ELIJAH OF BUXTON – Historical Fiction November 11, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Curtis, Christopher Paul.  Elijah of Buxton. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007.  ISBN:  9780439023443

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Elijah was the first child born free in the settlement of Buxton, Canada.  For the first two thirds of the book we learn of Elijah’s everyday life, his frag-ileness (he’s afraid of snakes and cries easily), his quest to learn “the secret language of being growned”, the personalities of the people of Buxton, and how they work together in their community.  Elijah struggles with the actions of a man who calls himself “the Right Reverend Deacon Doctor Zephariah Connerly the Third”, especially when the Preacher tricks him out of some of the fish he caught and later tries to sell his talent for accurately hitting things (killing fish, putting out candle flames) with rocks to a mesmerist.  After the Preacher steals money from someone in the settlement who saved for years to buy their family’s freedom, Elijah sets off after him.  While in America, Elijah encounters several “growned up” situations including a group of run-away slaves who had been captured.  He must find the courage and strength to return to Buxton and does so in a way that he’ll be remembered for more than the baby who vomited on Frederick Douglas.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Curtis does an excellent job of tackling a difficult subject from the view point of an eleven year old.  Elijah is believable and even though he lived at a very different time, modern students will relate to his interactions with friends, time at school, confusion, and pranks.  They’ll love the pranks!  Humor abounds in this book, but it doesn’t make the reality of the evil dealt with too soft. 

 

Although necessary to develop characters, explain setting, and give the foundation for the theme, the first third of this book was tedious to me.  Since Elijah of Buxton is written from Elijah’s point of view, most of the book whether conversation or narrative is authentic to his dialect.  This however, made the story not flow well until the climax and falling action when it was too exciting to be bothered by the challenge.

 

The author’s note included at the end of the book offers validity and more information for readers.  Ultimately, the timeless themes of hope, courage and freedom in Elijah are so powerful that you will walk away saying, “That was a moving and wonderful book.”

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST:  “Many readers drawn to the book by humor will find themselves at times on the edges of their seats in suspense and, at other moments, moved to tears.

HORN BOOK: “This arresting, surprising novel of reluctant heroism is about nothing less than nobility.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*Recent awards

The 2008 Coretta Scott King Award
The 2008 Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction

*Other books by Curtis

Bud Not Buddy ISBN 0385323069

The Watsons go to Birmingham – 1963 ISBN: 0440414121

*Author’s Web site  http://www.randomhouse.com/features/christopherpaulcurtis/

*Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, http://www.buxtonmuseum.com/

*Great novel study while studying The Underground Railroad, slavery, or any key figures such as Frederick Douglas.

*Discuss themes from the book.  Use them to express thoughts and feelings on the topic in writing.

*Have students write a narrative about what their escape from slavery might be like.  Include the part from Elijah were the “Liberty Bell” is rung and how they feel when they hear it.

ER VETS: LIFE IN AN ANIMAL EMERGENCY ROOM – Informational Book October 29, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jackson, Donna M.  ER Vets:  Life in an Animal Emergency Room.  Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 2005.  ISBN:  06188436634

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Author Donna M. Jackson gives readers a behind the scenes look at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital at Colorado State University.  Much information is included:  how animals are triaged; descriptions of specialists in emergency veterinary medicine; history of vets; what a day in the life of an ER vet is like; information on grief counseling when a pet dies; harmful foods for pets; and more.  Stories of a dog HBC (Hit by Car), a python with hypothermia, and a newborn foal in need of oxygen complete this fast-paced book about emergency veterinary medicine.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

At first this book seemed long, but as I started reading it, it read quickly and I wanted to keep reading to find out what happened next.  The plentiful and quality photographs support the text by helping clarify the pet’s situation.  I also liked the way the text focuses both on the animals and the people who are caring for them.  It gave a full picture of what being at an emergency veterinary hospital would be like.

 

The book is organized well and has explanations for the photographs and insets of additional veterinary information (such as pet vital statistics). Jackson does a careful job of noting her sources with both interviews conducted and literature used cited.  This is an interesting book!

