Wendy BooydeGraaff

Autumnal Whirlwind

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autumn1Ah yes, the colorful light at the end of the tunnel is approaching.  For me, the Autumnal season has been nothing short of a whirlwind. The season of Fall is my all time favorite! I inhale every smell, listen for every crunch and crackle, and delightfully savor every scrumptious flavor that reflects the perfect season – at least it is in my world. But this year, more than ever it seemed like I couldn’t catch my breath.  The start of a fabulous new school year, the anticipation of meeting and getting to know all my new middle schoolers, and all the incredible, wonderful  craziness that brings.  October, the month of my birth welcomed in celebration after celebration of life and the hopeful expectations of joys yet to come, but also, sadly, goodbyes to honor lives well lived to some of my family members. Maybe the energy I feel in this season of plenty drives me to tackle more and nudges me to move beyond my expectations; Two holiday contests entered, two picture books written and the beginnings of my first ever chapter book. Participation in countless webinars and writing critique groups gathered me up and kept me swirling like the colorful leaves on a gusty Autumnal day; A beautiful sight to see but it leaves you dizzy and a bit scattered in many different directions. November began with a heaviness that created more questions than answers and left me pondering about the future. Another family birthday celebration, several friends birthdays ending with the big ZERO!  Whoa – partaay time!!! A joyful union of two perfect people, report cards, parent-teacher conferences, FOOTBALL, and then…some serious Pumpkin Pie with that fluffy whipped up stuff, of course! Ah yes, the season of Fall – I absolutely, positootly, no hands down, LOVE the crazy, colorful whirlwind of it all!

Room on the Broom

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Title: Room on the Broom  (720 Lexile Level)

Author: Julia Donaldson

Illustrator: Axel Scheffler

Published: Puffin Books, (August 25, 2003)

Suitable For Ages: 3-7 years, Preschool – 2nd grade

Themes/Topics: Fantasy & Magic, Holidays, Autumn, Humor, Cooperation, Generosity, Rhyme

Opening:      

The witch had a cat

and a hat that was black,

And long ginger hair 

in a braid down her back.

How the cat purred

and how the witch grinned,

As they sat on their broomstick

and flew through the wind.                  

Brief Synopsis:  Quoted from Amazon: “A witch and her happily purring cat fly through the wind on their broomstick, without a care in the world, until the witch’s black hat blows away. In the process of retrieving it, they pick up another passenger, a polite and helpful dog. All goes well until the witch’s hair bow flies off. And then her wand. And then real disaster strikes–in the shape of a big red dragon, a broken broom, and some very important (but notably absent) friends. Julia Donaldson’s story, though not earthshaking in plot or rhyme, is a pleasant way to pass the time leading up to the witching hour (Halloween!) especially when paired with the friendly illustrations by Axel Scheffler. Readers will especially love the final illustration, in which our heroes solve their space problems once and for all. ”

Why I Like This Book:  It’s FUNNY and it shares some important messages. Another oldie but goodie!  A lovely, humorous story composed in rhyme that will leave kids laughing and asking for more. This story offers a wonderful message  about cooperation, generosity and helping out when it’s needed. Definitely a favorite for the Halloween season!

 Extensions for the book: 

Magic Light Pictures, Ltd. Activities for Room on the Broom: http://roomonthebroom.com/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzuufim6TSY

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!

Chumpkin

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Title: Chumpkin

Author: Lisa Funari Willever & Lorraine Funari

Illustrator: Emma Overman

Published: Franklin Mason Press (September 1, 2001)

Suitable For Ages:  4 and up 

Themes/Topics: Being different, Autumn, Pumpkin Harvesting, Humor, Rhyme

Opening:      

All around the pumpkin patch, they heard the farmer say:   “The kids are here ! The kids are here! It’s time for Pumpkin Day!” Excited little pumpkins were standing straight and tall…that is, except for Chumpkin, the roundest one of all.                     

 

.Brief Synopsis:  This is an adorable little story composed in rhyme about a pumpkin who happens to be different than all the other pumpkins in the pumpkin patch. He’s bigger and rounder  than all the rest and that makes this orange pumpkin feel blue. But after all the pumpkin picking is done, the farmer has a surprise for Chumpkin and his son.

Why I Like This Book:  This book is an oldie but goodie for sure. A fabulous little gem that I stumbled upon. I just love the rhythm and the whimsical illustrations, and who doesn’t enjoy a rhyming picture book? It is about Autumn, which happens to be my favorite season of the year. It also touches on an important topic: being different and that’s okay because there is a place for everyone – even Chumpkin. 🙂 In addition to the sweet story, Lisa Funari Willever, donates a portion of her book sales to charity, and she also includes an opportunity for young authors and illustrators to showcase their work. This book  was selected as a favorite by First Lady Laura Bush and displayed at the White House.

 Extensions for the book: 

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!