Mouse Was Mad

Author: Linda Urban

Illustrator: Henry Cole

Publishing information: (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, May 4, 2009, Ages 4-8)

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Genre: Picture

Summary of Plot:

            This story is about a mouse who is mad for some reason. He tried to hop it out, but the hare showed him his err, and trying to hop like the hare, he fell into a mud puddle. Then he became stomping mad, but the bear showed him that he could make the ground shake, and trying the mouse rolled into another mud puddle. It continued with attempting to scream like a bobcat, and rolling on the ground like hedgehog. He failed on all those attempts. He found his own strength being standing still mad, the other animals were impressed. He learned that he wasn’t mad anymore, so he took a bath.

My Reaction to the book:

            I found this book kind of funny. I laughed at his attempts to show his anger. I liked the fact that in the end, he found success in being standing-still mad, he was good at controlling his breathing. I think that is a good message. We do not need to show we are mad, we can just control our anger until it is no longer there.

                                               

Potential Problems:

Showing anger in big ways

           

Recommendations:

            This is a fun book for any child. I really enjoyed the pictures; they looked like they were done by colored pencil. It can be used to help teach children how to control their anger, more effectively than letting it show.

           

           

                                   

           

Why we Have Thanksgiving

Author: Margaret Hillert

Illustrator: Dan Siculan

Publishing information: (Norwood House Press, March 1981, Baby-Preschool)

Number of Pages: 31 pages

Genre: Picture

Summary of Plot:

           

This is about the story of how the pilgrims got from England to America. There were unhappy, so they sailed to America for freedom. They ate the first Thanksgiving as a meal of thanks for being free, with the Native Americans helping them to know the land.

           

My Reaction to the book:

            It is very basic. I like how it rhymed. I would like to have more information presented, even if it is meant for preschoolers.

                                               

Potential Problems:

None

           

Recommendations:

This could be a good story to read to a preschool near thanksgiving time. It is accurate, it is just very basic.

           

           

                                   

           

Gathering the Sun

Author: Alma Flor Ada

Illustrator: Simon Silva

Publishing information: (Rayo, April 28, 1997, Baby-Preschool)

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Genre: Poetry

Summary of Plot:

This book was about a Hispanic’s life. It has a Spanish word, starting with each letter of the alphabet, and then it has a poem about that item. For example-L is Lechuga, lettuce. Then it has the poem in both English and Spanish.

My Reaction to the book:

            I found it interesting to be able to see the Spanish language in a children books form. I am used to seeing English. All children need books in their language. It is good for both language speakers because the other language is a different language a child will see when reading it.          

                     

Potential Problems:

            None

Recommendations:

            This book is good for culture days, and for learning Spanish. It is good for people who like poetry, culture, and deep colored pictures.

           

Substitute Teacher Plans

Author: Doug Johnson

Illustrator: Tammy Smith

Publishing information: (Henry Holt and Co, August 1, 2002, Ages 4-8)

Number of Pages: 32 pages

Genre: Picture

Summary of Plot:

One day a teacher was feeling bad about how the class was behaving, so she decided to take a vacation day. She made a list for what the substitute should do with the class, and a list of fun things she could do herself. She accidently switched the two lists. So while she was doing things such as reading, math, having lunch and recess, the class was riding rollercoasters, scuba diving, skiing, etc. The switch didn’t click in her mind at all. She had fun writing letters-for writing, paying bills-as math, and spelling by playing scrabble. The next day she was told she had some explaining to do. In the end she made a class reservation for acrobatic flight training.

My Reaction to the book:

            The book is extremely funny. I think children will enjoy it as well. It gives a glimpse into a teacher’s life, outside of school.

Potential Problems:

None

Recommendations:

            I would highly recommend this book. It is funny and very creative.

           

The Man Who Kept His Heart in a bucket

Author: Sonia Levitin

Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney

Publishing information: (Puffin, May 1, 1995, Ages 4-8)

Number of Pages: 40 pages

Genre: Picture

Summary of Plot:

            A man’s heart was once broken, know he kept it figuratively cold, by keeping it in bucket. He wouldn’t enjoy the small things of life. Instead he kept to himself. One day a beatifal maiden stole his heart. To get it back he had to unlock a rhyme. In the process his heart was softened and put into its rightful place. When she gave him back his heart their hands met, and they decided to make wedding rings out of their golden hearts.

My Reaction to the book:

This book was good, but kind of odd. I liked how his heart was changed, through music too. It kind of reminded me of the beast in Beauty and the Beast.

Potential Problems:

            None

Recommendations:

            I would recommend this book to those who like hearing stories about hearts being changed for the better, and about love. It has both of these elements in the story. The plot is simple, but kind of weird.