Recent Read-Alouds - Grand View Elementary School Library

Grand View Elementary School Library

Heidi Snively - Library Media Specialist - 310-546-8022 x5404

455 24th Street - Manhattan Beach - California 90266

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Recent Read-Alouds

Classes do not visit the last three days of school.
Thanks for another great year!

* * * * * * * * * * WEEK OF JUNE 14 * * * * * * * * * *

Last regular visit for Monday classes.
Except for Tuesday June 15, the day of the
Library Volunteer Luncheon and Shelf Reading Extravaganza,
teachers may bring classes to the library
at the regularly scheduled time as needed,
although there will be no student checkouts.
All student materials are due June 14th.
All teacher materials are due the last day of school, June 23rd.

KINDERGARTEN
Love to Read!
"Wild About Books"
by Judy Sierra

When the librarian accidentally
drives the bookmobile to the zoo,
the animals discover they are wild about books!
Paired with:
"I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!"
by Dr. Seuss

Although the Cat in the Hat
can read with his eyes shut,
he encourages Little Cat to keep his eyes wide open
to see all there is to learn.

FIRST GRADE
Reading and Writing
"Henry and the Crazed Chicken Pirates"
by Carolyn Crimi

Henry is back, only this time
his desire to write is being squelched by
his father, Black Ear the Buccaneer Bunny,
until the threat of chicken pirates proves
too much for the buccaneers and
Henry's own book saves the day.

SECOND GRADE
Summer Adventures
"On the Road with Down Girl and Sit"
by Lucy Nolan

Down Girl and her friend Sit
hit the road and look forward to
summer fun chasing squirrels,
rolling in dead fish,
and even driving a car.

THIRD GRADE
Summer Fun
"The Doughnuts" from Homer Price
by Robert McCloskey

An inexplicably unstoppable doughnut machine
in his uncle's diner gives Homer trouble.

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

KINDERGARTEN
Creativity
"The Jazz Fly"
by Matthew Gollub

The jazzy drummer encounters
many creatures on his way to his gig,
but none can help him with directions
because he does not speak their language.
In a twist that emphasizes the three "Is" of education . . .
Ingenuity - Improvisation - Interpretation
the jazz fly incorporates what he initially does not understand
into an inspired piece of music.
Students create a jazz fly while listening to jazz.

FIRST GRADE
"The Three Piggy Opera" with Miss Radha
"My Lucky Day"
by Keiko Kasza

In this 2007 California Young Reader Medal winner,
a crafty little pig comes knocking at the door of
a hungry wolf, who soon realizes that getting
his dinner into the pot is harder than it seems.

SECOND GRADE
Getting Ready for Summer Reading
"The Legend of Spud Murphy"
by Eoin Colfer

When their mother starts dropping 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.
Part 3 of 3

THIRD GRADE
Just for Fun
"My Brother Louis Measures Worms:
And Other Louis Stories"
by Barbara Robinson

Young Mary Elizabeth relates
the humorous misadventures
of her brother Louis
and the other wacky members
of her unpredictable, very odd family.
This week: "The Adoption of Albert"

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

FIFTH GRADE
The Elementary Years in Picture Books

From the giddy excitement of the very first day in Kindergarten,
to learning how to stick to it in 1st grade . . .
to learning how to cooperate in 2nd grade . . .
to learning to try new new things in 3rd grade . . .
to learning that we make our own luck in 4th grade . . .
to learning how to set an example for younger students in 5th grade . . .
The wisdom found in picture books can guide and sustain us throughout life.
They touch us and make us think, laugh, cry.
Picture books can even inspire us to right a wrong.
Thank you for allowing me to share
more than 100 picture books with you
during your time at Grand View!

KINDERGARTEN
Just for Fun and Summer Reading
"But Excuse Me That is My Book"
by Lauren Child

Lola is convinced that there
is no other book she wants to read
than her favorite book...
until a new favorite book is discovered at the library.

FIRST GRADE
Just for Fun and Summer Reading
"Horatio"
by Eleanor Clymer

Horatio the cat doesn't like
all the fuss and bother of the other
animals in the house, so he runs away and
learns to care for two homeless kittens.
First published in 1968.

SECOND GRADE
Getting Ready for Summer Reading
"The Legend of Spud Murphy"
by Eoin Colfer

THIRD GRADE
Just for Fun
"My Brother Louis Measures Worms:
And Other Louis Stories"
by Barbara Robinson

Young Mary Elizabeth relates
the humorous misadventures
of her brother Louis
and the other wacky members
of her unpredictable, very odd family.
Conclusion of "Louis Behind the Wheel"

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

FIFTH GRADE
Just for Fun
"The Special Powers of Blossom Culp" by Richard Peck
from "Best Shorts: Favorite Short Stories for Sharing" selected by Avi

Though transient fourth grade student Blossom Culp
sets the girls in her new class on their heads
with her uncanny fortune telling abilities,
her teacher has her all figured out.

Mrs. Snively will tell you what your doodles reveal about your nature.

FIRST GRADE
Silkworms - Worms in Fiction
"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.
Enter Mrs. Sanchez's World Oceans Day Art Contest

SECOND GRADE
Getting Ready for Summer Reading
"The Legend of Spud Murphy"
by Eoin Colfer

THIRD GRADE
Just for Fun
"My Brother Louis Measures Worms:
And Other Louis Stories"
by Barbara Robinson

Young Mary Elizabeth relates
the humorous misadventures
of her brother Louis
and the other wacky members
of her unpredictable, very odd family.
Enter Mrs. Sanchez's World Oceans Day Art Contest

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.
Enter Mrs. Sanchez's World Oceans Day Art Contest

FIFTH GRADE
"The Van Gogh Cafe"
by Cynthia Rylant

The Van Gogh Cafe, located in Flowers, Kansas,
has magic in its walls, causing strange and mysterious events to occur there.
"You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To"
sung by Dinah Shore is one example
of how that quiet magic found its way into
the Grand View Library . . .

