Grand View Elementary School Library
manhattan beach unified school district
Heidi snively - library RESOURCE specialist
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Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

6/12/2023

 
Looking for content from previous weeks? Scroll further down.

Week of June 12, 2023 | TK

Library visits have ended for TK

Week of June 12, 2023 | Kindergarten | Enjoy Summer Reading!

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Manhattan Beach Public Library
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MB Public Library children's area
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Reading lists and more
ABC Disney, by Robert Sabuda
Paper engineering wizardry reveal a pop-up Disney character for each letter of the alphabet.

If Rocks Could Sing: a Discovered Alphabet, by Leslie McGurk
A nature-inspired alphabet book features unique rocks found on a stretch of beach by the author's home that are presented in the shapes of letters, numbers and alphabetical figures.

Summer, by Alice Low
A boy, a girl, and a dog share the joys of summer: swimming, fishing, gardening, watching fireworks, chasing butterflies, and toasting marshmallows. What are you looking forward to doing this summer?

Summer Reading Elementary students are not required to read over the summer, but are strongly encouraged to do so. If you run out of ideas for what to read next, consult the MBUSD Entering Grades K-1 Reading List. Find out more

Week of June 12, 2023 | First Grade | Enjoy Summer Reading!

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Manhattan Beach Public Library
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MB Public Library children's area
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Reading lists and more
Monster and Mouse Go Camping, by Deborah Underwood
A camping trip for two friends doesn't quite go as planned. Tiny Mouse is bursting with enthusiasm when she greets Big Monster with "Let's go camping!" But Monster doesn't know what camping is. Mouse explains: "You walk in the woods. You sleep in a tent. You tell spooky stories." What could go wrong?

Camping Day, by Patricia Lakin
Despite getting lost in the woods on the way to the campsite and being chased by bees, crocodile friends Sam, Pam, Will, and Jill take it in stride and eventually find their way; pitching a tent, making a fire, and having a great time in the great outdoors underneath the twinkling stars.

Video Backyard Camping Ideas for the Whole Family Fun and easy ideas for enjoying the wilderness of your own backyard. Includes a tip about a waffle cone s'more stuffed with melted marshmallows and chocolate chips. Mmmm!

Crafty Connection Fold and decorate an origami tent to use as a bookmark
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Summer Reading Elementary students are not required to read over the summer, but are strongly encouraged to do so. If you run out of ideas for what to read next, consult the MBUSD Entering Grades 2-3 Reading List. Find out more

Week of June 12, 2023 | Second Grade | Enjoy Summer Reading!

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Woobur pipe cleaner craft
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Reading lists and more
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Manhattan Beach Public Library
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MB Public Library children's area
Woolbur, by Leslie Helakoski 
Though sheep are famous for following the flock, Woolbur is one sheep who knows how to think for himself and make his own lifestyle choices. "Isn't that great!"

Crafty Connection Color and cut out Woolbur and decorate his hair and yours with curled pipe cleaners

​Summer Reading Elementary students are not required to read over the summer, but are strongly encouraged to do so. If you run out of ideas for what to read next, consult the MBUSD Entering Grades 2-3 Reading List. Find out more

Week of June 12, 2023 | Third Grade | Enjoy Summer Reading!

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Manhattan Beach Public Library
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MB Public Library children's area
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Reading lists and more
The Gardener of Alcatraz, by Emma Bland Smith
In 1941, convicted counterfeiter Elliott Michener (1906-1997) was sent to Alcatraz prison. There he plotted his escape, until he was assigned to work as a landscaper and discovered his passion for gardening.

Summer Reading Elementary students are not required to read over the summer, but are strongly encouraged to do so. If you run out of ideas for what to read next, consult the MBUSD Entering Grades 4-5 Reading List. Find out more

Week of June 12, 2023 | Fourth Grade

Library visits have ended for fourth grade.

Week of June 12, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Required Summer Reading
Endings and Beginnings | Farewell! Enjoy What's Next!

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Manhattan Beach Public Library
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MB Public Library children's area
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Entering 6th grade required reading list
The End, by David LaRochelle
A princess starts a chain of events when she makes lemonade.

​The Night Before First Grade, by Natasha Wing

Penny's excitement over the start of first grade turns to sadness when she and her best friend are placed in different classrooms, but they make the best of it--and some new friends.

Crafty Connection Make colorful sun catchers with coffee filters and markers 


Required Summer Reading Entering sixth grade summer reading list 

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

6/5/2023

 

Week of June 5, 2023 | TK | Chill Out with Summer Reading

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Can't Catch Me, by John Hassett
A sassy ice cube escapes from the freezer and runs away to sea.

Crafty Connection Draw the ice cube on blue construction paper and "color" it in with an ice cube

Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 5, 2023 | Kindergarten | Ocean Life & Summer Reading

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Inky's Amazing Escape, by Sy Montgomery
When an octopus is whisked away to captivity in an aquarium, he manages to escape by squeezing out of his tank, sliding through the aquarium, and back out to sea, Based upon the 2016 escape from the New Zealand National Aquarium by an octopus named Inky.

