BradyRhys
Austin Public Library
BradyRhys's Completed Shelf
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The True Story of the 3 Little PigsThe True Story of the 3 Little Pigs, Book
by Scieszka, JonBook - 1996Book, 1996
Added Apr 29, 2013
Quotations
- "Everybody knows the story of the three little pigs. Or at least they think they do."
Summary:
This is a retelling of the traditional story, The Three Little Pigs. The main difference is that the Big Bad Wolf is telling the story from his point of view in which he did nothing wrong and has been framed. Very funny and entertaining story.
Video: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs
Suitability
Ages 3
Added Apr 26, 2013
Comment:
This is a great story to read for students because it shows the power of courage to overcome difficult obstacles. It also shows readers the importance of friendship and paints a nice portrait of humanity. Good read.
Quotations
- "In the reign of the famous King Edward III"
Summary:
Whittington is a combination of animal fantasy and a family story with a retelling of an Old English folktale. A battered cat who is taken in by a barn full of animals retells an old folktale during a big snowstorm that traps them indoors. The children and animals absorb the tale of good fortune resulting in one of the children overcoming their reading obstacle, dyslexia.Whittington is a combination of animal fantasy and a family story with a retelling of an Old English folktale. A battered cat who is taken in by a barn full of animals retells an old folktale during a big snowstorm that traps them indoors. The…
Video: Alan Armstrong
Alan Armstrong discusses two of his books.
Suitability
Ages 9
Added Apr 26, 2013
Comment:
The illustrations in this book have to be some of the best I have ever seen. A great opportunity to read aloud a wonderful story to the classroom. The story line is great, the illustrations are awesome, and it is a for sure read that students will enjoy. Also gives insight on Spanish culture which is another good thing.The illustrations in this book have to be some of the best I have ever seen. A great opportunity to read aloud a wonderful story to the classroom. The story line is great, the illustrations are awesome, and it is a for sure read that students will…
Quotations
- "I took out my pencils and began to draw my first self portrait."
Summary:
Grandma's Gift is about a young boy who spends his Christmas holiday with his grandmother in Spanish Harlem. During his visit, his grandmother takes him to an art museum where he discovers his passion for art. Because of their special bond, the grandmother notices his interest in art and buys him a sketchbook and color pencils to get him started on his new passion, becoming an artist.Grandma's Gift is about a young boy who spends his Christmas holiday with his grandmother in Spanish Harlem. During his visit, his grandmother takes him to an art museum where he discovers his passion for art. Because of their special bond, the…
Video: Grandma's Records
The link below is an even better author commentary in which he talks about his book "Grandma's Gift".
http://www.aarp.org/relationships/friends-family/info-10-2011/grandson-grandmother-bond.htmlThe link below is an even better author commentary in which he talks about his book "Grandma's…
Suitability
Ages 5
Added Apr 24, 2013
Comment:
This is a great book for students ages 12 and up. This is a great story that talks about family , friendship, and the importance of a strong community. Readers will be able to relate to this because of how relevant these issues still are today. And the use of Tupac is great as well.This is a great book for students ages 12 and up. This is a great story that talks about family , friendship, and the importance of a strong community. Readers will be able to relate to this because of how relevant these issues still are today. And…
Quotations
- “Everyone’s got a purpose and it’s just that they gotta figure out what it is and then go have it.”
