Picture Books: Pirate Pete by Kim Kennedy

Kim Kennedy, along with her artistic brother Doug, has created an amusing series of books based on a character named Pirate Pete.   The playful cartoonish illustrations and lively protagonist make this series worth checking out for ages 5-10.  There are currently 3 books in the series.

Pirate Pete  

Pirate Pete loves gold.   He has plundered every ship and shore in the Seven Seas.  Discovering that the Queen has a treasure map, he comes up with a plan to steal it while his trusty parrot sings her to sleep.   Together, they make off with the map and begin their voyage to Mermaid Island in search of the treasure.  Pirate Pete is too easily lured in to other islands along the way.   He is convinced they have gold hidden on them.  For instance, he stops at Sleepy Island, reasoning that where there is sleep, there is the sandman.  Where there is the sandman, there is magic gold dust!  At Clover Island, he hopes to find the leprechaun’s pot of gold.  Each time he is disappointed to find no gold…until he reaches Dragon Island.  He plunders a gigantic golden egg!   Shortly after shoving off, the egg hatches into a fire-breathing dragon that ends up burning down his ship!  He eventually makes it to Mermaid Island, but things do not happen the way he planned.   He ends up marooned on the island with a row boat and his matey, the parrot. 

Pirate Pete’s Giant Adventure  

Pirate Pete’s Giant Adventure picks up where Pirate Pete left off.   The protagonist is sailing the sea in a small row boat.  His only companion is his plucky parrot.    A sea-fairy appears before him to request that he retrieve the Sea-Fairy Sapphire that was stolen.   He has two clues to help him on his quest—follow the sound of thunder and beware for thunder that does not come from clouds.   If he retrieves the special stone, he will receive a wondrous ship.  Throughout his journey, he sings a little song:

When I finds the Sea-Fairy Sapphire,

I’ll get me a ship of wonder.

All I gots to do

Is follow the sound of thunder.

Following the sound of thunder, Pirate Pete easily finds the stone.  Instead of immediately returning it to the sea though, he makes wishes for a map to the world’s greatest treasure and for the world’s mightiest sword.   Wisely, the parrot keeps insisting he return the Sapphire.   During the commotion, the “boom, boom, boom” creeps up on the duo.   It is a giant brute!   Using one of the oldest tricks (a la Briar Rabbit), Pirate Pete convinces the giant that the one thing most dreadful to him is to be thrown into the sea.  The giant finally tosses him out to sea.   Soon realizing he has been tricked, the giant continues to pursue Pirate Pete.  Eventually, the power of the Sapphire helps the pirate win his freedom and his wondrous ship. 

Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate  

Now that Pirate Pete has a ship, he needs a crew!   He travels to Rascal Island to find the “dirtiest, most mischievous, and sneakiest-looking scallywags and scurvy dogs.”   As a group of bucchoneers tries out to be a member of the crew, they, first, prove themselves by shooting cannon effectively.   Second, they must convince Pirate Pete that they have all the desirable pirate characteristics---dirty, stanky, stubborn, and cranky!   Most of all, they must demonstrate they can talk like a pirate!  Each one fails on the final test.  For instance, one of the recruits responds about his beard:  “It is quite itchy…especially during the summer, when the weather tends to be sultry.”   Pete hollers that if he were really a pirate he would have said:

When the sun’s a-blazin’,

Me beard gets the itches,

Worse than a bucket of sand down me britches!

Each time Pirate Pete corrects the land-loving talk and makes the recruit walk the plank.   Not one is fit to “go a-swashbucklin’ and plunderin’” as far as he is concerned.  When Pirate Pete notices his bird talks just like a pirate, he realizes the plucky parrot is all the crew he needs.  Pirate Pete’s Talk Like a Pirate is a humorous use of language, poetry, and action.  It is the best book in the series. 

Science: Picture Books to Teach about Animals and Hibernation

In my research for books about snow day experiences, I came across Under the Snow by Melissa Stewart. This book does not fit my previous topic, but it is perfect for another related one:  hibernation.  After some research on this new topic, I have some great finds to accompany formal or informal instruction.  Here is a list of some picture books to include in your study of animals and/or hibernation.

