Module 10: Babymouse Queen of the World & The Adventures of Captain Underpants

Babymouse Queen of the World by Jennifer Holm

Summary:  This book is a comical graphic novel about a cute mouse named Babymouse.  Daily life for a student mouse is portrayed in a hilarious way!

Citation: Holm, J. (2005). Babymouse queen of the world. New York: Random House Books for Young Readers.

Impressions:  I love this book!  I especially love Babymouse!  We both enjoy cupcakes and pink dresses.  Her curly whiskers remind me of mishaps I have with my hair.  This book is eye-catching because of the simple pictures and text.

Reviews:  Booklist

Gr. 4-6. In this energetic comic by a brother-sister team (Jennifer's Our Only May Amelia was a Newbery Honor Book), Babymouse, a wise-cracking rodent stand-in for your average, adventure-seeking nine-year-old, strives to capture popular Felicia's goodwill, finally achieving her end at the expense of Wilson Weasel, truest of friends. But, wouldn't you know it, Felicia's world has little to offer a smart, fun-loving mouse, after all. The Holms spruce up some well-trod ground with breathless pacing and clever flights of Babymouse's imagination, and their manic, pink-toned illustrations of Babymouse and her cohorts vigorously reflect the internal life of any million-ideas-a-minute middle-school student.

Karp, J. (2005). Babymouse queen of the world [Review of the book Babymouse queen of the world, by Jennifer Holm]. Booklist.

Use in Library Setting:  Excerpts of this book should be read aloud with students finishing the cliffhanger with their own comic strip. 

The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dav Pilkey

Summary:  Harold and George created Captain Underpants by hypnotizing their principal.  Captain Underpants then goes and carries off many shenanigans.

Citation: Pilkey, D. (1997). The adventures of Captain Underpants. New York: Blue Sky Press.

Impressions:  Although a few words are not my preference for children, this book is packed with laughs!

Reviews:  Kirkus Reviews

In the fine old tradition of James Marshall's Cut-Ups, Pilkey (God Bless the Gargoyles, 1996, etc.) introduces George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two usually responsible fourth-graders, as in ``whenever anything bad happened, George and Harold were usually responsible.'' Pranksters of the first order, George and Harold are finally nabbed by Mr. Krupp, the principal, whom they then hypnotize into believing he's Captain Underpants, a superhero of their own creation. Before they can stop him, he's out the window in cape and briefs, off to fight crime with Wedgie Power, taking on bank robbers, robot thieves--`` `You know,' said George, `up until now this story was almost believable!' ''--and ultimately the evil Dr. Diaper. Distracting Dr. Diaper with some ``fake doggy doo- doo,'' the boys save the planet, then hustle Krupp back into his clothes, just in time for--their next adventure, The Attack of the Talking Toilets, coming soon. Pilkey's stubby black-and-white cartoon figures appear on every page but can be animated in one chapter, thanks to ``Flip-O-Rama,'' where readers flip pages back and forth for the ``latest in cheesy animation technology.'' There'll be no silence in the library once readers get hold of this somewhat classier alternative to Barf-o-Rama books and their crude ilk.

(1997). Captain Underpants [Review of the book Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey]. Kirkus Reviews.

Use in Library Setting:  This book could be highlighted during Banned Books Week.  Ask the students to write a persuasive essay on why it should/shouldn’t be included in the collection.

Module 9: Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus & Judy Moody

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus by Barbara Park

Summary:  This story is about the adventures Junie has as she enters kindergarten.

Citation: Park, B. (1992). Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Impressions:  At first I was not impressed with the way Junie talked, but I eventually liked her.  This was a very funny book.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 --Park is truly a funny writer. Although Junie B. is a kindergartner, she's sure to make middle graders laugh out loud when they read about her adventures on the first day of school. Even the most insecure readers will feel superior because they know so much more than she does. Brunkus's occasional black-and-white pencil illustrations are appealing and reinforce the mood of the text. Junie B. is a real character; she talks a lot, is funny without knowing it, and honest to a fault. This book will get lots of peer recommendations, and younger kids will enjoy listening to it when read aloud. It's a real hoot!

