English Language Arts: A Bibliography for the Elementary Level (K-5)

Panther: Shadow of the Swamp (Print-Non-Fiction). London, Jonathan and Morin, Paul, illus. Candlewick Press (GDS), 2000. unp. ISBN 1-56402-623-X ($21.99 hdc.).

The wildness and mystery of the endangered panther is chronicled in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Two thirds of each double-page spread is devoted to a rich oil painting that draws readers into the animal's world. A female panther has been searching for food since early morning, and now darkness is near. Finally, her time has come, and she pounces on an unsuspecting wild hog. The story culminates with her return to the den where three hungry kittens welcome her home and hungrily drink her sweet milk. An ending spread provides a map of southern Florida and a page of information about the endangered Florida panthers that still roam the region.
Suggested Use: Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4

The Paperboy (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

The Paperboy (Video). Weston Woods (MCN), 2000. 10 min. Order no. MPV390V ($39.95).

Based on the Caldecott Honour book of the same title, this video tells the story of a young paperboy whose mornings "are still dark and they are always cold even in the summer." A young boy wakes up, sneaks past his sleeping parents' bedroom, gets his own breakfast and, with his trusty dog following him, delivers his papers. The paintings reflect the beauty of a world that is still asleep-except for the paperboy and his dog!
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

The Parrot (Print-Fiction). Gal, Laszlo and Gal, Raffaella. Groundwood Books (GDS), 1997. unp. ISBN 0-88999-287-4 ($16.95 hdc.).

(CAN) Many imaginative techniques are used in this retelling of an Italian folktale adapted and illustrated by the Canadian illustrator Laszlo Gal and his daughter Raffaella. This tale within a tale begins when a merchant goes away and leaves his beautiful daughter alone. A young prince who has loved her from afar is determined to keep her safe from the clutches of the evil old king. In order to keep watch over her, the prince turns himself into a parrot and tells her a marvelous story, which he threatens not to finish if there are any interruptions. The beautiful daughter is so spellbound by the story that she ignores the soldiers pounding on her door, and she is reunited safely with her father when he returns.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Partnerships for Classroom Learning: From Reading Buddies to Pen Pals to the Community and the World Beyond (Print-Non-Fiction). Girard, Suzanne and Willing, Kathlene R. Pembroke Publishers Limited (PPL), 1996. 128 p. ISBN 1-55138-067-6 ($12.95 pbk.).

(CAN, WCP) This resource presents practical strategies for helping students communicate effectively and build community within the classroom and beyond. Methodologies include paired reading, pen pals, cyberpals, twinning with schools in other countries and partnerships within the community. Each communication project includes detailed long-range plans, as well as sample timelines, webs, checklists and information resources. Included are a table of contents, a list of professional resources and an index.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Pa's Harvest: A True Story Told by Ephrem Carrier (Print-Non-Fiction). Andrews, Jan and Young, Cybele, illus. Groundwood Books (GDS), 2000. 39 p. ISBN 0-88899-405-2 ($12.95 hdc.).

(CAN) Set during the Great Depression, this is the true story of a family that reaches a point of near total loss and despair. With his son Ephrem's help, Pa plans to plant the best crop of potatoes ever. Perhaps for the very first time, the family will be able to celebrate Christmas with presents. A large and healthy crop is harvested, but when Ephrem and his Pa try to sell the potatoes, there are no buyers because all the farmers in the area had the same idea. They store the potatoes, but in the end they have to destroy them because they rot over the winter. The pacing and tone of this small novel brings the lost rural past to life. Black-and-white pen-and-ink illustrations with pale watercolour highlights help to make this an unforgettable story.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Pathways to Thinking: Strategies for Developing Independent Learners K-8 (Print-Non-Fiction). Ross, Elinor Parry. Christopher-Gordon Pubs., Inc. (LRDC), 1998. 316 p. Order no. 9250 ($81.00 pbk.).

(WCP) Combining theory and practice, this resource discusses topics such as children's development of thought processes, the diverse types of intelligences and learning approaches that students display, theories about children's thinking and intelligences as explained by well-known experts (e.g., Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Benjamin Bloom and Howard Gardner), application to classroom experiences and integration strategies for promoting thinking across the curriculum. Pathways to Thinking complements the teaching of all subjects by focusing students on exploration, clarification and extension of ideas, thoughts and understanding. Practical graphic organizers for both students and teachers, as well as listings of videotapes, kits, software and other student materials are suggested in the text. Also included are a thorough table of contents, subject and author indexes and a glossary.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; General Reference; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Paul Bunyan: A Tall Tale (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Pecos Bill (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

Peer Talk in the Classroom: Learning From Research (Print-Non-Fiction). Paratore, Jeanne R. and McCormack, Rachel L., eds. International Reading Association (LRDC), 1997. 248 p. Order no. 9179 ($50.10 pbk.).

