Chickens to the Rescue by John Himmelman

Which came first, this egg-cellently silly story or its hilarious chicken illustrations? As calamity after calamity besets Farmer Greenstalk and his family, the chickens flock together to provide sidesplitting solutions. After a week of non-stop feather-ruffling activity, the hens settle in their coop for a well-earned day off; luckily for the hapless Greenstalks, they are not the only helpful critters on the farm. The simple story line, organized by the days of the week, and the refrain, "Chickens to the rescue!" make this a great read-aloud read-along for pre-K through first grade.

The Extinct Files: My Science Project by Wallce Edwards

Wally uses the scientific method to prove to his science teacher that dinosaurs are not really extinct. Claiming that the illustrators drawings are "actual photographs," he makes astute observations about these non-extinct creatures. He shares information about habitat, diet, grooming, movement, etc.

This is a very creative way to present scientific method, using lots of humor (Glamorousaurus shows us grooming, "Tea Wrecks" hangs out at the coffee shop). The language used in the observations is very heavy in description and sticks to factual information.

It gets a little silly with its conclusion but all-in-all, a fun way to present some science themes creatively. Definately a picture book for middle school.

Wintersmith by Terry Prachett

Tiffany Aching, a 13 year old apprentice witch, gets a little excited at the season changing ceremonies and dances with the Wintersmith, the god of winter. For shame! The Wintersmith falls immediatly in love with her which causes much seasonal confusion for Tiffany's beloved homeland. This fantasy/fairy tale/comedy weaves together all these elements with style and hilarity. Characters span generations (one is even 113 years old) and sizes as Tiffany gets assistance from her pals, the wee-free-men, tiny blue Scotish warriors that keep her under careful watch.

There are elements of the story that will appeal to both boys and girls. Tiffany handles multiple crises with grace and thoughfulness. She's a good role model for adolescent girls, aside from the fact that she is, well, a witch in training.

This is part of a series but stands alone just fine. I have not read any of the previous stories and I had ball with this one.

Here's Looking at Me : How Artists See Themselves by Bob Raczka

This is an unusual way of looking at paintings. The self-portraits of 14 artists are pictured with accompanying commentary on the artist and the painting. Not all of the artists are widely known, although famous ones are represented. Fascinating facts will appeal to readers who may be inspired to look further at the artists' other works. Deceptively simple, this book asks interesting questions and helps us look at pictures in new ways. Among the artists represented are Van Gogh, Chagall, Velazquez, and Norman Rockwell. This can be used in art classes in grades 5-8.

Lugalbanda : The Boy Who Go Caught Up in a War An Epic Tale from Ancient Iraq, told by Kathy Henderson

In this work of fiction, the author has recreated a tale that she believes to be the oldest written story in the world. Drawing on translations from cueiform tablets found in ancient Sumer, she brings the story of Lugalbanda back to life. In folklore, he was a king in Uruk and Sumer and the father of Gilgamesh. Here he is a weak young boy who goes off to war with his brothers, becomes gravely ill, recovers,develops a relationship with the magical giant Anzu bird, and helps redeem his country from warfare. The illustrations, which are perfectly matched with the text, are middle eastern in style, with colors in jewel tones. Included are an introductory section on Sumer's history and an afterword about the story itself. Both are well-written and easy to read. This book can be read and appreciated by grades 4 and up. It could be used in 7th grade social studies classes or as part of a folklore unit.

Once Upon a Banana by Jennifer Armstrong, illustrated by David Small

The story in this mostly wordless book begins right on the cover, moves to the end papers and title page, and picks up speed with the first "real" page. A street performer chases his escaped monkey, who steals a banana and throws down a banana peel, which is stepped on by a motorcycling grump, who knocks over a ladder on which a painter is standing...and so on.There are several hilarious story lines that readers can follow.The events flow in incremental fashion, culminating in a funny but unexpected way. The street signs, which bear the only text, rhyme with each other. The book really has to be seen to be appreciated. I'd call it one for all ages. The curriculum connection could be visual literacy. It's lots of fun.

Welcome to the Bed and Biscuit

Grandpa Bender is a veterinarian who runs the Bed and Biscuit, a boardinghouse for various types of animals. Helping him run the business are former borders, rescued animals that Grandpa adopted as part of his family: Gabby, a Vietnamese mynah bird who has been with Grandpa for 10 years and sometimes answers the phone when Grandpa is busy; Ernest the pig, who has his own shower and a wonderful brain that can help him find things when no one else can; and Milly, a cuddly, red-gold cat that Grandpa wears like a scarf. In this often humorous tale they coexist happily until Grandpa brings home a mysterious guest, with whom he starts to spend all of his time. Who is this guest that fits in a breadbox? Will life with Grandpa ever be the same again? Recommended for grades 2-3.

Just For Elephants

This beautiful and poignant story really captures the attention of the reader as the former circus elephant is taken from a zoo to an elephant sanctuary to begin a new life. It is a heartwarming story of an elephant reunion and really provides an in depth understanding of the social and family structure of these huge animals. The book provides a little information at the back about the Elephant Sanctuary which is located in Tennessee. The book was put out by the creator of the sanctuary and while many of the pictures are very good, there are two that could be a little clearer.
There are downloadable teacher resources available from the sanctuary website and an elecam
www.elephants.com
3rd grade and up

Exploratopia

This is an excellent science resource for teachers and students. The book is divided into 3 main sections: Exploring Yourself (senses) Exploring Interesting Places (including kitchen, bathroom, beach, amusement park!) and Exploring Interesting Stuff (a whole host of things right out of the science curriculum).

Really neat ways to explain lots of great information in a kid friendly format--for example the scientific reason for disliking broccoli! The optical illusion section has some cool newer ways to look at optical illusions rather than the same old tired images. Lots of experiments--more than 400--many of which are easy to do and require common items to carry them out. Others have a plan ahead section where a few items will need to be gathered from other local sources such as Radio Shack.
The book contains lots of great pictures, diagrams and illustrations, a hints tips, and answers section and an index.
Packed full of lots of good and easy ideas to spice up science lessons in the classroom or allow students to extend some of the learning in class. Good ideas for science fairs too! I see this more as a book used with students rather than by them as the size of the book and depth of information is overwhelming for all but the most scientific-mindedchildren. I can see lots of the ideas from the book used to explore and explain scientific concepts K-8. Great ideas for centers can be developed from these ideas.

Put together by the folks at the Exploratorium