It Is What It Is

One of the most overused expressions these days is “It is what it is.” But after reading the new book, Thunder-Boomer! by Shutta Crum, that’s exactly what I thought. The story of a thunderstorm in the Midwest is full of onomatopoeia. A perfect book to teach “it is what it is.” Full of description, a family rushes to safety during a surprise storm. Sounds from the storm are highlighted in the beautiful watercolor illustrations. From the ping pang of the hail to the bawk squawk of Maizey the chicken, the storm comes to life as we see a family hunker down (might as well use another overused phrase) for the brief shower. Even if you don’t live where storms like these are familiar, the perfect pairing of story and illustration will take you there.

And speaking of chickens, I read another book this morning, Tillie Lays an Egg by Terry Golson, illustrated with photographs by Ben Fink. Almost “I Spy” in feeling, this story of a hen that lays her egg wherever she wants is a charming story that uses days of the week and a search and find technique to show where eggs come from. Surprise! It’s not the Winn-Dixie. Where will Tillie lay her next egg? Read it and find out.

Those Darn Squirrels

Most people have something that they love more than anything else. Maybe it’s anything pink or it’s shoes. Maybe it is the fall or maybe it is the beach. Old Man Fookwire loves birds. He loves to paint birds too. He hates everything else- puppies, pie. How can you hate pie? I love pie!! Birds were the only thing he liked. So he built beautiful birdfeeders for his beloved birds and filled them with delicious seeds and berries. The birds loved them. So did the squirrels.

Old Man Fookwire was not happy. He shook his fist and yelled,”Those darn squirrels.” Something must be done. He builds higher feeders, but those squirrels are clever. In one of the cutest books I have seen this year, Adam Rubin has created a wonderful story to read over and over. Check out Those Darn Squirrels. You will laugh out loud. Who doesn’t need a good laugh?

If you haven't read Melanie Watt's series about Scaredy Squirrel. He, too, will make you laugh out loud.

Read It, Don't Eat It!

Looking for a just right book to share with the Littles at Storytime or during the first week of school? I just finished a wonderful new story by Ian Schoenherr, Read It, Don’t Eat It!

Simply told in rhyming couplets, adorable animals tell the “book care rules.” On the title page, a bear gently holds and looks at a book. On page one he holds the book close to his chest, closes his eyes and smells. Turn the page. “Read it, don’t eat it!” it says. Bear has the book in the corner of his mouth.

The story goes on to show the reader how to care for a book. Charming illustrations and easy rhyming couplets make this book a winner and a classic in the making. Read it to your class or with your grandchildren. As my mother would say, “ a good time will be had by all.”

Look for other ideas about library orientation to follow in future blogs.

Where in the World is Deborah 2009?

It’s that time of year again. Show season! Every year I pull myself off the road and do something for myself. (A lesson we could all learn.) Surprise for you newbies: I do theater. This year I took a back seat and stayed on the production crew side of Bye Bye Birdie. I was Costume Mistress for a cast of 45. Begging from the cast, borrowing from Junior Theatre and stealing from my own stash, we put on an almost sold out run of 10 shows which closed on Sunday night. Vanguard has been doing shows at Westminster for more than 40 years, drawing families together and building new friendships within the community.

In the last few years, I have taken the opportunity to encourage storytelling and reading with the Littles, Middles, and Young at Hearts during the run of the show. I lug in a suitcase of mostly picture books and do booktalks, read stories and tell original stories to the cast before the director gives notes and the musical director does warm ups. The Littles and Middles can read the books in between scenes. We talk about their favorites. It’s a nice gathering time that eases nerves and gives me an audience to test out my favorites.

This morning I read a book, Celestine Drama Queen by Penny Ives, that I wished I had read before closing night. I hope that they will read about it here instead. (And then of course, rush out to the library to read the entire book.)

Celestine is a Drama Queen. Complete with tiara, Celestine prepares for her big part in the school play. Never lacking in ego (she is a princess after all!), she learns that even stars have much to learn.

