THE FANTASTIC JUNGLES OF HENRI ROUSSEAU by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Amanda Hall. “Henri Rousseau wants to be an artist. Not a single person has ever told him he is talented … But he buys some canvas, paint, and brushes, and starts painting anyway.” Can you imagine? A toll collector, with no formal training, Rousseau… Read more »
Dianne White
The Thing About “Different”
For Teachers BULLYING HURTS:Teaching Kindness Through Read-Alouds and Guided Conversations by Lester L. Laminack and Reba M. Wadsworth (Heinemann, 2012) I’m starting today’s post with a book I’ve not actually read yet. It’s newly published and I only just received the flyer in the mail. But in my years of teaching, I’ve always found Heinemann… Read more »
Graphic Novels for Confident Readers
GIANTS BEWARE! by Rafael Rosado and Jorge Aguirre (First Second, 2012) Tales of a baby-feet eating giant, chased back to the tallest mountain in the territory, have kept the local citizens of Mont Petit Pierre living in fear. But one young citizen, Claudette, is different. Fearless and determined, Claudette is the only one of the… Read more »
Graphic Novels for Emerging and Transitional Readers
BENJAMIN BEAR in Fuzzy Thinking by Philippe Coudray BENJAMIN BEAR in Fuzzy Thinking is a book that was a satisfying match for one particular boy in my classroom this year. His reading skills were strong. He was able to read grade level material, but he was hard to please. Nothing that I came up with… Read more »
Summer Recommendations for the Emerging Reader
Summer days are upon us – the very best of times to slow down, stretch out, and take in the wonder of a good book. Younger readers, and those readying to start their first year of kindergarten in the fall will look forward to PICTURE MY DAY created by Séverine Cordier and Cynthia Lacroix (Owlkids… Read more »
ReaderKidZ: Vacation Reads
The ReaderKidZ are busy making summer plans, but before we take a mini-vacation, we’ll be sharing some of our newest favorite reads, as well as a list of excellent graphic novels that will be sure to entice even the most reluctant readers. Check back Tuesday for the first book on our summer reading list. Check… Read more »
What do…
a team of brothers, a pair of heroes, and a boy in the Black Hills of S. Dakota have in common? They’re all the subjects of some of 2012’s wonderful new biographies for children. THOSE REBELS, JOHN & TOM by Barbara Kerley, illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham (Scholastic Press 2012) I adored this book and so… Read more »
