Penguins Love Their ABC’s (Sarah Aspinall)

Title: Penguins Love Their ABC’s

Author:  Sarah Aspinall

Illustrator:  Sarah Aspinall

Target Ages:  1-6

Genre: Concept Picture Book—Alphabet

Publisher Summary:

It’s an alphabet hunt!  Join the fun as six playful penguins follow simple clues that lead them to find each little letter of the alphabet.

First Lines:

Once there were six little penguins—

six little penguins who loved to play

games with the alphabet.

Today they had put on their special

hide-and-seek glasses because…

Memorable Moment:

“We love our abc’s, and we love alphabet soup,” said the little penguins.  “But not as much as we love… Mama Penguin.”

Evaluation: 

As soon as I saw the cover, I had to read this book!  The penguins pulled me in like a girl to a platter of chocolates. The illustrations inside do not disappoint!  Lively penguins roll off the pages and into the hearts of readers of all ages!  The pictures alone are enough to cause children to beg to read this book over and over.  

The text is highly engaging.  For instance, children are asked questions, like what color they like best and which letter comes next. Also, they are encouraged to make predictions, such as how the penguins should carry the letters back to mama and what’s for supper. There are additional opportunities built in for parents or teachers to encourage responses. For instance, each letter has the same sentence pattern:  ___ is for ___ (h is for heart). A penguin is holding the item near the sentence. Children can figure out the answers with the visual context clues. Finally, the story has humor (imagine penguins in their underwear) and heart (see memorable moment quote).   

Penguins Love Their ABC’s is the perfect early childhood read.  You can check it out at the library, but I think it is worth buying for your personal bookshelf.

Ideas for Extension Activities at Home or Lesson Plans for Teachers:

• Food Fun: Make alphabet soup together: Alphabet Soup Recipe.
• Art:  Penguin Crafts here and here.
• Letter Sounds:  List of activity ideas here.
• Science:  Read some juvenile non-fiction about penguins.
• Letters:  Practice identifying letters using flashcards or other creative activities.
• Games:  Play hide and seek.
• Writing:  Write out this sentence from the book: ___ is for ___.  Either pick the letter or allow the child to pick the letter.  Then, instruct the children to write a word or draw a picture to go with the letter.  Older children can write out the sentence themselves.

Picture Books (Math): The Penguin Lady and The Great Divide

Math and reading can go hand–in-hand, even when a book is not directly about math.  Sylvan Dell makes it easy by combining math and science in their books in a natural and appealing manner. Two of the new titles for Spring 2012 are The Great Divide  and The Penguin Lady.  Each focuses on applying different math skills and building science knowledge while advancing literacy.  These titles are interactive and fun-to-read.

The Penguin Lady (by Carol A. Cole)

Penelope Parker experiences life with penguins—first hand!  As a birthday gift, she receives a penguin from the Galapagos Islands.  Then, her sister sends her two Rockhopper penguins from Argentina.   Next, three  Chinstraps penguins from Antarctic come waddling up to her door.  The narrative continues with a new group of penguins, from four to ten, arriving from another part of the world.   Inside and outside, Penelope has penguins everywhere causing mischief and havoc!   

The illustrations (by Sherry Rogers) are colorful and humorous.  Each two page spread offers an opportunity to count the penguins and discuss their behaviors.   One of the most informative aspects of the book is learning about all the different species of penguins and places they are from—both warm and cold.  Children can find these places on the map, discuss differences in size (another math opportunity), and compare/contrast different species.  A FREE 52-page teaching guide is available which includes extension activities in adding, math games, science, and language-arts.   I recommend The Penguin Lady for ages 2-7.

The Great Divide (by Suzanne Slade)

Written in rhyming quatrains, children are introduced to the concept of division and to the animal group names.   Here is a sample:   

Sixteen shiny river toads,

in a sunny spot,

gather round four puddles.

How many in each knot?

Six rambunctious rhinos

making quite a splash—

three mommas with their babies.

How many in each crash?   

Children interact with the book by solving each riddle and identifying the name associated with each animal group.  For instance, groups of toads are called knots and rhinos are referred to as crashes.  Younger children can count the animals/groups and discuss sound devices (important for early reading skills).  Many of the riddles include alliteration (rambunctious rhinos) and all have end rhymes (splash/crash).  Brainstorm other words with the same beginning sounds or rhymes. 

The illustrations (by Erin H. Hunter) beautifully capture each group of animals in their natural habitats.  Children can talk about where the animals live as well as compare/contrast the different environments.   A FREE 56-page teaching guide is available which includes extension activities in multiplication, division, science, and language-arts.  I recommend The Great Divide for ages 6-10. 

This post is linked up with Math Mondays at love2learn2day and Nonfiction Monday at Rasco with RIF.

Picture Book: Nothing like a Puffin (by Sue Soltis)

Summary of Nothing like a Puffin (by Sue Soltis):  

“Look, a puffin!  What a marvelous creature, one of a kind and amazing.  Indeed, there is nothing like a puffin.”  Not a ladder.  Not a house.  Not a newspaper.  Wait.  A newspaper does have something in common with a puffin—they are both black and white.  The narrator realizes that a lot of things have something in common with a puffin—a pair of jeans, a goldfish, a shovel, a snake, and a helicopter.  When they meet a penguin, the striking similarities can’t be overlooked. They appear to be almost identical, but there is one major difference though.  It is clear--"There is nothing like a puffin!"  

Evaluation:  

Author Sue Soltis leads readers on an amusing ride of compare and contrast, prompting children to look at things in their world in a refreshing manner.  Even though she takes seemingly random objects, a clear link is made between them.  Children will be challenged to look at how other objects are similar.  On another level, identical twins can be encouraged to look for and to cherish their unique qualities.  All children have the opportunity to ponder how they are special.   Bob Kolar, the illustrator, has created artwork that is bright, witty, and lively.   Youngsters will want to revise this stunning book over and over.  I recommend Nothing like a Puffin for ages 4-9.    