KINDERGARTEN
Teacher Appreciation Week
"No, David!" and "David Goes to School"
by David Shannon

In "No, David!" a little boy is caught
red-handed doing what he ought not.
Imagine such a boy at school:
not so much his teacher's jewel...

FIRST GRADE
Silkworms - Stories Set in China
"The Story About Ping"
by Marjorie Flack

A little duck finds adventure on the Yangtze River
when he is too late to board his master's houseboat one evening.

SECOND GRADE
Fairy Tales
"Waking Beauty"
by Leah Wilcox

Prince Charming tries all sorts of silly ways
to wake Sleeping Beauty before he learns
how he is really supposed to wake her up.
*PAIRED WITH*
"The End"
by David LaRochelle

In this fairy tale told in reverse,
a princess makes some lemonade,
starting a chain of events involving
a fire-breathing dragon,
one hundred rabbits, a hungry giant,
and a handsome knight.

THIRD GRADE
A Simpler Time
"Homer Price"
by Robert McCloskey

Six episodes in the life of Homer Price
including one in which he and his pet skunk
capture four bandits and another
about a donut machine on the rampage.

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
A chapter from
"The Tarantula in My Purse"
by Jean Craighead George

A collection of autobiographical stories about
raising a houseful of children and wild pets
including crows, skunks, and raccoons.
PAIRED WITH
An introduction to
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

FIFTH GRADE
"The Van Gogh Cafe"
by Cynthia Rylant

KINDERGARTEN
Children's Book Week
"Book! Book! Book!"
by Deborah Bruss

The farm animals march to the library
where they know they will find something to do,
but only one can make herself understood by the librarian.
Children's Book Week
is the perfect time to march on down to the library
and ask for a silly dilly book such as:
"Diary of a Wombat"
by Jackie French

A wombat decides his human neighbors
make quite good pets and are easily trained.
CBW Fairy Coloring Page CBW Mouse Coloring Page

FIRST GRADE
City/Suburb/Town/Country Unit - Core Literature Connection
to "The Little House"
by Virginia Lee Burton

In which a little house way out in the country
finds out what it is like to live in the city
when urban development invades her peaceful setting.
***
"The Happy Hocky Family" and
"The Happy Hockey Family Moves to the Country"
by Lane Smith

Simple phrases and retro illustrations
convey a laugh-out-loud look at family life.
And when the very wacky family retreats
to the country, it is anything but peaceful!

SECOND GRADE
Fairy Tales
"Monster Princess"
by D.J. MacHale

In this story of self-acceptance,
an ugly little monster longs to be
a beautiful princess.

THIRD GRADE
A Simpler Time
"Homer Price"
by Robert McCloskey

Six episodes in the life of Homer Price
including one in which he and his pet skunk
capture four bandits and another
about a donut machine on the rampage.

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Raccoon Magic for Kids"
by Jeff Fair

The conclusion of the author's childhood story about
a little raccoon orphan that came to live with him.

FIFTH GRADE
"The Van Gogh Cafe"
by Cynthia Rylant

KINDERGARTEN
Geology Unit
"Sylvester and the Magic Pebble"
by William Steig

Sylvester the donkey finds
a magic pebble that grants his every wish,
but in a moment of fright he wishes he were a rock,
and then cannot hold the pebble to wish himself back to normal again.

FIRST GRADE
City/Suburb/Town/Country Unit - Core Literature Connection
to "The Little House"
by Virginia Lee Burton

In which a little house way out in the country
finds out what it is like to live in the city
when urban development invades her peaceful setting.
***
"Make Way for Ducklings"
by Robert McCloskey

Mother and Father mallard
search for the perfect home
to raise their ducklings
in this Caldecott Award winner
that illustrates the city of Boston, Mass.,
in such detail that a police officer's
shoe size can be observed.
Sights and Sounds in the Boston Public Gardens
History of Boston's Swan Boats

SECOND GRADE
STAR Testing
Library Visits Canceled this Week
Fairy tales continue next week...

THIRD GRADE
A Simpler Time
"Homer Price"
by Robert McCloskey

Six episodes in the life of Homer Price
including one in which he and his pet skunk
capture four bandits and another
about a donut machine on the rampage.

FOURTH GRADE
Language Arts Connection to
"Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls
"Raccoon Magic for Kids"
by Jeff Fair

The author's childhood story about
a little raccoon orphan that came to live with him.

FIFTH GRADE
"The Van Gogh Cafe"
by Cynthia Rylant

KINDERGARTEN
Geology Unit
"If You Find a Rock"
by Peggy Christian

A celebration of the variety of rocks that can be found,
including skipping rocks, chalk rocks,
splashing rocks, wishing rocks, and memory rocks.

FIRST GRADE
City/Suburb/Town/Country Unit - Core Literature Connection
to "The Little House"
by Virginia Lee Burton

In which a little house way out in the country
finds out what it is like to live in the city
when urban development invades her peaceful setting.
***
"On Meadowview Street"
by Henry Cole

Caroline and her parents
encourage wildflowers to grow
and birds and animals to stay in their yard,
which soon has the whole suburban street living up to its name.

SECOND GRADE
Fairy Tales
"Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude"
by Kevin O'Malley

Cooperatively writing a fairy tale for school,
a girl imagines a beautiful princess
whose beloved ponies are being stolen by a giant,
and a boy conjures up the muscular biker
who will guard the last pony in exchange for gold.

