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

The Sacred Eagle Feather (Print-Fiction). Crowe, Charlene and Page, Carrie Ann, illus. (Macous Knows Series). Duval House Publishing (DHPB), 1997. 26 p. ISBN 1-55220-003-5 ($19.95 pbk.).

(CAN, I/M) This is the first in a series of stories about Paul, a nine-year-old Ojibway child who has a keen interest in his Ojibway heritage. Through his relationship with his grandfather, he is able to keep in touch with the traditional knowledge and values of his nation. The Sacred Eagle Feather will enrich the understanding and knowledge of the First Nations children of this land. The illustrations in this book are rather bland, so teachers may prefer to tell the story aloud as an example of the oral storytelling tradition.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes (Video). Informed Democracy (MGR), 1990. 30 min. Dup. order no. V6795.

(CAN) Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes is the true story of a young Japanese girl who has become a modern hero of peace. Sadako Sasaki was born in Hiroshima in 1943. She was two when the atom bomb exploded, and until she was 11, she grew strong and healthy. One day, after a relay race at school, Sadako felt strange and dizzy, a feeling she would keep secret until weeks later, while running, everything seemed to whirl about her, and she sank to the ground. Sadako had leukemia, "the atom bomb disease." When she was hospitalized, her closest friend came to her and told her of the Japanese tradition that if she folded 1 000 paper cranes, she might be granted her wish to be well again. With courage and faith, Sadako began folding. This poignant tale of personal faith and the strength of a legend is vividly told by Liv Ullmann with a solo guitar soundtrack performed by George Winston. The action of the story is presented as the camera moves through several hundred drawings designed especially for the production by Caldecott Award-winning artist Ed Young and based on the book by Eleanor Coerr.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Social Studies: Elementary Level

A Salmon for Simon (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

Sam, Dog Detective Series (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Strange Neighbors.

Santa Claus From A to Z (Print-Non-Fiction). Kalman, Bobbie and Bedell, Barbara, illus. (AlphaBasiCs Series). Crabtree Publishing Company (CRA), 2000. 32 p. ISBN 0-86505-389-8 ($18.36 hdc.). ISBN 0-86505-419-3 ($8.96 pbk.).

(CAN) This Bobbie Kalman book presents information from A to Z about various traditions and customs revolving around the jolly, old man that Canadians refer to as Santa. The balance between printed information and the illustrations is well done, and the glossary, index and table of contents will make this an excellent resource for introducing children to research skills. One caution-the last sentence of the book asks, "Do you believe in Santa?" Teachers may wish to edit this question.
Suggested Use: Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4

Sarah May and the New Red Dress (Print-Fiction). Spalding, Andrea and Wilson, Janet, illus. Orca Book Publishers Ltd. (ORC), 1998. unp. ISBN 1-55143-117-3 ($17.95 hdc.). ISBN 1-55143-119-X ($8.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Youthful, innocent and wistful Sarah May hopes the new dress she needs will be a red one, but her mother decides that a sensible dress of "dismal blue" is far more practical. Sarah shares her disappointment with the West Wind who listens to her and tells her to be patient. When a sudden rainstorm washes away the dark blue from Sarah's dress, the only solution is to bleach it and dye it a different colour. Sarah May is sent to town to choose the dye, and her wish for a red dress is finally granted. The vibrant illustrations by Janet Wilson help to make this story of a girl whose ultimate joy of a dream come true a book to read and treasure.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4

Sasquatch Exterminator (Kit). Freed, Don and Charles, Myles, illus. Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native Studies (GDI), 1999. ISBN 0-920915-41-8 ($11.95 kit).

(I/M, SK) The Sasquatch Exterminator book is based on a successful music education project conducted by Don Freed. It was intended to encourage the aboriginal children from Charlebois School in Cumberland House to write and perform community-based and culturally enhanced songs. This book is a short, humourous fictional account of a young boy who discovers what the "Sasquatch" really is and how he "exterminates" him. Information about the author and First Nations artist Myles Charles as well as a copy of the music and a compact disc are included in the kit. The Métis context will provide interest and meaning to students of aboriginal backgrounds as well as to those of non-aboriginal backgrounds.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Saving Our Animal Friends (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Say It! (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

Scholastic Big Books Series (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the title: The Doorbell Rang.

