Georgia Children's Picturebook (Gr. K-4) Award 2018-2019 Nominees - Connecting to Children, Community, and Curriculum - Georgia Children's ...
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Georgia Children’s Picturebook (Gr. K-4) Award
2018-2019 Nominees
Connecting to Children, Community, and Curriculum
Picturebook Award Selection Committee Jennifer Beaty, Fourth Grade Teacher, Dacula Elementary, Gwinnett County Evan Bush, Head Children’s Librarian & Youth Services Coordinator, Athens-Clarke County Library & Regional Library System, Athens Tonya Grant, Media Specialist, Barksdale Elementary, Rockdale County Jennifer Rice, Media Specialist, Macedonia Elementary, Cherokee County Ashley Saint, EIP Teacher and Media Specialist, Schley Elementary, Schley County Courtney Smith, Graduate Student, Georgia Southern University Dr. Jennifer M. Graff (Chair), Associate Professor, Language & Literacy Education, UGA Adam Crawley & Ji Hong (Grad. Assistants), Doctoral Students, Language & Literacy Education, UGA
Summary
Haiku for Bashō. Inventive formatting and
language use for E.E. Cummings. Bright
inspiration for Maya Angelou. Poets come
together to pay homage to poets before them.
Explore the style of famous poets recreated in
tribute by their modern-day admirers.
Alexander, Kwame. (2017). Out of Wonder:
Poems Celebrating Poets (Illus. Ekua Holms).
Somerville, MA: Candlewick.
Lexile = NP
Connections
● Ask students to share about their role models. What do
they admire about this person? Share ways different
individuals have tried to emulate these role models.
● Introduce students to poets or musicians from Georgia.
Have students analyze their poems or songs and attempt
to write products in their style.
● Use this book throughout a poetry unit. Examine the
different types of poems. Ask small groups of students
to research different poets in the book and share brief
biographies with the class. Read poems written by poets
featured in the book and have students compare and
contrast the poets’ actual work to tributes in the book.
Alexander, Kwame. (2017). Out of Wonder:
Poems Celebrating Poets (Illus. Ekua Holms). Hold a vote to determine which poem best captured the
Somerville, MA: Candlewick. style of its designated poet.
Lexile = NP
Summary
This book displays knowledge through advanced
vocabulary and gorgeous illustrations. It informs
readers on all types of beetles, giving specific
characteristics to basic life cycle information. The
illustrations and facts are sure to ignite the
imagination of all students.
Aston, Diana Hutts. (2016). A Beetle Is Shy
(Illus. Sylvia Long). San Francisco, CA:
Chronicle Books.
Lexile = NC1070L
Connections
● Engage students by asking them if they enjoy collecting
anything. Also, show them examples of bug collections
and how each bug has different characteristics.
● Connect with your local college (if available) and see if
they have a professor that could come and speak to the
students on Entomology. It is very important to
introduce interesting and unusual careers to students.
Take the students on a nature walk and collect different
types of insects, if possible.
● The vocabulary in this text is amazing. It is the perfect
piece to show students how using advanced vocabulary
can improve writing. I would read the text with simple
Aston, Diana Hutts. (2016). A Beetle Is Shy adjectives and go back and use the author’s adjectives,
(Illus. Sylvia Long). San Francisco, CA: so students can hear the difference. If successful on your
Chronicle Books. nature walk, use the insects and have the students use
Lexile = NC1070L adjectives to describe them.
Summary
Young Ada Marie Twist starts speaking at age
three and asks many question: Why? What? How?
When? One day she tries to uncover the source of
a terrible stink. She comes up with a hypothesis
and conducts experiments. She frustrates her
parents who don’t understand her. But they soon
realize they have a budding scientist and begin to
support and encourage her curiosity.
Beaty, Andrea. (2016). Ada Twist, Scientist (Illus.
David Roberts). New York, NY: Abrams Books
for Young Readers.
Lexile = AD550L
Connections
● Readers will enjoy reading the rhyming text of this story and will
become fascinated by Ada’s curiosity to answer insatiable
questions: Why? What? How? When? Write a list of questions
you would like to know the answers to.
● In the author’s note, it mentions that the main character, Ada
Marie, is named after two famous women: Ada Lovelace and
Marie Curie. Research the two women to discover what they are
famous for and the contributions each has made to our world.
Visit a local science museum to learn about other scientists and
their contributions.
