Learning^â Magazine 2004 Teacher’s Choice^SM Award for Children’s Books

Another Sommer-Time Story Series—Read-Alongs / Set of 20

  How would you recommend using this book in the classroom?

I would use this series as a read-aloud.  With the cassettes and CD’s it can also be used at a reading center where students can listen to the story while they read it.
     Whole class teaching unit as a read aloud.  It lends itself well to positive character traits.

 Did you find this book motivating or interesting for students?

Varying lengths and degree of realism are great for different ages/ abilities/ needs.  Some characters and stories are familiar, so meaningful, and all have elements to which each child could relate.  Dialog is very natural and easy to read.  Tapes are very kid-friendly and the author’s voice is great for narration.  Great production values and songs, too- catchy and singable.
       The books were interesting and would be a good addition for character education.  The stories were easily read with attractive illustrations.  The addition of the cassettes and CD’s would be motivating for students who would want multimodality input..listening as well as reading along.
       Yes, they motivate the students to see how these virtues relate to their own lives.  The topics are truly kid friendly, and the books area attractively presented.  The CD’s and tapes are wonderful addition to the series.

 What, if anything, would prohibit you from using the book in the classroom?

Nothing would prohibit me from using this series.  I think it will lend itself well to my teaching of guidance based lessons.

Please tell us why this book should or should not be a winner.

A winner!  Great asset to any classroom, wonderful gifts, even the website is of good quality.  Wide age range and thorough list of traits.
      This series is a great curriculum addition for character education.  The tapes, CD’s, and number of books makes it a great addition to any classroom.
       It should be a winner because it truly with kids of all ages.  I think it carries a great message for kids, that is really easy for teachers to present.