Give a Goat

Give a Goat

Written by: Jan West Schrock
Illustrated by: Aileen Darragh

Pair this book with Page McBrier's book "Beatrice's Goat"

"Page McBrier’s Beatrice’s Goat (2001) introduced the work of Heifer International in a picture-book story about a girl whose family is changed by the gift of a goat. Illustrated in whimsical ink-and-watercolor artwork, this message-driven title by the daughter of the organization’s founder shows kids how to get involved in Heifer’s mission. After a teacher reads Beatrice’s Goat to her fifth-grade class, her students work together to buy a goat for a needy family through Heifer’s program. With an initial loan from their teacher, they prepare and sell healthy snacks, eventually earning more than enough to buy the animal, educating their school about Heifer’s work in the process.

The story, which includes interesting details of project management, is a clear advertisement for both Heifer and the rewards of community service. Still, teachers seeking portrayals of kids cooperating to make a difference, both in their communities and beyond, will find this book a welcome resource."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/
http://www.papertigers.org/interviews/archived_interviews/jschrock.html

Beatrice's Goat

Beatrice's Goat

Written by: Page McBrier
Illustrated by: Lori Lohstoeter

Pair this book with "Give a Goat" by Jan West Schrock

"More than anything, Beatrice longs to be a schoolgirl. But in her small African village, only children who can afford uniforms and books can go to school. Beatrice knows that with six children to care for, her family is much too poor. But then Beatrice receives a wonderful gift from some people far away -- a goat! Fat and sleek as a ripe mango, Mugisa (which means "luck") gives milk that Beatrice can sell. With Mugisa's help, it looks as if Beatrice's dream may come true after all.

Page McBrier and Lori Lohstoeter beautifully recount this true story about how one child, given the right tools, is able to lift her family out of poverty. Thanks to Heifer Project International -- a charitable organization that donates livestock to poor communities around the world -- other families like Beatrice's will also have a chance to change their lives."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.pagemcbrier.com/picturebooks_Beatrice.html
http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/

Fiesta Babies

Fiesta Babies

Written by: Carmen Taffola
Illustrated by: Amy Cordova
**2011 Pura Belpre Honor Book**

This is a fun book for young elementary students who learn all about celebrations and holidays celebrated in Hispanic culture. Spanish words are sprinkled throughout the book giving teachers an opportunity to use this as a language building and vocabulary exercise as well as a great cultural read.

Jennie's Review

Online Resources:
http://www.carmentafolla.com/

Dear Primo, A Letter to My Cousin

Dear Primo, A Letter to My Cousin

Written and Illustrated by: Duncan Tonatiuh

**2011 Pura Belpre Honor Book**

"From first-time Mexican author and illustrator Duncan Tonatiuh comes the story of two cousins, one in America and one in Mexico, and how their daily lives are different yet similar. Charlie takes the subway to school; Carlitos rides his bike. Charlie plays in fallen leaves; Carlitos plays among the local cacti. Dear Primo covers the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of two very different childhoods, while also emphasizing how alike Charlie and Carlitos are at heart. Spanish words are scattered among the English text, providing a wonderful way to introduce the language and culture of Mexico to young children. Inspired by the ancient art of the Mixtecs and other cultures of Mexico, Tonatiuh incorporates their stylized forms into his own artwork."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://duncantonatiuh.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/dear-primo/

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

10 Things I Can Do to Help My World

Written and Illustrated by: Melanie Walsh

"A thoroughly successful presentation on how even small changes in lifestyle can make a big difference. On each spread, a large and colorful acrylic painting is accompanied by a sturdy die-cut flap and eco-friendly tips. Each suggestion opens with "I," followed by a verb, such as "remember," "try," and "always." The sentence is completed under the flap, along with a reason why the tip is conservation friendly. The recommendations are those that children can easily relate to, such as turning off the water while brushing your teeth (which can save 18 glasses of water), using both sides of the paper, recycling, etc. Visually appealing and effective in its presentation, this title will serve as an introduction to environmental studies. Its appealing visuals and large size make it perfect for group sharing."

