Tag: reading activities

“Not Just for Little Kids: Five Reasons to Use Picture Books with Older Students” by Carolee Dean

November 12, 2021

I firmly believe that picture books aren’t just for little kids. And also that they’re not just for Language Arts classrooms. As a teacher, I LOVED using picture books with a wide range of ages for a wide range of skills. Picture books are magical in so many ways and open the door to a … More “Not Just for Little Kids: Five Reasons to Use Picture Books with Older Students” by Carolee Dean

It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

July 8, 2016

Today’s Perfect Picture Book Friday post features a man of seemingly endless talents, author /illustrator Don Tate. Looking forward to meeting him at the WOW retreat and learning about his process, with text and art! Title: It Jes’ Happened, When Bill Traylor Started to Draw Written by: Don Tate Illustrated by: R. Gregory Christie Lee and … More It Jes’ Happened and more from Don Tate

Platypus

June 3, 2016

How much do you know about the puzzling platypus? Title: Platypus Written by: Sue Whiting Illustrated by: Mark Jackson Candlewick Press, 2016, nonfiction Suitable for ages: 5+ Themes/topics: animals, nature, Australia Opening: Beyond the snaking bend in the creek, where the water lazes in a still green pool, a scraggly gum tree perches on the … More Platypus

A Splash of Red

April 8, 2016

PPBF Special: For all the teachers who are in the midst of testing season, I’ve included a literature unit for this amazing book. Title: A Splash of Red, the Life and Art of Horace Pippin Written by: Jen Bryant Illustrated by: Melissa Sweet Random House/Knopf, 2015, biography Suitable for ages: 5-8 (easily Gr 1-5) Lexile: 610 … More A Splash of Red

Marvelous Cornelius

March 18, 2016

There IS something truly marvelous about trash pick up. Experience the magic in this week’s Perfect Picture Book selection. Title: Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans Written by: Phil Bildner Illustrated by: John Parra Chronicl e Books, 2015, Fiction (based on a true story) Suitable for ages: 5-8 Lexile: AD560L Themes/topics: … More Marvelous Cornelius

Tree of Cranes

December 11, 2015

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

How Many Days to America?

November 13, 2015

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?