If You've Got Boys, You Gotta Go Here!

Don’t be scared! This is Jon Scieszka and he’s a fabulous author that’s on a mission to get boys reading. So, head on over to http://www.guysread.com/ for books that your reluctant (or not so reluctant) guy will want to devour! Jon’s organized books by guy friendly themes like "Robots", "Funny", "Repairing shoes but are written only in Spanish" (he’s one funny guy that Jon!), "For Little Guys", "At least one explosion" … what are you doing still reading this blog? Head over right now to http://www.guysread.com/ !!

Quote of the Week

From A Dog Called Kitty by Bill Wallace

“Fear is something you got to overcome. You can’t let it run your life…if you keep running, you’ll be so busy running, there won’t be time for anything else.”

Module 4- A Dog Called Kitty

Title of Book: A Dog Called Kitty; Author: Bill Wallace; ISBN 978-0671770815; Published by Aladdin

Summary:

When the 10 year old protagonist Ricky was a baby, he was brutally attacked by a dog which has led to his phobia. Fortunately for Ricky, a small puppy showed up on his family’s farm. Something stired inside Ricky and he decided to feed the puppy so it would get strong enough so Ricky could drive him away from the farm forever. The puppy however, wiggled its way into Ricky’s heart and the two became best friends. In the climax of the story, the two successfully defended a baby calf from being attacked by a pack of wild dogs. Tragedy struck however, and Kitty was killed at the end of the story in a freak accident.



My Impressions:

No wonder Gordon Korman wrote a book called No More Dead Dogs! I must admit to you that when I read a mystery book I read the last two chapters first so I can sit back and enjoy the story without being anxious and nervous. Having said that, halfway through the story I got a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that this poor dog Kitty would die in the book and I just couldn’t relax for the other half of the book. Sure enough, he did. You may think I am cruel beyond words, but poor Kitty’s death in the freak accident just wasn’t satisfying to me as a reader-he didn’t have to die. It would have been much more poignant if Kitty had failed to recover from his wounds while defending his best friend. This book is best suited for grades 4-7. If you are looking for a book where the boy’s dog dies, I would highly recommend Stone Fox by John R. Gardiner.


Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 3 out of 5

Reviews and Awards:
Winner of the 1983 Texas Bluebonnet Award

From School Library Journal (retrieved from Bowker’s Book in Print)
Grade 3-5. Bill Wallace's story (Holiday, 1980) of the bonding between a boy and a dog is not to be missed. This presentation, read by L.J. Ganser, is so softly dramatic that it not only captures the essence of gentle emotion but essentially transports readers to the Oklahoma farm where Ricky exhibits courage beyond belief. Ricky is terrified by dogs because as a toddler he was mercilessly mauled by a rabid dog and left to die. Sixty-three stitches later with no anesthesia, Ricky is scarred with the emotional and physical memories that constantly recall his tragedy. The softness of Ganser's voice reflects the softness of Ricky's heart when a puppy is left to starve because he responds with a littler of kittens for food but is rejected. Hence, the name Kitty. Ricky musters all his courage and feeds the puppy, building a closeness that only friends realize and conquering his all-consuming fear. With Ricky, readers suffer the loss and feel the anguish when Kitty is accidentally killed at an oil rig. Hope, however, still prevails and happiness does come through sorrow. Ganser brings life and emotion to a powerful story with his dramatic rendition. This touching and encouraging story add a further dimension to the significance of boy and dog relationships, and should be high on public and school library priority lists. Patricia Mahoney Brown, Franklin Elementary School, Kenmore,



Suggestions for Use in a Library:
I would plan a dog extravaganza. Set up a special display with all kings of books on dogs and decorate the area with all things dogs. For the kickoff, invite some guest speakers to come and share- a vet, a police officer with the canine unit and a perhaps a therapy dog. Do book talks on several of the dog books (be sure to include the non-fiction ones as well). Partner up with your local animal shelter and hold a penny drive for the shelter’s use. In lieu of charging late fees for a period of a month or so, accept used towels (shelters are always in need of these). Encourage children to bring pictures of their dogs and post the pictures by the book display. Patrons who bring items that a dog could use (dog food, leash, collar, flea medicine, etc…) will be entered in a raffle for a gift certificate to PetSmart. End your dog extravaganza with a free showing of a great dog movie like The Shaggy D.A. (Disney) while you snack on hot dogs. Arrange for media coverage while you present all the items you’ve collected to a representative of your local animal shelter.

Module 4- Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little

Title of Book: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little; Author: Peggy Gifford; ISBN: 9780440422303; Published by Random House Children's Books

Summary: Moxy Maxwell is required to read Stuart Little before the first day of fourth grade which happens to be tomorrow and she hasn’t even begun the book. Her mother gives her an ultimatum that she is to read Stuart Little before her mother gets home or Moxy won’t be able to go perform with the other petals that night in the synchronized swim contest. Moxy decides cleaning her room and planting a peach tree orchard are more important than Stuart Little. Moxy’s mother allows her to go to the competition so as not to let the other girls down, but she is not allowed to attend the celebration afterwards. Moxy is shown reading Stuart Little with a flashlight in her room at 1 minute before midnight.


My Impressions: Love, love, love this book!! You will be laughing out loud. Who among us has not decided that instead of doing the income taxes, it would be a great time to re-paint the outside of the house and tar the roof while we’re at it. If you know a reluctant reader who is a girl between the ages of 8-12, you must get this book into her hands. The very short chapters (a single word in one case) have hysterical titles like, “Chapter 5 In Which The Word Consequences First Appears” and will not intimidate a slower reader. Instead of illustrations, there are photos which just add to the humor (like the close up of the dictionary where Moxy is looking up the word consequences). Readers will be on the edge of their seat waiting for the next chapter. You will be happy to know Moxy stars in two other fabulous books: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano, But She Does Love Being in Recitals and Moxie Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thanks You Notes.

Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews: “WITH ITS BRILLIANTLY accessible application of a usually complex narrative technique, this work represents a significant raising of the bar for writers of chapter books. Technique or no technique, kids will recognize Moxy—and they will love her.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred

How many ways can a soon-to-be fourth grader find to avoid reading Stuart Little ? It's the one book that Moxy Maxwell has to read over the summer. Her remarkable imagination, coupled with stubbornness, gets her to the night before school starts. She's kept the book with her, but just couldn't bring herself to dig in. It's not that she doesn't like to read-she just despises being told what to read. It may be no surprise that when she finally picks the book up, she loves it. Gifford's depiction of an overly exuberant nine-year-old may remind some readers of Lois Lowry's Gooney Bird Greene (Houghton, 2002). Moxy is funny, and most readers will empathize with her avoiding something simply because it's required. One might wish for a little more depth from Moxy, more moderation of her self-centeredness, and, after a few chapters, her avoidance tactics grow a tad stale. But the photographs-touted as having been taken by her twin brother-are fresh. (He read Stuart Little the first day of summer vacation.) Moxy's sarcastic captions for them seize the tone of her day. A dryly observant narration, clever chapter titles, and the spot-on illustrations provide added lift to the story. Pat Leach-School Library Journal


Suggestions for Use in a Library:
An important part of the story is when Moxy planted a peach tree orchard. Gather a peach and a variety of other fruits (some with seeds, some without) Have children predict which fruits will have seeds and which will not. Cut the fruit open to confirm. Afterwards, have a scoop of peach ice cream or yogurt.

Quote of the Week

Kadir Nelson from his book We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball.

“Can’t sleep with a bug on your leg-I don’t care how tough you are.” (Amen to that brother; Amen!)

Module 3 Lincoln: A Photobiography

Title of Book: Lincoln: A Photobiography; Author: Russell Freedman; ISBN: 978-0395518489; Published by Sandpiper.