 

The chapter “Lucy Slips Away” was personally helpful to me as we added a new reptile pet to our family.

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST:  “…Jackson gives both pets and their caregivers their due, and numerous, excellent photos, including a look at a surgery in progress, make this not only intriguing browsing material but also an honest initiation to a worthwhile career.”

 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “With plentiful, excellent-quality photographs, this highly visual book offers a behind-the-scenes look at an emergency animal hospital in Colorado.”

 

 

CONNECTIONS

*2006 Orbis Pictus Honor Book for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children and other honors.

*Use this book to teach about access features.

*Use with any study of books with endpapers (I have become a fan of endpapers!)

*Great for exploring future job choices.

*Also by Jackson

The Wildlife Detectives: How Forensic Scientists Fight Crimes Against Nature ISBN: 0395869765

ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES – Photo Essay October 28, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Simon, Seymour.  Animals Nobody Loves. New York:  Sea Star Books, 2001.  ISBN:  1587170809

 

PLOT SUMMARY

This rich photo essay portrays twenty “unlovable” animals including the shark, hyena, rat, fire ant, and piranha.  Popular science writer, Seymour Simon seeks to expose myths of animals with bad reputations and hopes readers will have more understanding and respect of the animals.  Most photos cover more than a page and are up close, colorful and beautiful.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although some argue that the information provided is brief, I would say that is okay.  The book is meant as survey, providing interesting facts showing either the good the animal does or what to do if you encounter one.  However, Simon does not cite sources.  Even though he is a prolific science writer, a bibliography would give credibility to the facts.  Many of the animal photographs have a “gross-factor” and some are graphic showing prey so very young readers may be bothered. 

 

Most children love animal books and even though these aren’t the ones most popularly written about, children will still find it a fascinating book.  I love that the very end of the book encourages critical thinking and more reading. 

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEWS:  “While the eyeballs-to-eyeballs cover of a tarantula in full color will keep readers reaching for the title, it is useful for browsing rather than research.”

 

BOOKLIST: “There’s no question this will look great on display, but it will serve kids best when it’s presented with more fact-rich natural histories.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*As a writing assignment, have students do what the end of the books suggests, “Perhaps you might make your own list of animals that you don’t love and think about why each of these animals is on your list.”

*Classify the twenty animals in the book.

*Show students with this book that it is okay to not read non-fiction cover-to-cover.  Encourage them to read only about the animals they find interesting.

*Since the information provided is not in-depth, have students select an animal and research it more fully.

*Include the book for browsing in an animal unit.

*Simon’s website is http://www.seymoursimon.com/

HOUDINI: WORLD’S GREATES MYSTERY MAN AND ESCAPE KING – Biography

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Krull, Kathleen.  Houdini:  World’s Greatest Mystery Man and Escape King.  Ill. by Eric Velasquez.  New York: Walker & Co., 2005.  ISBN:  0802789544

 

PLOT SUMMARY

In this picture book biography, Krull chronicles the life of Erik Weiss from his early life through his famous performances and ending with his death in 1926 and information regarding how he was able to accomplish such amazing feats. At an early age, Houdini performed for money in his backyard, later after memorizing a book about magic he traveled and performed twelve shows a day.  In both instances he contributed money to his struggling family.  Between each small chapter is a description in verse of one of Houdini’s escape acts.  They are in chronological order and include:  The Milk Can Escape, The Metamorphosis, The Underwater Handcuff Release, The Water Torture Cell, and The Suspended Straitjacket.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book is on the 2006 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, Selector’s Choice list.  It is easy to see why it is notable as before reading Houdini by Krull, I did not realize such quality biography for elementary students existed.  The book cleverly and clearly sequences information about Houdini’s life interspersed with verse describing some of his acts.  This makes the reader feel a part of Houdini’s world and the accompanying illustrations add to the feeling of “you are there”.  The oil illustrations are also bright and appealing.  The bibliography included contributes to the accuracy of Krull’s work and the web sources are sure to delight Houdini fans. Although some refer to the book as narrow in scope, I think it is perfect for the intended age range (Ages 6 – 10).

