Charlotte's Web

White, E.B. (1980). Charlotte's web. New York, NY: Harpertrophy.



     When Fern talks her dad out of slaughtering the runt pig, she begins the hard task of raising him. She names the piglet Wilbur and moves it to her Uncle Zuckerman's farm. At the farm, Wilbur is sad because the other animals do not want to play with him. During her spare time, Fern visits Wilbur and becomes very close to the pig. Soon after moving to the farm, Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte who helps his days become less lonely. When Wilbur learns that he will soon be slaughtered, Charlotte devises a plan to try and save him from that destiny. Will this plan work? Will Wilbur be slaughtered? The reader will be compelled to find the answers to these questions.
     The author, E.B. White, uses personification on the animal characters in this book. The animals still live their lives on the farm; however, they are able to talk and communicate with one another. Each character contributes something unique to the overall plot. For instance, Charlotte is able to use her smartness to devise a plan of help while the rat is able to use his knowledge to gain sources of clues for the team. The point of view is told by Wilbur, the talking pig. The reader is connected with the story through his feelings of happiness and dread throughout the book. Each chapter holds the reader in suspense as to what is going to happen. While the story is told in chronological order, every chapter holds the reader in suspense as to what the fate cards hold for Wilbur. This book offers an overall theme of true friendship. Each friend is willing to put their own lives in danger to save the others from what may happen.

Questions/big ideas: What are you willing to do for a friend?
                                  Responsibility

The Hello Goodbye Window

Juster, N. (2005). The hello goodbye window. New York, NY: Di Capua Books.

     Norton Justin, author, wrote a touching story about a bond between a gradchild and the grandparents. One special window at her grandparent's house allows this little girl to experience a magical place. Everything she sees or does comes through this window. What special and magical journey will she go on as she visits the window at her grandma and Poppy's house? The illustrator uses impressionistic art to draw the reader's attention. For instance, the house is made to come alive through the use of the white space. The use of the watercolors, oils and pastels allow the reader to embark on the magical journey with the little girl at her granparents house.
    This is a touching story that truly shows the special bond between a child and granparent. The story would be good for use of predictions and sequencing. This book would invite students to explore them and they could also write a personal narrative about a special memory they have with a loved one. This is a beneficial book for all classrooms.

Big question/idea: The true meaning of love, personal narratives

Hey, Al

Yorinks, A. (1986). Hey, Al. Cananda: Collins Publisshser.

     Al and his best friend Eddie, his dog, live in a small cramped apartment. The work, clean and feel like their life is horrible. One day a mystical bird appears before them and offers them a life like no other. Will the two decide to leave their lives and pay the ultimate price? The illustrations in this book are extremely realistic and offer the reader a glimpse into his life by creating illustrations that take the reader far beyond what is pictured. The beautiful rich colors used allow the pictures to come allow and offer a deeper understanding of the feelings of the characters. The theme in this book makes the reader stop and think about life in a different perspective.
     I really enjoyed this book and feel that it would be beneficial in many ways in a classroom. The book offers the chance to explore adjectives more in depth and allows students to think about what the true meaning of happiness is. This is an excellent picture book with such a wonderful theme.
Big idea/questions: What is the true meaning of happiness and how much is it worth?

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs!

Scieszka, J (1989). The true story of the three little pigs!. New York, NY:Viking Penguin.

    The story of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs is a captivating story that puts a spin on the original version. It is narrated by the wolf as he recalls what he feels to be the true story of  what happened on that fateful day his life intertwined with the pigs. Students will enjoy reading the story and finding out how close his story is to that of the pigs. The illustrator, Lane Smith, uses framed illustrations that help set the mood in this story. The dark colors help keep the reader in suspense as the journey begans from one house to the next.The illustrations begin with a double spread frame that allows the reader to become engaged from the onset of the story.
     I feel that this is a wonderful book to read to all children. This book allows children to realize that there is more than one side of the story. This is an excellent way to introduce students to comparing and contrasting characters and adventures in stories and texts and also making predictions.

Big ideas/questions: The importance of being honest

No, David!

Shannon, David. N (1998). No, David! New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.

     No, David!, is a must read picture book for young children. It gives a glimpse into the importance of rules and following directions. The author, David Shannon, holds the attention of the young audience in his book, No, David!.

     The main character in this book, David, is a young boy who is constantly getting into trouble. He continually tries the patience of his mother by constantly breaking the rules of the house. Will he ever hear his mother say anything besides, "No, David!"?

     David Shannon, author and illustrator, uses many traits to help the reader enjoy this picture book. The double spread pages allow the reader to understand the high energy level of this little boy as he is going room to room disobeying rules. His use of expressionistic art allows the reader to observe his disruptive behavior and non-compliance. The use of his acrylic paint illustration allows the reader to depict a more in depth look at the character and setting.

     Big questions/ideas: Classroom rules/procedures and the importance of following rules.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

Steig, William.(1969) Sylvester and the magic pebble. New York, NY: The Trumpet Club.

     Sylvester and the Magic Pebble is a picture book with an unforgettable theme and captivating illustrations.William Steig is the author and illustrator of this young children's picture book. After reading this book, I had several ideas of how to incorporate this book into a lesson for my first grade students.
     Sylvester considers himself quite lucky when he discovers a magic pebble that can grant all of his wishes. When a lion frightens Sylvester, he soon realizes what happens when unexpected wishes come true. The jouney that Sylvester embarks on reveals the art of true magic.
      The illustrations depict the use of cool spectrum watercolors (blue, green, white) that complement the text and help the reader determine part of the story by giving a descriptive glimpse of the setting and the character's feelings. The double spread pictures help portray the character's helplessness and determination during his journey.
      After reading this book, several big questions would arise for the classroom. The importance of family and being happy with what you have in life would be great topics for a unit of study.
    

Introduction

Hello Everyone!
My name is Charlotte Cecil and I am a first grade ELA teacher at  Millbrooke Elementary School. I live in Hopkinsville, KY with my children and husband. We have four children, Cody,Ashley, Haley and Brittany and a shitzu named Bently.
We enjoy anything outdoors: swimming, camping, fishing, gardening and 4-wheelers. During the summer we are always outside in the sun.
During my free time I love to read and learn. Some of my favorite authors include Nicolas Sparks and Jodi Picoult. I also enjoy reading with my friends in book clubs and reading anything that will help enhance and strengthen my teaching and student learning.