VIRGINIA READERS' CHOICE BOOKS ( 8-10-09):   
Each winter our students participate in the Virginia State Reading Association's Young Readers' Choice program.  During the 2008-2009 school year we used PTA book fair funds to buy two library sets of the Readers' Choice books.  Teachers shared the books and made sure that each class had a chance to read all of the them.  Every child voted for his/her favorite book and then each class made a poster charting their votes.  Posters were hung in the main hallway so that we could all see the different classroom favorites.  The school favorite was Once I Ate a Pie.  All of the books were in great demand at checkout time.  If you visit the public library, any of the Readers' Choice nominees would be excellent books to borrow for reading at home.  They would also be fine choices if you are purchasing books for your home libraries. 

At the time of this posting, the VSRA link to the 08-09 book list has not been activated.  It is usually working by the time school starts.

Some questions to discuss with children after reading these books are:

An enrichment activity would be to visit the public library to see what other books these authors/illustrators have published. Children can find things about the books that are similar and things about them that are different.

Enjoy your reading activities!  Check this page again for more news as the school year progresses.

Ms. Viscardi
(Mt. Daniel Librarian)

THE SHELF ELF ( 11-2-09):  
September and October library instruction introduces a character called the shelf elf.  Our Mount Daniel shelf elf is named Skoob, which is the word "books" spelled backwards. Skoob helps the children to learn about library manners and book care.  We have a Skoob doll and a book that he has "written" to enhance the library lessons.  One of our kindergarten activities is reading The Elves and the Shoemaker.  The version that we read at school is by Jim La Marche.  The Mary Riley Styles library has several different versions of this classic tale.  Students could borrow them and enjoy comparing the different books, noting what is alike and what is different. (We have noticed in school that some books have two boy elves but the La Marche version has a boy and a girl.)

WINTER STORYTIME FAVORITES ( 2-1-10):
During preschool library sessions we read all of the books in the Gossie & Gertie series by Oliver Dunrea.  These little books depict the adventures of a group of goslings, two of whom like to wear colored boots.  We did lots of wondering about geese and their habits as we read the different stories.  The books led to discussions about color, too.  These simple stories are rich in discussion topics and can lead to inquiry on many levels.  They are perfect for preschoolers.


Our kindergarten lessons included a very old series of books about Angus, a little black Scottie who has poor communication skills but a warm heart.  There are lots of things about the books that make us wonder, especially about Angus's attempts at making friends with other creatures. These timeless stories continue to charm children at Mt. Daniel, as they have for many years.  We have an Angus stuffed animal in the library and he watches over us as we enjoy his stories together.

The first graders' favorite book was a new title that supports their ecology studies.  It is called Squirrel Park by Lisa Campbell Ernst.  This story reminds us of Falls Church, where there are many trees and a lovely park.  It is longer than our usual story time selections, and we experimented with reading it in two library sessions.  The students liked the new timeline.   Lisa Campbell Ernst has many other books for young children, all with the same beautiful illustrations.  We will be reading some of them during library time this year. 

THE CALDECOTT MEDAL:
Each year the American Library Association has a committee that chooses one gold medal winner for the Caldecott Medal.  This award is given for the "most distinguished American picture book for children" and is a high honor in the field of children's literature.  There are also up to four silver Caldecott Medal winners, called Honor Books, each year.  At Mt. Daniel we study the Caldecott Medal and read many of the winners during library time.  Favorites are Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes for kindergarten and Snowflake Bentley  by Jacqueline Briggs Martin for first grade. As a follow-up activity, first graders enjoy looking at the Snow Crystals book that William Bentley created from his snowflake photographs. 


The ALA Web site has a list of Caldecott Medal gold and silver medal books.  They are excellent books to borrow from the public library or to give as gifts.