● What is that smell? Young Ada is determined to uncover the
source behind an unknown smell. Use this book as a discussion
starter with readers to explain hypothesis and the scientific
method. Readers can test their own olfactory skills. A parent or
Beaty, Andrea. (2016). Ada Twist, Scientist (Illus.
teacher can soak cotton balls in different scents such as
David Roberts). New York, NY: Abrams Books for cinnamon, vinegar, perfume, and pumpkin spice and place in a
Young Readers. small container (ex. film roll container). Then, let readers try to
identify the scents.
Lexile = AD550L
Summary
Taking a trip on an airplane can be a huge
adventure. There are many things to keep track of:
lots of little details from packing, plane tickets,
luggage, working your way through the TSA
checkpoint, and finding the perfect seat. Follow
one family, from start to finish, and a host of other
folks as they maneuver their way onto the same
plane for an epic journey. See if you can follow all
of their individual tales, and discover what
happened to the missing sock monkey doll.
Children will be captivated by the myriad cross
Brown, Lisa. (2016). The Airport Book. sections and Where’s Waldo type fun in this
New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press.
informative, multicultural picture book.
Lexile (not available)
Connections
● After reading the book, choose a destination your class might like to journey
to. Have students find the location on a map. Discuss the climate and activities
you might encounter there, then have each child create their own list of things
they might pack for the journey. Discuss other things they might have to do in
preparation for their trip.
● Have students sit in a circle and play “Going on a Plane Trip” similar to the
memory game of “Going on a Picnic”. The teacher starts off by saying, “I’m
going on a plane trip, and I’m bringing a (something that starts with the letter
A) with me.” The person to the left of the teacher must add something that
begins with the letter B, and also state what the teacher brought. Each student,
in succession, tries to come up with an item they would take on their plane trip
with the appropriate letter, as well as every item that has come before, until the
teacher has to repeat them all.
● Take a pretend flight with your class. Set the room up like a mini airport, with
check-in, TSA, and a newsstand. Arrange the desks or chairs like an airplane.
Have students bring a small bag with things they might need: a sweatshirt,
their favorite stuffed animal, reading material, snacks and travel pillow, etc. If
Brown, Lisa. (2016). The Airport Book. you have enough students, you can give them roles: Pilot, TSA clerk, or flight
New York, NY: Roaring Brook Press. attendant. The teacher can guide the journey as the lead flight attendant. When
you reach your imaginary destination, everyone can disembark to the
Lexile (not available) playground for recess!Summary
Nicholas has fears but he is able to conquer them
when he has his toy dinosaur. Just by having his
dinosaur he can climb tall walls, and score goals
against the big goalie named Gorilla. When
Nicholas’ dinosaur is lost, everything suddenly
becomes scary again. Nicholas’ dad is there to
help him understand that even brave people have
fears, too.
Choldenko, Gennifer. (2017). Dad and the
Dinosaur (Illus. Dan Santat). New York, NY:
G.P. Putnam’s Sons.
Lexile = AD560LConnections
● Pair with 2017 Nominee The Darkest Dark by Chris
Hadfield. Both boys have fears. Compare and contrast
stories focusing on how they were able to conquer their
fears.
● Looking at the illustrations by Dan Santat one notices that
the face of the father is never seen. Why do you think that
the illustrator chose to do this? Be the illustrator and
create a face for the dad. What emotions does he show to
his son?
● Dinosaurs are brave. Students can research different
dinosaurs online and in books and then select one to
create a clay model of their dinosaur. After the clay
Choldenko, Gennifer. (2017). Dad and the
Dinosaur (Illus. Dan Santat). New York, NY: models dry, have students make miniature books of
G.P. Putnam’s Sons. adventures with dinosaurs.
Lexile = AD560LSummary
When the streets become too crowded for Alfred Ely
Beach, he decides to do something about it. One
person to make a difference. Is it possible? Alfred
believed he could and knew his biggest obstacle
would be seeking permission to construct a solution
to the problem. Alfred blurs the lines a little and
receives permission to construct a contraption that
will transport mail, but instead he actually builds a
short tunnel and train car that is powered by a fan.
Unfortunately, his solution to the beginning issue is
left forgotten due to uncontrollable factors and is not
Corey, Shana. (2016). The Secret Subway (Illus. Red again noticed until many years later.
Nose Studio). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade.