Hibernation (ages 5-10) by Anita Ganeri  (non-fiction) 

Hibernation offers stunning hibernating photographs of various animals—dormouse, woodchuck, bats, snakes, toadfish, turtle, and more.  Beginning with a definition, hibernation is discussed as a pattern or cycle.  The lives and habits of animals preparing for, experiencing, and coming out of hibernation are covered in an easy narrative text.  General facts are presented as well as specific ones about unique animals.  Key words are bolded and highlighted, such as burrow, energy, nurse, pattern, and temperature.  Hibernation is an excellent resource for instruction. 

Under the Snow (ages 5-10) by Melissa Stewart (realistic fiction)  

On a snowy afternoon, a young family trudges through the snow, ready to sled and to skate.  As they are enjoying their winter wonderland, the lives of hibernating animals are revealed.  The crevice of an old stone wall offers a place for ladybugs to huddle together and a snake to curl up to sleep.  Near the wall, a vole digs tunnels through the snow and under the ground nearby a chipmunk is seen snoozing in his burrow of leaves and grass.    As they move into the forest, other hideouts are illuminated—a butterfly in a pile of brush, some insects in a rotting log, and a frog in a pile of leaves.   Underground, a spotted salamander and a woodchuck wait out the cold months.  Finally, animals in and around the pond are seen hibernating or resting, like bluegills, carp, a frog, and a turtle.   Time’s passage is illustrated as spring returns.  Hibernating animals begin to emerge.  Beautiful text and vivid illustrations make Under the Snow essential to any study of hibernation.

Other Worthy Titles:

Every Autumn Comes the Bear (ages 3-7) by Jim Arnosky (realistic fiction) 

A bear returns to the same place each year.  As he makes his way to his den, he observes other animals preparing for the winter weather.

Bedtime for Bear (ages 3-8) by Brett Helquist (fantasy fiction)   As Bear settles down for his long winter’s nap, his two raccoon friends goad him outdoors to play in the snow.  Bear experiences a day of fun in the snow before finally going to sleep for the winter. 

Picture Book: Weslandia by Paul Fleischman

Summary of Weslandia:  

Wesley is an outcast in his rigid suburban-like civilization.   He is not interested in the same hobbies, styles, and foods as his peers.  Fleeing his many tormentors is a daily occurrence.   A single idea from school—each civilization has a staple crop--sets Wesley off on a summer project.   After a chance incident, the backyard transforms into garden with an unusual-looking fruit.   Wesley is fascinated by this new plant for which there is no previous documentation.  Using various parts of the plant and different preparation techniques, he is able to produce all the food he needs.  He uses other parts of the plant to create clothes and a hat.  The plant's seeds produce an oil, effective as a sunscreen and an insect repellent.  Wesley begins selling the oil to his neighbors.  Soon, the inquisitive neighborhood children begin to participate in his newly-formed recreational activities.  Much of his time, though, is spent building and creating the items he needs for daily living.  Topping off all his inventions, Wesley develops his own 80-letter alphabet to record the history of his civilization.  In the fall when he returns to school, he has no shortage of friends (or followers). 

Evaluation:

Weslandia (by Paul Fleischman) is an excellent book for recreational or educational purposes.  The illustrations are vibrant and inviting.  The story is well-written and imaginative.  Weslandia is ideal for a multitude of teaching opportunities.   First, use it to accompany a study of ancient civilizations or communities.   Students can be challenged to make parallels to the formation of Weslandia and other early cultures as well as to create their own culture or some aspect of it (writing, sports, foods).  Next, like Stand Tall Molly Lou Mellon, this narrative depicts a boy who is bullied for being different.  Instead of becoming bitter or discouraged, he uses his unique talents and interests to create something that others want to be a part of.   Finally, Wesley exhibits many character qualities worthy of study and discussion.  He is hard-working, persevering, and forgiving.  Ingenuity and business smarts are also depicted in his summer project.  Children can identify these (and other) character qualities and examples of them in the story. 