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEWS:  “Budding magicians won’t find more than hints here of how Houdini did it, but a tempting set of print and digital resources caps this perceptive and dramatic tribute.”

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:  “A fine introduction to a fascinating, enigmatic figure.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The author’s crisp narrative style and careful choice of detail are evident here.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*Also by Kathleen Krull

Pocahontas:  Princess of the New World

Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dreams Taking Flight (Teacher’s Guide available at www.kathleenkrull.com)

*For older readers

Houdini: Master of Illusion by Clinton Cox.  ISBN: 9780590949606

*Use an idea from “17 Specific Ways to Use Biographies” at http://home.san.rr.com/kathleenkrull/biography.html

I liked Biopoems and Writing Classmates’ Biographies.

THANKS A MILLION – Poetry October 14, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Grimes, Nikki.  Thanks a Million.  Ill. by Cozbi A. Cabrera.  New York:  Greenwillow Books, 2006.

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Thanks a Million contains 16 poems that express gratitude about every day experiences of children.  Although thematic by the same author, the collection has many forms including a rebus and haiku.  Expressions of thanks can be found for a tutor, a new friend, weekends, and for not being alone even though the child is at a homeless shelter.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Most of the poems contain rhyme and it is done in a way that sounds natural.  The word choice makes sense and doesn’t sound forced.  “My baby brother’s such a chore/What do I have to watch him for?”

 

The last poem is aptly a Thanksgiving prayer, but the rest of the poems will point out to readers that thankfulness is an attitude to be expressed year-round in every day situations.  The poems contain realistic emotions that children may have and give them a vehicle to express themselves.  They will see they can express gratitude in letter, gifts, acts of service, words and sign language. 

 

The artwork is done in bright acrylics.  In some places it is not detailed and appears like folk art, but it adds to the emotion of the poem.  In the illustration for “Scout’s Honor”, a child is shown holding up three fingers.  While that may be most familiar to adults as a scout’s honor sign, to children, I think the Cub Scout sign (two fingers) would be more appropriate.

 

Children of all ages will enjoy the verse and artwork in this book where they will find at least one (if not several) poem they can relate to their life and feelings.

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL:  “A lovely book for reflection and discussion.”

BOOKLIST: “…her [Cabrera] sunlit palette conveys the warm feelings and burnishes the skin tones of the many characters of color.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*All of the poems would be appropriate to memorize and recite.

*Children can choose a poem to help them express thankfulness to a family member.

*More poetry by Nikki Grimes

Danitra Brown, Class Clown ISBN: 9780688172909

Welcome, Precious  ISBN: 9780439557023

* Grimes’ most recent book, Barack Obama: Son of Promise, Child of Hope is on the New York Times Best Seller List.

* http://www.nikkigrimes.com/ There are teaching guides available for each of Grimes’ books at her website.

*Also illustrated by Cabrera

Stichin’ and Pullin’ by Patricia C. McKissack

Beauty, Her Basket by Sandra Belton

 

THE BRAID – Poetry October 13, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Frost, Helen.  The Braid.  New York:  Frances Foster Books, 2006.  ISBN:  0374309620

 

PLOT SUMMARY

The Braid takes place in 1850 during the Highland Clearances in Scotland when many tenants were forced to leave their land.  Sarah, Jeannie and their family plan to sail to Canada.  The night before their journey, the sisters braid their hair together.  The next morning Sarah is gone – she has cut the braid and left half with Jeannie.  Each sister’s story is told in alternating narrative poems.  There is a short (eight lines, eight syllables) emotive poem praising a topic from the narration in between each one. Universal issues of death, separation, poverty, love, teen pregnancy, and longings are interwoven to form a moving and fascinating novel.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This book drew me in from the beginning.  I had to find out what happened with each sister so I could not put the book down until it was finished! The Braid is full of emotion and it will not have any trouble capturing the attention of young adult readers.

