Read Aloud Recommendations....
dragon
Bibliographic Information: Written and Illustrated by Tom & Amanda Ellery. Published in 2006 by Lectorum Publications, Inc.

Summary- Morton is a young child who is not excited to play with his baby brother. Morton imagines that his brother is not a baby, but a dragon! Using his vivid and fun imagination, Morton imagines trying many activities with his new friend Dragon, from playing basketball to going to the movies. Only to realize in the end, that having a Dragon as a friend has more limitations that he thought. Maybe Morton’s cute and playful baby brother isn’t so bad after all.

Recommendation for Parents- This is a great book for all children, especially those who are big brothers or big sisters in their families. The message of this book is simple and encouraging. Morton’s wild and creative imagination takes him on a journey of disappointment with his new Dragon friend, which causes him to realize that his brother is a better playmate than he thought, despite the fact that he is little. I think this book is a great choice before summer break, as most likely siblings or friends of different ages will be spending time playing together.

Recommendation for Teachers- This is book an be used with a lesson about prediction. As teachers read the various activities that Morton attempts with his Dragon, such as “Play Hide and Go Seek,” students can predict what may happen when with the dragon, before they see the pictures on each page. In addition, students can discuss what they might try to do with a Dragon for a pet, and perhaps create a book page with a corresponding illustration. Perhaps students can think of one animal that they would enjoy having for a playmate, and create an illustration showing what might really happen. 

Supporting English Learners- This is a great book for English language learners. The language is very basic and supports many verbs such as “go for a swim, go for walks, whistle, play basketball.” These verbs can be introduced before the story, perhaps in a discussion of what students plan to do over the summer. I also enjoy that much of the story is told through the use of entertaining and vivid illustrations; therefore EL's can easily follow along. Lastly, another great characteristic of this book is that it can be purchased in the bilingual version, which has both English and Spanish text on each page, so can be read in a bilingual classroom. 

Teachers Note: I personally enjoy this book, because of the playful and energetic spirit throughout. Students can easily relate to the many activities, therefore will easily engage in predicting the story. Likewise, this story has a heartwarming message, with adorable illustrations depicting a sibling relationship.
chair

Bibliographic Information: Written and Illustrated by Vera B. Williams. Published in 1982 by Greenwillow Books, New York.
 
Summary- This book is a touching narrative told by a young girl named Rosa. Her mother works long hours the Blue Tile Diner. After school, Rosa often helps in the kitchen to make some extra tips. Rosa and her family are rebuilding there life after a fire burned their apartment and everything in it. One day, her mother brings home a large empty jar from the diner. They plan to save their extra coins in this jar until they have enough money to purchase a big comfy chair to relax in after work. They dream of the big beautiful chair, and together they work hard until they have saved enough to buy the chair of their dreams. 

Recommendation for Parents: This is a very touching story with strong themes of family and community unity, and hard work. As Rosa retells the story of a fire burning her home, she shares how her family and friends came together to help them make it through a hard time. This is a nice story for families who may be going through a difficult situation, or know of families who may need help. Likewise, this book illustrates to children the value of hard work and sticking together. 

Recommendation for Teachers- This is a great book to use in any classroom. Children with lower socio economic status, or families of different cultural backgrounds, can relate to the various struggles that Rosa experienced as a young child. Likewise, children can relate to the strong themes of family and kinship, community, and hard work. A great activity to accompany this book is to have the class participate in saving coins to purchase something that the whole class can enjoy. Children can bring in spare change, perhaps that they have earned through helping parents/neighbors with chores, and watch the jar fill up until they accomplish their goal. Another nice activity is to journal about a time that the child’s family had to make it through a tough time. As a community building activity, students can share their writing with a small group. 

Supporting English Learners- This story is rich in descriptive vocabulary, especially adjectives. Teachers may need to front load a lesson prior to this read aloud, to prepare English Language Learners for the new words, such as “diner, sofa, and tips.” After the story, the class can brainstorm adjectives that they heard in the story as a review.

Teacher’s Note- I personally enjoyed this book because of the strong theme of helping other people. Likewise, I enjoyed the values of hard work and loving spirit that Rosa has for her family members throughout her narrative.