Wednesday, April 5, 2017

Nonfiction Picture Book Wednesday - Squirrels 4.05.17


Every Wednesday I join Alyson Beecher from kidlitfrenzy and other
kidlit bloggers to share wonderful nonfiction picture books.
The intention of today's blog post is to give professionals that work in the
education field new nonfiction reading material and ideas to use 
with students to promote a love of reading nonfiction materials.


I always love April Pulley Sayre books.  She writes for young readers and she knows her audience.  She adds in just the right amount of science and just the amount of engaging text  to make the book engaging for all readers.

Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep
Squirrels Leap, Squirrels Sleep
written by April Pulley Sayre
illustrated by Steve Jenkins


This book is a mentor text for many reasons:

  • use of words: verbs - wrestle, leap, climb, sleep, describing words: umbrella, flag, balance, purpose words: sniffing, chew, looking
Image result for squirrels leap squirrels sleep
  • science - how animals adapt:  how their body helps them survive, how they find food, how they communicate, how they use tools
Image result for squirrels leap squirrels sleep

  • backmatter - I love how Sayre adds information that adds to the minimal text in the story.  Because the book is written for younger readers, teachers or readers could choose to add the additional information as needed.
I hope this book finds a way into your library!

5 comments:

  1. I liked this book very much, and you're right, it offers numerous things for mentoring other research. Thanks, Michele! Sayre and Jenkins make a good pairing!

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  2. this looks fun and what kid doesn't like squirrels?

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  3. This is such a fun book, and so approachable for budding naturalists! We also live in an area absolutely with squirrels, so this is a great title for the kids in my programs, who always spot squirrels on their walk to preschool!

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  4. Such wonderful, vivid verbs she uses! Her books are mentor texts for me, for sure.

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  5. I'm a huge fan of her books! She and Steve Jenkins are a dream team :).

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