 

Although the sister who is pregnant feels shame at first, I feel the situation is almost too easy for the character.  It is wonderful that she is eventually accepted and helped, but I don’t think it accurately portrays what a teen in this situation would experience today.  It needs to be viewed in its historical content.

 

The short praise poems are braided together in that the last line in one is the first line in the next poem.  In the sister’s narrative poems, the last word of each line is braided into the first words of the corresponding lines in the next poem.  This structure adds to the beauty of the title and to the easy flow of the story.  The author’s notes on this form, people, places and language add to the understanding of the book.

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

HORN BOOK: “Compellingly poignant as well as authentic.” 

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY: “Frost’s ingeniously structured novel in verse . . . may be set in 1850, but its themes will resonate with today’s teens.  Memorable.” 

BOOKLIST: “…the book will inspire both students and teachers to go back and study how the taut poetic lines manage to contain the powerful feelings.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*http://www.helenfrost.net contains a link to more information about The Braid.  Students can explore the geographical locations from the story.

*Use the story as a companion to World History or immigration.

*Can be a springboard to topics of death and loss, family relationships, and others.

*The Braid is a winner of numerous awards and is a 2007 Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book.

DOODLE DANDIES: POEMS THAT TAKE SHAPE – Poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lewis, J. Patrick. Doodle Dandies:  Poems That Take Shape.  Ill. by Lisa Desimini.  New York: Simon & Schuster, 1998.  ISBN:  068981075X

 

PLOT SUMMARY

Doodle Dandies are all about shape!  Each poem by Lewis is skillfully crafted in words and design to form a picture of the poem’s subject.  In the two-page spread of “Mirror”, there is a mirror image of both the words of the poem and the illustration on the second page.  “Mirror” begins, “You looking out/at me looking in-/I am an I-/dentical twin!”  Some of the poems are simple, such as “The Turtle/is a giant hurdle”.  To enhance the meaning, there is an ant drawn with the words that curve up over the illustration of a turtle. 

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This collection of poetry is appropriate for preschool and elementary kids.  Although, some of the lines may be challenging for young readers to follow (because of the shape); persistence will be rewarded with fun verse. The title, Doodle Dandies, and cover design (each letter in the title are illustrated differently and it appears that letters are raining down on a girl holding an umbrella) will make kids inquisitive to what’s inside.  Once inside, children’s attention will be held as every poem is something of interest or familiar.  There are poems about animals, an umbrella, sports, space, and more. Every page gives the eye something interesting.  The mixed-media illustrations by Lisa Desimini provide bold pictures and the poems are in shapes (i.e. a dachshund) or along the illustrations (on the legs of swimmers and along the pool water).  I think these elements working together provide added entertainment for readers.  I couldn’t wait to see the next poem.

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY:  “…this mix of clever language and visual delights makes a dandy treat for all ages.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Doodle Dandies captures the joy that wordplay can bring. It deserves a place on every library shelf.”

HORN BOOK MAGAZINE: “Through fanciful design and illustration, these poems take both shape and flight as they soar through the imaginative landscape.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*http://www.jpatricklewis.com/books.shtml 

There are a variety of books by Lewis that can be used alongside science and social studies units for all ages.

*Simon’s Book by Henrik Drescher ISBN: 9780688020859.  Use along with Doodle Dandies to discuss “doodles”.

*The endpapers of Doodle Dandies feature doodles that appear to have been drawn by children.  Use this book and others to discuss the art in endpapers, making comparisons and contrasts.

