Positive Themes in Children’s Literature

By Elaine Segner

When I was young I never had high self-esteem. My life was constantly hounded with children teasing me for the way I look and making fun of me because I was “different.” Because of those experiences, I want to provide my future students with a positive environment that allows them to see the potential that they each have. I know that I will not be able to protect them from everything negative, but I want to build them up and show them what amazing children they can be. I believe that books play an important part in a child’s development; therefore, books have a very active role in helping children determine positive attributes. I have put together a collection of my top twenty positive children’s books that can be used in a future classroom.

Choi, Yangsook. (2001). The name jar. Dragonfly Books.

Yangsook Choi is the author of this positive fiction book. Unhei, a girl from Korea, moves to the United States with her family. The first day of school arrived and Unhei was nervous. On the bus ride to school many children made fun of her for her name because they could not pronounce it. When she arrived at school her teacher asked her to introduce herself and she told the class that she has not thought of one yet. The students start writing names for her and adding to the jar that sat on the desk. In the end she discovers that her name is

beautiful and that her name defines who she is. This book presents the theme that it is okay to be who you are. This book has literary quality because it has a timeless theme that is relatable to all and also tells the truth of the human experience.

Classroom Connections

This book can be easily applied in your classroom curriculum. This book stresses the value a name can have. Have your students do a project where they discover what their name means and why they received it. Have them look online at websites such as www.behindthename.com or www.babynamesorigins.com to discover what their name means. After that have the students ask their family members questions about why they were named that and how they got their name (If you have students that might not have parents or was adopted, have them guess why they got their names. Allow them to be creative and come up with a story.) Then they can make a book where they…

1. Describe what their name means. 2. Explain how they received their name. 3. Explain why their name is important to them Another activity is a math lesson where the students actually calculate how much their name is

worth. This was taken from the website, Utah Education Network. Lesson plan is attached at the end of pamphlet entitled, How Much Is a Name Worth?

Andreae, Giles. (1999). Giraffes can’t dance. Orchard Books. Giraffes can’t dance was written by Giles Andreae and beautifully illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees. Giraffes can’t dance presents the theme of believing in yourself even though others might doubt you. Gerald, a giraffe who lives in the safari, had many talents but when it came to dancing he wasn’t very good. Every year the animals in Africa hold a Jungle Dance. Gerald wanted nothing more than to dance, but the other animals made fun of him. Then a wise cricket talks to Gerald and through their conversation Gerald learns to find the

dancing rhythm within himself and trust that he can do it. This book presents a positive message to children about believing in themselves. The timeless theme and beautiful illustrations that add to the text, qualify this book as a “quality” read.

Self Esteem/ Discovering Self

Classroom Connections The cover of the book depicts a giraffe dancing. This idea was taken from Deep Space Sparkle’s website. Have the students make beautiful art like the cover. Have the students draw the giraffe in a dance move. Then have them color the background to match the cover of the book. Have them write a story to go along with the picture. This next idea was taken from the website www.tes.co.uk . Gerald wants to perform in the Jungle Dance. Have the students design a poster to advertise the Jungle Dance. Explain that it should be colorful and it should point out all of the things you can do there. The book also is told through rhymes. Explain what a rhyme is and have the children point out the rhymes in the book. Have them write a story using rhyming words.

Kann, Elizabeth and Victoria. (2007). Purplicious. HarperCollins Publishing. Purplicious was written by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Pinkalicious loves the color pink. All she wants to use is the color pink until one day some girls in class make fun of her for using pink. “Pink is Passé!” the girls say. Pinkalicious feeling embarrassed and upset decides she wants nothing to do with the color pink. Throughout the book Pinkalicious realizes that she loves pink and through the help of another young girl she sees the magic that the color pink can have.

