Katy and the Big Snow by Virginia Lee Burton

What it's about: Katy is a tractor that can do many things to help people. One winter day there is a Big Snow that is so deep the regular snow plow trucks break down. The city stops functioning under the deep snow and only Katy is strong enough to clear the deep snow.

Why I like it: My mom read this book to me and her mom read it to her. It was written in 1943! It's so good that it is still being published.

What it teaches:This is a great book for teaching map skills. At the beginning of the book the city of Geoppolis is laid out in a map and each important part of the city is labeled (hospital, police department, airport, etc...). Katy starts plowing in the center of the city and then moves to the South, East, North, and West parts of the city. Each place she plows can be seen on the map of the city at the beginning of the book. As a kid, I loved laying out Katy's path on the map.

I know it has been forever...

I will try to be better at posting a new book weekly. Life has been a little crazy but now that I am done with school for the summer and almost done with chemo, things have settled down. I have loved sharing my books with you and I hope you have enjoyed some of my selections so far!

Mama Always Comes Home by Karma Wilson

What it's About: This book discusses how all moms have to leave their babies occasionally. It is a natural thing for moms to go away, but that they always miss their babies and they always come home,

Why I Like It: It's a sincere and lovingly written book that gives me "warm fuzzies" when I read it.

What it Teaches: It helps children and moms know that it is ok to have to leave each other sometimes, and that even though they miss each other while they are apart, they will be together again soon. It shows that even animals have to leave their babies, but they always come back home.

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus by Mo Willems

What it's about: The bus driver has to leave his bus for a bit and enlists the help of the reader to keep the pigeon from driving his bus. That pigeon sure is persistant.

Why I like it: The pigeon uses every type of persuasion, many of which are quite familiar to what a parent hears from their child ("I'll be your best friend!"). I also love the facial expressions captured in the simple illustrations. This book is just plain entertainment. I haven't met a kid who doesn't laugh hysterically when they read it.

What it teaches: This book is more on the silly side and not as educational (which is lots of fun sometimes). However, it is WONDERFUL for teaching voice and expression.

Interested?

Click here to see how much it sells for on Amazon

Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney

What it's about: It's time for little llama to go to bed. Mama kisses him and tucks him in bed, but when she leaves plenty of llama drama ensues. Little llama wants his mama, but she's busy and can't come right away. Llama cries and screams and finally mama comes rushing back and tells him not to worry, she is always near.

Why I like it: Just looking at the cover makes me snicker a bit. The illustrator truly captures the emotion llama feels when left alone in his room, and for added giggles llama's stuffed toy always displays facial expressions identical to llama's.

What it teaches: A very helpful book for children who have trouble going to bed at night, and it's great for teaching kids to read with expression. I also use it to show children how to draw characters with lots of detail and emotion.

Interested?

Click here to see how much it sells for on Amazon

Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells

What it's about: It's Max's grandma's birthday and Max wants to make her a special earthworm cake, but his bossy older sister, Ruby, interferes. Because Max is a little clumsy, she has to send him to the grocery store to get a few items that he spills. Meanwhile, Max is still trying to add the finishing touches to his earthworm cake and needs 1 very special item from the grocer.

Why I like it: Anyone can relate to being either a "Max" or "Ruby" personality. I also admire Max's determination to get what he wants, even when he encounters difficulties.

What it teaches: This book definitely instills a "don't give up" attitude. I also use this book when I teach writing, since one of Max's difficulties is figuring out how to communicate with paper and pencil when he is unable to write letters and words.

Interested?
Click here to see how much it sells for on Amazon

Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson

What it's about: A witch and her cat take a ride on her broomstick, but she keeps losing things and has to land to search for each item. She has trouble finding her things, but other animals search them out and then ask if there is "room on the broom" for each of them. At the end, the witch gets caught by a dragon and her new friends come to the rescue.

Why I like it: Because of the different voices of the animals, it's fun to read this book with lots of expression. I also love the friendly personality of the witch and how her good deeds come back to her when she needs help.

Skills it teaches: This book teaches a lesson on the benefits of friendship. It is also great for teaching expression and rhyming skills. (I know...another rhyming book!)

Interested?
Click here to see how much it sells for on Amazon