Summary:
This is a compelling story about three 11 year old girls living in Queens, New York who experience a variety of changes in their lives as they progress from childhood to womanhood. The two girls, Neeka and the narrator, meet D Foster who changes their world as they listen to the lyrics of the motivational artist known as Tupac. Together these girls grow up together helping each other out just like all good friends do.This is a compelling story about three 11 year old girls living in Queens, New York who experience a variety of changes in their lives as they progress from childhood to womanhood. The two girls, Neeka and the narrator, meet D Foster who changes…
Video: Meet the Author
Meeting Jacqueline Woodson
Suitability
Ages 12
Over and Under the SnowOver and Under the Snow, Picture Book
by Messner, KatePicture Book - 2011Picture Book, 2011
Added Apr 24, 2013
Comment:
This is a great book that can be read aloud to children allowing them to explore "the secret kingdom under the snow." It is a great way of introducing how animals keep warm during the winter. The illustrations also add to how well this book is put together because they are detailed and nicely done. Students will definitely enjoy reading this or hearing it aloud.This is a great book that can be read aloud to children allowing them to explore "the secret kingdom under the snow." It is a great way of introducing how animals keep warm during the winter. The illustrations also add to how well this book is put…
Quotations
- "Under the snow, fat bullfrogs snooze. They dream of sun warmed days, back when they had tails."
Summary:
A father and daughter tell a story about their encounters with the different animals in the forest during the winter time. Animals such as squirrels, hares, foxes, bears, and frogs are spotted in the forest hibernating during the winter time. They also talk about the food they eat and how they keep warm during the winter time.A father and daughter tell a story about their encounters with the different animals in the forest during the winter time. Animals such as squirrels, hares, foxes, bears, and frogs are spotted in the forest hibernating during the winter time. They…
Video: Over and Under the Snow
Read Aloud
Suitability
Ages 2
Added Apr 17, 2013
Comment:
This is a great heartbreaking story that will catch any readers attention. The way Ranger's sadness is described is pretty sad and might leave the reader with tears but it also shows his kind and good heart. This is a unique story that ends unexpectedly that any reader would enjoy. I do not think it is suitable for younger children but it is definitely a good one for older readers.This is a great heartbreaking story that will catch any readers attention. The way Ranger's sadness is described is pretty sad and might leave the reader with tears but it also shows his kind and good heart. This is a unique story that ends…
Quotations
- "There is nothing lonelier than a cat who has been loved, at least for awhile, and then abandoned on the side of the road."
Summary:
This is a heart felt story about a companionship between a hound dog (Ranger) and a Calico cat and her kittens. This unlikely pair become a family while struggling to survive underneath the house of their owner Gar Face. It is a beautiful story with an unexpected ending but a great book to read that will leave you in tears.This is a heart felt story about a companionship between a hound dog (Ranger) and a Calico cat and her kittens. This unlikely pair become a family while struggling to survive underneath the house of their owner Gar Face. It is a beautiful story with…
Video: The Underneath
Trailer for The Underneath
Suitability
Ages 10
Frog Went A-courtin'Frog Went A-courtin', Picture Book
Picture Book - 1955Picture Book, 1955
Added Apr 17, 2013
Comment:
I really enjoyed reading this story to my son because of the great story line and illustrations. The illustrations are eye catching because of the detailed work done and the use of color is good too. I feel children will be easily intrigued by this story and enjoy it.Good read aloud for young readers!I really enjoyed reading this story to my son because of the great story line and illustrations. The illustrations are eye catching because of the detailed work done and the use of color is good too. I feel children will be easily intrigued by this…
Quotations
- "The frog and mouse they went to France, and this is the end of my romance."
Summary:
This is a wonderful children's story about a Frog who goes out in search for a bride. He finds Miss Mousy, a sweet little mouse who will not marry Mr. Frog without her Uncle Rats consent. The uncle gives his consent so that the two can marry with all of their animals friends watching. During the wedding a cat comes storming in and chases everyone away. In the end they still get married and end up in France happy together.This is a wonderful children's story about a Frog who goes out in search for a bride. He finds Miss Mousy, a sweet little mouse who will not marry Mr. Frog without her Uncle Rats consent. The uncle gives his consent so that the two can marry with…
Video: Frog Went a Courtin' Song
Old song "Froggy Went a Courting"
Suitability
Ages 4
Inside Out and Back AgainInside Out and Back Again, Book
by Lai, ThanhhaBook - 2011-02-22Book, 2011-02-22
Added Mar 26, 2013
Comment:
Students, ages 8-13, would be able to relate to this story very easily. This is an enjoyable and entertaining read for students that is engaging. Everyday struggles of race, bullying, and transitioning to a new place are all issues students can relate to which is why this can work in the classroom. This is a great opportunity to incorporate poetry into the curriculum.Students, ages 8-13, would be able to relate to this story very easily. This is an enjoyable and entertaining read for students that is engaging. Everyday struggles of race, bullying, and transitioning to a new place are all issues students can…
Quotations
- I could not find a quote in the book that supported the books idea very well.
