Iditarod: Dogsled Race Across Alaska By Jeffrey B. Fuerst

    What is an Iditarod?  Where did the Iditarod originate?  If you are looking for answers to these questions then Fuerst's Iditarod: Dogsled Race Across Alaska might be just the perfect text.  Fuerst has written a little book about the yearly Iditarod race in Alaska, the history of the race, and terms related to dog racing on a level that children in 3rd and 4th Grade can easily comprehend.
      The book begins by discussing the Iditarod race and depicting a map of the 1,161 mile long trail.  Ever heard of the word "musher"? If so did you know that these sled drivers sleep for only one to two hours a day before sleeping for 24 hours straight during the middle of the race?  As readers continue reading they discover that the race emerged in the days of the Gold Rush when boats were incapable of transporting supplies to and from Alaskan towns.   Eventually dog sleds became useless as manufactured airplanes took over the jobs of transporting supplies in the harsh winter months.  However, when it seemed as if the Idtitarod would never be needed again a relay team of 20 dogsleds carried medicine to children in Nome in 1925, saving their lives and bringing back the dying art of dog sled racing.  Though snowmobiles soon diminished the need for dogsleds, a clan of dogsled fans worked to bring the Iditarod back to life and created the first official Iditarod Race in 1973.   
     Each page of the book displays photographs of actual races and mushers, maps of the trail, and descriptive captions delineating each picture and map, which greatly enhance the text.  Though it is a bit small for a read-aloud teachers could certainly use the book in small guided reading groups or discussion groups to enlightened students about the history and daily life of mushers. 
     Curious to find out the translation of Iditarod? Or possibly you might want to find out the amount it costs to keep a team of dogs and prepare for the race?  Read the book to find out!

Oceans and Seas By Margaret Hynes

     The attention grabbing graphics on the front page of Oceans and Seas by Margaret Hynes will surely have readers engaged before the text of the book even commences.  Within the first few pages readers will find a table of contents describing all of the ocean topics to be discussed in the book, ranging from waves to energy to migrations to ocean zones.  At the end of the book a reader will find a comprehensive glossary of terms they will come across while reading. 
     This book will surely dispel the common misconception that nonfiction books are dull and entirely boring.  Each page is festooned with brightly colored graphics, carefully organized text, easy to understand diagrams, and multiple caption boxes to make reading nonfiction exciting!  Children will likely ask readers to stop for longer between page turns to enable them to take in every detail on the page.
       As if the book did not have enough gizmos, readers will find a website address on the right hand margin each page.  For instance, on the page about a Watery Planet, readers can follow the link in the upper right margin to extend their reading knowledge and learn about the oceans.
       The book has many applications and could be used in any of the following scenarios: as a read aloud, with small groups of children, or teachers can place it in their library to be used as a source of research for independent work.  No matter how it may be incorporated into the classroom, it's definitely a must read for any teacher who needs to address ocean curriculum.  You won't be disappointed!   

Poles Apart: Life at the Ends of the Earth

     Dr. Mark Norman presents a tale about the poles of the Earth in a graphically appealing picture book entitled Poles Apart: Life at the Ends of the Earth.  The book is set up such that each page has facts about the north and south poles.  Unlike many books, this book has binding along the top edge such that it opens like a calendar.
     Upon opening the book readers will find that facts about the north pole are found on the top page and facts about the south pole lie on the bottom page  In the center of the gutter one will discover a small graphic of the globe to further help readers understand that information about the north pole is found on the top page.  Dr. Norman has gone so far as to design the graphics on the page to appear as though the text and pictures are in the shape of a globe.
     The first pages discuss the amount of land and water in the north and south poles, explaining that the north pole is made of mostly water surrounded by land and the opposite is true of the south pole.  Readers then discover that there is not a single tree on Antarctica, whereas the north pole is home to small, hardy plants that can survive the harsh climate.  At then end of the nonfiction text readers will find a glossary of terms in bold type throughout the book.
     Teachers might find this to be an excellent read-aloud to spark conversation about habitats.  It could easily be used to teach strategies, such as comparing and contrasting.         
     Curious about where penguins live?  Perhaps you want to find out how animals camouflage in each of the poles? Then you'll have to check this book out!