THIRD GRADE
City Wildlife
"Make Way for Ducklings"
by Robert McCloskey

FOURTH GRADE
Social Studies
"Our California"
by Pam Munoz Ryan

Rhyming couplets and whimsical illustrations
offer a tour of Capistrano, Los Angeles,
Monterey, San Francisco, Eureka, Coloma,
and Palm Springs.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

In this Newbery Award winner,
ten-year-old Leigh Botts reveals his problems
coping with his parents' divorce,
being the new boy in school,
and generally finding his place in the world
through letters to his favorite author and
by starting a writer's diary.
Classroom copies of the book will be passed out
so students can read along.
Students will journal responses to the weekly reading.
Find Out Your Country Music Nickname

Culminating Journal Entry:
Students will answer the same ten questions
author Boyd Henshaw posed to his fan Leigh Botts.

KINDERGARTEN
Earth Day
"Think Earth" Videorecording

In this animated presentation from the
Think Earth Foundation
students are made aware of
the impact humans have on
the environment and how
to minimize it for a healthier planet.

FIRST GRADE
Earth Day
"Recycle Rex" Videorecording

A group of dinosaur friends
learn about recycling firsthand
when the field where they play
is in jeopardy of being turned into a landfill site.

SECOND GRADE
Earth Day
"Clean Your Room, Harvey Moon!"
by Pat Cummings

Harvey learns that though
out of sight may be out of mind,
it is not good enough when it
comes to finding a place for
all his things . . . not unlike
our landfills which are steadily filling to capacity.
"Toys All Gone"

THIRD GRADE
Earth Day
"Common Ground: the water, earth and air we share" Videorecording
by Molly Bang

Opening with a visit to a wetlands preserve,
the video's message of conservation and responsibility for our shared natural resources
is the heart of an allegory that inspires respect for the environment.

FOURTH GRADE
Earth Day
"Someday a Tree"
by Eve Bunting

A young girl, her parents, and their neighbors try to save an old oak tree
that has been poisoned by pollution.
PAIRED WITH
"Big Yellow Taxi"
by Joni Mitchell

FIFTH GRADE
Celebrating School Library Month with Readers' Theater
"Who's On First?" Read the Script
"Who's On First?" View the Video
by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello

The classic baseball routine about a coach and a peanut vendor
discussing the players on the team is as funny today
as it was long ago when the world was in black and white.

Earth Day
"The Sorcerer's Apprentice" Videorecording

PAIRED WITH A BRIEF LOOK AT
"The Little House"
by Virginia Lee Burton

With a discussion of the word "rampant"
and how the video images can conjure a picture of
the consequences of rampant development in a community.

MONDAY CLASSES:
Special Visitors on April 12, for D.E.A.R. Day
Volunteers from Shorewood Realty
read in the library to celebrate Beverly Cleary's birthday.
"Beatrice Doesn't Want To"
by Laura Joffe Numeroff

On the third afternoon of going to the library
with her brother Henry,
Beatrice finally finds something
she enjoys doing.

KINDERGARTEN
Screen-Time Awareness
"If..."
by Sarah Perry

Illustrations present such imaginative possibilities as
worms with wheels,
caterpillar toothpaste,
and whales in outer space.
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

FIRST GRADE
Screen-Time Awareness
"Beatrice Doesn't Want To"
by Laura Joffe Numeroff

On the third afternoon of going to the library
with her brother Henry,
Beatrice finally finds something
she enjoys doing.
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

SECOND GRADE
Screen-Time Awareness
"Emma Kate"
by Patricia Polacco

Emma Kate and her best friend share many activities,
such as homework and soccer practice, and even have their tonsils out at the same time,
all the things best friends do.
But there is more to this best friend than meets the eye,
revealed in an imaginative twist at the end.
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

THIRD GRADE
Screen-Time Awareness
"Traction Man is Here!"
by Mini Grey

Traction Man, a courageous action figure,
has a variety of adventures with
Scrubbing Brush and other objects in the house.
Make Your Own Traction Man Action Figure
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

FOURTH GRADE
Screen-Time Awareness
"Library Lion"
by Michelle Knudsen

A lion starts visiting the local library
but runs into trouble as he tries to both obey the rules
and help his librarian friend.
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

In this Newbery Award winner,
ten-year-old Leigh Botts reveals his problems
coping with his parents' divorce,
being the new boy in school,
and generally finding his place in the world
through letters to his favorite author and
by starting a writer's diary.
Classroom copies of the book will be passed out
so students can read along.
Students will journal responses to the weekly reading.
Find Out Your Country Music Nickname
Paired with "Jimmy Jet and His TV Set"
a poem by Shel Silverstein from "Where the Sidewalk Ends"
to announce Screen-Time Awareness Week.

ALL GRADES:
Celebrating School Library Month with Readers' Theater
"Who's On First?" Read the Script
"Who's On First?" View the Video
by Bud Abbott and Lou Costello

The classic baseball routine about a coach and a peanut vendor
discussing the players on the team is as funny today
as it was long ago when the world was in black and white.

KINDERGARTEN
Butterflies
"Bubba and Trixie"
by Lisa Campbell Ernst

An adventuresome ladybug
befriends an apprehensive caterpillar
and helps him learn to enjoy life
and be happy with what he is and what he becomes.

FIRST GRADE
Change
"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.

SECOND GRADE
Dinosaurs
"The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins"
by Barbara Kerley

Conclusion: The true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins,
who built life-sized models of dinosaurs
in the hope of educating the world
about what these awe-inspiring ancient animals were like.

THIRD GRADE
Women's History Month
"The Good Lion"
by Don Brown

Based on material excerpted from "West with the Night" by Beryl Markham.
Presents the author's first-hand account of her childhood in Kenya
when she was attacked by a lion that her neighbors kept as a pet.

