Finn MacCoul and His Fearless Wife A Giant Tale of a Tale from Ireland by Robert Byrd

 I own Tomie dePaola's version of this legend. 

The giant Finn MacCoul lives with his wife Oonagh on Knockmany Hill. As a chieftan of the Fianna, the Irish people respect him. While building a bridge to Scotland, Finn encounters a fierce Scots giant, Cucullin. Cucullin's plan is to "make paste of" Finn. Thankfully, Oonagh creates a clever plan to subdue Cucullin.

I love the big vibrant the illustrations.  

Read also Fin M'Coul: The Giant of Knockmany Hill by Tomie dePaola to compare. 

Consideration: Fairies and magic are the source of strength and aid in this story.

-Borrowed from the library.

What Music! by Laurie Lawlor illustrated by Becca Stadtlander*

 The Fifty-Year Friendship Between Beethoven and Nannette Streicher, who Built His Pianos

A fascinating story about Beethoven and Nannette from their early years until their deaths. The author shares information about them as individuals and then when their lives intersected. The flow and overarching thread seemed lacking at points, and sometimes the information seemed scant, but I am still highly recommending it because the story is unusual and inspiring.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed via ILL.

The Enchanted Book A Tale from Krakow by Janina Porazinska Translated by Bozena Smith illustrated by Jan Brett*

 A fascinating folk tale/fairy tale with rich illustrations by Ms. Brett

The miller's three daughters are beautiful. The eldest loves pretty things and looking at herself.  The middle daughter spends her days dancing. The youngest daughter is industrious and kind. When an elderly woman stays with them for the winter, she gives each of the daughters the opportunity to learn to read. Only the youngest daughter seizes the opportunity. An evil enchanter hears about the lovely daughters. He captures all three daughters. The youngest daughter, because of her ability to read, frees herself, her sisters, and seventeen other young ladies from a spell.

I borrowed this book because I wanted to view Ms. Brett's earlier art work. Her art has evolved. Contrasting this book with her more recent publications would prove to be an interesting activity.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

Of Walden Pond by Lesa Cline-Ransome illustrated by Ashley Benham-Yazdani*

 A fascinating contrast of the lives of  two men-Henry David Thoreau, an essayist and poet and Frederic Tudor, an entrepreneur. Both men utilize Walden Pond in different ways! 

Superb writing and clever text layout. An enjoyable way to learn about little-known piece of history

Beautiful illustrations with eye-catching layouts.

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

William Blake

 For this month's poetry pie, we read,annotated and discussed William Blake's two poems, "The Lamb" and "The Tyger".  

Books to use:

The Tyger illustrated by Neil Waldman

Poetry for Young People -William Blake edited by John Maynard illustrated by Alessandra Cimatoribus

-Borrowed from the library.

Tomie DePaola Christmas set

Read Aloud Revival celebrates Christmas by offering Christmas School! This year they have engaging activities to support the reading of the following books:

1. The Cat on the Dovrefell (my suggestion: pair with Jan Brett's Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?-a retelling of the same Norwegian tale. The author's two writing and illustrations differ greatly and provide the opportunity for a good discussion on their differences. The main story,however, is surprisingly the same!) *Highly recommend both books. 

2. Christmas Tree Book *highly recommend.

My son and I learned so many interesting facts about the tradition of Christmas trees. Especially appealing to me were the German tradition explanations. 

3. Christina's Carol -Tomie was in the middle of illustrating this picture book when he passed away. His publisher used various illustrations from his previous books to complete this book. RAR suggested identifying the books from where they pulled the illustrations. I plan to discuss the art term "medium" with my son when we read this book together. *Highly recommend because of the variety of art displayed  (and I love the poem/carol!).

4. Jingle The Christmas Clown-Jingle the little clown stays behind in a tiny Italian village that cannot pay the traveling circus for their annual Christmas show. Jingle remains behind so the little animals can rest. He brings much joy to the destitute villagers that Christmas Eve.

I own all of the books mentioned except for Who's That Knocking on Christmas Eve?

Gilgamesh A New Rendering in English Verse by David Ferry

 In iambic pentameter and couplets, Mr. Ferry relates the ancient tale of Gilgamesh.  His rendering makes the tale accessible to junior highers, high schoolers, and adults.  What a privilege to read literature from ancient times!  Readers will have a better understand of ancient cultures after reading this text.  I especially liked the section about the Mesopotamian flood.  

I read this aloud with my eleven-year-old.  We skipped some lines because of their depiction of sex.  

Reading response-compare/contrast the Mesopotamian flood to Noah's flood

Warning: harlot/prostitutes, description of sex and/or breasts a few times, mentions demons & many gods

-I own this book.

Cozy by Jan Brett

 Cozy, an Alaskan musk ox, is separated from his family during a storm.  Various creatures arrive to huddle under his comforting fur.  Can the different animals (which are sometimes enemies) be kind to each other in the close quarters all winter?

This book reminded me of Ms. Brett's The Mitten book.  To teach the concept of compare/contrast, compare this book to The Mitten.  

Once again her borders extend the story and also allow for the reader to predict the events on the next page. I especially liked the end pages which I think were depicting various types of lichen. 

Strategies: compare/contrast-venn diagram, predicting

-Borrowed from the library.

