This week we are reading the fun and imaginative book Sign Off, by Stephen Savage. There are no words in this book, but the pictures tell the story of what happens when no one is looking! Do people and animals on signs come alive? It's a delightful and creative way to see signs and their meaning. This is a Beehive Book nominee, so we'll vote on it in every class this week! ...
Week of January 4
To kick off the new year, we are reading a fun Beehive book all about developing grit and determination. A stray kitty gets a job in a Japanese house with sumo wrestlers, chasing mice in exchange for food. But when eating like a wrestler slows him down, kitty realizes he must train like a wrestler, too. Through hard work and perseverance--and with a little help from a big buddy--SumoKitty is born! A funny and heartwarming story inspired by the ...
Week of Nov. 30th
This week we're reading the humorous tale of 3 popular snacks - Cookie, Pretzel and Cheese Doodle- the heroes of a sweet and salty story about survival. The 3 snacks had been warned about the dangers outside of their packages, but they don't care! They are on a mission to explore and have fun, and no monster kid is going to stop them. But when they read the ominous note from mom on the counter about what to eat, they realize it's time to come ...
Weeks of 11/16 – 11/24
To celebrate Thanksgiving before the break, we've been reading the perennial favorite Turkey Trouble, by Wendi Silvano. Poor turkey realizes he doesn't have much time left before he could become the main course. So he sets out to disguise himself from Farmer Jake. But is he really hidden that well? The farm animals are not impressed, until turkey hits upon his best disguise yet! ...
Week of 11/9
This week we're reading another Beehive Book nominee called Skulls! by Blair Thornburgh. You probably don't think much about skulls, but every person has one. And this is a good thing! This delightful, skull-positive story educates kids about why we have skulls and helps dispel any fears kids might have about their skeletons, flipping our view of skulls from a spooky symbol to a fascinating, cool, and crucial part of our bodies. We'll vote on ...
Week of 11/2
This Week we start reading Beehive Book nominees! And this is a great one in the picture book category. The wall in the middle of the book gives the characters a sense of security, because they always want to be on the "right" side of the wall. But then things change, and what seemed safe is not so safe anymore! This is a fun, innovative way to develop a story and interact with the characters. For those who don't know how Beehive Book ...
Week of 10/26
Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds is loved by all the students at Upland Terrace! That's why I usually save it for the week of Halloween. Jasper Rabbit is back, after appearing in another story by Aaron Reynolds, Creepy Carrots. Jasper really wants his mom to buy him a green pair of underwear, not his usual white. But when he gets home, he finds out this underwear is way more creepy than he thought it would be. Jasper tries lots of ...
Week of 10/19
Last week I introduced students in grades 3-5 to the Best Books reading challenge at Upland Terrace. This is a district-wide program that promotes a love of reading with various incentives, prizes, and a battle of the books contest in the spring. All of the information can be found under "Library Happenings - Best Books." There is also a link to the district website, which has a lot of detail and helpful links. I encourage all students 3-5 to ...
Week of 10/12
Gustavo the Shy Ghost This week our K-2nd grade students get to hear me read this new book during library time. Gustavo the ghost tries his best to make friends, but he's so shy, he never gets noticed. Until one day he decides to do something about it and invites everyone to a violin concert at the cemetary during the Day of the Dead festival. At first, it seems his plan has failed. But by playing his violin anyway, Gustavo ends up making ...
Week of 9/28/20 *Virtual Book Fair extended!*
It's the book fair we all love! Our PTA virtual book has been extended through Sunday, Oct. 4. If you haven't had a chance yet, please check out the variety of beautiful books available at The Story Cupboard website - www.storycupboard.com . While we can't hold the book fair in person this year, you'll find the amazing selection you're used to with Story Cupboard, including Beehive Books, Best Books, and much more. When you use the ...