 

THE PERSIAN CINDERELLA – Traditional Literature October 1, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Climo, Shirley. The Persian Cinderella.  Ill. by Robert Florczak. New York: Harper Collins, 1999.  ISBN: 0060267658

 

PLOT SUMMARY

A beautiful maiden, Settareh, uses the money her father gave her for a snack, to help an old lady, and then buys a small blue jug.  She doesn’t have enough to buy cloth for new clothes for Prince Mehrdad’s New Year’s celebration, so she stays home so her family won’t be disgraced.  However, she discovers her little blue jug is magic.  Its inhabitant, a pari, outfits Settareh in a dark red silk dress, beautiful jewelry, and two diamond anklets.  She attends the celebration, but leaves behind one of the anklets.  The prince’s mother finds Settareh and introduces her to the prince.  However, on the day of the wedding, Settareh’s jealous stepsisters use magical hairpins (obtained from the pari) to arrange Settareh’s hair and she turns into a turtledove.  Prince Mehrdad’s love remains and he breaks the spell. Settareh’s happiness begins.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

This is a familiar tale, but offers an enchanting setting of long ago Persia and has the twist of Settareh turning into a turtledove.  There are many cultural details:  although the prince glimpses Settareh at the celebration, they don’t actually meet; Settareh celebrates with the other women; and it is the Queen, not the Prince who searches for the owner of the left behind anklet.  One explanation though, “…covered her head with a cloak so that no stranger might look on her face” is contradicted by a later picture when Settareh is with a peddler.

 

Settareh is instantly likable.  She is kind to those in need and gentle with nature.   Her step-mother is mentioned only once, but does not play a role in the tale.  Several other characters provide interaction: the stepsisters, the peddlers, and the pari.  There are musicians and magicians at the New Year’s celebration.

 

Climo does a nice job of expressing the Prince’s anguish, “plucking hairs from his beard”, and “shut himself within his royal chamber” and Florzak’s illustration shows the Prince solemn with the turtledove.  On the very next page, the joy is evident in text and picture.

 

The illustrations in The Persian Cinderella are done in “water-based markers, colored pencil, body color, and ink on brownline paper” (as explained in the artist’s note).  These were excellent choices as the lifelike drawings are colorful and appear to “pop” on the pages.  Text pages are outlined in exquisite Persian rugs.  The whole book is definitely appealing to the eye!

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

KIRKUS REVIEW: “A luminescent interpretation of an ancient Persian tale is Climo’s latest entry to her multicultural collection of Cinderella tales.”

 

BOOKLIST: “The people look as lifelike as photographs, each face unique. A fine addition for any folktale collection.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*’01-’02 TX Bluebonnet Award Master List

*Other Cinderella tales by Climo

The Korean Cinderella

The Irish Cinderlad

The Egyptian Cinderella

*Study ancient Persia and modern Iran.

*Present other folklore from Iran.

SCHOOLYARD RHYMES – Traditional Literature

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sierra, Judy. Schoolyard Rhymes: Kids’ Own Rhymes for Rope-Skipping, Hand Clapping, Ball Bouncing, and Just Plain Fun. Ill. by Melissa Sweet.  New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.  ISBN:  0375925163.

 

PLOT SUMMARY

 

This is a collection of rhymes as the title indicates, for the playground.  They’re perfect for playing and many are fun and silly.  Some of the accompanying illustrations are as silly as the poems! Many may be familiar some may not.  “Columbus went to C-C-C-/To see what he could C-C-C”, Teddy bear, teddy bear, turn around”, “Cinderella/Dressed in yella”, “Nobody likes me, everybody hates me/Guess I’ll eat some worms” and “I’m rubber, you’re glue” are some of the ones you may have heard.  “Coca-Cola went to town/Diet Pepsi knocked him down” perhaps may be new to you.  The book also contains an introduction from Judy Sierra.

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

 

Fun is chanted all throughout this book!  The illustrations add a wonderful dimension as they are colorful and merry.  Often the children and animals have a jump rope made out of verse or the chant is included as part of the illustration (i.e. on the bubbles of children chewing gum in class).  I love the expression of the little boy who just burped and the not liked girl eating a worm!  The very long arms of Old Man Moses and long legs of the bow-legged cowboy are very fun.  I could go on and on.

 

Adults may frown at the playground taunts, but they are mostly harmless.  “Liar, liar, pants on fire/Nose as long as a telephone wire” has been used for years to express a point. 