FOURTH GRADE
California VIP Project
"Pop's Bridge"
by Eve Bunting

Robert's dad, a high-iron man,
is helping build the Golden Gate Bridge.
His friend Charlie's dad is a painter on the same project.
Robert is justifiably proud of his dad's work,
calling the bridge under construction, "Pop's bridge."
After an accident at the construction site
in which 10 workers lose their lives,
Robert comes to understand that all the men who work on the bridge
share equally in the work and the danger.
2009 California Young Reader Medal nominee-- picture book for older readers category.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

KINDERGARTEN
St. Patrick's Day
"Leprechauns Never Lie"
by Lorna Balian

Lazy Ninny Nanny and her old Gran
are tricked into doing the chores
while trying to discover where
a captured leprechaun has hidden his gold.
Enjoy some Irish fiddling!

FIRST GRADE
St. Patrick's Day
"Tim O'Toole and the Wee Folk: and Irish Tale"
by Gerald McDermott

A very poor Irishman
is provided with magical things
by the "wee folk," but he must then
keep his good fortune out of the hands of
the greedy McGoons.
Enjoy some Irish fiddling!

SECOND GRADE
Dinosaurs
"The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins"
by Barbara Kerley

The true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins,
who built life-sized models of dinosaurs
in the hope of educating the world
about what these awe-inspiring ancient animals were like.

THIRD GRADE
Women's History Month
"Ruby's Wish"
by Shirin Yim Bridges

In China, at a time when few girls
are taught to read or write,
Ruby dreams of going to the university
with her brothers and male cousins.

FOURTH GRADE
Women's History Month - California VIP Project
"Julia Morgan Built a Castle"
by Celeste Davidson Mannis

An illustrated account of the life of Julia Morgan,
the first woman to graduate with a certificate of architecture
from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris.
She returned home to California and gained recognition
when the buildings she designed over the next two years
all survived the San Francisco earthquake.
William Randolph Hearst commissioned her
for his 28-year project, Hearst Castle.
Samples of Buildings Designed by Julia Morgan

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

GRADES K-2
Review California Young Reader Medal Nominees and Vote

CYRM Coloring Page

THIRD GRADE
American Hero Report
"Mr. Williams"
by Karen Barbour

The author recounts the everyday life
of J.W. Williams, who lived in rural Louisiana.
Born the same year as Dr. Martin Luther, King, Jr.
Mr. Williams lived simply and sometimes faced
the harsh reality of racism growing up in the South.
This understated biography drives home that though most of us
will not live to be famous, we can live our lives with dignity.

FOURTH GRADE
California Gold Rush
"The Gold Miner's Daughter: A Melodramatic Fairy Tale"
by Jackie Mims Hopkins

Gracie Pearl has until sundown to find some gold
to pay the rent to Mr. Bigglebottom,
or he will take back the family gold mine
and force her to marry him.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

* * * * * * * * * * WEEK OF MARCH 1 * * * * * * * * * *
Volunteers from the
Manhattan Beach Rotary Club
read to K-2 classes this week.

KINDERGARTEN
Doing a Good Deed
"Are You Ready to Play Outside?"
by Mo Willems

Elephant and Piggie go outside to play
and find out they love to play in the rain.

FIRST GRADE
Doing a Good Deed
"The Teddy Bear"
by David McPhail

A little boy is sad when he loses his beloved teddy bear,
but when he finds the bear in the park,
he must decide whether to keep him,
or let him remain with his new owner-- a homeless man.

SECOND GRADE
Dinosaur Unit
"What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs?"
by Carol Carrick

Fascinated by dinosaurs,
Patrick invents a fantastical explanation
of why they no longer walk the Earth.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

In this Newbery Award winner,
ten-year-old Leigh Botts reveals his problems
coping with his parents' divorce,
being the new boy in school,
and generally finding his place in the world
through letters to his favorite author and
by starting a writer's diary.
Classroom copies of the book will be passed out
so students can read along.
Students will journal responses to the weekly reading.
Find Out Your Country Music Nickname

* * * * * * * * * * WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22 * * * * * * * * * *

Mushy-Mushy Love Stories for Valentine's Day...
KINDERGARTEN: "Mr. Tannen's Ties" by Maryann Cocca-Leffler
FIRST GRADE: "Yuck, a Love Story" by Don Gillmor
SECOND GRADE: "Shiro in Love: a True Story" by Wendy Tokuda
THIRD GRADE: "Sock Monkey Rides Again" by Cece Bell

Introduction of the 2010 California Young Reader Medal Nominees
to be read over the next weeks.
Our students will join hundreds of thousands of children
across the state in voting for their favorite books
in these categories--

Picture Book Category for All Grades:
"A Frog Thing" by Eric Drachman
"Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners" by Laurie Keller
"My Life as a Chicken" by Ellen Kelly
"Velma Gratch and the Way Cool Butterfly" by Alan Madison
"Millie Waits for the Mail" by Alexander Steffensmeier

Picture Books for Older Readers Category for Fourth and Fifth Grades:
"Armando and the Blue Tarp School" by Edith Hope Fine and Judith Pinkerton Josephson
"Owney, the Mail-Pouch Pooch" by Mona Kirby
Read About Local Mascot Old George
"Willy & Max: a Holocaust Story" by Amy Littlesugar

Intermediate Category for Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders to Read Independently:
"No Talking" by Andrew Clements
"A Friendship for Today" by Patricia C. McKissack
"A Crooked Kind of Perfect" by Linda Urban

Read the three intermediate novels
and vote for your favorite by March 26th
to earn up to three free raffle tickets
for a chance to win a Night in the Library!
Print the Ballot

KINDERGARTEN
"Matthew A.B.C."
by Peter Catalanotto

Mrs. Tuttle has 25 children
in her Kindergarten class and though they are all
named Matthew they are all unique.
When a new boy joins the class, it is obvious
he is the perfect 26th student.