(WCP) This resource consists of 10 articles about student-led discussion groups, written by classroom teachers and university professors. It provides a variety of examples of student "peer talk," including students talking in small and large peer groups and cross-grade groups, with and without teacher intervention. There is a strong emphasis on creating an environment that encourages personal responses, using prior knowledge and connecting literature to everyday experiences. Many articles provide valuable ideas for increasing student-initiated interaction and encouraging active and supportive literature circles. Extensive bibliographies of current research are included at the end of each chapter. Also included are subject and author indexes. Although largely American in content, the findings are applicable to Canadian classrooms.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference/
Professional Development
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Peter's Moccasins (Print-Fiction). Truss, Jan. Reidmore Books (LRDC), 1987. 30 p. Order no. 15533 ($6.95 pbk.).

(CAN, I/M) Peter Cardinal's grandmother has made him a pair of beautiful moccasins finely detailed with tufted moose hair and porcupine quills. As everyone else in his class wears sneakers, Peter hides his moccasins until a classmate brings her pair of beaded moccasins for show and tell. Illustrated by Philip Spink, this is a bright, cheerful presentation of the universal childhood fear of being different. It also models teacher sensitivity to class individuality and emotional needs.

This time-tested resource has been suggested as an example of an appropriate title to support a sample unit in the curriculum guide.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2
Other Use: Social Studies: Elementary Level

Phoebe and the Gypsy (Print-Fiction). Spalding, Andrea. Orca Book Publishers Ltd. (ORC), 1999. 82 p. ISBN 1-55143-135-1 ($6.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Phoebe is spending a summer with her paternal grandmother in a small English village. She feels different because of her Canadian "accent" and is unhappy until she has a chance encounter with a Gypsy caravan. She meets a gypsy woman who helps Phoebe to understand her father and her extended family. The need for relationships and understanding in an intergenerational family is reinforced in this easily read chapter book. Please note that the themes in this short novel are fairly mature: self-knowledge, courage and responsibility.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4

Picture This… (Print-Fiction). Jay, Alison. Dutton Books (CDS), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-525-46380-1 ($24.99 hdc.).

There is a visual surprise on every page of this exquisite picture book. With just one word per page, readers are taken on a journey through the seasons. The crackle-glazed paintings reveal a new perspective on what has come before in a unique way. Tiny images on one page become full-sized illustrations on the next. This book is clever enough to engage older children, yet simple enough to be a first word book for the very young. This is a perfect complement for the viewing strand of English language arts.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Pig and Crow. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Chorao, Kay. Henry Holt & Co., Inc. (FEN), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-8050-5863-X ($25.50 hdc.).

Pig is lonely, so he bakes to try to lift his spirits. One day, he bakes his favourite chocolate swirl fudge cake. Crow swoops down and offers to trade "magic" seeds for the cake, promising they will cure Pig's loneliness. Pig plants, waters, weeds and fertilizes the seeds, and he is rewarded with bright orange pumpkins, but he is still lonely. The story continues as Pig is introduced to the natural wonders of seeds, caterpillars and eggs, and he eventually acquires a new outlook on life. The wonderfully expressive illustrations capture Pig's emotions and tell the story as effectively as the words.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2

A Place for Ben (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Janeczko, Paul B. and Raschka, Chris, illus. Candlewick Press (GDS), 2001. 35 p. ISBN 0-7636-0661-8 ($21.99 hdc.).

Thirty concrete poems of all shapes and sizes are carefully laid out on large white spreads and illustrated in quirky watercolour and paper-collage in this clever book. Some of the poems bend or turn or fall down the page; some are shaped like an object; some evoke a sound, emotion or landscape. The poems demonstrate how language may be used playfully through the arrangement of letters or words into a particular shape. This book would serve as an excellent springboard for the representing strand of English language arts. Children will want to create their own concrete poems after they enjoy the sheer fun this anthology presents. Notes from the editor give a brief introduction to the world of concrete poetry.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

The Polar Bear's Gift (Print-Fiction). Bushy, Jeanne and Krykorka, Vladyana Langer, illus. Red Deer Press (RAI), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-88995-220-5 ($18.95 hdc.).

