Author/Illustrator: Marla Frazee
Plot Summary: Two friends meet at the home of one boy's grandparents(Bill and Pam) to attend a week of nature camp at the beach. With great illustrations and humor, the boys learn about nature, friendship, new vocabulary (@#%&) and Antarctica.
Comments: This would make a great read aloud for grades two or three. First of all, it is really funny. The children say and do funny things that all children could relate to. It is a little inappropriate such as the reference to "@#%&", uses sarcasm which would introduce a literary style and has equally humorous illustrations. I personally LOVE funny books like this and especially for read alouds. Although I know it is important to tie library materials to the curriculum, I also think the library can be a place to explore and experience other types of literature as a diversion to the standards. This book would qualify.
Extensions:
1. This would be a great book to read after summer vacation. Children could share what they did over the summer.
2. As a writing assignment, children could write about what their "best week ever" would look like.
3. As a special treat, the book could be read to the class followed by a special snack - the "ice cream icebergs" featured in the book. I like the idea of linking food to literature.
4. As part of a study of the continents, Antarctica could be the focus including replicating the "model" at the end of the book.
Themes/keywords: vacation, friendship, grandparents, beaches
Age/Reading Level: Interest Level: K-3; ATOS - 2.7; Follett - 2.0; Lexile - 690
Standards:
1. ELA2R4 The student uses a variety of strategies to gain meaning from grade-level text.
Publisher's Info: Harcourt, Inc. Orlando, Florida 2008
ISBN: 978-0-15-206020-6
Awards/Review Sources:
Wilson's Children 01/01/09
Caldecott Medal/Honor 01/26/09
School Library Journal starred 03/01/08
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books starred 03/01/08
Publishers Weekly starred 02/18/08
Kirkus Review starred 02/01/08
Booklist 03/01/08
Horn Book 10/01/08
Genre/Dewey: Fiction/ Easy
Websites:
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Vocabulary:
Comments