Mr. and Mrs. Pig's Evening Out
Written and Illustrated by: Mary Rayner
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: K-3
Awards: None
In this book, there is a family of ten piglets and Father Pig and Mother Pig. The mom and dad decided that needed a date night with just the two of them. The mother decided to have a babysitter look over the piglets as they went on their date. The ten piglets took their baths and got ready for bed. The babysitter came and her name was Mrs. Wolf. The mom and dad left and had Mrs. Wolf in charge, while the piglets were sleeping. In the middle of the night, Mrs. Wolf stopped her knitting and was feeling hungry and she turned on the oven and went upstairs to the piglets room. She grabbed one of the piglets, which woke up the rest of the brothers and sisters, and she took the piglet to the hot oven in the kitchen. The brothers and sisters rescued their brother by trapping Mrs. Wolf in a blanket and waiting for their parents to arrive. Once their parents have arrived, the father took Mrs. Wolf and threw her over the bridge into a river, and she was never heard of again.
This is a funny and light hearted book that I would like to have in my classroom. This would be great for Kindergarteners to third graders. I would have the students write or explain to the class what they would do if they had a bad babysitter like Mrs. Wolf and what kind of plans they would do to stop her.
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse
Written and Illustrated by: Kevin Henkes
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: 1-3
Awards: None
This book follows a mouse by the name of Lilly. Lilly loved everything about school, from the pencils, chalk, her own desk, cafeteria food, but most of all, she loved her teacher Mr. Slinger. Lilly and her friends inspired to be a teacher, just like Mr. Slinger. One day, Lilly brought her big glasses and brand new purple plastic purse that played music once it was opened. During school, she kept disrupting the class as she wanted everyone to know about her big glasses and her brand new purse. Mr. Slinger decided to take her things away until the end of the day, so it will no longer disrupt the class. Lilly was first upset but then grew angry and furious. Lilly decided to draw a mean picture of Mr. Slinger that labeled him as a thief, big, and fat and put it into his book bag. Once Mr. Slinger gave Lilly back her belongings, she found snacks and a note from Mr. Slinger saying that "Today was a difficult day. Tomorrow will be better." Lilly instantly felt bad and ran home to explain to her parents what had happened. That night, Lilly drew a nice picture of Mr. Slinger and wrote a story about how he is the most amazing teacher. The next day, Lilly gave Mr. Slinger the note and story and explained how truly sorry she was. He forgave her and the class enjoyed the snacks that Lilly brought and they danced to the music from Lilly's brand new purse.
This would be a good back to have in the classroom, as it teaches students what it means to be respectful during class time. This book would be good for first to third graders. The students can do a sequencing activity to explain the order of events in the book. The students can also write and explain to the class of what is and what is not acceptable to talk about during the class period.
Written and Illustrated by: David McPhail
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: K-2
Awards: None
This book follows a young pig and his mother discussing what he is going to do today. Pig Pig explained that he's going to deliver supplies, ride his race car for a new speed record, jump over 500 elephants on his motorcycle, race his horse, drive a train all the way to China, and drive a rocket to the moon. After Pig Pig's explanation of what he is going to do that day, he finished his breakfast, and went outside to ride his bike. His mother told him to be careful as she loves him.
I loved this book as it was super adorable to read and would like to have this in my classroom. This book would be good for Kindergartners to second graders. The students can write about what type adventures they like to go on outside of school. The students can also pick one of the activities that Pig Pig did and have them write about what they would do with that certain activity in their own way and adventure.
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Retold by: Catherine Lukas and Pamela Pia
Illustrated by: Maggie Swanson
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: K-2
Awards: None
This book follows four little bunnies and their mother. The mother allowed her little bunnies to go outside to play in the fields, but she had a rule that her children are not allowed to go into Mr. McGregor's garden, as it is a dangerous place for rabbits. As the mother went away to go to the market, the children went to play in the fields except for Peter. Peter was a naughty bunny and went into Mr. McGregor's garden. Mr. McGregor caught Peter eating his lettuce, green beans, and radishes, so he chased after him. Peter lost his jacket in the bush and hid in the tool shed, all while trying to runaway from Mr. McGregor. Mr. McGregor got tired of running after the bunny and stopped his chase. Peter was trying to find his way home and tried to receive help from a mouse and cat, but they were no help. Peter had to go through Mr. McGregor's garden one last time in order for him to make it back home, but Mr. McGregor didn't chase him this time. Peter made it home all safe and sound, as he rested and his siblings had supper.
I would like to have this book in my classroom for my students to enjoy. This book would be good for Kindergarten to second graders to read. I would have my students work on sequencing and have them focus on what events came in what order.
Dear Mrs. LaRue
Written and Illustrated by: Mark Teague
Genre: Fantasy and Science Fiction
Grades: 3-5
Awards: None
This book follows a dog, Ike LaRue, that is put into a dog obedience school after eating his owner's chicken pie. From Ike's perspective, he feels as if he is put into jail and sends his owner, Gretrude LaRue, typewritten and "paw" written letters. Ike over exaggerates in his letters throughout the book. For example, Ike writes how his teacher or warden commands orders to him, how he is "severely punished," and is taken away to a solitary confinement room, when all of it was fabricated. In reality, his teacher was giving dog treats to those who followed her commands and Ike used different books like "Gruesome Prison Tales" to use for his letters to his owner. Eventually, Ike escapes the dog obedience school and travels the world, while writing to Gretrude and how he quickly misses her. Ike comes back to town just in the nick of time to rescue his owner from an oncoming truck that was going to hit her. Gretrude celebrates Ike for rescuing her and that he is back home, to enjoy her chicken pie.
I enjoyed reading this book and would love to have this in my classroom. It is funny and something that third to fifth graders would enjoy. After reading this to my class, I would have my students write their own letters to Ike and ask him about his adventures in the dog obedience school and when he went traveling. This would help the students on how to write letters to their friends and family.
