Gilbert Goldfish Wants a Pet by Kelly DiPucchio

Gilbert has almost everything his fishy heart could desire: a magnificent stone castle, a treasure chest full of gold, and a feast of tasty flakes that falls from the sky just in time for breakfast each day. But there's one BIG thing missing from his life: a pet. And so begins Gilbert's harrowing search for the perfect companion. Here is the author's website - http://www.kellydipucchio.com/gilbert_goldfish.html www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMTX_ZsqToo&list...index=8

Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons By: Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons captures the spirit of the holiday season. From making the same kind of cookies at the same time each year (tradition) to decorating them with lots of sprinkles (celebrate), youngsters will gobble up vocabulary words and holiday lessons in this charming dictionary of sorts.

Here is the recipe - http://www.harpercollins.com/browseinside/index.aspx?isbn13=9780060580247

And of course the author's site - http://www.whoisamy.com/

First Book of Sushi by Amy Wilson Sanger

For the littlest fans of that favorite Japanese finger food comes a sturdy board book sure to inspire giggles (and even some growling stomachs!). Sanger's mixed media and cut-paper collages are an ideal accompaniment to her bouncy rhyming text sure to captivate even the most finicky eaters. Whether a temaki know-it-all or clueless about ebi, FIRST BOOK OF SUSHI is a welcome side-dish for nori experts and novices of all ages.

And another -  Sushi for Kids: Children's Introduction to Japan's Favorite Food by Kaoru Ono, Peter Howlett
Healthy and fun, sushi is a favorite food among Japanese children. Over 40,000 copies of Sushi for Kids have been sold in Japan, and this popular children's book is now available in English. Celebrated writer and illustrator Kaoru Ono dazzles children with her illustrations as she opens their eyes to the wonderful world of sushi. Children will learn about the fish used for sushi, its history, and how to prepare it. The demand for children's books from around the world has never been greater.

Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes

While we are still recovering from Hurricane Sandy in some parts of the Northeast United States, I came across this book about the Ninth Ward New Orleans and Hurricane Katrina.  Check it out  . . . 

Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleanes’ Ninth Ward. She doesn’t have a fancy house like her uptown family or lots of friends like other kids on her street. But what she does have is Mama Ya-Ya, her fiercely loving caretaker, wise in the ways of the world and able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya’s visions show a powerful hurricane–Katrina–fast approaching, it’s up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has given her to help them both survive the storm.
Ninth Ward is a celebration of resilience, love, family, and friendship, and a deeply emotional story of transformation.

Author's website - http://jewellparkerrhodes.com/children/books/ninth-ward/

P is for Pilgrim by Carol Crane

"Across the Atlantic Ocean,
a lone ship on a vast sea.
Ablaze with new hope,
all praying to be free."
From the lives of our early settlers, who established the foundations for American freedoms and ideals, to today's celebrations, "P is for Pilgrim" colorfully examines the history and lore of Thanksgiving. Educators will find the inclusion of the Core Democratic Values of valuable use for the classroom while kids of all ages will enjoy the bright, engaging illustrations and fascinating sidebar text.

And another - Turkeys, Pilgrims, and Indian Corn : The Story of the Thanksgiving Symbols by Edna Barth
 The story of the most truly American holiday and the development of its symbols and legends.
Each of our holidays has its own familiar traditions: Trick-or-treating on Halloween, eating turkey on Thanksgiving, waiting for Santa Claus on Christmas, exchanging cards on Valentine's Day. But where do these customs come from, when did they begin, and why do we continue to observe them?
In the engaging blend of careful research and lively prose that has earned her books a lasting place on the holiday bookshelf, Edna Barth explores the multicultural origins and evolution of the familiar and not-so-familiar symbols and legends associated with our favorite holidays. Full of fascinating historical details and little-known stories, these books are both informative and engaging. Festively illustrated by Ursula Arndt, they are now available again in hardcover as well as paperback editions, featuring new, eye-catching jacket designs, and fun holiday activities inside the paperback covers. Each book includes an annotated list of holiday stories and poems and an index.

The Best Story Ever by Eileen Spinelli

The Red Brick Library was having a contest: Write the Best Story and Win First Prize! When the girl you will meet in this book sees that sign, she just knows she has to win this contest. But what makes a story the best? Should it be funny, sad or romantic? Should it be an action story? Writing is harder than she thought, but with a little help from her family and friends, this budding author is able to find her own best story.

