Author: Jane Yolen
Illustrator: Mark Teague
Publication Date: 2007
Publisher: The Blue Sky Press
Summary: A large dinsoaur joins students in an elementary school. This dinosaur has quite the journey to get to school as well as a very unusual day. What if a dinosaur was sitting in your classroom desk? This dinosaur brings laughter to children and creates a wonderful opportunity to explore the imagination.
Recommedation for parents: This story is a fun, laugh aloud book for children. It has wonderful illustrations and captures childrens' imagination. Children will enjoy the silly sense of humor and the illustrations of the various dinosaurs. This book is also great for getting children adjusted in to the back of school mode.
Recommdenation for teachers: Mark Teague is a wonderful illustrator. Many of his illustrations have reoccuring characters that students become familiar with. This is a great opportunity for teachers to introdude authors and illustrators to children. Fairfield Suisun Unified School District is a Houghton-Mifflin district, and Mark Teague's illustrations appear in the 3rd grade reading book. It is a read aloud book where students will learn about responsibility in the classroom, during recess as well as being prepared to attend school on time.
Personal note: I found this book to be creative and silly. I enjoyed the illustrations and the meaning behind the story. This story shows the importance of being respectful in the classroom, during recess and to one another.
Author: Pat Mora
Illustrator: Raul Colon
Publication Date: 1997
Publisher: Dragon Fly Books
Summary: Tomas and his family are migrant workers who traveled from Texas to Iowa. This family is very passionate about story telling. Papa Grande told many of the stories, yet it was Tomas' turn to take the role of the family. After a trip to the library, Tomas met a passionate librarian who showed Tomas the wonderful world of reading. Tomas brought back many of the stories to share with his family. This is a loving story about a close knit family. Tomas Riviera became a writer, professor, and was the Chancellor at the Univeristy of California, Riverside.
Recommendation for parents: This story shows the power of reading. Tomas' family enjoyed their time together by telling stories and sharing this common bond. This is a story about migrant farm workers which many families can relate to. Both Spanish and English are incorporated into this story as well. It is a beautiful multicultural story that may bring a tear to ones eye.
Recommendation for teachers: This is a great multicultural book to read aloud to the students. Many students will be able to relate to this story and it is also an effective way to introduce other cultures. Students will learn to appreciate other cultures and embrace their peers' cultures within their classroom. Raul Colon's illustrations are unique and beautiful that the students will enjoy.
Personal note: I found this book valuable because it shows the importance of family and culture. It is important for a teacher to respect and embrace all cultures. Reading books from different genres and cultures will only enrich a child's education.