This book presents the theme that it is okay to be yourself even though others might not think it is cool. This book presents a timeless theme and also provides the truth of the human experience therefore qualifying this as a “good” read. Classroom Connections In the end of the book Pinkalicious discovers that when you add pink to blue you get purple. Teach the children about primary and secondary colors. Explain that by mixing primary colors you can get secondary colors. Have the students create color wheels to remind them of what colors make what. Pinkalicious loves the color pink so much her room is covered in pink. This activity was taken from the website www.readtomelv.com . Have the students pick their favorite color and have them design a room only using that color. They can use different shades of the color but the room has to be only one color. Have the students then write a letter to Pinkalicious explaining how much they loved her pink room that they decided they were going to make their room their favorite color. Have them describe their room to Pinkalicious.

Laube, Sigrid. (2005). The flower ball. Pumpkin House. The Flower Ball was written by Sigrid Laube and illustrated by Silke Leffler. This positive fictional picture book presents the theme that it is okay to be you. This books main character is a guy named cauliflower who wants nothing more than to go to the flower ball. But there is one problem, he is a vegetable. He asks a bunch of other vegetables to go with him but each one rejects his invitation and tells him that no flower will like him and that he should not go to the ball. One girl named

Carrot finally goes with him to the ball. Once there, many flowers are unhappy that a vegetable has

Accepting Differences/ Cultural

crashed their party. In the end each group of people, Flowers and Vegetables, learn that they can get along and learn that although they are both different they can each work together. This book has literary quality because it has a timeless theme of self-acceptance. Classroom Connections This book can easily connect to a classroom lesson through teaching diversity. Explain to students that although we are all people on earth, we all might do some things differently just like the vegetables and the flowers. Break your classroom into groups. Have each group write down things that we do in America (Things include holidays, celebrating birthdays, what we eat, etc.). Then assign each group a country and have them explore the customs and compare them to those of America. This would be a good lesson to allow the students to open their minds to other countries and see a world beyond their own. This next idea was provided by the publishers of the book, The Pumpkin House website. This would be a great idea at the beginning of the year to get to know the students in your classroom and also to allow the students to get to know each other.

Celebrating our Unique Differences (20 minutes) This is a short activity that can energize the idea that we are all different but also share some similarities.

1. Read the Flower Ball 2. Hand out individual notecards to students. 3. Ask each student to write down something that makes them unique, without putting their

name on the card. 4. Put each anonymous notecard on a large sheet of paper for all students to read. Point out that

a lot of people are different. Also point out that some students have the same unique characteristic.

5. Create the idea that within the functioning class of people who all work together and cooperate, there are a lot of differences and similarities.

6. Have each student bring in one item to the class that educates their classmates about their unique qualities. Encourage students to share their heritage, family traditions, interesting food that they might eat at home. As the teacher, bring something in about yourself also, to encourage participation and intrigue.

Fox, Mem. (1997). Whoever you are. Harcourt Brace and Company. Whoever You Are was written by Mem Fox and beautifully illustrated by Leslie Staub. Throughout this book the reader looks at different people from around the world. The author begins by writing differences that we as people all have. Skin, Homes, Schools, lands are all examples of things that are different in our lives. In the end the author resolves our differences by stating that although we all have

differences we all know pain, and we all know happiness and that can be spread around the world. This book presents the theme of cultural diversity and that it is okay to be who you are. It also presents the idea that we need to open our eyes to things that might be happening around the world. This book has literary “quality” because of how the book brings awareness to self and to others.

Classroom Connections This book does a great job representing children and people from around the world. To further the learning have the children each look up a country. Then have the students create a paper doll which represents that country. They can decorate the paper doll with the clothes that they wear and the students should also create one thing that the paper doll can hold in their hands demonstrating something that the country is known for. For example if I was creating a girl from Japan I would dress the doll in a Kimono because that is what they wear in Japan. Then the girl could be holding sushi, a paper lantern, a cherry blossom, or other things represent Japan. After the dolls are created have a world fair where each child gets to talk about their country and their paper doll. Another way to use this book is with Venn diagrams. Have the students get with a partner. Then they will create a Venn diagram. One of the circles would be the first child and the other circle is the second. Then have them write things that are similar and their differences. Once finished have the children discuss in a large group what they discovered about each other and one thing that they want to learn more about the other person.