Lexile = AD810LConnections
● Have you ever had an idea that you were worried
others might think was silly? Ask children to
brainstorm about an invention they might create or
give them a problem and in groups have them
create a solution.
● Do you know any engineers that could come and
speak to the students? Discuss transportation in
your community, new and old.
● STEAM!!! All the way. Have students think of a
problem and create a solution using the given
Corey, Shana. (2016). The Secret Subway (Illus. Red materials. Measurement standards can be
Nose Studio). New York, NY: Schwartz & Wade.
addressed through building and creating.
Lexile = AD810LSummary
The new mayor of the tiny village of La Paz
establishes a new law that states singing is not
allowed. A brave young rooster continues to crow
even though he receives punishments. The people
in the town watch the rooster rebel against the
mayor’s demands to be silent. Finally, the silent
people decide to get rid of the bully mayor by
singing. The mayor leaves and once again there is
noise and singing in the village.
Deedy, Carmen Agra. (2017). ¡El gallo que no se
callaba! / The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet (Illus.
Eugene Yelchin). New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Lexile = AD530LConnections
● Who is right? Readers can choose sides between the rooster
or the mayor. Was the rooster right for continuing to crow
even when he knew there would be consequences? Was the
mayor right in establishing a law that prohibits singing
aloud? Discuss what it means to be brave and stand up for
what you believe. Discuss how this book would be
different if it were told from the mayor’s point of view.
● Make a list of ways you can help change your community in
a positive way and make it better. Volunteer to do one of
the things on your list. Some volunteer ideas include
planting trees or flowers, cleaning up trash at a local park,
and making cards to give to the elderly at a nursing home.
● Research roosters and learn why they crow every day when
the sun rises. Learn more about the life cycle of a baby
Deedy, Carmen Agra. (2017). ¡El gallo que no se
callaba! / The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet (Illus. chick.
Eugene Yelchin). New York, NY: Scholastic Press.
Lexile = AD530LSummary
The mysterious giant squid is examined and
described in its natural ocean habitat. Beautifully
illustrated pictures draw readers in to see the
creature’s captivating eyes, sharp beak, coiling
tentacles, and unsuspecting underwater prey.
There is even a surprising fold-out revealing the
giant squid. More detailed information is given
about the giant squid at the end of the book.
Fleming, Candace. (2016). Giant Squid
(Illus. Eric Rohmann). New York,
NY:Roaring Brook Press.
Lexile = 990LConnections
● The captivating illustrations and alluring words pull
readers into the deep, dark depths of the under the sea
world of the giant squid. After reading the book,
research to learn more about the giant squid, its
habitat, and its prey.
● Take a trip to a local aquarium and discover the
different underwater species they have. You can also
visit a nearby water habitat like a pond, lake, or ocean.
● Did you know that a giant squid can grow to 30 feet or
longer? Use string to show the length of a giant squid
and compare it to other things. Create math problems
using the dimensions of the giant squid. Write a
Fleming, Candace. (2016). Giant Squid fiction story about diving underwater and discovering
(Illus. Eric Rohmann). New York,
NY:Roaring Brook Press.
a mysterious ocean creature that looks like a giant
squid, but it’s not.
Lexile = 990LSummary
Boots splashing in puddles. Notes from musical
instruments. Giddy giggles. These are the
sounds that fill Yoshio’s day. Yet when a
musician endorses an intriguing sound as her
favorite of all, Yoshio is perplexed. How will
he ever find silence in the noise and busyness of
his life? Join Yoshio as he learns to listen to his
world in a whole new way!
Goldsaito, Katrina. (2016). The Sound of Silence (Illus.
Julia Kuo). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for
Young Readers.
Lexile = AD700LConnections
● Give students memo pads or makeshift notepads. Direct
students to write down all of the sounds they hear
throughout the day. Before reading, have students share
some of the sounds they heard. As time allows, group
sounds heard in different categories - where they were
heard, who or what made the sound, pleasant vs.
unpleasant, etc. After reading, encourage students to “find”
silence throughout the remainder of the day and report
back the following day about the experience.
● Invite a community member to teach yoga. Encourage
students to practice mindfulness throughout their day.