Summary:
This is the story of a young girl named Ha who is forced to move with her family to America because of the Vietnam War that has reached her homeland. They start a new life in Alabama that Ha finds challenging because she does not fit in with the culture around her. Eventually, with the help of her teacher, Ha finds herself and begins to enjoy her new life in Alabama.This is the story of a young girl named Ha who is forced to move with her family to America because of the Vietnam War that has reached her homeland. They start a new life in Alabama that Ha finds challenging because she does not fit in with the…
Video: National Book Awards
Suitability
Ages 8
Added Mar 26, 2013
Comment:
I can definitely relate to this book because of the joy children can bring to your life. This is an enjoyable read that can be shared with the class in a re aloud session. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and it is a fun book to read about a mother and a child's relationship between one another.I can definitely relate to this book because of the joy children can bring to your life. This is an enjoyable read that can be shared with the class in a re aloud session. The illustrations are beautifully detailed and it is a fun book to read about…
Quotations
- "What is it?' she said to herself."What can it be?"-Mother "It's me!" -Child
Summary:
Early one morning, a mother curiously investigates what seems to be a bundle of laundry under the bed blankets. As she questions herself on what it might be, she discovers her beautiful baby and is instantly filled with joy. Great way to show the love between a mother and her baby.Early one morning, a mother curiously investigates what seems to be a bundle of laundry under the bed blankets. As she questions herself on what it might be, she discovers her beautiful baby and is instantly filled with joy. Great way to show the…
Video: The Carrot Seed
Another great read aloud students can enjoy.
Suitability
Ages 3
And Tango Makes ThreeAnd Tango Makes Three, Picture Book
by Richardson, JustinPicture Book - 2005Picture Book, 2005
Added Mar 26, 2013
Comment:
This read is a definite recommendation for preferably an elementary classroom. The story is one of a kind and it is put together very well. The story flows, the illustrations are great, and the plot is easy to comprehend. Regardless of the controversy this book is a great read students can enjoy.This read is a definite recommendation for preferably an elementary classroom. The story is one of a kind and it is put together very well. The story flows, the illustrations are great, and the plot is easy to comprehend. Regardless of the …
Quotations
- "Now Roy and Silo were fathers. "We'll call her Tango." Mister Gramzay decided. "Because it takes two to make a Tango."
Summary:
It is a unique story about two penguins who share similar actions like those of other penguin couples. These two male penguins, Roy and Silo, are given the opportunity to nest and care for an egg of their own. They care for the egg, love the egg, and eventually the egg hatches thanks to Silo and Roy. Nice story.It is a unique story about two penguins who share similar actions like those of other penguin couples. These two male penguins, Roy and Silo, are given the opportunity to nest and care for an egg of their own. They care for the egg, love the egg,…
Video: Harmful Textbooks in America
Great little video of controversy over the book, And Tango Makes Three.
Suitability
Ages 6
Added Mar 21, 2013
Comment:
Beat the Story Drum, Pum Pum is a great children's book that can be used for story time. It is a very good book that can be read aloud to students and an easy one they can enjoy and interact with.
