The Little Red Hen

The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone

In this folk tale, the author uses the idea of fairness. Since the Little red hen was doing all the work, only she got rewarded for it. 

After the other animals began to notice and realize that they were being unfair to the little red hen, they began to do their part and work too. 

This let's the students know that hard work pays off, as well as that it's not okay to only want to receive rewards and not work for them! 

This old folktale, can give the upcoming generations an idea of teamwork, and cooperation although it is an old tale.

Soup for Breakfast

 Soup for Breakfast by Calef Brown

Calef Brown uses a pattern during this poem that can be easy to follow. The readers are triggered into imagining what the foods that they are describing taste, look and smell like. 

Along with the illustrations, the poet, Calef, creates a fun atmosphere for the children and let's them know that it's okay to be different and to like and try new things! 

"I like soup for breakfast.

That's the way I am. 

I'm not a fan of toast and jam, 

or griddle-cakes with egg and ham, 

or even Cream of Wheat.

A bowl of cream and Broccoli, 

now there's a morning treat."

- Calef Brown

Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

Where the sidewalk ends has imagery that can help create a beautiful picture for the readers. This poem also allows the readers, as young kids to learn about the world and safety around where they are.

 They can use the poems to be on the lookout and connect the reading of Where the Sidewalk Ends while they are living their everyday lives. 

The imagery that is used creates a strong mental picture that the readers can relate to their own lives.

"There is a place where the sidewalk ends, 

And before the street begins, 

And there the grass grows soft and white,

And there the sun burns crimson bright,

And there the moon-bird rests from his flight,

To cool in the peppermint wind."

-Shel Silverstein

Cuckoo

Cuckoo by Lois Elhert 

This Mexican folktale is about a bird who knew her beauty. She was selfish and very self centered. She wanted people to know who she was and flaunt her beauty. 

"Even the sweetest song can turn sour."

 Cuckoo was constantly given a hard time because of it. When the fire broke out, Cuckoo lost her beauty but gained something much better. The friendship and the deserved recognition for being a hero. 

This shows that one cannot see life or judge a book by their cover because somewhere deep inside their could be a wonderful person just trying to do the right thing. 

Although Cuckoo lost her beauty and singing, she was able to still be happy because all the seeds were safe thanks to her. 

The cool thing about this folktale is that it is also written in spanish and can be used in a bilingual class!

Jack and The Beanstalk

 Jack and The Beanstalk by Naomi McMillan

Jack and The Beanstalk is a fairy tale.

Jack purchased magic beans for his mother due to them running out of food. The boy trusted the man that was selling the magic beans, in hopes to be able to eat.

When he woke up the next day, an enormous beanstalk growing next to his bedroom. He climbed the beanstalk and found that there was a castle. The castle had a giant man eating the dinner, soon after he fell asleep. Jack stole the bag of gold, and his mother was happy because the giant had stolen that money from Jack's father.

Jack returned and got rid of the bad giant. This shows that whatever is wrongfully done will have its punishment, whether it be now or later.

This is a fun story, although it is not real an only imaginary, the children can have fun learning that there is consequences to negative actions.

The Five Chinese Brothers

The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop 

The story, The Five Chinese Brothers, is a Chinese old folk story that emphasizes strengths found in each individual brother. 

Despite their physical appearance similarities, they are very different and unique when it came to the way they looked. 

Once the brother that tried to hold the sea, ended up being accused of murder because the young boy was lost. One by one the brothers began trying to take the place of the brother being accused. Due to having their unique strengths, each brother survived the executions. 

This allows the readers to see that the unique strengths one carries are al for a purpose and can be very helpful in situations!

The Magic Pot

 The Magic Pot by Pleasant DeSpain

The Magic Pot is a Chinese folktale that speaks on being blessed with good fortune. 

The man did not know that a pot he had found on the side of the road would bring so much fortune to his home. The woodcutter's wife was so happy because they realized that the pot would duplicate each item that was in the pot. 

This meant that they would be able to have more of the things they needed. They put dinner and coins into the pot and they doubled. They became more and more rich, the woodcutter planned a great future thanks to the magic pot. The man doubled the wife, and did not know what to do. 

The wife's were smart and put him in the pot so that there could be two of the husbands. Since there were two of each, they formed another couple. 

They worked together to build a beautiful future and home and give thanks to the relatives who had given them the good fortune. 

This shows that we should always be grateful for the unexpected blessings and to not take the little things for granted!

The Llama Who Had No Pajama

The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman

This poem is one that could be used before bedtime, it relaxes and allows the child's brain to rest. They can relate to them because everyone grows and wears out their clothes at a point. 

And though for adults it wouldn't be a big issue, children could look at this as a big problem.

 It also creates a connection with the parents because they allow the parent and child to bond because the child can see the parent as a helpful hand. 

This also let's the child feel comfortable in their own body and to not try to be like everyone around them.

"When he woke up in the morning,

To his mama he said with delight,

What a wonderful sleep I've been sleeping all night,

my head feels so clear and my eyes feel so bright.

When we looked for pajamas how foolish we were, 

for I sleep so much better in nothing but fur. 

It fits me so nicely, it's light as the air

it's the practical thing for a llama to wear."

-Mary Ann Hoberman

One Leaf Rides the Wind

One Leaf Rides the Wind by Celeste Mannis

This is a Haiku, and Celeste uses the numbers that we know to create a whole book out of Haikus!

With the use of the numbers, children are able to learn them better and have connections to the animals and nature that surround them on a daily basis. 

The repetition and reiteration of the numbers allow the readers to practice their counting and their words! Also, the images lay out the exact amount that the child is reading in order for an easy follow and book interaction.

"8, 

What do flowers dream?

Adrift on eight pond pillows,

pink-cheeked blossoms rest."

- Celeste Mannis

Once I Laughed My Socks Off

   Once I Laughed My Socks Off by Steven Attewell

 

 

The personification found throughout the poem was so fun to listen to! Steven Attewell does a great job at personifying and putting the readers into the socks perspective.

 It is a great fit for students who are at young age and find life entertaining and fun. I believe it gives a more brighter look at the smaller things. 

When one looks at socks, they wouldn't think of something serious. Yet, steven changes the look on them.

 He relates it to running and then slipping them on to his feet which is what one does everyday. Sometimes socks can also be tricky! We can tend to lose a pair or one sock. Especially when we move around a lot and one slips off! 

"Next time I laugh, I will ensure, 

My shoes are firmly on, 

That should stop my naughty socks,

From such a carry-on." 

- Steven Attewell