Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae

Copyright: 2012        Reading Level: PreK-3rd grade
Book Description: Giraffes Can't Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and thin legs, it's harder for a giraffe than you would think. Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend.

Integrated Ideas: Students will describe the story’s character, Gerald, and the other jungle animals through sign based on the text and illustrations within the story. The students will explain the struggle Gerald faced when trying to dance and the effect the other animals had on his self confidence to dance on his own. As a class, the students will learn and attempt the dance styles listed within the story from each jungle animal. Each student will then create their own dance to share and teach to their fellow classmates that expresses their individuality and emotions. 

Reviewer's name and affiliation: Bethany A. Loggins, Valdosta State University

The Secret of Old Zeb

AUTHOR: Cameron Agra Deedy

ILLUSTRATOR: Michael P. White

PUBLISHER: Peachtree Publishers

PUBLICATION DATE: 2002

GENRE: Transitional Chapter Book

READING LEVEL: First Grade

BRIEF OVERVIEW: A small boy goes to live with his great aunt for the summer and while he is there, he meets and befriends a man who teaches him to live life and chase his own dreams instead of the dreams of others through the building of a boat.  

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: This book would be to help children learn about dreams and the differences between wanting something for yourself and for somebody else.  During this book, boats and boating terms would be discussed. 

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Nicole Stuart- Valdosta State University

The Incredible Book Eating Boy

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Oliver Jeffers

PUBLISHER: HarperCollins     
PUBLICATION DATE: 2006

GENRE: Fiction Picture           
READING LEVEL: PreK-3rd Grade

BRIEF OVERVIEW: A boy likes to eat books instead of food because it makes him smart, but soon he feels sick. 

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: (ELACCKRF3): Students will create a list of other “B” words Henry could have eaten, instead of books.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Shelby Varchmin, VSU Student

A Day with Wilbur Robinson

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: William Joyce

PUBLISHER:  Harper Collins 
PUBLICATION DATE: 2006

GENRE: Picture Book        
READING LEVEL: PreK-Third Grade

BRIEF OVERVIEW: A boy visits the crazy Robinson family and gets acquainted with each family member and their hobbies.

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Students will write a character trait on a sticky note for each of the characters in the story, then post them in the appropriate place around the room.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Kirsti Slaughter, Valdosta State University

Lola's Fandango

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Anna Witte/ Micha Archer  

PUBLISHER: Barefoot Books            PUBLICATION DATE: 2011            GENRE: Foreign Book                      READING LEVEL: 5-8 years

BRIEF OVERVIEW: Little sister Lola is jealous of her next to perfect older sister, Clementina. Her hair is longer, she paints well, and has a lot of friends. Lola discovers that her Mami used to be a Flamenco dancer. Her Papi teachers her to the Flamenco dance and she surprises her Mami with her new talent for her birthday. 

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Briefly introduce the students to the Hispanic culture prior to reading the book followed by a week dedicated to the culture. For example, teach simple Spanish words used in the book. On Friday have a fiesta for your students; incorporate Flemenco dancing as well as Hispanic foods (nachos, tacos, dip, salsa, etc.)

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Tachovia Kendrick - VSU