Crafty Connection Draw Inky


Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 5, 2023 | First Grade | Happy Ends & Summer Reading

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The Three Little Gators, by Helen Ketteman
An adaptation of the traditional folktale in which three little gators each build a house in an east Texas swamp, hoping for protection from the Big-bottomed Boar.
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Noodleheads See the Future, by Tedd Arnold
Inspired by folktales about fools from around the world, brothers Mac and Mac Noodlehead exasperate Uncle Ziti, are fooled by their friend Meatball, and make a garden for their mother.

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Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 5, 2023 | Second Grade | Empathy & Summer Reading

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Sharko and Hippo, by Elliot Kalan
Sharko and Hippo go fishing, but every time Sharko asks for something, Hippo pulls out something entirely different from his coat pockets, right up to the twisty ending that shows Hippo's apparent misunderstanding was planned all along. Hippo's style and characteristics are reminiscent of the comedy of Harpo Marx.

Video Harpo meets Groucho on a 1961 episode of You Bet Your LIfe show

​Video Harpo playing the harp in 1945 (skip first 11 seconds)
 

Misunderstood Shark, by Ame Dyckman
Shark interrupts the filming of "Underwater World with Bob," scattering the other creatures (and the audience), but he claims it is all a terrible misunderstanding --that he would never think of eating the fish, the squid, the audience ...or Bob.

​Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more​

Week of June 5, 2023 | Third Grade
Enjoy Your Public Library this Summer | Learn Facts & Have Fun

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The Man Who Loved Libraries, by Andrew Larsen
Andrew Carnegie was born in Scotland in 1835 and emmigrated to the United States with his parents in 1848. Helping to support his family, Carnegie worked in a cotton mill. Later he became a messenger boy and then a telegraph operator. Always a hard worker, Carnegie saved and invested his earnings. By age 35 he was a very rich man, and over his lifetime was able to fulfill his lifelong desire to give away half a billion dollars. Much of the money went to the building of more than 2,500 public libraries around the world. His philanthropy revolutionized public libraries, which were not widespread at that time.

Video The Man Who Loved Libraries, an introduction by author Andrew Larsen

I Just Ate My Friend, by Heidi McKinnon
Having eaten his only friend, a monster seeks a new companion but each creature he meets has a good reason not to serve as a replacement. We've all been there.

Do Not Lick This Book (It's Full of Germs), by Idan Ben-Barak and Julian Frost
Everything is full of germs, from your socks to the top of Mount Everest. The tour concludes with more formal introductions and profiles for E. coli, Streptococcus, and more. Science at its best: informative and gross.

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Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 5, 2023 | Final Library Visit for Fourth Grade
How We Learn and 
Summer Reading

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Your Fantastic Elastic Brain, by JoAnn Deak
Introduces the anatomy and functions of the brain; describes how the the brain is able to stretch and grow; and explains how mistakes are an essential part of learning.
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Alex the Parrot, by Stephanie Spinner
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The story of an African grey parrot named Alex (1976-2007) whose intelligence changed the way scientists view the brain. 
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Video Scientist Irene Pepperberg and Alex

Summer Reading MBUSD reading lists and more

Week of June 5, 2023 | Fifth Grade | MBMS Library | Deep Doodles

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Mrs. Cory O'Meara
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Summer Reading Students entering 6th grade do have required summer reading. Please see the Entering 6th Grade Reading List found on the MBUSD website: Departments > Educational Services > English Language Arts > scroll to the Manhattan Beach Middle School section.

Manhattan Beach Middle School eBooks Current MBUSD 5th graders will soon be able to check out eBooks using the MBMS digital library interface:
1. Visit the school website mbmswaves.com.
2. Under the Student Resources tab select Library from the drop-down menu.
3  Click the Sora App link.
4. Log in with your MBUSDAPPS.org email address. No password is needed.
5. A maximum of two items may be borrowed and will be automatically returned.
Questions? Email MBMS Library Resource Specialist Cory O'Meara at [email protected].

Your Deep Doodles What do your doodles reveal about your character and your personality? Students will draw a few doodles and find out what they may represent. 

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/29/2023

 

Week of May 29, 2023 | TK | Sharing

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This Is MY Fort! by Drew Daywalt
Monkey and Cake are normally good friends, but today Cake is building a no-Monkey fort--until Monkey teaches him a lesson about being alone and he realizes that forts (and other things) are much better when they are shared.

How to Share with a Bear, by Erik Pinder
Thomas builds a cave of pillows and blankets where he can read, but when he goes to get a flashlight, a young "bear" goes inside and nothing Thomas does discourages the bear from being near him.
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Crafty Connection Craft a brown bag bear puppet using paint and cut-out shapes, or simplify by using markers instead.