As the costume mistress in this year’s show, I learned several lessons myself. You don’t have to be on the stage to be part of the family. It takes a team of people to pull off a big production. There are no small parts. If everyone does his part, we all win. One of our cast members tore his Achilles tendon during the run. Down to one leg, he could no longer pitch in like he had with set moving. This theater family that I love so much, just jumped right in and delegated. He, on the other hand, still came to the show and stood when he could. Many parts and helpful hands created a show that brought joy to hundreds of people- even if we did have to sing “We Love You Conrad” 4,723 times.

Summer Reading 2009

This summer I created a list of some of the best books of 2008. I looked at other consultant best lists, award winners, all time favorite writers and series, and of course, my own favorites. Whether you are a teacher, librarian or parent, share these wonderful books with your kids. The more the merrier. (Note- This list is K-3, 3-6 and 5-8. I am working on a 6-12 list that I will post next week.)

Interest Level- K-3 (Actually of interest to most people)

Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek : a Tall, Thin Tale (introducing his forgotten frontier friend) -- Hopkinson, Deborah. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.4, 36p
In Knob Creek, Kentucky, in 1816, seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a creek and is rescued by his best friend, Austin Gollaher.

The Apple-Pip Princess -- Ray, Jane. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008, RL 4.5, 32p
In a land that has stood barren, parched by drought and ravaged by frosts since the Queen's death, the King sets his three daughters the task of making the kingdom bloom again, and discovers that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Are You Ready to Play Outside? -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.3, 57p
Elephant, who is cautious and pessimistic, and Piggie, who is optimistic and sometimes reckless, go outside to play in the sun and hope that it does not rain. (Read the series- Elephant and Piggie!)

Bats at the Library -- Lies, Brian. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there. (You may want to read the first book, Bats at the Beach.)

Before John was a Jazz Giant : a Song of John Coltrane -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. {IL K-3, 788.7} -- Henry Holt, 2008., RL 3.8, 26p
A biography of John Coltrane that focuses on his childhood and adolescent years and discusses his inspirations, influences, family, the development of his musical talent, and more.

Beware of the Frog -- Bee, William. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 2.2, 42p
Sweet old Mrs. Collywobbles lives on the edge of a big, dark, scary wood, but has a pet frog to protect her from greedy goblins, smelly trolls, and hungry ogres.

Big Plans -- Shea, Bob. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.4, 42p
An unrepentant little boy, sent to the corner for bad behavior, thinks about his very big plans for the future.

The Blacker the Berry : Poems -- Thomas, Joyce Carol. {IL K-3, 811} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2008., RL 2.9, 32p
A collection of poems, including "Golden Goodness," "Cranberry Red," and "Biscuit Brown," celebrating individuality and Afro-American identity.

Chicken said, "Cluck!" -- Grant, Judyann. {IL K-3, -E-} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL .8, 32p
Chicken wants to help Earl and Pearl plant their pumpkins, but she only manages to get in the way, until grasshoppers invade the pumpkin patch and Chicken is the only one who can stop them.

A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever -- Frazee, Marla. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Friends James and Eamon enjoy a wonderful week at the home of Eamon's grandparents during summer vacation.

Fly High, Fly Guy! -- Arnold, Tedd. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Scholastic, 2008., RL 1.2, 30p
When Buzz, his parents, and his pet fly go on a road trip and get lost, Fly Guy comes to the rescue to help them find their way home. (Read the series, too!)

Goose and Duck -- George, Jean Craighead. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Laura Geringer Books, 2008., RL 1.7, 48p
A young boy becomes the "mother" to a goose, who becomes "mother" to a duck, as they learn about the rhythms of nature together.

Help Me, Mr. Mutt! : Expert Answers for Dogs with People Problems -- Stevens, Janet. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.3, 50p
Dogs across the United States write to Mr. Mutt, a people expert, for help with their humans.

The House in the Night -- Swanson, Susan Marie. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 1.7, 40p
Illustrations and easy-to-read text explore the light that makes a house in the night a home filled with light.

How I Learned Geography -- Shulevitz, Uri. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Farrar Straus Giroux, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
As he spends hours studying his father's world map, a young boy escapes the hunger and misery of refugee life. Based on the author's childhood in Kazakhstan, where he lived as a Polish refugee during World War II.