Here is a complete summary and lesson plan to inspire writers - http://www.spokenartsmedia.com/StudyGuides/The%20Best%20Story.pdf

And of course - the author's site http://www.eileenspinelli.com/heart_001.htm
Check out her poem of the month - http://www.eileenspinelli.com/heart_009.htm

Abe Lincoln's Dream by Lane Smith

While I should wait till President's Day - I recently came across this book and had to share -

From the bestselling author of It's a Book comes a funny, touching tale about the legacy of America's greatest president. When a schoolgirl gets separated from her tour of the White House and finds herself in the Lincoln bedroom, she also discovers the ghost of the great man himself. Together they embark on a journey across the country to answer

Here is a YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbjgcRR-lVM


An interview with the author http://www.npr.org/2012/10/16/162586117/in-a-dream-lincoln-checks-in-on-state-of-the-union

The Kid Who Ran for President by Dan Gutman

With election day just around the corner, here are a few titles to help children prepare for this event . . .

From the author - Before the 1996 presidential election, there was quite a bit of debate about whether Bob Dole might be too old to be President. That got me thinking - what would be too YOUNG to be President? And that's what gave me the idea for this novel about a 12-year-old boy who runs for President. This was the first time I tried to write something funny. It is my most successful book.
Here is the author's website as well . . . http://www.dangutman.com/pages/books.html

The Election-Day Disaster by Ron Roy

THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION is less than a week away, but KC and Marshall have more important things on their minds—their Halloween party at the White House! The morning after the costume party, though, KC and Marshall wake up to a trick, not a treat. Someone has posted damaging photos of the president on the Internet, photos that were digitally doctored! Will they ruin President Thornton’s chances for a second term? Or can KC and Marshall rescue the election?

 

If I Ran for President by Catherine Stieris 

Imagine starring in commercials and traveling in your own campaign bus! Or seeing your face on bumper stickers and T-shirts!

 If you ran for president, you would get to do these and other fun things, but you would also have to do a lot of hard work. You would study the nation’s problems, tell the American people about your platform, select a running mate, and debate your opponents on live television. Finally, in November, Election Day would arrive. You would keep your fingers crossed and wait for the results—will you be the next president of the United States?

Here is the author's website - http://www.catherinestier.com/Pages/Books.html

Leaf Jumpers by Carole Gerber and Leslie Evans

A fantastic introduction to identifying leaves! Leaf Jumpers begins by describing kids playing in leaves, a good hook to capture kids’ attention, and then provides descriptions of eight common leaves. One of the highlights of Leaf Jumpers is Leslie Evan’s graphic, glowing illustrations.  Gotta love the video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uqccfcCGeo
 

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert. Leaf Man is best read to one or a small number ofchildren who can take the time to pour over the pictures at their own pace. The story is not particularly exciting. Instead, the fun comes from observing how Lois Ehlert used leaves to create images of chickens, ducks and geese, pumpkins and winter squash, and much more. Leaf Man will inspire kids to create their own fall leaf artwork.Here is a teacher's guide - http://www.harcourtbooks.com/leafman/teacherguide.asp

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak

This adorable classic by known author and illustrator Maurice Sendak of Where the Wild Things Are fame includes a simple poem for each month of the year. In addition to being a super cute story, Chicken Soup with Rice also has a song that goes along with it. Children who learn best through music may benefit from this added element of this picture book for teaching the months of the year. Just search online for the Chicken Soup with Rice song if you would like to add it to this cute book. An excellent read-aloud, demonstrating the progression of the year, seasons, and the power of poetry. And of course . . .
the video . . .  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ve3dC9HRxU

Here are some other books for the months of the year -
Here Comes the Year by Eileen Spinelli. This picture book for learning the months of the year is more complex than most. The lyrical, rhyming words for each month use descriptive adjectives and verbs to describe each month as it relates to nature. Because of the rhyming words this book is a great read-aloud choice for teaching the months of the year. This book, however, is best for older children that already have a somewhat established idea of months. The wording is too difficult for very young learners.

