Bibliographic Information:
Wormell, C. Teeth, Tails, and Tentacles: An Animal Counting Book. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 2nd
Author Credibility:
The author has written and illustrated several children’s books. Since this is a counting book, there is no need for credibility.
Summary of the Book:
This is a picture book that teaches you how to count. It begins counting at one and goes all the way up to twenty. It is very good for younger children because there isn’t much text on the page.
Illustrations:
It does not specify what median was used when making the illustrations for this book.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a section about the specific animals mentioned in this book. There is about a paragraph on each animal mentioned.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this as a read aloud to younger children. They could come up and count and point to the number of objects on the page.
Response:
I thought this was a very good book! It is excellent for younger readers!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Team Moon: How 400.000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the moon by Catherine Thimmesh (1 book) (80 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Thimmesh. C. Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author interviewed numerous people who were both directly and indirectly involved in the Apollo 11 mission.
Summary of the Book:
This book tells the story of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. However, the story isn’t told from the perspective of someone who was there or saw it. Instead, it’s told from the little man’s point of view. These “little men” are people like the seamstresses who sewed the layers upon layers of fabric to make the space suits. It brings out things that the normal person never would have thought about like lunar boots. When most people thing about Apollo 11, they usually don’t think about lunar boots.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken from the mission.
Features:
This book has captions under the pictures and some headings on some pages. There is an author’s note, sources section, chapter notes, additional sources, acknowledgments, photo credits, glossary, and an index. There is also a section that can be used for further exploration.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about space travel.
Response:
I thought this book was very interesting. I never thought about how many “little people” it would take to make that mission possible.
Thimmesh. C. Team Moon: How 400,000 People Landed Apollo 11 on the Moon. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author interviewed numerous people who were both directly and indirectly involved in the Apollo 11 mission.
Summary of the Book:
This book tells the story of Apollo 11 landing on the moon. However, the story isn’t told from the perspective of someone who was there or saw it. Instead, it’s told from the little man’s point of view. These “little men” are people like the seamstresses who sewed the layers upon layers of fabric to make the space suits. It brings out things that the normal person never would have thought about like lunar boots. When most people thing about Apollo 11, they usually don’t think about lunar boots.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken from the mission.
Features:
This book has captions under the pictures and some headings on some pages. There is an author’s note, sources section, chapter notes, additional sources, acknowledgments, photo credits, glossary, and an index. There is also a section that can be used for further exploration.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about space travel.
Response:
I thought this book was very interesting. I never thought about how many “little people” it would take to make that mission possible.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
You Wouldn't Want to Be A Roman Soldier! by David Stewart (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Stewart, D. You Wouldn’t Want To Be a Roman Soldier!. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author consulted with someone who is the author of several books on Roman archaeology.
Summary of the Book:
This book tracks the life of a Roman soldier. It talks about the battles and what they had to do at sea. It tells of how they lived in camps and forts. They also told about what they did to treat medical problems.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by David Antram. They did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
This book has a table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a “fun” book for the students to read during down time.
Response:
I loved this book. It almost made the characters seem fictional, but still presented the facts.
Stewart, D. You Wouldn’t Want To Be a Roman Soldier!. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author consulted with someone who is the author of several books on Roman archaeology.
Summary of the Book:
This book tracks the life of a Roman soldier. It talks about the battles and what they had to do at sea. It tells of how they lived in camps and forts. They also told about what they did to treat medical problems.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by David Antram. They did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
This book has a table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a “fun” book for the students to read during down time.
Response:
I loved this book. It almost made the characters seem fictional, but still presented the facts.
You Wouldn't Want to Work on the Great Wall of China! by Jacqueline Morely (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Morley. J. You Wouldn’t Want to Work on the Great Wall of China! New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author has taught history in the past and is now a freelance writer. I could not find who she worked with to get her information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through the history of life in China. It talks about the rules the emperor put on the people of China. It talks about new laws he enforced and how he treated the people. He took some of the people prisoner and made them help build the Great Wall of China.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by David Antram. They did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
This book has a table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a “fun” book for the students to read during down time.
Response:
I loved this book. It almost made the characters seem fictional, but still presented the facts.
Morley. J. You Wouldn’t Want to Work on the Great Wall of China! New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author has taught history in the past and is now a freelance writer. I could not find who she worked with to get her information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through the history of life in China. It talks about the rules the emperor put on the people of China. It talks about new laws he enforced and how he treated the people. He took some of the people prisoner and made them help build the Great Wall of China.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by David Antram. They did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
This book has a table of contents, introduction, glossary, and index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a “fun” book for the students to read during down time.
Response:
I loved this book. It almost made the characters seem fictional, but still presented the facts.
Fortune's Bones: The Manumission Requiem by Marilyn Nelson (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Nelson, M. Fortune’s Bones: The Manumission Requiem. Asheville: Front Street.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and the Mattatuck Museum of Waterbury, Connecticut to do the research for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is written as a tribute to Fortune, a slave who was freed. The book is written as a poem. The author wanted it to be sad in the fact that we mourn the loss of Fortune but that we also celebrate his life. It tells of his wife and when he died. It tells of how Dr. Porter preserved the slave’s body to examine the human anatomy. The end tells of how Fortune wasn’t just bones and skin and body parts; he had a soul and was a real person.