School From A to Z (Print-Non-Fiction). Kalman, Bobbie. (AlphaBasiCs Series). Crabtree Publishing Company (CRA), 1999. 32 p. ISBN 0-86505-388-X ($18.36 hdc.). ISBN 0-86505-418-5 ($8.96 pbk.).

(CAN) Photographs of children from many cultures are used to explore the world of school using the letters of the alphabet. Additional information on various topics is included on many of the pages, and some extension activities are suggested. The format of School From A to Z will promote discussion, and the book could be used as a springboard for intensive study on a variety of themes. This attractive alphabet book includes an index and a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar to young children.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

School Library Media Series (Print-Non-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Multicultural Friendship Stories and Activities for Children Ages 5-14.

A Screaming Kind of Day (Print-Fiction). Gilmore, Rachna. Fitzhenry & Whiteside Ltd. (FHW), 1999. 38 p. ISBN 1-55041-514-X ($13.95 hdc.).

(CAN) The plot is realistic, and the text is lyrical in this story of Scully, a little girl who is having a very bad day. Scully is dependent on hearing aids and lip-reading for communication, and her day goes from bad to worse after her brother teases her and her mother refuses to let her go out to play in the rain. She risks her mother's wrath and sneaks out into the heavy summer rainfall where she experiences the rain's wonder. Her mother punishes her by "grounding" her, but to Scully it is worth it. The warm feeling of family at the end of the book puts Scully's world back in order. The outstanding illustrations capture the unique facial expressions of Scully and her brother and add to the beauty of this Governor General's Award-winning book.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

A Seaside Alphabet (Print-Non-Fiction). Grassby, Donna and Tooke, Susan, illus. Tundra Books Inc. (LRDC), 2000. unp. Order no. 18158 ($16.50 hdc.).

(CAN) This gloriously illustrated picture book is a celebration of all things coastal: humpback whales, teeming wildlife and most of all, the people who make their homes by the ocean. Both pictures and text are a veritable history/geography lesson in Atlantic Canada. The author provides a page of items to locate in each alphabetical illustration and challenges readers to find at least 10 items in each picture. The last two pages of the book provide anecdotes about the various scenes selected for each letter. This book could be paired with A Prairie Alphabet for a revealing look at the varying Canadian landscapes.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Sector 7 (Print-Fiction). Wiesner, David. Clarion Books (LRDC), 1999. unp. Order no. 18136 ($20.60 hdc.).

The relationship between an artistic boy and a cloud is the focus of this wordless (or almost wordless) Caldecott Medal-winning book. The action begins when a boy on a class trip to the Empire State Building discovers that the fog-enshrouded landmark is his entrance to a magical adventure in the sky. He meets a snowman-like cloud that carries him to "Sector 7," a factory in the sky that produces clouds. The imaginative boy soon takes out his pencil and sketchbook and begins to draw new shapes for the clouds. The Sector 7 work crew is rigidly set in its ways, however. The crew scorns his attempts at novelty and evicts him from the station. When the boy returns to the Empire State Building, the view over Manhattan is full of fanciful fish-shaped clouds. A few words such as terminal, arrivals and assignment station appear on signs in the pictures, helping to establish the scene. The use of wordless picture books in upper Elementary and Middle Level grades enhances vocabulary and language development in readers. The gorgeous illustrations in this book will encourage creativity in making interpretations.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

See You Around, Sam! (Print-Fiction). Lowry, Lois. Houghton Mifflin Company (ALL), 1996. 113 p. ISBN 0-395-81664-5 ($23.95 hdc.).

Sam Krupnik, Anastasia's little brother discovers the true meaning of community when he decides to run away from home. He packs his mittens and stuffed bear in his father's Harvard University gym bag and sets off for Alaska after his mother refuses to let him use his plastic vampire fangs in the house. As he travels down the street, neighbour Gertrude Stein's homemade chocolate chip cookies and various other interruptions waylay him. He discovers that it is all right to change his mind when he realizes he has made a mistake. This easily read novel explores the true meaning of family and friends.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: Health Education: Elementary Level

The Shaman's Nephew: A Life in the Far North (Print-Non-Fiction). Tookoome, Simon and Oberman, Sheldon. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (GDS), 1999. 55 p. ISBN 0-7737-3200-4 ($23.95 hdc.). ISBN 0-7737-6189-6 ($15.95 pbk.).