Sherman, G. (1992). Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus [Review of the book Junie B. Jones and the stupid smelly bus, by Barbara Park]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book is very simple and could be used as an introduction to chapter books.

Judy Moody by Megan McDonald

Summary:  Judy Moody is a spunky third grader.  Judy misses everything about second grade and definitely not looking forward to third grade.  Everything changes when a project lets her share about herself.

Citation: McDonald, M. (2010). Judy Moody. New York: Candlewick Press.

Impressions:  I thought this book was very similar to Junie B. Jones series but catering to a different audience.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Grade 2-4-Judy Moody is grumpy. She hates the thought of summer ending and dreads starting third grade, until her new teacher asks each student to create a "Me" collage to share with the class. Then she can't wait to tell about her new pet-a Venus flytrap that eats bugs and hamburger, the T.P. (Toad Pee) Club initiation, and how she ate a shark over the summer. Judy's second-grade brother Stink and her friend Rock are major figures in the story as is her nemesis, Frank Pearl. Judy is independent, feisty, and full of energy, a delightful new character for beginning chapter-book readers. Reynolds has captured her personality in his humorous illustrations done in watercolor, tea, and pen and ink.

Schomberg, J. (2010). Judy Moody [Review of the book Judy Moody, by Megan McDonald]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book is a great read aloud for students second grade and above.  Since it is in a series, reading to students aloud will inspire the further reading of the series.

Module 8: Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds & Where’s the Big Bad Wolf

Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds by David A. Adler

Summary:  Cam is on vacation, when suddenly some diamonds disappear!  Cam is on the prowl to find the diamonds and the thieves!

Citation: Adler, D. A. (2004). Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds. New York: Puffin Books.

Impressions:  I enjoyed thus young mystery.

Reviews:  Booklist

What wrongdoer is any match for Cam Jansen, the girl with the amazing photographic memory?"

McGarth, J. (2004). Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds [Review of the book Cam Jansen and the Mystery of the Stolen Diamonds, by Kevin Henkes]. Booklist.

Use in Library Setting:  This book could serve as a recommendation to a young reader transitioning into chapter books.

Where’s the Big Bad Wolf by Eileen Christelow

Summary:  This book is a fractured fairytale of the “Three Little Pigs.”  The story adds a twist because as the pig is in the hospital someone is destroying the pigs’ home.  Who can it be?

Citation: Christelow, E. (2002). Where’s the big bad wolf. New York: Clarion Books.

Impressions:  I enjoyed a twist to the classic.  The illustrations are colorful and can be enjoyed by a crowd.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Grade 1-2-A determined Detective Doggedly pursues the elusive BBW (Big Bad Wolf) in a delicious parody of the traditional tale. Three dim-witted and naive pigs, a wolf with a taste for unusual costuming, and three sharp-eyed residents of the nearby "Home for Elderly Cows" create a mystery worthy of the slightly befuddled detective: who is destroying the pigs' houses, when the wolf is currently hospitalized with mysterious flulike symptoms? Doggedly catches the culprit, but one doubts that this "egg-snatching, pie-pinching, chicken-chasing, pig-poaching" villain is ready to change his habits when released. Christelow's pen-and-ink and gouache cartoons show sticks and straw flying across pages, the not-too-bright protagonist, and a hilarious wolf in sheep's clothing. Characters comment on all the goings-on in dialogue balloons that add to the fun and humor. Pair this book with Jon Scieszka's True Story of the Three Little Pigs (Viking, 1989), another choice for lovers of fractured tales.


Elam, M. (2002). Where’s the big bad wolf [Review of the book Where’s the big bad wolf, by Eileen Christelow]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  The illustrations in this book are big and make it a great read aloud.  A lesson in fractured fairytales should accompany it.

Module 7: Actual Size & An Egg is Quiet

Actual Size by Steve Jenkins

Summary:  This book is about large animals of all types.  It gives facts and measurements of the animals.

