The Rubber Duckie Award is given weekly to a piece of children's literature that has caught my attention
January 29th, 2011 Rubber Duckie Winner is.............
I'm not choosing this book because our current president wrote it (or had a part in writing it.) But rather, I'm choosing it for its content and illustrations. The basic gist of the book is a heartfelt letter to the Obama young ladies from their dad, naming many reasons why they should feel proud to be a part of this country. I liked it because it shows many influential people from our country's history that kids should know about....and it isn't just the regular names and faces. I don't want to give too much more away because I think you should find a copy of your own. Enjoy the weekend!- JC
January 21st, 2011 Rubber Duckie Winner is...
It seems fitting that the book I choose for the first ever Rubber Duckie Award is by far my favorite children's novel. It also happens to be the book I just finished reading to my students this week, so it's on my mind a lot lately. This little gem was written by a local Minnesota author, Kate DiCamillo, who is also known for Because of Win Dixie and The Tale of Despereaux.
In short, here is what you need to know about this book and why you and your family should read it;
* It is written in such a way that kids are wondering about the "realness" of the main character, Edward, through the whole story.
* Excellent vocabulary enriches the adventure by creating intricate details and descriptions
* There are many opportunities for an adult reader to add voices to the story if they are comfortable. I personally choose only to do the voice of the witch in a story that is told to Edward's first owner
* The many transitions, owners, names and outfits Edward has in this story lend to great sequencing conversation. It is really fun to see which part of Edward's life sticks with certain children.
* And last but not least....the ending is phenomenal. When I read the last two pages to myself the first time, I gasped. That is exactly what every child does when I read it to them as well.
From Scholastic.com;
From Scholastic.com;
Interest Level:
3 - 5 (I read it to First Graders)Grade Level Equivalent:
4.5Lexile® measure:
700LDRA:
40Guided Reading:
QBook Type:
Chapter BookGenre/Theme:
- Adventure
- Fables, Folk Tales and Myths
Topics:
- Compassion
- Feelings and Emotions
- Friends and Friendship