Week of May 29, 2023 | Kindergarten | Fun with Cats & Kindness

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Lost Cat, by C. Roger Mader
Slipper the cat is mistakenly left behind in the commotion when the lady she has always lived with moves in with her daughter's family, so Slipper sets out to find someone new to adopt. 

The Cat Who Lost His Purr, by Michele Coxon

Bootle the cat searches inside and outside for his lost purr and only retrieves it when his owners return.

I Like Your Buttons! by Sarah Lamstein
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When a little girl compliments her teacher it starts a chain reaction of goodwill, good deeds, and thoughtfulness throughout the day.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info 

Crafty Connection Create a bracelet made with buttons and pipe cleaners.

​Week of May 29, 2023 | First Grade | Fun with Cats and Kindness

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Horatio, by Eleanor Clymer
Horatio, the cat, is quite disgruntled when his owner starts to bring other pets into the house. He runs away to get some peace but finds his troubles just beginning.

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month Click for info 

Crafty Connection Draw Horatio step-by-step from the book cover

Week of May 29, 2023 | Second Grade | Joy of Reading

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The Potato King, by Christoph Niemann
A bit of reverse psychology employed by King Frederick the Great of Prussia helped make the potato the fourth largest food crop in the world today. 

Legend of Spud Murphy, by Eoin Colfer When their mother drops them off at the library several afternoons a week, nine-year-old William and his brother dread the overbearing librarian, but are surprised at what they discover. Conclusion: chapters 4 and 5

Crafty Connection Video directions to make an owl using a potato stamp or recreate using crayons

Week of May 29, 2023 | Third Grade | Fascinating Worms

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My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories, by Barbara Robinson
Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories. This week: The Adoption of Albert
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Earthworms, Kevin J. Holmes
An introduction to earthworms' physical characteristics, habits, behavior, and relationships to humans.

Story Extender Can you add coffee grounds to your worm farm?

Crafty Connection Directions to fold a corner bookmark 


At-Home Connection Paint with coffee

Week of May 29, 2023 | Fourth Grade | Kindness Goes Around

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Video Kid President explains how to change the world with kindness 

Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed, by Emily Pearson
A young girl's good deed is multiplied as it is passed on by those who have been touched by the kindness of others. Reflect how this book connects to Tucky Jo and Little Heart, by Patricia Polacco.

Video Actions have consequences: PBJ machine 


Activity Rock painting tutorial with suggested supplies, step-by-step and simple designs

Week of May 29, 2023 | Fifth Grade | Kintsugi
Celebrating Mental Health Month and AAPI Month in Art

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Kintsugi
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of putting broken pottery pieces back together with gold — built on the idea that by embracing flaws and imperfections, you can create an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art. Every break is unique and instead of repairing an item like new, the 400-year-old technique actually highlights the "scars" as a part of the design. Using this as a metaphor for healing ourselves teaches us an important lesson: Sometimes in the process of repairing things that have broken, we actually create something more unique, beautiful and resilient.

Golden Threads, by Suzanne Del Rizzo

A tale inspired by the Japanese art form of kintsugi follows the experiences of a beloved stuffed fox that is swept from its young owner by a storm and lovingly repaired by a girl who is recovering from an injury before she endeavors to return the toy to its home

Video The art of kintsugi 

Crafty Connection Decorate bookmarks to pass on incoming TK and Kindergarten students

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/22/2023

 

Week of May 22, 2023 | TK | Vacation Plans

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Goldfish on Vacation, by Sally Lloyd-Jones
Three goldfish live in a small bowl, in an apartment building, in the middle of a big city, until one summer they get to go on vacation--in a fountain, with lily pads, and reeds, and other neighborhood goldfish. Based on true events in New York City.

The real Hamilton Fountain in New York City Named after Robert Ray Hamilton (1850-1890), the great-grandson of Alexander Hamilton. He gave the fountain as a place for city horses to have a drink. Located at Riverside Drive and 76th Street.
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Crafty Connection Goldfish coloring sheet
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At-Home Activity Step-by-step video demonstration of how to draw a goldfish in a bowl

Week of May 22, 2023 | Kindergarten | We Love to Help at Home

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Put it on the List, by Kristen Darbyshire
When family members see the consequences of forgetting to write things on the grocery list, they not only do better at keeping the list up-to-date, they also help with the shopping.

The LIttle Red Hen,
 by Paul Galdone

​In this classic folk tale, four friends live together in a cozy little house. The trouble is, only one of them does any work! The rest of them like to lie around the house all day. Do you think that's fair?
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Video The Little Red Hen, presented by StoryTime at Awnie's House (running time 5:57)

Kitchen Connection Basic vanilla butter cake recipe with coloring sheet

Week of May 22, 2023 | First Grade | Puppy Fun

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Videos Cuteness overload French bulldogs and toy poodles 

Gaston, by Kelly DiPucchio
A proper bulldog raised in a poodle family and a tough poodle raised in a bulldog family meet one day in the park.