Citation: Jenkins, S. (2011). Actual size. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Impressions:  I enjoyed this book because it gives a good perspective on animal sizes.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 5–In striking torn-and-cut paper collages, Jenkins depicts 18 animals and insects–or a part of their body–in actual size. One illustration compares an atlas moth with a 12-inch wingspan to a dwarf goby fish, which is 1/3-inch long. The eye of a giant squid, at a foot across, occupies a spread to terrific effect; only the snout and tongue–curling its two-foot length across two pages and littered with termites–are visible in the picture of the giant anteater. The hand of a gorilla fills a page opposite the entire pygmy mouse lemur with its tiny human-fingertip-sized palm. The saltwater crocodile grows to 23 feet, so tremendous that its head occupies a three-page foldout. On the reverse side is the rat-eating Goliath frog, a staggering 36 inches long in full hop. One or two lines of text briefly introduce each animal and give specific measurements, e.g., the gorilla stands 5 ½ feet tall and weighs 600 pounds, while the mouse lemur is 2 ½ inches tall and weighs 1 ounce. The end matter offers full pictures of the creatures and more details about their habitats and habits. Mixing deceptive simplicity with absolute clarity, this beautiful book is an enticing way to introduce children to the glorious diversity of our natural world, or to illustrate to budding scientists the importance of comparison, measurement, observation, and record keeping. A thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a must-have for any collection.

Ratterree, D. (2011). Actual Size [Review of the book Actusl size, by Steve Jenkins]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book would be a great resource when teaching students about measurement.

An Egg is Quiet by Dianna Hutts Aston

Summary:  This book is a wonderful presentation of different types of eggs.

Citation: Aston, D. A. (2006). An egg is quiet. New York: HarperCollins Publishers.

Impressions: I never thought eggs could be so interesting! Over 60 different eggs are presented with facts.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 2–An exceptionally handsome book on eggs, from the delicate ova of the green lacewing to the rosy roe of the Atlantic salmon to the mammoth bulk of an ostrich egg. Aston's simple, readable text celebrates their marvelous diversity, commenting on size, shape, coloration, and where they might be found. The author occasionally attributes sensibilities to eggs (An egg is clever, for example). Still, her quiet descriptions of egg engineering and embryo development (no mention of mating) are on the mark, and are beautifully supported by Long's splendid watercolor depictions of a wide variety of eggs. (One teeny carp–Steller's jays are not spelled with an ar, though they are stellar performers when wheedling for your lunch at a campsite!) A beautiful guide to the unexpected panoply of the egg.

Manning, P. (2010). An egg is quiet [Review of the book An egg is quiet, by Dianna Hutts Aston]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This could be used as a research tool for young readers.  Readers wanting to discover more about eggs will certainly enjoy this book.

Module 6: Goin’ Someplace Special & Ron’s Big Mission

Goin’ Someplace Specia by Patricia McKissack

Summary:  ‘Tricia Ann allows viewers to be first hand spectators of the time of segregation.  ‘Tricia Ann takes a ride to the library all along being a victim of injustice until she finally arrives to a place where nothing matters.

Citation: McKissack, P. (2008). Goin’ someplace special. New York: Aladdin.

Impressions:  I was sad to know about the discriminations a little girl suffered although she was a child.  The ending was especially special because she arrives at the library.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Gr 3-5-'Tricia Ann's first solo trip out of her neighborhood reveals the segregation of 1950s' Nashville and the pride a young African-American girl takes in her heritage and her sense of self-worth. In an eye-opening journey, McKissack takes the child through an experience based upon her own personal history and the multiple indignities of the period. She experiences a city bus ride and segregated parks, restaurants, hotels, and theaters and travels toward "Someplace Special." In the end, readers see that 'Tricia Ann's destination is the integrated public library, a haven for all in a historical era of courage and change. Dialogue illustrates her confidence and intelligence as she bravely searches for truth in a city of Jim Crow signs. Pinkney re-creates the city in detailed pencil-and-watercolor art angled over full-page spreads, highlighting the young girl with vibrant color in each illustration. A thought-provoking story for group sharing and independent readers.

Elam, M. (2001). Goin’ Someplace Special [Review of the book Goin’ Someplace Special, by Patricia McKissack]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This is a great book to read aloud during Black History Month.

Ron’s Big Mission by Rose Blue & Corinne Naden

Summary:  This story is about Ron McNair (astronaunt) and how he challenges the rules during times of segregation.  Ron wants a library card but is not allowed because of the laws. Using peaceful ways, Ron manages to get a library card.

