Jonas, A. (1989) Color Dance. New York, NY: Greenwillow books.
Brief annotation: This book introduces readers to color concepts and what happens when you mix colors. It is set up as a scarf dance performed by children holding red, yellow and blue scarves. The scarves are presumably translucent and when they overlap they create new colors.
Genre: concept book
Grade level: preschool- 1
Readers who will like this book: Students who are learning about the color wheel, students who enjoy dance and movement
Response/rating (1-4): I thought this was a very cool book. I usually don’t care for concept books, but I loved the idea of dancing with scarves. I think this would be a great introduction to a lesson on the color wheel and it would be really fun to actually find scarves like these and do exactly what the children in the book are doing. This could become a really fun lesson that incorporates a number of learning styles.
One question you would ask before read aloud: What happens when you accidentally dip you paint brush in the yellow jar after it had red on it?

The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2006). The Book Thief. New York, NY: Random House.

Brief Annotation: Liesel Meminger would not appear to be a thief, but in fact she is. In Germany during World War II Liesel finds herself to becoming a book thief. The story begins with Liesel losing her brother and being sent to live with a new family, Rosa and Hans Hubermann. Rosa and Liesel do not always get along, but she becomes very close with Hans. He teachers her to read in the middle of the night when she cannot sleep. The story continues to bring you through Leisel’s ups and downs throughout the war and with dealing with the loss of her brother and mother, and trying to understand life in such a dark and difficult time. Narrated by death, the twists and turns of this book leave the reader captivated and moved.

Genre: Historical Fiction- Novel

Grade Level: Grades 8-Adult

Readers who will like this: This is a very mature book with intriguing dialogue and dark subject matter. An absolutely brilliant novel- anyone who is looking for a good new book to read would love The Book Thief. As a teacher, I am not sure I could read it out loud, but if I taught high school, this would be on the reading list for sure!

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I think I have found one of my new all time favorite books. I could NOT put it down. It is a very large book- (I had to read it in three days..stayed up VERY late) but reads quickly. The narration from the viewpoint of death is extremely interesting, and you find yourself fighting alongside Liesel. The different perspectives shed a new light on a very difficult topic and I am always interested in World War II. A beautiful book.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “What do you think it would have been like for a German in Germany during World War II?” “Do you think Hitler was ever Man of the Year?”

Reading Strategies: For my students I would encourage them to read the book, and then when they were finished to do an Internet Investigation. (Yopp & Yopp, 2010, pg. 121). I think it would be great to encourage them to learn more about the war and possibly put it into a presentation for the class.

Kittens First Full Moon

Henkes, K. (2004). Kittens First Full Moon. Illustrated by Kevin Henkes. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.

Brief Annotation: One day a kitten stared up to the sky and saw a great big bowl of milk. The kitten becomes excited that it tries to run to the milk. She tries to lick it, but ends up getting a bug instead. She even climbs a tree to get as close as possible-but is not able to reach the bowl of milk. Finally, defeated, she goes home…to find a nice bowl of milk waiting for her.

Genre: Picture Book, Kevin Henkes Book

Grade Level: Pre-K- 3rd Grade

Readers who will like this: Students who are new readers will enjoy this book. Anyone who likes Kittens will like it too. I would read this book as a teacher to my younger students in a read aloud setting, I will also read this book to my young children. It’s a soon to be classic!

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, The illustrations in the book are all black and white, and are absolutely beautiful! You fall in love with the kitten’s innocence and appreciate at the end that she is able to get some milk. It is a great story line and a very fun read.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “What does the moon look like to you? What do you think it may look like to a cat?”

Shiloh

Naylor, P. (2000) Shiloh. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

Brief Annotation: A classic boy meets dog story. Marty Preston is a young boy living in a town called Friendly in West Virginia. He finds a small beagle that he names Shiloh. He learns that the boy’s real owner is a man named Judd Travers, and Judd is not very nice to dogs. Marty, going against his father’s will, hides Shiloh to try and protect him from Judd. The family finds out and Shiloh must be returned to his owner, but thankfully Marty and Judd are able to work out a deal and Marty finally ends up being able to keep his new best friend Shiloh.