School Library Journal Review

Online Resources:
http://ecochildsplay.com/2008/09/16/eco-kids-books-10-things-i-can-do-to-help-my-world/

Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving

Pilgrim's First Thanksgiving

Written by: Ann Mcgovern
Illustrated by: Elroy Freem

"The Pilgrims' first Thanksgiving lasted three whole days. The author's simple text introduces children to the struggles of the Pilgrims during their first year at Plymouth Colony and the events leading to the historic occasion we celebrate today - Thanksgiving."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.scholastic.com/scholastic_thanksgiving/

Bringing in the New Year

Bringing in the New Year

Written and Illustrated by: Grace Lin

"This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.gracelin.com/

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year

Written by: Kate Waters
Illustrated by: Martha Cooper

"On the Chinese New Year, six-year-old Ernie will perform his first Lion Dance. An intimate look at a Chinese household as the family shares a proud moment with Ernie. "A strong supplement for its immediacy, its vibrant color, and its sympathetic look at a Chinese family."

School Library Journal Review
*A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies*

Online Resources:
http://www.katewaters.com/index.html

Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi

Rin, Rin, Rin, Do, Re, Mi

Written by: Jose-Luis Orozco
Illustrated by: David Diaz

"This lively bilingual Spanish-English picture book depicts how everyday family activities such as cooking, singing, and storytelling prepare children for reading and life."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.joseluisorozco.com/

Quinito, Day and Night/Quinito, dia y noche

Quinito, Day and Night/Quinito, dia y noche

Written by: Ina Cumpiano
Illustrated by: Jose Ramirez

"The author-illustrator team that created Quinito’s Neighborhood (2005) now focuses on family fun in a book about opposites, which is also a celebration of differences. English and Spanish appear on each double-page spread, accompanied by large, bright acrylic illustrations, with shapes thickly outlined in black, that picture Quinito as the middle kid in his family. He and his brother and little sister are young; Grandma and Grandpa are old. Papi is neat; Quinito’s little brother, who leaves his toys everywhere, is messy. When it’s rainy, Quinito is stuck inside and sad; when it’s sunny, he happily cycles outdoors. The appended bilingual glossary of opposites will inspire them to return to the exuberant scenarios in the book."

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://pbskids.org/martha/parentsteachers/activities/oppositeday.html

What Can You Do with a Rebozo?

What Can You Do With a Rebozo?

Written by: Carmen Taffola
Illustrated by: Amy Cordova

"A cradle for baby, a superhero's cape, a warm blanket on a cool night--there are so many things you can do with a rebozo. Through the eyes of a young girl, readers are introduced to the traditional shawl found in many Mexican and Mexican-American households. Pictures of family life frame simply rhythmic text, and rich bands of jewel-toned acrylics highlight and demonstrate both the versatility of the shawl and the warm family relationships."

School Library Journal

Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book

Calavera Abecedario: A Day of the Dead Alphabet Book

Written and Illustrated by: Jeanette Winter

"Every year Don Pedro and his family make papier-mache skeletons, or calaveras, for Mexico's Day of the Dead fiesta. From Angel and Doctor to Mariachi and Unicornio, each letter of the alphabet has its own special calavera.

Come dance with them in this unusual ABC book inspired by a real Mexican family of artists and the many colorful folk-art traditions surrounding the celebration of the Day of the Dead.

Includes a glossary of Spanish words and an author's note."

Publishers Synopsis

Web Resources:
http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-education.html

This Is the Way We Go to School: A Book About Children Around the World

This is the Way We Go to School: A Book About Children Around the World

Written by: Edith Baer
Illustrated by: Steven Bjorkman

"Some children walk to school; others ride a bus. Children go by ferry in New York, vaporetto in Italy, trolley car in San Francisco, and helicopter in the Alaskan Tundra. With fun-filled rhymes and colorful illustrations, children will discover just how much fun getting to school can be."

Publishers Description

Online Resources:
http://www.uen.org/Lessonplan/preview.cgi?LPid=18811

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

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

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."

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

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