Citation: Blue, R., Naden, C.  (2009). Ron’s big mission. New York: The Penguin Group.

Impressions:  This story is very inspiring.  Although it was against the law to acquire a library card, Ron perceives and obtains one. 

Reviews:  Booklist

In this story based on an incident from the life of astronaut Ron McNair, nine-year-old Ron walks into his local public library with a mission—to secure a library card for himself so that he can take books home to read. Because it’s 1959 and segregation laws prohibit African Americans from borrowing books, Ron is at first declined. The police arrive, but Ron refuses to be deterred; finally the head librarian agrees to bend the rules—Ron is her best patron, after all—and a very happy Ron leaves, books in hand. Based on interviews with Ron’s mother and a South Carolinian librarian, the story emphasizes McNair’s focus and determination to succeed, even if it means pointing out injustices along the way. Vibrant illustrations portray a cozy small town where rules are obeyed, mostly without thinking. Tate’s figures feature oversized heads with very expressive faces that vividly convey well-meant kindness and the frustrations of injustice. Appended with a note on McNair’s adult life, this will make a good choice for reading aloud and discussing.

Weisman, K. (2009). Ron’s big mission [Review of the book Ron’s big mission, by Rose Blue Corinne Naden]. Booklist.

Use in Library Setting:  This book would also make a great addition to lessons on Black History Month.

Module 5: The Coming of the Dragon (Legacy of Beowulf) & Entwined

The Coming of the Dragon (Legacy of Beowulf) by Rebecca Barnhouse

Summary:  This story is about who is absolutely alone and turns up from the sea.  Rune is a curse to his people and is despised.  King Beowulf looks after him gives him to a wise woman to raise.  Suddenly, a dragon is awakened and Rune wants to prove everyone wrong by defeating him.

Citation: Barnhouse, R. (2010). The coming of the dragon (Legacy of Beowulf). New York: Bluefire.

Impressions:  The book is well written with great historical insights. 

Reviews:  Booklist

Rune has never known his parents, and the villagers who raised him are not completely convinced he isn’t cursed by the gods. But when King Beowulf is in direst need, only Rune stands by his side, finally able to claim his destiny. Barnhouse takes the final section of Beowulf, which focuses on the story of young Wiglaf, and weaves an absorbing tale of a young man finding his courage. Told as a straight narrative, descriptions of settings and plot elements reflect back to the epic itself. Although few characters are fully developed, Rune and the woman who raised him—as well as King Beowulf—emerge as rounded characters. This is a great bridge book to use in a classroom either before or after broaching the Beowulf story. An author’s note clearly indicates which bits of the novel have been fabricated and which are drawn directly from the poem. This novel would also appeal to those who enjoy Norse mythology in general and to readers of Judson Roberts’ Strongbow Saga.

Welch, C. (2010). The coming of the dragon (Legacy of Beowulf) [Review of the book The coming of the dragon (Legacy of Beowulf), by Rebecca Barnhouse]. Booklist.

Use in Library Setting:  This would serve as a great recommendation of anyone looking for their next dragon adventure.

Entwined by Heather Dixon

Summary:  After he mother passes, Azalea, the heir to the throne is lured to a hidden passageway.  In this secret lair, Azalea and his sister are happy but if comes with a hefty price.  Someone wants something from Azalea.

Citation: Dixon, H. (2011). Entwined. New York: HarperCollins Children’s Books.

Impressions:  I enjoyed this book for all the descriptions included.  The dances the hidden passageway are alluring.

Reviews:  Booklist

*Starred Review* In the half-magical world of Eathesbury, Azalea is the oldest of 12 daughters and heir to her father’s throne. When the sisters’ mother dies after a long illness, the siblings find a hidden passageway to an enchanted pavilion under the castle where they can dance all night, secretly breaking the rules of mourning. The mysterious and alluring Keeper makes this possible, but he also seems to have less-than-honorable plans for the girls, especially Azalea. The tale’s atmosphere becomes increasingly dark and brooding as the truth from ages past comes out, and Azalea realizes just what evil they are pitted against. With several unexpected twists, the story, based on the original Grimms’ tale.  The Worn-Out Dancing Shoes, plunges toward a harrowing conclusion. This first novel is richly imagined with a gothic feel, and Dixon’s descriptions of the many dances are thrilling. Although the general story line will be familiar to readers of Jessica Day George’s Princess of the Midnight Ball (2009), this romantic fantasy is darker in tone, and the villain resembles the faeries in Nancy Werlin’s Impossible (2008) and O. R. Melling’s The Hunter’s Moon (2005). The story gracefully explores significant themes of grief and loss, mercy and love. Full of mystery, lush settings, and fully orbed characters, Dixon’s debut is both suspenseful and rewarding. Grades 7-10.

