Any elementary school librarian can tellyou that trying to keep books in the 590s in reasonable order is a herculean task. However, that’s not a negative. Children in this age range devour books about animals.
From Pet Cats to Saber Tooths: Animals | Series Made Simple Spring 2013
By on April 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
From Army Ants to Vampire Bats: Animals | Series Made Simple Spring 2013
By on April 10, 2013 Leave a Comment
Animal books are perennial favorites for pleasure reading and report writing. This spring, series about pets, both common and unusual, are prevalent, as are titles about attention-grabbing (big or scary) creatures. While many of the sets cover standard report elements such as habitats, life cycles, and the food chain, others have a more specific focus.
Review: Endangered
By on November 12, 2012
Endangered by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic. 2012. Review copy from publisher.
The Plot: Sophie, 14, is in Congo (the Democratic Republic of Congo) visiting her mother, who runs a sanctuary for bonobos. During the school year, she lives with her father in America.
Sophie saves a young bonobo who she names Otto; she cares for him, beginning to [...]
Packs, Pods, and Prides: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
This season’s animal titles are thoughtfully designed to support Common Core State Standards with good use of nonfiction text features and subject-specific vocabulary. Whether students are requesting books for research or for recreational reading, the abundant photographs and conversational narratives ensure that they will be engaged and will come away with increased background knowledge. Several series explain classification and interaction within a species’ habitat, environment, or group. While many of the animals highlighted are old favorites, students [...]
Creature Magnetism: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012
By on November 1, 2012 Leave a Comment
There’s no denying that children are drawn to the library’s 590 shelves, making it essential to acquire new material. However, it’s important to choose judiciously from the many series published each year. Are you looking for a fresh outlook or design? A sensational subject to attract reluctant readers? Replacements for much-handled books on popular creatures, such as sharks or dinosaurs? This year’s offerings include all of the above, as well as several quality choices [...]
The Wild World of Steve Jenkins | An Author Study
By on October 2, 2012 3 Comments
The Common Core’s emphasis on nonfiction challenges educators to provide insightful and interesting materials to students. In order to best serve my population, I decided to create a series of nonfiction author study units similar to those we already did. Since most teachers at my school tend to assign animal research reports to introduce nonfiction, I chose Steve Jenkins for my first nonfiction author study—someone whose books are found in most classrooms and libraries.
A Universe to Discover | From Galileo to Barnum Brown
By on September 25, 2012 1 Comment
Biographies and introductions on scientists can introduce young readers and listeners to the excitement that inspires a lifetime of study. They can also encourage students to consider such pursuits themselves—now and in the future. From Galileo to Barnum Brown, the titles recommended here range from gorgeously illustrated picture books to exciting stories of phenomenal discoveries supported by clear color photos, generous lists of additional resources, detailed author notes, and website updates.