The Crossing DVD

Starring Jeff Daniels as George Washington, this movie depicts Washington's struggle and turmoil as he decides what to do a few days before Christmas and the day after in 1776.  The battle featured in this movie was The Battle of Trenton. 
My sons and I watched this after a couple of weeks studying the Revolutionary War.  We were able to compare its content to what we have learned.  We were disappointed how the movie portrayed George Washington-swearing and at one time vulgar.  According to David Adler's book (Heroes of the Revolution), Washington had ordered "no profane cussing, swearing or drunkenness" and required his men to attend religious services and pray to God for His help.   I also know he was a man of manners.  It is sad the movie chose not to exhibit these wonderful qualities. 
Not rated.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warnings: violence (My ten year old had to hide his eyes.)-battle scenes/close fighting with bayonets, mentions a general going to bed with a woman near his post most every night, lots of swearing, George Washington makes a vulgar comment about Henry Knox's testicles.

Finding Narnia The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother by Caroline McAlister illustrated by Jessica Lanan*

A sweet picture book about C.S. Lewis and his relationship with his brother-from childhood until he writes The Chronicles of Narnia.  I especially loved the illustrations where Ms. Lanan included book titles!!
Separately, the author and illustrator, provide explanations behind their research and work and more details about C.S. Lewis' life in the back.  Both ladies did a ton of research to write and illustrate this picture book.   Fans of Narnia and C.S. Lewis will find the notes interesting.
I would recommend this book for kids who have read the series or at least The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Sign of the Beaver DVD

Based on the novel by Elizabeth George Speare
93 minutes long
The movie followed the basic plot line of the book, but switched some aspects of the plot to make it more exciting.  The  movie also provides the "why" behind some events in the book (more details about when they were detained at the port because of the fever, why they were moving to this land).  I did not like how the movie focused on how Matt's mom had previous feelings about Matt's dad's brother.  This relationship was not mentioned in the book at all, and in my opinion, not necessary. 
My twelve-year-old did not like how the movie spent time on Matt's family's progress.  In the book, the reader only encounters Matt's dad in the beginning and then all of the family at the end.  The book focuses on Matt, his survival and his relationship with the Natives.
The book is better!!
Warning: a couple of "d-n"/swearing, the father accuses his wife of having feelings for his brother and regretting marrying him 
-Borrowed from the library.

Sergeant Billy by Mireille Messier illustrated by Kass Reich

The True Story of THE GOAT Who Went to War
On their way to training, Canadian soldiers stop at a prairie town and end up taking a girl's pet goat with them as a mascot.  They manage to smuggle "Billy" along with them.  Not only does Billy build morale, but he also helps capture an enemy and head-butts soldiers into a trench before a shell explodes.  He is sent home as a hero! 
Are there other children's books about World War I human heroes?  I have not read many, but hope authors are taking time to write about the men and women who sacrificed their lives.
-Borrowed from the library.
Pair with Stubby A True Story of Friendship by Michael Foreman (compare/contrast).

Birds of a Feather by Susan L. Roth

Bowerbirds and Me
Ms. Roth compares/contrasts herself to the creative bowerbird.
A perfect mentor book to model/reinforce compare/contrast and how to use a venn diagram.
Lots of information about Bowerbirds in the back.
Ms. Roth's collages are incredible.
-Borrowed from the library.

Everybody Paints!-The Lives and Art of the Wyeth Family by Susan Goldman Rubin

An interesting look at three generations of artists-N.C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth.
My nine year old and I paged through this book to view the different paintings and to observe the similarities and differences.
The reading would appeal to upper elementary/ middle school/high school students.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gondra's Treasure by Linda Sue Park illustrated by Jennifer Black Reinhardt

Gondra shares with readers what it is like to be a dragon with one parent from the east and the other parent from the west.  She learns to celebrate the diverse traits and qualities she has inherited from of her parents.
-Borrowed from the library.

Maya, Aztecs and Incas by Oldrich Ruzicka illustrated by Pavla Kleinova

First of all, this book's design is so fun! Its pages are shaped in a pyramid and layer by layer one can read it.
Lots of information about each empire.
This book intrigued my twelve year old.
Pair with DKFind Out!-Maya, Incas and Aztecs by Brian Williams
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

This Is How We Do It by Matt Lamothe

One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World
Mr. Lamothe asked actual children from around the world to record and describe their daily routines.  This book reveals how different yet similar we all are!
An unique, thought provoking book!
I liked how he included actual photographs of the children with their families at the back of the book.
Children represent the following countries: Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda and Russian.
-Borrowed from the library.

Traveling Man by James Rumford*

The Journey of Ibn Battuta, 1325-1354
I love the design, layout, and illustrations in this book.  Originally I borrowed this book for my nine year old to read to support our study of Medieval Africa, but I liked it so much that I had my twelve year old read it too!
Mr. Rumford shares the adventures and sights of Ibn Battuta as he travels from Morocco to China.  Ancient Arab maps and exquisite illustrations only enhance this book.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Comprehension idea: (Both my sons did this.) With a Venn diagram, compare/contrast Ibn Battuta's travels/adventures to Marco Polo's. 

The Legend of William Tell by Terry Small*

After we read The Apple and the Arrow,  I read aloud this narrative poem about William Tell and the Swiss revolt.
Lovely rhyming and beautiful illustrations and borders.
We enjoyed comparing and contrasting this poem to the chapter book we read about the same legend.
*Highly recommend.
-Pair with The Apple and the Arrow by Mary and Conrad Buff.
-Borrowed from the library.

What's the Difference by Emma Strack illustrated by Guillaume Plantevin

Originally published in France in 2015, this book compares two things that may seem very similar. 
It is divided into six categories: animals, food/drink, geography, fashion, human body, and city.

Facts about each item being compared are displayed across the bottom of the two pages.  A chart on the second page displays how they are different/same.
An awesome book when discussing comparing/contrasting.
-Borrowed from the library.