Ten, Nine, Eight

Title: Ten, Nine, Eight
1984 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: Molly Bang
Published: 1983
Summary: A loving bedtime countdown (from 10 to 1) featuring an African-American father and daughter.
Memorable Quote: "10 small toes all washed and warm.
Artistic Example: Illustrations are gentle and loving portraying a father's love for his daughter.
Teaching Idea: With the aid of various items, children could learn how to count forwards and backgrounds.
Grade Level: PreK - 1
Reading Level (Lexile):500

Freight Train

Title: Freight Train
1979 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: Donald Crews
Published: 1978
Summary: Freight trains move across train tacks. There are 8 different colored cars; a red caboose, a Orange tank and so on until the black engine.
Memorable Quote: "Freight trains...moving in the darkness. Moving in the daylight. Going, going...gone."
Artistic Example: colorful freight trains.
Teaching Idea: basic colors
Grade Level: PreK - K5
Reading Level (Lexile): N/A

In the Small, Small Pond

Title: In the Small, Small Pond
1994 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: Denise Fleming
Published: 1993
Plot Summary: This picture books introduce children to wildlife habitats and seasons from the perspective of a frog.
Memorable Quote: cold night, sleep tight, small, small pond
Artistic Example: The collage of colors depict the changing seasons, red and orange autumns, yellow summers.
Teaching Idea: Share more children books about habitats such as Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Animal Habitats by Jim Arnosky . Create a habitat for children to observe such as a bird feeder or an ant farm.
Grade Level: K5 - 2
Reading Level (Lexile): 770

Jambo Means Hello; A Swahili Alphabet Book

Title: Jambo Means Hello: A Swahili Alphabet Book
1975 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/ Illustrator: Muriel Feelings/ Tom Feelings
Published: 1974
Summary: Introduces the language of Swahili. Each alphabet, 24 total, is illustrated in a two page spread, with pronunciations , sample words, and desciptions
Memorable Quote: "Parents teach their children the things they will need to know when they are grown."
Artistic Example: The pages are illustrated in black and white
artwork.
Teaching Idea: A lesson in the Swahili language.
Grade Level: k-4
Reading Level (Lexile): 640

The Graphic Alphabet

Title: The Graphic Alphabet
1997 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: David Pelletier
Published: 1996
Summary: This visually challenging graphic alphabet book is an intriguing departure from traditional alphabet books.
Memorable Quote: Pelletier, "the illustration of the letterform had to retain the natural shape of the letter as well as represent the meaning of the word."
Artistic Example: The illustration of the bold red rip down the page naturally represents the letter "r" as well as the meaning of rip.
Teaching Idea: Students create electronic alphabet book using PowerPoint or other programs adding photos, sounds, graphics, etc. Compare with other graphic books like Z Was Zapped by Chris Van Allsburg.
Grade Level: K5 - 3
Reading Level (Lexile): N/A