The Turning of the Year by Bill Martin Jr. Teachers, parents, and just about anyone who knows the first thing about children's books, knows Bill Martin Jr. as the author of the wonderful Brown Bear, Brown Bear picture book series. Martin delivers again with this great book for teaching the months of the year. Cute poems on each page give insight into what each month holds. The illustrations are lovely (though not done by Eric Carle a la Brown Bear, Brown Bear) and add to this great picture book for teaching the months of the year. 

Jobs People Do by Christopher Maynard

Jobs People Do is the book for helping children find out all about the careers that interest them.
I want to be a builder, firefighter, veterinarian, paramedic, mechanic, musician...
Here is the book to help me choose. Entertaining text and photographs of real children dressed for each hob help youngsters explore 50 different careers, from chef to scientist. Pages also detail the duties and training required for each one.
Here is a list of books about various jobs - http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/labor-day/kids-books/
Here are some lessons as well, for those of us that have started school in August :) http://lessonplanspage.com/LaborDay.htm/

Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes

She was a perfect baby, and she had a perfect name. Chrysanthemum. When she was old enough to appreciate it, Chrysanthemum loved her name. And then she started school. “I’m named after my grandmother,” said Victoria. “You’re named after a flower.” Chrysanthemum wilted. Life at school didn’t improve. In fact, it got worse. Then the students were introduced to their music teacher, Mrs. Twinkle. Mrs. Delphinium Twinkle. And suddenly, Chrysanthemum blossomed….

Here is the link to the author's site - http://www.kevinhenkes.com.php5-25.dfw1-2.websitetestlink.com/

The Story Blanket by Ferida Wolff

Other titles by this author - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/ferida-wolff 

Although this is an original text, its folkloric structure conjures up echoes of other traditional tales known variously as "Just Enough to Make a Story," and "I Had a Little Overcoat," (most familiar to today's children as Simms Taback's Joseph Had a Little Overcoat). The children of the village love to gather on Babba Zarrah's intricately patterned blanket to listen to her stories. Gradually, as Babba Zarrah notices first one villager and then another in need of warm clothing-socks, scarf, mittens, apron, shawl, cap, blanket, and coat-she unravels the blanket and re-knits it. The children squeeze ever closer together to hear her tales until, at last, the blanket disappears. Eventually, the children-who knew the blanket better than anyone else-are the ones to solve the mystery of the anonymous gifts. A coda of sorts restarts the story from the beginning promising an endless cycle of kindness. Knitters will realize the impossibility of unraveling a small portion of one project and re-creating the exact same pattern in the new one (the yarn would not be in the right proportions) but the visual repetition provides young readers with the clue they need to enjoy the story. White (or lightly tinted) backgrounds focus attention on the various objects, though there is a missed opportunity in the failure to show the children progressive squished onto the ever-shrinking blanket. Most effective of all is a double-page spread of Babba Zarrah's floral backside moving though a vast snowscape with only a curious owl to mark her progress. Other humorous details-the placement of the children's shoes, a raven caught in a pair of bloomers on the clothes line-will provide chuckles for the sharp-eyed reader. 

Brand-new Pencils, Brand-new Books by deGroat

It's the first day of first grade! Gilbert is looking forward to learning how to read and making new friends, but . . . Will the teacher be nice? Will first grade be too hard? Will he like his classmates? Will they like him? Gilbert is excited and nervous at the same time! Gilbert's excitement over starting first grade turns to worry that the teacher will be mean, the work too hard, and his classmates too unfriendly, but throughout the day there are pleasant surprises.  More books by this author . . . http://www.dianedegroat.com/

Back-to-School - The Year of Miss Agnes by Kirkpatrick Hill

Told in a young girl's simple, honest voice, this is the touching story about Alaska, the old ways and the new, and about a special teacher who touches the lives of everyone she meets.

Here are some extension activities - http://edhelper.com/books/The_Year_of_Miss_Agnes.htm
 A more specific synopsis of the story - http://nancykeane.com/booktalks/hill_year.htm


Flash cards and a quiz - http://quizlet.com/2496980/the-year-of-miss-agnes-vocabulary-flash-cards/


Stay tuned for more Back-to-School titles . . .
 

The Cloud Spinner by Michael Catchpool

One small boy has a special gift—he can weave cloth from the clouds: gold in the early morning with the rising sun, white in the afternoon, and crimson in the evening. He spins just enough cloth for a warm scarf. But when the king sees the boy's magnificent cloth, he demands cloaks and gowns galore. "It would not be wise," the boy protests. "Your majesty does not need them!" But spin he must—and soon the world around him begins to change.