The Tale of Despereaux

    Kate DiCamillo engages readers with an enchanting tale of a unique and courageous little mouse, The Tale of Despereaux. Yes, his ears may be too big for his body and he may enjoy chanting with humans, but these less desirable traits do not prevent him from carrying out his quest.
      DiCamillo launches readers into the tale of the miniature mouse quite abruptly, in fact within only a few pages Despereaux is on trial before the Mouse Council because he has committed an unspeakable act in the world of mice, he has spoken to a human.  His over-sized ears led him to follow the sweet tune of the King singing to his daughter Princess Pea.  As he sits mesmerized by the gorgeous music, Despereaux's brother spies on him and leaks the discovery to his father and the mouse council.  Talking to humans is punishable in only one fashion, a sentence to life in the rat-infested dungeon below the castle.  With red ribbon tied around his head Despereaux is led into the depths of the dungeon to fend for his life amongst the lurking rats.  When he has accepted the fact that he might soon die he is greeted by an old fellow, the jailer of the dungeon.     
    As the tale continues to unfold Despereaux crosses paths with a rat by the name of Roscuro and a servant girl with cauliflower shaped ears named Miggery Sow.  DiCamillo cleverly introduces the characters by beginning a new section, or book, in the tale and retracing their past lives.  In fact, after Roscuro encountered Roscuro in the dungeon DiCamillo quickly began a "book" about his life, before the mouse and rat crossed paths.  This approach provides readers with the back story of each character to help them better understand the events of the story.  In addition to flashbacks to the past, DiCamillo uses a clever literary device in which she narrates the story while also speaking to the reader directly.  Throughout the tale she interjects the story to ask the reader a question or provide the reader with helpful information to further his or her understanding of the intricate characters and twisting plot.  When Mig, the servant, dreams of becoming a princess, DiCamillo makes readers ponder whether her dreams are even worthwhile and challenges them to question the character's motives.  She writes, "Reader do you think it is a terrible thing to hope when there is really no reason to hope at all? Or is it (as the soldier said about happiness) something that you might just as well do, since, in the end, it really makes no difference to anyone but you?". 
     You may not think it possible, but DiCamillo cleverly uses the story of a small mouse to approach seemingly humanized themes of forgiveness, love, courage, and good vs. evil.  DiCamillo's marvelous writing style and ability to truly capture her readers' attention won her the well-deserved Newbery Medal. 
      Curious as to why Mig has cauliflower ears or perhaps you are wondering the fate of poor Despereaux?  Then go to your local library and check out The Tale of Despereaux.  You won't be disappointed!
Have you already read the book?  Then motion picture version of the Tale of Despereaux, but only do this if you have read the book first.
       If you like this tale you may even want to try other books by DiCamillo, such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Mercy Watson to the Rescue, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, and The Tiger Rising.

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

          Lois Lowry opens the story, Number the Stars, as three girls sprinting along the street of downtown Copenhagen, Denmark, when suddenly they hear the booming voice of a German voice, "Halte".  Quickly readers will discover that the tale is set in Denmark during WWII.  German soldiers lurk around every corner, their powerful presence looming over the town like a menacing black cloud.  At first the soldiers merely stand on corners, but eventually empty storefronts with the glaring swastika symbol line the streets of Copenhagen.  The powerful presence of the Nazis have enveloped Copenhagen like a thick black cloud and the three young children running will soon realize that their worlds will forever change.
           Annmarie and Kirsti are sisters who live in the same apartment complex as their friend Ellen Rosen.  The three girls are very similar and spend much of their time together, but there is something that will either bring the three girls together or break their bonds of friendship, and that is religion.  Ellen is of the Jewish faith and the target of the menacing Nazis regime.  To protect Ellen and her family, Annmarie and Kirsti's family take Ellen in as if she were there daughter, while Mr. and Mrs. Rosen disappear from Copenhagen.  Continuing her efforts to keep the Rosen family safe, Annmarie's mother even takes Ellen and her daughters to her brother's home by the sea.
          The story continues to unfold, as does the character of Annmarie.  Though only ten years old she is very curious about the happenings in Copenhagen, wondering where the Rosens disappeared to, why the Jews are under such an attack, and whether or not Ellen will be found by the German soldiers.  The unanswered questions fester in her mind as she gradually sees small windows into the resistance movements taking place beneath her very eyes.  Throughout the story I found myself becoming very connected to Annmarie, taking on many of her curiosities and worries as my own.  The attachment to Annmarie truly made me feel as though I was right along side her, taking in her experiences breath by breath.
          As a child and young adult I was always fascinated by the Holocaust and read many novels, however I never picked this one up and am very happy to have done so.  My fascination with the time period may seem strange to others, but it is rooted in the fact that I have a very hard time wrapping my mind around the horrid acts of the Nazis.  Therefore, I find it interesting to read stories from the time period, both fiction and non fiction accounts, to further delve into the reasoning behind the awful persecutions and imprisonments.
         Unfortunately I had not experienced many tales about the resistance movement that arose in response to the Nazi control.  Therefore, I especially liked Lowry's exploration of the lives of those who sacrificed a great deal to keep their Jewish friends out of harms way.  The novel would be a superb way of showing upper elementary students the resistance efforts of the Holocaust.  Due to the violent nature of many books that focus on the concentration camps they are not appropriate for children to read.  However, Number the Stars provides students with a glimpse of the treatment of the Jews with a larger focus on the resistance efforts, making the tale appropriate for upper elementary school students.
          Though the book caters to a younger crowd, I believe adults would also enjoy reading this tale.  In fact, adults would likely point out hidden metaphors and meanings that children easily fly past when reading.  For instance, PJ Rooks found a connection to another familiar text within the book.  He writes "Number the Stars cleaves the fascinating from the frightening and spins a charming retelling of Little Red Riding Hood in which lupine Nazis huff and puff but are out-witted and out-run time and again".  
           I know you must be dying to know if the Rosens will ever reunite with their daughter.  Or perhaps you are curious about the significance of the necklace on the front page.  Per chance you are itching to find out how the Little Red Riding Hood is related to the tale.  Then you'll just have to read the book to find out more!