(CAN, I/M) Inspired by Inuit folklore, this picture book tells the story of a young girl, Pani, who longs to hunt polar bears. One day, when she goes fishing with her grandmother, she is given a small treasure-the ivory fishing lure that once belonged to her mother. The other children in the village mock her when she tells them that she believes the fishing lure is magic. Pani runs out onto the ice where she encounters a wounded polar bear cub. Seeing his pain, she is moved to care for him, cleansing his wound and providing fish with her mother's lure. The cub takes her to his igloo, and there Pani is rewarded by Mother Bear with two pieces of magic fur, ensuring that she and her grandmother will never know hunger or cold again. The striking illustrations reflect the magic in this wonderful book. The double-page spreads truly glow, and the visual action is carefully balanced with the accompanying narrative, making this title an excellent choice for storytime. Teachers who are looking for an addition to a folktale or multicultural theme will find this a welcome treat.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4

Poppy and Rye. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Avi and Floca, Brian, illus. Avon Books (HCP), 1998. 182 p. ISBN 0-380-97638-2 ($19.95 hdc.). ISBN 0-380-79717-8 ($7.50 pbk.).

Heartbroken over the death of her beloved Ragweed, a deer mouse, Poppy, is determined to make the journey west to bring the sad news to his family. Travelling along is her best friend Ereth, a prickly porcupine who is forever spouting inventive and hilarious insults. When Poppy and Ereth reach Ragweed's family, they discover trouble. Beavers have constructed a dam that has flooded the serene valley in which the mouse family lives. Nonstop adventure accompanied by witty pencil drawings makes this sequel to the original Poppy a good introduction to the fantasy genre.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Portfolios and Beyond: Collaborative Assessment in Reading and Writing (Print-Non-Fiction). Glazer, Susan Mandel, et al. Christopher-Gordon Pubs., Inc. (LRDC), 1993. 173 p. Order no. 8923 ($36.75 pbk.).

(WCP) This resource for classroom and resource room teachers looks at alternative approaches to classroom assessment, and it provides frameworks for initiating authentic assessment of reading, comprehension and writing. Included are practical suggestions for portfolio assessment, think-alouds, retellings, progress reports, student self-assessment and collaborative reporting. The book offers a table of contents, an index and answers to frequently asked questions.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

The Power of Poems: Teaching the Joy of Writing Poetry (Print-Non-Fiction). Ruurs, Margriet. Maupin House Publishing (LRDC), 2001. 113 p. Order no. 128 ($42.70 pbk.).

This book provides brief theoretical information and learning objectives to support teachers who wish to promote poetry writing. The author emphasizes the correlation between reading and writing poetry as well as the balance between promoting pleasurable experiences in writing poetry and promoting careful thought and execution of communicating ideas in poetic form. Several pre-writing and writing activities relating to specific topics are suggested. Bibliographies of poetry anthologies and a few websites are embedded in many of the chapters as well as at the end of the book.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference

The Prairie Fire (Print-Fiction). Reynolds, Marilynn and Kilby, Don, illus. Orca Book Publishers Ltd. (ORC), 1999. unp.
ISBN 1-55143-157-0 ($8.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This complex historical story works on two levels: Canadian pioneer struggle and survival, and childhood courage. Percy and his parents are settlers living in a sod house on the prairie where the terrifying threat of prairie fires looms. When a fire appears, Percy learns to respond quickly in a life-and-death situation. Don Kilby's realistic and sombre illustrations reflect the harsh existence faced by the early pioneers.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Prairie Summer (Print-Anthology). Hundal, Nancy and Deines, Brian, illus. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. (FHW), 1999. unp.
ISBN 1-55041-403-8 ($13.95 hdc.).

(CAN) Two boys visiting their prairie cousins discover the beauty and excitement of summer on the prairies in this poetic picture book. Meaningful memories of gophers, mosquitoes, bike rides, the drive-in theatre and playing hide and go seek in the black of night unfold with the turning of each page. Children will be inspired to write their own poems or stories of life on the prairies after reading this beautiful book.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Presenting Tanya, the Ugly Duckling (Print-Fiction). Gauch, Patricia Lee and Ichikawa, Satomi, illus. Philomel Publishing (CDS), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-399-23200-1 ($23.99 hdc.).