Summary:
This book contains five African folk stories that have been passed down by the generations in a rhythmic story. Every story, when read, contains sentences that are followed to the beat of a drum. Which is why this book is a good read aloud for students. It gives them a chance to interact as the story is being told by tapping to the beat or rhythm. Each story had a wonderful lesson in the end which was also great.This book contains five African folk stories that have been passed down by the generations in a rhythmic story. Every story, when read, contains sentences that are followed to the beat of a drum. Which is why this book is a good read aloud for…
Video: Ashley Bryan the Author
Suitability
Ages 7
Added Feb 25, 2013
Comment:
Cynthia Lord captures the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability. I would definitely recommend this book for students because of how it is about being different and finding acceptance. It is a warm read and a great discussion starter for the class.Cynthia Lord captures the delicate dynamics in a family that revolves around a child's disability. I would definitely recommend this book for students because of how it is about being different and finding acceptance. It is a warm read and a great…
Quotations
- “I wish everyone had the same chances," I say. "Because it stinks a big one that they don't." - Catherine”
Summary:
Catherine, twelve years old, tells the story about herself and the challenges she faces with her younger brother, David, who is dealing with autism. She is embarrassed by her brother, neglected by her parents, and does not feel accepted amongst others. As she searches for the definition of "normal", she realizes that defining this is not necessary and being different is a great thing. In the end, Catherine finds the acceptance she has been longing for while learning a little about herself.Catherine, twelve years old, tells the story about herself and the challenges she faces with her younger brother, David, who is dealing with autism. She is embarrassed by her brother, neglected by her parents, and does not feel accepted amongst…
Video: Rules by Cynthia Lord Book Talk
Book Talk on "Rules"
Suitability
Ages 8
How the Stars Fell Into the SkyHow the Stars Fell Into the Sky, BookA Navajo Legend
by Oughton, JerrieBook - 1992Book, 1992
Added Feb 18, 2013
Comment:
This is a beautifully illustrated folk tale that will capture any young readers attention. The size,shape, and the colors used to express the blue night sky bring this book together nicely from start to finish. The story is great and a bit informative allowing students to think about how the stars really did fall into the sky.This is a beautifully illustrated folk tale that will capture any young readers attention. The size,shape, and the colors used to express the blue night sky bring this book together nicely from start to finish. The story is great and a bit…
Quotations
- "The people need to know the laws. To help them we must write the laws for all to see."
Summary:
This magical folktale tells the story about a man and a woman who decide to write "the laws" for their people. The woman in the book begins to patiently write the laws in the sky with her jewels(stars). This is when she starts to put the stars in the sky. An impatient coyote arrives to help but in the end ruins the woman's plans because of his impatience. This ruins her plan and leaves the mystery of how the stars fell into the sky.This magical folktale tells the story about a man and a woman who decide to write "the laws" for their people. The woman in the book begins to patiently write the laws in the sky with her jewels(stars). This is when she starts to put the stars in…
Video: How the Stars Fell Into the Sky: A Navajo Legend
Suitability
Ages 6
Are You Ready to Play Outside?Are You Ready to Play Outside?, Book
by Willems, MoBook - 2008Book, 2008
Added Feb 18, 2013
Comment:
This book is a wonderful choice for those children that are learning to read. The simple illustrations, large words, and easy language make this book an excellent choice students can enjoy. The characters are fun, the book is funny, and your kindergarteners and first graders will love it.This book is a wonderful choice for those children that are learning to read. The simple illustrations, large words, and easy language make this book an excellent choice students can enjoy. The characters are fun, the book is funny, and your…
Quotations
- "Elephants make the best friends!"
Summary:
Gerald and Piggie are eager to play outside until they find out that it is raining outside. Not happy with what it going on, Gerald and Piggie make the best of their day and still have fun regardless of the weather.