(CAN, I/M) Simon Tookoome, an Inuit artist who speaks no English, told stories of his people and their past to Sheldon Oberman, a writer who has put them into print. The stories reflect the traditional Inuit way of life that has now disappeared. They tell how Tookoome, as a young child, made sleds out of ice, kept a young polar bear as a pet and learned to hunt caribou without a gun. Tookoome's original drawings enhance the text and help to express the cadence and voice of one of the last of the Inuit to live the traditional nomadic life in the Arctic.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9; Social Studies: Elementary Level

Share the Sky (Print-Fiction). Ye, Ting-xing and Langlois, Suzane, illus. Annick Press (FIR), 1999. unp. ISBN 1-55037-579-2 ($17.95 hdc.). ISBN 1-55037-578-4 ($7.95 pbk.).

(CAN) This picture book follows the story of Fei-fei who lives with her Grandpa in China and loves to fly kites with him. Fei-fei then joins her parents in North America where everything is very different. On her first day at school, she finds a beautiful kite to fly. The story provides an interesting look at life in a traditional Chinese family and at the world of recent immigrants to North America.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4
Other Use: Social Studies: Elementary Level

Shibumi and the Kitemaker. 1st ed. (Print-Fiction). Mayer, Mercer. Marshall Cavendish (MAC), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-7614-5054-8 ($28.95 hdc.).

Mercer Mayer used computer-generated graphics to illustrate this original tale set in long-ago Japan. Idolized by her father the Emperor, Shibumi grows up in a richly furnished, walled compound, permanently apart from the people and the city outside. When she finally discovers the poverty-stricken world beyond her garden walls, she is determined to do something about the inequities that exist. She ties herself to an enormous kite fashioned for her by the royal kite-maker, and takes flight, telling her father that she will not come down until the city below is "as beautiful as the palace, or the palace is as squalid as the city." The beautiful text and the unusual art work set this sensitive and expressive book apart. This would be a good addition to a unit on folktales.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Simon's Surprise (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Simply Delicious! (Print-Fiction). Mahy, Margaret and Allen, Jonathan, illus. Orchard Bks., Inc. (HCP), 1999. unp.
ISBN 0-531-30181-8 ($15.95 hdc.).

Mr. Minky has a problem. He has just bought a double-dip, chocolate-chip-and-cherry ice cream cone for his little boy, Finnegan. How is he going to get it home before it melts? "I know," he declares. "I'll take a short cut down the lumpy, bumpy, jungle track. It runs right into my own back garden." With the speed and confidence of a circus star, Mr. Minky performs feats of gymnastic prowess on his bicycle as he fearlessly fends off the hungry jungle animals who pursue him in the hopes of getting just a taste of the delicious looking ice cream cone. This cumulative tale is suspenseful, and the comical cartoon-like illustrations will help to make this a storyhour hit.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Sindbad: From the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights (Print-Fiction). Zeman, Ludmila. Tundra Books Inc. (LRDC), 1999. unp. Order no. 11949 ($14.15 hdc.).

This picture book is an excellent introduction to the stories of The One Thousand and One Nights or Arabian Nights. Shahrazad, a young and beautiful maiden, saves her own life by telling stories to a cruel king whose habit is to behead the women he marries after only one day. One of the enchanting tales told by Shahrazad is the story of Sindbad the Sailor. The story is eloquently retold in clear and lyrical language and the illustrations are works of art. The richly coloured borders and endpapers reflect the history, geography and oriental culture of the tale. The underlying theme is an appreciation of literature and storytelling.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Sing a Song of Popcorn (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

SkySisters (Print-Fiction). Waboose, Jan Bourdeau and Deines, Brian, illus. Kids Can Press (UTP), 2000. unp.
ISBN 1-55074-697-9 ($12.75 hdc.).