McBratney, Sam. (2006). Yes we can!. Harper Collins Publishers. The book Yes We Can was written by Sam McBratney and illustrated by Charles Fuge. This positive fiction book presents the theme that we are all different and we all have a special purpose in life. The story begins with our three Main Characters Little Roo, Country Mouse, and Quacker Duck. The three friends were excited to play together. They were having a great time until one exclaimed “I know something you can’t do. You can’t jump over a big, big log.” Each animal began to boast that they could do things that

others could not. After many attempts the animals get upset and no one was happy. Little Roo’s Mother comes along and explains that yes we are all different and we can do things that others might not be able to do, but we all have things that make us special. This book gives a positive message to children and is a timeless theme. This book also expands awareness to self as well as others. The author is also well known for writing children’s books. Sam McBratney is the author of other books such as Guess How Much I Love You and I Love it When You Smile. All of these things add to the literary “quality” of the book. Classroom Connections This book provides a very powerful message to children that they can do things that others may not be able to do Have the students make a “Yes I can” collage. They can cut out pictures from a magazine showing things they can do and then they will glue them on to a piece of paper. Have the students discuss in class how they feel seeing things that they can do. Have them discuss with each other what This book would also make a good science project. Have the students compare different animals by creating a Venn diagram of different animals and what they can do. This would be a good lesson to talk about differences in animals and different animal groups such as mammals and reptiles.

Standing up for self/

Bullying

O’Connor, Jane. (2011). Fancy nancy and the mean girl. HarperCollins Publishing. Fancy Nancy was written by Jane O’Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser. Fancy Nancy’s school was preparing for a field day. She was not looking forward to it because every year she ends up being in last place because she cannot run as fast as the other girls. This year Nancy was paired up with Grace, a girl who is constantly making fun of Nancy and saying mean things behind her back. Fancy Nancy tries to fake being hurt but a talk with her father helps her realize that she should try her best. Fancy Nancy stands up for herself and although she

ends up losing the race, she felt good about herself and made a new friend. The theme of standing up for yourself and always trying your best allows this book to have a timeless theme. This book has many elements that would classify it book as a good read. One example is the vivid words that they use in the book. These words like sob, dread, and appetite are all words that Fancy Nancy defines in her book. This book also tells the truth about the human experience by presenting realistic characters and situations. Classroom Connections One reader-response activity that you can do is have the students write a story about a time they stood up for something or a time where they stood up for themselves. Encourage the students to use fancy words like Fancy Nancy did. Another reader-response activity you could do is have the children write a letter to Fancy Nancy telling her how they thought she was brave for standing up for herself in the book. Encourage the students to use fancy words in their letters, and you might even teach the children some French words because Fancy Nancy thinks that French words are great. This would be a good time to teach them how to write and address a letter aswell.

Penn, Audrey. (2008). Chester Raccoon and the big bad bully. Tanglewood Press. Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully was written by Audrey Penn, the well-known author of the book The Kissing Hand, and illustrated by Barbara L. Gibson. Chester Raccoon and his brothers are being bullied by another raccoon Ronny. After explaining how scared they are to their mother she asks them to gather their friends and bring them to their house after school. Once at the house Mrs. Raccoon tells the children a story about a blue stone that was rough around the

edges and how all of the animals worked together to help make it as shiny and as round as the other rocks were. After listening to this story all of the friends pull together to help make Ronny as “shiny and round” as all of the other friends. This book tackles the issue of bullying and provides many students and children with ideas to help stop bullying. This book presents a timeless theme that many people can relate to. The illustrations are also beautiful and add to the text of the book. These elements in the book add to the “Quality” of this literature and help classify this book as a good read.