Video: More on Mo Willems
More about the Author, Mo Willems
Suitability
Ages 4
Added Feb 13, 2013
Comment:
This is a great book to help children engage their imagination and explore African culture. I myself have never heard of African Folklore stories so it was interesting when reading this book to see how this story would relate to the reader. It is a good book students can read because of the lesson that it teaches which is "knowledge can take you to great places". I enjoy books like these because it can lift the spirits of our students and teach them valuable lessons for the future.This is a great book to help children engage their imagination and explore African culture. I myself have never heard of African Folklore stories so it was interesting when reading this book to see how this story would relate to the reader. It is a…
Quotations
- "How can a weak old man like you, so small, so small, so small, pay my price?"
Summary:
This African Folktale tells the story of a man by the name of Ananse, the Spider Man, and how he got his stories from an African Sky God for the people of the world to tell. He uses his intelligence to fulfill three requirements the Sky God asks of him in exchange for the stories. Ananse retrieves these three things and is awarded the chest full of the Sky Gods stories.This African Folktale tells the story of a man by the name of Ananse, the Spider Man, and how he got his stories from an African Sky God for the people of the world to tell. He uses his intelligence to fulfill three requirements the Sky God asks of…
Video: A Story A Story - Animated
I was unable to find another video about this book so I posted the same link as the person before me.
Suitability
Ages 4
Added Feb 07, 2013
Comment:
I would definitely recommend this book for kids who are beginning to read. It is a simple book that is fun and offers children the opportunity to use their imagination. Very cute!
Quotations
- "Press Here"
Summary:
"Press Here" is a very simple children's book that allows children to follow instructions as they read through the book and press dots. They are then told to shake the book, tilt it, and clap their hands while they follow along and use their imagination. It is a fun and interactive book, great for early readers."Press Here" is a very simple children's book that allows children to follow instructions as they read through the book and press dots. They are then told to shake the book, tilt it, and clap their hands while they follow along and use their…
Video: Press Here!
Toddler reads "Press Here"
Suitability
Ages 3
Added Feb 07, 2013
Comment:
I was looking for more excitement but in the end I enjoyed reading this book because of the simplicity it had. It brought me back to the days when I was a child and I spent the summer time growing up and learning new things. It is a good book for those who like reading but I feel it would be a little hard to get those students who do not like reading to read it.I was looking for more excitement but in the end I enjoyed reading this book because of the simplicity it had. It brought me back to the days when I was a child and I spent the summer time growing up and learning new things. It is a good book for…
Quotations
- "She wished something would happen."
Summary:
This book follows the lives of Debbie, Hector, and Lenny. They are three small town teens spending their summer listening to music, wondering about themselves, growing up, meeting new people, and understanding things that they did not before. There is a lot of detail in each one of their stories but not much of a plot seems to appear. It is basically talking about their lives and what happened during their summer off.This book follows the lives of Debbie, Hector, and Lenny. They are three small town teens spending their summer listening to music, wondering about themselves, growing up, meeting new people, and understanding things that they did not before. There…
Video: Criss Cross Trailer
Nice video trailer about the book "Criss Cross" made by a student in a children's literature class.
Suitability
Ages 9
Added Jan 31, 2013
Comment:
I must say that I was not expecting the book to be as interesting as it was. I would definitely recommend this book to students of 8-10 years of age because of the great story that is being told. Not only does it provide a little history insight of the Great Depression but it also teaches a great lesson that can be respected by most of us. It is a book that can be easily accepted by students because of how easily they can relate with the main character, Turtle. Adding to that, the story itself is entertaining and the lesson learned in the end makes it an even better story. Family is everything!I must say that I was not expecting the book to be as interesting as it was. I would definitely recommend this book to students of 8-10 years of age because of the great story that is being told. Not only does it provide a little history insight of…
Quotations
- "Maybe the real treasure has been right here on Curry Lane the whole time--people who love Mama and me. A Home."