FIRST GRADE
Community Helpers
"Snow Day" by Betsy Maestro
"Katy and the Big Snow" by Virginia Lee Burton

The first book is non-fiction
and describes what happens after a major snowstorm,
from plowing driveways and rescuing stranded motorists
to clearing train tracks, airports, and harbors.
Paired with a picture book about a heroic crawler tractor
who plows the roads after a big storm
so the community helpers can get out to perform their jobs.

SECOND GRADE
Respect and Responsibility
"The Boy Who Cried Wolf"
by B.G. Hennessy

A boy tending sheep on a lonely mountainside
thinks it a fine joke to cry "wolf" and watch the people come running--
until one day a wolf is really there, but no one answers his call.

THIRD GRADE
Respect and Responsibility
"The Boy Who Stuck Out His Tongue"
by Edith Tarbescu

When the widow's son sticks out his tongue
once too often, he finds himself in trouble.
But the kind-hearted folk of the little Hungarian village
are quick to rally around.

FOURTH GRADE
Literature Connection to "Island of the Blue Dolphins"
"The Lone Woman of Ghalas-Hat"
by Rice D. Oliver

Tells the story of the woman
whose life inspired
"Island of the Blue Dolphins"
by Scott O'Dell
The Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

KINDERGARTEN
Christmas
"Dragon's Merry Christmas" by Dav Pilkey
"Marvin's Best Christmas Present Ever" by Katherine Paterson

Dragon has a merry time in the Christmas season,
decorating a tree outdoors, making a chocolate candy wreath,
and sharing his Christmas gifts with needy animals.
See if you can spot the homage to Vincent Van Gogh.
Paired with: A story about a little boy who wishes
he can make a present that will last and last.
Both stories touch on the joy of giving.
Track Santa on Christmas Eve.

FIRST GRADE
Christmas
"Santa Duck"
by David Milgrim

When Nicholas Duck finds a red coat and hat
the other animals mistake him for a certain someone
and unload all their Christmas wishes upon him.
The beleaguered duck
comes to realize how satisfying it is to give.
Track Santa on Christmas Eve.

SECOND GRADE
Christmas
"How Murray Saved Christmas"
by Mike Reiss

When Edison Elf accidentally knocks out Santa Claus on Christmas Eve,
he finds an unlikely substitute Santa in the owner of Murray K's Holiday Diner.
Track Santa on Christmas Eve.

THIRD GRADE
Christmas
"The Night Before Christmas" by Clement C. Moore
"The Cajun Night Before Christmas" by Trosclair

After a review of the classic Christmas poem,
follows a reading of the Cajun version in
honor of the librarian from New Orleans who
lost her entire collection in Hurricane Katrina,
but not her optimistic outlook on life.
Track Santa on Christmas Eve.

FOURTH GRADE
Literature Connection to "Island of the Blue Dolphins"
"The Lone Woman of Ghalas-Hat"
by Rice D. Oliver

Tells the story of the woman
whose life inspired
"Island of the Blue Dolphins"
by Scott O'Dell
The Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island

FIFTH GRADE
Snowflake Project
"Snowflake Bentley" by Jacqueline Briggs Martin
"Snowflake Crystals" by W.A. Bentley

A biography of self-taught scientist
Wilson Bentley
who photographed thousands of individual snowflakes
in order to study their unique formations.
Paired with the book he published in 1931 that
showcases his photographs.
Learn more about Snowflake Bentley.

KINDERGARTEN
Hanukkah
"Sammy Spider's First Hanukkah"
by Sylvia A. Rouss

When the Shapiro family
celebrates the eight nights of Hanukkah,
Sammy Spider keeps his feet warm
over the Menorah and yearns for a dreidel of his own.
Play the Dreidel game.

FIRST GRADE
Hanukkah
"The Magic Dreidels"
by Eric A. Kimmel

When Jacob drops his new dreidel down the well
a friendly goblin gives him not one, but two, magic ones
that are stolen by the neighborhood busybody.
The tables are turned when she steals a third dreidel
and Jacob gets his two magic ones back in time
for the Hanukkah celebration.
Play the Dreidel game.

SECOND GRADE
Hanukkah and Gingerbread Man Project
"Runaway Dreidel!"
by Leslea Newman

In this rhyming tale in the style of
"The Night before Christmas,"
a family's preparations for Hanukkah
are disrupted by a wildly spinning dreidel
that no one can catch.
Play the Dreidel game.

THIRD GRADE
Hanukkah
"The Chanukkah Guest"
by Eric A. Kimmel

At 97 years old, Bubba Brayna
does not hear or see too well so when old Bear
wanders into her house she mistakes him for the rabbi
and treats him to a delicious helping of potato latkes.
Play the Dreidel game.

FOURTH GRADE
Literature Connection to "Island of the Blue Dolphins"
"The Lone Woman of Ghalas-Hat"
by Rice D. Oliver

Tells the story of the woman
whose life inspired
"Island of the Blue Dolphins"
by Scott O'Dell
The Lone Woman of San Nicholas Island

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

KINDERGARTEN
"Petunia"
by Roger Duvoisin

Petunia the silly goose
finds a book in the barnyard and
thinks she is wise because she
carries it under her wing.
When her advice to the
other animals on the farm goes
all wrong she realizes that to be
truly wise she must learn to read.
Ida and Her Chicks Activity Craft

FIRST GRADE
"Pigs Make Me Sneeze!"
by Mo Willems

Gerald, a cautious and pessimistic elephant,
believes he is allergic to his best friend,
the optimistic and occasionally reckless Piggie,
and is concerned that he will need to stay away from his pal forever.
Make a Sneezing Pig Face

SECOND GRADE
Gingerbread Man Project
"Can't Catch Me"
by John Hassett

The runaway cookie is an ice cube
who wants to run away to sea
to bump boats like an iceberg
in this whimsical version of
The Gingerbread Man.
Gingerbread Pencil Puppet Coloring Sheet

THIRD GRADE
Character Education
"Michael's Golden Rules"
by Deloris Jordan

Good sportsmanship plus
sound advice on how to improve as a player
make a winning combination on how to succeed
on the field and in life.