Moore, M. (2010). Julius, baby of the world [Review of the book Entwined, by Heather Dixon]. Booklist.

Use in Library Setting:  This book would add to a display of fairytales for older students.

Module 4: Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things & There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Scary Things by Lenore Look

Summary:  Alvin Ho is a Chinese American with a long line of warriors, but Alvin is nothing like them…he is afraid of everything!  Teachers, girls, elevators, school and many more things give Alvin the creeps!

Citation: Look, L. (1990). Alvin Ho:  Allergic to girls, school, and other scary things. New York: Yearling.

Impressions:  This book is hilarious!  Although Alvin has many fears, children his age can identify themselves with him because some of his fears are natural for a boy his age.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Grade 2–4—Second-grader Alvin Ho is determined to make friends, even though he is afraid of any number of things and can't talk—at all—in school. Episodic chapters feature events at home, at school, and in his Concord, MA, neighborhood. Everyday adventures include being left stranded by his siblings during stretching exercises that leave him upside down in a tree, being sent alone to the scary piano teacher's house, and deciding whether or not to hang out with the classroom bully. Although Look resists providing a tidy ending, readers will be sure that Alvin is on the right road when he surprises even himself by suddenly speaking to his psychotherapist. And they won't have to understand the Shakespearean curses that come out of his mouth to know that this time he has a good reason to be afraid. Whether they are fearful or brave, kids will smile at Alvin's scrapes and empathize with his concerns. Aspects of his Chinese-American background are seamlessly integrated into the story and add richness. The book is chock-full of well-placed illustrations.

Brautigam, F. (2009). Alvin Ho:  Allergic to girls, school, and other scary things [Review of the book Alvin Ho:  Allergic to girls, school, and other scary things by Lenore Look]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book can be incorporated into a lesson on writing with voice.  Alvin is always expressing his fears is hilarious descriptive ways that is surely to inspire a young writer.

There’s a Boy in the Girls Bathroom by Lois Sachar

Summary:  Bradley Chalkers is trouble!  He picks fights, lies and is the biggest bully in fifth grade.  A new boy in school tries to befriend him, but Bradley is very hard to like, so he remains alone.  Then they school gets a new counselor Ms. Carla Davis.  She becomes his mentor and helps Bradley become a new boy that was always in him.  

Citation: Henkes, K. (1987). There’s a boy in the girls bathroom. New York: Dell Yearling.

Impressions:  This book is touching because the counselor is able to connect with a disturbed student.  This is a great example of who to break the chain of bullying.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Grade 4-7 An unlikely protagonist, Bradley Chalkers is a friendless, lying, insecure bully who is the oldest boy in his fifth-grade class. In this humorous novel that tells of Bradley's learning to like himself and to make friends, Sachar ably captures both middle-grade angst and joy. Bradley's triumph comes through the friendship of a new boy at school and the help of the new school counselor. Readers, like the astute counselor, can see the strengths that Bradley has, and will cheer at his minor victories and cringe at his setbacks along the way. The story is unusual, witty, and satisfying, if not always believable: a few incidents just do not work. For instance, even though Bradley has not been doing his homework, his complete ignorance of it is unlikely (``He hadn't realized. . .he would need to bring his book home''), and his total unfamiliarity with birthday parties is too extreme for a ten year old, even one who hadn't been to a party in three years. Yet Bradley's need for acceptance even as he holds back from classmates who might mock or hurt him is genuine, and his eventual success will gratify readers.

Gale, D. (1987). There’s a boy in the girl’s bathroom [Review of the book There’s a boy in the girls bathroom, by Lois Sachar]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book could be read to students during anti-bully week.  It could also be in a display with other helpful books about bullying and friendship.