Goldsaito, Katrina. (2016). The Sound of Silence (Illus. ● Have students write an opinion piece on their favorite
Julia Kuo). New York, NY: Little, Brown Books for sound. Invite students to give brief “campaign pitches”
Young Readers. persuading others to enjoy their sound. Students may make
posters advertising the favorite sound or find other ways to
Lexile = AD700L exhibit their choice.Summary
Sometimes the world can be a scary place. From
shootings to bullying, theft to hurtful words, hateful
actions are a part of our world, and children are paying
attention. Most People reminds us that the majority of
the people in our society are kind. They are caring.
They are helpful. Leannah provides a message of
security and hope for children in a simple, approachable
text. Morris complements the text with her inclusive
illustrations, showing us that people of different races,
abilities, age groups, and styles are good people. This is
a much needed ray of light for young children in an
unpredictable world.
Leannah, Michael. (2017). Most People (Illus.
Jennifer E. Morris). Thomaston, ME: Tilbury
House Publishers.
Lexile (not available)Connections
● Think about someone you know in your own life
that is nice or helpful. Write about a time they did
something to help someone and illustrate it. You
could even make them a card.
● Invite community helpers in to talk about ways
they help people. Include firefighters, teachers,
police officers, parents, gardeners, stylists, and
anyone else you can think of who helps people.
These helpers can talk about what they do to help
our society and encourage children to find ways to
help others, too.
● Go back through the book and focus on the
Leannah, Michael. (2017). Most People (Illus. illustrations. Make a list of ways people helped.
Jennifer E. Morris). Thomaston, ME: Tilbury
House Publishers. Partners can think of a scenario in which they
could be helpful and draw a picture depicting that.
Lexile (not available)Summary
The story begins with a young girl by the name of
Eugenie Clark, who was fascinated with sharks.
She believed they were beautiful creatures, that
should be admired and not feared.
Eugenie soon learns life will throw many
challenges her way. People thought no one would
be able to swim with sharks and women had no
place learning to become a scientist. But Eugenie
breaks the mold in all cases, amazing all people
and becoming known as the “Shark Lady.”
Keating, Jess. (2017). Shark Lady: The True Story of
How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most
Fearless Scientist (Illus. Marta Álvarez Miguéns).
Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky.
Lexile = 730LConnections
● This book is an awesome way to encourage
students to try new things and to not let “the norm”
influence their decisions. The fact that Eugenie
believes sharks are beautiful and not scary shows
students that all people have different opinions and
it is okay.
● How great would it be to invite a scientist from
your community to speak with the students? This
book would be a way to introduce the topic of
scientific careers to students.
● This is definitely a cross-curriculum book. Have
students make text-to-self connections on a time
Keating, Jess. (2017). Shark Lady: The True Story of
they felt afraid or different about something.
How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Students could create a timeline of important
Fearless Scientist (Illus. Marta Álvarez Miguéns). events in Eugenie’s life. And do not forget the art
Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky. of inviting students to create their own aquarium
individually or maybe as a class project!
Lexile = 730LSummary
Well, today is the day to join the local Pet Club.
The excitement of a little boy is cut short when he
realizes his pet is not allowed to enter the Pet
Club. On his journey to prove that pets come in
all shapes and sizes, he meets another kid with an
unusual pet. They form a club for all kids and all
pets. They focus on the true meaning of friendship
and that all pets and people are different. This is
what makes them special. This is a great book for
smaller students to learn and understand how
important it is to include others, no matter their
Mantchev, Lisa. (2015). Strictly No Elephants (Illus. differences.
Taeeun Yoo). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.
Lexile = AD490LConnections
● Create an anchor cart and let students write, post, or draw
their pets. Discuss as a group the different pets. Ask students
if they have ever felt left out of a group or activity. Let them
talk about how it made them feel. Teachers can also share
their experiences, in part to show students that we also go
through similar experiences.
● Students could use their anchor chart to create a graph to
compare the amounts of animals each student has at home.
Have students make text-to-self comparisons of a time they
may have felt left out or alone. How do their feelings
compare to the boy in the story? Using a story map, have
students identify the problem and solution, adding the events
that lead to the solution.
● Bring in your local 4-H director to discuss the 4-H club. This
Mantchev, Lisa. (2015). Strictly No Elephants (Illus. allows the students to learn about clubs and animals. Is there
Taeeun Yoo). New York, NY: Simon & Schuster. a club your students would like to start? Have them create
flyers for the school.