From author Michael Catchpool and illustrator Alison Jay comes a magical tale about the beauty and fragility of our natural world, and the wisdom and courage needed to protect it.

Here is another title by the same author - fun!

Where There's a Bear, There's Trouble 

When one brown bear decides to follow one yellow bee to his honey, he is followed by two greedy geese, who in turn are followed by three shy mice. When the bee reaches the hive he is joined by one hundred yellow bees, who chase the one brown bear, followed by the two greedy geese, and the three shy mice in this rhythmic story filled with humor and TROUBLE!

Happy 4th of July! Happy Birthday, America, Mary Pope Osborne, Peter Catalanotto

One of my favorite authors and one of my favorite illustrators.

Mary Pope Osborne celebrates July 4th, the most American of holidays, with a warm family story. Three generations enjoy parades, popcorn, "Yankee Doodle," and at the end of the day, lightning bugs and fireworks. "Then I blow out the stars, as if they were candles on a giant birthday cake"--a glorious image in Peter Catalanotto's glowing and buoyant watercolors.

Here is another with the same title and some activities to go along - http://www.marshachall.com/activity/happy.html


For an old-fashioned parade, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxGbzMtGYfw

A BALL FOR DAISY, by Chris Raschka

A recent Caldecott winner - A Ball for Daisy is a story of loss — a little dog loses her favorite red ball to a much larger dog — but now it's also a story about winning:  Chris Raschka's book won the American Library Association's Randolph Caldecott Medal for best illustrated story.  Here is the NPR interview - http://www.npr.org/2012/01/23/145656652/caldecott-winner-chris-raschka-discusses-his-book

The author's biography - http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/chris-raschka

Other books by this author - http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Chris-Raschka/1786251/books

The Little Mouse, The Red Ripe Strawberry, and The Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Woods

Strawberries are my all time favorite fruit.  I put them in everything when they are in season.  I have this book as a big book and kids love it!

Who likes strawberries? The mouse does. The bear does. But the reader plays a vital role in this story. This is a tale of how a little mouse is tricked into sharing his strawberry before the big hungry bear can find it!

Here is the You Tube read aloud.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apvgbUckC-k, along with some fun activities - http://www.makinglearningfun.com/themepages/LittleMouseRedRipeStrawberryandtheBigHungryBearPrintables.html

http://www.ideastream.org/common/worksheets/The_Little_Mouse_The_Red_Ripe_Strawberry.pdf

Mahalia Mouse Goes to College by John Lithgow

Mahalia Mouse and her family live underneath Dunster House, an old Harvard dormitory. Foraging for food for her younger brothers and sisters, Mahalia gets trapped in a backpack and then finds herself inside a classroom far from home. Mahalia, intrigued by the lecture, starts attending classes and soon becomes a full-time student -- all the while wondering about the fate of her family. But when graduation day finally arrives, Mahalia has a wonderful surprise waiting for her.
Written as part of his keynote address at Harvard's commencement, this latest book from John Lithgow (class of '67) incorporates his trademark witty rhymes and includes a CD of him reading the text at the commencement. Mahalia's story has an inspiring message for graduates or anyone whose success is worthy of celebration.  Here is a link to a video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jYoHcG-jHI

The author discussing his book - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uwm9AUKmSu8

Here are some activities as well - http://www.teachermadecreations.com/MahliaMouseCollege.html

The Tale of Benjamin Bunny by Beatrix Potter

Recently a young friend received a bunny as a pet.  She named it Benjamin. 
I couldn't resist sharing this title.

When Mr. McGregor and his wife leave home in their gig, Benjamin Bunny and his cousin Peter Rabbit venture into Mr. McGregor's garden to retrieve the clothes Peter lost there in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. They find the clothes on a scarecrow, but Peter is apprehensive about lingering in the garden because of his previous experience. Benjamin delays their departure by gathering onions, which he wraps in Peter's handkerchief. He then takes a casual stroll around the garden, followed by an increasingly nervous Peter.

