Camille

Camille Mrs. Buric Children's Literature

__ 21 Picture Books __

1. __Fireman’s Safety Hints__ by Giovanni Caviezel

Every child has questions about how to react in various situations, especially dangerous situations. In __Fireman’s Safety Hints,__ children are given practical hints on what to do during a fire, flood, earthquake, tornado, and other disasters. Children are able to receive basic information about the disaster, how they should react, and what the firemen will be doing to help them. The book is shaped like a fireman and it presents are very welcoming aura of firemen. Though a simplistically written book, children will be given invaluable tips that could save their lives!

2. __Fable__ by Arnold Lobel

This charming collection of fables is a perfect way of teaching younger children about the morals of stories. Lobel won a Caldecott Medal for his work on __Fable__. The rich drawings of personified animals are sure to grasp any child or adult’s attention. Children will learn everything from being true to oneself to looking for some adventure in life. The fables are short and quickly read. A parent or teacher could easily read a fable per day or read all of them in succession. Lobel did a wonderful job of incorporating talented artistry into a children’s book of fables. 3. __I Am NOT Going To Get Up Today__ by Dr. Seuss

When Dr. Seuss is writing a story, it is guaranteed to be filled with hilarity and rhyming. Unlike other Seuss works, this book uses a regular little boy in a regular town and in irregular circumstances. As any child or adult can relate to, there are days that you just don’t want to leave your comfortable bed. The little boy decides that he is not going to get up that day and absolutely nothing will change his mind. He even threatens someone to call the police and see if that will make him change his mind. As usual, Dr. Seuss masterfully engages young and old through rhyming silly situations.

4. __Rumpelstiltskin__ retold by Paul O. Zelinsky

Ask almost any young child and they will probably be familiar with the story of Rumpelstiltskin. A long-told story that leads readers to think about choices they make. This retelling of the classic story is a Caldecott winner about a miller’s daughter who is told to turn straw into gold for the king or she will die. Unable to perform the task, the daughter uses the help of a mischievous little man but makes a very unwise bargain. The daughter promises her firstborn child in exchange for the little man’s help and is surprised when he returns years later to collect on the promise. A timeless tale that is likely to captivate the imagination of any child and encourage them to ponder life choices.

5. __A Christmas Carol__ retold by Linda Parry

It would be difficult to find a child or an adult who has not heard or knows parts of the classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens, __A Christmas Carol__. Dickens captured the hearts of his readers by showing what happens when a person becomes cold-hearted and forgets the Christmas spirit. Parry transforms the wonderful Christmas story from an extensive adult fiction to a child’s interactive, picture book. On almost every page, children have an opportunity to engage in the story by pulling a tab that reveals some aspect of the story. What better Christmas gift for a child than an introduction into classic literature and great life lessons.

6. __Clifford and the Big Storm__ by Norman Bridwell

Clifford the Big Red Dog is now an iconic set of children’s books which have also been turned into a children’s television series. Clifford is the ultimate dog that does all of the fun, exciting things that children wish their pets could do. In this Clifford story, Emily Elizabeth is visiting her Grandma along the ocean. After some days of fun, a large storm threatens her Grandma’s house. While Emily Elizabeth and her Grandma seek safety, Clifford faces the elements to protect Grandma’s house. With the bad storm raging, how will Clifford survive? What could a dog, even a big red dog, do against a storm?

7. __Emily’s First 100 Days of School__ by Rosemary Wells

Wells is a master of numbers in this creative and resourceful book about a little bunny’s first one hundred days of school. Emily is just starting school and is nervous but her teacher quickly assuages her fears by telling the students they will be having a number friend each day until they reach one hundred. Throughout the school days, Emily and her friends learn all kinds of new things at school and home. This book is perfect for young, school-age children. Teachers would be smart to use this book in their classrooms as well and possibly implement the number journal that Emily’s teacher uses. An added touch of charm is the author’s note that describes her childhood fear of math and numbers. With a story such as this, children will have no need to fear anymore!