Just Grace Walks the Dog -- Harper, Charise Mericle. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 3.6, 163p
Eight-year-old Just Grace and her best friend Mimi embark on a campaign to convince Grace's parents that they are responsible and dependable enough to get a dog. (Read the rest of the series, Just Grace.)

LaRue for Mayor : Letters from the Campaign Trail -- Teague, Mark. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Blue Sky Press, 2008., RL 3, 32p
Mrs. LaRue's dog, Ike, decides to run for mayor of Snort City after realizing the front-runner, Chief Bugwort, wants to enforce leash, curfew, and other laws for dogs. (Read other adventures of Ike by the same author.)

Look Behind! : Tales of Animal Ends -- Schaefer, Lola M. {IL K-3, 590} -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 4.7, 32p
Looks at the characteristics of different animal butts and how their owners use them, featuring one rear end for each letter in the alphabet.

Maybe a Bear Ate It! -- Harris, Robie H. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Orchard Books, 2008., RL 1.5, 36p
At bedtime, a young boy who cannot find his favorite book imagines the various creatures that might have taken it from him.

The Moon over Star -- Aston, Dianna Hutts. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.8, 32p
On her family's farm in the town of Star, eight-year-old Mae eagerly follows the progress of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight and moon landing and dreams that she might one day be an astronaut, too.

Nic Bishop Frogs -- Bishop, Nic. {IL K-3, 597.8} -- Scholastic, 2008., RL 3.7, 48p
Full-color, illustrated photographs describing the characteristics and behaviors of a variety of frogs around the world. (Part of series, Nic Bishop Animals.)

One Boy -- Seeger, Laura Vaccaro. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Roaring Brook Press, 2008., 42p
A boy creates ten paintings in this counting book that also explores the relationship of words within words.

Our California -- Ryan, Pam Munoz. {IL K-3, 979.4} -- Charlesbridge, 2008., RL 3.7, 42p
Colorful illustrations and rhyming text describes the sights and sounds of California. (Also available in Spanish.)

Papa and Me -- Dorros, Arthur. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Rayo, 2008., RL 2, 25p
A bilingual boy and his father, who only speaks Spanish, spend a day together.

Piano Starts Here : the Young Art Tatum -- Parker, Robert Andrew. {IL K-3, 786.2} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 2.2, 34p
Explores early twentieth-century jazz pianist and virtuoso Art Tatum's passion and talent for playing the instrument, and includes illustrations and biographical information.

The Pigeon Wants a Puppy! -- Willems, Mo. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 1.2, 34p
The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives the pigeon changes its mind. (Read other books about the pigeon by the same author.)

Planting the Trees of Kenya : the Story of Wangari Maathai -- Nivola, Claire A. {IL K-3, 333.72} -- Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008., RL 3.3, 32p
Relates the story of Wangari Maathai, a native Kenyan who taught the people living in the highlands how to plant trees and care for the land.

The Retired Kid -- Agee, Jon. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
Although he enjoys some aspects of his retirement, eight-year-old Brian gains a new perspective on his job of being a child after spending time in Florida's Happy Sunset Retirement Community.

Silent Letters Loud and Clear -- Pulver, Robin. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Holiday House, 2008., RL 2.8, 32p
When Mr. Wright's students express a dislike for silent letters, the offended letters decide to teach them a lesson by going on strike.

Sisters & Brothers : Sibling Relationships in the Animal World -- Jenkins, Steve. {IL K-3, 591.56} -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 3.2, 32p
An illustrated picture book that investigates sibling relationships within the animal kingdom.

Stink and the Great Guinea Pig Express -- McDonald, Megan. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 3.2, 118p
Stink Moody, friends Webster and Sophie, and Mrs. Birdwistle visit tourist attractions in Virginia as they try to give away 101 guinea pigs rescued from a laboratory, although Stink is very reluctant to relinquish his favorite, Astro. (Read the rest of the series about Stink, as well as books about his sister, Judy Moody, by the same author.)