Illustrations:
The author uses primary source documents and photographs to illustrate this book.
Features:
The book is divided into parts, but they aren’t labeled as chapters. There is author’s note, preface, and afterward. There is a section for notes and sources at the end of the book.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would probably use this book as a part of a lesson on slavery.
Response:
This was a good book, but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. I don’t know what I had thought it would be, but this wasn’t it.
Nelson, M. Fortune’s Bones: The Manumission Requiem. Asheville: Front Street.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with the Connecticut Commission on the Arts and the Mattatuck Museum of Waterbury, Connecticut to do the research for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is written as a tribute to Fortune, a slave who was freed. The book is written as a poem. The author wanted it to be sad in the fact that we mourn the loss of Fortune but that we also celebrate his life. It tells of his wife and when he died. It tells of how Dr. Porter preserved the slave’s body to examine the human anatomy. The end tells of how Fortune wasn’t just bones and skin and body parts; he had a soul and was a real person.
Illustrations:
The author uses primary source documents and photographs to illustrate this book.
Features:
The book is divided into parts, but they aren’t labeled as chapters. There is author’s note, preface, and afterward. There is a section for notes and sources at the end of the book.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would probably use this book as a part of a lesson on slavery.
Response:
This was a good book, but it wasn’t what I had hoped it would be. I don’t know what I had thought it would be, but this wasn’t it.
The Voice That Challenged A Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights by Russell Freedman (2 books) (114 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Freedman, R. The Voice That Challenged A Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights. New York: Clarion Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
Russell Freedman worked together with faculty at University of Pennsylvania to gather the research and photographs for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about the life of Marian Anderson. She was an African American who was a young adult during the time of the Civil Rights movement. She was a wonderful singer; however, she was not allowed to sing in certain places because of the color of her skin. She faced many hardships because of her race. However, in every situation, she did not get discouraged. She kept trying and never lost sight of her goal: to be accepted and respected as a singer in America.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken at the time.
Features:
This book is divided into chapters. At the end of the book, there are chapter notes for each chapter. There is a selected bibliography and discography. There are picture credits and an index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
This is another book I would use either during black history month or during a study on civil rights. I would possibly use this book in a literature group in older grades.
Response:
This is another book that really touched me. There were points when I wanted to cry an my heart broke for her. I felt so proud of her by the end of the book.
Related Text:
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Freedom Riders by Ann Bausum
Freedman, R. The Voice That Challenged A Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights. New York: Clarion Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
Russell Freedman worked together with faculty at University of Pennsylvania to gather the research and photographs for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about the life of Marian Anderson. She was an African American who was a young adult during the time of the Civil Rights movement. She was a wonderful singer; however, she was not allowed to sing in certain places because of the color of her skin. She faced many hardships because of her race. However, in every situation, she did not get discouraged. She kept trying and never lost sight of her goal: to be accepted and respected as a singer in America.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken at the time.
Features:
This book is divided into chapters. At the end of the book, there are chapter notes for each chapter. There is a selected bibliography and discography. There are picture credits and an index.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
This is another book I would use either during black history month or during a study on civil rights. I would possibly use this book in a literature group in older grades.
Response:
This is another book that really touched me. There were points when I wanted to cry an my heart broke for her. I felt so proud of her by the end of the book.
Related Text:
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Freedom Riders by Ann Bausum
Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement by Ann Bausum (1 book) (79 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Bausum, A. Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with several researchers to get the facts for this book. She was part of a team that wrote this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book tells the story of two young males who rode the bus from the north to the south during the time of integration. This book followed two young men, one white and one black. When they reached Alabama, they were both brutally beaten for the simple fact that they had ridden on the bus together. They rode the bus knowing they would face this kind of opposition when they arrived in the south. However, they did not care. They were fighting for a cause that they both believed in: equality for all races. This book captured the Civil Rights from both sides.
Illustrations:
This book is illustrated with photographs from the time.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a partial roster of the riders on the freedom bus. It provides pictures for some of them. There is also timeline of major events in the Civil Rights movement. The author provides a research guide and research notes and acknowledgements. There is a section on the citations used in the book. The author provides a bibliography and illustration credits. There is also an index
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book during Black History Month or while studying the Civil Rights.
Response:
I really liked this book. I’ve been really interested in book about the Civil Rights movement.
Related Text:
Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice by Raymond Arsenault
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Bausum, A. Freedom Riders: John Lewis and Jim Zwerg on the Front Lines of the Civil Rights Movement. Washington, D.C.: National Geographic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
6th – 8th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with several researchers to get the facts for this book. She was part of a team that wrote this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book tells the story of two young males who rode the bus from the north to the south during the time of integration. This book followed two young men, one white and one black. When they reached Alabama, they were both brutally beaten for the simple fact that they had ridden on the bus together. They rode the bus knowing they would face this kind of opposition when they arrived in the south. However, they did not care. They were fighting for a cause that they both believed in: equality for all races. This book captured the Civil Rights from both sides.
Illustrations:
This book is illustrated with photographs from the time.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a partial roster of the riders on the freedom bus. It provides pictures for some of them. There is also timeline of major events in the Civil Rights movement. The author provides a research guide and research notes and acknowledgements. There is a section on the citations used in the book. The author provides a bibliography and illustration credits. There is also an index
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book during Black History Month or while studying the Civil Rights.
