The Best Town in the World

The Best Town in the World

Written by: Byrd Baylor
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler

"A nostalgic view of the best town in the world, where dogs were smarter, chickens laid prettier brown eggs, wildflowers grew taller and thicker, and the people knew how to make the best chocolate cakes and toys in the world."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.carolhurst.com/subjects/citiesandtowns.html

Which Way to the Revolution? A Book About Maps

Which Way to the Revolution? A Book About Maps

Written and Illustrated by: Bob Barner

"Students will be able to follow along on the map as Paul Revere warns the colonists of the impending battle with the Redcoats. Of course, this time, Paul is aided by some clever mice who help him with his mission."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.theteacherscorner.net/thematicunits/american.htm

Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories

Marianthe's Story: Painted Words and Spoken Memories

Written and Illustrated by: Aliki

"Returning to her own childhood for inspiration, Aliki has created an exceptional sixty-four-page book that presents Marianthe's story -- her present and her past. In Painted Words, Marianthe's paintings help her to become less of an outsider as she struggles to adjust to a new language and a new school. Under the guidance of her teacher, who understands that there is more than one way to tell a story, Mari makes pictures to illustrate the history of her family, and eventually begins to decipher the meaning of words. In Spoken Memories, a proud Mari is finally able to use her new words to narrate the sequence of paintings she created, and share with her classmates her memories of her homeland and the events that brought her family to their new country."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.teachervision.fen.com/cross-cultural-communication/printable/64815.html

To Be a Kid

To Be a Kid

Written by: Maya Ajmera
Illustrated by: John D. Ivanko

"In a truly multicultural book, brilliant photographs contributed by Peace Corps volunteers and award-winning photographers illustrate a spirited look at the joys and activities shared by children in forty countries around the world."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://www.lessonplanspage.com/SSLAOCICountriesandCulturesIdeas18.htm

A Castle on Viola Street

A Castle on Viola Street

Written and Illustrated by: DyAnne Di Salvo-Ryan

"Andy is so used to his family's small, run-down apartment that he has never imagined living anywhere else--especially not in a new house with a garden and a porch. Such houses seem like castles to him.

But when he hears about an organization that turns abandoned houses into homes, he discovers that his castle isn't in the clouds--it's on Viola Street. And with some hard work and community caring, it could be his very own.

DyAnne DiSalvo combines new faces with familiar ones from earlier stories in this warm, vibrant tale about the good things that come when a whole family pitches in to make a better life for themselves."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://treasures.macmillanmh.com/national/students/grade3/book2/unit6/a-castle-on-viola-street

City Green

City Green

Written and Illustrated by: DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan

"Right in the middle of Marcy's city block is a littered vacant lot. Then one day she has a wonderful idea that not only improves the useless lot but her entire neighborhood as well."

Online Resources:
http://www.mhschool.com/reading/2005/student/activity.php3?story=98

The Meanest Thing to Say

The Meanest Thing to Say

Written by: Bill Cosby
Illustrated by: Varnette P. Hollywood

"When a new boy in his second grade class tries to get the other students to play a game that involves saying the meanest things possible to one another, Little Bill shows him a better way to make friends."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=853_type=Book_typeId=2757

The Wednesday Surprise

The Wednesday Surprise

Written by: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Donald Carrick

"A seven-year-old girl teaches her grandmother to read. This is a warm story about responsibility between the generations. The unusual twist shows that children can be very responsible and prove their own worth. Also available in Spanish as AQUÍ VIENE EL GATO."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com/readers_guides/bunting/wednesday.shtml

Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor

Amelia Bedelia 4 Mayor

Written by: Herman Parish
Illustrated by: Lynn Sweat

"Amelia Bedelia always does what she is told. So when Mr. Rogers jokingly remarks that she should run for Mayor Thomas's office, she dashes out of the kitchen and heads for City Hall. She eventually decides to become a candidate for mayor and we're lucky enough to follow her on the campaign trail. With Amelia Bedelia involved, politics has never been this fun or this honest!"