Lexile = AD490LSummary
During the Korean War, a group of US Marines
find a skinny, underfed young mare and wonder if
she could be trained to be a packhorse whose job
it is to carry ammunition into battle. Much to their
surprise, they discover that this young horse has a
big heart and an even bigger appetite. As bullets
and cannons fire around her, she marches into
battle earning the title of Sgt. Reckless and
recipient of two Purple Hearts.
McCormick, Patricia. (2017). Sergeant Reckless: The
True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero (Illus.
Iacopo Bruno). New York, NY: Balzer & Bray.
Lexile = 780LConnections
● The Purple Heart was the first military medal established by George
Washington in 1782. It is given to members of the armed forces
wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States.
This story provides a great opportunity to discuss the bravery of our
military men and women. Generate a class set of interview questions
and encourage students to video interview relatives who are active or
veterans. Share their responses with the class. Younger students
could create a Hero Hall with pictures of relatives who served in the
military.
● Horses perform in many different ways from work to pageantry.
Students research the history of how horses have affected the lives of
humans in history. Horses have pulled wagons of settlers and early
fire engines, entertained us in circus shows and parades, and have
been ridden by police and ranchers.
● Students create and design their own award as well as write about
how one can earn a Medal of Honor.
McCormick, Patricia. (2017). Sergeant Reckless: The ● For Grades 4th and higher: share the video link of the Sergeant
True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a Hero (Illus. Reckless story. http://www.military.com/video/operations-and-
Iacopo Bruno). New York, NY: Balzer & Bray. strategy/korean-war/sgt-reckless-korean-war-horse-
hero/2748461639001
Lexile = 780LSummary
National colors and symbols collide in this
beautiful presentation of the essence of America.
Explore historical events, key figures, and much
more through evocative illustrations. In a time
where so many seek to highlight our points of
dissonance, share in this tribute to what unites us
as a people.
Naberhaus, Sarvinder. (2017). Blue Sky, White Stars
(Illus. Kadir Nelson). New York, NY: Dial Books for
Young Readers.
Lexile = NPConnections
● Have students share different places in their
community and beyond where they have seen the
American flag displayed. Brainstorm a list of other
American symbols. Students may create artistic
representations of their favorite symbol.
● Invite a veteran to speak to students. Assist students
in advance in developing questions to ask their
visitor.
● Make connections to historical events in the book.
Discuss with students the creation of the original
Naberhaus, Sarvinder. (2017). Blue Sky, White Stars American flag, the space race, and more. Invite
(Illus. Kadir Nelson). New York, NY: Dial Books for
Young Readers. students to research their favorite event and craft a
paper, video, or other product to share with peers.
Lexile = NPSummary
“This house is packed with all the facts about all the blacks all over
the world.”
This is the sign that hung over the door of the National Memorial
African Bookstore in Harlem. It was a gathering place for people
who wanted to read books written by and about African-Americans.
The owner, Lewis Henri Michaux, dedicated his life to making
books about African-American history accessible to people. But it
was more than a bookstore. It was a gathering place for those who
wanted to not only read, but also talk about change. This
magnificent bookstore was thriving during the Civil Rights
Movement and was frequented by Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali,
Nikki Giovanni, Eartha Kitt, Langston Hughes, and others. Written
by the owner’s great-niece, we follow Michaux’s son through this
beautifully illustrated remembrance of what it was like growing up
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. (2015). The Book Itch: surrounded by books and important people in an important time in
Freedom, Truth, and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore our country’s history.
(Illus. R. Gregory Christie). Minneapolis, MN:
Carolrhoda Books.
Lexile = 630LConnections
● This book describes a place where people come together to read and
speak. Have children discuss where their special space to read is or
where they would like for it to be. They could also talk about
experiences they have had at bookstores or libraries.
● This book is rooted in community. Explain to students that the National
Memorial African Bookstore was a vibrant part of the community in
Harlem in the 1950s and 1960s. It was a place people came to read,
talk, speak, listen, think, and be a part of something. Ask children if they
can think of a place like this in their own community. It could be the
library, a bookstore, a community center, someone’s house, a pool, a
community garden, the salon, or any place they know of where people
gather to talk and feel like part of a group.
● Michaux came up with catchy rhyming phrases to get people excited
about reading and his store. Make a chart listing the phrases from the
book. Partners can brainstorm their own catchy phrases to promote
Nelson, Vaunda Micheaux. (2015). The Book Itch: current Science or Social Studies topics. They could create a poster to
Freedom, Truth, and Harlem’s Greatest Bookstore promote their ideas and share with the class.