Response:
I really liked this book. I’ve been really interested in book about the Civil Rights movement.
Related Text:
Freedom Riders: 1961 and the Struggle for Racial Justice by Raymond Arsenault
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
How Much? Visiting Markets Around the World by Ted Lewin (1 book) (40 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Lewin, T. How Much? Visiting Markets Around the World. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author has traveled all over the world and experienced many things. However, it does not give any information where the author got his information to write this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is all about markets all over the world. It talks about the floating markets in Thailand. It talks about the markets in the valley in Peru. In this book, the author gives detailed descriptions of the people and the atmosphere surrounding the markets. Many other markets are described. Everything from camel markets in Egypt to the street markets in New York.
Illustrations:
Ted Lewin also illustrated this book. The illustrations look like watercolor paintings.
Features:
The only notable features in the book were the author’s note and the end pages. The end pages are paintings of people in the marketplace.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
This would be a great book to use for a unit on multiculturalism.
Response:
I loved this book. It was so interesting to see how the people of other countries buy and sell items.
Related Text:
Market by Ted Lewin
Lewin, T. How Much? Visiting Markets Around the World. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author has traveled all over the world and experienced many things. However, it does not give any information where the author got his information to write this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is all about markets all over the world. It talks about the floating markets in Thailand. It talks about the markets in the valley in Peru. In this book, the author gives detailed descriptions of the people and the atmosphere surrounding the markets. Many other markets are described. Everything from camel markets in Egypt to the street markets in New York.
Illustrations:
Ted Lewin also illustrated this book. The illustrations look like watercolor paintings.
Features:
The only notable features in the book were the author’s note and the end pages. The end pages are paintings of people in the marketplace.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
This would be a great book to use for a unit on multiculturalism.
Response:
I loved this book. It was so interesting to see how the people of other countries buy and sell items.
Related Text:
Market by Ted Lewin
BLAST OFF! A Space Counting Book by Norma Cole (1 book) ( 32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Cole, N. Blast Off! A Space Counting Book. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 3rd
Author Credibility:
This author has written many children’s books and poetry books, but I could not find where she worked with anyone to obtain the facts she used in this book.
Summary of the Book:
This was a counting a book about space. It started at zero and counted up to twenty. Then it started with ten and counted back down to zero. On each page, there was the number and a space picture. At the bottom of each page there was a fact about space. The facts ranged from facts about planets to air pressure in the spaceship.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by Marshall Peck. It did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
There were no access features in this book besides the title page.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book to integrate math and science. This would also be a great book to use when talking about the solar system.
Response:
This book was very interesting. It brought up several facts about space that I didn’t know.
Related Text:
The Crayon Counting Book by Pam Munzo Ryan
Cole, N. Blast Off! A Space Counting Book. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 3rd
Author Credibility:
This author has written many children’s books and poetry books, but I could not find where she worked with anyone to obtain the facts she used in this book.
Summary of the Book:
This was a counting a book about space. It started at zero and counted up to twenty. Then it started with ten and counted back down to zero. On each page, there was the number and a space picture. At the bottom of each page there was a fact about space. The facts ranged from facts about planets to air pressure in the spaceship.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by Marshall Peck. It did not specify what median was used to create the illustrations.
Features:
There were no access features in this book besides the title page.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book to integrate math and science. This would also be a great book to use when talking about the solar system.
Response:
This book was very interesting. It brought up several facts about space that I didn’t know.
Related Text:
The Crayon Counting Book by Pam Munzo Ryan
Welcome to the River of Grass by Jane Yolen (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Yolen, J. Welcome to the River of Grass. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The author conferred with a professor at the University of Massachusetts for the material dealing with the birds. She also worked with the faculty and staff at the Everglades National Park in Florida.
Summary of the Book:
This is a book of poems about the Everglades. It may just look like a river with a few plants to the naked eye, but underneath and all around there is life burst out. The poems talk about owls, tree bugs, birds, trees, and plants. Each poem is short and easy to understand.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were done in gouache on illustration board. It was illustrated by Laura Regan.
Features:
At the end of the book there is a “Did You Know?” section. It also gives a telephone number and websites to visit to find more information about the Everglades.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book while studying ecosystems.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. The poems were short and to the point. They didn’t give too much information for the reader to get confused, but it gave enough that you learned something.
Related Text:
Everglades by Jean Craighead George
Yolen, J. Welcome to the River of Grass. New York: G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The author conferred with a professor at the University of Massachusetts for the material dealing with the birds. She also worked with the faculty and staff at the Everglades National Park in Florida.
Summary of the Book:
This is a book of poems about the Everglades. It may just look like a river with a few plants to the naked eye, but underneath and all around there is life burst out. The poems talk about owls, tree bugs, birds, trees, and plants. Each poem is short and easy to understand.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were done in gouache on illustration board. It was illustrated by Laura Regan.
Features:
At the end of the book there is a “Did You Know?” section. It also gives a telephone number and websites to visit to find more information about the Everglades.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book while studying ecosystems.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. The poems were short and to the point. They didn’t give too much information for the reader to get confused, but it gave enough that you learned something.