Antoinette, by Kelly DiPucchio
Raised in a family of talented bulldogs, Antoinette the poodle wonders what makes her special. She gets the chance to prove herself and find what she's good at when puppy Ooh-La-La goes missing
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Crafty Connection Color and cut out dog ears to attach to hair with tape

Week of May 22, 2023 | Second Grade | Summer Reading

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Legend of Spud Murphy, by Eoin Colfer
When their mother drops them off at the library several afternoons a week, nine-year-old William and his brother dread the overbearing librarian, but are surprised at what they discover. Chapter 3 of 5.
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Crafty Connection Step-by-step directions to draw and color a swimming pool 

Week of May 22, 2023 | Third Grade | When Things Don't Go Right

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My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories, by Barbara Robinson
Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories featuring two very responsible children who somehow find themselves at the center of chaos.
​This week part 2 of 2: Louis at the Wheel.

The Rabbit Listened, by Cori Doerrfeld

When a child's block castle is destroyed, all the animals think they know just what to do, but the rabbit knows what the boy needs is someone to just listen.

Video OK Go This Too Shall Pass

Week of May 22, 2023 | Fourth Grade | Celebrating Memorial Day

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Tucky Jo and Little Heart, by Patricia Polacco
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A fifteen-year-old soldier in World War II meets a sweet young girl in the Philippines who helps him remember what he is fighting for as he helps her and others of her village avoid starvation. Many years later she returns his kindness. Part 2 of 2.

Crafty Connection Make a friendship bracelet with three braided pipe cleaners and five pony beads or even candy wrappers 

Week of May 22, 2023 | Fifth Grade | Summer Reading Teaser

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A Tale Dark and Grimm, by Adam Gidwitz
Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.

Video Hansel and Gretel are famous for eating a candy house. Candy is not gross, and, therefore, not awesome. But what if they ate a house of bugs? Ewww! Now THAT'S gross! The Case for Eating Bugs

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

5/15/2023

 

Week of May 15, 2023 | TK | Insects

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Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, by David Soman and Jacky Davis
Lulu and Sam know how to include some new friends when they play Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy, saving the playground from hairy monsters and big mean robots.

Crafty Connection Students create their own picture book with a prepared red, yellow and black construction paper booklet

At-Home Craft Story Extender Video Step-by-step instructions to make a paper ladybug 

​Week of May 15, 2023 | Kindergarten | Curriculum Connection Frogs

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Froggy Fable, by John Lechner
A little frog is upset when his simple life is changed by such things as other animals moving in nearby, but during an unexpected adventure away from the pond he learns that change can be good, after all.

I Don't Want to Be a Frog, by Dev Petty
A frog who yearns to be any animal that is cute and warm discovers that being wet, slimy, and full of bugs has its advantages.

Frog on a Log? (also published as Oi, Frog), by Kes Gray
n rhyming text, cat explains why frog has to sit on a log, even if he finds it uncomfortable.

Crafty Connection Students draw a frog bookmark, copying the three styles pictured on the covers

Week of May 15, 2023 | First Grade | A World of Worms

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Worm Gets a Job, by Kathy Caple
Worm attempts various jobs for his animal friends so that he can buy painting supplies and enter the art contest.

I Can Only Draw Worms, by Will Mabbitt
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Teaches the reader to count to ten using worms that have great adventures or everyday experiences, described but not illustrated due to the author/illustrator's inability to draw anything but worms.
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Video I Can Only Draw Worms (abridged)  presented by Puffin Books (running time 1:58)
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Crafty Connection Students cut out a wiggly worm friend

Week of May 15, 2023 | Second Grade | Boredom Buster: Reading

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I'm Bored, by Michael Ian Black
When a bored girl meets a potato who finds children tedius, she tries to prove him wrong by demonstrating all of the things they can do, from turning cartwheels to using their imaginations.

Video Click here for a read-aloud by the author, and a drawing demo from the illustrator.
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Video Click here for Found Object Doodles by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (who probably is never bored!)

Legend of Spud Murphy, by Eoin Colfer
When their mother drops them off at the library several afternoons a week, nine-year-old William and his brother dread the overbearing librarian, but are surprised at what they discover. Chapter 1 and 2 of 5.
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Crafty Connection Students practice Found Object Doodles or cut out a potato drawn on brown paper

Week of May 15, 2023 | Third Grade | Responsibility

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Video Click here to see Mo Willems stage the scenery for Nanette's Baguette.

​Nanette's Baguette, by Mo Willems
Complications ensue when a young frog's mother gives her the responsibility of buying the family baguette.

My Brother Louis Measures Worms and Other Louis Stories, by Barbara Robinson
Mary Elizabeth relates the humorous misadventures of her brother Louis in this collection of short stories featuring two very responsible children who somehow find themselves at the center of chaos.
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This week part 1 of 2: Louis at the Wheel.