(CAN, I/M) Two young Ojibway sisters go out into the winter night to view the Aurora Borealis, or, as their people say, the "SkySpirits." As they walk through the snow, they encounter three guardian spirits-a rabbit, a deer and a coyote. At last, they arrive at Coyote Hill and the Northern Lights finally appear. The girls watch in silent awe, and then they decide that the SkySpirits are really SkySisters. The art work captures the feeling of the silence, the snow and the cold and combines with the text to express the sense of wonder and excitement that surrounds the phenomenon of the Northern Lights.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3

Sleep Rhymes Around the World (Print-Anthology). Yolen, Jane, ed. Boyds Mills Press (STW), 2000. 40 p. ISBN 1-56397-923-3 ($15.99 pbk.).

(CAN) This volume offers 17 lullabies from various parts of the globe, including Uganda, Slovenia and Thailand. The soothing words and images of putting children to sleep have universality across cultures. Each poem or song is presented in its native language with an English translation and is illustrated by an artist native to the particular country.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Poetry

Sleepy Bears (Print-Fiction). Fox, Mem and Argent, Kerry, illus. Harcourt, Inc. (CMG), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-15-202016-0 ($17.85 hdc.).

Mama Bear and her six not-so-sleepy cubs settle in for the winter all snuggled together in a big, cozy bed. To lull the cubs off to sleep, Mama gives each a special rhyme, sending them off to dreamland with pleasant thoughts. The illustrations depict the bear family in warm, soft-coloured pencil drawings, while the dreams each bear envisions are done in crisp, vivid gouache. This technique makes it easy for young children to sort out the real world from the world of dreams.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2
Other Use: Kindergarten

Sleepy Little Mouse (Print-Fiction). Fernandes, Eugenie and Fernandes, Kim, illus. Kids Can Press (UTP), 2000. unp. ISBN 1-55074-701-0 ($10.35 hdc.).

(CAN) A very tired little mouse who does not want to nap, no matter how much her mother tries to lull her, kicks and cries until she floods her bedroom with tears and her bed floats out the window and down to the sea. There, she plays with birds, animals and sea creatures until she tires herself out and falls asleep. Her loving mother retrieves her and tows her back to her own room where she settles down for her nap. The striking illustrations reflect the text's sense of humour.
Suggested Use: Grade 1

Snapshots: Literacy Minilessons Up Close (Print-Non-Fiction). Hoyt, Linda. Heinemann Educational Bks (LRDC), 2000. 252 p. Order no. 3808 ($46.90 pbk.).

This definitive guide to conducting mini-lessons across the literary spectrum covers such topics as oral reading, guided reading, independent reading and writing. Over 170 mini-lessons are clearly outlined and address the topics of reading strategies, phonemic awareness and literature discussion. Each mini-lesson begins with demonstrating or modelling a strategy for students. Students then have the chance to try the strategies in pairs, small groups or teams. From there, they apply the strategy in their personal work. Time for reflection is the last step. Students are encouraged to talk about what was learned and how well the strategy worked. Key questions are included with each "snapshot" to promote self-reflection. A comprehensive index of topics makes this resource very teacher friendly.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference

Snowflake Bentley (Print-Non-Fiction). Martin, Jacqueline Briggs and Azarian, Mary, illus. Houghton Mifflin Company (LRDC), 1998. unp. Order no. 11950 ($20.60 hdc.).

From the time he was a little boy, Wilson Bentley had a fascination with snow. Frustrated, because he could not hold on to snowflakes, he committed his life to capturing them with a microscopic camera. This Caldecott Award-winning book is told in lyrical language punctuated by sidebars packed with intriguing tidbits of information. The handsome woodcuts tinted with watercolours depict the people, homes, meadows and woods of turn-of-the-century Vermont countryside in accurate detail. Sources for the factual material are credited, and a final page features photographs of Bentley at work and three of his actual snowflake slides. There will be so many uses for this book-not the least of which is simply handing it to children and letting their imaginations soar like Bentley's.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Some Things Are Scary (Print-Fiction). Heide, Florence Parry and Feiffer, Jules, illus. Candlewick Press (GDS), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-7636-1222-7 ($21.99 hdc.).