Related Text:
Everglades by Jean Craighead George
Snapshots: The Wonders of Monterey Bay by Celeste Davidson Mannis (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Mannis, C. Snapshots: the wonders of Monterey Bay. New York: Viking.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
4th – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author collaborated with an ecologist and the staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to acquire the information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is filled with photographs and facts about the sea life and land at Monterey Bay. It talks about all aspects of Monterey Bay. It discusses the sand dunes, the kelp forest, and the animals of the waters.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Celeste Davidson Mannis.
Features:
This book has an author’s note and a key in the back of the book. The key gives the reader background information on the pictures on each page.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a special interest book.
Response:
As an adult, this book interested me. However, I feel for a child to enjoy it, they would have to have a special interest in the subject.
Mannis, C. Snapshots: the wonders of Monterey Bay. New York: Viking.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
4th – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author collaborated with an ecologist and the staff at the Monterey Bay Aquarium to acquire the information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is filled with photographs and facts about the sea life and land at Monterey Bay. It talks about all aspects of Monterey Bay. It discusses the sand dunes, the kelp forest, and the animals of the waters.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Celeste Davidson Mannis.
Features:
This book has an author’s note and a key in the back of the book. The key gives the reader background information on the pictures on each page.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a special interest book.
Response:
As an adult, this book interested me. However, I feel for a child to enjoy it, they would have to have a special interest in the subject.
The Originals: Animals That Time Forgot by Jane Yolen (1 book) (31 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Yolen, J. The Originals: Animals That Time Forgot. New York: Philomel Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with specialists, Green Chimney Farm, and the Wildlife Conservation Center to get the information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about the “forgotten” animals of the world. We have seen many of their domesticated relatives, but this book explores the species that have not been changed in hundreds and even thousands of years. There is a different poem for each animal.
Illustrations:
It did not tell what median was used to illustrate the books, but it looks to be watercolor paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there are notes about some of the animals mentioned in the book. These notes just a give a few extra facts about the animal.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about some of the animals in the same family line as the originals.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. The poems were not long but provided a lot of information.
.
Related Text:
Wild Wings by Jane Yolen
Yolen, J. The Originals: Animals That Time Forgot. New York: Philomel Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 6th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with specialists, Green Chimney Farm, and the Wildlife Conservation Center to get the information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about the “forgotten” animals of the world. We have seen many of their domesticated relatives, but this book explores the species that have not been changed in hundreds and even thousands of years. There is a different poem for each animal.
Illustrations:
It did not tell what median was used to illustrate the books, but it looks to be watercolor paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there are notes about some of the animals mentioned in the book. These notes just a give a few extra facts about the animal.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about some of the animals in the same family line as the originals.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. The poems were not long but provided a lot of information.
.
Related Text:
Wild Wings by Jane Yolen
Swan Harbor: A Nature Counting Book by Laura Rankin (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Rankin, L. Swan Harbor: A Nature Counting Book. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 2nd
Author Credibility:
Laura Rankin has written and illustrated several children’s books. Her inspiration for this book was her home in Maine.
Summary of the Book:
This is a counting picture book. Each page has a different number and the name of a plant or animal at the bottom of the page. In the illustration above, that number will be displayed. For example, if it says “3 squirrels” at the bottom of the page then there will be three squirrels in the picture on that page. It starts at one and goes all the way to twenty.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were done with acrylic inks and paints on Arches watercolor paper. Swan Harbor is an actual place in Maine, and that is where the illustrator got her inspiration for the paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a map of Swan Harbor labeling where you can find each of the animals, insects, or plants mentioned in the book. There is also a section titled “Intriguing Nature Facts” where each animal, insect, or plant is described. The paragraph lists several interesting facts about each one.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book with younger children to tie in counting with science. The book gives interesting facts about each thing that would interest the children and that is on their level.
Response:
This book was beautiful! I could look at the illustrations all day. They were beautiful. I loved the fact that it was illustrations from an actual place and how at the end the map showed you where each thing was located.
Related Text:
The Handmade Alphabet by Laura Rankin
Rankin, L. Swan Harbor: A Nature Counting Book. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 2nd
Author Credibility:
Laura Rankin has written and illustrated several children’s books. Her inspiration for this book was her home in Maine.
Summary of the Book:
This is a counting picture book. Each page has a different number and the name of a plant or animal at the bottom of the page. In the illustration above, that number will be displayed. For example, if it says “3 squirrels” at the bottom of the page then there will be three squirrels in the picture on that page. It starts at one and goes all the way to twenty.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were done with acrylic inks and paints on Arches watercolor paper. Swan Harbor is an actual place in Maine, and that is where the illustrator got her inspiration for the paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a map of Swan Harbor labeling where you can find each of the animals, insects, or plants mentioned in the book. There is also a section titled “Intriguing Nature Facts” where each animal, insect, or plant is described. The paragraph lists several interesting facts about each one.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book with younger children to tie in counting with science. The book gives interesting facts about each thing that would interest the children and that is on their level.
Response:
This book was beautiful! I could look at the illustrations all day. They were beautiful. I loved the fact that it was illustrations from an actual place and how at the end the map showed you where each thing was located.
Related Text:
The Handmade Alphabet by Laura Rankin
Picking Peas for A Penny by Angela Shelf Medearis (1 book) (34 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Medearis, A. Picking Peas For A Penny. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
1st – 4th
Author Credibility:
This story was a poem about the author’s mom, uncle, and grandparents.