Summary:
This book is about the life and events of Turtle, an 11 year old girl who is sent to Key West by her parents to live with her relatives during the Great Depression. Along the way Turtle helps her family with whatever she can financially while searching for sponges in the ocean, searching for buried treasure, and building relationships with her grandma and father. In the end she finds her treasure and also finds the real meaning of family.This book is about the life and events of Turtle, an 11 year old girl who is sent to Key West by her parents to live with her relatives during the Great Depression. Along the way Turtle helps her family with whatever she can financially while…
Video: Turtle in Paradise Mini Movie
Here is a video of the book "Turtle in Paradise" acted out. Pretty cool.
Suitability
Ages 8
Added Jan 30, 2013
Comment:
This book is a great children's story that anyone can easily enjoy.It is the story about a young girl who loses her tooth and goes to the grocery store with her father. The book is very simple and easy to read but it contains many interesting events that go on like digging for clams and eating ice cream. One of my favorite things about this book is how detailed and realistic the illustrations are. That is the first thing that caught my eye as a reader. Aside from that I definitely recommend this book for young readers because it is entertaining, easy to relate to, and easy to read. I really enjoyed the lesson that was in the story which was "little losses are not much, in relation to the tooth, and life goes on."This book is a great children's story that anyone can easily enjoy.It is the story about a young girl who loses her tooth and goes to the grocery store with her father. The book is very simple and easy to read but it contains many interesting events…
Quotations
- " "Ma-a-a-ma!" she cried. "One of m teeth is loose! It will hurt and I'll have to stay in bed! I won't be able to eat my breakfast and go with Daddy to Buck's Harbor!" "
Summary:
This book is about a young girl, Sal, who loses her first tooth and goes on an adventure to the mainland with her younger sister and father. They spend the day digging for clams, eating ice cream, and having fun along the coast of Maine. In the end, she forgets about the tooth and only seems to care about clam chowder for lunch.This book is about a young girl, Sal, who loses her first tooth and goes on an adventure to the mainland with her younger sister and father. They spend the day digging for clams, eating ice cream, and having fun along the coast of Maine. In the end,…
Video: Profile of Robert McCloskey
This video provides a little insight on the author, Robert McCloskey.
Suitability
Ages 6
Balloons Over BroadwayBalloons Over Broadway, Picture BookThe True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy's Parade
by Sweet, MelissaPicture Book - 2011Picture Book, 2011
Added Jan 15, 2013
Comment:
Balloons Over Broadway is a wonderful children's book that tells the story of how the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade came about. Tony Sarg is the main character of the book, and the story tells how he, as a kid, developed a love for puppets. This love for puppets landed him an opportunity with Macy's to put his talents of bringing things to life for the parade. As the years went by, Tony changed his concept of puppets and started making inflatable figures, which is what we now see at today's present Macy's Parades. I highly recommend this book for children because of how the illustrations engage a child's attention. The colors, images, and ways that get the reader involved are great for students and it tells a little bit of history which is also great.Balloons Over Broadway is a wonderful children's book that tells the story of how the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade came about. Tony Sarg is the main character of the book, and the story tells how he, as a kid, developed a love for puppets. This love…
Quotations
- "Every Thanksgiving morning for more than eighty years, mammoth-size balloons have risen to the skies to wobble and sway, sally and shimmy, up and down the canyons of New York City. Just how did this beloved tradition come to Broadway? Who first invented these wondrous "upside down marionettes"? Meet Tony Sarg: the boy who loved to figure out how things moved- the boy who became the puppeteer of Macy's parade.""Every Thanksgiving morning for more than eighty years, mammoth-size balloons have risen to the skies to wobble and sway, sally and shimmy, up and down the canyons of New York City. Just how did this beloved tradition come to Broadway? Who first…
Summary:
Melissa Sweet tells the wonderful story of Tony Sarg, the man behind one of the largest parades in the world, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. With the help of beautiful illustrations, she tells the history of the parade and how it became what it is today.Melissa Sweet tells the wonderful story of Tony Sarg, the man behind one of the largest parades in the world, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. With the help of beautiful illustrations, she tells the history of the parade and how it became what it…
Video: Balloons Over Broadway
Suitability
Ages 5
Comment: