Eager

 Eager by Helen Fox

A robot comes to life and learns from a past generation. In the book Eager, the children, Gavin and Fleur are losing their beloved robot. They recieve eager which is on a quest that can be funny and also very dark, in order to feel alive. 

This science fiction book is a great read for students who enjoy an adventure and technology!

Aliens for Breakfast

Aliens for Breakfast by Stephanie Spinner and Jonathan Etra

In aliens for breakfast, Jonathan and Stephanie use a great sense of imagination. The very well known idea of aliens comes to life in front of the readers eyes as they begin their journey through the book.

In the story, Richard is a kid who lives a crazy life, just because of a cereal box. This is not an ordinary cereal box, for there is an actual alien inside. A tiny alien names Aric, who must destroy Dorf. 

They proceed their day in challenge to do this. Dorf, a cool kid in Richard's class is part of the rival alien race called Dranes. Since he is so close, Aric and Richard go as far as to try and make Dorf disappear. They even give him peppers! 

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.