Teaching Opportunities:  

• Science:  Learn about puffins, penguins, and other arctic animals
• Comparison Chart:  Make a chart showing how puffins and penguins are similar; then, create another chart on two animals or things to show their similarities or differences
• Predicting Skills:  Before reading, list all the objects that are connected in the book; ask, “Do you see how each one might be like a puffin?”
• Critical Thinking:  Write the names of objects on note cards; allow children in small groups or independently to connect them and explain why (you will need to think through this ahead of time to make sure there is one or more connections)
• Writing:  Using the objects provided or creating their own object links, write a story that parallels Nothing like a Puffin
• Similes:  Teach or reinforce the concept of similes (because they are also focused on similarities); children can practice identifying them or creating their own
• Other Resources on the Internet: 
• Teacher Bits and Bob has a beautiful Arctic Life: Math and Literacy Centers unit 
• Other books on arctic animals are also highlighted on this blog

This post is linked with the Sunday Showcase at Mom to 2 Posh Lil Divas.  Check out  this LINK with dozens of great ideas you can do at home with your kids.  

NonFiction Monday: Built for Cold, Arctic Animals

Built for Cold: Arctic Animals is another amazing series by one of my favorite non-fiction publishers:  Bearport.  There are six books in this collection: 

·         Arctic Wolf: The High Arctic

·         Caribou:  And Reindeer Too

·         Polar Bear:  Shrinking Ice

·         Sled Dog:  Powerful Miracle 

·         Walrus:  Tusk Tusk  

·         Wolverine: Super Strong   

While reading about both exotic and familiar animals, student will also learn about the frigid Arctic temperatures and habitat.  The sizeable, lively photographs are appealing while the text is enticing.  The authors balance personal stories and experiences with general interesting facts.  The independent reading level is third grade, but children of all ages will enjoy these remarkable book.  I read two books in the series:

                                                                        

Sled Dogs: Powerful Miracles (by Stephen Person) 

I was already familiar with sled dogs, but I learned so much more in this selection!  By beginning with a anecdote about a sledding dog who went blind, I was immediately engrossed. Then, there is a shift to the history and physical attributes of these amazing creatures. The final sections are on contemporary racing preparations and experiences with several specific heroic and remarkable stories (miracles) sprinkled in. 

Wolverine: Super Strong (by Joyce Markovics) 

I learned a lot about the mysterious and fascinating wolverine.  Since they are solitary animals, they are rarely spotted in the remote, frozen places they roam non-stop.  These scavengers serve a vital role in the frozen tundra.  There are some wonderful sections on their habitat, relatives, physical characteristics, communication, mating & young, and finally, their future. 

Each book is finished off with some fast facts on the animal.  More Arctic animals are briefly highlighted to foster and to expand interest in a variety of related creatures.  Finally, a glossary, bibliography, and reading suggestions round the books out.   Visit the Bearport Publishing site and click on any of the title links for a sneak peek into the books to further illuminate their excellent photographs, engaging text, and impeccable layout.  This series is an excellent accompaniment to a formal unit or a causual study of animals, geography, or the Arctic. 

Celebrate Non-Fiction Monday by checking out other great selections at Apples with Many Seeds. 

Picture Book (Science): The Glaciers are Melting (by Donna Love)

Summary of The Glaciers are Melting: 

As Peter Pika sticks his head out of the rock entrance to his home, a drop of water falls on his head.  Just as Chicken Little is convinced the sky is falling when an apple falls on his head, Peter Pika is sure the glaciers are melting when he feels that drop.  The little pika ventures off to find the Mountain Monarch to ask him what they should do.  As he journeys, many friends join him—Tammy Ptarmigan, Sally Squirrel, Mandy Marmot, and Harry Hare.  Each of the five friends is fearful of how the glaciers’ melting will affect them.  While they are resting, Wiley Wolverine sneaks out from behind the rocks and convinces them they are going the wrong way.  Before the Wiley Wolverine traps them in his lair, the Mountain Monarch comes to the animals’ rescue.  Unfortunately, he cannot help them stop the glaciers from melting. 

Evaluation:

Donna Love cleverly uses the Chicken Little story framework to bring to the surface a genuine environmental threat.  After the Mountain Monarch reveals to the animals they cannot do anything to stop the glaciers from melting, Peter Pika delivers the final question: “But who?”  Parents and teachers can use it as an opportunity to discuss ways humans can make more responsible choices, such as recycling, carpooling, and turning unnecessary lights off.  The striking pictures (which I can't help but keep looking at over and over again) by Shennen Bersani illustrate the arctic habitat and the creatures who live there—many of which are not familiar animals to young children.  Using the resources provided by Sylvan Dell as well as Internet and library ones, children can research with their parents and learn more about these threatened animals and their habitat.  As you read together, discuss the alliteration in all the names (same beginning sound).  Brainstorm other words or find ones in the book with the same beginning sound.  Use a Venn Diagram to compare/contrast Chicken Little to The Glaciers are Melting!  Children can also participate in choral reading as key phrases are repeated in the text.  The appealing characters, vivid pictures, and familiar framework make this book ideal for children ages 3-9. 

As with all of Sylvan Dell’s picture books, there are activity pages in the back of the book, an across the curriculum teacher’s guide, and other resources at their website.  Also, Teacher Bits and Bobs has a beautiful Arctic Life:  Math and Literacy Centers unit.


For other books on arctic animals highlighted on Books4Learning, click HERE.