My Pencil and Me by Sara Varon This story walks through the writing and publishing process, with an adorable fourth-wall-breaking reveal at the end. Press Here by Herve Tullet Readers can press "buttons," tilt, and shake the book as the story progresses. I Am Bat by Morag Hood If you wouldn't let the Pigeon drive the bus, you'd be similarly protective of Bat's cherries, which mysteriously disappear during this story. Also an Octopus by Maggie Tokuda-Hall Coming up with story event ideas can be challenging, so why wouldn't readers be called upon to contribute to the cause? High Five by Adam Rubin Just how prepared are you for the upcoming High Five contest? Have no fear - some interactive stylistic coaching will do the trick. There's a Monster at the End of This Book by Jon Stone One of the earliest examples of meta-fiction in picture books, this classic is still entertaining for kids and the adults who read with them. Please do not turn the page! The Scariest Book in the Whole Entire World by Joey Acker Never mind - this book is probably way too scary. If you decide to try it, just remember - the rock tried to warn you. Escargot by Dashka Slater The titular protagonist tries to convince readers to see the charm in snails, and to claim him as "your favorite animal." It's adorable. Chapter Two is Missing by Josh Lieb It's a mystery, it's an exploration of text conventions, and it's hilarious. Now, hurry and start helping, because the narrator is in crisis. Find Fergus by Mike Boldt Spoiler: Fergus is really hopeless at Hide and Seek. However, this makes for high entertainment with young readers, who can easily spot this would-be sneaky bear from page to page. Frankencrayon by Michael Hall Disaster! Just as the story was ready to unfold, we discover that someone has scribbled across the page. Positively shocking, of course (and, perhaps, an opportune time to reiterate book care with students). Readers get a glimpse "back stage" to see the preparation, the disaster, and the solution. This Book Will Get You to Sleep by Jory John Are you asleep yet? How about now? No dulcet tones or calming lullabies here - more like raucous sheep playing electric guitars as fireworks explode behind them. Unsurprisingly, the text is not calming - but it is a good time. The Book with No Pictures by B. J. Novak
This picture book without pictures is so entertaining that readers will be giggling uncontrollably - and, quite possibly - at you. But probably also with you.
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1) Lena's Shoes Are Nervous by Keith Calabrese Personification Lena might be ready for school, but her shoes have some reservations. 2) I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes Metaphor This book is outstanding! Everyone should read it. 3) Fry Bread: A Native American Family Tradition by Kevin Noble Maillard Metaphor "Fry bread is time . . . fry bread is us." This picture book would be an excellent mentor text for student writers. 4) The Lonely Book by Kate Bernheimer Personification What happens to a book that was once popular and is now past its prime? 5) Muddy As a Duck Puddle and Other American Similes by Laurie Lawlor Simile A simile from A to Z! Remember when people used to write actual letters to each other? Even if these aren't used as mentor texts for letter writing, these books are great examples demonstrating different perspectives and viewpoints. All of these stories are crafted with letter-writing as a predominant feature. 1) Can I Be Your Dog? by Troy Cummings See also: I Found a Kitty by Troy Cummings This is an adorable story about a dog roaming the city, looking to find a home. Each letter from different potential companions is written on the stationery equivalent of the house decor, whether it's fluffy and pink, or plain and severe. This book also introduces the concept of supporting arguments in an accessible way to younger audiences. 2) The Quiet Place by Sarah Stewart See also: The Gardener by Sarah Stewart Isabel moves to the U.S. from Mexico, and misses her home, Letters to her aunt show Isabel's gradually increasing comfort and appreciation for new routines and experiences. This would be an excellent read-aloud to help new students feel seen and validated, or to introduce a pen pal program with other students in a contrasting region. 3) Dear Dragon by Josh Funk I'm a fan of this author's work, and particularly this funny rhyming exchange of letters between a dragon and boy who are each shocked to discover that their pen pal is not what they expected. It's amazing how an open mind can allow a boy to connect to a dragon, and vice versa. This would be an excellent resource prior to class discussions about trying to see different perspectives, even when people disagree. 4) Postcards from Camp by Simms Taback I adore this book for two different reasons. First, the writing is very funny, and relatable to any kid who isn't sure the overnight camp experience is going to work out. The son's sense of dramatic urgency and the dad's sense of calm encouragement represent strikingly different viewpoints and writing styles that make a great model for middle grade writers. Second, the format of this book has a delightful surprise - there are actual pull-out letters readers can extract from envelopes built in to the book pages. A librarian nightmare for its destructive potential, sure, but super charming to readers clever enough to check it out. 5) With Love, Little Red Hen by Alma Flor Ada This author also wrote Dear Peter Rabbit, and Yours Truly, Goldilocks, and many well-known fairy tale characters are included in this story. Red Hen and her chicks are new to the area, and can't convince neighbors to help with their corn project, The illustrations are key to some of the plot points, so young readers can use inferencing skills to discuss the conclusion. This book would fit in well with a fairy tale unit or a chance to model stories that mix well-known characters in the same story setting for student writing projects. 