Hey, Pancakes!

I read to the children the book, Hey Pancakes! words by Tamson Weston, pictures by Stephen Gammell. The children seemed to enjoy the story and the pictures. The story incorporates a lot of words that are interjections and onomatopoeias, which are fun for the children to listen to. The children enjoyed the excitement of the characters as they made, ate, and played with their pancakes. It was a good book and I will use it again in my classroom.

Makeup Mess

I read to the children the book, Makeup Mess, by Robert Munsch illustrated by Michael Martchenko. One of the young girls chose this book for me to read, I think she liked the picture and the dress-up theme in the book. The book does have the main character robbing her brother, which might need a followup discussion about why you shouldn't rob people, even your family. The message of the story is that the little girl realizes that she is the most beautiful when she has no makeup on. It's a nice story with a good message, the children enjoyed listening to it and liked the book. I think that Robert Munsch does a good job at writing books that children understand, even if they might be a little strange to adults, children can connect to them. This is a book that I will use again.

Amy Loves the Snow

I read to the children, Amy Loves the Snow, by Julia Hoban pictures by Lillian Hoban. There's nothing too exciting about the book. It's a simple story that would be good for early readers. It has some difficult words, but there are few words on each page. The children and I read it because it had just snowed. In the future I would use the book with students who need to work on reading ability, but not for a read aloud book.

The Paper Bag Princess

The children listened as I read to them the book, The Paper Bag Princess, story by Robert Munsch, art by Michael Martchenko. The children listened to the story and enjoyed it, but I think it would be most meaningful to an older group of children so they can better understand the trickery and message of the story. I really like the story and am enthusiastic to read it, which the children responded well to. I like the story because it portrays a princess saving a prince, which is quite uncommon in the fairytale world! I also like when the prince doesn't like how his heroine is dressed and instead of trying to "get the guy" the princess calls him a bum and carries on single, happily ever after. I think the story promotes positive social-emotional development in children and I will use it in the future.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish

The children and I read, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss. The classic beginner book was successful with the children. They were all familiar with the book, which made them comfortable and kept their attention. This is a book that I like and will use as part of a collection in my classroom.