Tree of Cranes

Every once in a while I like to bring in one of my old favorites. Here’s a tender cross-cultural holiday story.

IMG_0739Title: Tree of Cranes
Written and illustrated by: Allen Say
Houghton Mifflin, 1991
Suitable for ages: 4-8 years
Lexile: 470L
Themes/topics: Christmas, Japan, traditions … More Tree of Cranes

Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear

Heres a fascinating story for all those kids, young and old, who have loved Winnie-the-Pooh. Title: Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear Written by:  Lindsay Mattick Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall Little, Brown and Company, 2015, nonfiction, 56 pages Suitable for ages: 3-6 (I would put it at 6-10) Lexile: AD590L … More Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World’s Most Famous Bear

The Promise

For ages 5-99… Title: The Promise Written by: Nicola Davies Illustrated by: Laura Carlin Candlewick Press, 2014, fiction Suitable for ages: 5-9 Themes/topics: hope, promises, friendship, nature Opening: When I was young, I lived in a city that was mean and hard and ugly. Its streets were dry as dust, cracked by heat and cold, … More The Promise

How Many Days to America?

Today I’m sharing my all time favorite Thanksgiving story. Title: How Many Days to America, A Thanksgiving Story Written by: Eve Bunting Illustrated by: Beth Peck Clarion Books, 1988, fiction Suitable for ages: 6-9 Lexile: 460L Themes/topics: refugees, immigrants, Thanksgiving, family Opening:  It was nice in our village. Till the night in October when the soldiers … More How Many Days to America?

Yard Sale

My PPBF choice for this week is the first book I’ve seen that features a child dealing with foreclosure.
Title: Yard Sale
Written by: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Lauren Castillo
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2015 – fiction
Suitable for ages: 3-7
Themes/topics: moving, family, social issues … More Yard Sale

Outstanding in the Rain, A Whole Story with Holes

Here’s a really fun book for all you creative types…
Title: Outstanding in the Rain, A Whole Story with Holes
Written and Illustrated by: Frank Viva
Brief synopsis: A boy celebrates his fourth birthday with his mother at Coney Island.
Links to resources:
Activity page featuring wordplay is posted on the Parent/Teacher Resource page. … More Outstanding in the Rain, A Whole Story with Holes