Classroom Connections Tanglewood books, the publishers of the book Chester Raccoon and the Big Bad Bully, provided two worksheets that future teachers can use with the classroom (attached at end of handout titled Get rid of the bully!). Although it is important to stress that we should show kindness and empathy to those who may bully, this should not be the only thing that is done in the classroom. Spend time talking about other ways to handle a bully and what to do if the student ever feels bullied. Another idea is to follow up on the book by talking about bullying. Identify the different types of bullying and ways that the students can prevent it from happening, or to stop it. When preparing the lesson visit Barbara Coloroso’s website http://kidsareworthit.com/ . Coloroso offers insight on the different types of bullying as well as prevention methods for the bystander, and victim. Once you teach about ways they can stop bullying, have them write an oath or a pledge to do something when it comes to bullies.

Rathmann, Peggy. (1995). Officer buckle and gloria. Penguin Putnam Books. Peggy Rathmann is the author of this funny fictional book on safety. Officer Buckle and Gloria present the theme that rules are important to follow and they are there for a reason. Officer Buckle is a security officer who teaches at elementary schools. He is always thinking about new safety rules, but every time he goes to the elementary school no one cares to listen to any of them, that is until Gloria arrives. Gloria, the

police dog, brings the show to life by animating everything the officer says and the children take notice. Everything is going well until Officer Buckle sees that all of the children are focused on Gloria and not him. He decides to miss the next assembly at school, but unfortunately later that day a huge accident occurs because no one remembered the rules. In the end everyone learned to follow the rules. This funny fictional book teaches children the importance of following the rules. The books illustrations are amazing and truly add to the text. There are some things you see in the illustrations that you will not hear about in the text. This book also tells the truth of the human experience because everyone needs to follow the rules and if they don’t things might not turn out pleasant. Classroom Connections Police officers can offer good rules and tips for us to stay safe. For this book invite a police officer to come talk at your school about safety at school, home, and other places. They can offer good insight on keeping children safe from strangers and wearing seatbelts. This would also be good to do in a whole, so the whole second grade or whichever grade you teach. Another idea is to make safety boards. Have the students get into groups and have them pick a safety rule and expand on it. They can choose a rule from the book or think of it on their own. Have them write the rule, explain what the rule means, explain why we should not do it, and how they can stay safe. Write these rules on stars and post them on the walls of your classroom as reminders to the students.

Safety/ Following Rules

Cuyler, Margery. (2001). Stop drop and roll. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. Stop Drop and Roll was written by Margery Cuyler and illustrated by Arthur Howard. This fictional picture book addresses fire prevention and safety. Jessica worries about everything. One day at school Jessica’s teacher talks to the children about fires and what to do if one ever happens at school. Jessica begins to worry about fires. She goes home and stresses to her family that they need to have all of the preparations ready in case there is a fire. Later at school Jessica’s

teacher asks her to show the school how to stop drop and roll. Jessica is worried because she does not remember what she has to do. At home Jessica learns how to stop drop and roll because of some birthday candles she mistook for a fire. This book presents a good theme on being prepared around fires. This book tells the truth about the human experience through Jessica. This book also presents a timeless theme that people should know. Fires are something that should be prepared for. Classroom Connections Have the students learn the fire escape plan in your classroom and have them locate all of the things that are needed for a fast exit. Refresh the students memories on the process of stop drop and roll. You can also invite a firefighter to come to the school and talk about fire safety. This would be a good idea for a whole grade level. The children will enjoy learning about fire safety from a real fire fighter. Have the students go home and interview their family for a fire safety plan. Have them draw an escape route from their house in case of a fire. Have their family start an emergency kit in their home that they can easily grab in the case of an emergency. Then have them perform a fire safety drill like Jessica did with her family in the book.

