![What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/061899713X.jpg?itok=oL_zYSYd)
Clear, textured illustrations of animals and their special parts (e.g., tail, nose) focus readers on the special function of each. Not only is it likely to generate a description of the appendage but its function (what it does), and of the animal and its environment. Other books by Steve Jenkins, such as Biggest, Strongest, Fastest (opens in a new window), may also generate rich descriptive language.
What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?
![Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0064460932.jpg?itok=lqWWFIdt)
These poems introduce various insects and their lives; ideal for sharing aloud and for relating to informational books on insects.
Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices
![Penny and her Marble](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0062082035.jpg?itok=60Yt7GBb)
When Penny picks up a marble near her neighbor’s home, she begins to imagine that it really belongs to Mrs. Goodwin. In short chapters with Henkes’ signature illustrations, the young mouse successfully works through her guilt to a very satisfying conclusion.
Penny and her Marble
![Chicka Chicka Boom Boom](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/068983568X.jpg?itok=30cavBVh)
Naughty lowercase letters climb the coconut tree but when little Z gets to the top, they all go BOOM to the bottom. After a rescue by grown-up letters (all uppercase), it all seems to start again. Humor, crisp illustration and rhythm make this alphabetic adventure a classic.
Chicka Chicka Boom Boom
![Dick Whittington and His Cat](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0684189984.jpg?itok=VmuK2VgX)
The traditional tale of a poor boy who finds fame and fortune with the help of a cat is presented here in straightforward language. Limited color and boldly lined illustrations highlight the tale’s drama and satisfying conclusion.
Dick Whittington and His Cat
![So You Want to Be President?](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399243178.jpg?itok=V3kpDCTh)
Celebrate Presidents’ Day with some unexpected trivia. Often humorous, sometimes poignant anecdotes and political cartoons introduce U.S. Presidents as never before seen. First published in 2000 (and winner of the 2001 Caldecott Medal), the 2012 revised edition continues to delight and is current through Barack Obama.
So You Want to Be President?
![Words In The Dust](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0545261252.jpg?itok=8nHxP1sD)
“Born with a cleft lip, Zulaikha struggles to feel worth in a society that values women by their marriage prospects…Then, by chance, Zulaikha meets Meena, a former professor, who begins to teach her to read and write just as American soldiers arrive, bringing the chance for both more education and surgery to correct Zulaikha’s birth defect. Reedy based his debut on real people and places he encountered while serving with the National Guard in Afghanistan, and the extensive detail about Afghani customs gives the story the feel of a docu-novel while also creating a vivid sense of place and memorable characters.” — Booklist
Words In The Dust
![Extra Credit](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1416949313.jpg?itok=IaFiaP5K)
“A forced pen-pal exchange turns into an opportunity for real communication between Illinois sixth-grader Abby Carson and Sadeed Bayat, the best English-language student in his Afghan village. When Abby’s first letter arrives in Bahar-Lan, 11-year-old Sadeed is asked by the elders to compose his sister Amira’s reply; it isn’t proper for a boy and girl to correspond with one another. But soon Sadeed can’t resist telling Abby that it is he who has been writing to her. The third-person narrative alternates points of view, allowing for inclusion of intriguing details of both lives.” — School Library Journal
Extra Credit
![Tom](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0698114485.jpg?itok=vQg9oDOM)
The simple, plain text tells of the close relationship between Tommy and his namesake grandfather, Tom. They read the comics together, act out poems, make up stories, and play practical jokes.
Tom
![Malcolm at Midnight](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0547681003.jpg?itok=_UT7776T)
Malcolm the rat narrates his adventures in Mr. Binney’s fifth-grade class. At night, the school comes alive with the Midnight Academy, a secret society of classroom pets that protects the school. When the leader (an iguana named Aggy) goes missing, Malcolm sets out to find Aggy to ensure her safety and to clear his name.
Malcolm at Midnight
![Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1561455954.jpg?itok=8-atoGFB)
Dickens’s England comes to life from the perspective of an alley cat.
Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale
![Little Tug](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596436484.jpg?itok=WrzzqynC)
Little Tug isn’t the tallest, fastest or biggest boat in the harbor but he is able to push, pull and guide each of his larger friends to safety. And they respond with affection. Little Tug’s day is presented in simple language and carefully crafted, expressive illustrations.
