Fluffy's Valentines Day

Author/Illustrator: Kate McMullan/Mavis Smith

About the Author:

Kate McMullan was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1947. She grew up in a family that put a lot of emphasis on reading, so she was reading from a young age.  She has based her Fluffy stories on her two guinea pigs that have done a lot of interesting things.

Genre: Fiction/Holidays
Grade Level: 1-3

Synopsis:
Fluffy is the class pet in Mrs. Day’s class.  The class was making Valentine’s Day boxes to put cards and candy in. Fluffy was very jealous because none of the students were paying attention to him.  Every time someone showed their box to the class Fluffy would think something mean to himself. Once Valentine’s Day came the class brought over a box to Fluffy’s cage and inside there was a nice red apple for him and Fluffy was happy.  The students realized that Fluffy needed a bath.  Fluffy did not want one and he squirmed to get away.  Then he realized that relaxing in the nice warm bath was fun and did not want to get out. Later that day Mr. Lee brought his class over to Mrs. Day’s room and they had a Valentine’s Day party together.  They brought their guinea pig Kiss to play with Fluffy.  Kiss thought she was better than Fluffy and was bossing him around in his own play area.  The kids thought that the two guinea pigs would fall in love, but Fluffy knows they certainly did not.

Pre Reading Activity:

Before reading put the students into groups and have them to a think-pair-share to discuss what they book might be about. 

Post Reading Activity:

After reading have the students re write one part of the story.  They may choose which part they want to change but they have to write a new one that they will later share with the class.

Reflection:

I liked this book because it was a simple read and an interesting story.  This type of book gets children interested in reading and will make them want to read more often.

The Christmas Snowman

Author/Illustrator: Chris Angelilli/ Anne Kennedy

About the Author:

Chris Angelilli is a published American author. He has published books such as The Christmas Snowman and Wacky Witch.

Genre: Fiction/Holidays
Grade Level: K-1

Synopsis:
The Christmas Snowman is about two children, Nick and Carol who one morning decide they will build  a snowman. They named their snowman Chris because it was so close to Christmas time.  Chris, the snowman, did not know what Christmas was so he watched what Nick and Carol did with their family to find out.  Chris saw the family decorating, getting a tree, leaving milk and cookies for Santa and finally opening presents in the morning.  Chris thought Christmas was great only he wished that he was able to be with his family. Nick and Carol brought Chris out a present, a brand new scarf and Chris was so happy to be a part of Christmas.

Pre Reading Activity:

Make a list of what the Children believe Christmas is about.  Keep the list on the board while reading to compare what they said and what is in the story.

Post Reading Activity:

Have the students draw what they do on Christmas with their families that makes Christmas special for them.  The children will probably have some ideas that are the same and some that are very different.  Have the students explain to the class about their special family events.

Reflection:

I enjoyed this Christmas book because it was good for the younger age groups.  A lot of children celebrate Christmas but at a very young age some may not know what it is.  This book is an excellent way to explain what families do for Christmas.  It also shows children using their imaginations because their snowman, Chris, is a live and can be part of their family.