Thanksgiving Mice

Thanksgiving Mice

Written by: Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by: Doug Cushman

"It’s Thanksgiving and four adorable mice are putting on a play for their woodland friends in this delightful read-aloud, the fourth book about the holiday mice. Lively verse introduces beginning readers to basic words and rhyming sounds and tells the story of the very first Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrim mice traveled across the sea and settled in America. The simple story-within-a-story format, accompanied by colorful, action-filled illustrations of mice in costume, also serves as a basic introduction to theater."

Publishers Description

Fourth of July Mice

Fourth of July Mice

Written by: Bethany Roberts
Illustrated by: Doug Cushman

"It's the most patriotic of all holidays-Independence Day! The Holiday Mice take part in all the activities that make the Fourth of July fun: a parade, a picnic, a baseball game and sack race, and a refreshing dip in the stream. Even Mr. Mouse, the littlest mouse's special toy, joins in the festivities. The best part of all comes at the end of the day: a spectacular fireworks show! Packed with plenty of red, white, and blue and featuring the four Holiday Mice at their most adorable, this story about our nation's birthday will delight readers young and old alike."

Meet Martin Luther King

Meet Martin Luther King

Written by: Johnny Ray Moore
Illustrated by: Amy Wummer

"Beginning with King's childhood and following his life through his "I Have a Dream Speech" and subsequent death, this book reveals (in age-appropriate language) how King ended segregation in America and influenced the way we live our lives today."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.kiddyhouse.com/Holidays/MLK/MLK.html

Meet George Washington

Meet George Washington

Written by: Patricia A. Pingry
Illustrated by: Stephanie McFetridge Britt

"This biography allows young readers to see George Washington not only as the first president of the United States, but also as a youngster with hopes and dreams. They'll discover that young George dreamed of becoming a military officer like his half-brother Lawrence; that he rode a ferry to his little schoolhouse; and that he was always polite.

All schoolchildren learn about Washington's important role in American history, but here they'll discover the human side of the first president as child, young adult, war hero, and statesman."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.georgewashington.si.edu/kids/teacherguide.html

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney

Happy 4th of July, Jenny Sweeney

Written by: Leslie Kimmelman
Illustrated by: Nancy Cote

"It's the 4th of July and all over town, people are getting ready. Jenny Sweeney gives her dog, Rags, a bath, Mike the fireman polishes the firetruck, and Mayor Swanson works on her speech. All the preparations lead up to the big parade and a night of bright fireworks. It's a great day. "Happy Birthday, USA!"

Publishers Description

The Earth and I

The Earth and I

Written and illustrated by: Frank Asch

"A young boy celebrates his friend, the earth. Like other friends, they do things together: go for long walks, talk together, sing and dance, and, of course, play. The child helps the earth grow, and through its bounty it helps the boy grow. And when the earth is sad, encumbered by pollution, the child feels its pain. The relationship of the earth to its inhabitants has been done before, but this appealing story gets right to the heart of a child's experience with nature."

Online Resources:
http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/web/earthday/index.html

Farmer Duck

Farmer Duck

Written by: Martin Waddell
Illustrated by: Helen Oxenbury

"In all kinds of weather, this downtrodden duck hauls in the sheep, tends the hens, and does the housework as well. "How goes the work?" the farmer repeatedly asks. "Quack," the duck constantly replies--until all the barnyard animals convene to help the exhausted servant exact revenge and oust the lazy lout."

School Library Journal Review

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

We the Kids: The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States

Written and illustrated by: David Catrow

"A long time ago some smart guys wrote the Preamble to the Constitution. You have probably read it before, but do you know what it means? And did it ever make you laugh? Now it will! Perfect for inspiring discussion in classrooms and around kitchen tables, this fun-filled and cheerfully illustrated look at the Preamble citizens of all ages.
Includes a glossary of terms and a foreword by the artist."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.constitutionforkids.net/

So You Want to Be President?

So You Want to Be President?

Written by: Judith St. George
Illustrated by: David Small

"From the embarrassment of skinny-dipping John Quincy Adams to the mischievous adventure of Theodore Roosevelt's pony, Judith St. George shares the backroom facts, the spitfire comments, and the comical anecdotes that have been part and parcel of America's White House."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=798_type=Book_typeId=2649

If I Were President, If I Ran For President

If I Were President

Written by: Catherine Stier
Illustrated by: Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan

"Simple explanation of the diverse duties of the president of the United States. Beginning with campaign speeches and posters, six children of varied racial backgrounds take turns posing as the president while providing information about the rewards and responsibilities of the position. Touching briefly on various topics including the White House, Congress, the creation of laws, the cabinet, veto power, Air Force One, and the Secret Service, Stier introduces the day-to-day activities of the commander in chief."

