Caldecott Award

Falconer, Ian. Olivia. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2000. Print.

Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction
Olivia, a fictional female pig, has daily adventures: dressing, dancing, making sand castles, and making a mess in her room, all before bedtime.

Olivia is a typical little girl, full of imagination and energy. Most children, even boys, will relate to her.

This story is great for story time because so many children have the same experiences.

I would use this book to introduce timelines. What do you do in a typical day? What is first? Last? What would you do on a SPECIAL day?

Stead, P. C., & Stead, E. E. (2012). A sick day for amos mcgee. New York: Roaring Brook.

Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction

Everyday Amos, a sweet and gentle zookeeper, makes time to visit his animal friends at the zoo. But one day, he falls ill and he does not go to work. His friends worry about him and they surprise Amos at his home. The care that Amos gives his friends is reciprocated by the animals.

Because children cannot visit the zoo on a daily basis, they have a natural curiosity about what happens to the animals when they are not there. Imagine what zoo animals do before and after visiting hours!

Schertle, A. (2007). Very hairy bear. Harcourt Childrens Books.

Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction

The Very Hairy Bear has hair everywhere BUT his nose. Every season, Bear’s nose helps him find food but in the winter, Bear has a problem. His nose cannot get warm. He needs to solve this problem so he can sleep in the winter.

This book introduces the four seasons in a gentle tone. The soft colors of the illustrations and the differing perspectives capture young children’s attention.

This book is best read to one or two children, in a soft voice, perhaps at bedtime.

Rathmann, P. (1995). Officer buckle and gloria. Putnam Juvenile.
Genre: Fiction - Realistic Fiction

Officer Buckle and his faithful partner Gloria give safety tips to Napville’s children. Unbeknownst to Officer Buckle, Gloria is adding her comedic spin to the presentations. After some reflection, Officer Buckle realizes out that some things are better with a buddy.

The vivid illustrations, funny episodes, and silly dog tricks are sure to engage children of any age.

This book could be shared during story time or with a large group but I would be sure to put in the classroom library so the illustrations could be fully explored.

Naturally, I would use this book at the beginning of the school year. I would have students brainstorm ideas for classroom safety and post their ideas on stars like the end pages. 

Scanlon, L., & Frazee, M. (2009). All the world. New York: Simon and Schuster.

Genre: Fiction - Poetry

This is a calming poem reassuring children that we are the world and the world is us. “All the world is all of us.”

I would share this book with young child during bedtime or story time for young children.

Make a connection with this book: Where else do we belong? What group do we belong to? (Ex: family, neighborhood, school, scouts, etc) Where do we spend time? Where do we visit?

Caldecott Award