Olivia Kidney and the Exit Academy by Ellen Potter

      Upon opening Ellen Potter's novel Olivia Kidney and the Exit Academy I became instantly attached to the main character, as I could see some of my reflection in her.  Olivia Kidney, the young girl and main character of this story, is about to move into her new home, a shabby brownstone building in New York City.  Just weeks before, her father, a handyman, had received an anonymous note asking him to take on the job of a live-in handyman for Ansel Plover.  Entirely disinterested in the thought of moving to a new home and becoming the new kid on the block yet again, Olivia begrudgingly drags her suitcase up the stairs to the front of the brownstone.
      Much to her surprise and liking, the world within the building stands in sharp contrast to the world beyond its walls. As she and her father climb the stairs and arrive at the second floor, they discover a lagoon in the center of the room.  Yes you read right, a large body of water has enveloped the entire second floor.  Personally I had to re-read this section of the novel to ensure that I had in fact understood it correctly.  Olivia and her father make their way across the lagoon in a small boat and up a metal staircase to their new rooms.
       Within these first few pages readers are bound to continue reading and never put the book down.  Those who do continue will soon find that Olivia has a special way of communicating with her brother who recently passed away.  As the story further unfolds, hidden secrets of Ansel's brownstone building will be unveiled and it even becomes evident that Olivia's father is doing every possible activity except for handy-work.  Soon you will become weary of Ansel, especially when Olivia stumbles across his late night auditorium rehearsals. 
         Ellen Potter's writing style is absolutely wonderful for young children who may easily become distracted during reading.  Each page is festooned with countless details and descriptions making it so that the story comes alive in a reader's mind.  In fact, I found the few illustrations in the book a bit distracting because I had already crafted my own characters.  Though that is my personal opinion and it's quite likely that a younger child may greatly appreciate the comic-like illustrations of Peter Reynolds.
          Though I certainly enjoyed the book and would encourage my own students to read it, I would suggest that they come to me with any questions while reading.  The end of the text slightly delves into the topic of death and after-life, a topic that could easily cause uneasiness or controversy.  However, Ellen Potter discusses the fact of life lightly and with comic relief, making it more appropriate for young readers.   
          You must be itching to find out why this book is called the Exit Academy?  Before you dive head first into this book I suggest you first try Olivia Kidney, the prequel to this tale, if you have not already read it.  You have already read these books and want more, you say?  I suggest you check out other books by Ellen Potter, like Pish Posh, Olivia Kidney Secret Beneath City, Olivia Kidney Stops for No One, and Slob.

I'm still here in the bathtub (brand new silly dilly songs) by Alan Katz

If you were fond of classic songs such as "Take Me Out to the Ballgame", "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Three Blind Mice", and "Bingo" during your childhood then you are bound to fall in love with the book of poems Alan Katz has concocted.  In this collection Katz re-writes each of the classic nursery rhymes and songs, giving them a new and funky twist.  He keeps the rhyme scheme and general format of the tune identical, but each of the songs has an revamped storyline.   

If the silly songs haven't entirely sold you, though I certainly hope this is not the case, take one peek at the illustrations and you'll be hooked.  David Catrow's bright, colorful, hugely hilarious, and detailed depictions wonderfully extend the text of the songs, keeping readers engaged long after the song is finished.  It's simply impossible to take in all of the many details on each page during one run-through of the tune.

Katz takes the original tune "Bingo" and cleverly alters the words of the tune so that it tells the tale of a small boy ranting about the items of clothing his parents have purchased for him.  Readers will find a resemblance to the original tune when they sing "I-T-C-H-Y", but that is where the similarities begin and end.  The clever illustration of the brown pooch practically pops off the page and those who look carefully will find a small boy peering from behind a slender tree.  Take a peek inside this book to discover why this small boy is hiding off in the distance.       

Within pages readers will be greeted by the chubby cheeks and pursed red lips of Aunt Marie.  The hilariously silly tale of relatives that smother and smooch upon a small child must be sung to the tune of "The Alphabet Song" for full effect.  Once again Catrow's captivating illustrations hook readers' curiosity making it difficult to flip the page without reading to find out more about these gigantic rose-colored pursed lips.   

This collection of funny songs is a wonderful opener to a poetry unit, emphasizing to children that poetry is not always serious but quite right wacky and nonsensical.  Children who have a fear of poetry may likely open their minds to the realm of rhyme and metaphorical language after hearing several of these hilarious jingles. 

If you were fond of these silly songs, then you'll also like other song books, such as Are You Quite Polite? Silly Dilly Manner Songs, Smelly Locker: Silly Dilly Songs, and On Top of the Potty: And Other Get-Up-and-Go-Songs.