Stone Soup

Stone Soup.ISBN.0-439-33909-x.Retold and Illustrated by Jon J. Muth.2003.Ages5-10


This story teaches the beauty of sharing what we have with others. By three Monks tricking a community into thinking they have the power of making soup out of stones. By suggesting what might make this soup better the towns people begin to add things creating a wonderful meal. It brings the community that once was one where everyone kept what was theirs together. The Illustrations are so amazing I find it hard to find the word to describe them. Except to saythat they pull you into the story.

This book is a great way to teach about community and sharing. A great project would be to make stone soup in the classroom.

Tales From Grimm

Tales From Grimm.ISBN0-8166-4936-7.Translated and Illustrated by Wanda Gag.1936.Ages8-12


This collection of classic tales tell how they were originally written. It also includes ones that are not as common or well known. By including these stories with the well known ones widens the readers experience of the the Grimm stories. The illustrations though limited add some visuals to the readings.


This collection of Folk Tales gives many examples of life lessons. It can be used to introduce classic stories to the classroom.

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf

Red Leaf, Yellow Leaf.ISBN0-15-266197-2.Written and Illustrated by Lois Ehlert.1991.Ages 3-7. for all


This colorful book of dramatic pictures tells the story of how a leaf cam to be. The story is told by a child. At the end of the book it gives definitions of the parts of the tree described in the story.

THis book would be great for preschool or kindergartners learning about nature. I would encourage it's use for a fall unit because it is taking about a fall leaf and the vibrant colors in the book would enhance the unit.

Where The Wild Things Are

Where The Wild Things Are.ISBN978-0-06-443178-1.Written and Illustrated by Maurice Sendak.1991.The Caldecott Medel.Ages 5-12.


This imaginative book takes us into the world that only exists in the imagination. Though it is a cleaver story it is the illustrations that take us to this place of Wild Things. The magnificent drawings show the story of Max's adventures in this far off place. Max is a young boy who discovers that by leaving home and behaving as he wishes the best place to be is where you are loved.

This is a great book to teach little ones that leaving may not be as amazing as they may think. To be with those who love them is always best.