Stinky : a Toon Book -- Davis, Eleanor. {IL K-3, 741.5} -- Little Lit Library, 2008., RL 1.7, 40p
Stinky, a monster who lives in a swamp, comes up with all kinds of strange ways to get rid of a kid who has wandered into his territory. (Beginning reader, graphic work)

The Storyteller's Candle -- Gonzalez, Lucia M. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Children's Book Press, 2008., RL 2.6, 30p
During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpre, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.

Traction Man Meets Turbodog -- Grey, Mini. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Alfred A. Knopf, 2008., RL 3.4, 32p
Traction Man braves the evil bin things in order to save Scrubbing Brush, who had been thrown away by the little boy's father and replaced with a battery-operated dog. (You may want to read the first book, Traction Man, before reading the sequel.)

What Can You Do with a Rebozo? -- Tafolla, Carmen. {IL K-3, -E-} -- Tricycle Press, 2008., RL 2.9, 25p
A spunky, young Mexican American girl explains the many uses of her mother's red rebozo, or long scarf.

What to Do about Alice? : How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove her Father Teddy Crazy! -- Kerley, Barbara. {IL K-3, 973.9} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 4.8, 44p
An illustrated biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth that focuses on her experiences while her father was president of the United States.

Wolfsnail : a Backyard Predator -- Campbell, Sarah C.{IL K-3, 594} -- Boyds Mills Press, 2008., RL 4.4, 32p
Close-up photographs and simple text describe how a wolf snail hunts, attacks, and eats it prey.

The Wolves are Back -- George, Jean Craighead. {IL K-3, 599.773} -- Dutton Children’s Books, 2008., RL 2.5, 32p
Describes the ecological benefits brought about by the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

Interest Level 3-6

Alvin Ho : Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things -- Look, Lenore. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.8, 172p
A young boy in Concord, Massachusetts, who loves superheroes and comes from a long line of brave Chinese farmer-warriors, wants to make friends, but first he must overcome his fear of everything. (First book in a new series.)

Bird -- Elliott, Zetta. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Lee & Low Books, 2008., RL 3.8, 42p
Bird, an artistic young African American boy, expresses himself through drawing as he struggles to understand his older brother's drug addiction and death, while a family friend, Uncle Son, provides guidance and understanding.

The Calder Game -- Balliett, Blue. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 5.4, 379p
When seventh-grader Calder Pillay disappears from a remote English village--along with an Alexander Calder sculpture to which he has felt strangely drawn--his friends Petra and Tommy fly from Chicago to help his father find him. (Third book in a series)

Clementine's Letter -- Pennypacker, Sara. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 4.7, 150p
After learning that her favorite teacher will be leaving for a trip to Egypt and will be absent for the remainder of the year, Clementine devises a plan to get rid of the substitute and get Mr. D'Matz to stay. (Second book in a series of 3 books.)

Coraline -- Russell, P. Craig. {IL 3-6, 741.5} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL 5.8, 186p
Coraline, who lives with her parents and some other people in a strange old house, explores the garden, grounds and eventually the inside of the mansion, where a door leads her to another universe that darkly mirrors the one she arrived from. Graphic novel adaptation. (You may also want to read the original novel version by Neil Gaiman.)

The Discovery and Mystery of a Dinosaur Named Jane -- Williams, Judith. {IL 3-6, 567.912} -- Enslow Publishers, 2008., RL 5.2, 48p
Tells the story of the tyrannosaur Jane, from her discovery and excavation in the badlands of Montana to her display at the Burpee Museum in Rockford, Illinois, and explores the mysteries of her life millions of years ago.

Farmer George Plants a Nation -- Thomas, Peggy. {IL 3-6, 973.4} -- Calkins Creek, 2008., RL 6.3, 40p
Describes how George Washington built his farm at Mount Vernon, discussing his experiments with seeds, fertilizers, and tools and presenting related letters and diary entries.

Hate that Cat -- Creech, Sharon. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Joanna Cotler Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 153p
Jack is studying poetry again in school, and he continues to write poems reflecting his understanding of famous works and how they relate to his life. (You may also want to read the first book, Love that Dog.)