FOURTH GRADE
Shortened library visit due to minimum day schedule
during parent/teacher conference week.
Check out only.

FIFTH GRADE
Canceled due to minimum day schedule
during parent/teacher conference week.

KINDERGARTEN
Thankful for Pets
"Too Many Bozos" by Lilian Moore
"Giant Pop-Out Pets" published by Chronicle Books

Giant Pop Out Pets: A Pop-out Surprise Book

When Danny Drake brings home
pet after unsuitable pet, his mother
realizes her son needs a dog of his own.
Paired with a fun guessing game pop-up book of pets.

FIRST GRADE
"The Gruffalo"
by Julia Donaldson

In this "easy to digest" story just in time for Thanksgiving,
a clever mouse uses the threat of a terrifying creature
to keep from being eaten by a fox, an owl, and a snake--
only to have to outwit that creature as well.
Gruffalo Crumble Recipe and Coloring Sheet

SECOND GRADE
Learn About Family Heritage at Thanksgiving
"Jalapeno Bagels"
by Natasha Wing

For International Day at school,
Pablo wants a treat from his family's bakery to reflect his culture.
But he has a hard time deciding between
his Mexican mother's and his Jewish father's
wonderful baked goods.
CHANGO BAR RECIPE

THIRD GRADE
Pumpkins and Composting
"The Ugly Pumpkin" by Dave Horowitz
"Compost! Growing Gardens from your Garbage" by Linda Glaser

In the first book a lonely, oddly-shaped pumpkin
is sad that no one chose him for Halloween,
but he soon discovers where he belongs.
Paired with a nonfiction picture book in which
a little girl explains how her family turns garbage
and garden waste into soil using their compost bin.
She throws in lima beans from dinner,
grass clippings, fallen leaves,
and even a moldy jack-o'-lantern from Halloween.

FOURTH GRADE
Endangered Animals
"Wolf Island"
by Celia Godkin

The story follows changes that occur on an island
after the departure of a family of wolves to the mainland,
illustrating a delicate ecological balance.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

KINDERGARTEN
Walking Field Trip to the Manhattan Beach Library
"My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World " by Margriet Ruurs

Except for Ms. Spondike's class,
Kinder classes will miss
library due to Veterans Day and the public library field trip.
Ms. Spondike's class will take a look at the
different ways libraries travel to people
and will have a coloring sheet activity.

FIRST GRADE
Scarecrow Project
"The Little Scarecrow Boy"
by Margaret Wise Brown

Early one morning,
a little scarecrow whose father warns him
that he is not fierce enough to frighten a crow
goes out into the cornfield alone.

SECOND GRADE
Learn About Family Heritage at Thanksgiving
Celebrating America's Melting Pot
"The Two Brothers"
by William Jaspersohn

Celebrate America's melting pot
with three stories over the next three weeks.
On arriving in America from Prussia in the 1880s,
Heinrich gets a new name, one dollar,
and a train ticket to Vermont, where he will work for a farmer.
After five years, Friedrich arrives,
having no idea where Heinrich has settled.
In a satisfying conclusion (all the more so because it really happened),
the brothers find one another again.
The story subtly shows the hardships and uncertainties immigrants faced.
A true American Success Story!

THIRD GRADE
Celebrate Veterans Day
"The Unbreakable Code"
by Sara Hoagland Hunter

The story presents an interesting part of
World War II history that traditionally has received little attention.
When John is afraid to leave the Navajo Reservation,
his grandfather explains to him how the Navajo language,
faith, and ingenuity helped win World War II.
Navajo Code Talker Interview and The Secret Navajo Code
Official website of the Navajo Code Talkers

FOURTH GRADE
"Clockwork, or, All Wound Up"
by Philip Pullman

Long ago in Germany
(and just in time for Halloween),
a storyteller's story and
an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare
meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

FIFTH GRADE
Connecting to Literature
"Dear Mr. Henshaw"
by Beverly Cleary

KINDERGARTEN
Walking Field Trip to the Manhattan Beach Library
"My Librarian is a Camel: How Books are Brought to Children Around the World " by Margriet Ruurs
"Quiet! There's a Canary in the Library" by Don Freeman

From the first book, a non-fiction look at mobile libraries around the world,
children can gain a new appreciation for having not only an
established public library in the heart of their hometown,
but a well-stocked library in their own elementary school.
(Although there is something to be said about
having your library books delivered by
boat, camel, donkey or even by elephant!)
Paired with the classic 1969 picture book
in which a girl imagines running a library
that caters to the birds and the beasts.

FIRST GRADE
Composting
"Compost! Growing Gardens from your Garbage" by Linda Glaser

A little girl explains how her family turns garbage
and garden waste into soil using their compost bin.
She throws in lima beans from dinner,
grass clippings, fallen leaves,
and even a moldy jack-o'-lantern from Halloween.

SECOND GRADE
Learn About Family Heritage at Thanksgiving
Celebrating America's Melting Pot
"Amelia's Road"
by Linda Jacobs Altman

In this gentle tale of the lives of
migrant families, Amelia longs for a
permanent home where the teacher
will know her name.
She achieves a sense of place when
she buries a box of personal treasures
under a favorite shade tree
before moving yet again.