Bottner, Barbara. (2003). Scaredy Cats. Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers. Scaredy Cats was written by Barbara Bottner and illustrated by Victoria Chess. What if you were too scared to do anything? That is the question that is explored throughout this book. In the book we follow a family of cats. These cats were too scared to do anything. One day they wake up shivering because

the window is open, but Mrs. Scaredy Cat says “But I am scared of closing the window. It may fall on my fingers. They will turn blue.” The cats are so scared all they do is sit on the couch all day and do nothing. Then the son cat learns that although bad things can happen to us, good things can happen too and that they should not turn down every opportunity they have to do things fun or they will not be happy. In the end the book teaches children that it is okay to be scared but you should not stop doing things because you might get hurt. It also teaches that sometimes good things can happen too, not just bad things. This book has a timeless theme and message that is easily relatable to people of all ages which makes this book a “quality” read.

Overcoming Fears

Classroom Connections Scaredy cat has some words in the book that might be unknown to the students in a first or second grade classroom. This book would present a good opportunity to have the students learn to use their context clues to figure out what they mean. Have the children write down the words and when they hear the word have them raise their hand. Read the sentence to them and have them use clues in the text to define the word. After everyone is done have groups of children discuss what they put or how they defined the words. Then give the definitions to the class. You can follow up with a vocab quiz or spelling test. The book Scaredy Cats was all about the cats finding courage. It did not come all at once and it took time. You could relate this to making a cake. They did not get courage all at once they had to slowly cook the cake, add the layers, and make the frosting. Have the students make a recipe for courage. Brainstorm with the class what it takes to have courage and what courage needs. After writing the list down give the students a recipe card. Have the students write exact measurements with what they need. Examples could include, ½ cup of hope, 6 cups of strength to do what is right, etc. The students would adjust the amount by what they believe the definition of strength is. Then Have the students write the directions on how to make courage. It might be helpful to show the students a recipe first so that they understand how a recipe works and what parts it needs to make it usable.

Couric, Katie. (2000). The brand new kid. Doubleday Publishing. The Brand New Kid was written by Katie Couric and illustrated by Marjorie Priceman. This book presents a theme of acceptance and overcoming the fear that school might have for a new student. It is the beginning of the school year and the students were excited to see how there year would turn out. A new kid moves into town and he is made fun of because he is different and he is new to the school. One day a girl named Ellie saw the boy’s mother crying because his son had no friends. This changed her idea of the boy. She invited them over and they both became friends. This book has a timeless theme that is relatable to

many because new people go to school every day. It also stays true to the literary plot through setting, rising actions, and resolutions that end in a positive manner. All of which add to the “quality of the book”. Classroom Connections Coming to a new school can be difficult for some children. Have the children right and acrostic poem for the word welcome. For each letter of the word you would write a sentence that helps children fill welcome. This lesson can be done individually or it could be done a s a whole. Then you could decorate the poem and hang it in your classroom for everyone to see. Another lesson idea came from the website www.learningtogive.org. This is an organization who is trying to have children and youth make a difference in the world. This website has Role play situations that you could have groups of students act out. This would allow the students to see another perspective other than their own. •Situation: You are a new kid in school and the other kids are not talking to you. One student has looked at you like he or she might like to get to know you. •Roles: new kid, child who may be interested in getting to know the new kid

•Situation: There is a child at school who often plays alone at recess. She (or he) is in your class and seems pretty shy. You decided to play with her (him). •Roles: shy child, child who wants to play with him or her •Situation: Your two best friends teased a child. You know the child doesn’t play with anyone else. You don’t like what your friends are doing. •Roles: two teasing friends, teased child, child who doesn’t like to see his or her friends tease someone else •Situation: Someone new just came to your school. She moved here from another country and doesn’t speak much English. •Roles: new student, child who has been in the class for a while •Situation: There is a new child in school. He hits kids sometimes. Some kids stay away from him. You want to be his friend but you don’t want him to hit you. •Roles: new child who hits sometimes, child who wants to be a friend, a teacher •Situation: It is the first day of school. You say hello to one child who walks away. You see another child playing with something you like to play with. •Roles: child who is already playing, child who wants to play with the same materials