(Illus. R. Gregory Christie). Minneapolis, MN:
Carolrhoda Books.
Lexile = 630LSummary
It’s bedtime and Owl wants nothing more than to go
sleep. Just as he settles into bed for the evening, he is
startled by a mysterious “Squeek!” that he cannot seem
to find. Is it someone at the door, something in the
cupboard, or perhaps under the floorboards? Owl will
not rest until he has dismantled his entire house to find
the mischievous culprit. Pizzoli’s delightful illustrations
and text will keep early readers laughing and engaged to
the very end.
Pizzoli, Greg. (2016). Good Night Owl. New York,
NY: Hyperion.
Lexile = 410LConnections
● Owl wants to go to sleep at night, but mouse wants to stay
up and make noise. Discuss with your children the
difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals. Make a
Venn diagram with nocturnal on one side and diurnal on the
other. Have the children list which animals they believe
belong to each category and which can be both. Owls are
predominantly nocturnal with two exceptions. Have the
children do research to find out which kind of owl our main
character might be and if mice are truly nocturnal.
● Read Pizzoli’s Good Night Owl to children, then read Good-
Night Owl! by Pat Hutchins. Have the students compare and
contrast these two books that have similar themes but very
different outcomes.
Pizzoli, Greg. (2016). Good Night Owl. New York, ● Pizzoli’s owl character appears to be grumpy and frustrated
NY: Hyperion. when he cannot sleep. Contrast this book with The Happy
Owls by Celestino Piatti. What is their secret to happiness?
Lexile = 410L
Would it work for humans too?Summary
Enter the rich, imaginative world of a young girl’s
make-believe dollhouse where everything is made from
found objects. Take a tour of the painted cardboard-box-
house with a Styrofoam cup elevator, handmade paper
eggs, makeshift TV with pictures from magazines, and
couch made from a scrubbing sponge. Her colorful doll
family includes two twins wrapped in ribbons, a doll-
mom, and a stuffed bear and mouse. Her friend Sophie
has a dollhouse, too, but it came plastic-perfect from the
store with a plastic-painted family and pre-made plastic
furniture. What will happen when Sophie comes over to
play with the narrator’s homemade house? This
wonderful tale of afterschool play and imagination
Potter, Giselle (2016). This is My Dollhouse. New
York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. vividly captures the insecurity one faces when sharing
one’s inner world with new friends for the first time.
Lexile = AD560LConnections
● Discuss with children the power of using their imagination with found objects to
facilitate play on the playground, in their backyard, or homes after school. Have
each child select several items from a bin of random objects and tell the class what
they could pretend each object is during play. These items could also be used as a
jumping off point for short stories.
● Have your students create their own homemade dollhouses using shoeboxes.
Provide paint, tape, glue, pencils, markers, and a wide array of random objects that
can be used to furnish their homes. Invite children to bring items from home as
well. Show Giselle Potter’s house making tutorial on YouTube for further
inspiration.
● Compare and contrast the narrator’s homemade dollhouse with Sophie’s plastic
dollhouse from the store. Is one any better than the other? What makes the
narrator’s dollhouse come to life? Do you have to have expensive toys in order to
have fun?
● Read aloud Ira Sleeps Over by Bernard Waber and Bootsie Barker Bites by
Barbara Bottner. Compare these two titles to This is My Dollhouse, and discuss
how children feel when inviting friends over to their home, having a play date, or
sleeping over at a friend’s house for the first time.
Potter, Giselle (2016). This is My Dollhouse. New
York, NY: Schwartz & Wade. ● Follow up this story with a chapter book read-aloud of Mary Norton’s classic The
Borrowers - the tale of a tiny elfin-size family who use found objects to create their
Lexile = AD560L unique, miniscule homes inside the houses of full-sized human beings.Summary
Everyone is familiar with the fate of Humpty
Dumpty. He sat on a wall and had a great fall, but
what really happened after? In this vividly
illustrated picture book by Caldecott Award
Winner Dan Santat, we discover the rest of the
tale. Once broken, Humpty is now afraid of
heights and can no longer live the life he enjoys.
Shying away from all that used to bring him
happiness, he must learn to face his deepest fears
in order to truly live again. This beautiful and
transformative book empowers readers to face
Santat, Dan. (2017). After the Fall (How Humpty their own fears, get back up, and embrace the
Dumpty Got Back Up Again). New York, NY: Roaring
Brook Press.
world that awaits them.