I, Matthew Henson : Polar Explorer -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. {IL 3-6, 910.911} -- Walker, 2008., RL 6.5, 32p
Shares the story of Matthew Henson, an African-American man who vigorously pursued his dream to reach the North Pole along with explorer Robert Peary.

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late -- Bosch, Pseudonymous. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2008., RL 5, 385p
Cass and Max-Ernest discover the Museum of Magic, unscramble more coded messages, and solve new mysteries in their attempt to thwart the Terces Society's ambitions of discovering immortality. (You may want to read the first book- The Name of this Book is Secret, before reading this sequel.)

The London Eye Mystery -- Dowd, Siobhan. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- David Fickling Books, 2008, RL 6.1, 322p
When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye Ferris wheel, the two siblings must work together--Ted with his brain that is "wired differently" and impatient Kat--to try to solve the mystery of what happened to Salim.

The Maze of Bones / (39 Clues, book 1) -- Riordan, Rick. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Scholastic, 2008.
Amy and Dan, members of the powerful Cahill family, try to uncover the thirty-nine clues which will reveal the secrets of their lineage and find out what really happened to their parents. (There are others in the series too!)

Masterpiece -- Broach, Elise. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books, 2008., RL 5.3, 292p
After Marvin, a beetle, makes a miniature drawing as an eleventh birthday gift for James, a human with whom he shares a house, the two new friends work together to help recover a Durer drawing stolen from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

My One Hundred Adventures -- Horvath, Polly. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 260p
Twelve-year-old Jane, who lives at the beach in a run-down old house with her mother, two brothers, and sister, has an eventful summer accompanying her pastor on Bible deliveries, meeting former boyfriends of her mother's, and being coerced into babysitting for a family of ill-mannered children.

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey -- Stewart, Trenton Lee. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Little, Brown, 2008., RL 6.8, 440p
Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance, all graduates of the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened and members of the Benedict Society, embark on a scavenger hunt that turns into a desperate search for the missing Mr. Benedict. (You may want to read the first book, The Mysterious Benedict Society, before reading this sequel.)

Nightmare at the Book Fair -- Gutman, Dan. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 3.3, 230p
On his way to lacrosse tryouts, the president of the PTA asks Trip Dinkelman to help her with the book fair, resulting in Trip sustaining a head injury which causes him temporary amnesia and makes for an interesting journey home.

Pale Male : Citizen Hawk of New York City -- Schulman, Janet. {IL 3-6, 598.9} -- Knopf, 2008., RL 5.8, 34p
Recounts the true story of Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk living in New York City who has become one of the city's most-watched celebrities and bird watchers, tourists, and residents admire the bird and his nest, built on a Fifth Avenue apartment building.

Peter and the Secret of Rundoon -- Barry, Dave. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Disney Editions/Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 5.9, 482p
Fearing that the sinister Lord Ombra was not destroyed, Peter and Molly travel to the land of Rundoon, which is ruled by the evil King Zarboff. (This is the 3rd book in the series.)

A River of Words : the Story of William Carlos Williams -- Bryant, Jennifer. {IL 3-6, 811} -- Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.6, 34p
Presents a picture book biography of American poet William Carlos Williams, who studied to become a doctor, but still found time to write poetry.

Sipping Spiders through a Straw : Campfire Songs for Monsters -- DiPucchio, Kelly S. {IL 3-6, 782.42164} -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 3.2, 32p
A collection of creepy critters sing their favorite campfire sing-alongs, slightly altered for little monsters.

Ways to Live Forever -- Nicholls, Sally. {IL 3-6, -Fic-} -- Arthur A. Levine Books, 2008., RL 4, 212p
Eleven-year-old Sam McQueen, who has leukemia, writes a book during the last three months of his life, in which he tells about what he would like to accomplish, how he feels, and things that have happened to him before he dies.

We are the Ship : the story of Negro League Baseball -- Nelson, Kadir. {IL 3-6, 796.357} -- Jump at the Sun/Hyperion, 2008., RL 6, 88p
Explores the history of Negro League baseball teams, discussing owners, players, hardships, wins, and losses; and including illustrations.

