Author/Illustrator: Gail Ablow/Kathy OsbornPlot Summary: A series of short stories involving animals and based on true stories. The stories are bizarre and the illustrations give an additional twist of humor.
Comments: Citations for the origin of each story are listed in the back of the book. This would make a good choice for a short story to read at the end of the day or during another transition time.
Extensions:
1. For third through fifth grade, the book would be introduced. The teacher would read a story each day, or every other day, and mark the location of the story on a world map. The stories are entertaining but they also take place all over the world.
2. In a written response to the story, the students would write what they thought was the most unusual, unlikely, or strangest part of the story.
3. Students would review this or other books using an audio or video podcasting format.
Themes/keywords: animals, short stories,
Age/Reading Level: K - 5; ATOS - 5.2; Follett - 4.3; Lexile - 880
Standards:
ELA5W1 The student produces writing that establishes an appropriate organizational structure, sets a context and engages the reader, maintains a coherent focus throughout, and signals a satisfying closure.
ELA5W2 The student demonstrates competence in a variety of genres.
ELA5W3 The student uses research and technology to support writing.
Publisher's Info: Candlewick Press; Cambridge, MA 2007
ISBN-13: 978-0-7636-2838-3
ISBN-10: 0-7636-2838-7
Awards/Review Sources:
Wilson's Children 01/01/09 | Horn Book starred 04/01/08 |
| Booklist 09/15/07 | Horn Book 01/01/08 |
| Kirkus Review 09/15/07 | Library Media Connection 01/01/08 |
Websites:
Podcast review recorded in a coffeehouse. Click here.
Notes for Booktalk:
The author is also a journalist and producer. Click here for her credits.
Vocabulary: monsoon, hatchlings,
Comments