Crafty Connection Create a paper village of your own, inspired by buildings from your town​

Week of May 15, 2023 | Fourth Grade | Memorial Day

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Capital of Philippines, Manilla, Luzon
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Luzon rice fields
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Battle of Luzon, March 1945
Background The Republic of the Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia made up of more than 7,000 islands that are categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visaya, and Mindanao.

Tucky Jo and Little Heart, by Patricia Polacco
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A fifteen-year-old soldier in World War II meets a sweet young girl in the Philippines who helps him remember what he is fighting for as he helps her and others of her village avoid starvation. Many years later she returns his kindness. Part 1 of 2.

Week of May 15, 2023 | Fifth Grade | Summer Reading Teaser

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The Three Sillies and Ten Other Tales to Read Out Loud, by Anne Rockwell
In this collection, "The Old Woman and Her Pig" is an example of an awesome folktale.

A Tale Dark and Grimm, by Adam Gidwitz

Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other classic Grimm-inspired tales as the siblings learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after.

Video A Tale Dark and Grimm may be awesome and a little gross... but what if I told you that you have mites living on...your FACE?! Ewww! Now THAT'S gross! 

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

4/10/2023

 

Week of April 10, 2023 | TK and Kindergarten
Celebrating National School Library Month and
Beverly Cleary's Birthday April 12 with D.E.A.R. Time

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Book! Book! Book! by Deborah Bruss
The animals on the farm go to the library to find something to do, but the librarian doesn't understand what they are trying to say.

Crafty Connection Frog and duck coloring sheet

At-Home Crafty Connection Step-by-step instructions to make cheerful paper frogs (add a paper book)

Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary
April 12, 1916, McMinnville, Oregon - March 25, 2021, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
From Henry Huggins (1950) to Ramona's World (1999) Beverly Cleary wrote books for children, about children much like themselves. Children of today may find themselves amazed at the freedom to roam that was enjoyed by the children in Beverly's books, not unusual at the time.

National D.E.A.R. Day April 12 Drop Everything And Read
In 2006, to mark Beverly's 90th birthday, the American Library Association, and others set aside her birthday, April 12, as a day to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority. When Beverly’s own children were young, they participated in sustained silent reading time at school, known as D.E.A.R. Their enthusiasm for this activity inspired Beverly to give the same experience to Ramona, who gets to enjoy D.E.A.R. time with her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981), introduced in Chapter 2.

Week of April 10, 2023 | First through Fifth Grade
Celebrating National School Library Month with Who's On First?

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Who's on first
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Extended Costello family
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Bud Abbott and Lou Costello
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Chris and Paddy Costello (front)
Who's on First? With split second comedic timing Bud Abbott and Lou Costello bring their hilarious baseball routine to a new generation of delighted fans.

Script Who's on First?

Video Who's on First? (1953)

Bonus Video 7 into 28 Lou Costello invents a new kind of math

Crafty Connection Who's on First coloring sheet 

Local news report Extended Costello family in the Library Beach Reporter article (May 5, 2013) 

Local news report Lou Costello's daughter in the Library Easy Reader article (April 14, 2010) 

Week of April 10, 2023 | First through Fifth Grade
Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary's Birthday with D.E.A.R. Time

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Celebrating Author Beverly Cleary
April 12, 1916, McMinnville, Oregon - March 25, 2021, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
From Henry Huggins (1950) to Ramona's World (1999) Beverly Cleary wrote books for children, about children much like themselves. Children of today may find themselves amazed at the freedom to roam that was enjoyed by the children in Beverly's books, not unusual at the time.
Audio Excerpt Listen to actor Neil Patrick Harris read Chapter 1 of Henry Huggins.

"Quite often somebody will say, What year do your books take place? and the only answer I can give is, in childhood."

Learning to read did not come easily for young Beverly, and once she did learn, she found the stories contained in early readers to be boring, simple, and unsurprising. Then, in the third grade, on a rainy afternoon at home, she found herself enjoying reading The Dutch Twins, by Lucy Fitch Perkins about the adventures of ordinary children. The book awoke in her the joys of reading for pleasure and she began spending extra time in the public library.

"Children should learn that reading is a pleasure, not just something that teachers make you do in school."

By the time Beverly was in sixth grade, a teacher suggested she should become a children's author, based on essays she had written for class assignments. Beverly first worked as a children's librarian and in a bookstore before becoming a full-time writer for children. In her work as a librarian, she struggled to find books to recommend to children, books that they would have fun reading, so she decided to write children's books herself, books about characters that young readers could relate to.

"I enjoy writing for third and fourth graders most of all."

During an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2011 at the age of 95 she stated, "I've had an exceptionally happy career." Beverly Cleary died in a retirement home a few weeks shy of her 105th birthday. No cause of death was given.