Lesson Plans and Activities for Weslandia: 

Multitude of Activities from Home School Share

Classroom Activities from Trumpet

Cross the Curriculum Activities

Class or Group Activity

Lessons about Bullying

Math Connections

Teaching Social Studies Blog Activities

Lesson Plan for 3^rd Grade Social Studies

Lesson Plan for 4^th Grade Social Studies

Lesson Plan for 5^th Grade Social Studies

Lesson Plan for 6^th Grade Social Studies

Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon (Patty Lovell)

Summary of Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon:  

Molly Lou Melon is petite, clumsy, and buck-toothed.  Also, her voice sounds like a bull frog being squeezed by boa constrictor.  None of these physical "imperfections" bother her though.  She is full of confidence and enthusiasm, all because of a wise and encouraging grandmother.  Her grandmother advises Molly Lou about her petite stature to, “Walk as proudly as you can and the world will look up to you.”   Molly Lou Melon’s buck teeth stick out so far she can stack pennies on them!  Her wise grandmother tells her, “Smile big and the world will smile right alongside you.”    The little girl doesn’t even mind that she is fumble fingered because her grandmother encourages, “Believe in yourself and the world will believe in you too.”  

All of this wise advice is soon put to the test when Molly Lou moves away to a new town.   On the first day of school, Ronald Durkin calls her a “shrimp.”   Molly does not mind though.  During gym class she uses her stature to run under his legs and score a touchdown.  The next day when Ronald Durkin makes fun of her teeth, Molly Lou uses it as an opportunity to entertain her classmates with her penny stacking trick.  Each day Ronald finds something to bully her about, but each day Molly Lou overcomes it in a positive manner.  Confidently and good-naturedly, she wins over her whole class…including Ronald Durkin. 

Evaluation: 

I immediately fell in love with Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon!   The narrative is a testament of the power of encouragement.  Her grandmother is a role model of how adults should uplift a child with “imperfections” as defined by the culture.  Also, Molly Lou is a strong character.  She uses her uniqueness to bring joy to others as well as stands up to the class bully by spreading her joy and passion.   There are many wonderful lesson plans to use at home or school.  Each one focuses on one of the motifs—bullying, self-esteem, individuality, and so forth. 

Lesson Plans and Activities for Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon:

Lesson Plan from Scholastic

Lesson Plan from MEAC (Primary)

Lesson Plan from MEAC (Intermediate)

Lesson Plan from Bedford Schools

Lesson Plan from Valdosta

Lesson Plan on Bullying

Other Related Books

Character Education Activity

Moral Lesson Coloring Pages

Stop Bullying Now Website

Picture Books: Best Bedtime Board Books of 2010

Board books are made for the attention spans and motor skills of babies and toddlers.  In 2010, there were some wonderful new bedtime board books.  A related post is Best Bedtime Picture Books of 2010.  Also, check out the Top 10 Board Books. 

Good Night, Little Bunny by Jane Yolen  

This touch and feel bedtime story follows a little bunny as he gets ready for bed.  Along with his mother, he looks outside to see a shiny moon, (smooth surface) signaling it is time to get ready for sleepy time.  As he puts his pajamas (soft surface) on, he lets out a great big yawn.  Next, he brushes his teeth and hair (rough surface).  With heavy eyes, his mother reads him a story about sheep (fluffy surface).  Finally, he is snug in his bed (velvety surface).  Good Night, Little Bunny models the bedtime routine as well as offers an opportunity to teach youngsters about various textures.  Simple rhyming text accompanies colorful illustrations. 

Peter Rabbit: Sleepy Time by Beatrix Potter   

You can put all of your favorite Beatrix Potter characters to bed with this lift-the-flap book.  Each page offers two opportunities to interact with the text.  First, visual and verbal cues are given to guess who is behind the flap.   As children develop verbal skills, they can predict (using words or animals sounds) and move the flap.   Second, the animal character is identified and the listener is invited to cover him up with a blanket flap.    As youngsters help put each of the animals to bed and listen to the soothing rhyming text of Peter Rabbit: Sleepy Time, they are lulled into sleepiness. The warm, muted colors and darling pictures make this one of the best new board books of the year. 

Maisy Goes to Bed by Lucy Cousins   

In this interactive flap and tab book, babies and toddlers can help Maisy get ready for bed.  After a tab is pulled to change day to night, Maisy realizes it is dark—time to get ready for night night.   Next, she gets a bedtime drink.  Children can open the refrigerator to see and to identify items.  Then, they can help her drink her juice.  Going potty as never been more fun!   The toilet paper can be pulled out and the toilet flushed with a pull of a tab.   Even washing hands is interactive—pull up the stopper and pull down the water from the faucet.   In the bathroom, peek into the medicine cabinet and move Maisy’s arm to help her brush her teeth.  Children can also help her put her pajamas on, find items in her closet, and read her a book before tucking her in.  Maisy Goes to Bed is an ideal interactive story for teaching a bedtime schedule.    

