Thursday, February 26, 2015

Not A Used Dog, At All




Title: Not A Used Dog, At All
Author: Carol Erickson
Copyright Date: 2009
Publisher: Author House

Possible Theme: Older Dogs, Black Dogs, Adoption, Puppy Mills, Shelters

Personal Response: Not A Used Dog, At All is the story of a little boy named Matt who only wants to buy a “new” puppy at the mall pet store, not a “used” dog at the local animal shelter. Matt has expectations that he will only like a new dog. When Matt’s mom takes him to look at the animal shelter Matt sees Wiggles. Wiggles is an older black dog that needs a home. Matt and Wiggles have a connection and Matt decides to adopt Wiggles. He only wants to go to the pet store now to buy dog toys. Matt’s mom and the shelter worker explains that many puppies at stores come from Puppy Mills, which are cruel places that don’t need support. Matt realizes he saved a life by adopting an older black dog and goes home with his “new” dog to start their life together. I personally love stories that bring to light the undeserved stereotypes that shelter dogs have in the eyes of some societies. I hear my students describe dogs they want or have and so many times they are purebred puppies. I own two shelter dogs and one is black. Black dogs get looked over because their features can be seen as plain. Looking at my handsome black dog I see a fun personality and a loving spirit! Go adoption!

Student Journal Entry: Matt and Wiggles are going to make some great new memories together. Write about some of the things Matt could do with his new dog! What types of toys and treats will he buy at the pet store?

Activity: Older black dogs and cats are often overlooked at animal shelters. Draw a picture of a big dog (or cat). First use color pencils to make the dog rainbow colors. After that color the dog with black crayon. Use a paperclip to scratch designs on the dog. The designs are meant to represent the dog’s inner spirit and their desire for a forever home.   

Website: Click HERE to see a video interview with Carol Erickson. 


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

Katie Loves the Kittens






Title: Katie Loves the Kittens
Author: John Himmelman
Copyright Date: 2008
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Possible Theme: Kittens, Understanding Different Points of View, Self-Control   

Personal Response: In the story Katie Loves the Kittens there is a love/scare relationship between Katie the dog and her new kitten friends. Katie loves those kittens but doesn’t know how to express herself in the correct way (does this remind you of anyone you know). A lot of times children have a hard time understanding other’s point of view and this funny tale helps put a big concept into perspective. The images of Katie disappointed in herself will leave you rooting for Katie to finally have her kitten time! I love happy endings!

Student Journal Entry: Think of a time when something was so exciting you could hardly control yourself. Write about that experience. 

Activity: Katie loved to howl “AROOOOOO!” Draw a picture of Katie howling, and then draw the kittens scattering…write thought bubbles describing what they were thinking about the situation. 

This website is a book review about Katie Loves the Kittens. She uses this book (plus fun puppets) in the classroom to help students learn about self-control. Click HERE


Monday, February 23, 2015

City Dog, Country Frog




Title: City Dog, Country Frog
Author: Mo Willems
Copyright Date: 2010
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children

Possible Theme: Friendship, Loss, Remembering, Seasons of Life

Personal Response: This book is about remembering fun times with loved ones. It shows the seasons of life through the eyes of a frog/dog friendship, which makes it easy to read to elementary children. This book is a short read with beautifully telling pictures. It is simple, yet it brings tears to my eyes every time I read it. It would be a sweet book to read to a child who has just lost a family member or if discussing life, love, and hope. Definably brings on nostalgia of remembrance.

Student Journal Entry: City Dog and Country Frog played many games together. Write down the instructions to one of your favorite outdoor games.

Activity (Art or Other): Use notecards, yarn, popsicle sticks, markers, and glue to make a hanging mobile. Remember or think about people/animals that are special to you.  On the notecards write a few sentences and draw a picture of things that you remember that make you happy.

Visit Mo Willems blog HERE

Friday, February 20, 2015

African Cats




Title: African Cats
Author: Adapted by Cathy Hapka
Copyright Date: 2011
Publisher: Disney Enterprises Inc.

Possible Theme: Africa, Lions, Savanna

Personal Response: Every little girl loves kittens! This book is about the wild lions of Africa and it features a little lion cub named Mara and her pride (family). This nonfiction book is for younger children and is based off the Disney film of the same name. It reminds all of us to protect nature and that all big cats start off as innocent little cubs. Possible hazards are not really brought up in this nonfiction book, which correctly chooses to focus on a daily life of the lion pride. It gives great facts along with interesting photos.

Student Journal Entry: Baby lion Mara makes many new discoveries. Write a paragraph about what you learned about lions or Africa. 

Activity (Art or Other): Go to this website that Disney has made featuring the African Cats HERE. Watch some of the videos and photo slideshows.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Johnny Appleseed




Title: Johnny Appleseed
Author: Jodie Shepherd
Copyright Date: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Possible Theme: Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman, Fall, Apples 

Personal Response: This book is the perfect nonfiction story of Johnny Appleseed. It is geared towards young students and gives many good facts without being very “wordy”. It is wonderful to read during fall or along with a pioneer lesson. I like to read this book and talk about myth/tall tales vs. reality since it reveals facts about the real person vs. some wild tales some of the children may have heard before.  

Student Journal Entry: Pretend you were a pioneer living on the frontier. Write a journal entry detailing your trip out west. 

Activity (Art or Other): Make an apple tree using construction paper. Decorate the tree using yellow, green, and red paint on each fingertip to represent the apples. Next have a special treat of apple juice, apple pie, or apple slices. 


Check out this YouTube video made by Disney Educational Productions about Johnny Appleseed HERE. It is part of the American Legends set of fun cartoons.