Summary of the Book:
This was a lyrical poem. This is a book about a family who picked peas on the farm during the Great Depression. It was a family farm but they were paid for each basket they picked. The kids then went to town to the candy store and spent their money. It taught the mother what the value of a penny was.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were done with colored pencils.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book while talking about the Great Depression or money.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. I liked the rhythm of it.
Medearis, A. Picking Peas For A Penny. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
1st – 4th
Author Credibility:
This story was a poem about the author’s mom, uncle, and grandparents.
Summary of the Book:
This was a lyrical poem. This is a book about a family who picked peas on the farm during the Great Depression. It was a family farm but they were paid for each basket they picked. The kids then went to town to the candy store and spent their money. It taught the mother what the value of a penny was.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were done with colored pencils.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book while talking about the Great Depression or money.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a very easy read. I liked the rhythm of it.
Wild Wings: Poems for Young People by Jane Yolen
Bibliographic Information:
Yolen, J. Wild Wings. Honesdale: Boyds Mills Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 4th
Author Credibility:
Jane Yolen has written many non-fiction poem books.
Summary of the Book:
This is a book of 14 poems about animals with wings. The poems talk about several different animals. At the bottom of the page, there is a small paragraph that give additional facts about the animal.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Jason Stemple.
Features:
There is a table of contents and a note from the author.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about animals that fly.
Response:
I liked this book. Some of the poems were more interesting than others but as a whole it was a good book.
Yolen, J. Wild Wings. Honesdale: Boyds Mills Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 4th
Author Credibility:
Jane Yolen has written many non-fiction poem books.
Summary of the Book:
This is a book of 14 poems about animals with wings. The poems talk about several different animals. At the bottom of the page, there is a small paragraph that give additional facts about the animal.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Jason Stemple.
Features:
There is a table of contents and a note from the author.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when talking about animals that fly.
Response:
I liked this book. Some of the poems were more interesting than others but as a whole it was a good book.
Ice Cream: The Full Scoop by Gail Gibbons (1 book) (32 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Gibbons, G. Ice Cream: The Full Scoop. New York: Holiday House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
Gail Gibbons worked with Jon F. Snyder who owns an ice cream shop.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through the history of ice cream. It starts from back 3,000 years ago and how they made something close to what our ice cream is now. It tells how a ice cream freezer works and about ice cream socials. The book also tells how the cows are milked and where the milk is stored and processed. The book also describes the process the milk goes through to become ice cream.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were paintings. They did not say what median was used to draw the illustrations.
Features:
At the end of the book, it lists some of the ways ice cream can be enjoyed. On the last page, there is a list of facts (“scoops”) on ice cream.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a special interest book.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read, and I really learned a lot.
Gibbons, G. Ice Cream: The Full Scoop. New York: Holiday House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
Gail Gibbons worked with Jon F. Snyder who owns an ice cream shop.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through the history of ice cream. It starts from back 3,000 years ago and how they made something close to what our ice cream is now. It tells how a ice cream freezer works and about ice cream socials. The book also tells how the cows are milked and where the milk is stored and processed. The book also describes the process the milk goes through to become ice cream.
Illustrations:
The illustrations were paintings. They did not say what median was used to draw the illustrations.
Features:
At the end of the book, it lists some of the ways ice cream can be enjoyed. On the last page, there is a list of facts (“scoops”) on ice cream.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a special interest book.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun to read, and I really learned a lot.
Monday, July 23, 2007
How Much Is A Million? by David Schwartz (1 book) (40 pages)
How Much Is A Million?
By David Schwartz
Bibliographic Information:
Schwartz, D. How Much Is A Million? New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K- 4th
Author Credibility:
David Schwartz has written several non-fiction books on an array of subjects.
Summary of the Book:
This book gives real measures of a million. For example, if you counted to a million, it would take you 23 days. After the book gives examples of a million, it gives examples of a billion.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are drawings that look to be done in colored pencils. However, it does not tell specifically what was used for the illustrations.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a note from the author. There are also conversions and formulas used to get the facts in the book.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when we are discussing place value and numbers.
Response:
I liked this book even though it was an older one. It gives you something tangible to compare a million to.
Related Text:
Millions to Measure by David Schwartz
If You Made A Million by David Schwartz
By David Schwartz
Bibliographic Information:
Schwartz, D. How Much Is A Million? New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K- 4th
Author Credibility:
David Schwartz has written several non-fiction books on an array of subjects.
Summary of the Book:
This book gives real measures of a million. For example, if you counted to a million, it would take you 23 days. After the book gives examples of a million, it gives examples of a billion.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are drawings that look to be done in colored pencils. However, it does not tell specifically what was used for the illustrations.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a note from the author. There are also conversions and formulas used to get the facts in the book.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when we are discussing place value and numbers.
Response:
I liked this book even though it was an older one. It gives you something tangible to compare a million to.
Related Text:
Millions to Measure by David Schwartz
If You Made A Million by David Schwartz
Don't Forget Your Etiquette: The Essential Guide to Misbehavior by David Greenberg (1 book) (
Bibliographic Information:
Nickle, J. Alphabet Explosion: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra. New York: Random House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
John Nickle has written and illustrated several children’s books.
