A Child's Calendar

Title: A Child's Calendar
2000 Caldecott Honor Book
Author/Illustrator: John Updike/ Trina Schart Hyman
Published: poems, 1965/ illustrations, 1999
Summary: The poetic celebration of children through the four seasons.
Memorable Quote: The live-long light/ Is like a dream,/ And freckles come/ Like flies to cream
Artistic Example: Illustrations brilliantly project the livelihood of children's activities
Teaching Idea: Let children match the activity with the season
Grade Level: K5 - 5
Reading Level (Lexile): N/A

Puss in Boots

Title: Puss in Boots
1991 Caldecott Honor Book
Published: 1990
Author/Illustrator: translated by Malcolm Arthur/ Fred Marcellino
Published: 1990
Summary: A clever cat makes a fortune for his master.
Memorable Quote: "If you don't, you'll be cut up into sausage meat."
Artistic Example: Muted colored illustrations with a hazy finish evoke nostalgia for the past.
Teaching Idea: Allow students to act out the order of events in the story. Stick puppets of the story's characters can be used or students can dress up in costume.
Grade Level: K5 - 3
Reading Level (Lexile): 790

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

So You Want to Be President?

Title: So You Want to Be President?
2001 Caldecott Winner
Author/Illustrator: Judith St. George/ David Small
Published: 2000
Summary: This is a humorous account of the vices and virtues of the US Presidency from George Washington to Bill Clinton.
Memorable Quote: It's said that people who run for President have swelled heads.
Artistic Example: Comical caricatures help depict the personalities of the Presidents.
Teaching Idea: Define political cartoons and explore elements of cartoons such as caricature and symbolism by showing examples of current day political cartoons. As cartoonists, students will draw their own political cartoon based on a current event. Put together a class book of students' cartoons' and share collectively.
Grade Level: 3 - 6
Reading Level (Lexile): 730