Extraordinary Jane by Hannah E. Harrison

author and illustrated by Hannah E. Harrison
Copyright: 2014 Reading Level: PreK-1st grade
Book Description: A beautifully illustrated book about a little dog named Jane. Jane is an ordinary dog in an extraordinary circus. She isn't strong, graceful, or brave like her family. When she tries to be those things, Jane just doesn't feel like herself, but she also doesn't feel special. Her Ringmaster helps her to see that she is actually very special, but not for reasons that she would believe. 
Integrated Idea: In a world where we constantly praise children for being best, fastest, smartest and prettiest - it's high time we remind our children that you're unique and extraordinary just being themselves. The students will determine their most favorite aspect about themselves and present it to their classmates. Whether it be drawing, jumping, singing, dancing, etc. Whatever "it" is that makes them feel special, is exactly what makes them so special. 
Reviewer's name and affiliation: Bethany A. Loggins, Valdosta State University

How To Catch A Star by Oliver Jeffers

 author and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
Copyright: 2004 Reading Level: PreK-4th grade

Book Description: How To Catch A Star is a captivating story about a young boy with a dream to own a star of his very own. He sets out on a mission to retrieve a star and is determined to hold one in his hand and take it home. Right when he is about to give up, he discovers that sometimes things are not where, or what, we expect them to be.

Integrated Ideas: Students will use the words within the text as well as the illustrations to describe the star found by the boy at the end of the book verses the star he was determined to capture at the beginning and throughout the book. After the book is read, the students will be asked to mimic the teacher as they make objects using only their bodies (e.g., a star, a rocket ship, and other objects incorporated within the story). The students will then create a map of their state using various items and place a regular star in the place of their city/town of their state. Students will also place starfish on the outline of the state that borders the ocean.  
Reviewer's name and affiliation: Bethany A. Loggins, Valdosta State University