Posts Tagged ‘Book List’
Have you heard of graphic novels? I will be honest and admit that I do not know very much about them.
Here is what I have found:
Graphic novels are expressed through many frames of pictures and words. They are similar to comic books in appearance but have the depth of novels. Graphic novels are important to introduce students to for many reasons. Students are given opportunities to analyze many forms of literature. Some of these are poetry, fiction, and non fiction. Graphic novels are often not taught at all by teachers. They can be an excellent resource though. Students who may not respond well to some literature might love graphic novels.
I recently found a LiveBinder (online 3 ring binder) dealing with Graphic Novels which helped me understand and appreciate this type of story a bit more: Graphic Novel Webliography.
Here are a few things I learned from the Graphic Novel Webliography:
- Graphic novels appeal to both experienced readers and reluctant readers
- Graphic novels can be used with students of all ages (elementary through adult)
- Graphic novels can be used to build vocabulary
The webliography also provides links for parents and educators to learn more about Graphic Novels in general and recommends specific ones. I really like the “No Flying, No Tights: Super Hero Soup” tab. I know my classroom library tended to have more options for the girls to choose (I did not plan it that way … it just happened). I can see Graphic Novels appealing to both girls and boys.
I was also pleased to find that when you do an Advanced Search in Big Universe, one of the categories is Graphic Novels. When you do a search for Graphic Novels on Big Universe, you can find illustrated classics, biographies, history, nonfiction, and just really good stories!
image from Franklin Park Library and found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/88488351@N00/2624664037/
Here we go! Summer is winding down, and the school year is gearing up. It’s kind of like January, just a whole heck of a lot hotter.
While it’s inevitable that the new year will pose some challenges, the first day of school brings to mind the old saying, “Starting with a clean slate.” All things are new and fresh. All things are possible.
The spontaneity of summer days is fun – but it’s sorta like hearing an improv session on the bongo drums. A little goes a long way.
The upcoming school year, however, resembles a really good drum corps that unifies syncopated cadences with a solid bass beat. The sound is powerful and engaging, inspiring people to dance, clap and tap their feet in sync with the rhythm. A good school does the same thing.
That paints a pretty picture, but the fact is that some students can’t hear the rhythm. Their little hearts are beating too hard.
The first day of school can cause nerves to jangle and imaginations to go into overdrive. However, parents, caregivers and older siblings can do a lot to calm fears and clear up misconceptions.
Talking about what to expect on Day One and in the following weeks at school helps little ones prepare for changes. Drive by or visit the school. Take time to ask and answer questions. If you have photographs of your first day of school, dig out those golden oldies and show them to your kids. They’ll get a kick out of them.
Help your child write a story about the new adventure ahead of him. It will be fun to reread at the end of the school year.
You also can read books such as “First Day Jitters” by Julie Danneberg and illustrator Judy Love. The Charlesbridge book is charming and rates 5 out of 5 stars on Big Universe.
Lobster Press has published a first-day-of-school themed book too, titled “The Little Dragon Who Couldn’t Breathe Fire.” It’s a cute story; take a peek.
Magination Press released a book by Dianne Blomberg back in 1999 titled “Sam and Gram and the First Day of School: A Story to Answer a Child’s Questions & Soothe Fears about School.” In addition to the story, two helpful sections have been added for parents.
A few years ago, the Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington, Ind., compiled an extensive book list about kids and their school experiences. Check it out.
If you can recommend other picture books about the first day of school, please share!
Best wishes and happy new (school) year.
I was on a crowded train in Spain when I was introduced to the World Cup. I was backpacking across Europe with a friend after college graduation and had just commented on how tightly we were packed in the train.
“I wonder if it’s always this crowded?” I mused. A British guy sitting on the floor near me said it was because of the World Cup.
“World Cup?” I asked, naively.
After the guy and his buddy picked their chins up off the floor, the cheekier of the two said, “Foo-ball! You know, A-mer-i-can sack-ur,” he said, giving a poor imitation of a cross between J.R. Ewing and a Boston fireman. “You gaw eh be kitten me,” he added, shaking his head. Or, at least that’s what I thought he said.