Chosen by her ballet teacher to dance the title role in The Ugly Duckling, Tanya wonders why, because she has more in common with the awkward duckling than the beautiful swan. She works hard, reflects on the story, learns the choreography, and practises, and practises and practises. This expressive story is told through a series of wonderful shaded pencil and watercolour illustrations that portray the personalities of the dancers and convey the feeling of the dance. Children will rejoice with Tanya as she triumphs in her latest challenge.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Princess Furball (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

The Rain Came Down (Print-Fiction). Shannon, David. Scholastic Inc. (SCH), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-439-05021-9 ($21.99 hdc.).

Raindrops set off a chain reaction of temper tantrums-starting with the chickens squawking, the dog barking, the man yelling, the baby crying and the wife shouting. The chaos grows out of the house and into the streets where shopkeepers start to bicker and argue. Tension accumulates, all to the refrain, "And still, the rain came down." Suddenly though, "the rain stopped! And so did the noise." The sunshine changes everything, and the world is calm again. The colourful painted spreads accent the absurdity and humour of the text. This book could be a springboard for discussions of sequencing, weather, manners, or even community helpers.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2

The Rainbabies (Video). Melmed, Laura Krauss and LaMarche, Jim, illus. Weston Woods (MGR), 1999. 20 min. Dup. order no. V3063. Program Guide - Order no. G3063 ($1.25 loose-leaf).

This program is a re-telling of the book written by Laura Krauss Melmed and illustrated by Jim LaMarche. The moon presents a childless couple with 12 tiny babies, each no bigger than a person's big toe. The new parents take care of the babies with tenderness and love, sometimes risking their own lives in the face of tremendous adversity to keep the babies safe. In the end, they are rewarded with their heart's desire-a real child to cherish forever.

Supporting print is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: Health Education: Elementary Level; Kindergarten

Raisel's Riddle. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Silverman, Erica and Gaber, Susan, illus. Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Inc. (GDS), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-374-36168-1 ($29.95 hdc.).

Raisel lives in a tiny village in Poland with her grandfather, a poor scholar. She must go to town to work in the kitchen of a famed Rabbi when her grandfather dies. There, the cook mistreats her, and he will not let her attend the Jewish celebration party known as Purim. A variation on the Cinderella theme becomes evident when a beggar, whom Raisel has befriended, grants her three wishes. Raisel, who then goes to the Purim party as Queen Esther, enchants the rabbi's son by posing a riddle that he must answer. When the rabbi's son searches for Raisel the next day, he finds her locked in the pantry. She calls out her riddle, he knows the answer, and of course Raisel for whom knowledge is as essential to happiness as love, marries him and they "live and learn happily ever after." The muted, velvety paintings by Susan Gaber capture both the external and internal beauty of Raisel.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Ramona's World (Print-Fiction). Cleary, Beverly. William Morrow & Co. (HCP), 1999. 192 p. ISBN 0-688-16816-7 ($14.95 hdc.).

Beverly Cleary's last book about Ramona was written 15 years ago, and young students who enjoy reading about her adventures will welcome this latest installment. Ramona is now a nine-year-old fourth grader adjusting to a jumble of new situations and emotions. The arrival of a little sister has put her into the situation of being a "middle child," and dealing with her two sisters and all the demands of school poses many challenges for Ramona. Her irrepressible spunk and humourous approach to life make this a good choice for the younger crowd.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

The Random House Book of Poetry for Children (Print-Anthology). Prelutsky, Jack, ed. Random House of Canada Limited (LRDC), 1983. 246 p. Order no. 6898 ($20.95 hdc.).

This collection contains 572 poems of varied origin and style organized thematically. Included are a detailed table of contents, as well as indexes of titles, first lines, authors and subjects. The poems are accompanied by Arnold Lobel's line drawings.

This time-tested resource has been suggested as an example of an appropriate title to support a sample unit in the curriculum guide.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Poetry
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Rapunzel (Video). Zelinsky, Paul O. Weston Woods (MGR), 1998. 14 min. Dup. order no. V3064. Program Guide - Order no. G3064 ($1.25 loose-leaf).

Paul Zelinsky's elegant illustrations earned him the Caldecott Medal in this unique re-telling of the classic story of Rapunzel, the girl with the long, golden hair. Rapunzel is kept prisoner by a sorceress in a lonely tower because her mother, when pregnant, ate the witch's forbidden rapunzel in her salad.