Rounding a corner, they see a cat and hide under a basket, but the cat then sits on top of the basket for hours, trapping the pair. Benjamin's father enters the garden looking for his son. He drives the cat from the basket and locks her in the greenhouse, then frees Benjamin and Peter, and punishes them for going to Mr. McGregor's garden by whipping them with a switch he had brought. Once home, Peter gives the onions to his mother, who forgives his adventure because he has recovered his clothes. Following his return, Mr. McGregor is puzzled by the scarecrow's missing clothes and the cat locked in the greenhouse.^[3]

Here is the link to download the audio http://lightupyourbrain.com/stories/audio-story-the-tale-of-benjamin-bunny/ as well as a video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNQ-dI5EEY

Let's Get Ready for Memorial Day - Memorial Day Books for Kids Memorial Day Books for Kids - Let's Get Ready for Memorial Day Let's Get Ready for Memorial Day by Lloyd G. Douglas

A girl's class prepares for Memorial Day by learning about the holiday from their teacher and making flags, and later she goes to a war memorial with her father to honor those who died.


Here are some more - http://barnredbooks.blogspot.com/2010/05/memorial-day-books-for-kids.html

Where the Wild Things Are . . .

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak has become a classic. Winner of the 1964 Caldecott Medal as the "Most Distinguished Picture Book of the Year," it was first published by HarperCollins in 1963. When the book was written, the theme of dealing with dark emotions was rare in children's literature, especially in picture book format for young children.

Maurice Sendak dies at 83, author of 'Where the Wild Things Are'

The endearingly popular children's book illustrator and writer radically changed the genre with tales of outsized monsters and frolicsome humor that tapped into the fears of childhood. He also collaborated on numerous operas, films and TV programs.

http://www.latimes.com/news/obituaries/la-me-maurice-sendak-20120509,0,4823266.story

A Ride on Mother's Back: A Day of Baby Carrying around the World by Emery Bernhard, Durga Bernhard (Illustrator)

Happy Mother's Day!

Explores the ways in which people from a variety of cultures carry their young ones, and describes what children see and learn as they are carried. As her mother makes tortillas, a Guatemalan infant is rocked in a shawl tied around her mother's body. Riding in a sling balanced on his grandfather's hip, a young boy watches his father gather honey in the rain forest of central Africa. A section of notes, with background information and interesting tidbits about each culture, is offered in an appendix.  Here are some other titles - http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/mothers-day/kids-books/a-ride-on-mothers-back.html

Forget-Me-Nots: Poems to Learn by Heart by Mary Ann Hoberman

When you learn a poem by heart, it becomes a part of you. You know it in your mind, in your mouth, in your ears, in your whole body. And best of all, you know it forever. 

 Poetry is a wonderful way to introduce your reader to figurative language.  I recently purchased this book as a gift for a second grader to congratulate her on her first holy communion.  A great keepsake, that she can enjoy forever!

A Children's Poet Laureate -  here is her website to visit - http://www.maryannhoberman.com/
Here are some thoughts to chat about after you read -
• Which poem did you like the best and why?
• If you were going to write your own poem, what topic would you choose?
• Do you prefer poems that rhyme or those that don't, and why?
• Which poem would you choose to memorize, and why?
• Why do you think it is important to know a poem by heart?

Here are some other titles to consider for all ages . . . http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/1340.Best_children_s_poetry_books
The Poetry Foundation posts monthly recommendations as well  - http://www.poetryfoundation.org/children/

Earth Day, Birthday by Maureen Wright

It s April 22, and Lion and his friends want to plant trees, recycle bottles, and have fun on Earth Day. But not Monkey. He wants to celebrate his birthday! Can he convince the other animals that it really is his birthday? Violet Kim s humorous artwork, rendered in paper, photographs, and colored pencil, highlight the sunny, friendly world of the animals.  Meet the author by visiting her website - http://booksbymaureenwright.com/

Here are some other Earth Day reads - http://www.redriverfamily.com/Red-River-Family/April-2012/GreatReads-Every-Day-is-Earth-Day/

Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger
This book truly celebrates the color green! You’ll see green everywhere after reading this book, including lime green, pea green, shaded green, and even wacky green! Delightful!

Chrysalis Chronicles

Just came across this series - intriguing.  I love books that examine character traits and have readers determine character motivations based on story.  It is an online series and offer readers a different experience.  Check it out . . .
Chrysalis Chronicles is an interactive online reading experience created by Edwin Wolfe and shaped around the Chrysalis Chronicles books. Share and participate in the stories, showcase your own Chrysalis Chronicles- related creativity, and discover additional information about the world of the Chrysalis Chronicles from the author himself. http://www.chrysalischronicles.com/index.html
There is a fee to join, and it is a business, but what an interesting concept . . .

Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco

Looking for a bit of a different idea for the Spring, Easter or just a change - check out Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco.  The author's website has many activities and shares some background from the story.  With wonderful pictures and a great story, this is a definite read aloud to share.  http://www.patriciapolacco.com/books/rechenkas_eggs/rechenkas_eggs_index.html  
From Apple4the teacher - This is a terrific Easter story for reading aloud to children. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is lovely. An old lady lives in the Russian countryside and works all year to enter her painted eggs in the Easter contest in Moscow. One day she saves an injured goose. When an accident destroys the woman's painted eggs, the goose lays a beautifully decorated egg each morning until it's time for her to fly away once more -- but not before leaving one more miraculous gift. This is a lovely story that will excite children's imagination, and the beautiful illustrations will charm young and old alike.

There is also a Reading Rainbow video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CleivpNRSmA

My Spring Robin Spring is in the air . . . what happened to Winter?

Spring begins.  Here in the Mid Atlantic United States, we barely had Winter.  Not that I am complaining but a little snow would have been nice . . . enjoy the early Spring. 

My Spring Robin by Anne Rockwell, Harlow Rockwell (Illustrator)
Before finding the robin she is searching for, a child discovers other interesting fauna and flora in her backyard. Before she finds "my spring robin," she encounters a variety of signs of the new season in her backyard: a toad and an earthworm; crocus, forsythia, magnolia, violets, and daffodils blooming; and fiddlehead ferns emerging.

Last year's Spring post - http://teachingreaderstothink.blogspot.com/2011/03/for-first-day-of-spring-butterfly.htm

Here are some titles for you and your readers to enjoy . . .

http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/spring/kids-books/

http://delightfulchildrensbooks.com/2012/03/09/spring-2/

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

For all those that are Irish, or have a little "leprechaun" magic - here are some titles and activities to share . . . St. Patrick's Day by Gail Gibbons   A basic introduction to the St. Patrick's Day holiday - how it began, the life and works of St. Patrick, and the various ways in which the day is celebrated. Pictures and text describe some of St. Patrick's Day's symbols - such as shamrocks, leprechauns and the Celtic harp. At the conclusion, the author describes some of St. Patrick's miracles.



http://www.apples4theteacher.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/kids-books/

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/stpatrick/

http://crafts.kaboose.com/holidays/st-patricks-day/patrick-color.html

Testing Miss Malarkey by Judy Finchler, Kevin O'Malley

Our State PSSA tests start on Tuesday.  While this is a book for elementary kids, all ages would smile.  Good luck everyone.  You work hard all year, now is the time to "show what you know"!
The new school year brings standardized testing to every school and Miss Malarkey's is no exception. Teachers, students, and even parents are preparing for THE TEST-The Instructional Performance Through Understanding (IPTU) test-and the school is in an uproar. Even though the grown-ups tell the children not to worry, they're acting kind of strange. The gym teacher is teaching stress-reducing yoga instead of sports in gym class. Parents are giving pop quizzes on bedtime stories at night. The cafeteria is serving "brain food" for lunch. The kids are beginning to think that maybe the test is more important than they're being led to believe. Kids and adults alike will laugh aloud as Finchler and O'Malley poke fun at the commotion surrounding standardized testing, a staple of every school's year.
Here are some fun links - a slide show of the story - http://www.slideshare.net/Bet1139/testing-miss-malarkey

A unit of study complete with resources - http://www.successlink.org/GTI/lesson_unit-viewer.asp?lid=2956

  

It's My Birthday... Finally! A Leap Year Story

Finally, a children's book about being born on February 29th (Leap Year).  This is a great story about Miles' finally getting to celebrate his birthday on the 29th of February. The author did a wonder job on this book and the illustrations are great. Recommended for parents and teachers alike.Here are some other titles to consider - http://www.emailman.com/leapday/ 

and some "fun facts"




 http://www.ask.com/web?q=leap%20year%20birthday&askid=d5443df9-59fe-4c0f-92b1-371878e256b0-0-us_gsb&kv=sdb&dqi=%22It%27s%20My%20Birthday...%20Finally!%20A%20Leap%20Year%20Story%22&qsrc=999&o=10499&l=dir