8. __You Can’t Take a Balloon Into The Museum of Fine Arts__ by Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Preiss Glasser

Words cannot even describe, in fact they don’t, this uniquely, marvelous picture book. You have probably never seen a book design like what you will uncover in this book. Weitzman and Glasser have created a new kind of wordless book that will leave every reader in raptures! Two grandparents are taking their grandchildren to an art museum in Boston and a host of adventures ensue when one green balloon blows away. This book has a comic book-type layout but its greatest treasure is the interspersed pictures of actual artwork from The Museum of Fine Arts. Reading this book just once is not an option because it is so richly infused with eye-pleasing scenes and artwork. Everyone from young child to old art enthusiast will love this one-of-a-kind story.

9. __My Food Mi Comida__ by Rebecca Emberley

As schools are receiving a larger number of ELL students each year, bilingual books are becoming much more prevalent and needed. Emberley has written a series of bilingual picture books that are intended for prereaders but could be used for any ELL student. In __My Food Mi Comida__, readers will find pages filled with a variety of common foods, the English word, and the Spanish word. For the bilingual reader, the combination of picture, English, and Spanish is incredibly helpful and much more likely to be cemented in their mind. A smart parent or educator will keep books like this handy for anyone learning a new language.

10. __Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?__ By Bill Martin Jr. Illustrated by Eric Carle

Carle is a beloved children’s author and illustrator known for his creative works, such as __Hungry, Hungry Caterpillar__ and __The Very Lonely Firefly__. Carle worked in conjunction with Martin for this young children’s story. __Brown Bear__ uses repetition throughout so that children can attempt to predict what might happen next. A variety of animals are illustrated in this book and Carle, true to form, creates dimensions that draw the reader in. The hard, cardboard binding make this book a perfect gift for young children who may be a little rough on book pages. As usual, Carle draws children into a story through his inventive illustrations.

11. __Christmas in the Barn__ by Margaret Wise Brown

Brown retells the story of the first Christmas with a twist. The words of the story give no hint that the story of baby Jesus is different by the illustrations cause the reader to look closely. Barbara Cooney, the illustrator, decided to “modern-ize” Jesus’ birth in a barn into 19th-century affair. Initially, the reader does not notice the differences of the setting and clothing but upon

inspection, the unique perspective causes the reader to become intrigued in Jesus’ birth in a new light. Despite the change in time period and clothing, the author achieves the intended of goal of retelling the most important story in all of human history!

12. __Math Curse__ by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith

For the math lovers or haters, this book will be a mind-bending, number-filled experience. The boy in story has been put under a math curse by his teacher, at least he thinks, and is going crazy. Mrs. Fibonacci tells her math class that “you can think of almost anything as a math problem.” Much to his dismay, the boy begins thinking through his daily life in terms of math problems and can’t stop the madness. Math problems are sprinkled throughout the story, along with lots of silliness. What will the boy do to escape the math curse? Is there any hope for him? This is a great story to use in any math class in order to ease nerves and bring some light-hearted laughs.

13. __The Littlest Angel__ by Charles Tazewell

__The Littlest Angel__ is a heart-warming tale about a young boy who finds himself to be a new angel in heaven. The boy seems to do all the wrong things and all of heaven’s residents are in disarray. After a lengthy amount of mischief, the littlest angel is sent to the “understanding angel.” The boy is allowed to get one item that was left behind on earth. His behavior becomes “heavenly” when he receives his earthly possession. The littlest angel, in this rendition of Christmas, is ultimately able to play an integral part of Christ’s birth. Though a tongue-in-cheek account of heaven and the first Christmas, this imaginative story is sure to make the reader laugh, cry, and let out a contented sigh. Make this book a part of your Christmas time traditions!