Genre: Realistic Animal Fiction Novel

Grade Level: Grades 3-8

Readers who will like this: Students who like animals will really enjoy this story. It is a classic and a great example of a dog being “mans best friend”. Teachers could also use this story during a read aloud, because it’s really interesting and fun but also brings up interesting subjects.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, Shiloh is my little brothers ALL time favorite book. I read his copy and the pages were certainly worn down in love. It’s a classic story and a very fun read. It was a fairly quick read for me, but I could tell that it would be somewhat challenging for a younger reader. I think this book deserves the award it was given.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “Who is your very best friend?”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Carle, E. (1987). The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Illustrations by Eric Carle. New York, NY: Philomel Books.

Brief Annotation: Counting books can be a lot of fun-especially when they include pretty caterpillars! This book takes you through the life of a caterpillar and counts the numbers 1-5. The caterpillar eats through the pages and grows each day- showing also the days of the week and the life cycle of the caterpillar. This book is very educational and fun!

Genre: Picture book-Counting book

Grade Level: Birth- Kindergarten

Readers who will like this: Everyone loves this book. It’s a classic bedtime book for very young children, especially who are just learning to read and enjoy picture books. It’s also a great one to use during pre-school read out loud times.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, The Very Hungry Caterpillar is an absolute classic. This book is bright and beautiful and fun to read! I think that even though it does not count very high, it is great because it teachers much more than just counting, there are a number of educational aspects included.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “ What happens to caterpillars?”

Knuffle Bunny

Willems, Mo. (2004). Knuffle Bunny. New York, NY: Hyperion Books for Children.

Brief Annotation: Knuffle Bunny is a very special bunny for Trixie. She brings the bunny everywhere. One day Trixie and her dad go for a walk to the Laundromat and Knuffle Bunny is along for the ride. Trixie is not able to talk, but she plays and laughs along with her friend, and on their way home she is very upset. Her dad forgot Knuffle Bunny! She kicks and screams and tries to get her dad to turn around, but they finally get home and the mom suddenly realizes why Trixie is so upset- where is Knuffle Bunny?! They look all over and finally make their way back to the Laundromat- where the she finds her friend and says her very first words “Knuffle Bunny!”

Genre: Picture book- Mo Willems

Grade Level: Pre-K- 2nd Grade

Readers who will like this: Students who are fairly good readers but still working on some words will enjoy this book. There are not too many big words and the illustrations are awesome! The graphics are very unique and the story line is fun. Teachers will like this book to read out loud to younger students too- it is entertaining.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4, I thought this was a great book! It was fun and I absolutely loved the pictures. I think although the story line is fairly simple, there is so much added by the characters that Mo Willems has created. I will read this one out loud to my students for sure.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “ What do you think a Knuffle Bunny is?”

Repunzel

Grimm, B. (1812). Rapunzel. Germany, Children’s and House hold tales. Taken from: www.storynory.com

Brief Annotation: Rapunzel is a beautiful girl who was taken from her parents as a baby and forced to live with a wicked witch. There is an enchanted forest around her and she is alone in her tower for many years. One day, a young prince comes by and falls in love with Repunzels’ voice. They meet and they fall in love, and Repunzel agrees to marry him. He cries out to her “Repunzel, Repunzel, let your hair down.” The wicked witch hears this and cuts off Repunzel’s hair and as the prince climbs the tower to get his future bride, he meets the witch instead. She pierces his eyes and he has to walk around blind in the forest. Until one day he hears a familiar sound- it’s Repunzel! They manage to live happily ever after after all.

Genre: Audio book

Grade Level: Kindergarten- 3rd Grade

Readers who will like this: It’s really fun to listen to books online! I think that anyone who enjoys a good story will enjoy this reading of Repunzel. This specific version is a little intense and sadder (thanks to the Brothers Grimm authors) but it is told very well. The voices they use are fun and vibrant and it’s a unique version of the story that I had not heard before. Teachers who are teaching about fairy tales would enjoy this site and be able to use this book.

Response/Rating (1-4): 3, I really enjoyed listening to this book- but I must say, it really does help to have pictures! I think that the audio was great and the voices fit well, but it takes much longer to listen than to read and that started to annoy me a bit. It is a classic story though and always fun to hear different versions. I think Repunzel is one of my favorite fairy tales.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: “ How would you get away from a wicked witch?”