Junie B. Jones

I've heard some negative comments about Junie B. Jones from adults, but most little girls I've talked to have loved her.  Yes, her spelling is not perfect and she is not always an angel child, but she is a fun and believable character.  Best of all, children who are still learning to read chapter books can read Junie B. books without becoming overwhelmed and lost.   I would recommend this series to first through third graders.

I'm Angry!

Sometimes, kids become angry.  Really, really angry.  Sometimes grownups don't know how to handle anger, whether it be the kids' anger or their own.  Maybe, if children learn how to identify and deal with their anger while they are still children, they will be able to better manage and work through their anger as adults.

Sophie becomes very angry in this story.  In fact, she is filled with such a rage that it threatens to take her over and make her do things she shouldn't.  The good news though, is that Sophie handles her anger in a positive way. 

This picture book is nicely illustrated with bright, colorful pictures, and in no way feels like a "preachy" or "instructional" book on feelings.  Both children and adults can relate to Sophie's feelings and her process of calming down serves as a good teaching tool for children and a a healthy reminder for adults on how to channel their anger for good.

It's OK to be angry, but it's not OK to hurt yourself or others while you're angry.

A Classic

Most of us recognize the cover, and some have seen the movie or the cute cartoon on tv, but how many can quote the rhymes from the original book?  Those of us who know and love the story of Madeline, who lives in Paris, in a house covered with vines, and walks with the 12 girls, in two straight lines.

Madeline is a fearless little girl who lives at her boarding school along with her friends and then one day she has to be rushed to the hospital to have her appendix removed.  The story and the illustrations are simple, but the rhyme and rhythm are catchy and enjoyable to children.

I often find myself even years after having read the book to my children saying,  "Goodnight, goodnight, I hope you sleep well," with the echo in my ear of "Goodnight, goodnight, dear Miss Clavell."

Just for fun

I accidently stumbled upon Mo Willem's books when my daughter brought home There Is a Bird On Your Head! (An Elephant and Piggie Book).  The simple drawings and few words on each page did little to alert me to the brilliance hidden within its pages, but I soon realized this was no ordinary children's book.  We must have read the book five to ten times each day that week we had it, giggling and laughing each time.  Since then, I have searched for other books by Mo Willems at libraries and bookstores, and most libraries are stocked with several.

My students also love books by Mo Willems as he captures their feelings, conversations and taps into their humor.  The pigeon books are especially popular in kindergarten, requiring countless read-alouds complete with enthusiastic choral reading of the words and pages the children remember.  Look for images of the pigeon in other books by the author as well!

Social Issues Children Face

What do you do when you really, really like and respect someone and then they let you down?  How do you react when someone disappoints you?  What if you impulsively do something to hurt them back, and then you regret it later because maybe they won't like you any more, and you really, really still want them to like you?

These are the dilemmas Lily faces in this story by Kevin Henkes.  Children of all ages will be able to relate to Lily and her good intentions gone bad and the range of emotions she experiences throughout the story.

Nursery Rhymes

Hey diddle diddle...

One, two, buckle my shoe...

Little Miss Muffet...

Chances are that most people can continue the rhymes begun above, and perhaps even recite them through to the end.  We often assume that all children simply "know" nursery rhymes, but I find at school that many children are not, in fact, familiar with traditional nursery rhymes.

Is there are reason why they should be?  Are nursery rhymes outdated and useless?  Call me old-fashioned, but I believe they are not, and here are a few reasons why:

Children enjoy the sounds of nursery rhymes from a young age and like to hear them over and over again.

Children are introduced to the rhythm and rhyme of poetry through the repetition of nursery rhymes.

Children learn to predict text in nursery rhymes because of the rhythm and rhyme and the natural order of words in written and spoken language (syntax)

Having memorized nursery rhymes helps children develop an awareness of the sounds in language (phonemic awareness).

Knowing how to rhyme and predict and recognizing the different sounds in language makes learning how to read easier for children.

Nursery rhymes are often referred to in picture books and other children's literature.  When children know nursery rhymes, they are better able to understand what they are reading or hearing.

There are many books of collections of nursery rhymes with updated, fabulous illustrations.  Older anthologies can be found in flee markets and book resale shops.  A personal favorite of mine is My Very First Mother Goose by Opie and Wells.