Return to the Library

'
source

Dr. Seuss has always been a favorite of mine. Though his points are sometimes didactic, they are always presented in such a fun and creative way that I can barely notice to care. Yertle the Turtle is no exception, blasting traditional conceptions of power dynamics and giving the greedy, overzealous leader the punishment he deserves. I would love to read this book with a small group and explore what message they are getting from it. Much like The Lorax, I wonder if the political message is more for the adult readers. This book also reminds me to be mindful of my library of mentor texts. Seuss provides reliable example of rhyming and makes great use personification. While his style is sometimes a bit advanced, his works can be a great conversation starter surrounding the use of these literary devices.


source

As an avid fan of Chrysanthemum, I was eager to explore some more Kevin Henkes works. I admit I may have been drawn to this one for its protagonists resemblance to my dearest Chrysanthemum, but Lilly is a unique character in her own right, and her story has a tone all its own. I appreciate the fallibility of the character as well as her struggle with and against her own conscience. Young readers will relate to her internal struggle and enjoy advising her against her poor choices. I would use this in both small and large groups, particularly if students had been struggling socially or falling into patterns of teasing. It provides students with great examples of feeling words for both their social and literary development, and it explores concepts of guilt, trust, and forgiveness from a unique perspective.


source

Apparently, this was a very "Lily" day. Written by Gillian Shields and illustrated by Francesca Chessa, this book follows young Lily in her journey to literacy, book loving, and friendship forming. It turns on its head the concept of the antisocial bookworm and provides a powerful example of how friends can help to teach each other. I would use this book with my students to promote book reading and writing in the classroom as well as to embrace the many other kinds of learning that go on in and outside the classroom.


source

One of those modern classics I never quite got around to reading, David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken has a fun and unique sense of humor that my young readers will really appreciate. This 2011 Caldecott Honor is heartwarming without being didactic and funny without being cheesy. It will be especially fun for kids who are familiar (or even bored) with the classic fairy tales for both spectating and participation. They might chime in with the young chicken or even come up with their own alternate endings.


Added titles...

22. Yertle the Turtle, Written and Illustrated by Dr. Seuss

23. Lily's Purple Plastic Purse, Written and Illustrated by Kevin Henkes

24. Library Lily, Written by Gillian Shields, Illustrated by Francesca Chessa

25. Interrupting Chicken, David Ezra Stein

26. All the Mamas, Written and Illustrated by Carole Ghandi Shough

27. Love, Mouserella, Written and Illustrated by David Ezra Stein

28. Grandma's Gift,  Written and Illustrated by Eric Velasquez

29. Miss Little's Gift, Written by Douglas Wood, Illustrated by Jim Burke

30. The Queen's Feet, Written by Sarah Ellis, Illustrated by Dusan Petricic

31. Good-bye, Curtis, Written by Kevin Henkes, Illustrated by Marisabina Russo

32. My Garden, Kevin Henkes

33. Clancy the Courageous Cow, Written and Illustrated by Lachie Hume

34. 1,2,3 To the Zoo,Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle

35. Draw Me a Star, Written and Illustrated by Eric Carle