Summary of the Book:
This is an alphabet picture book. On each page, it tells you how many objects on the page begin with that letter. For example, there are 22 things on the A page that begin with the letter A.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic and spray paint on watercolor paper.
Features:
At the beginning of the book, it explains how to play the game and find the answers. At the end of the book, there is a list for each letter that tells you what objects you should have found.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would let my students use this book in their free time or when they finish their work early.
Response:
I found myself wanting to make a list to see if I could find all of them. It was a lot harder than I had thought.
Related Text:
Never Take A Giraffe To The Movies by John Nickle
The Aunt Bully by John Nickle
Nickle, J. Alphabet Explosion: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra. New York: Random House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
John Nickle has written and illustrated several children’s books.
Summary of the Book:
This is an alphabet picture book. On each page, it tells you how many objects on the page begin with that letter. For example, there are 22 things on the A page that begin with the letter A.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic and spray paint on watercolor paper.
Features:
At the beginning of the book, it explains how to play the game and find the answers. At the end of the book, there is a list for each letter that tells you what objects you should have found.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would let my students use this book in their free time or when they finish their work early.
Response:
I found myself wanting to make a list to see if I could find all of them. It was a lot harder than I had thought.
Related Text:
Never Take A Giraffe To The Movies by John Nickle
The Aunt Bully by John Nickle
Alphabet Explosion by John Nickle (1 book) (40 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Nickle, J. Alphabet Explosion: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra. New York: Random House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
John Nickle has written and illustrated several children’s books.
Summary of the Book:
This is an alphabet picture book. On each page, it tells you how many objects on the page begin with that letter. For example, there are 22 things on the A page that begin with the letter A.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic and spray paint on watercolor paper.
Features:
At the beginning of the book, it explains how to play the game and find the answers. At the end of the book, there is a list for each letter that tells you what objects you should have found.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would let my students use this book in their free time or when they finish their work early.
Response:
I found myself wanting to make a list to see if I could find all of them. It was a lot harder than I had thought.
Related Text:
Never Take A Giraffe To The Movies by John Nickle
The Aunt Bully by John Nickle
Nickle, J. Alphabet Explosion: Search and Count from Alien to Zebra. New York: Random House.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
John Nickle has written and illustrated several children’s books.
Summary of the Book:
This is an alphabet picture book. On each page, it tells you how many objects on the page begin with that letter. For example, there are 22 things on the A page that begin with the letter A.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic and spray paint on watercolor paper.
Features:
At the beginning of the book, it explains how to play the game and find the answers. At the end of the book, there is a list for each letter that tells you what objects you should have found.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would let my students use this book in their free time or when they finish their work early.
Response:
I found myself wanting to make a list to see if I could find all of them. It was a lot harder than I had thought.
Related Text:
Never Take A Giraffe To The Movies by John Nickle
The Aunt Bully by John Nickle
WOW! AMERICA! By Robert Neubecker (1 book) (48 pgs)
Bibliographic Information:
Nuebecker, R. WOW! AMERICA!. New York: Hyperion Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K- 3rd
Author Credibility:
The author is also an illustrator. He has written several children books, but I could not find where he got his information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about a young girl who “explores” the country. She goes to all of the regions of the United States and sees the sights. Every place she goes, it tells a fact about that city or region.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were paintings. It did not tell what kind of paintings they were.
Features:
This book has a two page spread title page. The end pages are maps of the United States.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when studying geography.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy and fun to read. The illustrations really caught my eye. I think this would be a fabulous book even if it was just the illustrations.
Nuebecker, R. WOW! AMERICA!. New York: Hyperion Books.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K- 3rd
Author Credibility:
The author is also an illustrator. He has written several children books, but I could not find where he got his information for this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about a young girl who “explores” the country. She goes to all of the regions of the United States and sees the sights. Every place she goes, it tells a fact about that city or region.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were paintings. It did not tell what kind of paintings they were.
Features:
This book has a two page spread title page. The end pages are maps of the United States.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when studying geography.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was easy and fun to read. The illustrations really caught my eye. I think this would be a fabulous book even if it was just the illustrations.
Weedy Sea Dragons, Spitting Cobras, and Other Wild and Amazing Animals by Robyn O'Sullivan (1 book) (39 pages)
Weedy Sea Dragons, Spitting Cobras, and Other Wild and Amazing Animals
By Robyn O’Sullivan
Bibliographic Information:
O’Sullivan, R. Weedy Sea Dragons, Spitting Cobras, and Other Wild and Amazing Animals. Washington, D.C: National Geographic Society.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with other people at National Geographic to get the information included in this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about how animals and insects camouflage and protect themselves in the wild. It talks about animals in the sea and on land. It tells how they protect themselves from predators by camouflaging themselves or shooting poison.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs.
Features:
This book has a table of contents and is divided into chapters. At the end of the book, there is a report guide that can help guide a child on how to write a report. There is a glossary and an index. The book provides a list of books for further reading. There is also a list of websites.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book in a science unit about how animals and how they protect themselves.
Response:
This was a good book, but I can see where kids would get bored reading the whole thing. However, it would be a good reference for a project or report.
