The first graders are learning about the way the picture book section of the library is organized through lessons that feature different picture book authors. So far the works of author/illustrator Lois Ehlert, author/illustrator Mo Willems, and author Bill Martin, Jr. have been explored. Their books, along with all the other picture books, are shelved in alphabetical order by the first letter of the author’s last name. The children have practiced matching the letter stickers on assorted books to the signs on the shelves and putting books away.
When reading books by Lois Ehlert, the students noticed the author/illustrator’s unique artwork. She creates collages to illustrate her books. Many objects look so real that one has to touch the page to realize the objects are not there in 3-D!
Mo Willems is the author/illustrator of many popular books. His character Knuffle Bunny is featured in two award-winning books: Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale andKnuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity. The hilarious Pigeon is the star of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog, Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, and The Pigeon Wants a Puppy. After reading several of Mo Willems’ books, the students enjoyed playing the online game “Hot Dog Dress-Up!” (found at http://www.pigeonpresents.com/fun.aspx).
The works of Bill Martin, Jr. are noted for his use of rhyme and rhythm. Over the course of three weeks, the children explored Martin’s “bear books” (Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?, and Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?), his famous ABC book Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, his barnyard fantasy Barn Dance!, and his scary night-time tale The Ghost-Eye Tree. While reading Bill Martin’s books, the chidren learned the rhyme “Five Little Scarecrows.” They made scarecrow puppets and used them to act out the rhyme in the library’s puppet theater.