Donaldson, Julia. (2001). Room on the broom. Puffin Books Room on the Broom was written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. This fantasy story presents the theme that great things can happen by working together. Throughout the story the main character is this witch who is constantly dropping things from the sky. Everytime she goes down to receive her item she meets another critter who needs help. She offers to let them fly on her broom. In the end of the story a fiery dragon

comes to hurt the witch. All of the friends of the witch join together and save the day. This book sends a good message to children because children need help and through friends we can get that help. This book stays true to the literary plot therefore qualifying this as a “quality” piece of literature. Classroom Connections Room on the Broom is written in poem form. Have the children write their own fall poems in class. Once they have written out the poem, have them illustrate their poem like the book did and share it to the class.

The next idea was taken from the website http://www.tes.co.uk/home.aspx. This website is a free website that you can sign up for that will give you ideas for writing lesson plans and give you ideas that you might need. Begin reading the book to the children. Stop reading when you get to the part where the dragon is with the witch. Ask the children to predict what they think will happen next. Have the students get into groups and draw a picture of what they think will happen. Once they

Helping Others

finish you can have them act out their scene in front of the class or just present their idea. Finish the story.

Muth, John J. (2005). Zen shorts. Scholastic Inc.

Zen shorts was written by John Muth. This Zen childrens book presents several themes through the use of short tales that present ideas for children to think about. Stillwater, a huge panda bear, blows into the lives of Michael, Karl, and Addy one day. Each child begins to make friends with Stillwater. Throughout the book the children go to Stillwater for help and advice. Each time they come to him he tells them a short tale and allows the children to make their own decisions. This book presents the theme and the idea that we

need to take time to think about the choices we have made and to see different perspectives than our own. Some people see things differently and through apathy and thought we can come closer to understanding who they are. This book presents a timeless theme and positive insight for children. This book also brings awareness to self and to others by the short tales. These items qualify this book as a “quality” read. Classroom Connections This book uses the Japanese teachings of Zen. Read the book to the class and make sure to read the authors note because it contains important information on why he wrote this book and what it means. Learn about what it means to be Zen and why it is important to the Japanese culture. Have the students look at the Zen shorts and have them pick one and write about why it is important to them. Read the Zen shorts out loud to them without showing them the pictures. Have them pick one of the Zen shorts and draw a picture of what they see or think the story is about. Have the students show other students their work. Then have the students write their own story to match their illustration.

Muth, John J. (2008). Zen ties. Scholastic Press.

Zen Ties, a sequel to the book Zen Shorts, was written by John Muth. In this positive children’s book the children discover that through service comes love and appreciation for others. Stillwater’s nephew Koo comes into town to visit. While he is visiting the children come over to play with Stillwater. Stillwater tells them about an old lady in the neighborhood who is sick and needs some help. The children all recognize her name, Miss Whitaker. Miss Whitaker was the meanest lady on their street and the children were unsure if they wanted

to help. Through there service and guidance from Stillwater the children uncover the true Miss. Whitaker and grow love and compassion for her. This book presents a positive message to children to serve. Because of its timeless theme and beautiful illustrations that add to the text, this book qualifies as a “quality” read. Classroom Connections Stillwater’s nephew Koo only speaks in Haiku’s in the book. Read the book to the children and show them how Koo only speaks in a haikus. Demonstrate what a haiku is (a haiku is made up of three lines. The first line has five syllables the second line has seven syllables and the last line has only 5

syllables). Have the children write Haikus about why we should serve others or help people. Have them glue their Haikus onto panda bears to represent Koo in the book Zen Ties. Zen Ties is all about doing service and giving to others. Have the students brainstorm ways they can help others in need. To further this lesson look around to find a charity or service project that could benefit by having help (Writing letters to soldiers, Making care packages, Planting a tree, cleaning up the school’s playground, etc.). Encourage the children to help participate. Once service project is done have the students write about their experience and how they feel knowing that they helped someone in need.

