Thursday, February 21, 2013

Meet the Authors: Tomie dePaola and Roald Dahl

Strega NonaTomie dePaola has written and illustrated over 250 books in the past 40 years.  He lives with his dog, Bronte in New Hampshire and does his work in a 200 year old renovated barn.  He has received several awards for his books including Caldecotts and Newbery honors.  He has received a 
handful of honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious universities including, Georgetown.  Go to www.tomie.com to find out even more about Tomie.

Kindergarten through Second Grade enjoyed the video of Tomie's book, Strega Nona.  This is a story told to Tomie when he was a boy.  He loved the story so much he made the story into a book when he was an adult.



Charlie and the Chocolate FactoryRoald Dahl has been labelled the most successful children's writer in the world.  His first books were published in the 1960's and are still popular today with young readers.  Some of his books have been made into movies, musical works and stage productions.  He was born in 1916 and died in 1990. For more information on Mr. Dahl visit his website at www.roalddahl.com.

Third and Fourth Grade wondered if sweet, poor, young Charlie would ever get one out of five golden tickets to visit Willy Wonka's Factory as excerpts from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were read to them during story time.

Boy: Tales of Childhood
Fifth and Sixth Grade were read a section of the autobiographical tale of Roald Dahl's childhood, Boy.  I couldn't resist sharing the chapter titled, The Great Mouse Plot when Roald and some school friends
find a dead mouse and Roald devises a plan to drop it in a jar of Gobstoppers at the candy shoppe run by an old woman with dirty hands.  Oh, the suspenseful dare!  Will he do it?  Roald will become a hero among his friends if it works but, oh, the other consequences of his actions may be miserably unbearable!  Read the book to find out what Roald and his friends do.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Valentine Books


For Valentines week we read three fun books.

Truelove
For grades K-2, we read: True Love by Babette Cole. In true Love when a new baby arrives, Truelove the puppy must teach his family that there is enough love to go around. This book also teaches the children what love feels like and what it is to give love.
Destiny Quest







 Raymond and Graham Dancing DudesFor Grades 3-4 we read: Raymond and Graham Dancing Dudes by Mike Knudson.  This book starts out just before valentines day.  Fourth grade best friends Raymond and Graham are looking forward to valentines day writing poems to the girls they like on their valentines.  The are also looking forward to the annual school hoedown until Raymond learns that his partner will either be the most annoying girl in class or his teacher. The students couldn't stop laughing as this book was read.
Destiny Quest




Tuck EverlastingFor Grades 5-6 we read: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbett.  The Tuck family is confronted with an agonizing situation when they discover that a ten-year-old girl and a malicious stranger now share their secret about a spring whose water prevents one from ever growing any older.
Destiny Quest



 

The student also had a chance to write down their favorite book and put it in our valentines box.  We will compile the list of Bella Vista Students favorite books and post the lists next month.  Please feel free to stop by the media center and take a look at what the students at Bella Vista are reading. 


Tuesday, February 12, 2013

First Completely Digital Public Library in Texas - What do you think?

Bella Vista Elementary's Educational Technology Specialist, Sallie Warnecke sent this link via email. The article is worth reading.  It sure got the wheels turning in my head.  Ebooks are changing how we read books and the future of libraries' offerings. In my opinion, ebooks are the trend and have their place but I hope they will not completely replace physical books.  There is something bonding and identifying with a book when holding it and turning its pages as it is read.

What is your opinion? It would be interesting to hear other opinions on ebooks and the future of libraries, feel free to comment if you would like.

From Sally Warnecke:


Is this the library of our kids' future?


Texas set to open the first completely digital public library later this month!  I find this to be very thought-provoking…and look, they're all macs!  :)