A Book or Two: Children's Literature Reviews

Find a perfect children’s book to share or read, and information on new, classic, and favorite children's literature, reviewed by university professors, teachers, librarians, graduate students, and teachers-to-be! Browse A Book or Two by title, genre, or topic! HAPPY READING! This is a closed site, to prevent inappropriate postings. You won't be able to add your own comments. Communication should be sent to the site organizer, Dr. Deb Marciano (dlmarciano@valdosta.edu).

Showing posts with label self discovery. Show all posts

10/21/14

Pigs Can't Fly

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Ben Cort

PUBLISHER: Barron’s Educational Series, Inc.

PUBLICATION DATE: 2002

GENRE: Fiction/ Picture Book

READING LEVEL: Grade 3

BRIEF OVERVIEW: PIG IS BORED! To entertain himself, he tries to find other animals that seem to have more fun and imitate them. In the end, Pig finds out it is always more fun to just be yourself.

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Students will be given a pre-cut pig template (made from construction paper). They will decorate it as one of the animals Pig pretended to be in the story.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Hillary Crosby, Valdosta State University ECSE

LABELS: Comedy, Fiction, picture book, self discovery, Animals,

9/14/14

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

11/22/13

Words in the Dust

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Trent Reedy
AWARDS: Christopher Award
GENRE: Realistic Fiction READING L EVEL: age 10
BRIEF OVERVIEW: After being in a war ravaged country, and the people responsible leaving, a girl hopes her life will get better but is not too confident that it will.
INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Students research and present things they have learned about themselves and other cultures.
REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Tavia Hundley Valdosta State University

11/21/13

The Dot

TITLE: The Dot

AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds

PUBLISHER: Candlewick

PUBLICATION DATE: September 15, 2003

GENRE: Realistic Fiction READING LEVEL: 5 years of age

BRIEF OVERVIEW: This book is about a girl who says she can’t draw, but her teacher insists she can express herself. Then the little girl, Vashti, jabs an angry mark on the page and says “There!” This one little dot marks the beginning of her journey of self-discovery.

INTEGRATED ACTIVITY: Have the children get creative with all types of art supplies. Let them go outside and wear old clothes that can get ruined and let their imagination run wild.

REVIEWER’S NAME & AFFILIATION: Jocelyn Williams, Valdosta State University