Related Text:
Rivers of Fire: The Story of Volcanoes by Monica Halpern
Venus Flytraps, Bladderworts: and Other Wild and Amazing Plants by Monica Halpern
By Robyn O’Sullivan
Bibliographic Information:
O’Sullivan, R. Weedy Sea Dragons, Spitting Cobras, and Other Wild and Amazing Animals. Washington, D.C: National Geographic Society.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
3rd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The author worked with other people at National Geographic to get the information included in this book.
Summary of the Book:
This book is about how animals and insects camouflage and protect themselves in the wild. It talks about animals in the sea and on land. It tells how they protect themselves from predators by camouflaging themselves or shooting poison.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs.
Features:
This book has a table of contents and is divided into chapters. At the end of the book, there is a report guide that can help guide a child on how to write a report. There is a glossary and an index. The book provides a list of books for further reading. There is also a list of websites.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book in a science unit about how animals and how they protect themselves.
Response:
This was a good book, but I can see where kids would get bored reading the whole thing. However, it would be a good reference for a project or report.
Related Text:
Rivers of Fire: The Story of Volcanoes by Monica Halpern
Venus Flytraps, Bladderworts: and Other Wild and Amazing Plants by Monica Halpern
The EXtinct Files: My Science Project by Wallace Edwards (1 book) (
Bibliographic Information:
Edwards, W. The Extinct Files: My Science Project. Ontario: Kids Can Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 4th
Author Credibility:
The author has written and illustrated several books.
Summary of the Book:
This is a non-fiction book about a science project about dinosaurs. It uses all of the vocabulary in the scientific process. In the book, a boy observes dinosaurs in their “natural” habitat playing cards, eating ice cream, and playing sports.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were created with watercolors, colored pencils, and gouache.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when introducing the scientific process. It has all of the vocabulary that students will need to know but the text is still something they can understand and enjoy.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun to read.
Related Text:
Extinct Animals
Extinct: Fact Files by Simon Furman
Edwards, W. The Extinct Files: My Science Project. Ontario: Kids Can Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 4th
Author Credibility:
The author has written and illustrated several books.
Summary of the Book:
This is a non-fiction book about a science project about dinosaurs. It uses all of the vocabulary in the scientific process. In the book, a boy observes dinosaurs in their “natural” habitat playing cards, eating ice cream, and playing sports.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were created with watercolors, colored pencils, and gouache.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book when introducing the scientific process. It has all of the vocabulary that students will need to know but the text is still something they can understand and enjoy.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lot of fun to read.
Related Text:
Extinct Animals
Extinct: Fact Files by Simon Furman
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins (1 book) (28 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Jenkins, S. Actual Size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K - 3
Author Credibility:
The author has written several other non-fiction award winning books, but I was not able to find where he did he research for the facts in this particular book.
Summary of the Book:
This is mainly a picture book with a sentence of text on each page. It displays the actual size of things such as a crocodile mouth and the length of a giant anteater’s tongue.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were collages of cut and torn paper.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a paragraph about each animal mentioned in the book that lists several facts about the animal.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book in my classroom when talking about measurement to put things in perspective for younger students.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and I feel would be wonderful for younger kids.
Related Text:
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest by Steve Jenkins
Jenkins, S. Actual Size. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K - 3
Author Credibility:
The author has written several other non-fiction award winning books, but I was not able to find where he did he research for the facts in this particular book.
Summary of the Book:
This is mainly a picture book with a sentence of text on each page. It displays the actual size of things such as a crocodile mouth and the length of a giant anteater’s tongue.
Illustrations:
The illustrations in this book were collages of cut and torn paper.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a paragraph about each animal mentioned in the book that lists several facts about the animal.
How I would Use the Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book in my classroom when talking about measurement to put things in perspective for younger students.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It was a quick read and I feel would be wonderful for younger kids.
Related Text:
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins
Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest by Steve Jenkins
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (1 book) (40 pgs.)
Bibliographic Information:
Hatkoff, I. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The authors consulted with faculty at the Bronx Zoo in New York and at Columbia University while writing this book.
Summary of Book:
It told the story of how a baby hippo and a 130-year-old giant tortoise became friends. Owen was the baby hippo, and Mzee was the tortoise. They were put together in Haller Park when Owen was rescued after a storm. Mzee wasn’t a friendly animal so their friendship came as a surprise to everyone because it is very unlikely that a mammal and a reptile form a close bond.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Peter Greste, Samuel Hopkins, and Charles Campbell-Clause.
Features:
The book opens with a letter from the authors telling how the book came to be. The end of the book has several features. There is a section titled More About. It tells of the countries that were mentioned in the book. It gives general background information about hippos and tortoises. The book also tells about the tsunami that left Owen stranded and about Haller Park.
How I would use this book in my classroom:
I would use this book in science and in character building since it talks about how their friendship was unlikely.
Response:
I thought this was a very interesting book. It went more in depth than I had originally thought it would which I liked. It used a lot of vocabulary that is appropriate for younger grades.
Related Text:
Owen & Mzee: Language of Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff
Friendship:
Wings of Change by Franklin Hill
Hatkoff, I. Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
2nd – 5th
Author Credibility:
The authors consulted with faculty at the Bronx Zoo in New York and at Columbia University while writing this book.
