Book of the Week #10 (July 31, 2017)

In Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz, Wolf is tired of being defeated by the ninja pigs.  He decides to train and learn new skills.  With his talents, he promptly sets his sights on Red Riding Hood.  As Red heads to her grandmother's house, Wolf quickly arrives before her.  Red tells "Grandma" how different she looks.  Wolf has an excuse for everything Red says.  He begins to attack her, but to his surprise, Red is also a ninja.  The attack begins and the two discover they are evenly matched.  Suddenly, a shadow appears.  It is Grandmother!  She tells Wolf to leave Red alone.  He also agrees to give up red meat.  To calm his stress, he decides to learn yoga instead!

Just like our book last week, this story tells about a strong female character.  Both books update the traditional versions of well-known fairy tales.  In addition, the books are written by Corey Rosen Schwartz.  Schwartz has written other updated fairy tales, like The Three Ninja Pigs and Hensel and Gretel Ninja Chicks.

We have only one Book of the Week left this summer.  We hope you have enjoyed all the books highlighted in the past weeks.  Continue reading, what might interest you.  Keep visiting this blog from time to time for information, resources, and reading suggestions connected to Marlin Elementary School literacy.  Go Dragons!

Book of the Week #9 (July 24, 2017)

In Goldi Rocks and the Three Bears by Corey Rosen Schwartz and Beth Coulton, there is a slight difference from the traditional story.  These three bears are in a band.  However, they are in need of a singer.  While they are busy auditioning potential singers, Goldi wanders into their home.  In typical three bears fashion, she investigates and spies their recording studio.  One microphone is too tall, one is too short, but one is just right.  As the story continues, the bears return home.  Goldi has fallen asleep.  When the bears wake her, she screams in perfect pitch.  The bears finally found a singer.  This band goes on to become a chart-topping group known as Goldi Rocks and the Great Three Bear Band!

This funny, updated version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears could easily be used to compare and contrast with other story versions.  The book ending could also be continued to tell a story about the band playing concerts all over the world.  What do you think will happen with this band in the future?

Last week's book discussed goals and family.  This week's Book of the Week also focuses on family.  This family has a goal to find a singer for their band.  They work together to seek someone to sing in the band.  It just so happens they find Goldi right before their eyes and asleep on the keyboard.  They succeed in finding a singer and find more success as their band becomes popular.  When we work together (and in their case, it's family collaborating), chances of succeeding increase.

Book of the Week #8 (July 17, 2017)

Last Saturday, The Galactic Gathering was held in Mitchell, Indiana.  It was a day to honor 7 of the 9 living astronauts from Indiana.  To hear about their experiences in space, the life paths that led them to become astronauts, and their support of one another was astonishing.  So, with astronauts on the mind, the Book of the Week is titled Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon by Timothy R. Gaffney.     

In the story, a boy loves to listen to his grandpa (a former astronaut) talk about going to the moon.  As the grandpa tells the familiar tale, the boy imagines he is traveling to the moon with Grandpa.  The description of the moon brings to life how different the moon is compared to Earth.  The two walk on the moon and ride in the lunar rover.  They post an American flag and collect items to return to Earth.  At the end of Grandpa's moon story, the boy asks if he could ever go to the moon.  It is definitely possible and there would be new stories to tell.

Last week's book, Quest, told of a journey with a goal.  Grandpa Takes Me to the Moon also involves travel with a purpose.  Goals are important to set, but even more important to try to obtain.  What have your goals been this summer?  Have you reached them?

Book of the Week #7 (July 10, 2017)

Quest by Aaron Becker is a wordless tale.  The illustrations guide you through the journey of two children, equipped with their color pieces of red and purple, who find a door under a bridge.  As it begins to rain, a king opens that door to silently show the children some type of map.  He hands the children the map just before he is captured by men.  He throws his orange piece as the doors close.  The children use the colors to draw keys and open the doors.  They find a land that is dark and gray.  They see the king and the men holding him captive.  The children use the map to follow the land.  They use their colors to draw objects to assist them.  As their quest continues, they are also finding new colors.  Eventually, these colors begin to form a rainbow.  This rainbow arches over the land of dark and gray, shining beautifully on everything below it.  The rainbow color rays overcome the men holding the king.  The king is free!  He takes his orange and draws each child a crown.  They return home to find a rainbow as they appear from under the bridge.

Although there are no words or reading involved in this book, it requires attention to detail and a great comprehension.  One missed part of the illustration might confuse your understanding.  Eyes need to be wide open while "reading" it.

As last week's book was about Rock, Paper, and Scissors taking a journey to find worthy opponents, this book is also about a journey (or quest) to a new land.  Journeys can led to new, exciting, and educational places!  Interestingly, Aaron Becker has another wordless book called Journey and it is a Caldecott Honor Book.

Book of the Week #6 (July 3, 2017)

The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt tells the story of Rock, Paper, and Scissors.  Rock was the strongest warrior in his land, but could not find a worthy opponent.  He was unsatisfied.  Paper was the smartest warrior in his land, but he also was unable to find an opponent to defeat him.  He was depressed.  Scissors was the fastest warrior.  She was unchallenged, having not found an opponent who could fairly battle her.  All three left their homes in search of a challenge.  One day, they came across one another.

So, the battles began.  Scissors was overjoyed to have Rock overpower her.  Rock was so pleased to have finally lost a battle to Paper.  Paper was beaming to have been cut by Scissors.  They continued to battle, leading children everywhere to honor them in daily challenges of Rock, Paper, Scissors!

This book creates a hilarious backstory to an age-old game.  Rock, Paper, and Scissors have a common problem.  They can find no one to defeat them.  However, they have different strengths.  As last week's book This Is How We Do It also discusses differences and similarities, this story demonstrates it is ok to be yourself and always seek a challenge!