Read Aloud Recommendations

Bibliographic Information: Title: I'm Gonna Like Me Authors: Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books, September 2002 Ages: 4-8 Summary: This is a great book about building and maintaining one's self esteem.  "Im gonna like me cause I'm loved and I know it, and liking myself is the best way to show it." This book is filled with numerous "feel good" quotes appropriate for children reminding them about their self esteem.  The authors use rhyming text and repeatable phrases, such as, "Im gonna like me when..."  There are various day-to-day scenarios which children can relate to, such as being called on in class and giving the wrong answer or being the last one picked for a team.  This is a jovial book that does a great job at reminding the reader that despite life's high's and low's, everything will be okay.  Recommendation: This is a great read aloud because almost everyone can relate to what it is like to have a bad day.  The authors charismatic voices shine through the text, connecting it to the colorful and lively illustrations.   This book leaves the reader feeling good about themselves and leaves a notion that things always work out in the end.  This book also helps children see and understand the world a little better (Serafini and Giorgis, pg 39).  Children can also relate and share their experiences with others, building a sense of community (Serafini and Giorgis, pg 8).  More importantly, after reading this book, children can learn to respect the feelings of others and support one another (Serafini and Giorgis, pg 9). Guiding students' experiences and response strategies: The discussions that could be derived from this book are countless.  For example, the teacher could ask students if they have experienced a situation like a character in the story, how they felt, what they did in that situation and what they could do in the future.  The students can share with a partner or write about it in a journal.  The teacher could also take this opportunity to point out that the experiences they have encountered are probably the same as someone else; they are not alone. Support for English Learners: It doesn't matter what ethnicity the reader is, or where they've come from; everyone can relate to a situation raised in this book.  When students share their experiences with one another they are speaking out and relating to each other.  If English isn't their primary language, the student can express their feelings by drawing pictures about a particular situation. Personal note: I couldn't help but smile after turning each page of the book. Sometimes people, especially children, need that little reminder that they are loved and that everything will be okay.  Bibliographic Information: Title: How Will I Ever Sleep in This Bed? Author: Della Ross Ferreri Illustrator: Capucine Mazille Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company Inc., September 2005 Ages: 4-8 Summary: This is a story about a boy who transitions from his crib to a "big boy" bed.  He isn't used to sleeping in his new bed because it is so big and he feels quite lonely.  He takes out all of his stuffed animals and puts them on his bed, hoping it will help him with his loneliness.  However, there isn't enough room on the bed for himself!  He ends up keeping just one friend with him in his bed. Recommendation: Transitioning into a "big boy" bed or any different sleeping arrangement can be difficult.  Everyone can relate to having some type of fear, whether it is sleeping alone or being afraid of the dark.  This story highlights the importance of having that one special friend or item that can make you feel a little bit more at ease.  The illustrations bring the text to life, as the character and his stuffed animals' feelings are expressed; both fear and relief.  The reader is able to go back and forth between the illustrations and text, transferring understandings and relating the story to their own personal experiences (Serafini and Giorgis, pg 20).  Guiding students' experiences and response strategies: A discussion about students' fears could be brought up.  The teacher could have the students discuss with one another about a fear they may have and what they do to comfort themselves.  The teacher could also ask the students if they remember feeling lonely or afraid when they left their crib.  For those who may still be sleeping in cribs, the teacher could ask them if they think they will be afraid to leave their crib when the time comes.  Support for English Learners: A teacher could bring in his/her stuffed animal or item he/she uses to comfort themselves when they are afraid.  The teacher could then have the students bring in their own items to share with the class.  Personal note: I can relate to this book personally because I remember being afraid of sleeping in the dark all alone.  Having my stuffed animals on my bed helped me sleep better at night.