Summary:
This great overview of Abraham Lincoln’s life focuses on the president’s involvement in the Civil War. The book has relevant photographs, drawings, and images. Included is a sampler from his speeches, a listing of historic places associated with Lincoln and bibliography.

My Impressions:
Given the title, I was a little crestfallen to see the number of photos actually included in the book. I was however, delighted to see photos of Tad and Willie Lincoln. I never before knew President Lincoln hated the nickname “Abe,” he was habitually messy, his children were undisciplined, and he was often in debt in his early years. I also learned that the North wasn’t the lovely place for Blacks I always thought it to be. They were still discriminated against and many sold themselves as indentured slaves just to have food and a place to live. I’ve never had a clearer account of the Civil War and the roles President Lincoln played. FYI- There are two photos that show dead soldiers laying in the battlefield.

Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews and Awards:
Newbery Gold Medal 1988

Children's Literature Review (retrieved from Borders.com): Photographs and text trace the life of the Civil War President. Lincoln stood out in a crowd because of his wit, humor and height. The book is richly illustrated with dozens of carefully chosen photographs and prints. It starts with Lincoln's boyhood, moves to his career as a country lawyer, and then his courtship and marriage to Mary Todd. The focus of the book is the Lincoln presidency 1861-65 and a recounting of the complex issues that led a deeply divided nation to Civil War. The story concludes with Lincoln's assassination at Fords Theater on April 14, 1865. 1988 Newbery Medal, 1987 Notable Children's Book. Reviewed by Marilyn Courtot.

Suggestions for Use in a Library:
Freedman references a true account of a letter Grace Bedell wrote to presidential hopeful Lincoln, suggesting he grow a beard because his face was so thin. Read Mr. Lincoln’s Whiskers by Karen Winnick which is a picture book account of that same story. As a fun inexpensive tie in, make a small display with several of those inexpensive games that features a bald and beardless face and children can use a magnetic wand to add magnetic shavings to resemble facial hair.

Module 3 We Are the Ship

Title of Book: We Are the Ship The Story of Negro League Baseball; Author: Kadir Nelson; ISBN: 9780786808328; Published by Hyperion Books for Children: Available in Spanish

Summary:
This book recounts the history of Negro League baseball. The foreword is by Hank Aaron. Rube Foster was the first manager to run his Negro League ball team like the professional white counterparts and it is from his quote, “We are the ship, all else the sea.” that the book derives its title. There are chapters about Life in the Negro Leagues, Negro League Owners, Negro League All-Stars, Baseball in Latin America, World War II, Jackie Robinson, and The End of the Negro Leagues. The large volume is replete with paintings including a two page fold out that looks like a ticket for the First Colored World Series which opens to reveal an impressive painting of the players who played that October 11, 1924. There is a good sized bibliography for those whishing to do further research.

My Impressions:
I was utterly fascinated; and I know nothing about baseball! If one were familiar with all the names, and I do mean all, I can’t even imagine how much more pleasurable the reading of this book would be. I learned so much. I did not realize that until the 1800’s, black players could play on professional white teams. I did not realize that shin guards, helmets and lighting for night games were all used first in the Negro Leagues. I learned that a frozen baseball will not go as far when it is hit. Some of the Negro teams were called clown teams and from the description, their style of play reminded me of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews and Awards:
Winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author Award

Winner of the Sibert Medal Home Page Award 2009

The New York Times - Kevin Baker (From Barnes and Noble)
The painter Kadir Nelson has illustrated several award-winning children's books, including some on black history. This is the first book he has both illustrated and written, and it's absolutely gorgeous. He uses the conversational, first-person voice of a fictional, anonymous player. It's a device that generally works well and allows him to include many of the great old tales of the Negro Leagues; he conveys the humor, showmanship and joy that were an integral part of the game, without soft-soaping how hard it all was…Nelson's visual narrative is nothing short of magnificent.