Module 3: Number the Stars & Monster

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Summary:  Two girls, Annemarie and Ellen, are best friends living in Denmark during the time of the Holocaust War.  To avoid relocation, Ellen moves in with Annemarie’s family and pretends to be a part of it.  Annemarie is delighted at first to have her best friend home, but the happiness fades in the face of danger.

Citation: Lowry, L. (1989). Number the stars. New York: Sandpiper.

Impressions:  I enjoyed how well an adult subject was presented to young readers.

Reviews:  Publishers Weekly

Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark in 1943, this 1990 Newbery winner tells of a 10-year-old girl who undertakes a dangerous mission to save her best friend. Ages 10-14.

(1997). Number the stars [Review of the book Number the stars by Lois Lowry]. Publishers Weekly.

Use in Library Setting:  This book is a great recommendation to a teacher wanting to let her students view the world outside their safe havens.  It is a great history introduction to the Holocaust.

Monster by Walter Dean Myers

Summary: Sixteen year old Steve Harmon is involved in a store robbery.  During the robbery Mr. Nisbitt is killed.  Steve is incarcerated and could face the death penalty.  The book is written in a movie script format.

Citation: Myers, W. D.  (1999).  Monster.  New York:  Amistad.

Impressions:  I was impressed with the way this book is written.  Steve writes this book as a movie script and the vocabulary used is unique to a script.  Needless to say I learned a bit about movie scripts.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-Steve Harmon, 16, is accused of serving as a lookout for a robbery of a Harlem drugstore. The owner was shot and killed, and now Steve is in prison awaiting trial for murder. From there, he tells about his case and his incarceration. Many elements of this story are familiar, but Myers keeps it fresh and alive by telling it from an unusual perspective. Steve, an amateur filmmaker, recounts his experiences in the form of a movie screenplay. His striking scene-by-scene narrative of how his life has dramatically changed is riveting. Interspersed within the script are diary entries in which the teen vividly describes the nightmarish conditions of his confinement. Myers expertly presents the many facets of his protagonist's character and readers will find themselves feeling both sympathy and repugnance for him. Steve searches deep within his soul to prove to himself that he is not the "monster" the prosecutor presented him as to the jury. Ultimately, he reconnects with his humanity and regains a moral awareness that he had lost. Christopher Myers's superfluous black-and-white drawings are less successful. Their grainy, unfocused look complements the cinematic quality of the text, but they do little to enhance the story. Monster will challenge readers with difficult questions, to which there are no definitive answers. In some respects, the novel is reminiscent of Virginia Walter's Making Up Megaboy (DK Ink, 1998), another book enriched by its ambiguity. Like it, Monster lends itself well to classroom or group discussion. It's an emotionally charged story that readers will find compelling and disturbing.

Sullivan, E. (1999). Monster [Review of the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers]. School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book would be an excellent book to use in a book talk.  Steve makes a wrong choice and ends up with terrible consequences.  This book can make a strong impression on young teenagers tempted with peer pressure. 

Module 2: May I Bring a Friend? & Julius, the Baby of the World

May I Bring a Friend? By Beatrice S. De Regniers

Summary:  A young boy is invited by the King and Queen to accompany them on various occasions.  Before he attends, the boy always asks of he can bring a friend.  They always agree.  At the end of the story, the boy invites the King and Queen to the zoo where all his friends live.

Citation:  De Regniers, B. S.  (1989).  May I bring a friend.  New York:  Aladdin Paperbacks.

Impressions:  At first, I was not impressed with the illustrations of this book because I felt that it dated the book and children would not be interested in it.  As I read it, I enjoyed the story and was excited to see what friend the boy wanted to bring next and if the King and Queen would allow it.   

Reviews:  WAC Reviews Children’s Literature

May I Bring A Friend is a short fairy-tale type story about a young child who receives an invitation from the King and Queen to attend a tea party at their house one day. The child asks to bring a friend to the tea party and the King and Queen allow it. The friend happens to be a giraffe. The King and Queen continue to invite this child to their castle for lunches and dinners, and more special animal guests are brought along, all the while the King and Queen are encouraging their guest to bring more and more friends.

