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Tuesday, August 24, 2010

After-school Reading

My hunt for picture books this week has been directed for a need to relax...coming home after school and still feeling like reading is a treat.  I also have one easy reader we're getting a bit of history through (like it a LOT "Thomas A. Edison Young Inventor" by Sue Guthridge as part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series).

So, let's go from least favorite to most favorite. Starting with "Alfred's Nose" by Vivienne Flesher and "The Right Number of Elephants" by Jeff Sheppard, and illustrated by Felicia Bond.  Felicia's work is really what stuck out to me from this countdown of "the right number of elephants."  It's playful and animated, and it really caught the attention of a five-year-old.  "Alfred's Nose" is basically the same thing - only it's done through photography.  The visual effects of play noses (pig snout, alligator's) on Alfred the dog got a few laughs.

"City Dog, Country Frog" is by Mo Willems.  He's so kid-friendly as well!  I appreciate it more from the writer's standpoint, but the illustrations match if not exceed the story.  It takes a friendship between the dog and frog through the seasons, noting "you'll do" when there's not an expected match.  I thought it provided a good conversation starter about making friends with others, even when there's not an automatic spark to the relationship.  (note verse below)


But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:17


So...my top pick?!!  "Animal House" by Candace Ryan and illustrated by Nathan Hale.  Ryan takes you through puns, beginning with homework being eaten by the "vulchair."  Every object in the house becomes animated...with some funny ones like "zebras" and "elepants" for clothing!  The first time through it's hard not to get caught up with pronouncing everything, but after that it's not so bad.


There you have it - hopefully someone you know & love qualifies for hearing about these books.  www.easyreadingpicks.blogspot.com



2 comments:

Jane Heitman Healy said...

Thanks for these mini-reviews. I was only familiar with one of these.

Jennifer Noble said...

That's shocking. Which one?