6) Ice Cream Summer by Peter Sis A celebration of ice cream from the text to the clever illustrations, this story could be an excellent model for food, location, or seasonally-inspired research projects culminating in original picture books. 7) Plantzilla by Jerdine Nolen Detailed illustrations by David Catrow are definitely part of the fun of this book, with a third grader who takes the class plant home to care for it over the summer. Soon the family is dealing with strange disappearances, with the story told in letters to the classroom teacher. A funny introduction to a plant unit, or a book that invites readers to pay attention to details and observation. 8) Dear Yeti by James Kwan An adorable story inviting readers to delight in detecting more than the unsuspecting characters, who write letters pleading with the Yeti to show himself. Yeti employs some stealthy help to the hikers, who find themselves cold and hungry during their quest to find him. This book is fun on its own, but it could connect to research about cryptids, or introduce some outdoor activity preparation or survival skills, or invite young writers to write from Yeti's perspective. 9) The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt This book features a series of postcards from various crayons located in assorted places - a great exercise in writing from the point of view of a familiar object, or for older students crafting writing voices to develop effective characterization. 10) I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff A classic persuasive writing mentor text, this book has several companions as Alex argues in favor of a pet iguana, a new room, or to not have to stay at his grandparents' retirement community for a week. Mom's counter-arguments are also presented in letters, offering readers a good model of arguments with supporting examples. 11) Click, Clack, Moo - Cows That Type by Doreen Cronin First published in 1964, this classic has spurred many sequels and spin-offs. The farmer is incensed to receive complaints (in the form of typewritten letters) about working conditions from the cows, and the back-and-forth disagreement is simple, yet compelling. This story continues to be an entertaining and useful model for students who are beginning to write using different character viewpoints and voices. What can you do with a wordless picture book? Notice and wonder together, discuss possibilities, write your own text, research related nonfiction elements - the possibilities are endless! Here are just a few to try: 1) Bye, Penguin by Seou Lee A penguin takes a worldwide tour of recognizable locations. This book could introduce units on maps, landmark research projects, distance, travel, or a discussion about unexpected opportunities. 2) Another by Christian Robinson An exploration of an alternate reality in a dream - this beautifully illustrated book can spark discussions about the kinds of worlds we would build if we could engineer the spaces of our dreams. 3) I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoet What does it mean to show kindness to others? This beautiful book is easy for readers of all ages to access and discuss. 4) Hike by Pete Oswald A celebration of nature and family time together, this picture book could be a great mentor text for young students to describe what they like to do for "unplugged" activities, or an opportunity to notice and capture details in the outdoors. 5) One Little Bag: An Amazing Journey by Henry Cole What do we throw away? Details abound in this wordless picture book that looks at the world from an object's point of view . . . inspiring readers to look more closely at their own journeys. 6) Perfect by Max Amato Almost wordless! This book explores how to deal with mistakes. 7) Dandelion's Dream by Yoko Tanaka Wouldn't it be nice if a seed could bloom and grow . . . and walk around like a lion? 9) Bluebird by Bob Staake A bluebird looks for friendship. 10) Mirror by Jeannie Baker Readers follow the lives of characters in Morocco and Australia. 11) Stormy: A Story About Finding a Forever Home by Guojing Sometimes it takes patience to build a friendship. 12) Zoom by Istvan Banyai Each page invites the reader to focus in on a detail, which opens up a whole new scene with a whole new detail to explore. Look for the sequel, Re-Zoom, by the same author. 13) Imagine! by Raul Colon A painting comes to life at the city museum in this celebration of visual art. 14) Hug by Jez Alborough A chimpanzee seeks affection from different animals, prompting readers to think about how we might feel loneliness or attempt to connect with others. 15) Flashlight by Lizi Boyd A nighttime walk with a flashlight reveals different natural elements, encouraging readers to be good at noticing and observing.
See also: Humorous Adventure Books featuring Animals |
Jamie Wright
I've had the privilege of working with hundreds of students and families in IA, CT, NC, MO, TX, and Canada. I love being a teacher-librarian! Categories
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