After thoroughly roasting us, the two English “blokes” invited us two American “birds” to see a game with them in Seville, Spain. (They were rabid soccer fans and were following the Copa del Mundo de Fútbol – España 82 competition until their money ran out.) We agreed.
I’m not sure how they swung the tickets, since the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium was wall-to-wall people. Don’t ask; don’t tell.
Once inside, the adrenaline rush was overwhelming, or that might have been my fear of being crushed by 68,000 exuberant fans or impaled by one of their waving flags. Once I secured a safe perch up on a wall, I found out that the actual soccer game was exciting too. Brazil beat the Soviet Union 2 to 1, and afterward the fans hit the streets of Seville, parading into the middle of the night.
A chance encounter in Spain? Nah! The four of us all kept in touch, and six years later my friend married her soul mate – one of guys on the train. They are raising a brood of soccer players now here in the States. He coaches and refs, and I’m sure she has done her share of soccer mom duties. Eventually, my husband and I got involved in the sport too and coached Under 8 Girls soccer in the local recreation league for six or seven seasons.
The sport that no one believed would ever catch on in the United States, has in fact ignited a generation! Here are a few soccer books for kids offered at Big Universe to fuel the flame…both for soccer and reading.
The Lamaze instructor said, “Bring Kleenex to the next class.” She smiled knowingly. The 10 women in her prenatal class looked at each other and at their spouses. “What did that mean?”
Sure enough, when the next session rolled around, everyone’s mascara was running down their cheeks by the end of class. Me included. My husband sat beside me, shifting uncomfortably at this turn of events. It wasn’t mass hysteria, but rather something akin to The Perfect Storm. Pregnancy hormones, a good book and impending motherhood!
“I’ll love you forever, I’ll like you for always, As long as I’m living my baby you’ll be,” intoned the instructor as she read from the short story “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch. She had her delivery down to an art form.
Lest I be considered a spoiler, I’ll refrain from giving away the simple plot. But no matter what your stage in life, this book is likely to pluck a tune on some heart strings.
Here are a few other picture books for kids and moms to celebrate the holiday on Sunday.
“A Mother’s Promise” by Lisa Humphrey is another perfect book for Mother’s Day. It’s gorgeous and reflects the hopes and dreams and emotions that wash over a new mom. The book’s narrator wants to give her child so much – the world, in fact! The illustrations by David Danioth are absolutely beautiful. The picture spreading across Pages 22-23 is particularly poignant. “A Mother’s Promise “ is one of many books by Illumination Arts that appears on the Big Universe children’s picture books website.
“I Love You the Purplest” by Barbara M. Joosse weaves a story about a mom who trims the thorns of sibling rivalry. (Chronicle Books)
“A Boy Had a Mother Who Bought Him a Hat” is a cumulative poem that gathers momentum as a boy’s mother buys him all sorts of things. Ages 4-7. (HarperCollins)
“Animal Mothers and Babies” is a nature book by Dona Herweck Rice for beginning readers, Level 1.4. (Teacher Created Materials Publishing)
“A Mother’s Journey” by Sandra Markle and illustrator Alan Marks is a fact-filled story about a mother Emperor penguin. It is suited for Grade 3. (Charlesbridge)
“Are You My Mother” by P.D. Eastman has been a favorite for 50 years. This Dr. Seuss-like book is just right for readers aged 3-7. (Random House)
“When Wishes Come True” by Per-Henrik Gürth is a warm tale of love, hope and reassurance in the Arctic. Good for preschoolers. (Lobster Press)
“My Mother Is So Smart!” by Tomie dePaola salutes mothers in all walks of life. “My mother is so smart that she can stand on her head.” It’s ideal for ages 3-6. (Putnam)
“A Pocket Full of Kisses” by Audrey Penn and illustrated by Barbara Leonard Gibson demonstrates the power of a mother’s love and wisdom. Interest age, 3-5. (Tanglewood Press)
Do you have any stories that you think should be added to this list? Let me know.
Have you heard of graphic novels? I will be honest and admit that I do not know very much about them.