National DEAR Day April 12 Drop Everything And Read
In 2006, to mark Beverly's 90th birthday, the American Library Association, and others set aside her birthday, April 12, as a day to remind and encourage families to make reading together on a daily basis a family priority. When Beverly’s own children were young, they participated in sustained silent reading time at school, known as DEAR. Their enthusiasm for this activity inspired Beverly to give the same experience to Ramona, who gets to enjoy DEAR time with her class in Ramona Quimby, Age 8 (1981), introduced in Chapter 2.
Audio Excerpt Listen to Chapter 2 of Ramona Quimby, Age 8, presented by MrsMorrisReads

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

2/27/2023

 

Week of February 27, 2023 | TK | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

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Ten Apples Up On Top! by Dr. Seuss (writing as Theo. LeSieg)
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A lion, tiger, and dog are balancing ten apples on their heads when two irritable bears start to chase them.

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet 
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Website Seussville

Week of February 27, 2023 | K | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

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I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! by Dr. Seuss
The Cat in the Hat takes Young Cat in tow to show him the fun he can get out of reading.

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet
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Website Seussville

Week of February 27, 2023 | First Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

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And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, by Dr. Seuss
Marco struggles to report truthfully to his father the events of his day, rather than embellish the dull sights in order to make for a more exciting tale. Published in 1937, this first book for children by Dr. Seuss was rejected by 27 publishers before being accepted by Vanguard Press. 

Discuss When the book finally made it to the shelves, some people thought it was unsuitable for children, saying the story encouraged the telling of lies. In fact, the book is about an active imagination; Marco tells the truth at the end. However, in March 2021 Seuss Enterprises pulled Mulberry Street from publication along with five other works by Seuss due to the inclusion of imagery they deem as "hurtful and wrong." Talk about the removal in the context of the No Place for Hate Pledge (coming next week) and how it can sometimes take many years to rectify a wrong.

Video 4-year-old on the importance of reading 

Crafty Connection Cat in the Hat coloring sheet
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Website Seussville

Week of February 27, 2023 | 2nd Grade | Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

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Wild About Books, by Judy Sierra
In this celebration of the literary life, librarian Molly McGrew drives her bookmobile into the zoo, and then the fun begins! The animals draw close to listen to a Dr. Seuss story, and once they "learn all about this new something called reading," they try creating their very own stories.

Video 4-year-old on the importance of reading

Crafty Connection Create your Dr. Seuss name Students experiment with their names to create their own pseudonyms: Doctor + Middle Name | Abbreviation of First Name + Last Name spelled backwards.
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Website Seussville

Week of February 27, 2023 | Third Grade | Biography

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Farm Boy circa 1940,
(top right). Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit

Tenant Farmhouse, Poplar Grove Plantation, North Carolina
(bottom right). Library of Congress, Bound for Glory exhibit

Mr. Williams,
 by Karen Barbour
"I was good at making my rows straight." Born the same year as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mr. Williams lived simply, sometimes facing the harsh reality of racism in the South. This understated story drives home that though most of us will not grow up to be famous, we can live our lives with dignity.
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Text Connection Describe an ordinary activity in your daily life to help others know what is is like to be you. Consider keeping a diary or journal to capture moments in your daily life.

Week of February 27, 2023 | All Grades | CA Young Reader Medal
Picture Book Nominee Presentations Begin

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About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program 
Parker Looks Up, by Parker and Jessica Curry
This book is based on the viral photograph of two-year-old Parker Curry, who, during a visit to the National Portrait Gallery in the spring of 2018, became mesmerized by Amy Sherald's portrait of Michelle Obama. Sparkles and confetti pieces to show when Parker is spellbound, or she sees something that is inspiring to her. Attentive readers will notice that the pieces of confetti match the colors from Michelle Obama's dress.

Week of February 27, 2023 | 4th/5th Grade | CA Young Reader Medal
Picture Book for Older Readers Nominee Presentations Begin
Novel Reading Challenge (Optional) Voting Party March 29

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About the CYRM California Young Reader Medal Program 
This Way, Charlie, by Caron Levis
When nearly-blind Charlie the horse comes to live at Antonia's ranch for sick, injured, and anxious animals, Jack the goat initially has little patience with the big, amiable fellow. Their ensuing friendship is based on a true story that took place on a wildlife ranch–sanctuary.

Video Charlie and Jack at Wild Heart Ranch, Oklahoma 

Novel Reading Challenge | Grades 4/5 | Read All Three & Vote on 3/29/23 | Participation Optional
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Optional Students in fourth and fifth grade are invited to participate in an optional novel reading challenge. students qualify to participate by completing this questionnaire and returning it to Mrs. Snively by Friday, March 24. Voting day is Wednesday, March 29 during lunch. Participants will eat their lunch in the library, vote, and receive prizes and giveaways. This challenge is not part of the CYRM program.
Fifth Grade | Information Literacy Unit Killer Underwear Invasion Chapter 5 of 6

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

11/7/2022

 

Week of November 7, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

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I Yam a Donkey! by Cece Bell
Last week we met a bored potato. This week, a stern yam corrects a grammatically-challenged donkey.