14. __Are You My Mother?__ by P.D. Eastman

Anytime a story talks about family, especially mothers, children are quick to identify with it and love it! Eastman cleverly writes the ponderings of a new baby bird that is unsure about who his mother is. The baby bird’s mother flew away to get food but while she was gone, the baby bird is born and begins looking for his mother. The sweet and innocent little bird begins meeting all kinds of animals and objects and questions if this new thing is his mother. Anyone who has lost their mother in the store can tap into the feelings that this baby bird feels throughout the story. Does another animal adopt the baby bird as their own or will he successfully find his own mother?

15. __Once A Mouse__ by Marcia Brown

Brown retells an fable from India in her Caldecott Medal winning book. All of the illustrations were woodcuts done by Brown. Like any fable, __Once A Mouse__ leaves the reader pondering a truth that isn’t always easily understood. In the story, a hermit saves a mouse that is in danger of being eaten. The hermit has magic abilities and is able to transform the mouse into different animals, depending on which animal is preying on the mouse. When the hermit changes the mouse into a beautiful tiger, the mouse becomes very haughty and unthankful for the blessings he has received. The hermit has to teach the mouse a listen in humility and consequences. Brown uses very simplistic writing and abstract pictures to colorfully bring to life the Indian fable.

16. __A Chocolate Moose for Dinner__ by Fred Gwynne

One of the hardest parts of a language for children to catch onto is the use of idioms. Children tend to be more literal with their language so idioms can conjure up some really weird and funny mental pictures. Gwynne did an excellent job of writing and illustrating the world of idioms through a child’s eyes. Everything from chocolate mousse to Santa “claws” makes an appearance in Gwynne’s creative and laughable story. Children will nod in their heads in agreement with picture and adults will shake their heads in amusement at the absurdity. Perspective and prior knowledge are everything!

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">17. __Pigsty__ by Mark Teague

Almost every child has been told that their room is a pigsty and needs to be cleaned. Wendell experiences those very instructions but he decides that he isn’t going to clean. His mother throws up her arms and decides to let Wendell do what he wants. Wendell discovers a pig in his room the following day, along with a growing mess. Each day a new pig and larger mess are added to Wendell’s room. What he do with all of the swine that are invading his room? Teague cleverly illustrates his own book and teachers children a good lesson about what can happen if they don’t clean their rooms.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">18. __No, David!__ by David Shannon

At the beginning of the book, Shannon notes that this book was inspired by one of his early writings as a child. He had made a book about himself with the only two words he could write, “no” and “David”. In this endearing and not unlikely story, David is constantly getting into mischief and doing things that he shouldn’t do. His mother is constantly telling him “no” or “stop”. David is just a young boy who is curious about life and has his hands everywhere. Many a child and adults who are curious and adventurous can relate to the misadventures of David.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">19. __Nice Little Girls__ by Elizabeth Levy

This children’s book is a perfect representation of what was happening in America during the time it was written. Levy wrote __Nice Little Girls__ in the early 1970s and the Feminist movement was making waves throughout the country. Jackie, the girl in the story, is new to a school and is confused for a boy. She wants to do all of the “boy” things so she decides to pretend she is a boy. This tale has a prominent agenda in being written and is almost cumbersome as a result. Unfortunately, Levy makes her efforts to blur the lines of male and female roles quite clear in this odd story.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">20. __Song and Dance Man__ by Karen Ackerman

This Caldecott Medal winner is a charming story about a grandfather who lets his grandchildren have a taste of his former life. The grandfather takes the children to his attic to get out his old tap shoes, hat, and cane. Though a bit rusty at first, the grandfather begins to show the children an old Vaudeville act. The once old –acting man is transformed back into an energetic youth who captures the grandchildren’s attention. Any grandparent and child would love to embark upon this book together. This story just proves that you are only as old as you feel.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">21. __Amelia Bedelia, Rocket Scientist?__ By Herman Parish

The ever-lovable Amelia Bedelia is up to some new silly antics in this story. As usual, Amelia, much like a child, takes everyone quite literally and manages to get herself into unusual binds. In this book, Amelia helps judge a science fair with a famous science that quickly loses his patience with her. From a renegade hat to an overactive volcano, children will love the misadventures of Amelia Bedelia and the unfortunate people that she encounters. If you like __Amelia Bedelia, Rocket Scientist?__, you are sure to love all of Parish’s other Amelia books!