This compilation of scary things is not really a story; it is a list of situations that can be physically and emotionally distressing. From obvious "scary" things like "getting a shot" to more abstract ones like "holding on to someone's hand that isn't your mother's when you thought it was," the entries reflect the truth of childhood emotions. The energetic art work conveys a boy's appropriate reaction to each situation. Children will be reassured that they are not alone in their anxieties, and the book may be used as a means of generating discussions and writing activities with youngsters about what they find to be "scary."
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4

Sootface: An Ojibwa Cinderella Story (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

Soup in the Saddle (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Spelling Inquiry: How One Elementary School Caught the Mnemonic Plague (Print-Non-Fiction). Chandler, Kelly and the Mapleton Teacher-Research Group. Stenhouse Publishers (LRDC), 1999. 163 p. Order no. 18137 ($26.50 pbk.).

Written by classroom teachers using a unique collaborative process, this book has a two-fold emphasis on inquiry. The authors discuss how to foster inquiry-based learning about spelling in their classrooms and also provide a detailed look at the workings of their schoolwide teacher research group. Teachers who believe that spelling should be taught in the context of whole and meaningful literacy activities will find ideas and suggestions for use within the classroom. Spelling Inquiry provides a truly K-5 perspective on student-centred spelling development.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference/
Professional Development

Spelling K-8: Planning and Teaching (Print-Non-Fiction). Snowball, Diane and Bolton, Faye. Stenhouse Publishers (LRDC), 1999. 267 p. Order no. 9687 ($31.40 hdc.).

A wealth of strategies and resources for actively engaging children in spelling explorations are found in this book written by Diane Snowball and Faye Bolton, Australian educators who are experts in the teaching of spelling. The authors consistently urge teachers to consider the suggested plan in relation to their children's spelling needs, and to scaffold on what the children already know. They relate the teaching of spelling to reading and writing experiences in a variety of curriculum areas. The book includes a thorough table of contents, an index and an appendix of questions commonly asked by parents.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference/
Professional Development

The Spirit of Canada (Print-Anthology). Hehner, Barbara, ed. Malcolm Lester Books (GDS), 1999. 307 p. ISBN 1-894121-14-7 ($45.00 hdc.).

(CAN, I/M) This outstanding anthology includes over 100 selections of stories, poems and songs arranged both chronologically and thematically. The collection is divided into eight parts beginning with "When the World Was New" and ending with "From Far and Wide." Cultural and historical notes provide introductions to each section and preludes to every selection. The art work is distinguished and varied, from some of Canada's finest artists. Biographies of the authors and illustrators round out the collection, and an excellent index makes it easy for teachers or parents to find a poem, song or story for a particular event in our country's past or a specific cultural connection. This excellent resource will enliven and enrich the teaching of history and the appreciation of Canada's literary heritage.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

StableMates Series (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the title: Return to Skoki Lake.

Stella: Queen of the Snow (Print-Fiction). Gay, Marie-Louise. Groundwood Books (GDS), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-88899-404-4 ($15.95 hdc.).

(CAN) Stella and Sam, her little brother, first introduced in Stella, Star of the Sea return in a new adventure as Sam experiences his first snowstorm. Sam approaches the unknown with caution, while his boisterous sister encourages him to try new things. The entertaining text consists of Sam's questions and Stella's enthusiastic answers. The line-and-watercolour illustrations reveal the gentle beauty of winter landscapes enlivened by the children's bright clothing and even brighter hair. This is a charming story of successful sibling mentoring that young children are sure to enjoy.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2

The Stoneboat (Print-Fiction). Jam, Teddy and Zhang, Ange, illus. Groundwood Books (GDS), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-88899-368-4 ($15.95 hdc.).

