Traditional Literature: These stories have been passed down through generations, both orally and in written form.
Chicken Little Written and illustrated by Rebecca and Ed Emberly
Award: Parents Choice Award Reading Level: 1st and 2nd Grade Summary: This remake of the classic story Chicken Little is about a chicken who is convinced that the sky is falling. It is enjoyable and laughable with a twist ending! Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a math lesson on addition where students have to add each new character that comes along. It could also be used in a science lesson on animals, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and how they live and survive.
Little Red Riding Hood Written by Jerry Pinkney
Award: Notable Children’s Book Award Reading Level: 2nd and 3rd Grade Summary: This retelling of the classic tale, Little Red Riding Hood, is accompanied by impressive illustrations that bring the text to life. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a geography lesson that explores city and town maps and distances. It could also be used in a English Language Arts lesson as a Reader's Theater.
Puss in Boots A Free Translation by Charles Perrault Illustrated by Marcia Brown Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 4th and 5th Grade Summary: This story follows the life events of a young man and his cat. Throughout the story, the farmer is afraid he will starve because he owns no possessions but his cat, Puss. Puss reassures his owner that he will take care of him, if he will only get him a pair of boots. After he receives his boots, Puss uses his cat reflexes and skills to catch wild game for the king. He soon gains the favor of the king, and eventually helps his owner to become a very rich man who ends up marrying the princess. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used as a basis of a Social Studies lesson that explores the various socioeconomic classes in the United States. It could also be used in a lesson that focuses on various careers and their salaries.
Stone Soup Written by Marcia Brown
Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 2nd and 3rd Grade Summary: This witty story is about three hungry soldiers who, after being on the road and not eating for two days, stop in a town to ask for food and lodging. The villagers were not willing to share their food, so they resolved to act as though they had none. The soldiers suspected that something was up, so they contrived a plan to persuade the villagers to share. Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a home economics lesson that teaches students how to cook. It could also be used in a math lesson that makes use of measuring.
Strega Nona Written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola
Award: Caldecott Award Reading Level: 3rd and 4th Grade Summary: The story follows the events of a town witch (named Strega Nona), her helper, and her magic pasta pot. One day, her helper uses the pasta pot incorrectly, causing it to continuously pour out tons and tons of pasta. Can Strega Nona save the town before it is completely buried in pasta? Interdisciplinary Uses: This book could be used in a math lesson on area and length. It could also be used in a Social Studies lesson that explores Italian culture.