__ 5 Intermediate Books __

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. __Forces and Motion: Discover Motion__ by Barbara Brannon

It is so exciting for students when they can start reading books for themselves and a whole new world of information is unlocked for them. In this non-fiction science book, children will learn what qualifies as motion and how it happens. The photographs on each page are very rich and detailed and will further bolster the new information for children. This book would be perfect for a science lesson at school or for a child that enjoys science but doesn’t necessary enjoy reading. Brannon did a magnificent job of turning a complex subject into an understandable book for children.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;">2. __Women in Profile: Scientists__ by Carlotta Hacker

This wonderfully informative book about cutting-edge women scientists is a great book, especially for young girls who want to be inspired about the possibilities that are open for them. Hacker profiles several renowned female scientists who have greatly impacted our world. A common theme among the women is there intensity to never give up even everyone around them is saying they can’t or shouldn’t do it. This book is very informational but captures the reader’s attention with historic pictures and side boxes with tidbits of interesting information. Children and adults alike can learn lots of information from this non-fiction book.

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; tabstops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">3. __Water and Weather: Discover Storms__ by Barbara Brannon

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;">Brannon is an author who works with educators to write books that are beneficial to children and their needs. Having written many benchmark readers, Brannon is an expert at writing small, non-fiction chapter books that children can read and understand. In this book, Brannon identifies different types of storms that occur all over the country and what are indicators of the storm. Content reading can be difficult for beginning readers but this book is simplified so that children can be engaged. Brannon is a master of children’s non-fiction writing and is a wonderful resource for teachers everywhere!

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;"> 4. __The Boxcar Children: The Mystery in Washington, DC__ by Gertrude Chandler Warner

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;">Four siblings are about to embark on yet another adventure together. The Alden children will be going to Washington, DC with their grandfather and exploring all of the sights. While their grandfather is away with business, the children will stay in a Bed and Breakfast and explore the capital to their heart's content. Soon after arriving in DC, the Alden children start to notice that odd things are happening. Their new friend, Amira, is sweet but very secretive and seems to be hiding some information about a limo that keeps following the children. Items and money keep disappearing from the Bed and Breakfast and everyone seems to be a suspect. Will the Alden children be able to crack the case while touring Washington, DC?

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;"> 5. __Meet Addy: An American Girl__ by Connie Rose Porter

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;">Addy is a young slave girl who has known no other life than being a slave on a plantation. When hearing here parents talking about running away to freedom late one evening, Addy begins wondering what freedom would look like. Addy's family is thrown for a loop when their owner sells Addy's father and older brother to another planation. Talk of escaping to freedom is no longer a dream but reality when Addy's mother decides she and Addy must leave. Will the two women be able to escape the grueling life of slavery and be reunited with the rest of the family? In this detailed children's chapter book, Porter does a superb job of opening children to the realities of slavery and the impact it had on our nation during the Civil War.

__<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;">1 Young Adult Book __

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;"> 1. __Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules__ by Jeff Kiney

<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; line-height: 115%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; tab-stops: 150.0pt; tabstops: 150.0pt;">As a continuation of his first book, __Diary of a Wimpy Kid,__ Kiney follows up with the life of Greg. Greg is starting a new school year and he is having all sorts of trouble with his brother Roderick. Greg's mom is constantly trying to get the brothers to spend time together but neither one of them wants to comply. As per usual, Greg is doing what he must in order to stay above the bottom of the social ladder. When his friend, Chirag, returns to the school after moving away, Greg takes a joke to far and gets himself into a heap of trouble. More crazy antics of the pubesent Greg and seeing the world through the eyes of his journal. An enjoyable read for middle school and high school students who will easily relate to trying to fit into school.