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.harpercollinschildrens.com/kids/gamesandcontests/features/amelia/teach.aspx

Officer Buckle and Gloria

Officer Buckle and Gloria

Written and Illustrated by: Peggy Rathaman

"Officer Buckle is a roly-poly bloke, dedicated to teaching schoolchildren important safety tips, such as never put anything in your ear and never stand on a swivel chair. The problem is, Officer Buckle's school assemblies are dull, dull, dull, and the children of Napville just sleep, sleep, sleep. That is, until Gloria the police dog is invited along! Stealthily pantomiming each safety tip behind Officer Buckle's back, Gloria wins the children's hearts. Meanwhile Officer Buckle assumes the cheers and laughter are all for him. As the master comedian Jerry Lewis once explained, every slapstick artist needs a straight man! Children will be highly entertained by the laugh-out-loud, adorable illustrations in this 1996 Caldecott Medal winner, while learning the value of teamwork and a pawful of nifty safety tips."

Amazon.com Review

Online Resources:
http://www.first-school.ws/activities/commhelper/policeofficer.htm

Working Cotton

Working Cotton

Written by: Sherley Anne Williams
Illustrated by: Carole Byard

"This story about a migrant farming family is set in central California. The pictures and story follow an African American family as they work in the cotton fields."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.kidseconposters.com/keb/Title%20List%20Poster%20Set%20A/Human%20Resources/Working%20Cotton.htm

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last

Written and Illustrated by: Judith Viorst

"Alexander had a dollar last Sunday, but he just can’t seem to hang on to it. Follow Alexander through the week as he makes many poor spending decisions, resulting in his not saving anything!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.kidseconposters.com/keb/Title%20List%20Poster%20Set%20B/Saving/Alexander%20Rich%20Last%20Saturday.htm

Carlos and the Carnival: Carlos y la feria

Carlos and the Carnival: Carlos y la feria

Written by: Jan Romero Stevens
Illustrated by: Jeanne Arnold

"Carlos ignores his father's advice about being careful how he spends his money at the carnival, and soon his pockets are empty. Children will enjoy this story about an earnest and endearing boy."

Publishers Synopsis

**This is a bilingual book**

Online Resources:
http://www.education.com/activity/article/showmethemoney_first/

Worksong

Worksong

Written by: Gary Paulsen
Illustrated by: Ruth Wright Wilson

"People at work, doing things that are so essential to us all, are lyrically depicted in Gary Paulsen’s spare and elegant verse and Ruth Wright Paulsen’s richly textured oil paintings."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:

http://ecedweb.unomaha.edu/standards/K-1standards.htm

The Penny Pot

The Penny Pot

Written by: Stuart J. Murphy
Illustrated by: Lynne Cravath

"Follow along and count coins with Jessie and her friends as they are transformed into a clown, a monster, and more at the face painting booth. With a naughty cat underfoot and festive illustrations by Lynne Cravath, this coin counting story is sure to be a favorite."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.kidseconposters.com/keb/Title%20List%20Poster%20Set%20B/Price/Penny%20Pot.htm

Jelly Beans for Sale

Jelly Beans for Sale

Written by: Bruce McMillan

"Brilliantly colored jelly beans selling for a penny apiece provide the scheme for McMillan's wonderfully clever concept book about money. Beginning with monetary values and clear photos of pennies, nickels, dimes. and quarters, the book follows a happy group of kids across full-color pages as they buy these delectable treats."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.miamisci.org/ph/jbean.html

Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe

Three Days on a River in a Red Canoe

Written and Illustrated by: Vera Williams

"Mother, Aunt Rosie, and two children make a three-day camping trip by canoe. The story offers a step-by-step narrative of what a canoe trip requires. The book includes maps, diagrams for pitching a tent, and a list of supplies."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.kidsreads.com/authors/au-williams-vera.asp

Time of Wonder

Written and Illustrated by: Robert McCloskey

"A family explores an island in the spring during a hurricane and after the storm has passed. The illustrations provide an excellent source for comparisons and discussions about the impact of storms."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
*scroll down this page midway to download a PDF teachers guide for this book*

http://www.nhptv.org/kn/itv/episodes.asp?ser_serial=14140

The Sun, the Wind, and the Rain

The Sun, the Wind, and the Rain

Written by: Lisa Peters
Illustrated by: Ted Rand

"The illustrations compare the forces of nature using a child’s sand structure and mountains that are influenced by sun, wind, and rain over thousands of years. The illustrator places these illustrations on opposite pages so that readers can compare the short- and long-term influences of nature."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.lisawestbergpeters.com/Teachers.html

Ox-Cart Man

Ox-Cart Man

Written by: Donald Hall
Illustrated by: Barbara Cooney

"This book set in early 19th century New England and tells the story of a family exchanging products they made for store-bought goods. The illustrations depict daily chores, travel, and seasonal change, and can stimulate discussions about history, economics, and the process of change over time."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/collateral.jsp?id=455_type=Book_typeId=256
http://doe.sd.gov/octa/ddn4learning/ThemeUnits/caldecott/winners.htm
http://www.kidseconposters.com/keb/Title%20List%20Poster%20Set%20A/Consumers/Ox-Cart%20Man.htm

Saturday Market

Saturday Market

Written by: Patricia Grossman
Illustrated by: Enrique O. Sanchez

"This well-designed book successfully combines text and vibrant artwork to portray the cultural richness of the Zapotec people and bring to life a Saturday market in a town in Oaxaca, Mexico. The story is simply written in carefully crafted words that effectively capture the spirit of the vendors."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.kidseconposters.com/keb/Title%20List%20Poster%20Set%20B/Market/Saturday%20Market.htm

The Little House

The Little House

Written and Illustrated by: Virginia Lee Burton

"This classic in children’s literature focuses on change brought about by urban expansion. It shows what happens when the little house is surrounded by the approaching city. In a happy ending, the now dilapidated house is moved back to the country."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.brighthub.com/education/k-12/articles/19582.aspx
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=13027

Pigs Will Be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money

Pigs Will Be Pigs: Fun with Math and Money

Written and Illustrated by: Amy Axelrod

"A hungry pig family learns about money and buying power as they turn the house upside down looking for enough money to buy dinner at the local restaurant."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://alex.state.al.us/lesson_view.php?id=17249

Star Spangled Banner

Star Spangled Banner

Written and Illustrated by: Peter Spier

"Many images depict the battle scenes during the War of 1812 which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/symbols.html

The Flag We Love

The Flag We Love

Written and Illustrated by: Pam Munoz Ryan

"The Flag We Love is a picture book on the American flag. It is written in simple poetry with a short facts section on each page. Beginning with the stars and stripes, it depicts the emotions and symbolism associated with the flag. The research was intense but interesting. I have fascinating research slides including every flag planting on the moon. I enjoy showing this book and the slides to teachers and children." - Pam Munoz Ryan

Online Resources:
http://www.pammunozryan.com/flagact2.html
http://www.pammunozryan.com/flagact.html

The Story of the Statue of Liberty

The Story of the Statue of Liberty

Written by: Betsy Maestro
Illustrated by: Giulio Maestro

"An illustrated history of the Statue of Liberty. The book describes the creation of the statue given to the United States by France as a symbol of liberty and its erection in the harbor at New York City."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.thestatueofliberty.com/liberty_games.html

The United States from A-Z

The United States from A-Z

Written by: Bobbie Kalman

"Take an alphabetical tour of America from the early colonies to its current states and capitals and all subjects in between. Fun topics include Kennedy Space Center, the Declaration of Independence, Yellowstone National Park, and more."

Publishers Description


Online Resources:
http://www.atozkidsstuff.com/states.html

George Washington's Breakfast

George Washington's Breakfast

Written by: Jean Fritz
Illustrated by: Paul Galdone

"Born on February 22, George Washington Allen wants his life to be just like his namesake’s, President George Washington. There is one problem. George doesn’t know what
President Washington ate for breakfast."

Publishers Description

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

A Big Cheese for the White House

Written by: Candace Fleming
Illustrated by: S.D. Schindler

"What weighs 1,235 pounds, stands four feet high, and is made from the milk of nine hundred and thirty-four cows? Why, a giant cheese, of course! In 1801, the proud citizens of Cheshire, Massachusetts, boasted that their cheese was the very best. But then they heard the shocking news: President Jefferson was serving Norton cheese at the White House! What to do? Elder John Leland had an idea. A very large idea. If everyone worked together, they could make a cheese so large that President Jefferson would be serving Cheshire cheese at the White House for years to come. How the villagers of Cheshire create a true cheese-making miracle and transport it to the nation's capitol makes a spirited, rollicking tale. Based on a true moment in American history, this funny picture book celebrates the ingenuity and community spirit of one small New England town as it attempts to make the country's biggest cheese for the nation's greatest man."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
(click on link in the middle of page that says, "Classroom Guide" for a PDF Teachers Guide from the author of this book)

