AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Jerdine Nolen, Mark Buehner
PUBLISHER:
HarperCollins
PUBLICATION DATE: April 23, 1998
GENRE:
Fiction Picture Book
READING LEVEL:
3rd grade
BRIEF OVERVIEW:
The main character, who is never named, tells a story about a famer she grew up
near that grew not fruits and vegetables, but balloons! There were many
different kinds and the farm was even investigated by the government. Harvey
Potter, (the balloon farmer), eventually taught his secrets to the main
character, who started her own balloon farm.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Help students to make their
own balloon animals on which they can write facts about the book, main ideas,
character information, etc…
REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Kayla Rozier, VSU
Title: The Grumpalump Author: Sarah Hayes Illustrator: Barbra Firth
Publisher: Clarion Books Publication Date: 1990
Genre: Picture Fiction Reading Level: Ages 7-8 years old
Brief Overview: Different animals are trying to get a reaction out of the “grumpalump”. The different animals try different ways of getting a reaction, but none seem to work until the gnu comes and blows on the “grumpalump”, which then it becomes alive!
Integrated Activity: Take a pile of balloons and other pieces of cloth/material and set them on each table. The kids would come in wondering what exactly was happening, and then the teacher would pick through their pile and blow up my balloon! It would integrate the idea of curiosity and what happens when a person simply takes one small action.
Reviewer's Name and Affiliation: Kristen "Taylor" Sims - Valdosta State University