School Library Journal (reviewing the audio version) Gr 3 Up A lost piece of American history comes to life in Kadir Nelson's elegant and eloquent history (Hyperion/Jump at the Sun, 2008) of the Negro Leagues and its gifted baseball players. The history of the Leagues echoes the social and political struggles of black America during the first half of the 20th century. There were scores of ballplayers who never became as famous as Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb and were almost lost in obscurity because of segregation-and Nelson recreates their history here. The narrative is divided into nine innings, beginning with Rube Foster and his formation of the first Negro League in 1920 and closing with Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier into white major league baseball. In between are fascinating snippets of the events and men who formed the Negro Leagues. Listeners glimpse the pain black Americans endured because of bigotry and segregation, but the true center of this story is the joy of baseball and the joy men felt at being able to play the game. Hall of Famer Hank Aaron, who began playing with the Negro Leagues, provides the foreword. Eloquent narration is performed by actor Dion Graham, and a bluesy guitar introduction and conclusion is reminiscent of the time period. Nelson's stunning oil paintings are included on a CD-but make sure to have the book available as well. Social studies teachers and baseball fans of all ages will covet this delightful winner of the 2009 Coretta Scott King author award and illustrator Honor award.-Tricia Melgaard, Centennial Middle School, Broken Arrow, OK

Suggestions for Use in a Library:
Have baseball theme day in the library. Staff members can wear baseball jerseys and hats and encourage the kids to dress up as well. Allow them to bring their favorite baseball cards for a show and tell time. Ask Wal-Mart or Sports Academy to donate some packages of baseball cards, a ball, glove and bat to be used as door prizes to your story time. Snack on peanuts and popcorn during story time.

Pull other books that were illustrated by Kadir Nelson and compare the style of those books to We Are the Ship. Here are a few to choose from: Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya, He's Got the Whole World in His Hands, Ellington Was Not a Street, All God's Critters Dancing in the Wings, Hewitt Anderson's Great Big Life, Thunder Rose, Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom, Brothers of the Knight, and Henry’s Freedom Box

Quote of the Week

I snagged this "Quote of the Week" idea from my sister. My favorite quote for this week is from Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck.

"I saw that it took a lady to show a boy how to be a gentleman." (Read it slowly, it'll sink in...)

Amazing Resource

My new favorite website!!! It's Random House's librarian link and this amazing lady Pat Scales has a WEALTH of activities and information for you. She has all kinds of events and activities listed; everything from how to do an around the world theme to taking a field trip with books! Enjoy!

http://www.randomhouse.com/teachers/librarians/patscales.html

Module 2 The Lion and the Mouse

Title of Book: The Lion and the Mouse; Author: Jerry Pinkney: / ISBN: 978-03-16013567; Published by Little, Brown and Company Ages 4-8


Summary: A lion is resting in the jungle and a mouse stumbles into his clutches. The mouse pleads for mercy saying someday he may be of some help to the lion. The lion laughs at the thought that one so small could ever help the king of the jungle, but the lion relents and releases the mouse. Hunters come to the jungle and set a rope trap which nabs the lion and leave shim swinging helpless from a tree. The piteous lion roars for help and the mouse comes and gnaws on the ropes which finally dump the lion unceremoniously on the ground.


My Impressions: What a true gem! Pinkney is no stranger to the Caldecott award (silver medals for The Ugly Duckling, Noah’s Ark, Mirandy and Brother Wind, The Talking Eggs and John Henry); I’m so glad he’s won the gold this time! This virtually wordless large format book is illustrated in a cozy, detailed style that is very reminiscent of Jan Brett’s The Mitten. The lion’s expression when the mouse comes to his rescue should be in a picture dictionary for chagrin! FYI- When you buy this (and you absolutely must) be careful to get the edition that has the full two page spread illustrations on the end papers and not the 1 page edition that I ended up with.


Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5


Reviews and Awards:
Caldecott gold medal book 2010

By ROGER SUTTON editor in chief of The Horn Book Magazine Published: November 5, 2009 Retrieved from
http://readroger.hbook.com/2009/11/lions-are.html

The art of Jerry Pinkney’s new picture book is commanding enough to do without the author’s name or even the title on the front cover. A jacket with no words at all? It’s been done before, but not often — probably most notably with Fred Marcellino’s “Puss in Boots” (1990), which won a Caldecott Honor. That cover featured a big cat, too, but here Pinkney gives us a lion’s head with a magnificent mane, filling the entire frame. The Sun King demeanor is somewhat diminished by the uneasy glance the lion is casting stage right, toward the back cover, where a mouse looks up with a question in its eye. Which creature will be the hero of the tale within? This is Pinkney’s second go at “The Lion and the Mouse,” the first being a brief entry in his “Aesop’s Fables” of almost 20 years ago. But that first pair were only supporting players to Aesop’s text, 200 or so words plus a moral: “Even the strongest can sometimes use the help of the smallest.” The new book has only seven distinct words, all sound effects — an owl, stalking the mouse, “whoooo” and “screeeech”; the mouse, “scratch” and “squeak.” Providing the plot is the “putt-putt-putt” of the jeep bearing humans into the Serengeti landscape (a note says).
And you don’t even need the sounds to see exactly what’s going on. Wordless picture books require great cunning not only to provide a recognizable pantomime but also to lead readers from one scene to the next: how do you know when to turn the page when there are no words to pull you forward? Pinkney’s story begins with a mouse pausing alertly in —what is this? — a big paw print in the sandy ground, one of a set tracking across the title-page spread. We turn the page, dawn is (beautifully) breaking, the mouse is poised, apparently listening. . . . Good thing there is a hole in that fallen tree on the far right, because on the next page the mouse barely dives in when the owl swoops. The mouse moves on, coming to rest on — “Is that a snake?” asked the 4-year-old I was sharing the book with. Pinkney’s sly use of nature’s camouflage causes us to look more closely. Nope: it was a tail, then a furry back, and before you know it the lion has the mouse by its tail, his “GRRR” seeming more puzzled than threatening, the mouse’s squeak an “Oops!”

Winner of five Caldecott Honors, Pinkney has always seemed happier drawing animals than people. Look, in his 2007 retelling, at his studied Little Red Riding Hood next to his lively Wolf. His beasts are not humans in disguise; while both the lion and the mouse have emotions and intelligence in their eyes, they are animal in nature. We don’t know why the lion lets the mouse go free or why the mouse nibbles the lion out of the net planted by the men (poachers? wardens?) from the jeep. But it’s actions in this case that count. That’s the moral of the story.


Suggestions for Use in a Library:

Capture the attention of your patrons by copying the picture where the mouse and lion are eye to eye and then mounting on a wall. Make some speech bubbles and leave them next to the picture for children to post what they think the lion and mouse might be saying to each other.

For your older patrons, after sharing The Lion and the Mouse, read 14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy. That book is about a tribe in Kenya who after hearing about the devastation to America on 9/11, generously gifts America with 14 cows because there is no nation that is immune from hurt not a nation that is too small to help others. Discuss the similarities of the two books.


See if you can dig up an old Mouse Trap game that you can leave out on a table for a month for the children to explore. Mouse Trap is a game with little chutes and balls and a little trap that comes down on the mouse if you’ve built the trap correctly.

Module 2 Strega Nona

Title of Book: Strega Nona; Author Tommie dePaola; ISBN978-0671666064; Published by Aladdin. Also available in Spanish. Title Strega Nonna; ISBN 978-8424133498; Published by Everest Publishing

Summary: Strega Nona needs some help around the house so she hires well meaning but bumbling Big Anthony. One day Big Anthony overhears her saying a spell that makes pasta out of thin air. When Strega Nona leaves town for a few days, Big Anthony uses his newfound knowledge of the spell to impress and feed the entire village pasta. Poor Big Anthony however doesn’t know about the three kisses that will stop the pasta pot from continually making pasta. The village is just about to be overrun with pasta when Strega Nona shows up and saves the town. Strega Nona wisely gives Big Anthony a punishment that fits the crime…he must eat all the pasta so Strega Nona can return to her house.