Picture Books: Best Bedtime Stories of 2010

This list is composed of books specifically about bedtime.  After reading almost 40 books on this topic, these are my favorites.  Look for the best bedtime board books of 2010 later this week.

Race you to Bed by Bob Shea  

An energetic bunny proposes a challenge, “Let’s race to bed!  Ready? Set…go to bed!”   The bunny races up, down, and around.  There are lots of playful onomatopoeia, rhyme, and alliteration as he sails on a skateboard, flees angry bees, and flies over hungry crocodiles.   He even races passed cars and planes to get to his destination.  As he gets closer, he eats a quick snack, has a bath, brushes his teeth, and reads a book.  When he realizes his opponent (the reader) beat him to bed, he says, “Okay then, race you to sleep!”   Children will be delighted with the exuberant pictures and colorful language of Race you to Bed.   No doubt this book will become a bedtime classic! 

Goodnight, Little Monster by Helen Ketteman  

After he howls at the moon, Little Monster has to go inside for bedtime.  He follows the typical routine but in an imaginative manner.  His scales and plump, pointy tail are cleaned during bath time.  Afterwards, his mother picks the bugs out of his cute, furry ears.  Little Monster’s bedtime snack includes worm juice and baked beetle bread.  Of course, he has to brush his fangs and floss the beetles from in between.  After reading a bedtime story, Little Monster and his mother check under the bed for children.  With a night light on and his stuffed slug, he settles down to a peaceful night's rest.  I was immediately endeared to the character, illustrations, and creative language of Goodnight, Little Monster!   Parents and children will be soothed and entertained by Little Monster's imaginative bedtime routine. 

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein 

It is bedtime for little red chicken, so he asks his papa to read him a story.   His papa agrees but makes him promise not to interrupt.  The little bird cannot resist though!  As the classic fairy tales—such as Little Red Riding Hood, Chicken Little, and Hansel and Gretel—are being retold, the little chicken abruptly ends each story as the protagonist is about to make a mistake.  For instance, when the wolf attempts to talk to Little Red Riding Hood, little red chicken blurts out "Don't talk to strangers!"  Then, he ends the tale with Little Red walking away.  Finally, the father asks his son to tell him an original story which lulls one of them to sleep.  Interrupting Chicken is a unique and creative narrative.  There are likely lots of “little chickens” who will identify with the lively protagonist. 

No Ghost Under My Bed by Guido Van Genechten  

As Jake (a cute little penguin) settles down for the night, he begins to hear ominous-sounding noises.  He is certain they are from a ghost somewhere in his room—behind the curtains, under the bed, or in the toy chest.  Continuously, his father rushes into his room to check an alleged spooky location.  Each time, he assures his son that all is well.  Finally, Jake realizes there are no ghosts in his room; he believes his father heroically scared them all away.  No Ghost Under My Bed illustrates a common childhood anxiety, but the narrative demonstrates that children have nothing to fear.

The Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Monster Party by Leslie Patricelli  

Petra Puppy is adamant that there is a dog-eating monster sneaking around her home at night.   Her family all try to assure her with their own monster "charms"—a stuffed T-Rex, a magic wand, and a super strength cape, but not even surrounding herself with 16 of her favorite stuffed animals brings her comfort.  The puppies come up with an idea to make cookies for the supposed hungry monster.  At night, they leave them out with a note.  As they doze into dreamland, Petra alerts her siblings that the monster has arrived.  When they go looking for him, they find he is shy but amiable.  With the monster, the puppies have loads of fun.  All that the parents see when they wake up to the commotion is four mischievous puppies playing and eating cookies.  The imaginative Midnight Monster Party allows Petra to fall asleep with no worries.  The Patterson Puppies and the Midnight Monster Party is a creative bedtime tale to entertain and to comfort little ones.

Honorable Mentions:

·         Sweet Dreams Lullaby by Betsy Snyder

a wonderful poetic lullaby for bedtime

·         Pajama Pirates by Andrew Kramer

an enjoyable night time adventure

·         The Sleep Sheep by Anna McQuinn

an inventive take on counting sheep

·         Back to Bed, Ed! by Sabastien Braun

a child learns how to comfort himself and sleep in his own bed

·         Seven Little Bunnies by Julie Stiegemeyer

one by one the bunnies settle for the night in this poetic rhyming tale