Summary of Book:
It told the story of how a baby hippo and a 130-year-old giant tortoise became friends. Owen was the baby hippo, and Mzee was the tortoise. They were put together in Haller Park when Owen was rescued after a storm. Mzee wasn’t a friendly animal so their friendship came as a surprise to everyone because it is very unlikely that a mammal and a reptile form a close bond.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated with photographs taken by Peter Greste, Samuel Hopkins, and Charles Campbell-Clause.
Features:
The book opens with a letter from the authors telling how the book came to be. The end of the book has several features. There is a section titled More About. It tells of the countries that were mentioned in the book. It gives general background information about hippos and tortoises. The book also tells about the tsunami that left Owen stranded and about Haller Park.
How I would use this book in my classroom:
I would use this book in science and in character building since it talks about how their friendship was unlikely.
Response:
I thought this was a very interesting book. It went more in depth than I had originally thought it would which I liked. It used a lot of vocabulary that is appropriate for younger grades.
Related Text:
Owen & Mzee: Language of Friendship by Isabella Hatkoff
Friendship:
Wings of Change by Franklin Hill
Coming to America: The Story of Immigration (1 book) (37 pages)
Bibliographic Information:
Maestro, B. Coming to America: The Story of Immigration. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
1st – 4th Grade
Credibility of the Author:
The author and her husband have written and illustrated a number of nonfiction books on a variety of subjects. I could not find any specific information on where they did their research for this particular book.
Summary of the book:
This book told the story of immigration into the United States. It began with the people who came over after the Ice Age and ended with immigration facts from today. It told of where people lived and what they had to go through when they got here.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by Susannah Ryan. The illustrations were watercolor paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a table of dates that deal with immigration. There is also a section on immigration today. There are ten other interesting facts about immigration at the end of the book.
How I would use this book in my classroom:
I would use this book when we talked about the Ice Age, Native Americans, or general immigration.
Response:
I really liked this book. I had never really thought about Native Americans being considered immigrants. This book was really good!!!
Related Text:
I Was Dreaming to Come to America: Memories from the Ellis Island Oral History Project by Veronica Lawlor
Maestro, B. Coming to America: The Story of Immigration. New York: Scholastic.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
1st – 4th Grade
Credibility of the Author:
The author and her husband have written and illustrated a number of nonfiction books on a variety of subjects. I could not find any specific information on where they did their research for this particular book.
Summary of the book:
This book told the story of immigration into the United States. It began with the people who came over after the Ice Age and ended with immigration facts from today. It told of where people lived and what they had to go through when they got here.
Illustrations:
This book was illustrated by Susannah Ryan. The illustrations were watercolor paintings.
Features:
At the end of the book, there is a table of dates that deal with immigration. There is also a section on immigration today. There are ten other interesting facts about immigration at the end of the book.
How I would use this book in my classroom:
I would use this book when we talked about the Ice Age, Native Americans, or general immigration.
Response:
I really liked this book. I had never really thought about Native Americans being considered immigrants. This book was really good!!!
Related Text:
I Was Dreaming to Come to America: Memories from the Ellis Island Oral History Project by Veronica Lawlor
Thursday, July 19, 2007
DINOSAURS! By Laurence Pringle
Bibliographic Information:
Pringle, L. DINOSAURS!. Honesdale: Boyds Mills Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 4
Author Credibility:
Laurence Pringle is a well known non-fiction author. For this book, Pringle worked with a professor of anatomy and geology at the University of Pennsylvania for accuracy of the text and pictures.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through and discusses the different types of dinosaurs. It starts off by telling you to imagine that the dinosaurs lived right where you did all over the world. It talked about several different kinds of dinosaurs, not just the ones that are always talked about. It tells just a couple of facts about each dinosaur that are interesting.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic paintings. The first page and last page are the only pages with text on the pictures. It was illustrated by Carol Heyer.
Features:
Pronunciation of dinosaur names
Definitions of vocabulary in text
How I Would Use This Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a read aloud to younger kids. For older kids, I would let them read it independently. It would be good to use for visualization and imagery. I liked the way that it posed the question of how the plates on a Stegosaurus were arranged.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed really well. It was easy to read and didn’t give too much information to where students could get bogged down.
Related Text:
The Dinosaur Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
Pringle, L. DINOSAURS!. Honesdale: Boyds Mills Press.
Grade Level Appropriateness:
K – 4
Author Credibility:
Laurence Pringle is a well known non-fiction author. For this book, Pringle worked with a professor of anatomy and geology at the University of Pennsylvania for accuracy of the text and pictures.
Summary of the Book:
This book goes through and discusses the different types of dinosaurs. It starts off by telling you to imagine that the dinosaurs lived right where you did all over the world. It talked about several different kinds of dinosaurs, not just the ones that are always talked about. It tells just a couple of facts about each dinosaur that are interesting.
Illustrations:
The illustrations are acrylic paintings. The first page and last page are the only pages with text on the pictures. It was illustrated by Carol Heyer.
Features:
Pronunciation of dinosaur names
Definitions of vocabulary in text
How I Would Use This Book in My Classroom:
I would use this book as a read aloud to younger kids. For older kids, I would let them read it independently. It would be good to use for visualization and imagery. I liked the way that it posed the question of how the plates on a Stegosaurus were arranged.
Response:
I really enjoyed this book. It flowed really well. It was easy to read and didn’t give too much information to where students could get bogged down.
Related Text:
The Dinosaur Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta
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