By Jerry Seinfeld, Illiustrated by James Bennett
2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc
Summary:
In this boook comedian Jerry Seinfeld takes readers on a wild ride through his hilarious vision of Halloween. From the first costume to the inevitable quest for more candy, Seinfeld's tale resonates with vivid experiences of a night every kid loves. Kids will identify with the distinct Seinfeld rules of Halloween-from what constitutes a good costume to what is acceptable trick-or-treat candy. The story follows the trial and tribulations of Seinfelds Halloween experience, from the most embarsing moments like to why Halloween is so fun,
Recomendation for Parents:
This is the kind of book both children and adults will like. Not only will children be able to relate to it when having it read to them, but the parent as well will get a laugh thanks in large part to Jerry Seinfelds comidic genius.
Recomendation for Teachers:
Great book for teachers to use with students 6 and up, especially olde grades. Great book to read to your class during or around Halloween time. This book will surely have class entertained and they will certainly get a laugh out of it as they relate their very own Halloween experiences to it.
Personal Note:
The illustrations are brilliantly done, capturing Seinfeld's rambling, memoir-like story. Therefore, though children may not understand all of the book's humor, they will enjoy listening to the story and looking at the pictures. Very funny book that both childrens and adults will enjoy.
Humphrey the Lost Whale: A True Story
Author: Wendy Tokuda and Richard HallIllustrator: Hanako Wakiyama
Publisher: Heian International 1992
Summary:
A humpback whale makes a wrong turn in San Francisco Bay and finds himself trapped in the fresh water of Sacramento River. With the help of scientists and whale watching friends, he makes his way back to the safety of his salty ocean home. This story is about the true events that transpired in 1985 in the small town community of Rio Vista.
Recomendation for Parents:
The kind of book you think of when you're looking for a good whale story. Lots of personality and drama, and a super read-aloud for kids even as young as 4. A very good whale story most children will enjoy.
Recommendation for Teachers:
I highly recomend this to teachers who are looking to teach about whales or other sea animals at the sametime, becuase this is a story most students will enjoy especially when told that it is a true story that happened really close to Sacramento.
Personal Note:
I first saw this book on Reading Rainbow, one of my favorite PBS shows as a kid. The story fascinated me because it took place in Rio Vista a small town very close to where I grew up. It's about a whale who can't seem to stay with his family, and how the community of Rio Vista helps him find them again.
Granfather's Journey
Author: Allen Say
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company 1993
Summary:
The story tracks the life of the author's grandfather and his many travels especially his move to California. While in California Grandfather misses his homeland and vice versa when in his homeland he misses California. The author tells the story of his grandfather, first shown in traditional Japanese attire, and next traveling by steamship to California. On the next pages, we see him travel through America by riverboat, train and foot, meeting various people, seeing deserts and oceans, visiting rural towns and industrial cities filled with factories. Returning to Japan, he marries, and settles in San Francisco to raise a family. Years later, they return to Japan, and he helps raise his grandchild prior to WWII. The author grows up and follows in his grandfather's footsteps, coming to America to explore the land his grandfather had always talked and missed so much.
Recommandation for Parents:
This is a book many minority students will be able to relate to. I used in a class and many of my hispanic students were able to compare it to their experiences of coming from Mexico and how they missed. Very nice story with very nice illustrations. This book also won a Caldecott Medal in 1994.
Reccommandation for Teachers:
I highly reccomend this books for teachers with minority students in their class because not only will students relate to it, as a teacher you can have your students compare and contrast thier own lifes to the story and how it relates. This book could also be used to discuss topics such as immigration or Japanese heritage in the classroom.
Personal Notes:
Short book which contains very nice illustrations and this book can used for students ages 4-8, but I also have used it for my 7th and 8th grade ELD students.