Lexile = AD550LConnections
● After reading After the Fall, have children discuss what types of
things they are afraid of. People face their fears in many different
ways. Spend a week reading the following books on overcoming
childhood fears and end with a discussion on the strategies presented
in these various titles: Lionheart by Richard Collingridge, Jack’s
Worry by Sam Zuppardi, The Dark by Lemony Snicket, Dad and the
Dinosaur by Gennifer Choldenko, and Black Dog by Levi Pinfold.
● Dan Santat created a very different ending for Humpty Dumpty in
his book. Have children write alternate endings to their favorite
nursery rhymes. What happened to Jack and Jill, Little Miss Muffet,
Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater, and the Little Old Woman Who Lived in
a Shoe, etc?
● As a STEAM-related activity, engage your students in the Humpty
Dumpty Unbreakable Challenge. Put children in pairs and have them
figure out a way to drop an uncooked egg from the top of the jungle
gym without breaking. They can wrap the egg in any type of
Santat, Dan. (2017). After the Fall (How Humpty
Dumpty Got Back Up Again). New York, NY: Roaring material that will keep the egg intact. Have students graph the results
Brook Press. of their attempts.
Lexile = AD550LSummary
Kelp was born in the ocean. He thought he was a narwhal,
even though it didn’t seem to fit quite right. His narwhal
friends accepted him for who he was and he was happy.
One day he stumbled onto land and discovered unicorns,
who looked and acted like he did. Now he had a decision
to make. Should he stay with the unicorns or return to the
narwhals?
Jessie Sima has created a book relevant to both popular
culture and social justice in this delightful, happy
story. Her illustrations and message can be appealing to a
Sima, Jessie. (2017). Not Quite Narwhal. New York, variety of audiences as she addresses finding yourself and
NY: Simon & Schuster.
your own identity in the world through the characters of
Lexile = AD590L narwhals and unicorns.Connections
● This book is about finding your own way to belong. It’s about being a
part of a family or group of friends and their acceptance of you. Have
children think about a time when they were included in a group. This
could be a family reunion, meeting extended family members, the first
day of school, moving to a new place and making new friends, being
on a sports team - things like that. Have them share how they knew
they were part of a group and how it felt.
● Ask children to think of the groups they are a part of. This could
include family, friends at school, neighborhood friends, a sports team,
church friends, or any group they are a part of. Ask them if there is
someone in one of those groups who seems like they could use a
friend to help them feel more included in the group. Have children
brainstorm ways they could reach out to that person and help them feel
more included.
Sima, Jessie. (2017). Not Quite Narwhal. New York, ● Students can create a display celebrating where they are from. They
NY: Simon & Schuster. could research narwhals and other interesting creatures in the sea.
Students could compare this book to other books about characters
Lexile = AD590L finding who they are and where they fit in such as Red: A Crayon’s
Story by Michael Hall.Summary
Stories have been told since the early cave days. I
Am a Story shares the progression of how stories
have been shared from early cave drawings to the
invention of the printing press to our digital age.
Stories make the reader and listener feel many
emotions from being excited, afraid, happy and
sad. Stories also bring people together when
shared.
Yaccarino, Dan. (2016). I Am a Story. New York,
NY: HarperCollins.
Lexile (not available)Connections
● Cave dwellers shared early stories by simple drawings on
the cave walls. Students can create stories by drawing
simple pictures on “cave walls” (wrinkled craft paper) and
then share their story sitting in a small group circle.
● Everyone has a favorite story whether it is one read, written,
or is based on a real-life experience. Students chose a family
member to discover their favorite story. Students then create
a picture to depict the story shared and then retell to the
class.
● Stories are written down in books, and books are kept in
libraries for everyone to read. Pair this book with My
Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children
Around the World by Margriet Ruurs. Follow up with a trip
Yaccarino, Dan. (2016). I Am a Story. New York,
NY: HarperCollins. to the local public library or have the public librarian visit
the school library and share what they offer to everyone in
Lexile (not available) the community.Recommended
Summary
Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter were in love and
wanted to get married. So what was the problem? It
was 1958 and interracial marriage was against the
law. This is the story of their strength and bravery
as they took their case to the Supreme Court.
Written and illustrated by an interracial couple
themselves, Selina Alko and Sean Qualls, this book
presents the Loving story in an accessible way to
children. The vibrant collage illustrations help
convey a message of love and acceptance.
Alko, Selina. (2015). The Case for Loving (Illus.
Sean Qualls and Selina Alko). New York, NY:
Arthur A. Levine Books.
Lexile = AD720LConnections
● Before reading this story to children, you can either explain or remind them
(based on their age) that there was a time in our country’s history when all
people didn’t have the same rights. After reading, you and the children can
celebrate the Loving’s court win! If you wish to further the discussion and
possibly talk about how there are still people living in our country and our
world that don’t have the same rights as others, you could start with reading
aloud the author’s note or another book from the list of suggested books (both
found at the back of the book). If you would like some support on how to
facilitate a discussion about race or equality in our society, you might want to
visit the Teaching Tolerance website and search for “talking about race with
students”.
● This book is a celebration of love and the change it can bring about. It also has,
as its main characters, people who are representative of the beautiful diversity
we see in our communities today. There are many ways you can bring the
community into your home, school, or library with this book. One way is to
show children images that celebrate the wonderful humans we are. You can
search for images or videos that do just that, such as “Coca Cola – It’s
Beautiful”, “Apple – Diversity – Inclusion Inspires Innovation”, and “iphone X
Alko, Selina. (2015). The Case for Loving (Illus. – A New Light – Apple.”
Sean Qualls and Selina Alko). New York, NY:
Arthur A. Levine Books. ● Sean Qualls likes to bring external inspiration into his pictures. Children can
discuss what inspires them from the world around them and then try out a
Lexile = AD720L painting or drawing incorporating those images.Summary
Bug was at the height of it all - on top of the world -
when an unexpected shift in the wind changed
everything. Join Bug on a journey through The Five
Stages of Grief, coming to terms with this new
situation. This comical and gentle handling makes a
difficult process more accessible to children. Find
out how Bug copes with change in this evolving
environment through denial, bargaining, anger,
despair, and ultimately acceptance.
Watt, Mélanie. (2015). Bug in a Vacuum.
Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books.
Lexile (not available)Connections
• Share about times students lost something treasured - a toy, a pet, a
friendship, etc. How did they handle the loss? Brainstorm healthy
ways to handle loss as well as accept and find joy in their “new
normal.”
• In a time of loss, invite the counselor or school psychologist to visit
the class and share the book. Help students identify the stages of
grief and what they may expect at each phase. Encourage students to
privately create an artistic representation of the stage they identify
with at the time. Provide students with information on how to
follow-up privately if they want to share or talk more.
• As a class, in small groups, or independently, rewrite the story from
the point of view of the dog or a different object in the vacuum.
Compare and contrast the story from different perspectives.
Watt, Mélanie. (2015). Bug in a Vacuum.
Toronto, Canada: Tundra Books.
Lexile (not available)Summary
Words, books, and young readers are an integral
part of this informative story of the life of John
Newbery. John Newbery became a publisher at a
young age. His goal was to publish interesting and
fun books for children of all ages to get them
reading. He also inspired other publishers to make
books for young readers. More detailed
information is given about John Newbery at the
end of the book along with a list of references.
Markel, Michelle. (2017). Balderdash! John Newbery
and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Illus.
Nancy Carpenter). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books.
Lexile = AD850LConnections
● This is a delightful book filled with lots of quirky words like its
title, Balderdash. The story is set in London, England in 1726, so
readers may not be familiar with all the words. Therefore, readers
can increase their vocabulary and have fun using a bound
dictionary or online version to discover the meanings of words
like brimming, mums, coppers, galleys, bustling, anonymously,
and tumultuous.
● Did you know that the American Library Association awarded
the first Newbery Medal to a book in 1922? Research to discover
the title of that book and other books that have won. Visit a local
library to checkout and read those award-winning books.
● John Newbery is referred to as “The Father of Children’s
Literature.” He was determined to write books that children
would enjoy reading. Write and publish a narrative story. Bind
Markel, Michelle. (2017). Balderdash! John Newbery
and the Boisterous Birth of Children's Books (Illus. the pages together using yarn, twisty ties, or take the pages to a
Nancy Carpenter). San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books. local office supply store and have them bind it together.
Research to learn more about the printing press and how to make
Lexile = AD850L your own paper.GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3
(Recommended)
(Recommended)
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