(CAN) In this vibrantly illustrated story of farm life set in the early 1920s, an act of neighbourly good will overcomes the coldness and self-regard of a community's leadership. One day, when two brothers are out fishing, they see Mr. Richard, the wealthiest and most powerful member of their township, fall into the river and bump his head. Though they are afraid, they rescue the man and save his life. When one of the brothers discovers that his father is in debt to Mr. Richard, he decides to ask the man to forgive his father's debt. "Maybe he would just see that my father was drowning in debt the way he had been drowning in the creek." The boy ends up helping Mr. Richard by joining in to clear a field of boulders. This is a strong book in various dimensions. Physical strength, as exhibited by Mr. Richard, and the strong values of work ethic and honour will lead to many meaningful discussions.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: Social Studies: Elementary Level

Stories From the Seventh Fire (Video). Storytellers Productions Ltd. (FW), 2000. 28 min. No order number is required. ($290.00 set).

Recommended titles include the following:

The Legend of the Spirit Bear
The Legend of the Spirit Bear:
Discussion and Activity Guide
Why the Rabbit Turns White
Why the Rabbit Turns White:
Discussion and Activity Guide.

(CAN, I/M, WCP) This collection of Northwestern Canadian aboriginal legends consists of two videos each accompanied by a teacher discussion and activity guide.

These engaging videos present storytelling in the oral tradition of the aboriginal culture using authentic voices. Effective use of animation and live action wildlife footage help to bring the legends to life. The videos are humourous and contemporary and will appeal to a wide range of audiences.

Each discussion and activity guide provides a story synopsis, learning outcomes, cross-curricular connections and a variety of engaging activities to accommodate different learning approaches. Supplemental resources listed include print, videos and websites. Note: Teachers should review any suggested websites before referring students to them. School Site Public Performance Rights prices are available as well as quantity discounts for multiple purchases by resource centres.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5
Other Use: English Language Arts: Grades 6 to 9

Storm at Batoche (Print-Fiction). Trottier, Maxine and Mantha, John, illus. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (LRDC), 2000. unp. Order no. 123 ($16.75 pbk.).

(CAN, I/M) This classic picture book depicts a period of Canadian history. Through an imaginary encounter between a young boy and a man named "Louis," children are introduced to the controversy of the Riel Resistance and the famous Battle of Batoche. Young James falls from the back of his family wagon during a storm while they are on their way to Batoche. His parents do not hear his shouts for help, and after struggling through the snow for hours he is picked up by a man on a horse who takes him to a small cabin and introduces himself as "Just Louis." After two days of sharing stories and baking gallette, or bannock, as James calls it, the storm clears and Louis takes James to the outskirts of Batoche. A two-page author's note at the back of the book gives a brief factual overview of Riel's life and his involvement with the Métis in their struggle to retain the land that they felt was rightfully theirs. A recipe for gallette or bannock is included.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

A Story, a Story (Video). Haley, Gail E. Weston Woods Canada (MCN), n.d. 10 min. No order number is required. ($29.95).

This video uses Gail Haley's Caldecott Medal-winning text and illustration to tell how Anansi the Spider Man uses trickery to provide the Sky God with his three wishes. In return, Anansi receives the treasured story box. According to African folklore, this is the origin of stories in the world.

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 3

The Story of Little Quack (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

The Storymakers: Illustrating Children's Books: 72 Artists and Illustrators Talk About Their Work (Print-Non-Fiction). The Candian Children's Book Centre. Pembroke Publishers Limited (PPL), 1999. 159 p. ISBN 1-55138-107-9 ($24.95 pbk.).

(CAN) Biographies of 72 Canadian illustrators and illustrator/authors whose works are considered to be among the best in the world are featured in this excellent resource. The biographies are told in the artists' own words, and provide an interesting and informative insight into their life and work. Arranged in alphabetical order, each entry follows the same format with headings that include "My Favourite Book When I Was Young," "Where My Ideas Come From" and "Tips for the Young Creator." A bibliography of the books that each artist has illustrated or written and illustrated is included, as well as one sample illustration from each of the artists' books. The biographies are written in a very readable style and could easily be read independently by older students involved in author study projects. Portions would prove interesting as read-alouds for younger students.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; Teacher Reference

Storytellers' Rendezvous: Canadian Stories to Tell to Children (Print-Anthology). Please refer to the section "Currently Out of Print but Still Useful Resources."