"Corduroy"
by Don Freeman

In class, 2nd graders learned about
Corduroy and how teddy bears are made.
How to Make Teddy Bear Cookies

THIRD GRADE
"Coming Home: a story of Josh Gibson,
Baseball's Greatest Home Run Hitter"
by Nanette Mellage

Continues the topic of segregation in baseball
introduced last week in Language Arts
and the Library with the story of
Josh Gibson who hit more home runs than
Mark McGwire, Babe Ruth, or Hank Aaron.
Sadly, Josh Gibson died four months before
Jackie Robinson broke the Major League color barrier in 1947.

FOURTH GRADE
"Clockwork, or, All Wound Up"
by Philip Pullman

Long ago in Germany
(and just in time for Halloween),
a storyteller's story and
an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare
meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

FIFTH GRADE
Language Arts - Vocabulary
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

KINDERGARTEN
Halloween
"The Halloween Queen"
by Joan Holub

Even though the Halloween Queen
has the best candy on the block
and the best decorations,
one young trick-or-treater is scared
until a Halloween party changes her mind.
Presents a teachable moment regarding
name-calling and peer pressure.

FIRST GRADE
Halloween
"Just a Minute: a Trickster Tale and Counting Book"
by Yuyi Morales

When Senor Calavera
(a skeleton representing Death)
comes calling on Grandma Beetle,
she forestalls him by performing a series of tasks
that result in her own birthday party.

SECOND GRADE
Halloween
"Cold Feet"
by Cynthia DeFelice

When Willy McPhee,
the finest piper in all of Scotland,
takes a pair of boots from
a man who (he thinks) doesn't need them anymore
he gets more than he bargained for.

THIRD GRADE
"Testing the Ice: A true story about Jackie Robinson"
by Sharon Robinson

At their lakeside home in Stamford, Connecticut,
Jackie never joins his children in the water because he cannot swim.
Even so, come winter he agrees to step out on the
frozen lake to make sure it is safe
for the children to skate.
This heroic act enables his daughter Sharon to
fully appreciate the courage that defined her father's life.

FOURTH GRADE
"Clockwork, or, All Wound Up"
by Philip Pullman

Long ago in Germany
(and just in time for Halloween),
a storyteller's story and
an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare
meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

FIFTH GRADE
Language Arts - Vocabulary
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

KINDERGARTEN
Hispanic Heritage Month
"Mice and Beans"
by Pam Munoz Ryan

Rosa Maria spends the week
getting ready for her granddaughter's birthday party
and trying to avoid attracting mice--
unaware that the mice in her walls
are preparing for a party of their own.

FIRST GRADE
Hispanic Heritage Month
"The Tiny Tortilla"
by Arlene Williams

Juan Carlos discovers that,
with the right touch,
he can transform some special
tortilla dough into unexpected shapes--
all the while learning how to be patient.

SECOND GRADE
Hispanic Heritage Month
"Chato's Kitchen"
by Gary Soto

To get the little mice who have
moved into the barrio to come to his house,
Chato the cat prepares all kinds of good food:
fajitas, frijoles, salsa, enchiladas, and more.

THIRD GRADE
Biomes - Field Trip to the Round House Aquarium
"What is a Biome?" by Bobbie Kalman
"Otter on His Own" by Doe Boyle

The first book introduces biomes
(grasslands, deserts, oceans, etc.),
and discusses their location, climate, and plant and animal life.
The second book examines the life of
Otter Pup, who spends the first month of his life
with his mother in a protected cove off of the coast of California,
learning how to hunt for food and take care of himself.

FOURTH GRADE
"Clockwork, or, All Wound Up"
by Philip Pullman

Long ago in Germany
(and just in time for Halloween),
a storyteller's story and
an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare
meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

Review: Dewey Chart

KINDERGARTEN
Spiders
"Be Nice to Spiders"
by Margaret Bloy Graham

The zoo animals become happy and peaceful
when Helen the spider spins webs
and catches the flies that had made them miserable.
Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now until November 8

FIRST GRADE
Spiders
"The Spider and the Fly"
by Mary Botham Howitt

The well-known poem
about a wily spider who preys on the vanity
and innocence of a little fly;
with silvery black and white
illustrations by Tony DiTerlizzi.
(Students create spider handprint bookmarks)
Natural History Museum Spider Pavilion open now until November 8

FOURTH GRADE
"Clockwork, or, All Wound Up"
by Philip Pullman

Long ago in Germany
(and just in time for Halloween),
a storyteller's story and
an apprentice clockwork-maker's nightmare
meet in a menacing, lifelike figure created by the strange Dr. Kalmenius.

FIFTH GRADE
Language Arts - Vocabulary
"Rascal"
by Sterling North

The author recalls his carefree life
in a small Midwestern town
at the close of World War I,
and his adventures with his pet raccoon, Rascal.

KINDERGARTEN
Information Literacy - Fiction vs. Non-Fiction
"Elmer the Elephant" by David McKee
"African Elephants" by Roland Smith

Students will be shown examples
to compare and contrast and
will explore the
non-fiction side of the library.

FIRST GRADE
"Bats at the Library"
by Brian Lies

Bats discover an open library window
and fly in to enjoy the photocopier, water fountain,
and especially the books and stories found there.

"Rabies Tales from Los Angeles County"
a two-page comic that explains the
why we should not come in contact with bats,
no matter how cute they look.

SECOND GRADE
Fall Books to Tickle the Imagination
"Look What I Did with a Leaf" by Morteza E. Sohi
"Ultimate Tree Houses" by David Clark

The first book takes an unusual look
at the natural world and shows
how to create fanciful animal collages from leaves.
Paired with a book that shows what
can be made with trees on a larger scale.