Weninger, Brigitte. (2005). One for all-all for one. Penguin Young Readers Group.

One For All-All For One, was written by Brigitte Weninger and illustrated by Eve Tharlet. In this book all of the friends join together and help each other out. The story begins with a mouse named Max. Max is leaving his family to go out on his own and to explore the world. On his way he meets some friends who all have special talents and who are all different. Along the way a huge thunderstorm is coming and all of the friends work together to build a home for each other. In the

end they all realized that they have special gifts and they were grateful to have each other to help. This book has a timeless theme and presents the idea that we all can do something to help someone in need. This and many other features qualify this book as a “quality” read. Classroom Connections This book shows children that animals can work together. Have the students learn about some real animals that help each other live and survive. Have the students draw a picture explaining how the animals work together. In the book each child had a special element that helped them come together and serve one another. Have the students write in their journal one thing that makes them special. Have them write why they believe this helps them be helpful. To further this have the students for homework do one thing every day to help around the house and have them write down what they did and how it made everyone feel in the family.

Cannon, Janell. (1997). Verdi. Harcourt Brace and Company. Janell Cannon is the author and illustrator of this fictional book Verdi. Similar to Janell’s book Stellaluna, this book follows the life of a baby python whose skin is changing from yellow to green. This young snake does not want to grow up green. He is scared that he won’t be able to do the same things he can do now and did not like how all of the green snakes behaved and acted. Verdi decided he was going to do everything he could to stop

turning green. In the end of the book Verdi realizes that he cannot change what is happening to him

Accepting Change

and he learns to accept the change. He discovers that is not only bad but a lot of great things can come because of change as well. Besides from the stunning illustrations by Janell Cannon, this book uses vivid language and onomonopia to bring the characters and atmosphere alive. This book also has literary integrity by staying true to literary elements such as plot, setting, and resolution. All of these elements add to the “quality” of the book. Classroom Connections This book is a great resource in which students can learn more about snakes. Read the book aloud to the students. Then read the snake notes that Janell Cannon added at the end of her book. Explain that there are many snakes in the world. Each student will choose a snake. The students will research the snake and find out facts. Then the students will create a diorama depicting where that snake lives, and what the ecosystem is like. This book could also be used to in creating an art project. Create a paper plate snake. To do this, begin in the center and draw a spiral all the way around looping many times. Then have the students decorate their snakes using patterns that they have researched or learned. Then have the students write a story about their snake and hang in the classroom.

Keller, Laurie. (2007). Do unto others a book about manners. Henry Holt Publishings. Laurie Keller is the author of this fun positive children’s book on manners. This book explores the theme that we should do unto others as we would like to be treated. The books main character is a bunny that lives in the forest. He is hopping along one day when he discovers that he has new neighbors, the otters. He begins to get nervous because he doesn’t know what otters are like and what they do. Then

he remembers the golden rule, “Do unto otters as you would have otters do unto you.” The main character goes through many manners and learns what it truly means to use his manners. This book has many qualities that add to the literary value of this book. First the illustrations add to the text. The illustrations truly do make this a good read and there are many surprises inside the illustrations. This book also has a timeless theme that is easily relatable. Do unto others is a simple theme that many will understand after reading this book. Classroom Connections This book provides many opportunities for further learning. One example of an activity that a teacher can do is create a wall titled, good things done for otters. Have cut outs of otters ready for this activity. Throughout the week or however long the wall will be up, students can write down positive things they see others doing on an otter cutout. Then the teacher can read them to the class and hang them on the otter wall when done. This is a great activity to do because not only are students gaining self-esteem by helping others, they are also noticing all of the good things the students are doing instead of focusing on the negative. This following lesson plan idea was found on the Scholastics website. Have the students create a golden rule comic strip. Provide students with a strip of paper that is broken up into different

Manners

sections like a comic strip. Then have students draw a scene in which someone follows the golden rule. Have them then tell their comic to another student orally. Then have them color and add quote bubbles to their comics.