http://www.candacefleming.com/books/bk_bigch.html

Rushmore

Rushmore

Written and Illustrated by: Lynn Curlee

"This book celebrates the world’s largest stone sculpture. It particularly emphasizes Rushmore’s patriotic aspects and why each of the presidents was chosen for immortality."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.nps.gov/moru/forteachers/index.htm
http://www.nps.gov/moru/forkids/index.htm

A. Lincoln and Me

A. Lincoln and Me

Written by: Louise Bordon
Illustrated by: Ted Lewin

"With the help of his teacher, a young boy realizes that he not only shares his birthday and similar physical appearance with Abraham Lincoln, but that he is like him in other ways as well."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/general_learner/lincoln/index.shtml

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Written by: Mir Tamim Ansary

"The historical events behind Martin Luther King Day are explained and ways to celebrate the life of a famous American."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://fun.familyeducation.com/martin-luther-king-jr/activities/32832.html

Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story

Freedom's Gifts: A Juneteenth Story

Written by: Valerie Wesley
Illustrated by: Sharon Wilson

"Wesley explores a unique holiday in Texas that has recently begun to be celebrated by African Americans in other parts of the U.S. as well. While Lincoln declared the slaves free in January 1863, the slaves in Texas were not freed until June 19, 1865. Set in 1943, this story tells of June, a young African-American Texan, and her cousin who is visiting from New York City. Juneteenth is June's favorite holiday, but Lillie belittles it until the girls go to the big celebratory picnic and their great-great-aunt Marshall, once a slave, helps her understand the importance of "freedom's gifts."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/juneteenth.htm

In the Tall, Tall, Grass

In the Tall, Tall, Grass

Written and Illustrated by: Denise Fleming

"Bold, bright, stylized collage illustrations capture the eye and the imagination as they depict the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale. From a caterpillar's point-of-view, children see the many happenings in the tall, tall grass: "crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch/dart, dip, hummingbirds sip" etc. Bees and birds, ants and snakes are among the daytime inhabitants. Then, with the "stars bright, moonlight" come nocturnal fireflies and bats: "good night, tall, tall grass." The childlike illustrations were created by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, resulting in remarkable images."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=%20%20942

In the Small, Small, Pond

In the Small, Small, Pond

Written and Illustrated by: Denise Fleming

"A rhythmic text introduces the animals and the activities that take place in a pond. The story progresses seasonally from spring to autumn. Text such as “circle, swirl, whirligigs twirl” and “sweep, swoop, swallows scoop” appeals to young children who should be encouraged to join in the reading."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://eduscapes.com/library/i/in_the_small_small_pond.htm
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/lessonplan.jsp?id=941

You are Here

You are Here

Written and Illustrated by: Nina Crews

"Stuck inside due to inclement weather, Mariah and Joy embark on an imaginative journey. First destination on the map (which they've constructed on top of a checkerboard, with coins, buttons, seashells and checkers) is an imaginary tiny island. Without fanfare, the girls shrink to a size that allows them to fit right into their surroundings. A decorative mask in the room becomes a "giant," a houseplant is a jungle to be explored and the chubby gray cat is now a fierce monster guarding "treasures" (cat toys). A look through a kaleidoscope turns everything on end, and soon the girls are back to reality. The smoothly pitched text builds in excitement as the images and action begin to fully take shape in readers' minds."

Publishers Weekly Review

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln

A Picture Book of Abraham Lincoln

Written by: David A Adler
Illustrated by: John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner

"This book follows the life of the popular president, from his childhood on the frontier to his assassination after the end of the Civil War."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.socialstudiesforkids.com/subjects/abrahamlincoln.htm

A Picture Book of George Washington

A Picture Book of George Washington

Written by: David A Adler
Illustrated by: John Wallner and Alexandra Wallner

"A book which uses pictures and words to describe the life of America’s first president. Share this read-along with young readers eager to learn more about our nation's history."

Publishers Description

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