Splish, Splash, Splat!

Title: Splish, Splash, Splat!

Author: Rob Scotton

Copyright Date: 2011

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Possible Theme: Water, Overcoming Fears, Helping a Friend

Personal Response: Splish, Splash, Splat is one is the ever popular Splat the Cat series. In this adventure Splat has to overcome his fear of water and he finds out that he has something in common with his archenemy Spike. I adore the Splat series. They are wonderful for elementary students and preschoolers alike. The story plots are not difficult to understand, but they touch on subjects like “new experiences” that become a trigger for discussing background knowledge and sharing familiarities. You end up rooting for Splat every time.

Student Journal Entry: What was an experience that was tough at first but turned out to be fun? Write about the first time you remember swimming in a pool.

Activity: What do you think the candy fish tasted like? Make some paper candy fish. On each fish write a word that describes something tasty.

Jimmy's Boa and the Big Splash Birthday Bash

Title: Jimmy’s Boa and the Big Splash Birthday Bash

Author: Trinka Hakes Noble

Copyright Date: 1989

Publisher: Puffin Pied Piper Books

Possible Theme: Snakes, Cause and Effect,

Personal Response: Trinka writes several books staring Jimmy and his pet Boa Constrictor. This is the third in the series and it is so hilarious to young elementary students. Personally my favorite is the first book Jimmy’s Pet Boa Ate the Wash. Every year I read these books and talk about cause and effects. We make paper chain “snakes” starting with the cause and we keep adding effects until we run low on construction paper! Watch out because these books start at the end and retell backwards, yet once the students understand the format they really get into them.

Student Journal Entry: Make a list of all the ways a boa constrictor could get into trouble at your school.

Activity: Cause and Effect paper chains

A Giant Crush

Title: A Giant Crush

Author: Ginnifer Choldenko

Copyright Date: 2011

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin Group)

Possible Theme: Valentine’s Day, Crushes, Love

Personal Response: A Giant Crush tells the story of a schoolyard crush from a boy’s perspective. This book is fitting to start a conversation about shyness or just as some Valentine reading fun. The boy’s perspective really lends itself well for the boys in your class to talk about their own feelings (or they might just restate that girls are gross). Either way we have all had a crush at sometime and the book has a classic happy ending.

Student Journal Entry: If your friend had a secret crush why might you feel left out? What could you do to help your friend get the courage to tell their feelings?

Activity: Draw a few big yellow flowers. Under each flower write a reasons why you are special.

Coyote

Title: Coyote

Author: Gerald McDermott

Copyright Date: 1994

Publisher: Harcourt Brace and Company

Possible Theme:  Native American Tales, Coyotes, Tricksters

Personal Response: Coyote is a classic trickster folktale that teaches the lesson to not become rude and boastful. The story comes from a Native American tale and would be a great book to read if you are completing a unit on this subject. In my opinion, the pictures really illustrate an arrogant personally and convey the meaning even better than the words. I also like that the book reinforces the idea that behaving badly has consequences.

Student Journal Entry: This story tells how the coyote became “the color of dust”. Write a story about why another animal looks the way it does. Example: Why crows are black? Did they fall in a river of black ink? Did they eat too many blackberries? Be creative.

Activity: Draw a before and after picture of the coyote. Give the picture some dialog bubbles. Is the coyote happy about being grey? 

Queen of Hearts

Title: Queen of Hearts

Author: Mary Engelbreit

Copyright Date: 2005

Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers

Possible Theme: Valentine’s Day, Creativity, Friendship

Personal Response: Queen of Hearts is a delightful book that tells the story of a little girl that is so enthralled with decorating her Valentine box that she forgets to write the Valentine cards. Anyone who is a fan of Mary Engelbreit’s illustration will love the pictures. The story of an overly creative little girl makes every teacher picture that one special student that just can’t say enough to the glitter and glue supplies. A cute holiday read!

Student Journal Entry: Describe your perfect Valentine’s Day Card Box.

Activity: Make a Valentine’s Day Card Box.