Henkes, Kevin. (1996). Lilly’s purple plastic purse. Greenwillow Books. Kevin Henkes is the author and illustrator of the books Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Lilly loves school and she especially loves her new teacher Mr. Slinger. She loved him so much that she wanted to be just like him. She wanted to be a teacher, and she even wanted to have the same glasses he had. One day Lilly got a brand new purple purse. She was so excited that she interrupted Mr. Slinger while he was teaching to tell the whole class what a great purse she had. Mr. Slinger was not happy and had to take the purse away. Lilly was upset and mad at Mr. Slinger but after talking with her mother and father she

realized she should not be. She apologized and once again loved school. Lilly learned that she was not being trustworthy, because she was not doing what other people asked her to do. Lilly also learned that there is a time and a place for everything and just because the teacher had to take something away, they still wanted the best for her. This book presents a timeless theme that is adaptable to all age levels. This book was also written by an author who knows children’s books and knows children because he has written several books. These elements classify the book as a good read. Classroom Connections Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse, had to do with trustworthiness. Many other books that Kevin Henkes has written can easily be applicable to character counts. Attached is a handout that explains the books that go with each character count as well as a student sentence to help students make connections to the book. Lilly had some money in her purple purse as well. This idea was taken from http://www.teachingheart.net/kevinideasl.html . Have the students complete a worksheet that deals with money (attached). The students have to match the coin with the right amount and then at the end they have to circle the one that has the amount that Lilly had in her purse.

This next idea was also taken from http://www.teachingheart.net/kevinideasl.html . This idea was provided by Marie McCombs/Illinois:

Model letter writing with students, using the parts of a letter from the labels on Lilly's body. The heading goes at the head. The salutation label appears at the mouth. The body is the middle part of the letter and the middle part of the mouse. The closing refers the clothes Lilly wears. All parts of the letter follow from the head down.

After modeling the letter, have students write their own letter to Mr. Slinger. After writing, students can share their letters and the feelings they used in their letters that relate to the feeling that Lilly had in the story.

Trustworthiness

You can also have a fun craft project by having the children create their own purses like Lilly’s Perfect purple purse.

Rankin, Laura. (2007). Ruthie and the not so teeny tiny lie. Bloomsbury U.S.A. Children’s books. Ruthie and the not so teeny tiny lie was written and illustrated by Laura Rankin. This book presents the theme that we should always tell the truth even if we wan’t something really bad. Ruthie loved small things. One day on the playground she found a small camera and she had to have it. She loved it so much until Martin saw what she had and told her “Hey that’s my camera!” Ruthie did not want to give up the camera so she lied. The rest of the day she

felt horrible and after talking with her parents she knew what she had to do. She told the teacher and apologized to Martin and felt much better. This book presents a timeless theme that is relatable to all. The illustrations are also beautiful and add to the text. These features qualify this book as a “quality” read. Classroom Connections This book can also be used in teaching the character counts trait of trustworthiness. You can read this book to the class and have them write sentences on how they learned to be trustworthy, Have the children create a cause and effect map of what happens when we tell the truth and what happens when we don’t(Have the students fold their paper into different sections, then for each section have them think about what happened to Ruthie when she told the truth. Then in each one of the boxes have them list one thing that could have happened because she told the truth. Then have the children illustrate each sentence. Have them flip their paper over and do the opposite or what happened when she didn’t tell the truth). Have them use the book to help them make connections.

*Clipart was taken from the book Cut and Copy: Scrapbook Starter Ideas for the Early Years by Dianne J. Hook. This book is a clipart book and grants permission to cut and copy clipart to the owner of the book.

Telling The Truth