 

The introduction included by Sierra is helpful.  She notes that the poems have been collected for around 150 years and that playground rhymes are similar in English-speaking countries.  She also speaks of the bond between generations that traditional poems create. 

 

I hope all of the silly verse is still used often in playgrounds across the United States.  I wonder if some of them are being pushed aside by culture and entertainment that is causing children to grow up more quickly than their parents and grandparents.  I remember saying some of the rhymes to my children when they were preschoolers, but they have a place for older children too.  Maybe they just need to be reintroduced.

 

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

BOOKLIST: “A great choice for back-to-school displays.”

 

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “The rhythms and nonsense rhymes are irresistible, compelling memorization and participation in the fun.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*As BOOKLIST suggested, use this with a back-to-school display.

*I absolutely love using books like this to read to students at the end of the day or after recess.  They are just plain fun and the nonsense is a nice diversion sometimes.

*Teach rhymes from the book for students to use if your school has a jump-rope club or participates in the “Jump for Heart” fundraiser.

*Have each student take the book home (one each night) to read several rhymes with a parent or guardian.  Have the adult tell their child if they remember any of the rhymes from childhood and how some of the lines may have been different.  Have each student complete a written response and compile a book of the responses.

THE GINGERBREAD MAN- Traditional Literature September 30, 2008

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Kimmel, Eric A. The Gingerbread Man. Ill. by Megan Lloyd. New York: Holiday House, 1993.  ISBN: 0823408248

 

PLOT SUMMARY

A decorated gingerbread man surprises his creators, an old woman and old man, and leaps off the table, goes out the door and down the road.  He has the same chorus for them as he does for the animals he runs past, “I’ll run and run as fast as I can.  You can’t catch me.  I’m the gingerbread man!” Unfortunately, the gingerbread man meets a sly fox at the river’s edge and accepts his help in crossing to safety.  Perhaps he would have fared better with the horse, cow, dog, sow, old woman, and old man!

 

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The gingerbread man is a lively character and each page of this book has quick action.  The gingerbread man is always running with someone in hot pursuit!  The lovely watercolor illustrations by Megan Lloyd really add to the feeling of action.  The old man can be seen lying on his belly outside his back farmhouse door.  You can almost feel that the gingerbread man has just escaped the man’s grasp. 

 

The retelling and illustrations with the fox also add to the action.  As the gingerbread man moves up higher and higher on the fox to avoid getting wet, the story moves along quite quickly.  Thankfully for young children, this variant of a traditional tale does not end on a sad note because the gingerbread man will be back when someone bakes gingerbread!

 

The simple and large illustrations make this an excellent read-aloud book.  The illustrations, likeable characters, and repetitive sing-song chorus will delight listeners hearing this story for the first time or twentieth time.  I read this book to my nine year old son and he laughed out loud!

 

REVIEW EXCERPTS

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Lloyd’s illustrations work in tandem with the text to create verve and motion while maintaining a ‘fresh-from-the-oven’ appeal.”

 

BOOKLIST:  “A compact text and suitably large pictures make this just right for groups.”

 

CONNECTIONS

*Also retold by Kimmel

Anansi and the Moss-Covered Rock. ISBN: 9780823407989.

Anansi and the Talking Melon. ISBN: 9780823411672.

Seven at One Blow:  A Tale from the Brothers Grimm. ISBN: 9780823413836.

*A gingerbread man version:

The Gingerbread Cowboy by Janet Squires.  Illustrated by Holly Berry.  ISBN: 9780060778644

*Make some gingerbread cookies as a class or if this is not possible have individually wrapped store bought gingerbread as a snack.

*Use book to discuss parts of a story:  characters, plot, setting, and theme.  Also make predictions.

*Take the characters the gingerbread man ran from and have students sequence them in the order they appeared in the story.

*You could also sequence characters from The Enormous Turnip by Alexi Tolstoy. ISBN: 978-0152048433.