Supporting print is available from Media Group.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: Kindergarten

Readers and Writers With a Difference: A Holistic Approach to Teaching Struggling Readers and Writers. 2nd ed. (Print-Non-Fiction). Rhodes, Lynn K. and Dudley-Marling, Curt. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 1996. 381 p. ISBN 0-435-07215-3 ($46.60 pbk.).

(WCP) This comprehensive resource outlines theoretically sound and developmentally appropriate instructional and assessment strategies. The book presents current practice in areas such as the reading and writing processes, the social aspects of learning and authentic assessment. The book also discusses working collaboratively and sharing expectations with administrators, fellow teachers, students and parents. Included are a detailed table of contents, an extensive list of references, as well as subject and author indexes. Note: The most recent research on spelling has not been addressed in this book.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Readers' Workshop: Real Reading (Print-Non-Fiction). Hagerty, Patricia. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1992. 44 p. Order no. 18132 ($11.45 pbk.).

(CAN, WCP) This concise and user friendly resource outlines the concept and components of readers' workshops. It provides suggestions for mini-lessons, conducting conferences, establishing a reading community and assessing student progress.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Teacher Reference

Red Is Best (Print-Fiction). Stinson, Kathy. (Books About You Series). Annick Press (LRDC), 1987. 23 p. Order no. 17060 ($6.30 pbk.).

(CAN) Despite mother's urging to expand her colour choice, a young girl is determined that red things are best. She tells her mother that red stockings jump higher, red mitts make better snowballs and red paint puts singing in her head. Patterned text and illustrations by Robin Baird Lewis offer an enjoyable look at how children sometimes choose according to preference rather than appropriateness.

This time-tested resource has been suggested as an example of an appropriate title to support a sample unit in the curriculum guide.
Suggested Use: Grade 1
Other Use: Arts Education: Elementary Level

Reluctant Readers: Connecting Students and Books for Successful Reading Experiences (Print-Non-Fiction). Dayton-Sakari, Mary and Jobe, Ron. Pembroke Publishers Limited (LRDC), 1999. 160 p. Order no. 121 ($15.70 pbk.).

(CAN) Reluctant Readers provides a wealth of background knowledge and ideas to help reluctant readers become lifelong readers. Each of the five chapters focuses on an aspect of learning designed to "hook" young readers. Within each chapter, the authors implement the use of "markers to highlight the major points," such as strategies to be used, authors of materials, computer information and pertinent research on the subject of reluctant readers. Annotated lists of literature are offered throughout the book. An extensive bibliography of print and non-print (CD-ROMS, taped books, videos) titles, including professional titles, is included at the end of the book. This is an excellent resource to assist educators in motivating reluctant readers.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference/Professional Development

Remembering Honey (Print-Fiction). Hogg, Elaine Ingalls and Gallinaugh, Jane, illus. Nimbus Publishing Ltd. (NIM), 2000. 24 p. ISBN 1-55109-336-7 ($6.36 pbk.).

(CAN) This little story deals with the death of a family pet. Brandon and Briegh Campbell are thrilled when a playful puppy, Honey, joins their family. Honey becomes their friend and companion, but years later becomes sick. The children are told that Honey is going to die, and both children go through the stages of grief including anger, disbelief and mourning. The subject matter is dealt with in a realistic manner. This book would be most useful to young readers who may be dealing with this issue in their lives.
Suggested Use: Grade 2

Rethinking Phonics: Making the Best Teaching Decisions (Print-Non-Fiction). Dahl, Karin L., et al. Heinemann Educational Bks (GDS), 2001. 146 p. ISBN 0-325-00356-4 ($23.16 pbk.).

