Ruurs, Margriet. 2005. My Librarian is a Camel. Boyds Mills Press: Honesdale, PA. ISBN 1-59078-093-0.
Gr 2 – 5 -- Libraries are often thought and defined as buildings that contain books and other materials. This book creates a new definition for the terms library and librarian.
This informational book profiles the efforts of individuals in thirteen different countries to bring books and library services to areas that do not have traditional library buildings.
Each two page profile contains brief background information about the area and detailed information about the non-traditional library access provided to that area.
The introduction sets the proper mood for the reader. The author shares her motivation for writing the book and the inspiration she found upon its completion. If the title left any confusion in the reader’s mind, the introduction will clarify the intent.
Photographs of the people of each country and of the country’s library experience illustrate the text effectively. They put a real face on the information presented. Readers learn about library camels of Kenya and see pictures of the people as well as the camels embarking on a library journey. In addition to the photographs, geographical information, a map, and a flag accompany each country’s library profile.
The text provides a great deal of information in a small amount of space but is not dry or overpowering. Young readers could easily tackle this book and find success and inspiration. However, it does not talk down to readers, so older readers will not feel juvenile for reading this text. This book would be an excellent tool to use to discuss the value of books and literacy. Libraries are not readily available everywhere in the world. This eye opening book shows the great importance and value placed on books and literacy.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Module 1: Green Eggs and Ham
Seuss, Dr. 1960. Green Eggs and Ham. Beginner Books: New York. ISBN 0-394-80016-8.
PreS - Gr 2—The enduring story of Sam and his quest to encourage an unnamed main character to eat green eggs and ham has provided entertainment and reading comfort for over 45 years. Sam is a very determined character. He persistently asks another character to try green eggs and ham. He presents numerous scenarios and opportunities for this character to try the meal. This character shows tremendous determination in his resistance to all of Sam’s attempts. His annoyance at Sam’s perpetual insistence to try the eggs leads to him trying the eggs and ham. He then discovers that he loves them and is appreciative that Sam did not give up trying. This is an excellent story to use to teach children about determination and persistence.
The simple text uses only single syllable words, with the exception of the word anywhere. The entire text rhymes and repeats. Every two lines of text rhyme and the story builds on itself, not in a box/not with a fox/ not in a house/not with a mouse. Young readers will build confidence as they read a book of this nature.
The illustrations are simple and nonsensical. Many of the scenes almost seem dreamlike. The grass is red or the trees are blue. All of the main characters in this story do not represent humans. They have human facial features but seem to resemble dogs, or a cross between humans and dogs. The illustrations use the three primary colors almost exclusively; however, several of the objects are a lightened shade of red. These simple color choices help the green eggs and ham to really spring off the page. This story and the illustrations are simple, but its meaning and presence will last a lifetime.
PreS - Gr 2—The enduring story of Sam and his quest to encourage an unnamed main character to eat green eggs and ham has provided entertainment and reading comfort for over 45 years. Sam is a very determined character. He persistently asks another character to try green eggs and ham. He presents numerous scenarios and opportunities for this character to try the meal. This character shows tremendous determination in his resistance to all of Sam’s attempts. His annoyance at Sam’s perpetual insistence to try the eggs leads to him trying the eggs and ham. He then discovers that he loves them and is appreciative that Sam did not give up trying. This is an excellent story to use to teach children about determination and persistence.
The simple text uses only single syllable words, with the exception of the word anywhere. The entire text rhymes and repeats. Every two lines of text rhyme and the story builds on itself, not in a box/not with a fox/ not in a house/not with a mouse. Young readers will build confidence as they read a book of this nature.
The illustrations are simple and nonsensical. Many of the scenes almost seem dreamlike. The grass is red or the trees are blue. All of the main characters in this story do not represent humans. They have human facial features but seem to resemble dogs, or a cross between humans and dogs. The illustrations use the three primary colors almost exclusively; however, several of the objects are a lightened shade of red. These simple color choices help the green eggs and ham to really spring off the page. This story and the illustrations are simple, but its meaning and presence will last a lifetime.
Module 1: Are you my mother?
Eastman, P.D. 1960. Are you my Mother? Illus. by author. Beginner Books: New York. ISBN 679-84480-5.
PreS – Gr 2 – This classic tale of a newly hatched bird searching for his mother continues to captivate young readers. As the young bird travels outside the comfort of his own nest, his tenacity and determination are admirable. As he roams, he asks many animals and inanimate objects if s/he or it is his mother. He doesn’t judge by appearances. He assumes that anyone or anything could possibly be his mother. He has not set limitations on himself or his quest. He has a goal of finding his mother. Nothing is going to hinder him.
The repetitive text provides comfort and confidence for young readers. This could be a book that is first read to a child. The pattern and cadence of the text will lend itself to this being a book a child could read independently with ease as s/he develops into a fluent reader.
The illustrations are simplistic. However, they match the simplicity of the text and provide the early reader with only images that s/he needs to decipher the text. There is little superfluous imagery. The pictures match the text presented. This illustrative support will also aid young readers. This tale is a must have for every library collection.
PreS – Gr 2 – This classic tale of a newly hatched bird searching for his mother continues to captivate young readers. As the young bird travels outside the comfort of his own nest, his tenacity and determination are admirable. As he roams, he asks many animals and inanimate objects if s/he or it is his mother. He doesn’t judge by appearances. He assumes that anyone or anything could possibly be his mother. He has not set limitations on himself or his quest. He has a goal of finding his mother. Nothing is going to hinder him.
The repetitive text provides comfort and confidence for young readers. This could be a book that is first read to a child. The pattern and cadence of the text will lend itself to this being a book a child could read independently with ease as s/he develops into a fluent reader.
The illustrations are simplistic. However, they match the simplicity of the text and provide the early reader with only images that s/he needs to decipher the text. There is little superfluous imagery. The pictures match the text presented. This illustrative support will also aid young readers. This tale is a must have for every library collection.
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