Interest Level 5-8

Ain't Nothing but a Man : My Quest to Find the Real John Henry -- Nelson, Scott Reynolds. {IL 5-8, 973} -- National Geographic, 2008., RL 6.4, 64p
Historian Scott Nelson introduces children to the life of the real John Henry, drawing on songs, poems, and stories to describe the man behind the legendary African-American hero.

The Battle of the Labyrinth -- Riordan, Rick. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Hyperion, 2008., RL 4.1
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood, from whence he and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the Labyrinth, while the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. (4th book in the Percy and the Olympians series. Final Book is also out.)


Bird Lake Moon -- Henkes, Kevin. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 6.6, 179p
Twelve-year-old Mitch, spending the summer with his grandparents at Bird Lake after his parents' separation, becomes friends with ten-year-old Spencer, who has returned with his family to the lake where his little brother drowned years earlier, and as the boys spend time together and their friendship grows, each of them begins to heal.

The Diamond of Darkhold -- DuPrau, Jeanne. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Random House, 2008., RL 5.3, 285p
After obtaining an ancient book with only a few pages remaining, Lina and Doon return to Ember seeking the machine described in the book that might be able to aid their new community, Sparks, through the winter.

Diary of a Wimpy kid : Rodrick Rules -- Kinney, Jeff. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Amulet Books, 2008., RL 5.7, 216p
Greg Heffley tells about his summer vacation and his attempts to steer clear of trouble when he returns to middle school and tries to keep his older brother, Rodrick, from telling everyone about Greg's most humiliating experience of the summer. (Book 2 in a series. Book 1 is free online at http://www.funbrain.com/)

Found -- Haddix, Margaret Peterson. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 5, 314p
When thirteen-year-olds Jonah and Chip, who are both adopted, learn they were discovered on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and two opposing forces, each trying to repair the fabric of time. (First book in new series, author of series, Shadow Children.)

The Graveyard Book -- Gaiman, Neil. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- HarperCollins, 2008., RL 5.7, 312p
After Bod’s family is murdered, the orphaned Bod, short for Nobody, is taken in by the inhabitants of a graveyard as a child of eighteen months and raised lovingly and carefully to the age of eighteen years by the community of ghosts and otherworldly creatures. Winner of the Newbery 2009

Savvy -- Law, Ingrid. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Dial Books for Young Readers, Walton Media, 2008., RL 6.5, 342p
Recounts the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her "savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is injured in a terrible accident.

The Underneath -- Appelt, Kathi. {IL 5-8, -Fic-} -- Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 5.6, 313p
An old hound that has been chained up at his hateful owner's run-down shack, and two kittens born underneath the house, endure separation, danger, and many other tribulations in their quest to be reunited and free.

I would also suggest you read the CYRA nominees for next year or whatever state reader's choice awards you have.

Books to Tell 2008

One of the great things about books is that so many of them "retell" almost as well as they read aloud. Teachers and librarians can use many of these books to match the curriculum and supplement their textbooks. Books can be used in a science or social studies class.

I remember one of the best teachers I ever had was Janie Putnam at Boiling Springs High School. She was my 11th grade history teacher. I couldn't wait for that class each day. Why? Because she told stories. Stories about Abe Lincoln using his hat for a desk. Stories about Adams losing his clothes to a reporter who wanted an interview. Stories that I used to control the boys I babysat. They were wild boys who would do anything if only I would tell another story. Mrs. Putnam gave me those stories.

How do you know a book will retell?
As you look at books, read them aloud. Many times a story that retells well, reads well aloud. It may have a pattern in the style. There may be repetition of a phrase. When you try retelling it to others and you see their interest almost as soon as you begin, you may have a winner. A picture book can work if you can read the story without looking at the pictures. Sometimes illustrations complement the storyline, while other times they add details that the story cannot live without. You may be able to add something to the story that fills in the illustration gap, but it may not always work.

Look at picture books. Look at fairy tales (398.2). Look for short stories. Scary stories, of course, often retell well. Stories that have a surprise ending, like Beware the Frog (William Bee) for example, often tell well.

I found a story, now what?
Once you find a story that may work, you can practically memorize it or you can make it your own. Identify words or phrases that must be told exactly. Fill it with your own style. Tell it to your students.