THIRD GRADE
Information Literacy

A hands-on lesson in looking up books
by author, title, subject, and keyword
using the Online Patron Access Catalog
and then locating the books
on the shelves by call number.
Dewey Chart
Play the Ordering Decimals Game

FOURTH GRADE
"The Ink Drinker"
by Eric Sanvoisin

In this mildly sinister chapter book from France,
a strange breed of vampire sucks the black blood of literature
and changes a book-hating boy...forever.

FIFTH GRADE
Information Literacy - Responding to Literature
"Landed"
by Milly Lee

After leaving his village in southeastern China,
twelve-year-old Sun is held at Angel Island, San Francisco,
before being released to join his father,
a merchant living in the area.
Sun must undergo rigorous and sometimes humiliating tests
before being allowed entry into the United States.
Based on the harrowing experiences of the author's father-in-law,
the story shines a light on a dark corner of American history.
Winner of the 2009 FOCAL Award
Friends of Children and Literature Writing Contest

KINDERGARTEN
Five Senses
"Livingstone Mouse"
by Pamela Duncan Edwards

An explorer mouse in search of China
discovers that he must be careful
to choose a new home that
does not offend his sense of
smell, sight, hearing, taste, or touch.
Explore your senses with simple science experiments.

FIRST GRADE
Johnny Appleseed
"The Apple Doll"
by Elisa Kleven

Lizzy's best friend in all
seasons is her apple tree.
When school starts, Lizzy sees how
her apple tree can help her overcome
her shyness and make new friends.
How to Make an Apple Doll

SECOND GRADE
MONSTER Cross-Curricular Monthly Project
"How to Deal with Monsters" by Richard Powell
"There's a Wocket in My Pocket" by Dr. Seuss

The first book gives practical advice on how
to deal with monsters that may lurk around the house.
The second book revels in the joys of
living with unusual housemates.

THIRD GRADE
Information Literacy
"The Lure of the Library"

This video shows why organization is important in a library.
Children try organizing the books in their
clubhouse by color, but it is not a practical system.
They go on to learn the conceptual structure of
the Dewey Decimal System
and the content of Dewey's ten major sections.
The video supports students in developing research skills by
showing the functions of the computer catalog and call numbers.

FOURTH GRADE
Information Literacy - Making Informed Decisions

A brief explanation of why the
American Library Association
sets aside the last week of September as
Banned and Challenged Book Week.
PLUS
Library Volunteer Jan Dunbar
will introduce the
4th-5th Lunchtime Book Club Selection for Fall:
"The True Meaning of Smekday"
by Adam Rex

Twelve-year-old Gratuity "Tip" Tucci
is left to fend for herself after Earth is colonized by aliens
and her mother is abducted,
and must try to stop another alien invasion
with only the help of a cat named Pig and an alien named J. Lo.

FIFTH GRADE
Information Literacy - Making Informed Decisions

KINDERGARTEN
Making New Friends
"Halibut Jackson"
by David Lucas

Halibut Jackson is so shy
that he makes special outfits to
blend in wherever he goes,
but the clothes he wears to a party
at the palace make him stand out!
Take-Home Activity:
Wrapping-Paper Camouflage Fish
Halibut Video Clip

FIRST GRADE
Information Literacy
"Charley Chapters: Be a Book Buddy"
Video to learn about
taking care of library books.

SECOND GRADE
Talk Like a Pirate Day
"How I Became a Pirate"
by Melinda Long

Jeremy Jacob joins Braid Beard
and his pirate crew and finds out about
pirate language, pirate manners, and other aspects of pirate life.
September 19--Talk Like a Pirate Day

THIRD GRADE
Information Literacy

Guest Speaker:
Mr. Ooopa-Ooopa McCaveman
explains how the
Dewey Decimal System
came to be.
The Caveman's Guide to the Dewey Decimal System
(Thank you Mount Erie Elementary School in Anacortes, Washington)

KINDERGARTEN
Information Literacy

Students will practice removing
a library book from the shelf with
the help of a shelf marker stick;
and will learn the importance of returning
a library book to its proper place on the shelf.
Vocabulary Words:
address, spine, spine label

FIRST GRADE
Information Literacy
"Beverly Billingsly Borrows a Book"
by Alexander Stadler

Beverly Billingsly loves the dinosaur book
she's checked out from the library so much that
she forgets to return it on time.
A lighthearted way to introduce first graders to
to the new privilege and responsibility of
be able to take a library book home to enjoy.

SECOND GRADE
Information Literacy
"Stella Louella's Runaway Book"
by Lisa Campbell Ernst

Stella Louella, her family, and friends
search the neighborhood for her missing library book.
A cumulative tale, the story gains momentum as
a letter carrier, police officer, athlete,
and others join the hunt,
sharing their own favorite parts of the lost book.

FOURTH GRADE
California History
"Sequoyah: the Cherokee Man Who
Gave His People Writing"
by James Rumford

Introduces Sequoyah, who decided
in the early 1800s to give
the Cherokee language a written form.
Creating 84 symbols for sounds,
he began to teach the language
to others in the Cherokee nation.
This technique spread,
enabling the publication of
books and newspapers, and it survives today.
Write Your Name Using the Cherokee Syllabary

FIFTH GRADE
Social Studies - United States History
"We the Kids: the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States"
by David Catrow

Humorous caricatures
help explain the principles of freedom
outlined in the sophisticated language of 1787.
Constitution Day September 17

KINDERGARTEN
Information Literacy
"I Took My Frog to the Library"
by Eric A. Kimmel

In a humorous look at expectations
for library behavior, a young girl
brings her pets to the library--
with predictably disastrous results.
Frog Coloring Sheet
Vocabulary Words:
author, illustrator