Strange Neighbors (Print-Fiction). Labatt, Mary. (Sam, Dog Detective Series). Kids Can Press (LRDC), 2000. 110 p. Order no. 11951 ($3.50 pbk.).

Strange Neighbors is the third book in an early reader series featuring Sam the Dog Detective, an unlikely but likeable hero. Sam is aided by two partners, 10-year-old Jennifer, who can "hear" what Sam is saying, and Jennifer's best friend, Beth. The trouble begins when Sam witnesses strange events as new neighbours arrive. He is convinced that the three odd-looking newcomers are witches who are up to no good. The story is fast paced and easy to read. Readers making the transition to chapter books will find the suspense builds naturally and will relish the absurd premise and the surprise ending.
Suggested Use: Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5

Stretch, Swallow & Stare (Print-Fiction). Charles, Veronika Martenova. Stoddart Publishing Co. Ltd. (GDS), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-7737-3098-2 ($19.95 hdc.).

(CAN) Stretch, Swallow and Stare is the author's reinterpretation of a Czech fairy tale. This version is about three females of varying races who are teased because of their body types and differences. The women come together to help a little boy find his missing sister. Traditional fairy tale elements such as journeys, magic, wizards, good and evil characters and a happy ending are included. The illustrations are detailed and magical with the dark muted colours appropriate for the tone and content of the story. This would be a good addition to a collection of contemporary or multicultural fairy tales. It would also be a springboard for discussions around differences and accepting others.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

Summertime: From Porgy and Bess (Print-Fiction). Gershwin, George, et al. and Wimmer, Mike, illus. Simon & Schuster, Inc. (DIS), 1999. unp. ISBN 0-689-80719-8 ($19.96 hdc.).

Luxuriant oil paintings glowing with love and family warmth depict the haunting lyrics of "Summertime," the opening song from the folk opera Porgy and Bess. The art focuses on an African American family and depicts the children fishing and playing in the lake, Grandpa swinging on a hammock and the family going to church. Music and lyrics to the song are appended. This resource lends itself well to the listening strand of English language arts as well as to the music and visual strands of arts education.
Suggested Use: Grade 3

Sun & Spoon (Print-Fiction). Henkes, Kevin. Puffin Bks. (CDS), 1997. 135 p.
ISBN 0-14-130095-7 ($6.99 pbk.).

This is a gentle story of a boy's abiding love for his deceased grandmother. Ten-year-old Spoon is trying hard to accept the loss of his grandmother. He has many memories of Gram and the good times they shared, but he longs for a meaningful, tangible memento of her. Spoon thinks he has the answer when he takes a special deck of cards that Gram treasured from his grandfather's house, but he soon discovers that his grandfather has also been taking solace in the cards. This book deals sensitively with the loss of a loved one.
Suggested Use: Grade 4; Grade 5

The Surprise Party (Print-Fiction). Please refer to the section "Older but Still Useful Resources."

Susan Laughs (Print-Fiction). Willis, Jeanne and Ross, Tony, illus. Henry Holt & Co., Inc. (FEN), 2000. unp. ISBN 0-8050-6501-6 ($22.50 hdc.).

Susan is a typical little girl. She sings, she swims, she swings and she sulks. Children will enjoy seeing their common feelings and experiences as portrayed in the coloured pencil crayon drawings. They will be surprised by the wheelchair at the end and will realize that a child with a physical disability is really "just like me, just like you."
Suggested Use: Grade 1

Sylvia Long's Mother Goose (Print-Anthology). Long, Sylvia. Chronicle Books (RAI), 1999. 109 p. ISBN 0-8118-2088-2 ($36.95 hdc.).

Award-winning artist Sylvia Long has gathered more than 75 classic rhymes and brought them to life in this handsome Mother Goose anthology. The charming details reflect the author's love of nature and will entice readers to pour over the illustrations. Each of the illustrations in the book has an element that connects it to the next. For instance, the spoon in "Hey, Diddle, Diddle!" is the same spoon that Little Miss Muffet uses to eat her curds and whey. Children will love looking for the connecting elements as teachers share this inviting collection with them.
Suggested Use: Grade 1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Poetry