School Library Journal Review

If I Ran For President

“This title is a step above the usual election books, both in content and entertainment value. Six children take turns explaining the election process as if they were running for president. They discuss their decision to run, campaigning, primaries and conventions, debating, being interviewed, meeting the public, voting, and being sworn in on Inauguration Day. Stier does a good job of explaining election details, both in an introductory note about electoral votes and in the text itself....The author adds flavor by providing humorous examples, such as the need to smile despite indigestion....The lively cartoons cheerfully clarify the action and reinforce the concepts. Libraries will want this kid-friendly title.”

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehousehistory.org/whha_classroom/classroom.html

Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections

Woodrow for President: A Tail of Voting, Campaigns, and Elections

Written by: Peter Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Woodrow For President tells the story of how Woodrow G. Washingtail, the star of Woodrow, the White House Mouse, got to the White House. The book explains the electoral process to children in fun, rhyming verse, from Woodrow's humble beginnings as a child in Moussouri and his first election to public office, to his inauguration as president of the United Mice of America!"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/photogallery/the-presidents

Woodrow, the White House Mouse

Woodrow, the White House Mouse

Written by: Peter Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Children learn about the White house and the work of the president through the adventures of Woodrow G. Washingtail, president of the United Mice of America, and his family."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents

Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court

Marshall, the Courthouse Mouse: A Tail of the U.S. Supreme Court

Written by: Peter Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Children learn about the Supreme Court and the legal system through the work of Marshall J. Mouse, Chief Justice of the United Mice of America."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:

House Mouse, Senate Mouse

House Mouse, Senate Mouse

Written by: Peter J. Barnes
Illustrated by: Cheryl Shaw Barnes

"Children learn about how are laws are made in Congress, when the Squeaker of the House and the Senate Mouse-jority leader must pass a bill to establish a national cheese!

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
www.congressforkids.net
http://kids.clerk.house.gov

The Cupcake Thief

The Cupcake Thief

Written by: Ellen Jackson
Illustrated by: Blanche Sims

"When one student accuses another of stealing his cupcake, the teacher sets the matter for Student Court. This book is filled with examples and definitions that will make your students want to have their own student court to resolve disputes."

Publisher’s Description

Transportation in Many Cultures

Transportation in Many Cultures

Written by: Martha E.H. Rustad

"This read-aloud is one of several in a series, "Life around the World," which features transportation methods in various countries. Lovely photography accompanies simple text with repetitive vocabulary to aid early readers and for small group discussion. It contains the basic parts of a reference book, such as a table of contents, glossary, and index."

Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light

Written by: Anastasia Suen
Illustrated by: Ken Wilson-Max

"In this fun and lively presentation, a youngster sets up his toy vehicles and action figures to show busy traffic patterns, a train crossing, tolls, a fire engine responding to a call, and road-condition reports from the helicopter overhead. The flowing text rhymes and has a good pace and rhythm, which makes it an ideal read-aloud for transportation fans. The illustrations are bright and full of detail. Children will have plenty to peruse and will go back again and again to catch everything they missed. The story will definitely spark their imaginations and can also be used to encourage creative play."

School Library Journal Review

Let's Eat! What Children Eat Around the World

Let's Eat! What Children Eat Around the World

Written by: Beatrice Hollyer

"Colorful photographs detail the lives of five youngsters from around the world: their homes, families, lifestyles, traditions, and typical foods. Each section also explores a special day in one child's life and the role of food in it: a wedding in South Africa, a fiesta in Mexico, a day out with Dad in Thailand, mushrooming in France, and a birthday in India. A map and food glossary are useful aids. This enjoyable adjunct to country studies provides vivid snapshots into the lives of children outside the U.S."

School Library Journal Review

Families

Families

Written By: Ann Morris

"Morris celebrates the concept of family. She includes many of the different forms a family can take--large or small, traditional or single-parent, foster, or biological. All are represented in this book. The text clearly and simply explains that what makes a family a special unit is that its members love each other, have fun together, and are there to help each other."

Kirkus Reviews

Houses and Homes

Houses and Homes

Written by: Ann Morris
Illustrated by: Ken Heyman

Striking photographic survey of housing around the world that will be a real eye opener for many children. The lush, full-color photos, one to two per page, tell the real story, conveying nearly as much about those who live in these homes as they do about the dwellings themselves. A black-and-white map is appended with each location clearly labeled. This is a solid addition for collections that support social studies or multicultural units, but would be equally fascinating to browsers throughout the age group."

Online Resources:
http://learningtogive.org/lessons/unit207/lesson1.html
School Library Journal Review

On the Go

On the Go

Written by: Ann Morris
Illustrated by: Ken Heyman

"Striking photographs and simple text convey to young children the many ways people around the world travel from one place to another. "Comprehensive and intriguing....The photographs are splendidly displayed...accompanied by a brief, provocative text....Will never stay on library shelves."--School Library Journal.