Little Tug
![I'm Fast](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061920851.jpg?itok=L89ohy-s)
A red sports car with an attitude challenges a train to see who can get to Chicago first. Even loaded with freight, the train handily wins but graciously offers the car a ride home. Train lovers of all ages will enjoy the humorous portraits of the vehicles’ personalities and the staccato text.
I’m Fast
![This Is Not My Hat](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/this-is-not-my-hat.jpeg?itok=R-Lgsq1-)
The narrator, a very small fish, snitches a much larger fish’s hat and hides out where he thinks no one can see him. The wordless conclusion is humorous and satisfying in this stylized, expressively illustrated book sure to generate conversations among readers. (2013 Caldecott Medal Winner)
This Is Not My Hat
![Lemonade in Winter](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0375858830.jpg?itok=es7pv4TC)
An entrepreneurial sister and her brother decide to make and sell lemonade on a snowy winter day. It’s a chance for Pauline to help John-John learn about money, have a bit of fun, and meet some neighbors. Playful language and quirky illustrations turn a dull day into an adventure.
Lemonade in Winter
![Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0062104187.jpg?itok=kIPowccG)
The author turns the familiar tale around in this funny take-off. Here, Goldilocks goes to the home of three dinosaurs who would like nothing more than a chocolate-filled little girl. Goldi and the dinos take away very different lessons — all to the delight of well-read children!
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs
![Bear Has a Story to Tell](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1596437456.jpg?itok=Dr1t1DBL)
Bear wants to share his story though his friends are preoccupied with winter preparation. When they gather again at winter’s end, Bear’s friends remind him of his story. Tender text and gentle illustrations by the Caldecott-medal winning husband & wife team is sure to engage.
Bear Has a Story to Tell
![Starry River of the Sky](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0316125954.jpg?itok=6e3fYeLC)
Rendi, a self-centered, unhappy boy runs away from home and winds up in a sad town. Storytelling, however, instigated by a mysterious newcomer allows Rendi to mature and help the villagers. The rich narrative incorporates tales inspired by Chinese tales in this worthy companion to Where the Mountain meets the Moon (opens in a new window).
Starry River of the Sky
![The One and Only Ivan](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0061992259.jpg?itok=fT1UJbRs)
Ivan lives in a “domain” at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall. In evocative language and gentle illustrations Ivan’s story unfolds through his touching, taut, yet hopeful narration. It’s a chronicle of friendship, loyalty, and the power of art. (2013 Newbery Medal Winner)
The One and Only Ivan
![Halfway to Perfect](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0399251782.jpg?itok=lfLh7ai2)
Dyamonde Daniel is confident, perceptive and willing to figure out what is really bothering her friend Damaris. Lively language captures the angst and joys of 3rd grade, friendships, even and the feelings of a plausible character with juvenile diabetes.
Halfway to Perfect
![The Last Straw](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0810970686.jpg?itok=lLsvQCGY)
Greg doesn’t think he needs a resolution for the New Year; he’d be hard to improve on. But he’s not sure his parents agree. Once again, family and school lives are revealed with ardent honesty through Greg’s voice and comic drawings.
The Last Straw
![Dog Days](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0810983915.jpg?itok=rk1VuoAl)
Summer, according to Greg, is all about video games and other indoor activities. His mom does not agree, however. Of course, that Greg had a falling out with his best buddy doesn’t help calm his mother’s enthusiasm for getting Greg involved in other things. Another recognizable saga comes to life in word and comics.
Dog Days
![The Ugly Truth](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0810984911.jpg?itok=IQBLK1K-)
Being a kid isn’t easy, especially if — like Greg — you feel teenage-hood creeping up. Over the summer Greg and his best buddy Rowley had a fight. Rowley’s new friend is older which is cool and the cool factor is critical. Spot-on observations add another laugh-out-loud installment.
The Ugly Truth
![Rodrick Rules](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0810994739.jpg?itok=AnIp_mqZ)
Will Greg’s older brother, Rodrick, reveal Greg’s most embarrassing moment to the world? It’s a real possibility as the school year starts and Greg’s diary (aka journal) goes missing. Greg’s cartoon line drawings and journal entries reveal Greg’s (often self-made) disasters with deadpan humor.