Crafty Connection Draw a yam bookmark on orange construction paper.

Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | First Grade
Picture Book Month | Introducing Int'l Food Showcase on 11/15

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The Sandwich Swap, by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, with Kelly DiPucchio
Best friends Lily and Salma disagree over their preferred foods.

I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems
Can Gerald find the courage to taste Piggie's slop?

Kitchen Connection Recipe for peanut butter hummus dip 
Grand View's International Food Showcase After school event on 11/15

Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Second Grade
Picture Book Month and National Monuments

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Video Washington, D.C., tour 
One More Acorn, by Don Freeman
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As winter nears, Earl the Squirrel searches for the acorns he stashed in the parks of Washington, D.C. Iconic author/illustrator Don Freeman began this story in 1963. His son completed it with help from an illustrator almost 50 years later.
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Crafty Connection Make leaf rubbings on the reverse of the Find the Alligator coloring sheet.

Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Equine Veterans

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Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids 
Background Video Sergeant Reckless, a Horse of a Different Breed | view minute 0:54-1:43

Sergeant Reckless, by Patricia McCormick
With every war comes stories of heroism. In this case, it's a little mare used to haul ammunition by U.S. soldiers during the Korean War. Though the marines had doubts about her ability to haul the heavy loads, they began her training. It quickly became apparent that not only did Reckless have a large heart, she'd also consume anything-including chocolate, Coca-Cola, and poker chips.
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Training Activity Do you have a dog at home? See if you can train your dog to carry a basket, following the steps in this video. Note the similarities and differences in how the dog is taught and how Reckless was taught.
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Kitchen Connection Reckless surely did love sweets! Use leftover Halloween candy to bake Candy Loaded Oatmeal Bars.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fourth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Canine Veterans

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Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids 

​Wag! by Patrick McDonnell
A little dog is eager to please.

Dogs on Duty, by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent
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When the news broke of the raid on Osama Bin Laden's compound, the SEAL team member that stole the show was a highly trained canine companion.
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Video A salute to military working dogs.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of November 7, 2022 | Fifth Grade
Picture Books Teach Gratitude for Caprine Veterans

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Sergeant Billy returns
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Video Veteran's Day | PBS Kids 
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​Sergeant Billy, the True Story of the Goat Who Went to War, by Mireille Messier
In 1914, Canadian soldiers headed for battle in France borrowed a goat from a girl and promised to bring him back. He trained with his new buddies and, despite orders, they smuggled him aboard their ship. The goat did well in the trenches, comforted and amused the soldiers, and was even jailed as a spy.

Website Picture Book Month

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

10/31/2022

 

Week of October 31, 2022 | TK and Kindergarten
November Picture Book Month and Seasonal Veggie Silliness

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I'm Bored, by Michael Ian Black
When a bored girl meets a potato who finds children tedious, she tries to prove him wrong by demonstrating all of the things they can do.
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​Crafty Connection Students draw a potato bookmark.
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | First Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

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Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake, by Michael B. Kaplan
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Betty Bunny likes chocolate cake so much that she claims she will marry it one day, and she has trouble learning to wait patiently until she can have her next taste.

Video A little girl mixes and bakes chocolate cake in a cup
Crafty Connection Patience mandala coloring sheet
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Second Grade
November Picture Book Month and Patience

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Corduroy Writes a Letter, by Don Freeman
When Lisa notices that her favorite cookies have fewer sprinkles, her mother suggests that she write a letter to the bakery.

Crafty Connection Students write a kind note of appreciation on a Teddy Bear to be given to a teacher, friend, or family member.
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Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Third Grade
Picture Books and the Role of Empathy in Conflict Resolution

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What Grew in Larry's Garden, by Laura Alary
Helping her teacher next-door neighbor with his amazing garden, young Grace learns powerful lessons in community teamwork and environmental mindfulness when a plan for the garden's vegetables is threatened by an unanticipated problem.
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Give It a Try This video shows how to start tomato plants from tomato slices.
Crafty Connection Conflict resolution strategies coloring sheet
Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fourth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Spirit of Creativity

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Video Joseph Cornell art boxes
The Amazing Collection of Joey Cornell, by Candace Fleming
Tells of the childhood of artist and sculptor Joseph Cornell (1903-1972) and details his painstaking collections of innumerable ordinary objects that he assembled into creations of astonishing art.

Crafty Connection Students will cut and fold discarded Thanksgiving cards into boxes | how-to-steps
Video Create a Cornell art box at home with interesting paper and ordinary objects

Website Picture Book Month

Week of October 31, 2022 | Fifth Grade
November Picture Book Month and the Power of Unity

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Cooperative Hula Hoop Balance Game Students in groups of 5-6 will start with one hula hoop at about nose level and using only their fingertips, they need to work together to lower the hoops to the ground.
Video example of the challenge Video example of the technique

Unstoppable,
 by Adam Rex

​When a bird and a crab team up to combine the advantages of flight and claws, it gives them an idea: why not expand the team to include other animals who have a special trait--and soon they all set out to rescue their lake from development, because united together they are unstoppable.