Shafle, M.  (2011).  May I bring a friend? [Review of the book May I bring a friend? by Beatrice S. De Regniers].  Retrieved from http://edu354spring2011.blogspot.com/2011/04/may-i-bring-friend.html

Use in Library Setting:  Since there are many friends the boy invites, I would use this story as a sequence of events introduction to young children.  After reading the story, I would have the children play different animals and work together on organizing each other just as they appeared in the story.

 

Julius, The Baby of the World by Kevin Henkes

Summary:  Lilly is terribly jealous of her new baby brother Julius.  It is apparent that Lilly cannot stand Julius when her parents admire him and she just thinks he is disgusting.  All of that changes when Lilly’s cousin tries to say that Julius is revolting.  Lilly defends her brother and realizes how beautiful he is.

Citation:  Henkes, K.  (1990).  Julius, the baby of the world.  New York:  HarperCollins Publishers.

Impressions:  The book is told well with abundant humor.  Anyone that has siblings can relate to it.

Reviews:  School Library Journal

It's the old familiar story of the displaced only child, freshly told and humorously illustrated. Lilly (of Chester's Way Greenwillow, 1988) is a very new, very unhappy big sister. Her parents dote on disgusting little Julius, ``the baby of the world,'' and cannot admire him enough. Lilly, however, annoys them by asking continually when he'll be going away so she can have her room back , and spends more and more time in the ``uncooperative chair.'' When she tries the baby tricks her parents so adore in Julius, they simply remind her to mind her manners. Plainly, there is no longer any justice in the world. Affairs are pretty bleak, until at a large family celebration, a cousin criticizes Julius. Like a tiger, Lilly springs to his defense. Magically, Henkes conveys a world of expressions and a wide range of complex emotions with a mere line or two upon the engaging mousey faces of Lilly and her family. A reassuring, funny book for all young children who suffer from new-sibling syndrome.

McGarth, J.  (2010).  Julius, baby of the world [Review of the book Julius, the baby of the world, by Kevin Henkes].  School Library Journal.

Use in Library Setting:  This book could serve as a read aloud.  The book is humorous and entertaining.  Readers that have siblings will definitely understand Lilly.

Module 1: Freight Trains & Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

Freight Train by Donald Crews

Summary:  A colorful train travels through trestles, tunnels, cities, lightness and darkness.  The pictures are explained with simple text.

Citation:  Crews, D.  (1978).  Freight train.  New York:  HarperCollins Inc.

Impressions:  The simplicity of this book makes it beautiful.  The colors incorporated in the illustrations are bold and are contrasted with white backgrounds (with exception of the last pages).  The simple text make this a great book for young readers.

Reviews:  Publishers Weekly

Presented in blocks of brilliant colors, the multihued train in this Caldecott Honor book undertakes a dazzling journey before disappearing from the final page. Ages 2-up. (Sept.)

Use in Library Setting:  This book would be a great read-a-loud for young patrons.  The colors are bold and bright for an audience to enjoy from a distance and the simple text will satisfy young readers.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst

Summary:  Alexander has the worst day ever!  His brothers get a window seat and he doesn’t.  His cereal does not have a toy like his brothers’ either!  Even worse, they’re out of the shoes he wants at the shoe store.  Those are only a few of the terrible things that happen to Alexander.  In the end, his mother reminds him that everyone has bad days, even people in Australia.

Citation:  Viorst, J.  (1972).  Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.  New York:  Aladdin Paperbacks.

Impressions:  This book is one that anyone can connect with because everyone has had a bad day.  The most enjoyable part of this book is the text because they are narrated by Alexander a young boy.  Young readers will definitely connect with him.

Reviews:  Horn Book

This new edition of the classic story about a boy encountering injustice and just plain rotten luck all day long includes a preface by the author and the illustrator. In addition, the pictures have been selectively colorized: on every page, reddish-haired Alexander is brightly clad while everything around him remains in original black-and-white. It doesn't ruin the story, nor does it add much.

Use in Library Setting:  This book could serve as a resource when trying to reach a young reluctant reader because anyone can identify themselves with Alexander and his terrible, horrible, no good very bad day.