You can also use these books without telling them. Give potential books to your students. Give them the criteria on how you know a book will retell. Ask them to write key phrases. Identify characters, plot and setting. Ask them to look for details that are missing without illustrations. What part of the setting, plot or character will have to be filled in with words? A worksheet may make it easier for them to flesh out their notes.

Then have students decide which story to tell. Students can use the sheet as a guide to learning their story. Practicing in groups or with partners can also be beneficial to learning new stories. Using stories written by others can be a big step towards learning to tell stories that work before you try telling your own.

Some stories that work from 2008
Abe Lincoln crosses a creek : a tall, thin tale (introducing his forgotten frontier friend) -- Hopkinson, Deborah. -- Schwartz & Wade Books, 2008., RL 3.4, 36p
In Knob Creek, Kentucky, in 1816, seven-year-old Abe Lincoln falls into a creek and is rescued by his best friend, Austin Gollaher.

Ain't nothing but a man : my quest to find the real John Henry -- Nelson, Scott Reynolds. -- National Geographic, 2008., RL 6.4, 64p
Historian Scott Nelson introduces children to the life of the real John Henry, drawing on songs, poems, and stories to describe the man behind the legendary African-American hero.

The apple-pip princess -- Ray, Jane. -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 4.5, 32p
In a land that has stood barren, parched by drought and ravaged by frosts since the Queen's death, the King sets his three daughters the task of making the kingdom bloom again, and discovers that sometimes the smallest things can make the biggest difference.

Bats at the library -- Lies, Brian. -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
Bored with another normal, inky evening, bats discover an open library window and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain, and especially the books and stories found there.

Beware of the frog -- Bee, William. -- Candlewick Press, 2008., RL 2.2, 42p
Sweet old Mrs. Collywobbles lives on the edge of a big, dark, scary wood, but has a pet frog to protect her from greedy goblins, smelly trolls, and hungry ogres.

The cow that laid an egg -- Cutbill, Andy. -- HarperCollins, 2008, c2006., RL 3.8, 32p
The chickens at the farm hatch a plan to help Marjorie the cow feel special, but some of the other cows get suspicious.

The fisherman and his wife -- Isadora, Rachel. -- G. P. Putnam's Sons, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
The fisherman's greedy wife is never satisfied with the wishes granted her by an enchanted fish.

How I learned geography -- Shulevitz, Uri. -- Farrar Straus Giroux, 2008., RL 2.7, 32p
As he spends hours studying his father's world map, a young boy escapes the hunger and misery of refugee life. Based on the author's childhood in Kazakhstan, where he lived as a Polish refugee during World War II.

I, Matthew Henson : polar explorer -- Weatherford, Carole Boston. -- Walker, 2008., RL 6.5, 32p
Shares the story of Matthew Henson, an African-American man who vigorously pursued his dream to reach the North Pole along with explorer Robert Peary.

Look behind! : tales of animal ends -- Schaefer, Lola M. -- Greenwillow Books, 2008., RL 4.7, 32p
Looks at the characteristics of different animal butts and how their owners use them, featuring one rear end for each letter in the alphabet.

Maybe a bear ate it! -- Harris, Robie H. -- Orchard Books, 2008., RL 1.5, 36p
At bedtime, a young boy who cannot find his favorite book imagines the various creatures that might have taken it from him.

The McElderry book of Greek myths -- Kimmel, Eric A. -- M.K. McElderry Books, 2008., RL 5.2, 96p
Contains illustrated retellings of twelve classic Greek myths, including the stories of Pandora, Icarus, King Midas, and others.

The moon over Star -- Aston, Dianna Hutts. -- Dial Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 4.8, 32p
On her family's farm in the town of Star, eight-year-old Mae eagerly follows the progress of the 1969 Apollo 11 flight and moon landing and dreams that she might one day be an astronaut, too.

More bones : scary stories from around the world -- Viking, 2008., RL 4.8, 162p
A collection of scary stories collected from civilizations around the globe and throughout history.