The Three Billy Goats Gruff, by Mac Barnett

When the three Billy Goats Gruff decide to clip-clop across the bridge to get to the grassy ridge, a hungry troll is already imagining all the ways to prepare a delicious goat dinner.

Website Picture Book Month

Read-Alouds and Presentations Week to Week by Grade Level

10/10/2022

 

Week of October 10, 2022 | TK | Pumpkin Season

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It's Pumpkin Time! by Zoe Hall
A brother and sister plant and tend their own pumpkin patch so they will have jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.

​How Big Could Your Pumpkin Grow? by Wendell Minor
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With increasing absurdity as pumpkins grow bigger and bigger still, giant pumpkins decorate American landmarks.
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Video Pumpkin: How Does It Grow?

Crafty Connection Pumpkin bead bracelet 
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At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 10, 2022 | Kindergarten | Pumpkin Season

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Pumpkin Heads! by Wendell Minor
Pumpkin heads and jack-o-lanterns abound when Halloween rolls around.

Stumpkin, by Lucy Ruth Cummins

A stemless pumpkin that yearns to be a Halloween jack-o-lantern sees all of the other pumpkins in the shop chosen until he is the last one left without a home.

Video Pumpkin: How Does It Grow?
Crafty Connection Pumpkins coloring sheet  
At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 10, 2022 | First Grade | Black Cats

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Night's Nice, by Barbara and Ed Emberley
A little kitty (can you spot him?) explores the wonders of nighttime.

Moonlight the Halloween Cat, by Cynthia Rylant
One special night of the year for one special cat.

Max at Night, by Ed Vere

Unable to go to sleep without closing his nighttime ritual, Max the kitten embarks on a journey to find the moon and say goodnight.

What! Cried Granny: an Almost Bedtime Story, by Kate Lum
When her grandson Patrick arrives for his first sleepover, Granny's resourceful efforts to provide him with a bed, pillow, and other necessities result in a sleepless night for both of them
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Video A time-lapse of cats enjoying the sunshine through a window

Crafty Connection Use the back of A purr-fect Halloween coloring sheet to draw the cat in the moon
​At-Home Activities Various Halloween crafts for this age group, with supervision

Week of October 10, 2022 | Second Grade | Monster Season

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When a Monster is Born, by Sean Taylor
What happens when the monster comes to school, eats the principal, wanders into town, and falls in love? He becomes the parent of a baby monster, who may grow up to be an under-your-bed monster in this circular tale of possibilities.

Quit Calling Me a Monster! by Jory John
A little monster resents being labeled as a monster.
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Crafty Connection Trace hand print bookmarks from monster-green paper. Embellish with pointy fingernails before cutting out.

Week of October 10, 2022 | Third Grade | Spider Season
Compare and Contrast Nonfiction and Narrative Nonfiction

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Spinning Spiders, by Melvin Berger
Describes the characteristics of spiders and the methods they use to trap their prey in webs.

I'm Trying to Love Spiders, by Bethany Barton
A humorous introduction to spiders.
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Website Spider Pavilion at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles open 9/18/22-11/27/22

Video Get a taste for the experience with this video from 2010.
Crafty Connection String figures such as Running Dog 
Crafty Connection Instructions to cut a lacy web for decoration

Week of October 10, 2022 | Fourth Grade | Reading Appreciation

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I Don't Want to Read this Book, by Max Greenfield
A playful take on the challenges and pleasures of reading a book

The Ink Drinker, by Eric Sanvoisin
A strange breed of vampire sucks the black blood of literature and changes a book-hating boy...forever.

LA County Public Library Bookmark Contest 
Children from Kindergarten to the 12th grade are invited to celebrate books, reading, and art by participating in the 43rd Annual Bookmark Contest presented by the County of Los Angeles Public Library. Entries due 10/29/22. Details

Week of October 10, 2022 | Fifth Grade | Library Appreciation

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A Library, by Nikki Giovanni
In this celebrations of all that libraries are and can be, a young girl can be anything her imagination can dream up, experience feelings, even reach abstract states, like being jazz.

​LA County Public Library Bookmark Contest Children from Kindergarten to the 12th grade are invited to celebrate books, reading, and art by participating in the 43rd Annual Bookmark Contest presented by the County of Los Angeles Public Library. Entries due 10/29/22. Details
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    Library Program

    Our students enjoy weekly visits for a presentation crafted to instill a love of reading, to enhance
    Common Core classroom lessons, and to inspire life-long learning. Visits include checking out materials, practicing information literacy, and exercising digital citizenship.
    Colleagues are welcome to borrow program ideas.

    California Model School Library Standards ​

    Read Aloud 15 Minutes. 
    Every Child. Every Parent. Every Day See why it matters at readaloud.org

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