My Impressions: This is very similar to the Sorcerer’s Apprentice in the original movie Fantasia. This book was destined to be a classic! Who among us has not dreamed of being the hero, and who among us hasn’t fallen flat on our face in some escapade? The illustrations are delightful and my personal favorite is poor Big Anthony looking miserable and pregnant at the end of the story after having eaten miles of pasta. FYI- The book does feature people praying and one of the men in the story suggests “stringing up” Big Anthony for his crime.

Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5

Reviews:
Won the silver Caldecott medal in 1976

School Library Journal February 01, 2001 (retrieved from Bowker’s Books in Print) This review is of the Spanish video recording.PreS-Gr 3-Gr 3Tomie dePaola's Strega Nona (S&S, 1975) is as much fun in Spanish as it is in English. This is the tale of a charming Italian village where a friendly witch, Strega Nona, lives. She helps the villagers solve their problems with simple magic. When Strega Nona goes out of town one day her helper, Big Anthony, borrows one of her tricks to start her magic pasta pot going. He becomes a hero in the village until everyone realizes that he does not know how to make the magic stop. Soon the town is overrun with pasta, and only Strega Nona can save the day. This gentle story will bring a chorus of giggles from any audience. Tomi dePaola's classic illustrations have been animated for this production, and the male narrator creates different voices for each character. Operatic background music adds the final touch. This beautifully produced video will delight Spanish-speaking audiences.-Teresa Bateman, Brigadoon Elementary School, Federal Way, WA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Suggestions for Use in a Library:
This book is best shared with younger children ages 5-8. Hit the post-Halloween sales and get a big black cauldron. After reading the story, give each child a paper cut out of a cauldron and allow them to draw or write what they would want to come out of a magic pot. To foster creativity, brainstorm aloud before the activity and don’t allow children to choose money. Display other books featuring Strega Nona and the children’s paper cut outs near the cauldron.

If you are looking for a fabulous way to teach the concept of prequel to younger children, look no further! After you’ve read Strega Nona, read Strega Nona Her Story and Big Anthony His Story.

Great Professional Resource

If you are looking for a workshop to aid in book selection and collection development, look no further than Dr. Peggy Sharp's workshops. She is absolutely phenomenal! Every time I have gone to one of her workshops, I have come away with a list of must buy books, and a notebook chock full of great ideas to use in the library setting. Well worth the money! Check out her website http://www.peggysharp.com/

Module 1 Bunnicula

Title of Book: Bunnicula; Authors: Deborah Howe and James Howe; ISBN; 978-1-4169-2817-1; Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing. Spanish version available. Title: Bonicula; ISBN 978-0613099776; Publisher: Rebound by Sagebrush


Summary: Harold the dog and Chester the cat live peaceably with their family until one dark and stormy night the family brings home a black and white rabbit they name Bunnicula. A white tomato which has been drained of all its juice is the first indication that something is amiss with their new furry friend. Chester tries unsuccessfully to alert the family to the very real possibility that the new family pet is actually a vampire.


My Impressions: Thanks in large part to Stephanie Meyers and the Twilight series, vampire books are hot right now and this one is suited for the elementary crowd (9-11 year olds). The book is written by Harold the dog who begins the story with, “I come to writing purely by chance. My full-time occupation is dog.” A funny story with lots of opportunities for laughing as Chester the cat, armed with a book on vampires, pits himself against Bunnicula. Some of the highlights include the illustration of Chester lying on his back with his arms outstretched trying to look like a vampire and the hysterical misunderstanding of pounding “a sharp steak into the vampire’s heart.” Although the action is fast paced, I found the middle of the story a bit too long. There are three other books in the series, Howliday Inn, The Celery Stalks at Midnight and Nighty-Nightmare.


Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 3 out of 5


Reviews and Awards:
Young People's Choice Award in 1982. (Source: Bowker's Books in Print)

"Move over, Dracula! This mystery-comedy is sure to delight." -- New York Times (retrieved from Amazon.com)


Suggestions for Use in a Library: Dazzle your library director! Amazingly easy and fun science demonstration is sure to have kids clamoring for more. Although this chapter book is not a good candidate for a main selection, reading a few pages or a chapter would be a great closing for your story time.

A great science tie in would be to do a demo where you take celery stalks and cut them from the bunch into individual stalks (leave the leaves on) and white (must be white) carnations with freshly cut stems and put them in a glass filled with water then add lots of blue food coloring. On a large sheet of chart paper, write the children’s predictions about what they think will happen. Post the chart paper next to the glass with the plants and leave out for a display. Share the results with them during your next story time. (The plants will have drawn in the water with the blue food coloring and will now have blue tinted leaves and petals) Encourage children to write their comments about what happened on the chart paper.

You may want to introduce the younger children (5-8 years old), to James Howe’s Pinky and Rex series.

A Rose by Any Other Name...

A teacher friend said her daughter repeatedly asked to be read the book, "Jump on My Daddy!" A thorough search revealed no such book in the child's bookcase, but after a little investigating, it turns out the requested book was "Hop on Pop" by Dr. Seuss!

Module 1 Caps For Sale

Title of Book: Caps for Sale; Author: Esphyr Slobodkina; ISBN 978-0-06-147-453-8; Published by Harper Collins. Also available in Spanish. Title: Se Venden Corras; ; ISBN: 978-0-06-443-401-0; Published by Rayo.


Summary: Our story finds a peddler, no ordinary peddler mind you, selling caps. Instead of pushing his wares in a cart, he carries them around on his head while yelling, “Caps! Caps for sale. Fifty cents a cap.” Mischievous monkeys come and steal his caps while he is napping under a tree. The peddler’s attempts to retrieve the caps from the monkeys lead to hysterical antics from the monkeys.


My Impressions: What a winner! The easy to follow story, accessible vocabulary and repetitive phrases allow access to a much younger than expected audience. I would recommend 2- 5 year olds. The refrain, “Tsz, tsz, tsz” from the monkeys will be a favorite phrase for the reader. This story just begs to be acted out! You will want to purchase the companion book by the same author Circus Caps for Sale as well.


Flashlight Reading Under the Covers Rating: 5 out of 5


Reviews:

Subtitled A Tale of a Peddler, Some Monkeys and Their Monkey Business, this absurd and very simple story has become a classic, selling hundreds of thousands of copies since its first publication in 1940. A peddler walks around selling caps from a tall, tottering pile on his head. Unable to sell a single cap one morning, he walks out into the countryside, sits down under a tree, checks that all the caps are in place, and falls asleep. When he wakes up, the caps are gone--and the tree is full of cap-wearing monkeys. His attempts to get the caps back generate the kind of repetitive rhythm that 3- and 4-year-olds will adore. (Preschool and older) --Richard Farr -- Amazon.com Review


Good natured nonsense tale in text and pictures. The text is almost unnecessary as text and pictures tell the story of the peddler who fell asleep and had his whole stock in trade of colored caps stolen by the monkeys. And of how mere chance made him do the one thing that persuaded the monkeys to throw away the caps. (Kirkus Reviews) --



Suggestions for Use in a Library: Do you need an ace up your sleeve for your story time repertoire? This is it! Hit the dollar store and get some appropriate colored caps, add a black construction paper mustache and you are all set to act out this story. In advance ask one of the audience members to be the chief monkey who will steal your caps and distribute them to the other monkeys while you are sleeping. Cries of, “Let’s do that again!” are guaranteed. Pair this with Circus Caps for Sale and you are virtually guaranteeing standing room only during your next weekly story time.

This would also be a great book for your English Language Learners to visualize what the phrases “monkey business” and “monkey see, monkey do” refer to.

This book (English version) was also featured in the long time children's television program Reading Rainbow.