Pale Male : citizen hawk of New York City -- Schulman, Janet. {IL 3-6, 598.9} -- Knopf, 2008., RL 5.8, 34p
Recounts the true story of Pale Male, a red-tailed hawk living in New York City who has become one of the city's most-watched celebrities and bird watchers, tourists, and residents admire the bird and his nest, built on a Fifth Avenue apartment building.

Planting the trees of Kenya : the story of Wangari Maathai -- Nivola, Claire A. -- Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, 2008., RL 3.3, 32p
Relates the story of Wangari Maathai, a native Kenyan who taught the people living in the highlands how to plant trees and care for the land.

The race of the century -- Downard, Barry. -- Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2008., RL 2.8, 32p
Fed up with his incessant taunting, Tom Tortoise challenges Flash Harry Hare to the race of the century, which turns into a worldwide media event, complete with television and newspaper coverage, photographers, and many other distractions.

Rapunzel -- Isadora, Rachel. -- G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2008., RL 3.6, 32p
An illustrated adaptation of the familiar fairy tale that describes the story of a beautiful African girl with extraordinarily long hair who is imprisoned in a lonely tower by a witch.

The retired kid -- Agee, Jon. -- Hyperion Books for Children, 2008., RL 2.6, 32p
Although he enjoys some aspects of his retirement, eight-year-old Brian gains a new perspective on his job of being a child after spending time in Florida's Happy Sunset Retirement Community.

Snoring Beauty -- Hale, Bruce. -- Harcourt, 2008., RL 2.9, 44p
An adaptation of the traditional tale, featuring a sleeping, snoring princess who is rescued by a prince after being cursed by a bad fairy.

The storyteller's candle -- Gonzalez, Lucia M. -- Children's Book Press, 2008., RL 2.6, 30p During the early days of the Great Depression, New York City's first Puerto Rican librarian, Pura Belpre, introduces the public library to immigrants living in El Barrio and hosts the neighborhood's first Three Kings' Day fiesta.

There's a wolf at the door -- Alley, Zoe B. -- Roaring Brook Press, 2008., RL 3.5, 34p
As his plans are spoiled over and over again, the wolf keeps trying to find his dinner, in this retelling of five well-known stories and fables.

Way up and over everything -- McGill, Alice. -- Houghton Mifflin, 2008., RL 4.3, 32p
In this retelling of a folktale, five Africans escape the horrors of slavery by simply disappearing into thin air.

What to do about Alice? : how Alice Roosevelt broke the rules, charmed the world, and drove her father Teddy crazy! -- Kerley, Barbara. -- Scholastic Press, 2008., RL 4.8, 44p
An illustrated biography of Alice Roosevelt Longworth that focuses on her experiences while her father was president of the United States.

The wolves are back -- George, Jean Craighead. -- Dutton Childrens Books, 2008., RL 2.5, 32p Describes the ecological benefits brought about by the reintroduction of wolves into Yellowstone National Park.

For links to these and other great books, see my website Best Books. For other ideas about storytelling in the library or classroom see Vicky Reed's website at Filamentality, Stories to Tell.

Book Trailers

Want to put some new technology in your book reports? Try using video. Perhaps you have seen Scholastic book trailers at In the Stacks. Kids can get a sneak preview of the hottest books in a video trailer- just like the movies. These videos are slick and enticing. They make you want to run to the library or bookstore to read these books. Students can use these techniques to either retell the story or as a book teaser.

Movies without a camcorder
You can also create your own videos to encourage reading. Microsoft has a free product that students can use to create movies without a video camera. Photo Story for Windows is a downloadable, easy to use product. Using digital images, students create a storyboard, add narration, text and music. Royalty free music is included in the free software. The software adds the transitions, including zoom and panning. You can fade to black. Users can also adjust the “camera work” if you don’t like what Photo Story creates.

Dr. Mark Geary has worked with students to create examples of these Photo Story book trailers. These "movies for literacy" are arranged by early elementary, late elementary and adolescent trailers. Complete with a tutorial on how to make it, students can make their own. You can use a few scans from the original book or allow students to use their own photographs. You can use Google Images to find photos that will work. Students can even create their own artwork, scan it, and use the saved digital images. Photo Story is so easy, even an adult can do it.

Other resources for digital storytelling can be found at this Filamentality website.