Rethinking Phonics emphasizes the making of sound instructional decisions based on the unique needs of individual students. It concentrates on phonics-in-context, rather than on traditional stand-alone phonics. The book includes a variety of activities gleaned from nine master teachers. The book reveals six basic principles for effective phonics instruction, explores the vital role of assessment in making instructional decisions, and devotes a chapter on how to help children who struggle with phonics and reading.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference

Return to Skoki Lake (Print-Fiction). Tate, Nikki. (StableMates Series). Sono Nis Press (SNP), 1999. 192 p. ISBN 1-55039-102-X ($6.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Jessa Richardson has not been feeling well for a long time, but she covers up her symptoms in order to go off on a grand adventure. Her grandmother has given her a trail-riding holiday in the Rocky Mountains. On the second day out on the trail, Jessa falls off her horse as she slips into a coma. She wakes up in the hospital in Calgary to find that she has been diagnosed with diabetes. Jessa and her mother have to adjust to her new life as a diabetic, as do her friends when she arrives back home. Details of the incidence of juvenile diabetes in Canada are given at the back of the book.
Suggested Use: Grade 5

Ribbon Rescue (Print-Fiction). Munsch, Robert and Fernandes, Eugenie, illus. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (SCH), 1999. 26 p. ISBN 0-590-03870-2 ($11.99 hdc.). ISBN 0-590-03871-0 ($5.59 pbk.).

(CAN, I/M) Jillian's grandmother makes her a beautiful ribbon dress, a traditional Mohawk wedding costume. Jillian is delighted with her dress, but when the wedding guests start experiencing various problems, the only way Jillian can help is by using the ribbons from her dress. She supplies shoe laces, hair ribbons, gift bows and a ribbon for the best man so he will not lose the wedding ring. Her dress is ruined and dirty, and she is not allowed inside the church. Fortunately, the bride and groom-two of the people she helped-need a flower girl, and Jillian leads the procession down the aisle. The repetition in the text makes this a good choice for a read-aloud.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

River Friendly, River Wild. 1st ed. (Print-Anthology). Kurtz, Jane and Brennan, Neil, illus. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (DIS), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-689-82049-6 ($18.80 hdc.).

In 18 free-verse poems, Jane Kurtz tells the story of the flood of 1997 that began with the melting snows of a spring blizzard and eventually devastated Grand Forks, North Dakota. An unnamed girl, who appears to be about 10 years old recounts her family's experiences from April fourth to May twentieth including the hard work of making sandbags and the wrench of being forced to leave her home and her beloved cat. While the poems offer a clear sense of what it is like to live through a flood, the trauma of dealing with the aftermath (the mud, the soggy stench and the deep sense of loss) is also portrayed. Each poem is accompanied by an oil painting that adds to the emotional power of the poems. The nature of home, community and picking up the pieces after a great loss shine through in this poignant tribute to the survival of family.
Suggested Use: Grade 5; Poetry

The Robert McCloskey Library Series (Video). Please refer to the titles: Blueberries for Sal and Burt Dow: Deep-Water Man.

Rosie and Michael (Print-Fiction). Viorst, Judith. Aladdin Books (LRDC/DIS), 1974. 40 p. (DIS) ISBN 0-689-30439-0 ($18.40 hdc.). (LRDC) Order no. 13367 ($6.60 pbk.).

Alternate interviews with Rosie and her friend Michael illustrate the depth of their mutual affection and trust. This enjoyable story tells of the fears, eccentricities and mischievous pranks shared during the development of this friendship.

This time-tested resource has been suggested as an example of an appropriate title to support a sample unit in the curriculum guide.
Suggested Use: Grade 2
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Rosie's Walk (Print-Fiction). Hutchins, Pat. Scholastic Canada Ltd. (LRDC), 1968. unp. Order no. 11606 ($21.70 hdc.).

Rosie strolls around the farmyard, unaware that a hungry fox is pursuing her. Brief text containing directional words such as over, across and around describe Rosie's tour. Humourous slapstick illustrations show the fox's misfortunes.

This time-tested resource has been suggested as an example of an appropriate title to support a sample unit in the curriculum guide.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 4

Round Slice of Moon (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Rudi's Pond (Print-Fiction). Bunting, Eve and Himler, Ronald, illus. Clarion Books (ALL), 1999. 32 p. ISBN 0-395-89067-5 ($23.95 hdc.).

Inspired by a true story, Eve Bunting has written a touching account of the hope a young girl finds after the death of her best friend and classmate. The girl remembers how she and Rudi would go to school together, enjoy nature hikes and spend time at his house when he was sick. The boy's school friends create a memorial pond by the oak tree Rudi used to climb in the schoolyard. The girl hangs a hummingbird feeder she and Rudi made together on the tree, and when a hummingbird arrives she is comforted. Ronald Himler's soft watercolour pallete beautifully captures the story's deep emotion. Note: This story deals with the death of a young child, so some discussion is necessary before, during and after sharing with young children.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3